Dell Philippines Commits to Making a Difference in the Community

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PRESS RELEASE: MANILA, Philippines -- Dell Philippines has pledged support for four local charitable organisations promoting children’s welfare and education, further extending the company’s strategic global giving efforts to make a meaningful impact to communities around the world. The identified organizations are Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc., Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc., Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., and Haven for Children.

With an aim to address pressing social issues, Dell will work with these charities to provide assistance through technology, know-how and volunteer support. “We find that these four organizations have many needs, donations being just one of them,” Richard Teo, president for Dell Philippines said. “The activities that they need to roll out require volunteers and additional manpower, so I see our Make a Difference program as the best way to connect our team members and the communities that can benefit from our collective giving efforts.

“Our team members have always been passionate about wanting to help different communities, but in the past, they did not know how and where to go. By formalizing our strategic giving partners, we now encourage team members to devote their time to these worthy causes,” added Teo.

“We chose our current partners because they regularly need volunteers and team support. The programs may evolve, but the need for help is always there,” he said. “Dell Philippines will strive to sustain these charitable activities and lend our time year-on-year. The ultimate goal is to spread volunteerism among our people, and to see our efforts grow and benefit the community.”

Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.Dell has been supporting Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.—a rehabilitation and skills training center dedicated to helping people with disabilities become productive and self-sufficient members of society—through mentoring, donations and volunteering at the center. Tess Lloren, resource mobilization director of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc., said “Dell really has compassion towards marginalized sectors; not all companies will stay with you throughout the years. They have been very supportive with our outreach programs and services and have really helped us in every way.

Tahanang Walang Hagdan Computer 101

 “Dell also donated several laptops which we use in the offices making our work faster and more efficient and also use them during our community visits in places where we undertake the community-based rehabilitation program,” she added.

The two organizations have also teamed up for a sustainable recycling program, another indication of the deep partnership between the two entities. According to Lloren, recyclable materials from the Dell Philippines offices will be sent to the center to be re-purposed. Items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be reused by the foundation's staff, while newspapers are woven into other products, and non-recyclable items are sold to buyers of scrap materials. “The efforts of the volunteers and the proceeds really help us in sustaining our educational program for the young and with disabilities,” Lloren said.

Mount Manalmon and other Side Trips - Day Hike Trip

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If you're looking for a quick getaway from Manila and wish to experience the thrill of nature trekking and mountain climbing, Mount Manalmon and its side trips are a good choice.

Mount Manalmon is less than 3 hours ride from Metro. It is located in San Miguel Bulacan and part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park. While considered an easy climb, the trail of this mountain becomes steep and rocky as the summit is approached.

The beginning.
We can't wait for another amazing moment to experience and to be so close to nature so despite bad weather forecasts we agreed to continue our 2nd annual trip--thank God cause it turned out to be the best decision for the group. It was raining on our way to Bulakan but when we finally reach San Miguel and  get off  from the bus, weather got better, and there was only drizzle.

We then rode a tricycle to Sitio Madlum (P60each) which took us about 45 minutes. The road was ok during the first 20 minutes, but it became rough as we near Sitio Madlum. Too late to realized that sitting at the back edge of the trike was really not a good choice. :(



Past 9:00AM when we arrived at Sitio Madlum. The water in the river is quite higher compare to other photos I saw online, maybe because of the constant rains. The river was surrounded by lush green rocks offering a peaceful and tranquil scenery. We enjoy the view, we took pics while our lead-climber settle all the necessaries fees at the registration area.

Crossing the Monkey Bridge
Most of us get excited to try the monkey bridge. When it's already my turn, I gathered all my courage. The bridge is quite high, the river is deep for sure due to regular rains, and MyGhadd! I dunno how to swim! But our guide assured that he will jump in just incase anyone from us fall down, he also said that so far, no one has fallen from the bridge yet! So be it! I set my foot on the bar and grip firmly on the cable. Though I'm wearing trek shoes, it still feels slippery cause of the thick mud on it's sole. It is not as easy as I thought! My knees went trembling on the first steps. I even want to back out. But they encourage me to finish it. Our guide also  told me not to look down, and it helps. :) Glad that despite my shaking knees I survived the challenge. :) Woo-hoo!

We were off to trek after braving the monkey bridge. It was a beautiful misty morning. The trail was friendly for anyone who can walk in between the raindrops for 2 hours.

As we go up, the weather was getting better and as we reached the summit we were greeted with the spectacular views of Mt. Arayat and Mt. Gola, plus the panoramic view of the Madlum River at the north side.

We took a lot of picture (walang bababa ng walang pang propayl pic na kuha! hehe), we give thanks, enjoyed the views and we're really happy that it was a cloud free summit. :) We didn't stay long at the top, we were all starved and so we headed back down.

2012 Dinner Dance: Anti - TB Educational and Fund Campaign

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Inspiring and heartwarming --  that's how I felt last night when I attended the 2012 Philippine Tuberculosis Society Dinner Dance. I admired the Fund Campaign Volunteers who work hard and make this event a success and to the sponsors who shares their blessings for the benefit of PTSI.

The Philippine Tuberculosis Society is a non-stock, non-profit charitable organization founded on July 29, 1910 primarily to combat tuberculosis which is said to be still a major health problem in the Philippines today. Since then, PTSI has been on the forefront in the campaign against TB. They actively involved in the National Tuberculosis Program of the  Department of Health, primarily through the Private-Public Mix DOTS (Directly Observed  Treatment Short Course) the subsidized  treatment of indigent TB patients, and its involvement in TB research and training  programs. With its constant quest for TB control and management.

Dancing and giving – all for a great cause.
2012 Dinner Dance, anti-TB educational and Fund Campaign was held in a beautiful ballroom, chandeliers and all with dinner and appetizers served at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan yesterday, September 27, 2012. Funds raised from these campaigns are used to subsidize medical treatments of indigent patients at the Quezon Institute, as well as to support the various anti-TB programs of PTSI in the provinces such as TB in Prisons, TB in Children and TB in the Workplace. Glad to know that there are company and manila’s cause-oriented folks that are willingly shelled out donations for PTSI’s fight against the deadly disease.

Upload Youtube Video to iPhone

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Here's how to upload video from YouTube to your iPhone.

1. First, copy the URL of the video you wish to save. Go to http://www.savevid.com/ and paste the URL.
2. Click Download button.

Savevid is a free online tool which gives user the ability to download videos from streaming Video sites like Youtube, etc.

3. There are 6 formats that are available for download. Select a format/ or file that suits for your need. 

4. For iPhone, click the small arrow right beside the MP4 format. A dialog box will appear asking you to save/ or open the file.

5. Save File. You can now watch the video on your computer without being connected to the Internet.

How to Apply for Pag-ibig Salary Loan

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Some companies facilitate Pag-ibig loans for their employees while others don't. So to apply personally for Pag-IBIG Salary Loan, here's the 3 easy steps:

1. Ready all the needed requirements before going to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch.
Xerox copies of 2 Valid ID's, Latest 1-month payslip, and duly accomplished Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan Application Form are the requirements.

2. Secure Employer's information needed to complete the form. 
Make sure to duly complete the form especially the Employer section -- Signature of Office Head/ or Authorized Representative, Employer, SSS/GSIS No., Agency Code, and Branch Code to avoid returning back.

3. Bring all the requirements together with your original valid IDs to the nearest Pag-IBIG Branch.
If you will apply at their Ortigas Branch in Pasig (just across SSS), application is at the 4th floor of Westar Bldg. Get a number from the guard and wait for your number to flash on the screen.

When called, present your requirements. It will be check by the personnel in-charge. This is to make sure you are qualified for a loan. If there is no problem with your records, a date will given to you for the claiming of your check. (More or less 2 weeks after your application).

FAQ & Tips:

1. Are they still open after 5PM? Yes. Pag-ibig Branch in Pasig is still open after 5PM. I arrived there around 5:20PM yesterday (Sept 20, 2012) and they do still accept loan applicants.
2.  Where do they base the loan amount? As far as I know, the amount you can borrow is based on the total number of your contribution. 

So for instance, the borrower has a 30-months contribution, this will be multiplied by 200, then 60% of it would be the loanable amount.

Total no. of Contribution:                          30   (Months)

Borrower's Monthly Contribution:       x 200 (Employee + Employer Contribution)

                                                           --------------

                                                           = 6,000 x 0.60 = P3,600 (est. loanable amount)

- 24 to 59 months contribution = 60% of the total amount

- 60 to 119 months contribution = 70% of the total amount

- at least 120 months contribution = 80% of the total amount (this is the maximum)

Please also note that if you happen to work in different cities or provinces most probably your monthly contribution record on their system would be insufficient. This is because Pag-IBIG System is not centralized yet. If that's the case, you need to request to consolidate your contribution so that you will not be lacking in your monthly contribution.

Disclaimer: The steps you’ll read above is a documentation on my experience how I applied for my Pag-ibig Salary Loan. While I appreciate your comments, I can not do anything for any of your complaints nor could I answer any of your questions with regards to your personal Pag-ibig accounts. Thank you.

The odd-eyed Cat

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It was 6am in the morning and I just woke up by our newly adopted cat, Blanca -- the odd-eyed. She was sitting in front of my face, meowing so sweetly as if begging me to open the door.
Awwww.. it melt my heart! It was my first time petting a cat and it feels good. :)

She has become fond of my family in her first 2 days at home. She is so sweet, gentle and loves to snuggle! Sadly, the original owner thought of that this little kitty is deaf. According to him, Bianca is not responding to her name, and not responding to commands, and when they call it for food, they'll have to put first the plate near her so she can see it, which we had noticed too.

Despite I had a hint that she might really be, still, I am not convinced until I did a couple of research. And it's true, as per Google, some white cats suffer from congenital deafness caused by a degeneration of the inner ear. This condition is associated with blue irises - blue-eyed white cat has a high probability of deafness. It has been found that deafness is more likely to affect the ear on the blue-eyed side.

This are all new to me, I gotta adjust my communication with Blanca, indeed, she needs special care. Anyone here who have a deaf cat, how do you communicate with them? Care to share? thanks!

Faith Goals: Yes! He is indeed Faithful

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Hooray! It’s September! Gosh! Time flies so fast as they always say. The next thing you know, its already Christmas!

I suddenly thought of my faith goals. I checked my notes, from which I listed some of the things that I am believing for this year--I took time to ponder on it and it's just soO amazing to see how God can answer prayers. He is real, alive and He is indeed at work in our lives!

For me, listing my faith goal and seeing them answered by GOD increases my faith in HIM, it is also a good way to keep myself on track and motivated.  Last year, before my week of "one meal a day" Prayer and Fasting I started to list down the things that I am believing for 2012. I break down my faith goals into four areas.

1. Personal Faith Goals. It includes Spiritual Revival, Physical Healing, Rich Generosity, Prosperity and Abundance.
2. My Family. If you've been praying for Restoration of Relationships and Household Salvation in the Family.
3. Career. Excellence, Promotion.
4. Ministry. It is for Small Group Growth, Prayer for Colleagues, classmates, bosses, employees.

And here's a part of my notes. (my 'lil nephew thought of it as a scratch one time–so pls. bear with it^^)

For 2012, My Faith Goal is to Focus on what's Important, Year of 'No'.

PERSONAL FAITH GOALS

回 To be more Faithful on the 10% tights. It's really really challenging, especially my budget was really tight. It is not easy, believe me and this is something I'm still working on. Yet, God has been faithful to me.  He pour out His blessings abundantly - early this year when I was able to close a deal, real estate thingy which I got ten thousand bucks. I have a small sideline business that earns about 400-500 a week, I'll do blogging on the other sides and had the privilege of being invited to some events and get paid, I had an increase on salary! Not so big, but, something to be thankful for :) With God's financial provisions, it becomes possible for me to go to places I want. Four months ago when we had our first outreach program held in Ulingan. It was actually an answered prayer, much of the funding comes from our own pockets.  It's just overwhelming to see how God has blesses us so we can also be a blessings to others. :)

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.             Malachi 3:10

☑ Every Business (Buy & Sell) Shall prosper in Jesus mighty name amen! - My sideline business is going well, as I have mentioned, I was able to closed a deal too! :) and there's more for this month! Though, I already claimed it, still hoping that everything will really fall into place. :) (Update: Guess what?! We're able to closed the deal! woo-hoo!)

回 Praying for a  House and Lot for my parents. (Is anything too hard from the Lord? Just have Faith)
回 Lord I want to save additional 10k by the end of this year. This is aside from 150 pesos that I keep every week. Well, 4 months to go. geez.
回 Learn another Language. Mandarin (Target: March-June). Fail. But still have months to go.
☑ More Posts, more traffic for my sites. 4 posts/ Month. I'm happy cause there are actually some who reads my blog pala. hehe.  I have received several invites to some events, I get paid, I get freebies, it's an awesome experience. Lucky Me?! Ahmm, I guess I just have an awesome God who supplies me the wisdom and strength that I need. Believe me, when I was starting out, I can't even finish a post! ^^ But He is God who provides (Matthew 7:11) - He knows where I am lacking and He supplies me with that. :)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 

I'm still a newbie to the blogsphere though. :p

☑ Been praying for a new CP and a running shoes and it was answered! Yey! Got an iPhone 3Gs and a merrell running shoes which I got for 70% off! Oops, I've got also a free phone from my provider,  Alcatel One Touch which I sold. ^^  Remember, when He says He will provide, He will provide.  :)

For my bucket list, here's what I exactly wrote last year.

☑ 2 Mountains, Pico & Pulag =) | Mount Pulag, checked! I haven't go back to Pico yet, BUT I was able to conquer Mt. Manalmon, so checked!
回 Walk accross San Juanico Bridge
☑ 2 islands, Kwebang Lagpas, Potipot or Magalawa, Zambales. Kwebang Lampas is one of the best! (December Updates: Funny how God can be a comedian. I remember writing only 2 islands from my "bucket list". And this year, I was able to see Kwebang Lampas and just 2 weeks ago, we were able to visit hundred islands (*unplanned trip). I only ask for 2, He gave me hundreds of them. ^^ SO generous, isn't it?
☑ 2 Beaches, El Nido & _______________________. Family Outing on one of the beaches in Laiya, Batangas (April). (December Update : Although haven't visit El Nido yet :(, I was able to go beach bumming at one of the beaches in Lingayen, Pangasinan weeks ago. So checked! :D
回 Bike across greenfields of Bataan
回 Lord I want to see shooting star in person
回 Lemme Lord experiene to milk a cow
回 Lord I wish to see fireflies, gleaming on the sky!
☑ Travel Solo. / Eat in a resto alone. Checked! Went to Touch of Glory aka Prayer mountain in Antipolo for an overnight stay.
回 Watch a movie alone.

Some of them has been answered already while some were not answered YET. Still, I am grateful because GOD has blessed me beyond my faith goal list and I'm posting it simply because I want this to be a testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. Indeed, He is a Faithful God and He will be forever faithful. We just have to be still, have faith and know that He is God!

Hebrews 11:17-19 | Malachi 3:6 | Numbers 23:19 | Psalm 105:8 | 1 Corinthians 10:13

Well, I guess this is too long already will share with you guys the other three areas in my next post.

But before I end this post, here's a question I want to leave with you:
- What are you believing God for this year? Was it answered already?