Christmas is just around the corner and everybody is busy buying gifts and preparing for Christmas eve and Christmas day. December is also a busy month for weddings. In fact, my wife and I have attended 1 wedding last weekend and another tomorrow. December is indeed one of the busiest and most anticipated month of the year. Try looking for food caterers during this month and you will be very lucky to find a good one. Chances are, good caterers are fully booked everyday until January next year. People attend all sorts of parties, Christmas parties, reunions, weddings, birthdays, office parties and New Year parties.
Since everybody is so busy these days, have you thought of the people who are less fortunate? Have you considered having your party to an orphanage or a place for the elderly? Have you participated to your church activities for the poor this Christmas season?
Honestly, most of the time, I haven't thought of this for a long time. I have been involved in a number of charity programs when i was in college but after school i have been too busy working. I worked for an environment organization for 3 years which somehow helped people most especially people living outside Metro Manila. My previous work, last year, was with Philippine Business for Social Progress which again reminded me of the need to help people who are less fortunate. I was specifically assigned to a program to help public schools get assistance from private companies. I visited a number of schools in Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela and Caloocan. I was really shocked to learn that most of the public schools have 3 shifts, meaning 1 shift from early morning to afternoon, another from afternoon to evening and the last was late afternoon to late evening. To think that they are only high school students. The average number of students in a section is 80-90 students, and one year consists of 20-30 sections. If you make a computation, 90 students times 20 sections, that's 1800 students in one year level. Multiply it to 4 year levels and you get 7200 students! Can you imagine the state of public school system here in Metro Manila? These public schools only have limited classrooms and overworked and underpaid teachers. How can 1 teacher teach 90 students in one section?
I have a personal mission and this includes helping our environment and our educational system. I know that i might have a minimal impact but i know no matter how little my efforts are, at least i know i helped to the best that i can. Who knows if i become successful in blogging, i might make a difference in our public school system. I could not forget the feeling when i was personally thanked by the head of the school after assisting them in getting a donation from a private company to improve their library and computer class facilities. What more if personally i was able to contribute to improve their condition? That will be one of my personal goals in life.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Converting to LPG Powered Vehicle
Since July this year, I have been considering converting our vehicle to use LPG instead of ordinary gasoline. From July to October this year, gas prices have skyrocket because of the financial crisis in the states. Fortunately after gas prices reached as high as P 60.00 per liter, the demand all over the world has slumped which prompted oil companies to reduce their prices which was very beneficial to ordinary people like me. Gas prices went down, and just today, unleaded gasoline is only P 35.00 per liter. If you are using E10 like me, liter is cheaper by 1 peso.
Since gas prices went down to almost 50%, i could say i saved a lot. But this did not stop me from thinking of converting to LPG. When gas prices were P 60 per liter, LPG is around P 39 per liter. Now that gas prices is P 35 per liter, LPG prices also went down to as low as P19 per liter. That means, if you fill up 10 liters of gas, you spend P350, but if you have 10 liters of LPG, you only spend P 190! Wow! Imagine how long will your P500 last for LPG?
There are a few downsides on converting to LPG though. First, its expensive to convert. Last time i checked, its about P 35,000 to P 60,000 depending on the technology and parts installed. Next, you have to go to a specialized mechanic to maintain your system, no more dependency to my reliable Banawe mechanic. Another disadvantage is limited trunk space. Since my ride is a 1995 Honda Civic ESI, trunk space is not that big. Converting to LPG will put a gigantic tank which will occupy 50% of my trunk space. Where will our baby stuff go? What if we plan to go out of town on holidays? Definitely no space for big luggages and shopping for pasalubong. I can not risk on getting a donut type LPG tank to get the space for my spare tire. What if i got a flat while traveling? Will my flat tire last until i reach a vulcanizing shop?
Still a lot of points to consider. But i know gas prices will not stay low for a long time so i have to decide what to do in the coming months. I also tried to join internet groups on using hydrogen to power their vehicles. They are a big group but after reading their posts and blogs, i got lost to their scientific mumbo jumbo. Too technical for me. Plus i'm really not confident playing with my car's engine parts.
I would appreciate any suggestions.... I do need a second, third and fourth opinion regarding this matter.
Since gas prices went down to almost 50%, i could say i saved a lot. But this did not stop me from thinking of converting to LPG. When gas prices were P 60 per liter, LPG is around P 39 per liter. Now that gas prices is P 35 per liter, LPG prices also went down to as low as P19 per liter. That means, if you fill up 10 liters of gas, you spend P350, but if you have 10 liters of LPG, you only spend P 190! Wow! Imagine how long will your P500 last for LPG?
There are a few downsides on converting to LPG though. First, its expensive to convert. Last time i checked, its about P 35,000 to P 60,000 depending on the technology and parts installed. Next, you have to go to a specialized mechanic to maintain your system, no more dependency to my reliable Banawe mechanic. Another disadvantage is limited trunk space. Since my ride is a 1995 Honda Civic ESI, trunk space is not that big. Converting to LPG will put a gigantic tank which will occupy 50% of my trunk space. Where will our baby stuff go? What if we plan to go out of town on holidays? Definitely no space for big luggages and shopping for pasalubong. I can not risk on getting a donut type LPG tank to get the space for my spare tire. What if i got a flat while traveling? Will my flat tire last until i reach a vulcanizing shop?
Still a lot of points to consider. But i know gas prices will not stay low for a long time so i have to decide what to do in the coming months. I also tried to join internet groups on using hydrogen to power their vehicles. They are a big group but after reading their posts and blogs, i got lost to their scientific mumbo jumbo. Too technical for me. Plus i'm really not confident playing with my car's engine parts.
I would appreciate any suggestions.... I do need a second, third and fourth opinion regarding this matter.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Christmas Gift for Leon
Its 19 days before Christmas and my wife and I haven't begun Christmas gifts shopping. We are trying to save money for the holidays and at the same time managing a newly opened business. Its really difficult if you are only dependent on your salary to spend this Christmas season.
Anyway, one of our priorities is to give a nice gift to my son Leon. We are not looking for an expensive toy, clothes, gadget or shoes but a gift which he can really enjoy. One of our choices is of course a good storybook. Most of his storybooks are old although he still enjoys a number of them. He also needs a few shirts, pants and short pants. He's grown up so fast that most of his clothes are either too short or already tight fit. He also needs a new pair of shoes or sandals. He only has 2 pairs and both of them are used very often. Another good gift is a new ball. He always enjoys playing with balls even when we go to the supermarket or toy stores during weekends.
I am also considering a pet fish for him. He enjoys looking at aquariums when we go to the malls during weekends. He has a heart for animals because he loves dogs, birds, rabbits and even waves hello and goodbyes to fishes.
Its really exciting this Christmas season because this year, Leon will appreciate all the events, lights and decorations more compared when he was just a toddler last year. This year was also his second time to watch the Greenhills Shopping Center Christmas presentation and hopefully we can also watch the fireworks display at the Ayala Center on New Year's eve.
Anyway, one of our priorities is to give a nice gift to my son Leon. We are not looking for an expensive toy, clothes, gadget or shoes but a gift which he can really enjoy. One of our choices is of course a good storybook. Most of his storybooks are old although he still enjoys a number of them. He also needs a few shirts, pants and short pants. He's grown up so fast that most of his clothes are either too short or already tight fit. He also needs a new pair of shoes or sandals. He only has 2 pairs and both of them are used very often. Another good gift is a new ball. He always enjoys playing with balls even when we go to the supermarket or toy stores during weekends.
I am also considering a pet fish for him. He enjoys looking at aquariums when we go to the malls during weekends. He has a heart for animals because he loves dogs, birds, rabbits and even waves hello and goodbyes to fishes.
Its really exciting this Christmas season because this year, Leon will appreciate all the events, lights and decorations more compared when he was just a toddler last year. This year was also his second time to watch the Greenhills Shopping Center Christmas presentation and hopefully we can also watch the fireworks display at the Ayala Center on New Year's eve.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Manny Pacquiao - Oscar dela Hoya Dream Match
Its 3 days to go before the Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar dela Hoya. Much has been said and written about the match up and the two boxers. Both have been elevated to Boxing's Hall of Fame recognized by boxing writers and fans all over the world. Its too bad, after the match, one boxer has to win and one has to lose, except if it will be a draw of course.
I have been an Oscar dela Hoya fan for some years now because this guy has so much poise before, during and after a boxing bout. No wonder he is still the number 1 guy in boxing to generate lots of income in one single fight. I kind of expected him to win over Floyd Mayweather Jr. but i guess, Floyd is too classy for him, not to mention Floyd's superb defense.
This time, Oscar will be matched with Pacquiao, probably the best Filipino boxer as of this time. Manny has already surpassed the record of Elorde whom we considered the best since Manny arrived. When Manny got his 4th world division title, which eluded Elorde twice, it is safe to say that Manny has surpassed Elorde's achievement with all due respect to Elorde's family and fans.
I agree that this match is the biggest test of Manny's career. Oscar is 2 weight divisions heavier and has height and reach advantage. He even hired the services of Nacho Beristain, Juan Manuel Marquez's trainer who actually knows Manny's weaknesses given the 2 matches against JMM that was controversial up to this day. Oscar also got the services of the former trainer of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time. To sum it all, Oscar has all the resources to use in order to win this fight.
How about Manny? Manny's advantage is his heart, speed, power and youth. Manny has Freddie Roach with him who trained Oscar for one bout against Mayweather. This is definitely a big match for him. Win or lose, Filipinos will be very proud of this warrior and will forever remember his name as one of the greatest Pinoy boxer of all time. Hopefully when Manny retires, other Pinoy boxers will follow his footsteps.
I have been an Oscar dela Hoya fan for some years now because this guy has so much poise before, during and after a boxing bout. No wonder he is still the number 1 guy in boxing to generate lots of income in one single fight. I kind of expected him to win over Floyd Mayweather Jr. but i guess, Floyd is too classy for him, not to mention Floyd's superb defense.
This time, Oscar will be matched with Pacquiao, probably the best Filipino boxer as of this time. Manny has already surpassed the record of Elorde whom we considered the best since Manny arrived. When Manny got his 4th world division title, which eluded Elorde twice, it is safe to say that Manny has surpassed Elorde's achievement with all due respect to Elorde's family and fans.
I agree that this match is the biggest test of Manny's career. Oscar is 2 weight divisions heavier and has height and reach advantage. He even hired the services of Nacho Beristain, Juan Manuel Marquez's trainer who actually knows Manny's weaknesses given the 2 matches against JMM that was controversial up to this day. Oscar also got the services of the former trainer of Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time. To sum it all, Oscar has all the resources to use in order to win this fight.
How about Manny? Manny's advantage is his heart, speed, power and youth. Manny has Freddie Roach with him who trained Oscar for one bout against Mayweather. This is definitely a big match for him. Win or lose, Filipinos will be very proud of this warrior and will forever remember his name as one of the greatest Pinoy boxer of all time. Hopefully when Manny retires, other Pinoy boxers will follow his footsteps.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Disadvatages of Buying new Phones
This Christmas season, everybody is busy in organizing their schedules and thoughts on what to do this Christmas. On top of each person's list is what gifts will be bought for relatives, friends or even officemates or classmates. Next on the list is what to prepare for Christmas Eve and finally, one of the most important is what to buy to reward yourself after a year of hard work and saving.
A Christmas wishlist differs depending on one's priorities. For example, if you are a parent, maybe majority of your priorities are things to buy for the house or for the kids. If you are a single and career oriented person, a new car, laptop or any gadget to help make your job easier will probably be a priority. If you are a business person or a student, one of the most common purchases this holiday season will most probably be a new mobile or cellphone.
Buying a new cellphone we assume doesn't bring harm to anyone. We actually think that we are helping telephone and network companies in their business which in turn provides jobs, opportunities and income. What we don't know is the harmful effects of owning one and changing phones regularly once, twice or maybe several times a year. I recently read an article about the disadvatages of buying new mobile phones in Haribon Foundation's Multiply site and it was a learning experience for me. To read the full article, please click on this link.
To summarize the article, here are a few facts:
1. Every second 35 mobile phones are produced globally
2. 2 years ago, 1 billion mobile phones have already been produced to meet the world's demand
3. Materials needed to produce mobile phones came from mining companies which in one way or another affect the environment or locations they mine
4. Hundreds of hectares of forest has been cleared to give way to mining activities
5. Mining has affected the drinking water, ground water habitat of wild animals
6. Poor labor conditions has affected the lives of miners and their families around the world
7. Irresponsible dumping of e-wastes has affected the lives of hundreds of families as well.
So, what can we do to help? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try to limit yourself to one mobile phone unit. For business people, I know you need 2 or 3 units for different networks but can you at least sacrifice for the greater good?
2. Try to avoid cellphone buying frenzy. New models offer good services and better performance, but do we really use our phones more than just calling or sending a text message?
3. Try to dispose cellphone units to proper places. A lot of recycling companies are looking for old batteries and mobile units to recycle the usable components inside.
4. Avoid buying cellphones for children. Kids do not really need these gadgets. If you need to communicate with your child regularly, just buy one unit that will last long and avoid the fad.
5. Take care of your unit. When was the last time you had your mobile phone for more than a year? Try to buy protective cases/bags to protect your phones from accidents.
Can you add any more tips? I appreciate if you do.....
A Christmas wishlist differs depending on one's priorities. For example, if you are a parent, maybe majority of your priorities are things to buy for the house or for the kids. If you are a single and career oriented person, a new car, laptop or any gadget to help make your job easier will probably be a priority. If you are a business person or a student, one of the most common purchases this holiday season will most probably be a new mobile or cellphone.
Buying a new cellphone we assume doesn't bring harm to anyone. We actually think that we are helping telephone and network companies in their business which in turn provides jobs, opportunities and income. What we don't know is the harmful effects of owning one and changing phones regularly once, twice or maybe several times a year. I recently read an article about the disadvatages of buying new mobile phones in Haribon Foundation's Multiply site and it was a learning experience for me. To read the full article, please click on this link.
To summarize the article, here are a few facts:
1. Every second 35 mobile phones are produced globally
2. 2 years ago, 1 billion mobile phones have already been produced to meet the world's demand
3. Materials needed to produce mobile phones came from mining companies which in one way or another affect the environment or locations they mine
4. Hundreds of hectares of forest has been cleared to give way to mining activities
5. Mining has affected the drinking water, ground water habitat of wild animals
6. Poor labor conditions has affected the lives of miners and their families around the world
7. Irresponsible dumping of e-wastes has affected the lives of hundreds of families as well.
So, what can we do to help? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try to limit yourself to one mobile phone unit. For business people, I know you need 2 or 3 units for different networks but can you at least sacrifice for the greater good?
2. Try to avoid cellphone buying frenzy. New models offer good services and better performance, but do we really use our phones more than just calling or sending a text message?
3. Try to dispose cellphone units to proper places. A lot of recycling companies are looking for old batteries and mobile units to recycle the usable components inside.
4. Avoid buying cellphones for children. Kids do not really need these gadgets. If you need to communicate with your child regularly, just buy one unit that will last long and avoid the fad.
5. Take care of your unit. When was the last time you had your mobile phone for more than a year? Try to buy protective cases/bags to protect your phones from accidents.
Can you add any more tips? I appreciate if you do.....
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Million Hectare Walk
Last November 16, our family joined Haribon Foundation's Million Hectare Walk 2008 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Quezon City. We started early, about 5 AM because my wife is also part of the organizing committee.Leon, who went with us last year but was still below 1 year old couldn't walk yet so we just brought his stroller and be a part of the event. But this year, my wife actually got several pledges for his walk so we have to at least try to convince and guide him to finish one lap.
We were one of the first ones to register so we could start early and finish early. He actually takes his morning naps around 930 or 10 AM so in order to avoid any tantrums, we decided to start the walk early.
It was really funny! He started walking fast because he saw several people walking in front of him, beside him and after him. It wasn't much of an effort for him to finish one lap (around 500 meters, i guess) because he was too excited. For his second lap, he got distracted by other young walkers and sometimes he actually want to go back, walk sideways (out of the path) and just sit at the pavement. We finally decided he was starting to get tired so we rested for a while and ate a few snacks.
After finishing a bowl of soup and a glass of juice, we tried to go back to the path to have his third and final lap. He walked with a little girl, a child of my wife's officemate so he finished the lap without any distractions. We were so proud of him! He was really great and did not have any tantrums. We also went to the wildlife rescue center to see several rescued birds, mammals and reptiles. Leon also joined the art workshop and played with colors and paper.
After the walk event, Haribon made a short program and gave out a few awards as a way to show gratitude for all those who supported the fund raising event. Leon got the "Youngest Walker Award"! As parents, we were so proud of him going up the stage to receive his prize and being applauded by the audience. It was surely one of the most memorable events of Leon's childhood and we hope that someday, when he has children of his own, he would also let them participate in environment awareness campaigns just like this one.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Starting up our business
This blog is a continuation of my previous one about food business. It has been 3 weeks and up to now we still don't have a substantial income from it, why? Here are the reasons:
1. Capital - Why put up a business without a capital? Well, as i have mentioned before, we got a partner to add capital and a loan from a bank. What happened? We paid a franchise business as soon as we got the money because they actually told us that the site was approved and only the money is incomplete why they cannot deliver the booth and goods. To cut a long story short, upon getting our payment, they found 101 reasons why suddenly our location was not approved. Sounds familiar? Up to this time, they are still holding the money and we cannot get the refund. I could not believe that we were a victim of these unprofessional business people. Why were we involved? We were referred by a close relative whom we really trust to help us out start our small business. Hmmm, so to my readers out there, please try to stay away from getting a business from a donuts company (not the top 3) but a common name located near schools, markets, bus terminals, etc.
2. Product- Since we were deceived by the donut company to pay, we actually are looking for an alternative. A lot has been suggested but i guess i have to try the most famous snacks. Dimsum, burger, sandwiches, pizza, hotdog, squid balls, fishballs and the likes. Hopefully we can make up for the lost 3 weeks (actually we are on a loss, since we started paying rent since day 1).
3. Marketing and Promotions - Nothing whatsoever. I guess we were dependent on the donut company for marketing stuff and promotions. Now we have to make our brand (hopefully this will be a blessing in disguise).
4. Location - Our location is good but without the product, good location with no product equals no income.
5. Added capital - Another thing, i got declined from 2 banks i applied for a loan. Double whammy?
So that's it.... I guess we have to make the best of what we have for the meantime.....
1. Capital - Why put up a business without a capital? Well, as i have mentioned before, we got a partner to add capital and a loan from a bank. What happened? We paid a franchise business as soon as we got the money because they actually told us that the site was approved and only the money is incomplete why they cannot deliver the booth and goods. To cut a long story short, upon getting our payment, they found 101 reasons why suddenly our location was not approved. Sounds familiar? Up to this time, they are still holding the money and we cannot get the refund. I could not believe that we were a victim of these unprofessional business people. Why were we involved? We were referred by a close relative whom we really trust to help us out start our small business. Hmmm, so to my readers out there, please try to stay away from getting a business from a donuts company (not the top 3) but a common name located near schools, markets, bus terminals, etc.
2. Product- Since we were deceived by the donut company to pay, we actually are looking for an alternative. A lot has been suggested but i guess i have to try the most famous snacks. Dimsum, burger, sandwiches, pizza, hotdog, squid balls, fishballs and the likes. Hopefully we can make up for the lost 3 weeks (actually we are on a loss, since we started paying rent since day 1).
3. Marketing and Promotions - Nothing whatsoever. I guess we were dependent on the donut company for marketing stuff and promotions. Now we have to make our brand (hopefully this will be a blessing in disguise).
4. Location - Our location is good but without the product, good location with no product equals no income.
5. Added capital - Another thing, i got declined from 2 banks i applied for a loan. Double whammy?
So that's it.... I guess we have to make the best of what we have for the meantime.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)