I'm 26 and I just tried ice skating for the very first time ever!

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Yesterday, I went ice skating with my friend. Actually, I'll never thought that we will be out for a skate so when we arrived at SM MOA and laid his plan about the ice skating thing, I was kinda tensed and nervous but then, the feeling of excitement was getting stronger in me. Beside, ice skating was always on my bucket list, it's just that I had no one to skate with and the moment when some of my friends show their interest, guess what?! The ice skating rink that once was in SM Megamall had gone closed!

A mix feeling of nervousness and excitement, I walked carefully towards the skate rink. And my friend steered me carefully through the skate handle. I never thought that it was that slippy! I couldn't even stand without my hands on the wall/ bar. I was so afraid because I really don't know how to do it! Yes, I can ride a mountain bike but ice skating is a whole different thing! If only I knew how to roller blades maybe it would be a lot easier for me, but I never got a chance to try roller blades, not even once.

So for an hour I guess I was just holding the wall all throughout while walking around the edge of the rink.  Hahaha!  I can't also count how many times I hit the floor, but it was ok -- my guide is persistent and so do I in learning. He told me that I should not be afraid to fall, coz it's normal, in fact even people who are really good at skating still fall at times! So it is not embarrassing at all! He was so patient to teach me. He told me that If I feel like I'm going to fall, I should have bend my knees, relax, never panic, for this way, I would regain my balance. Yeah, he guide me all through out, yet, got a pair of bruises on my knees. :D But I accept them ^^ they are a trophy for me.

My friend taught me the basic like the V-shaped standing, He also said that I should have glide my feet, not step. At first I can't let go of the handle bars at all, later, when I gained my balance and get familiar with the ice I started to glide my left foot while I'll set my right foot on whichever direction I want. An hour and so, with those 'lil march, small glide, plus a friend whose guiding me, I found myself in the middle of the rink! Amazing eh! :p

Even though I fell a lot of times, I will never hesitate to get up and try it again cause I know, that this, will get the better of me. :)

Lesson learned:  Do not be afraid to fall! It happens to every one. cheers!

BTW, here are some of my tips:

• When you go ice skating, prepared a jacket and a couple pairs of socks. Preferably, you should not wear shorts or anything that exposes the skin on your legs because if you fall, you may have to literally peel your skin off the ice just like what had happened to me.  (Well, on my case I was surprised! I had no idea that were going to be there after all!)
• Know your shoe size, and make sure your boots are reasonably comfortable and your laces are tied up.
• If you feel that you are falling backwards, bend your knees or try to touch your toes and hold the position for a few seconds until you regain your balance (this really works for me!) 
• When you fall,fall to your side so that you don't get hurt that much.

that's it for me, happy ice-skating folks :D

Inside Dell: Now number one Healthcare Service IT provider

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It's been 6 years since I finished College. Right after graduation, I grabbed the first job opportunity that came my way. Out of so many job interviews and job hunts I had, I landed in a small publishing company with a position of a Layout Artist.  Although I’m happy with my job and my colleagues, I have to leave after a year and found myself trying my luck in a call center industry. The pay was promising in my second job but my health suffered due to late night working. I have to leave it all behind because my body cant cope up with the grave yard shift. God has been kind, He immediately provided my next source of living – a BPO company and a subsidiary of one of the top resellers of electronic products in the US.

I believed I’ve found a job that gives me the best of both worlds – a high-paying salary and a career growth that nurtures my system with new knowledge and experience I never imagine I will ever have. I’ve enjoyed my 3 years of working in a BPO company until a sudden misunderstanding with a former superior have to take it all to end.  Now, I’m at peace with my current job and company.

Speaking of a BPO company again, last Wednesday, May 16, I was invited in a small event in Dell’s head office in Eastwood, Libis. Dell opened its  door for the first time to non-job-seekers and provided us information about them as a company and their business’ program. I knew about the company since college and having friends taking up IT courses then, Dell is a company I would often hear from them that they dream to work for after graduation. It is also one of the most preferred brands for notebook PC, one of the most expensive too. :)

Richard Teo,  President, Dell Philippines

Learning that they also tapped the healthcare business is quite a new information to me. Good thing that Mr. Richard Teo, Dell’s Philippines President, introduced us to their business and even walked us through their office. The company is situated in one of the modern and high-rised buildings inside the Eastwood business Center. Their HQ houses its 1,600 employees equipped with single-use computers, high-speed internet and modern facilities providing customer and technical services to their clients in different part of the globe.

Care Consumer, Serving UK & Irelend

The tour made me missed my old office although their office is a lot bigger and more complete. The operations’ floor is impressive and very professional-looking.  Despite a few people touring the area, the employees are not disturbed because every cube has tall divisions, which also gives me an impression that everyone is minding their own business.  I actually like to achieve the same thing because I feel more productive if I have a little privacy in my work space. The fully-air conditioned and carpeted space speaks of complete comfort for employees currently on the floor.

The major turn-on for me about this company, is the employment opportunity they give to physically-challenged individuals because I personally saw one.  The employee greeted us  with a big smile in his face and even shared to us his awesome experience at Dell.

I also met a married couple who also shared their gratefulness to their employer that gave them opportunity to learn new things and grow together. That was sweet indeed. :)

After a few more chit chat with some of their employees, Mr. Teo ushered us to areas outside the business premises.  We went to their pantry area, I guess three times the size in my previous company. The pantry area is well-ventilated and there are quite a few canteen concessionaires.

Dell's Pantry

Not far from the pantry is a space like an internet-café where employees taking their breaks can have the chance to check on their personal emails, social media sites, online games or plainly just do internet browsing.

Café (Sorry for the shaky shot)

The company also cares for their employees’ health and wellness thus providing a gym with complete exercise and fitness equipment. These add-ons are not very much accommodated in other BPOs, I’m glad that they had these considerations for their employees.

We do take care of our employees and treat them as family. ~ Richard Teo, President Dell Philippines

Gym

 With the rise of demand for BPO workers, the challenge for BPO companies remain to be a competitive pursuit from factors of which provides the higher salary and which has wider scope of benefits for employees and more unique offers.  As an employee, it is important that we know our worth and that the company must recognize our worth too. It is only then we can feel fulfillment in our career.   :)

To know more about Dell - their people, products and services watch this video:

Rizal High School: Struck with a feeling of nostalgia

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The highlight of my weekend was attending the "Selecta Cornetto Tugs Tugs Grand Eyeball V: The White Party" at the Mega trade Hall 1 of SM Megamall as one of the blogger chosen to cover the event and on Sunday morning, bicycling from our house to Rizal High School Oval to go for a jog.  It has been ages since the last time I visited my Alma Mater. It was fantastic: I rode from our place along litter-free streets with few people on vehicles and up to my former school which is a few kilometers away from our home. It was quite a liberating experience I had for months!

Rizal High School (Main), Caniogan, Pasig City

I hold up for a second and stop my bike apart from the big gate of Rizal High School--it was nostalgic arriving there. I had some flashback of old memories - pagtambay sa bench mode, seeing the old flag pole, I remembered the moment I once recited the National Anthem in front of thousands students of RHS as a sanction for being a hardheaded student. Yes, I was! ^^ At syempre, naalala ko yung ultimate crush ko! lolz. Yung feeling na  dika-magkamayaw pag malapit sya sayo. Yung feeling na natulala ka pag nakikita mo sya naglalakad lang, at yung feeling na malaman mo yung bestfriend  mo yung crush nya at hindi ikaw. hahhaha. Those were the days!

RHS Oval Field

Oval Track

Yeah, almost forgot that I was here for a jog. :p I did 6 laps on the oval - combination of run and walk. After that, I'll took the time to take some photos around my former school - some part that, for once, been memorable to me. :)

Naalala nyo pa ba to?

Tips:
1. Rizal High School oval is open every morning for those who wants to go for a run/jog. It's free!
2. Is it safe to leave bikes/ motorcycles around there? I guess so. But then its better to secure your bike with a lock. *wink

PS: To my Alma Mater, I just want you to know that I am proud to be an alumnus of yours :)

bittersweet,
Jek 
Batch S.Y. 1998-2002

Selecta Cornettoholic Grand Eyeball V: The White Party

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Selecta Cornetto has partnered with ETC and Jack TV to stage one of the biggest teen parties yet! "Selecta Cornetto Tugs Tugs Grand Eyeball V: The White Party", is the hip event that bring together Online Cornetto fans in their best white outfits to celebrate the New Selecta Cornetto White Chocolate! Mega Trade Hall 1 of SM Megamall transforms into the ultimate hotspot for every teen as it gets livened up with backlights, hip hop beats by the famed DJ Nina and the first of its kind neon freedom wall.

Kicking off the party is a dance number by Cornetto boy himself – Sef Cadayona, with the UP Streetdance Club. Then, an exclusive collaboration of MYX's chart-trooper Somedaydream and Picoy Cruz of Beatbox Philippines takes the audience to a one of a kind music experience. Finally, a stunning world-class performance by the 2008 World Hip Hop Dance champion, The Philippine All Stars, caps off this grand event. Cornetto boy - Sef Cadayona, and Radio DJ Personality - Cleo Caliente of 99.5RT FM host this grand event.

The Grand Eyeball is part of the Selecta Cornetto tradition as a semi-annual even to gather the online fans of Cornetto to celebrate being a teen and a Cornettoholic. Grand Eyeball started out as a small affair for less than a hundred teens since its initial launch two years ago. Now grander than ever, Selecta Cornetto GEB V is dubbed as the ultimate teen party! Aside from the sequence of dynamic performances, there is also a series of fun, exciting activities with prizes to win. Of course it would not be the ultimate Selecta Cornetto party without the unlimited Selecta Cornetto for everyone.

The new Selecta Cornetto White Chocolate completes the five indulgent flavors of the ice cream cone that everybody loves. It is made with real cocoa butter, a special ingredient extracted from cacao beans. This key ingredient ensures the natural velvety texture and the unique pleasant fragrance of the ice cream. A creamy milk sauce coats this heavenly treat and is crowned with a white chocolate topping. Completing the ice cream experience is its milky white tip. "Sarap ng 20!"

Selecta Cornetto is also available in Chocolate, Choco Hazelnut, Choco Java and Vanilla. 

Have you missed the hilarious Pick-Up Battle? Watch here. :D Dame ko tawa sa third contestant! 

 


View more pictures of the event

How iButterfly Apps Works?

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I've always had a fascination with butterflies. I remember, when I was a child, butterflies used to fly so slowly outside of our house, been wanting to catch them with my bare hands but I'm afraid to do so as the old saying goes that "when you touch a butterfly and accidentally touch your eyes you'll get blind". Lolz. Apparently the excitement from seeing so many butterflies never left me over the years. So when SM Cyberzone invited bloggers for the launching of iButterfly I immediately registered and luckily got an exclusive invite from them which was held at SM North EDSA last Saturday, May 5. 

Later, I found out that iButterfly is an application for iOS and Android OS enabled phones, you can catch the iButterfly using your smartphone via Augmented Reality. Amazing, eh? When I received the email I right away install the iButterfly Apps from my iPhone 3Gs via iTunes Store in the hope of winning freebies & prizes which is tagged along with the butterflies during the launch.

How it Works? 

iButterfly was previously created by Japan's Mobile Art Lab and has been successfully launched in Hongkong, Indonesia and Singapore. The iButterfly uses GPS for the location and number of their virtual butterflies, it also uses motion sensors for the smartphone users to catch the iButterfly and store it inside their phones, and it is an augmented reality were iButterflies exist only in the augmented reality world and can be viewed using your smartphones. 

When "Catch!" is displayed, shake lightly to catch the butterfly!

Basically, these iButterflies serve as coupons & discounts.  If you have Internet access via your smartphone you can catch them at the following SM Supermalls.

• SM North Edsa
• SM Megamall
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Cebu
• SM Davao
• SM Southmall
• SM Fairview
• SM Baguio. 

Once you catch a butterfly it'll be saved on your "collection". You can redeem your prize by presenting iButterflies at the following participating stores.

• SM Dept Store
• Forever21
• Mcdonalds
• Jollibee
• SM Cinema
• Baby Company
• Timex
• Krispy Kreme
• Yellow Cab
• SM Food Court
• Starbucks
• Quantum
• Promod
• Our Home
• Smart 

 Here's some video to show you more how it works:

Visit the mall and try your iButterfly hunt and adventure!

UPDATES: iButterfly website is NOW updated and it listed the freebies and giveaways that are available in selected mall. Check out the list here.

Happy Catching!  :)