Choose Iligan City

A peek on Cherry Mobile new Quad Core Tablet (CM Fusion Bolt)

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:29:00 +0000

Fusion Bolt is fitted with a VGA front camera for shooting and a Super HD screen.

When talking about the latest gadgets, I feel that I might be the most antiquated blogger in town. Apparently, because all I have is a cellphone which is only capable of transmitting and receiving text and call and a notebook which I do use for blogging. Lately. I've been seeing a lot of people carrying a tablet with them while playing their favorite games, while being at the bus or when I am with my friends in a coffee shop. Honestly speaking I'm kinda jealous and envious. How come that they can have such cool gadgets, but not me? With that I've been thinking recently of purchasing one for myself. After searching and browsing few pages in the web I've come across to this Cherry Mobile's Quad Core Tablet. When I saw it, my eyes got bigger in awe, because it is sold at P3,999.00 only! How come such a cool gadget can be priced at such low? I can't believe it! A year or so these cool gadgets are so expensive. This might be the reason why nowadays more people are carrying such. Hmmm...So, I made a deeper inquires and here's what I found out.

Cherry Mobile's Quad Core Tablet (Fusion Bolt), is the newly introduced seven-inch tablet which is an additional to its range of affordable Android devices. It is a slim and lightweight WiFi enable device which features an ultra-responsive seven-inch HD IPS capacitive touch panel. The tablets diameter is large enough for a blogger like me to take photos of my travels and post it while on the go, reads e-books, watches videos, and small enough to carry with me anywhere I go when I am on travel. Interestingly, Fusion Bolt runs on a 1GHz quad-core A9 processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory which is expandable to 32GB using a microSD card.

Back View of the Fusion Bolt Tablet:
You can see the company logo and a 2 MP rear camera.

Right Side View:
You can see the polarity, headset, the HDMI,
USB connector socket, Micro SD slot and the microphone.

Left Side View:
You can see the Power button, Volume (+,-), and the Lock Screen.

With the features and technology packed in this tablet, I feel that this is really made for me. With Fusion Bolt, I could easily capture every spectacular views and be able to share it on the internet anytime I want, while I'm on travel. I could get some entertainment when I got bored. With its affordability, I'll start saving some pesos for it right now. Soon when I have one I will definitely share more stories about it. How bout you? Why not check out Lazada Philippines website for you to have one also. I can't wait to have one.

Rent.ph invades Made in Iligan Trade Fair in Iligan City

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:54:00 +0000

Photos by : Maricel Malazarte

In all honesty, lately has been so challenging for me. The reason why I haven't post a single article here in my blogsite, because I was caught up with a lot of worries, anxieties about my health. Yes, for years now I've been suffering from an illness which caused me to drop out from my studies and cut off myself from the outside world. Basically, because lately I've been staying at home and not in my regular where-about.

However, that unplanned hibernation officially ended as I came out yesterday and serve as one of the representative of Rent.ph the fastest growing property rental website in the country. Rent.ph joined with numerous local businesses of Iligan in its monthly Trade Fair showcasing the locally produced products of Iligan. As the fastest growing property rental website its participation is another one step towards stretching its presence in the northern part of Mindanao after it made a debut in Cagayan de Oro which just celebrated its first year anniversary on the second day of the month of May 2013. This move also is imbued to open more opportunities for local businesses to boost their sales when partnering with Rent.ph in promoting their products and services online and offline.

Rent.ph is a website where you can find various listings of properties for rent such as condominiums, house and lot, commercial buildings and warehouses for your businesses which are managed by people called "Rent Mangers."

Rent Managers are the ones taking care of your properties's:

Advertising and promotion.
Assist and screen potential tenants.
Assess and evaluate rental rates to current prices.
Handle property-management issues, such as repair and maintenance.
Reduce your administrative and operational tasks.

Owned and operated by Philippine Real Estate Management Solutions, Inc. (PREMSI), Rent.ph offers a great deal of myriad and distinct advantages.

Accredited Rent Managers seeking for properties to rent for a client and actively marketing properties for client.
Robust and unparalleled site features.
Availability in web and mobile platforms such as Android and Apple.
Rent.ph is partnered with Sunstar.com.ph, whose site has a guaranteed more or less 12,000,000 unique visitors a month which means that partner companies of Rent.ph will also be exposed to these huge traffic for those who signed up for Rent.ph Free Advertising Program.

Free Advertising Program is a unique offering of Rent.ph that lets you promote your hotel in rich media such as videos and photos at no cost to you. All you need to sign up Rent.ph Free Advertising Program which entitles you to enjoy the following:

Free listing of partner hotel in www.Rent.ph
25% discount on banner advertising at Rent.ph
50% discount on premium/sponsored listing
priority invitation in Rent.ph events and activities
Grant an "Official Rent Partner" certificate for display for marketing purposes
inclusion of partner hotel in link exchange/cross promotions
inclusion of partner hotel logo as "Official Rent Partner in Rent.ph website
Assignment of Rent Manager to receive booking inquiries in behalf of the partner hotel and;
Rent.ph Rent Managers will assist in booking of clients from Rent.ph to partner hotel.

By signing up to this Free Advertising Program, Rent.ph would like to ask in return, a discount of your published rate as a commission for every client referred to your hotel.

With the positive outlook towards Philippines growing real estate investments. With Rent.ph's coming to Iligan City it opens various and great opportunities for local investors such as catering the local investors needs to manage their properties for rent by integrating Rent.ph in their business's marketing mix.

with Rent.ph Social Media Rockstar and Outgoing President of Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., Xy-za O. Yape

More importantly, Rent.ph is open for franchise. If you want Rent.ph to be near you, why not franchise it for P300,000.

The one day Trade Fair is joined by local businesses such as Piaya de Iligan, Jacko's Kan-anan which I am going to write soon as they have new offerings worth writing for and other local businesses worth promoting to the public. Present at the said event is the President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. who opens the event, Ms. Emily Pascua, Rent.ph Social Media Rockstar Xy-za Yape, and Rent.ph Cagayan de Oro Branch Manager John Rey Reyes Demetrio.

Want to sign up for a Free Advertising Program? or interested to franchise Rent.ph in your area? Contact me by sending me an email at singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com or call me at +639053117925 for more details. You may visit Rent.ph website for a detailed information.

How to Understand the Career Clusters for a Bright Future?

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:55:00 +0000

Education means empowerment. To help students become empowered, the United States education department has come up with sixteen career clusters to help students understand various fields, research in motion, employable market and choose their subjects for a bright future.

These career clusters comprises of groups which the undergraduate students are told about to aid them make the most informed choices. The schools then integrate the learning process with the skills required to fit into chosen career clusters. Not only students, even if someone is looking for career change, knowing the career clusters will be beneficial.

To understand this, we give the sixteen career clusters. Choose yours wisely.

1. Architecture and Construction –

Individuals who have knowledge on construction, designing, repairing, restoring and maintenance fall under this education cluster. It includes builders, architects, construction workers, electricians and plumbers.

2. Arts, Communication and AV Technologies –

Anything to do with mass media, audio-visual technologies and mass communication is included in this category. Journalism, performance, design, production are its main facets.

3. Food, Natural Resources and Agriculture –

This involves the processing of plants and animals into food products. It takes into consideration the agricultural business and natural environmental systems, including infrastructure setup, manufacturing, and management, advertising and selling.

4. Education and Training –

This involves teaching students, corporate training and teaching institutions. Teachers, professors, trainers and mentors are some career options here.

5. Public Administration and Governance –

Activities necessary to maintain smooth functioning of the government falls under this category. These activities will include public service officials, adhering to regulations, taxation, defense measures, general administration, smooth external affairs and others.

6. Finance –

Both the personal and business finance come into this category. The career clusters involved here would be investments, mutual funds, securities, bank accounts, insurance and others.

7. Information Technology –

This is a new addition to the career cluster list. This involves professionals who are into hardware and software, inclusive of networking, technology development, planning, digital evolution and others.

8. Security, Corrections, Law and Public Safety –

Any kind of activity undertaken to improve civilian protection, security, correction facilities and overall decorum in society comes under this cluster. Lawyers, magistrates, judges, deputy magistrate and other law upholders fall under this category.

9. Health Sciences –

This involves the development and management of public health services, health policies, execution measures and strategic development. Some activities undertaken in this are health treatment, research on new health diseases and diagnosis. Doctors and nurses come under this category.

10. Tourism and Hospitality –

It involves development of resorts, amusement parks, recreational facilities, restaurant, lodges, managing hotels, travel and tourism. Hoteliers, waiters, cooks, travel agencies and others come under this cluster.

11. Human Services –

All kind of activities related to the taking care of family and community, in terms of its physical, mental and collective consciousness comes under human services.

12. Logistics, Transportation and Distribution –

Activities related to moving things from one place to another come under this segment. Typical activities would include warehousing, maintenance, sales, distribution, logistics, planning and executing transportation.

13. Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Technology –

This education cluster involves scientific research and development, planning and execution of scientific projects. Fields like mathematician, biologist, marine researcher and oceanographer are included, among others.

14. Marketing –

This involves marketing products into a targeted market. Some of the activities involved here are transportation, packaging, distribution, sales and purchase, e-marketing and others.

15. Manufacturing –

Those professional which help to manufacture commodities for public consumption are included here. This involves merchandise production, maintenance, engineering and others.

16. Business Management and Administration –

It is a specialized field that involves professions responsible for planning, building, implementation, managing and administration to seamlessly run a business venture.

Each of these career clusters is accompanied with specific Education stream. You should make your career choice keeping in mind your interests and career potential in the next 20-25 years. The decisions you take now will have lifetime repercussions, so think and choose wisely. http://www.picstopin.com/

Top 10 Civil Engineering Board Exam 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Congratulations to the MSU'ns Jan Paulo Calubag Lisondra as the 8th placer and to all the top performers of the 2012 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination and for the list of passers please visit Professional Regulation Commission page. Thank you!

Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte: The second day Extra Challenge, featuring Cathedral Falls and Santa Cruz Falls

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Photo by Daryl Tolero: Coffee or me? or Coffee with me?

"Coffee or me?" or "Coffee with me?" the famous line that woke me up that very cold morning. This has been the killer line which I've heard the moment I open my eyes which signals that the night is over and another challenge is waiting for me and the rest of the group. Now, question...Will you say, yes and accept the invitation considering that its a cold morning and coffee is the best to at least cope it with? If yes, which is which? Yes for the first offer or yes for the second offer? Well, if you are curious of who said that, by looking at the photo above I am pretty sure its obvious and by looking at the photo below its obvious with whom that killer line is for. I thought the fun and noise last night is over, but I was wrong. Maybe I did slept at around 2 or 3 o'clock dawn but then its time to prepare for the next challenge.

I've heard that the first group which I referred to as Team A was not able to explore the cave which Team B first explored the other day, because there was heavy rains. Likewise, the MSU Marawi team arrived late the other day, therefore these two groups plans to set an exploration after breakfast. Nonetheless, the group decided not to pursue the plan as there are inevitable circumstances which did not permit them to do so. After some time it was decided that the group shall go down and proceed with the next activity as planned and that is visiting two of the wondrous display of alluring waterfalls around Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte---the Cathedral Falls located at Brgy. Waterfalls, Kapatagan Lanao del Norte and Sta. Cruz Falls seemingly located at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. When everyone are done with our meals, we started packing and we set to downward.

Kapatagan's Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls is located in Brgy. Cathedral and Brgy. Waterfalls in the province of Lanao del Norte - "Land of Beauty and Bounty." It is considered as a site to behold, because of its rock formations which resemble cathedral posts where it got its name. I was here first in 2009 with a classmate and friend Kim who resides in Maranding and Diana, but was not able to save photos when friendster got closed. Actually, I considered the invitation to participate the Malinas challenge as an answered prayer. Going to Cathedral Falls is easy as it can be accessed by vehicles of any type. Some locals said that the water is not safe to dip yourself for a swim with, but I saw a lot of people enjoying their swim in the mid-day.

Kapatagan's Santa Cruz Falls

After a short fun-thrilled visit and picture taking at Cathedral Falls we dropped by at Kapatagan Town Center and deposited our bags and other belongings at Iligan Computer Institute's office, before proceeding to our next destination---the Santa Cruz Falls. The night before we set to climbed Malinas peak, Daryl showed me a photo of the falls which made me very much excited and vow to visit the place and should be able take photos of myself and I am proud to say that I did that. Thank you Daryl for granting my request! My first time experienced with Santa Cruz Falls was totally extra-ordinary because of the group I am with.

Going to Santa Cruz Falls was a surprise for me, you may asks why? I don't want to sound complaining, because I don't complain, but I really thought it was just a short walk. Maybe, I was too tired that I almost feeling like flying while walking. My legs don't hurt but it feels so heavy. Daryl said that going to the falls will require a 20 to 30 minutes hike and it did, except that it feels like I was walking for about more than an hour already and every time I gaze on my watch it really feels like time moves so slow. Despite that it was all worth it! Why? Well, look at my photo? Needless to say it was really worth it! I asked an old man who was hiking with us, if its safe to swim and he said, it is and when I was in front of the falls, I felt that it was useless to resist the inviting water waiting for me. So, I removed my clothes and joined the others who were already swimming delightfully.

When you are in Kapatagan Town Center, hire a local motorcycle driver or tricycle driver and spend P10.00 going to the dropped off crossing going to the falls. Then, prepare yourself for a 30 to 40 minutes walk depending on speed.Visiting the Santa Cruz Falls requires you to wear slippers, because it is expected that you will definitely get wet along the way. The walkway to the falls is not paved and you'll need extra effort and patience crossing with the river as the trail to the falls is by following with the stream, which makes visiting it unsafe, during rainy seasons or every time there is heavy rains, because normally when there is rain the river's water level will definitely rise.

I want to extend my warmest and heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Units (LGU) of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, through Daryl Tolero who invited me. I would say I am looking forward for future activities with you guys. I've heard and read that local food is worth the taste specially the seafood's :) I missed that during the travel. The ICI mountaineering group, though, I was too tired to mingle with you guys---it was all fun listening all your funny conversations. Looking forward to see you and join you in your next climb wherever it maybe.

Do you want to join us in our next adventures?

Drop me a comments or email me at singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook!

Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte: The wonder inside Malinas Caves

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Photo by Wilson Ybañez: Team B.

Caving for me is one of the amazing and best recreational activity or sport that offers a closer look of some of our natures most interesting wonders and natural geographical formations. However, spelunking (cave exploring) can be dangerous for people like me who do not know exactly on how to explore caves in a safe way. Therefore, it is precautionary measure that before doing or engaging such activity one should really be informed and get oriented with by people who have first hand experience. Further, this orientation should also serve as a special effort to educate the people who will engage spelunking - the fragile nature of the cave environment . More importantly, before embarking into a cave exploration make sure to prepare the following:

Spelunking Malinas Caves Must Haves

Food and Water. Make sure you have eaten, before going inside the cave and bring something like a piece of chocolate or biscuits.
First Aid Kit. Band-aids, alcohol, cotton, for bruises dressing. Being at Malinas Caves you wont get hurt, but its always better when you are prepared.
Helmet. To protect you from bumping your head on the ceiling or if a rock might fall on you.
Headlamp or Flashlight. Make sure to bring a flashlight with a life longer than two hours. Make sure it does not break or die when dropped. Its always important to get your purpose and that is to see the beauty inside.
Batteries. Bring extra batteries for preparedness purposes.
Footwear. Wear a sturdy shoes that will provide hold in slippery walk ways of which you are comfortable with.
Gloves. To keep your hands free from bruises. A leather or something that will surely protect your hand from rappelling ropes downward.
Knee and Elbow Pads. As I said prepare for a duck-walk, climb and crawl so knee and elbow pads are a must.
Cave Pack. Something where you can put all your extras like battery, food, first aid kit and etc.
Camera. Capture the moments when you are in an extra ordinary place and you can't do that without a camera.

The trek to the summit of Malinas took about 4 hours. At exactly 2 o'clock we have erected our respective tents already, then the group was divided again into two to explore two different caves separately situated nearby our camp site. The first group should take the northern path that is visiting the big cave which they coined with the term "simbahan," because the cave ceilings features a numerous display of chandelier-like stalactites formation - a mineralized water formation that dangles at the ceiling of caves; the second group would explore the other smaller cave of which group I was part of.

Photo by Wilson Ybañez: Showing a small cave passage which allows only one to pass "tight-pass."

Over-crowding is the main concern why the group decided to split. Altogether, the 57 explorers inside one cave could endanger our lives for we might struggle with oxygen and get suffocated. Likewise, by regrouping, we could buy enough time as going inside each cave requires us considerable time for there are caves which are not easy to pass. According to the locals (trail guides), altogether there are eight (8) caves within the vicinity, but we are able to explore and visit two (2) only, because of some circumstances such as problem with accessibility, lack of right equipment and some of these caves are not yet explored before, unlike others which are regularly visited by the locals.

Photo by Wilson Ybañez

Yes, inside the cave prepare for a climb, a crawl and a "duck-walk," I mean literally walking like a duck, where you should really walk while sitting and move forward slowly or even for a fall. Oh yes, I really did fall in one of the difficult passages where I need to take a step up and the pathway was too slippery and too small to pass through. The only thing that console my pride from that fall is that I was not the only one who fell on that adventure---many did and the fall was all worth it. Nobody said that exploring a cave is like a helicopter ride ^.^

Claustrophobia or the fear of being locked or in an enclosed place or space - a phobia that I developed back in 2010, when I had difficulty in breathing and was rushed to the hospital. Since then, I have the fear of being inside a closed place alone. I believe I overcome it already! Believe me the thought of being inside the cave made me struggle for breath, but I fought with it. The fun inside made me forget about that fear, specially when I fell on the ground :) There was so much to see inside the cave that made me forgot my fears.

Photo by Wilson Ybañez: Showing the
opening of a second cave at Malinas
referred to as "Simbahan"

Going down from that opening to where we are seated was a super extra challenge which took us almost 45 minutes (total time spent for 20+ people). It might take lesser time for some, but for inexperienced first time explorer of the cave it would be very difficult. With no ropes and no stairs you have to pass and slowly go down by just holding and sticking yourself on the stone walls and it was so dangerous, one mistake and you'll pick up yourself 5 meters on the ground with broken limbs. Trail guides said that there should be a bamboo stairs in this cave, but for unknown reason during our visit its nowhere to be found. The exploration inside the cave took us almost an hour after visiting different rooms with dead-ends which really require us to go back and then find another way. This cave has a lot of unexplored avenues of which you can only get yourself contented with peeping on its small holes which allows you to view that inside there is a wide space. It is important to note that at the end of this cave, it has a very small exit which requires you to climb and can only accommodate one person at a time.

Anyone entering a cave should be careful as bats are everywhere and will get disturbed when someone enters the cave with a light and a number of them will really try to fly towards you. Is it dangerous? Yes, of course, as these bats bites and will scratch you, if they can have contact with you. Likewise, there's danger being in contact with bats urine like leptospirosis and salmonella from bat's feces.

As a person who visited these caves and for safety reasons, I recommend that you should explore these caves with the trail guides, because these caves are not easy to find. They are not properly marked and the environment is deeply covered with trees and grasses. Locals are the only person who are familiar with the trail and the ones who knew which passage are for the exit and which are for avenues with dead-ends. Another, if you wish to explore the cave proper coordination with the authority is strictly required for safety purposes. Dropped me a comment or an email at singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com if you want to explore the cave and lets arrange it with my local contacts.

After getting wet with the rain and the long journey of exploration everyone were excited to go back at our camp site! We heard a message that our tent got blown away by the strong wind!

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Malinas Climb and Cave Exploration: The first day Extra Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:44:00 +0000

The challenge was to climb the highest peak of Brgy. Malinas, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte and explore the hidden treasures it keeps in hide for centuries- the Malinas Caves.

The adventure is set to begin at 6:30 in the morning on Nov. 3, 2012. We are to gather outside Iligan Computer Institute (ICI) - Kapatagan Branch office where we are to join with other climbers. It was then, that I knew and met other climbers coming from ICI Cagayan de Oro, ICI Iligan and ICI Kapatagan students and staff of which approximately, we are 57 climbers in total.

The group was divided in two, because the jeep can't accommodate everyone in one load to the jumped off location at Brgy. Butadon, that took us an estimated 12 to 15 minutes travel from Kapatagan Town Center our assembly area. During the interval, we waited another 20 minutes in approximate for the second group to catch up with us, then the adventure had begun.

Extra Challenge No. 1 Crossing the swinging hanging bridge: Everyone are excited
and walked like there's a pot of gold or trophy on top of our destination. It looks like it was a race and I can't afford to lose :) so I walked like I don't get tired.

In between catching my breath I gaze upon my goal, that peak of the mountain where all mountaineers dreamed-of to set foot to. Then, there is this first obstacle, surely crossing a hanging bridge with missing floor parts to step into is a dilemma, but it was a no sweat for me. In two minutes or less I was on the other side of the hanging bridge with a big smile. A few walks away from the bridge I saw fallen souls sweating like they have fallen from the dilapidated bridge that we have just crossed. When everyone had crossed, it signals for the resumption of what I considered the most challenging---walking and trekking with heavy loads on our back. I was feeling like to regret that I didn't jumped off from that hanging bridge I just crossed, to ease the hell feeling out of me while walking under the heat of the sun sweating.

Extra Challenge No.2 : Crossing the swinging bamboo bridge without fail. One trekker slipped his tent
and it fell into the water, but he went down under the bridge and picked it up with a smile

A moment of pause and were on track again for our goal which is to be at Malinas peak before lunch. Aside from being soaked with sweat, pain starting to crawl from my toes to my thighs and in between glances of the distance of how far I have been through and how many steps should I need to take, before I can set foot on the highest peak, I surrender and offered myself a rest in a shady mango tree as I have noticed few trees are left standing still in this green untilled fields.

Whenever I think something negative, like its not likely that I will reached the peak, I always remember and read in my mind the quote, "Whenever it feels like an uphill climb, just think of the view when you are at the top," and it helps a lot for me. It motivates me to go on and take more steps forward.

Alas! my doubts ruled over me. I decided to give up. My mind commanded me to take a few more steps and move forward, but my body refused to obey. The heavy load upon my back plays like the devil that pulls me back every time I attempt to take another step forward. "This is the end!" this thought thundering my sorrowful soul as I felt helpless and was ready to fall down on my knees right at the foot of the mountain as a gesture of my pitiful surrender and defeat. Then, there was this trail guide wearing a blue jacket whom was observing me. I was unconscious of his presence until he offered to carry my bag. In a split-second my face brighten up and I looked behind with a mixed emotions coupled with the sweetest smile I can possibly make, while saying "sure you can, and thank you so much," then, he had my bag in his shoulders and I was left behind so thankful for the help just in time when I needed it.

While approaching at the peak after being wet by the rain who passed by to level up the challenge, I noticed few only are following me and was trekking along with me. I guessed some had took rest and some are already at the peak. True enough, at least eight have arrived when I step at the peak and glorify the glorious view up there. I was not wrong when I've been rehearsing in my mind so many times the quote "when it feels like an uphill climb, just think about the view at the top." though the quote for me means something else figuratively, but literally it helped me every time I felt that I am about to give up.

Soaked with sweat I opened my eyes and let it explore around and for awhile it marvel towards the scenic beauty being displayed before me. Malinas peak did not disappoint me! Dropping my self into the green meadows of the peak, I offered a prayer thanking the One above for the gift of good health that made myself wander into a journey that I didn't imagine I can embark into. The Malinas summit allows me to gaze of what appears to be my next goal - Mt. Malindang, a mountain worth of beholding by just gazing at its inviting charm. Facing Mt.Malindang, at my left is Celebes Sea and Pagadian City, while looking below at my right side is the vast expanse of Kapatagan Valley with its blooming rice fields, while at a distance is the Pangil Bay and Ozamiz and behind me is Mt. Ragang and the exotically landscaped mountain ranges of Lanao del Sur.

I've traveled many times by plane and a helicopter ride last December and had a feeling of being up there, but being at the peak of a mountain where you have suffered and endured challenging obstacles just to get there is another story. Now, I truly understand why Rose in the movie Titanic shouted, "I am the queen of the world." A strange feeling of mixed emotions, something like I take pride of my self as I made it through the rain, the swinging bamboo bridge and the uphill climb, because Malinas peak I think its a place where the brave dare not go, because mountaineering and mountain climbing itself is not a question for people of who are the brave or who are the cowards, but rather its a question of who dares to conquer and follow their dreams.

When everyone arrived, the main concern is to take our respective "baon" for lunch and erect ourselves our own sanctuary for the night---a tent or anything where we can take cover for rain might come during the night nor the wind so cold might bring harm. Thank you to Daryl for adopting me by providing me a clean and cozy place to repose for the night.

In my next article, the Malinas Cave Exploration!

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Knowing Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte: The Challenge Prelude

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:27:00 +0000

First and foremost I admit, I am not a mountaineer nor an athletic kind of person. However, I live in a not so plain (patag) location - that is in Mary Hill, Tomas Cabili, Iligan City, and I am an adventurous one, which serves as my edge when being challenged. More importantly, I do love travelling and travelling serves as my medicine, when I feel so low and broken. If you are my avid reader, then my journey to the plains and the mountains of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte would no longer be a surprise.

Eighty (80) kilometers going south from my city of origin - Iligan is the 2rd class municipality of Kapatagan, one of the twenty-two (22) municipalities in the province of Lanao del Norte of which Iligan City is it's former capital city, now Tubod. People in this side of the Philippines rely on farming and fishing as their source of income. Rice serves as their primary produce as the place is literally plain "patag" true from its name "Kapatagan" where rice paddy fields are ideally created to grow rice. In honor of their patron saint, they celebrate Kahumayan Festival in the months of December one of the features of their fiesta celebration which I am looking forward to witness next month.

The challenge was to climb the highest peak of Brgy. Malinas, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte and explore the hidden treasures it keeps in hide for centuries- the Malinas Caves. Who would say that I will say "no" to this? To be honest, I doubted myself, if I can really survive the challenge, mainly because I just came home from a recent travel of which I will promise to blog about it soon. Another, because in my recent climb at the highest peak of Iligan -Mt. Agad-agad with Lisa Mirasol, I almost fell on the ground and fainted far halfway during our climbed. Lack of exercise and underestimating Mt. Agad-agad posed to be the main reason why it happened. Underestimate, because I climbed this mountain many times during college with my friends.

Despite the odds, I have this positive thought inside me that I can make it, so, I decided to take the challenge. Four o'clock in the afternoon of Nov. 2, 2012 my mother and younger sister arrived in my elder sister's house with a big (?) question mark in their faces. "Are you going to travel again?" that line echoed when I open the door while getting ready to embark into another journey. With a smile, I replied "yes" and i believe that smile helped me a lot, because a few chats and explanation I was escorted by them to the city where I bought things on the list given to me by my Daryl Tolero who invited me to take part in this exciting journey. At five o'clock I am already conveniently sitting in a Rural Transit bus bound to Kapatagan.

At around past seven, I arrived at their terminal, the newly built Kapatagan Town Center and I was ecstatic. Their new Town Center does not speak of how they are classified as 2rd class municipality. It has a gazebo in front, WiFi hot spot and its FREE, air conditioned checked in area with cable television at P4.00, most especially clean comfort rooms for P5.00. It was too far more better than a lot of bus terminals in Mindanao. My friend Daryl who works as the local tourism photographer and serves as one of the organizer of the climb met me there and we had dinner together at one of the "carenderia" and after that, he treated me for a cooler at Betty Beans just within Kapatagan Town Center, then later he toured me to their beautiful municipal hall where he got his stuff for the climb. A few chats and then we head to Tem's Digital Studio Daryl's family owned photography studio to spend a night there and wait a few friends from Iligan joining the climb in the next morning.

Miss Iligan 2012 Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 06:17:00 +0000

Ana Crisca D. Decena, candidate no. 9 of the Miss Iligan 2012 snatched the most coveted crown during the coronation night on September 27, 2012, held at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium. Of the twelve (12) equally lovely and charming candidates, Decena, a BS Tourism student of Iligan Medical Center College emerged victorious, inheriting the crown from Miss Iligan 2011, Elyza Jade Clerigo Dalongenes.

Earlier, she was also adjudged as the best in cocktail dress and during the staging of the beauty contest Decena, started to receive numerous minor awards which made her the crowds favorite. The pageant coronation night was hosted by the Kapuso artist Michael Daez and with special appearance of former Sexbomb dancer turned Kapuso artist Rochelle Pangilinan.

Among the Top 5 winners are First Runner -Up candidate no. 5 Miss Meriam Amy Lou, Second Runner-Up candidate no. 3 Miss Lavenie B. Escalante, Third Runner-Up candidate no. 8 Miss Lera Joy Rebuyon

and Fourth Runner-Up candidate no. 10 Miss Jayn B. Quidlat.

Here are the complete twelve official candidates of the Miss Iligan 2012.

Congratulations to the winners and a job well done to the clappers. Wishing for a more extravagant Miss Iligan 2013!!!

Lastly, here is Miss Iligan 2011, Elyza Jade Clerigo Dalongenes farewell walk photo by Ronald Sy.

More Photos? click and like MissIligan Chairperson on Facebook

Join me in my Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

My real friends knew that I am really an adventurous person. Adventurous in the sense that its easy for me to wander around places, get lost, and then found my way home along the way. I first set myself into a serious journey when I was so young. Traveled as far as my birth place Malim, Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur, at the age of seven (7), to my present place which I called home - Iligan City.

From then on, I had a chance of travelling the neighboring places such as Cagayan de Oro City, Butu-an, Marawi, Ozamiz, Initao, Kapatagan, Maigo, Pagadian, Dapitan, Dipolog, Domaguete, Siquijor, Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo, Cebu, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos, Manila, Cavite, Quezon City, Makati, Tagaytay, and outside the country, Singapore and etc.

In my entire life, I would say 90% of my travels are not documented. Since, I discovered blogging in the year 2011, I started documenting as much as possible every travel that I embark into. So, join me as I paddled through the waterways, as I walk through the streets around the Philippines, while traversing the trails of my home town, Iligan and as I meet people along the way, as I stumble and fall and got up from that fall, as I fall in love and out of love, in my crying moments, in my laughter, and in my quest for greeter good. Join me in my attempts to break some rules, in finding my freedom and in living this puzzle called, life at my personal and travel blog bagdokadventuress.wordpress.com

The City of Majestic Waterfalls - Iligan City

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:55:00 +0000

Iligan City, known to be the city of majestic waterfalls is located in the northern part of the group of islands called Mindanao. Contrary to what most people thought, Iligan City is no longer the capital city of Lanao del Norte. By virtue of Republic Act 9724, Iligan City was separated from the first congressional district of Lanao del Norte to form its own congressional district in the year 2010 with its first elected representative as a lone district to the Philippine House of Representative, Vicente "Varf" Belmonte.

The City Tourism Officer, Agnes Clerigo-Maingat said, that there are a lot of waterfalls scattered around the vicinity of Iligan as per Local Government Units (LGU) report. However, only twenty-six (26) has been identified and confirmed and among these, twenty-three (23) only are accessible. Among these twenty-three (23), here are the waterfalls that I frequently visits.

Maria Cristina Falls

Maria Cristina is what I considered the most splendid and the most popular among the 23 accessible waterfalls, situated between the boundary of Brgy. Buru-un and Brgy. Maria Cristina, about 9.3 kilometers away from the city proper. Plunging 320 feet downward, the Maria Cristina Falls not only that it is alluring, it also caters two power plants, the AGUS VI Hydroelectric Plant established in 1950 which has a 200 MW potential capacity powering the homes and industries of Iligan City and AGUS VII Hydro-electric power plant which has a 54 MW potential capacity. Want to know the story behind the falls? Read more about this here.

Dodiongan Falls

From the most splendid, let me take you to my recently visited waterfall---Dodiongan Falls. Oh yeah, pinay travelista and Xy-za was here already before me, maybe sometime in July 2011. Anyways, I was in Singapore when they had an itch to explore its beauty. I was in the same barangay also earlier this year to deliver roofing materials for the families who were greatly affected by typhoon Sendong. Locals said, the falls is not as mystic as it was before, which captures my interest and at the same time made me sad. I should have seen it, before Sendong destroyed its beauty. The recent Waterfalling Adventure Tour 1.0 organized by us, the Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. paved the way for my Dodiongan Falls visit.The falls is located at Brgy. Bonbonon about 14 kilometers away from Iligan City. The water fall is about 20 meters, approximately 65.5 ft high. Surprisingly, if I were to compare photos taken before Sendong and this photo I would say there is no much difference except that boulders scattered around the falls which is evidently not present and visible before. Strikingly, one thing I noticed is that Dodiongan Falls and Maria Cristina Falls has this similarity---isn't it obvious? Well, the two waterfalls are both twin in nature as the water falling are separated by a boulder in between.

Pampam Falls

From the most splendid to the recently visited falls, lets proceed to the sexy yet humble, Pampam Falls. Though the word "pampam" has its negative connotation among the locals. Undeniably, in my eyes this sanguine waterfalls has its sexy secrets. The truth is, I already visited this falls three times and each visit I discovered something new. One thing I knew, is that Pampam Falls are group of waterfalls. A few steps down stream from this waterfalls you see on the photo is another waterfalls. On the other hand, if you walk several steps upstream you can find a cave where you can swim and pass through another opening in the opposite side which will lead you to another a shower-like waterfalls. Then, if you proceed more upstream, a few walks will lead you to the source of the waterfalls which is an underground waterways of which you can swim right there at its opening where the water comes out. Then, that answer the question on what are the name of the other falls. I guess, that's the benefit if you are inquisitive and curious. More of this here.

Tinago Falls

Moving on to the next waterfalls that I guess I visit almost every week is the enchanted Tinago Falls. The name "tinago" comes from the local Cebuano dialect which literally means in English as "hidden" which describes how this falls being hidden in deep and vastly forested ravine located in the boundaries of the municipality of Linamon and Brgy. Ditucalan of Iligan City. By observation, this waterfalls is the most frequently visited for swimming, and photography. Want to visit and have a swim? Prepare yourself to endure the 400+ steps going down and another 400+ steps going back. It is in this waterfalls where the locals does an exciting and fascinating acrobatic diving most of the time with or without lenses to capture it. More of this here.

Mimbalot Falls

Mimbalot Falls is the third waterfalls I visited among the 23 accessible waterfalls. I visited first this waterfall during the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., Familiarization Tour of which together we explore and discover the Iligan City's Tourism Triangle which includes Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls and Mimbalot Falls. Though from this photo the falls looks calm and naturally made it is sad that at present it looks man-made as far as my latest visit to the place is concerned. The site is presently under construction for future development. Despite what I saw, I am really hoping that the falls would recuperate from its present condition.

Conclusively, ranking which waterfalls is the best is totally out of the picture. Since, each waterfall has its own unique beauty and enchantment to offer and wonder that will really feed your fantasy. So? Visit. Discover. Experience. The city of Majestic Waterfalls - Iligan City.

The Diyandi Festival 2012: Featuring Kasadya Street Dancing Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:53:00 +0000

The Official name for Iligan City's month-long celebration is the Diyandi Festival, which is concluded by the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, popularly known by the locals as Senior San Miguel on the 29th day of the months of September. More on this [here...]

The KASADYA STREET DANCING competition is one of the series of events of which it serves as the main feature or attraction of the celebration. The word "kasadya" which literally means "happiness," "joyful," describes the merry-making dance performance which features two important thing, the re-enactment of the battle between the good [represented by Senior San Miguel] and the evil [represented by Lucifer] and the unique Filipino fighting style called, Eskrima.

The said dance competition showcased talents from the locals and neighboring municipalities and cities which hopes to bag prizes offered by the organizing committee and the City Tourism Office. Here are what is caught in my lens last September 27, 2012.

Tribu Bunawan of Barangay Bunawan bagged the Kasadya Street Dancing Competition 2012 grand prize worth P250,000.00 and the Kasadya trophy, also received the Best in San Miguel attire and the Most Colorful Costume.

To my dismay Tribu Balabagan was not able to defend their title ending as First Runner-Up this year's competition failing to obtain their grand slam as they grabbed the championship for two consecutive years already in 2010 and 2011. Tribu Balabagan, are composed of child dancers from the municipality of Balabagan Lanao del Sur. Tribu Balabagan received P150,000.00 and a trophy.

Declared Second Runner-Up is Tribu Jasaaan of the Municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental which received the P100,000.00 prize money and trophy.

Of the four contingents completed this years street dancing competition, Tribu Bacolodnon from the Municipality of Bacolod got the last place.

Let's not get confused, Diyandi is the name for the month-long celebration "Diyandi Festival," while Kasadya is the Street Dancing Competition. I hope its clear ^.^

What are your thoughts about the 2012 Kasadya Street Dancing Competition? Was it grand? Was it worth the watch? Was the prize worth the fight? Was it really the biggest?

The Best Flavors of Iligan City

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Tasty Kulo Fries, You Want?

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Wonder what "kulo" is? "Kulo," known as "breadfruit" in English (scientific name Artocarpus altilis), is a fruit bearing trees native in the Philippines. When I was in grade school, I used to come home and eat "kulo candy," a sweetened breadfruit prepared by my mom. From that "kulo candy" that my mother used to prepare for us for snacks, now here is the latest innovation made by my elder sister Anna yesterday.

Yesterday, I noticed my sister's husband Ricky brought home a big breadfruit "kulo" from their little garden. As it was just being placed on the table, everyone noticed it. It's been almost fifteen long years that I didn't see such fruit. Thought that my sister would just cooked it and wouldn't know anything special about it, I just ignore its presence on the table.

Look! My sister has a little surprise for everyone, that amazed me.

A few minutes passed and I noticed my sister cuts the breadfruit into two pieces. Then, started peeling its skin and Then, she carefully slice those big cuts of the fruit into small pieces and sizes that looks like she is preparing a fries out of it.

To make a kulo fries is so easy. All you need are the following ingredients:

1. Kulo or breadfruit

2. Oil

3. Salt

4. Cooking Oil

I am surprised with how does it taste. After sprinkling it with little salts and dip it with a simple banana catsup---I enjoyed it a lot! Below is an image of kulo fries, which my sister prepared for snacks yesterday.

PR: Caritas Manila continues Relief Efforts for Flood Victims

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 03:08:00 +0000

For almost a week now, Caritas Manila continues with its relief efforts for the thousands of victims of flooding in Metro Manila.

Caritas Manila’s Damayan, the relief assistance and emergency program of the Church as of August 15, 2012 has provided relief assistance to 20, 444 families in the parishes under the Archdiocese of Manila and Dioceses of Caloocan,Cubao, Pasig, Antipolo, and Malolos.

Caritas Manila so far has raised Php 2,892,635 In-Cash donations and Php. 534,618 In-Kind donations from individuals, organizations and parishes for the flood victims.

Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon will still continue to experience intermittent rains according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

For Donations in kind, please call Caritas Manila at telephone numbers 5620020 up to 25 local 22 to 24.(please see attached list)

For Cash Donations, you may deposit to:

Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.

Peso Bank Savings Account:

BPI S/A 3063-5357-01

BDO S/A 5600-45905

Metrobank S/A 175-3-17506954-3

UnionBank C/A 00-030-001227-5

Dollar Savings Account:

Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc.

BPI Dollar Account: 003064-0033-55

PNB Dollar Account: 252-703687-1

For questions and comments please feel free to contact Mr. Joseph G. Navarro, PR, Communication and Events Officer at numbers 5620020 loc. 13 or 0916-396-9123

PR: ESQUIRE Financing Inc., Inaugurated at Makati Business Center, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:24:00 +0000

ESQUIRE Financing Inc. (EFI) and partner CAPITALIFE Lending Inc. inaugurated their new Makati Business Center on Wednesday, August 09, 2012. This celebration was held in the presence of the CEO of ESQUIRE Financing Inc. Mr Rajan Uttamchandani and business partners.

The CAPITALIFE business center is strategically located at #315 Buendia St. in Makati City, only 3 kilometers away from ESQUIRE Financing Inc.’s Philam Life Tower head office which was officially inaugurated in 2011.

CAPITALIFE Lending Inc. is expanding their clientele as well as their nationwide reach through ESQUIRE Financing’s business affiliates from their new 2,000sqm business center and continues to service micro loans to salaried individuals to help them get by without having to offer collateral.

Through ESQUIRE's intelligent funding, the company has helped over 20,000 micro business owners nationwide to start their dream business.

With its strategic location, custom built financing solutions and a team of financial experts; Mr. Rajan Uttamchandani says: “We tailor-fit and customize our services according to our clients’ needs and requirements and we are confident that this new facility proves our commitment to our clientele and the industry as it showcases our service capabilities and financial expertise”.

How to make Safe Drinking Water during Calamity

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 05:10:00 +0000

A press release from the Department of Health dated August 7, 2012 Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona urges the public to take precautions to make drinking water safe amidst possible contamination after the continuous heavy rainfall and flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces (www.gov.ph). After Iligan City was destroyed by typhoon Sendong on the eve of December 17^th, 2011, I believe this press release is very important not just for the Manilenyo’s but of course the Iliganons. Therefore, I decided to post it here in this web-blog.

The following are guidelines in purifying water to be safe for drinking, cooking and the like.

§ Water must be filtered first to trap and remove large impurities. Any clean cloth or coffee filter can be used as a sieve.

§ If the water is cloudy, it can be made to stand for half a day, after which, clear water can be scooped and then filtered.

§ Boiling water kills all potential germs you may get from contaminated water. Heat water and allow it to boil for two (2) minutes then let it cool. Boiled water that has cooled can be used immediately. Stirring it or putting it from one clean container to another container several times or adding a pinch of salt or powdered juice can improve taste.

The diagram below shows how to purify water in a process other than boiling, which is called, chlorination which involves simple and easy steps:

Materials:

1. Not-so-clean water (water gathered from unsecured source).

2. Water container.

3. Piece of clean cloth (Ex. Katcha/Cheese cloth).

4. Some unscented bleach (Ex. Zonrox or clorox).

§ Water can be disinfected by adding 2 drops of 5% chlorine solution (unscented bleach) for every one (1) liter of unrefrigerated water. Allow it to stand for an hour. If a faint chlorine smell is detected after an hour, then it is safe to drink. Repeat the procedure, if you cannot detect the smell after your first try. If it does not have the faint chlorine smell on the third try then the water must be discarded since it may contain many germs. To improve taste, allow it to air some more or transfer it from one clean container to another several times.

§ Follow provided instructions if you opt to use commercial chlorine tablets for purifying water. Chlorine solutions are also available in most health centers or evacuation centers.

For more information about this infographic, please visit AsTig (Asensong Tubig) on facebook.

Sister of Philippine President, Pinky Aquino-Abellada visits Iligan to Turn-over Classrooms from AGAPP Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:58:00 +0000

Photo courtesy of Iligan Web showing Ms. Pinky Aquino-Abellada giving out wrist bands to pre-school pupils.

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines---Yesterday, the sister of President Simeon Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Ms. Pinky Aquino-Abellada, chairperson of the AGAPP Foundation led the turn-over of newly completed two classrooms pre-school buildings to five recipient schools in Iligan City.

According to what I heard during the ceremony, the aforementioned classrooms are donated by Coca-Cola Foundation through the efforts of other individuals of the country through Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa or AGAPP Foundation.

One of the recipient schools was Tomas Cabili Central School of Brgy. Tomas Cabili of which at present accommodates for more than 100 pre-school pupils including my niece who is so happy after receiving a gift from Ms. Pinky herself.

Photo of my niece Lian Del courtesy of Iligan Web

A simple ceremony was held where the newly assumed Brgy. Captain Cesarve Siacor, spotted present. My source also told me that after the ceremonial turn-over, the convoy of Ms. Pinky will proceed to another recipient school at Brgy. Sta. Elena, to which, another two classroom building was built and ready for turn-over.

RP: Acrobatic Show

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:03:00 +0000

The ANTI-GRAVITY BALANCING LEGEND in cooperation with the Office of the Punong Barangay, Brgy. San Miguel, Iligan City, invites you to watch an Acrobatic Show at Mariano Badelles Gym, Miguel Sheker Park on August 28 and 29, 2012 from 7:00PM to 10:00PM.

The ANTI-GRAVITY BALANCING LEGEND is composed of talented and skillful youths of Sangguning Kabataan who underwent years of Acrobatic Training in Luzon and Baguio City. This wholesome Show is a good bonding time for the whole family.

Tickets Available:

Php 30 Adult (19 to 59 years old)

Php 20 Child (6 to 18 years old)

FREE Toddler (5 years old below)

This is not a paid post.

Survive in a Competitive Marketplace with These Free and Low-Cost Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 03:58:00 +0000

A business that’s bound to stay for the long haul, especially in a very competitive marketplace, is the business that delivers what it promises and knows how to cut down on costs. Cutting down on costs can mean making use of free and low-cost tools that are out there waiting to be discovered. Consider the following four tools:

1. PickyDomains.com

The name you choose for your business, product or service is something that should seriously be taken into account. In a marketplace where thousands, if not millions, of similar products and services abound, a name that resonates with the consuming public is a name that’s worth spending sleepless nights for. But if you’ve been sleepless for some time and you still haven’t found the right name, it’s probably time to call for help.

PickyDomains is an online naming service that takes advantage of the power of crowdsourcing to come up with names, domains and slogans that are unique, relevant, easy-to-remember and catchy. PickyDomains has been in business since 2007 and now has a strong pool of 50,000+ registered contributors from different regions of the world. Once you’ve registered with the site as a client, paid the mandated $50 for a name or domain (or $75 for a slogan) and indicated your naming criteria, receiving recommendations is almost immediate. If none of the propositions you receive are to your liking, you may request for your money back.

2. Bitrix24.com

In business, productivity is the secret sauce to success. And for this reason, companies employ productivity-enhancing tools like CRMs for their transactions and intranets for effective communication. The downside to these tools, they may be a little too pricey for a small businessman.

Bitrix24.com is a transparent communications and collaboration solution that’s 100% free for small businesses with a maximum of 12 staff members. Bitrix24 is an all-in-one application that aggregates several different work processes such as CRM for sales and transaction monitoring, workforce management, social intranet, file and document uploading and sharing, calendar and activity planner, live streaming, to name just a few. Also, Bitrix24 is cloud-based. Meaning, no installation is needed and it can be accessed anytime, anywhere using a web-based browser or a smartphone, making your workstation on the go as opposed to one that’s confined to a single office building. An upgrade to unlimited users starts at $99 per month.

3. Comindware.com

In business, automation equates to productivity, accuracy, effective management of expenses and streamlining of available resources – essentially, the winning phenomenon that companies are always on the lookout for. Comindware.com is a breakthrough collaboration and automation software specifically created for cross-functional teams and workgroups. Comindware Tracker allows you to standardize workflow processes and make adjustments later, if and when circumstances call for such. Also, with Workflow Builder, you don’t need to have any IT or designing experience to visually design and edit your workflow process. Simply drag and drop items, and in minutes, your new workflow process is ready for deployment. Comindware is for you to try anytime you feel like it. And when you’re finally ready for a Comindware rollout within your company, depending on the number of licenses your team needs, Comindware offers varying discount rates.

4. JetRadar.com

If your business requires you to travel a lot, cheap airfare can help in the cost containment arena. The arrival of low-cost airlines and online ticket brokers has made this possible. But the very competitive landscape in the air travel industry has prompted airlines to confine their best promotional offers in their own sites or third-party sites they have contracts with, resulting in the would-be traveler skimming through several sites for the airfare deal that suits him best.

JetRadar.com is a metasearch engine that methodically sorts through 700+ airline sites and hundreds of flight and travel sites for the best and most inexpensively priced airfare tickets, and makes the data it accumulates effortlessly obtainable in a single site. JetRadar guarantees the most value for your money. At the same time, it significantly diminishes the time and effort you normally would have to use up to find the cheapest airfare promos.

Swish Breath Spray Review

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:51:00 +0000

How much you value personal hygiene? Personal hygiene is the basic concept of cleaning, grooming and caring for our bodies. While for most of us considered this as an important part of our daily lives, it is important to note that personal hygiene isn't just about taking a bath and brushing our teeth, but most importantly its also about the choice of products that we used in maintaining ourselves to look clean, feeling clean, and smell clean. That's why I am so glad when I received an offer to review a new product offering of a well-known company providing such quality products.

United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab) in its commitment to serve and be the every Juan's partner in healthcare just launched its new product offering in their personal care line---the Swish Breath Spray. Well, you have possibly seen the commercials on TV with Ryan Agoncillo as its endorser. Hmm..my excitement party was caused by this commercial hehehe.

On the one hand, I am a constant user of mouthwash as I am suffering my ulcer lately, I have a killer breath. Honestly its disgusting to wake-up each and every morning having a killer breath, so just brushing isn't enough. I do need to use mouthwash, but the problem with it is that I don't like the strong taste of it. It feels like a punishment every time I have to gargle with it. I would say Swish Breath Spray is very useful for me when I attend event or functions or even attending a class. Not that it saves me time and money by brushing more than just the three routinely brushing and rinsing my mouth, it spares me from the worries of killing my friends around me. Seriously, it adds confidence to talk with people, when I know that I have fresh breath, even while I am on the go, since I am a travel blogger. So, why not add it to my bloggers must haves list?

This new Swish Breath Spray promises an instant fresh breath in just 10 seconds which I proved true. When I feel that my mouth isn't fresh anymore, all I have to do is simply spray 1 to 2 pumps into my mouth and my mouth is freshen up instantly. How this is possible? With Swish Breath Spray one can get refreshed instantly, because it quickly kills germs and bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath cased by eating, drinking and smoking. No need to gargle with water. By the way, I don't smoke so I don't know if it really works for smokers. Further, it is very convenient to use anytime and anywhere, since it is very easy to carry. You can easily slip it in your pockets for a quick breath fix. Swish Breath Spray is absolutely alcohol-free and sugar-free, with that, I am convinced that this product is good. As bacteria in our mouth loves sugar for food and energy source, by using Swish Breath Spray which is sugar free then it would not invite more bacteria to your mouth.

On the other hand this new mouth spray is available in two refreshing variants---Arctic Chill and Peppermint Fresh...I guess, its quite a choice of how you want your mouth smell and feel. For me, I do love the Peppermint Fresh---it tastes like candy minus the sweetness and the stingy bite of alcohol.

Thank you so much Unilab!

Cebu Pacific Air's Advisory on CAB's Proposed Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 07:06:00 +0000

The budget airline Cebu Pacific Air issued an advisory which contains a statement of appeal to reconsider the proposed CAB resolutions and understanding from its patronizing passengers. In addition the statement also reiterate that the existing resolution "would most certainly result in higher fares and less options for the traveling public." Further, the advisory states that the airline will be forced to stop a lot of their seat sales which includes their "piso fare," if the government will do nothing to rebuke it.

Typically, airlines especially budget airlines overbook their flights by up to 10% in anticipation of passengers who do not show up. CAB's Resolution No. 28 suspends the provision on overbooking until further notice.The CAB resolutions is said to increase the cost of airline operations which will force the budget airlines to raise their fares which may result to stop offering value fares such as the famous piso fare. On the other hand, Resolution No. 29 suspends the "no refund, no re-booking" conditions imposed by airlines on certain low-cost fares for domestic flights.

After reading the issued advisory on Cebu Pacific Air facebook page, in no time it was flooded by hot dissenting opinions against the company, but there are those who remain cool with the airline company saying that the overbooking and no-refund and no re-booking policies is a universal practice for airlines. Others would just simply said "Goodbye to Philippine Tourism" of which in some point I would like to agree, because undeniably air fare promos is making the Philippine tourism industry alive.

So what can you say about this?

Travelling and Traversing the Trails of the Islands of the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:51:00 +0000

A trip around my own country-Philippines is indeed exciting and fun. Imagine, this tiny nation-state is composed of 7,107 islands waiting to be explored. Well, as these islands are mostly inhabited, it means that these are already explored by many, but how about you? When will I see you embark on a backpacking adventure, traversing the trails of the different islands in Luzon, the Visayas and the Land of Promise-Mindanao?

To be honest, I've never been to every part of this country, but you can't call me a total stranger of my own country! Before I became a blogger, I am already a traveler. I started travelling at the age of eight. Traveling from Zamboanga del Sur, where I was born to Iligan City where I am residing at present. Since then, I've been to different cities and places that I never thought I could be, because I used to read and see photos of these places in books. I do believed that it was in these travels that my eyes got open so widely about travelling and enable me to travel without fear and hesitations.

Noteworthy of my travel starts in 2006 where I traveled almost a month from my city of origin Iligan to Cagayan de Oro City, where I took a ship and had my first set foot in the Queen City of the South - Cebu. Shocked by how fast life in this modern city and tired with night escapades, I found myself on the fifth day boarding another ship bound to the island of Domaguete. In this island, I had my first taste of "balot" where I got tempted while walking in their boulevard after having dinner at a certain restaurant in the bay area.

Coerced by excitement and the adventurous feeling created by curiosity while reading a travel book. I booked a fast craft ticket for my next destination....to the island of witchcraft and dark magic---the island of Siquijor! I don't know, if I was under an enchantment or a spell, but I am really fascinated by the beauty of this islet in Visayas. A whole day motorbike adventure from my accommodation to Larena and a lot of stop over in every beaches and interesting street curves and views that I was able to passed makes my stay in this island worth the while. Its proven! the island can be explored in one day but I cant forget my first taste of the famous Japanese wine called "sake" at one of the famous Japanese restaurant in this island.

Did you know that this one month journey ended with a bang? Well, final destination---Manila. Boarded by a ferry for two nights and two days I arrived in Manila in December 22, 2006. Its December and party's are all over Manila. Specifically at Malate. I am a probinsiyano obviously. Shocked by how the Manilenyo spend the day as night and night as day, I was totally open mouthed. How this journey ended with a bang? Well, I was one of the thousands of audiences of the GMA Kapuso Year-end count down at the Raja Soliman, Rojas Boulevard in-front of this famous restaurant that served me my first unforgettable aristocratic sinigang na bangus. Watching and listening Regine Velasquez belting the song "I Will Survive" with all the fireworks display really rocked my world that night! It was the night also, that I first saw the face of Ogie Alcasid in person and that I considered a wake-up call for me.

In 2007, I traveled to Butuan and the neighboring municipality called Bayugan. Then in 2007, I had a one week travel to Panglao in Bohol together with my college classmates and had the chance of hopping to one of the islet called Pamilacan, a famous destinations for visitors who are interested for Dolphin Watching Adventures. Who would have thought, that I will be able to set foot in the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol? Meet the famous tarsiers and meet the biggest python I ever met in my entire life! I used to just read it in books and magazines.

In my senior year in college, along with my classmates in Geo-politics and Eco-politics class we arranged a one week travel to the island of Samal of which I had my first jump shot taken in Davao, Davao City, General Santos City, and then Lake Sebu in the southern part of Cotabato. During that travel, we visited places which I only saw on television and in magazines.

In 2008, I went to Cebu with the hope of finding a job after graduating in college. Although my job hunting was not successful---but the eight months stay at a dormitory over at Banilad provides me a great experience and enough knowledge about the place. I knew where the best barbie -Q's are, where is the best massage center and where is the best eat all you can restaurant, the place where you can shop clothes which are cheap, but with good quality and the likes.

When I met my special someone in 2009, we embarked into a two weeks journey and together in the following year and were brought by our feet at the island of Camiguin where we spent our first week. Together we were able to explore the island. It is where I experienced the coolness of swimming in a hot spring. Walking all day long from our accommodation to the Sunken Cemetery, climbed up to the last station of the Station of the Cross along the way and discovered the ruins left by a devastating volcanic eruption, that once defaced the island.

Guided by what we research on the internet, we found ourselves at the Island of Bohol on the following week. We traveled by a fast craft from the port of Camiguin to Jagna in Bohol and by bus from Jagna to the city of Tagbilaran. From Tagbilaran we hired a tricycle which brought us to our next accommodation in the island of Panglao. In Bohol we had a great taste of Filipino cuisines upon dining at the open beach front dining in Alona. The following day, I had my exasperating dining experienced in a one of a kind Floating Restaurants of Bohol along the way to the Chocolate Hills over at Sagbayan Peak.

At the end of 2010, I visited Dipolog City and Dapitan City where the Philippine National hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his fruitful days. In 2011, I explored the timeless place called - Lake Apo in Valencia City of the province of Bukidnon. God knows how I love this place. I was with a group of bloggers too and together we visited the luxurious mansion of the now then Congressman of the province of Sarangani Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City and the Gensan's best TUNA by visiting their fish port along with their sweet delicacies and flavors.

Earlier in this year, I was in Luzon for a week of tour. Although it was sort of an educational, but recreation and exciting adventures are always part of it. A luxurious lunch in a Chinese Restaurant in Pasay of which the snow lady is my favorite. A great time and fun balancing my ice skates at SM Mall of Asia, a first time driving experience in a carting adventure and horrible space shuttle ride at Enchanted Kingdom, sunset viewing in Tagayaytay and a great accommodation and experience over at a certain five star hotel in Cavite.

So, have you been to Luzon, Visayas or in Mindanao? From the 7, 107 islands of the Philippines, in which island/s you visited first, or if not yet, which island you want to visit first? How about the places that I mentioned? Travel Philippines! because its more fun in the Philippines!

Kayaking at Lake Apo, Valencia, Bukidnon

Join Blogging 101 and Learn the Basics of Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:54:00 +0000

Got the passion to write and express your thoughts, but lacks the skill on how to make your own blog? Or you might be interested to join among the ranks of the coolest bloggers in town? Then this is your chance.

Iligan Bloggers Society Inc. in its first year anniversary celebration along with the Iligan Bloggers Month Celebration, we present our finale event for this month, the Blogging 101 Seminar.

As a blogger, what you should possessed? No idea? Learn the basics of blogging and the bloggers must have from Richard Serrano himself; of wowiligan.blogspot.com, an MBM student Surigaonon, but Iliganon by heart. Well, that is well proven by his articles promoting Iligan in his own blog. If you love travelling and back-packing and you are pinaytravelista.com fan, why lurk and stalk her on her blog, when you can meet her in person and learn from her the proper etiquette of a blogger?

You are a mother and staying at home with nothing to do? Meet our Mommy Blogger of PinayMommyOnline.com, Mommy Ruby Ricafrente of CDObloggers and learn from her anything you need to know about choosing the right niche for you. Finally, save your heart and learn the elements of making a good blog from our meticulous, organized and take note, "single" travel blogger and one of the founders of Iligan Bloggers Society Inc. Ms. Lovette Jam P. Jacosalem of www.traveljams.com.

By registering and being present during the event, you are entitled to win giveaways from Sun Cellular and from co-presenter blogs. More importantly, we will be printing and giving out registration forms for those who are interested bloggers who wishes to join our ranks in the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc. community.

Interested to join click this link...http://iliganbloggers.com/2012-blogging-101-seminar/

Senator Tomas Ll. Cabili's Legacy to Iligan City and of the Philippine Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Alexander Siacor Singcol Jr.) — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Photo: Explore Iligan 9200

Tomas Lluisma Cabili (1903-1957), also known as Sultan Demasangkayko-Ranao, is a lawyer and former assemblyman, who was born in this city on March 7, 1903. His father is Guillermo Cabili and mother Efifania H. Lluisma. He studied at Iligan Primary School in 1915-1918 and enrolled in four different schools in high school of which he finally graduated at Cebu Provincial High School in 1923.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Philippines-Cebu in 1925. Right after finishing his bachelors degree he enrolled law at the Visayan Institute also in Cebu until 1927 where he decided to transfer to the Philippine College of Law, where he completed his degree in law in 1929.

He fell in love with Felicitas N. Pepito of Cebu and was married to her and eventually blessed with five children: Vismundo, Camilo, Fe, Fulgencio, and Teodoro Delano. He then, died at the age of 54 in a plane crash together with President Ramon Magsaysay at Mt. Manunggal in Cebu on Marh 17, 1957. In 1982 a Barangay in Iligan City, was renamed after him. Barangay Tominobo Proper became Barangay Tomas L. Cabili.

Photo: Wikipedia.com

Tomas L. Cabili was appointed as the Justice of the Peace of the Municipal District of Lanao as well as of Dansalan (now Marawi City) which is the capital of Lanao in 1934. He became a delegate to the Constitutional Assembly, serving on the Committees on Agriculture, Codes, Franchises, Provincial and Municipal Government, Language, Public Instruction, Mindanao and Special Provinces, Appropriations, Civil Service and Public Lands.

He was the only delegate to the Constitutional Convention who refused to affixed his signature on the 1935 Constitution, citing the following seven of co-equally important reasons:

The 1935 Constitution carried no provision on promoting the progress of non-Christian Filipinos [specifically the Muslims], in accordance with Article XII, Section 5 of the Fundamental Law.
That it placed too much power in the Executive Department, and thus might encourage the establishment of a dictatorial government;
That it carried no provision for municipal and provincial autonomy;
That it might encourage communism by allowing the government to appropriate and substitute landed estates;
That its safeguards against acquisition of agriculture lands by foreigners were not sufficient;
That it had no provision for the nationalization of the retail trade;
That at the time of the drafting of the constitution, there was too much intervention from the outside, especially from President Manuel L. Quezon.

In 1938, he was re-elected in the Second National Assembly and served as a Chairman of the Committee on Privileges and member of the committees on Agriculture, Appropriations, Forests, Mindanao and Special Provinces, and National Companies.

Reflections and Appreciations

As I was born in Malim, Zamboanga del Sur in earlier 80s, from an Iliganon mother and from a Waray father of Basud, San Isidro, Leyte, I was never aware of the history of the land where I am presently residing. My mother used to call her home place as Tominobo. In the early 90's, where my family decided to moved back to Tomas Cabili, Iligan City from my birthplace, I was so blind how the place became its present name. By the time we arrived Iligan it became so confusing to me, why the resident of our Barangay would call our place in two names that is Tominobo and the other Tomas Cabili and when I ask them, nobody could provide me a clear explanation on how it has come to be. Not, until I met Dr. Hilton J. Aguja in my senior years when I studied Political Science in the College of Arts and Social Sciences of MSU-IIT.

In our Human Rights and Humanitarian Law class, Dr. Aguja posted us the question of who was that Iliganon Senator who did not sign the 1935 Constitution and everyone in the class became silent and remained so silent for quite some time. Everyone of us was in awe when Dr. Aguja started telling us about this brilliant Iliganon Senator and started enumerating the reasons why he did not sign the 1935 Constitution.

I was in awe of the brilliance of this senator from my own city, why? He was a living example of someone who definitely stands on his reasons, even if, it means standing alone. First, this brilliant individual as early as 1935 have thought already about safeguarding his constituents against possible abuse of power by the executive branch of the government of which his reason made a point when the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, became a dictator later and made worse by the formation of the CPP-NPA [reason 4], because of such occurrence. Secondly, reason no.3 which is the provision of municipal and provincial autonomy, of which The Local Government Code of the Philippines came out very late in 1991. Think of how advance is his mindset! Before, this thing exists and became a code of the Philippines' local government, its already in the head of this brilliant Senator. For that he is more than deserving that my beloved Barangay Tomas Cabili be re-named after his name! Another, is his negation about the 1935 Constitution lacking on the provision on promotion of the non-Christian Filipinos of which until now many useless uprisings occur in the southern part of the country in hope for recognition.

For once, let us reminisce the legacy of this brilliant Iliganon, who failed to prove the truth in his mind while he was alive, but never fails to prove history that he was right. For that I am leaving you this quote from a British politician...

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example---by Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

This is an official entry for "Week 1: Fruit of Labor" of the Iligan Blog Carnival in celebration of Iligan Bloggers Month of 2012.