Got lucky again this month! I won a new Android Phone (Samsung Galaxy J5) from Davao Central Convenience Store Nestle Raffle Promo and an Eden Day Tour GC from NCCC Supermarket Promo. Yepeey!


For the Nestle promo, I think I got 6 raffle entries. By purchasing P60 worth of Nestle product (like their coffee) you get to have 1 raffle promo. As for the NCCC Supermarket promo, it was just to comment your New Year's resolution (just brief) and share their facebook post. That's it! Hehe.

They came at a perfect time. My S3 stopped working last year and I badly need an Android phone (cause I also used it for testing - work related). 

As for the Eden Tour, I never got the chance to be there for the many yearsssss I've been here in Davao. I've been planning to go there since I started earning but it never happened.

So before the GC expires, glad that I was finally able to have an Eden Experience. Hehe. 

So your online shop is doing great business, but you feel like something is missing. It could be that you enjoy being out of the office. Maybe you miss the personal touch. You might not feel like you are a ‘real’ retail business until you have your own store. You will glad to know that opening a store of your own is not that hard to do, but you have to be willing to work hard to get it off the ground.

Whether you make your own products in your garage, or you are a wholesale buyer looking to shift some serious units, having your own store is a great idea. There are many reasons why this is so.

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Cabin Fever

If you run a successful online store from a rented office, or maybe even your apartment, you can find that cabin fever sets in. Some people are outdoor people. They just prefer to not be cooped up in a small room for hours at a time. For them, a stall could be the ideal option. They have the freedom to load up a van with stock items and set their stall up in a local market. There, they can oversee sales and interact with customers in the open air. Weather permitting, obviously!

These kind of stores are best suited to those with a relatively small number of items in their inventory. They can take with them their entire stock and attempt to sell it all in one go, and if they don’t, it’s not a big deal. They just load the car up again and head home, ready to try again somewhere else.

Bricks And Mortar

For those businesses that are larger, a physical, permanent store could be a good investment. This kind of store has numerous advantages. One such benefit is that you are stationary and people always know where you are going to be. You can get walk-in traffic comprised of people in the local area who begin to get familiar with the store and want to see what you are about.

Another great thing about a permanent store is that you can store your inventory there securely. No need to go to the efforts of having to load and unload a van full of items and rails every day. If you have any kind of store, you must have a method of enabling people to pay for your products. Some people may want to pay cash; others may need to use an emv terminal. There will probably be room for an office in a permanent store too. All of these things mean you could feel much more involved and connected to your business at all times.

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Things To Look For

A few things are of utmost importance when deciding to open a store. One of them is location. You need to do research and plan where your ideal locations are. Find places that make sense to both you and your customers. Always try to be close to a centre of some kind as possible. This could be on a main street, in a town centre, or next to a mall. you need to be visible and accessible or else you may go unnoticed. I cannot stress how important the right location is!

Get in touch with local landlords and enquire as to the rent costs on commercial units. This way you will not be in for a nasty surprise if the rent turns out to be way higher than you budgeted for. Planning is essential if you wish to be a store owner, either on the move or in a more permanent space. Consider these tips and you will be on the right track to financial freedom!

Most people spend a couple of hours each night browsing the internet in their spare time. However, flicking through Facebook and Twitter can become a little boring after a while. So, we’ve come up with a list of suggestions that should help to keep you entertained. Regardless of your interests, there should be something on this page for everyone. At the end of the day, you have the entire world at your fingertips. Checking the latest updates on social media seems pointless when you could engage in something a little more fun.

There are hundreds of different streaming websites you could use to catch the most recent films. Netflix and Amazon Prime are considered the most popular domains at the moment. However, you should search Google and take a look at some of the alternatives. Depending on your interests, you might find better sites that publish relevant titles. Maybe you’re a documentary fan? Perhaps you like to spend your time watching old comedy shows on your laptop? Just take a look around and see which services catch your eye. There are even websites that list the best video sites you might like to consider.

Believe it or not, it’s possible to boost your income while spending time online these days. There are many different freelancing websites you could use to earn some extra money. So long as you have a decent command of English grammar, you could become a writer in your spare time. People with experience in graphic design should also find it easy to raise their bank balances. When all’s said and done, you just need to use sites that list jobs relating to your expertise. In most instances, you can open an account in minutes and start making applications.

The manager of Maria Casino says that online bingo is one of the most popular ways for people to keep themselves entertained. You’ll find many different domains dedicated to that practice. However, most gambling websites will also run a bingo section. The best thing about that game is that you don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds to get involved. In some circumstances, tickets cost as little as one penny. That means you could keep yourself occupied for hours without risking your income. Who knows? You might even win!

Anyone can join forums online and get involved with interesting discussions. Maybe you feel passionate about a particular subject, and you’d like to voice your opinions? Well, the perfect opportunities are just waiting to be discovered. Again, you just have to search Google for forums related to your interests. In most circumstances, anyone can open accounts and start posting without spending a penny.

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You should now have a good idea of how you will use the internet for entertainment this year. Social media websites are perfect for keeping in touch with friends and sourcing the latest news. However, you don’t want to spend all your time on Facebook because it can become repetitive. Do yourself a favour and try to vary your online routine as much as possible. That should mean you never feel bored at home again!

It’s conventional wisdom that you have to revise for your exams. But when you think about it, this is a strange concept. Why should you have to keep going over things you already invested a ton of time in learning? I submit that it might have something to do with the way we're taught.

The science behind how we learn has progressed enormously since Victorian times. But unfortunately, the way we’re taught hasn't kept pace. Whether you're at school or university, the formula is the same. You sit there passively whilst an instructor, teacher or lecturer feeds you information. Sometimes you get the chance to put your hand up and answer questions, but is this really the best way to learn?

Worse still, we might be tempted to model our own learning on what we do in school. That is, sitting down in front of a book and reading it until we fall asleep, wishing all the while we were somewhere else.

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This is why I don't think the key to exam success is just about working hard. I think we need to get smart about learning. We need to start thinking about it as a problem in itself. And then we need to play to our strengths.

When we were little we managed to learn all sorts of things without any formal training. Think about when you first learning to ride a bike. Or walk. Nobody taught you. Heck, if you can read this then I'm guessing you can speak. And I bet you didn't learn how to speak in an English lesson. You just picked it up because you needed it. You had to have it if you wanted to gain any sense of agency in the world.

That's the spirit you need now. You need to get active in your approach to learning. One thing you can do is use technology. Some of the best revision apps will actually engage you in an active way.

For example, you can create your own questions on any topic you want using apps like Synap. Then, when you're done creating, put yourself to the test. There's no examination invigilator standing over your desk, making sure you're not cheating. In fact, sharing apps like this can work to your advantage.

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You could quite easily sit down with one of your course mates and design a multiple choice quiz and do it together. Or you could compete against each other. Remember, competition makes the learning process active. And that means that there's a point to learning what you're learning. You want to beat your friend, don't you?

Modern neuroscience tends to support the idea that this sort of learning really works. I think it's because what you're learning counts for something. And because it actually counts for something, our brains are coaxed into forming long-term memories.

You don't want to be another one of these people who cram for an exam and then forget everything they learned six months later. If you're an economics post-graduate, or a second-grade geography student it doesn't matter. Make learning active.

The fire brigade does one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day they put their lives at risk to safe other people from the devastation caused by fires and other major disasters. Without them, many more people would lose their lives. And to get their jobs done safely, lots of technologies are used.

Thermal Imaging

There are a couple of main reasons why thermal imaging cameras are so useful for firefighters. First of all, they can be used to located the source of a fire. When they can see where the fire started, they can put it out at the source and stop it from spreading more rapidly. And secondly, the cameras can be used to locate people. When firefighters are trying to carry out a complicated rescue, being able to find a trapped person rapidly is essential. They’re one of the most useful advances in firefighting tech.

Contact Tech

Radios and phones are very important when a large team of firefighters are trying to work together to complete a job. When a large fire takes hold, there are many people involved in trying to put it out. These people have to be able to stay in contact and feed useful information to one another if the best outcome is to be found. Luckily, there are lots of easy to use contact technologies that can be used in adverse conditions. One of these technologies is the Membrane Keyboard that can be used at high temperatures.

Fabrics

Nowadays, the fabrics that are used to make the clothing that firefighters wear are very complex. They are specifically designed to react well to high temperatures. They are resistant to radiant heat while also remaining breathable and lightweight. This means that firefighters can remain comfortable and move around freely, but still be protected too. Heat stress can really affect the way a firefighter performs their job. New technologies are constantly being used to develop even better and more complex fabrics.

Modern Breathing Apparatus

It doesn’t take much smoke to get into a person’s lungs to cause them serious health problems. The respiratory system is one of the most intricate and fragile systems in the human body. And firefighters are obviously very susceptible to this kind of problem. They often have to enter smoke-filled buildings. In the past when firefighting was confined to the outside of a building, breathing apparatus was neither needed nor available. But modern breathing apparatuses are essential today.

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Future Technologies

There are all kinds of technologies that are being developed right now. They might not all be ready for real world usage right now, but it won’t be long before that’s the case. There are some really interesting technologies being tested right now. For example, electrical wave blasters that are being developed will be able to bend flames to suppress them and stop fires spreading. This would present an entirely new way of battling fires. New ladders and ways of stopping fires are being trialled all the time.

Regular road trips can be fun and very interesting. What if you want something a little more fast-paced though? Off-roading trips in 4x4s can make for an unforgettable experience. You’ll certainly remember seeing more mud than you ever did in your life! Like any kind of trip, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation for a successful off-roading adventure. Here are some essential things to take with you on your trip.

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Before anything, make sure your vehicles have the right tyres for off-roading. The current tyres on your 4x4 might have served you well, but you’re going to be putting them under a lot of stress during your trip. You’ll need tyres which will not only last the trip, but will also have enough traction to get you over hills and out of ruts. Obviously, heavy-duty tyres aren’t going to cost pennies. However, there are certain places where you can find cheap off road tyres that function perfectly well. After your trip, you’ll get years of use out of them too. Just check the air pressure before setting off. Good pressure will assist traction, and help your fuel efficiency.

It’s also a good idea to bring some traction ramps with you. If you’ve owned your 4x4 for long enough, you might have used that trick of sliding floor mats under stuck tyres. This might work when you’re taking a muddy short cut, sure. However, if you’re stuck in a massive mud hole, you’ll need something more heavy-duty. The most important thing to consider when off-roading is traction. If you don’t have enough traction with every turn, you’ll end up getting stuck in various holes and ditches. When you hit those places where you just need a touch more, traction ramps are the best thing for it. Whether it’s mud, sand or snow, these will get you moving as fast as possible. Simply unfold them, stick them under your tyres, and give it some gas!

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Finally, you’ll need a heavy-duty cooler. This is especially important if your trip is going to span a few days. Any trip needs food and water. That cooler you have lying around might be fine for the beach, but flimsy wheels and hinges won’t last long when you’re deep in the wilderness. Fortunately, there are a range of reliable coolers designed for use in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Many of these products have rubber gaskets to ensure that your food won’t be contaminated by dirt. They might also come with moulded-in handles, so you don’t have to worry about the cooler bouncing around the whole trip. You might think that this is a bit of a novelty, but trust me you’ll be glad you brought it with you!

These three essentials will ensure your off-roading trip goes smoothly. The list doesn’t stop here though! A first-aid kit, high-lift jack, and various tools are also advised. Put safety first, but don’t let these precautions slow you down too much. Get out there and have some fun!

Tomorrow will be a new month. Allow me to lookback at my 2015 first before the new month of February comes. 

January - March - The most unforgettable was when my first ever pet and beloved Narda died on February 19 at 11:35pm. 

It was very painful. I never thought it could be that painful. Everyday I was crying. I remember her always. She was my bestfriend, my family and my baby. Oh Narda, I miss you so much. I'm so sorry. :(

April - June  - The most memorable was during my Mama's 68th birthday. My nephews and niece from my mother's side visited. My first time to see the boys. They are now professionals and one of them is now a Post Graduate Intern (Medicine). So happy for them! At least may relative na kami na doctor someday.

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There are many articles on this blog that talk about the best ways of buying and selling cars. However, we don’t publish too much information about doing that for a living. So, we thought it wise to break from the norm today and offer some great advice. In truth, anyone can become a car dealer and make a killing. You could leave your current job and work on the project full-time. Alternatively, nothing is stopping you from becoming a part-time dealer and making money when you’re not at work. Either way, the tips on this page should help you to succeed.

Search car selling websites

Firstly, you need to purchase some cars to sell, and that means checking selling sites. You’re on the lookout for people who are selling their vehicles very cheap. In most instances, they will have purchased another car already, and they need to space. Either that or they are in desperate need of money. Whatever the reasons might be, you need to act fast when you see a cheap automobile. Arrange a viewing straight away and take your cash along. Someone else will grab themselves a bargain if you hesitate. Of course, it would help if you could take a mechanic along.

Advertise on social media

Most people use big websites like AutoTrader when looking for a new car these days. So, there is no point trying to complete with a brand like that. You want to focus your efforts on local people for the best results. Create social media pages for your new business where you can post links to available vehicles. It’s much easier to get attention if you narrow your market and concentrate on people living in your hometown. Facebook and Twitter are the best social networks for that process.

Use technology for customer retention

Lastly, you must use dealer CRM software to capitalise on customer relationships. Some people will come back to you in the future when looking for additional vehicles. However, others might forget you exist, and that means you could lose out. CRM software will allow you to keep in touch with all your customers via various channels. It will also facilitate the creation and delivery of coupons and other marketing materials. Failing to keep your brand name in front of the right people could mean your company never reaches its potential. Just talk to any big car dealer in the world right now. They’ll tell you how much difference their CRM software makes to sales levels.

The only other thing you need to consider relates to pricing. Don’t make the mistake of trying to charge too much during the early stages. You need to steal as many customers as possible from your competitors. So, it’s wise to keep prices as low as possible. That is a good idea, even if it means you don’t make a profit. You are building relationships will people who will help you to make a fortune in the future. Nothing is wrong with giving them fantastic introductory deals, right? You’ll get them hooked, and they’ll always come back for more.

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Not all of us are geeks, but I bet you know one or two! If you’re not in their clique yourself, buying presents for geeks can be tough. If you can’t tell Star Trek from Star Wars, gift shopping can become even more nerve-wracking. If you’re still stuck for ideas, take a look at this list. I’ve put together a few suggestions which every geek will love. No matter how fussy the friend in mind is, having a look at these bits and bobs will get you on the right track.

The geek in question is probably very comfortable around tech. However, I know there are some out there who like a certain retro feel to things. If this sounds like the person you’re buying for, checkout the iBell. I personally can’t believe how recent this idea is! The concept is simple but undeniably cool. It’s basically an iPhone cradle, which charges the phone with the use of an adapter. It has two little bells either side of it with a hammer, just like the original analogue alarm clock. When the phone’s alarm goes off, the bells will rattle. This would be a great gift for people who have trouble sleeping through alarms. Believe me, one of these going off sends you leaping out of bed!

As much as they’ll insist otherwise, most nerds need a refreshed wardrobe. Luckily for you, there are all kinds of geeky shirts out there. From space invaders to classic B-movies, you’ll be sure to find a top your geeky friend will love. If the lucky guy or girl likes standing out from the crowd, then check out this amazing Iron Man shirt. This is officially licensed by Marvel, which gives it a certain guarantee of quality. The fabric contains an LED “arc reactor” shape as seen from the films. It can be turned on and off to fit the situation, so there’s no risk of embarrassment!

When all else fails, buy your geek a game. This task can seem a little daunting if you don’t know much about games. In case you weren’t aware, the industry’s come a long way since Pac-Man and Asteroids! There are literally millions of titles you can choose. From gnarly first-person-shooters to light hearted arcade games, there’s something for everyone. While shopping, you might even discover your own inner gamer! For a store that’s brilliant for variety, try the SEA Gamer Mall Singapore Online Game Portal. After asking a couple of subtle questions to whoever you’re buying for, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something here.

Hopefully this post has given you a little more understanding in the world of the geek. While absolute perfection would be a jetpack or a robot, we’re sadly not quite there yet! I know we can seem like a quiet, elusive bunch. Once you’ve had a browse and got in the right area, you’ll find buying for a geek easier than you expected. Keep an open mind, and try to figure out your friend’s specific likes without giving it away. May the force be with you!

Every picture tells a story, or so they say. And our world is bombarded with images. From social media to websites and magazines, images sell and tell a story. All images are clearly not the same. And the way we interact with images is the deciding factor when it comes to staying with a story or even brand. Poor quality images simply do not cut it. They wash over us in a millisecond, and we move on.

Your receptors are finely tuned to pick up on images that make you want to act or interact. Likewise, when we spot a weak image or a generic smiling face with no consequence, then we do not connect. The moment is lost. The connection is gone, and it will never come back.

How can you ensure that your website’s images work for you? And more importantly, how can you ensure that you get the best images you can?

The quick answer might be to employ a graphic designer to handle the work for you. But this is only going to be worth it if you have a clear idea of what you want and need in the first place. Surely the best strategy would be to educate yourself in the art of making, working with and choosing images.

Today’s software such as Photoshop gives you the tools and makes it easier for you to select and work with your images. But many people feel intimidated by the level of expertise needed to the get the most out of the software. Why not consider a quick and productive training course? Adobe Photoshop training classes are easy to access and filled with practical advice and hands-on experience.

Consider becoming a producer of your images rather than a consumer of weak generic stock photographs. These images are often irrelevant to your purpose or brand. If that vital connection is missing, then you won’t be able to persuade people to stay and interact with your site. And if your visitors are not staying they won’t be connecting with you.

Taking photographs on your phone might be fine for your Facebook Page, but it really won't cut it if you want your website to look professional. Invest in a quality digital camera to get the results that you need.

Select and use high quality, as in high-resolution images. Images that are larger, within the framework, work better. In theory the more pixels, the better the quality. And it shows. It makes the impact stronger, and we are drawn into the picture. In essence the more we resonate with a picture, the deeper we are impressed with it. A good image has the power to move us. That makes it an emotional relationship.

Work with images that talk. These move beyond mere representation and add graphics and incorporate logo. This is where you can get creative with setting up shots. You are creating an image where people want to engage. They will want to be there, or will be persuaded that they can be a part of the world you have created in some way. They are known as actionable images.

Balance your use of images with the right text. Copywriting is a skill on its own, and there will be times when you need to work on this balance. Images and text are related. But in essence one should support the other. You’ll find that some products work better with a dominant use of image and minimal text and vice versa.

Using image is all about emotion. How well we relate to the image is a vital element in how customers and visitors can relate to your website and the story you have to tell.

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