Be, Do and Have More

“If you work hard and smart you may finally reach the top - #1! And then what? If you want to stay there, you've got to work even harder and smarter! Give it your all. Give it your best. Give it 120%,” says Ron Kaufman, an internationally acclaimed customer service training educator and motivator, author of bestselling series ‘UP Your Service!’ and founder of Up Your Service! College.

Ron coaches business-oriented individuals as he relates his experience at the Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew Training Centre…

A visitor asked Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President Sim Kay Wee, “How does Singapore Airlines stay on top all these years? And how do you plan to keep the lead while other airlines work so hard to beat you?”

Sim Kay Wee answered clearly, “100% is not enough. When you reach #1, you need 120%. Here's why… if you fly on a mediocre airline, your service expectation may be only 50%. If the cabin crew is in a better mood, they may actually deliver 65%. Then what is your opinion of the service? It's up 15%!”

“Now if you know Singapore Airlines is #1, what is your expectation of the service? 110%! And if our cabin crew delivers service only at the 100% level, what is your opinion of the service? It's down 10%! This is the challenge of being #1. If you are in the lead and want to stay there, 100% is not enough. You need every member of the team to give 120%!”

The lesson of the story is simple. Do not be afraid to aim further and exceed the projected mark. Never underestimate your strengths and capabilities. You can always be, do and have more!

To receive more motivational stories and valuable lessons, attend Ariva!’s seminar-workshops from September to December 2009. VIEW AD

Drezzee-ing Up

Fashion Tips from a Certified Fashionista

Girls will be girls! We all want to look and feel good of course not just for our husbands, boyfriends or crushes, but more importantly for our very selves. Shopping mall, salon and spa are the three favorite places that an average girl would love to regularly visit. It is always a fun experience to have a new haircut or get our nails done or receive a full body massage. And as for me, no matter how much I want to stay as simple as possible, I can’t help but admit that I love dressing myself up even once in a while.

Following the latest beauty trends is not a laid-back hobby. Trendsetters say if you want to be on your toes with fashion, you must have the right amount of time and resources. But putting on a dressy outfit does not necessarily have to be unimaginably high-priced. Go for sophisticated brands like Drezzee, which has a line of fabulously detailed and close-fitting gowns and cocktail dresses. And to achieve that perfect sexy look, listen to Drezzee owner and fashion stylist, Cherrie G. Cariaga, as she shares some tricks and tips on how to fit perfectly in a gown.

• Flat chest. Go for gushy textures and request built-in pads for your gowns to add volume to the bust line. Do not be afraid to wear gowns with plunging necklines; they actually look classy and attractive (but not suggestive) to women with flat chest.


• Full-size chest. Dress in off-shoulder gowns which would perfectly complement your asset.


• Big bones. Put on gowns with built-in corsets and girdles to tighten your waist and highlight your curves.


• Weighty arms. Wear gowns with nice sleeves for cover up.


• Short legs. Choose dresses that are few inches above the knees to maintain an attractive figure.


• Round built. Slip into dark-colored gowns that would make you look slim.

According to Cherrie, tube remains to be the most in demand cut when it comes to gowns. Girls want to flaunt their assets, and close-fitted tube gowns highlight the silhouette of the body. Soft textured and lingerie-type garments are also in, while the fashion style of the 80s which is more on volume and details is back on stage. Fashion themes excitingly change annually, but for now check out what you must have in your closet:

• Pencil cut skirts
• Asymmetrical tops
• Jumpsuits
• 80’s belts
• Maxi dresses
• Baby doll dresses
• Empire cut dresses

A made-to-order gown will cost P3,500 to 25,000.To order gowns from Drezzee by Cherrie G. Cariaga, view ad. (Myka Santiago)

How to Become a Successful Songwriter

Music is one of the oldest art forms that have been existent since the pre-colonial times. Instrumental was the type of music initially produced until people realized that lyrics add emotion and set up the mood of the song.

Lyrics or the words that accompany a certain tune vary on themes. A song may become a love story, a nationalistic aspiration, a social issue or a religious praise depending on the style it was written. Now, the skilled art of songwriting does not only serve as a hobby but also considered as a fine line of work if thoroughly mastered.

So for those who plan to build a career in songwriting, take a cue from the expert before grabbing a pen and paper. Trina Belamide, a professional and award-winning songwriter provides some tips.

• Recognize your talent and showcase it. If you have it, put your heart and soul into it—as the classic tip applies to all disciplines.


• Learn the basics of music. Get a good grasp of different melodies, chord progressions, and other music appreciation techniques.


• Understand the difference between lyrics and poetry. Both song lyrics and poems are made up of words and rhymes, but each has its own mode of expression. A song lyric is to be complemented by a tune and sung by a human voice so it has to work well with musical elements, while a poem is to be read from a page of a book and does not need an accompaniment.


• Have a good command of the language. To be a good writer, you must have a sufficient background in language and literature. Express your thoughts in a cohesive but artistic manner, and keep a wide range of words to rhyme and stitch up.


• Strive for excellence. Admit your flaws and accept constructive criticism to be able to grow as an artist.


• Be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes hard work and perseverance are not enough. Trina says, “I’ve met many aspiring songwriters who I believe have worked much harder than I have, but have not been as lucky with breaks”. Go out, meet people and create network.


• Maintain a healthy balance in your business. According to Trina, a lot of artists are afraid to ask for what is due them and to put a price on their craft since it is something they enjoy doing anyway. The consequence is they end up poor or being taken advantage of. On the other hand, there are artists who think their works are priceless and show off a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. They are not willing to share their talent which is very unprofessional. Be something in the middle in order to be successful. “A healthy balance is the key to success in having songwriting as a business.” (Myka Santiago)

Connect with other Filipino songwriters. VIEW AD.

How to Take Care of Your Own Space

Basic Household Cleaning Tips from the Expert

After a stressful day in the school or office, there’s nothing more relaxing than going home to a well-cleaned and sweet-scented house. In the comfort of your zone, you will find the love and warmth that you need to be able to get by for the next day. But maintaining a house, be it a bungalow or a mansion, is never an easy task. And even if you have helpers at home, it is better that you personally know how to take care of your own space.

LCS Trading & Janitorial Services has been in the general housecleaning business since 2004. Originally based in Cabuyao, Laguna, LCS opened an office in Manila in 2007 in order to serve more customers. LCS’ Administrative Officer Lourdes “Lulu” Sanchez shares, “After we have engaged into online advertising, we are getting 5-10 clients in a week.” Their usual customers are not only residential houses, but also big companies, hotels, restaurants and other business establishments. With LCS’ wide range of clients, Lulu says, “Price is not a big deal here. We offer free estimation to clients, and we can adjust the price based on their budget but it wouldn’t affect the quality of the service. The price will also depend on the size of the area.”

You may at anytime avail of the expert’s service such as of LCS’. However, it’s best to know the basics yourself. So, put on your work clothes and get ready to exercise your bones as Lulu shares tips on household cleaning.

Sofa Cleaning

• For wooden and leather sofas, put a mild liquid soap on a damp cloth. Wipe it on the sofa. Use a different clean cloth for drying. A wooden sofa requires daily wiping, while weekly clean-up is enough for a leather one.
• For fabric sofas, wiping is insufficient. Seek a professional shampooing service once every three months. Shampooing will not affect the texture of the sofa, but the color will slightly fade if chemicals are used to remove stains. Advise the professional cleaner to use a mild shampoo to avoid discoloration.

Carpet Cleaning

• Vacuum the carpet at least once a week, then, let a professional cleaner apply carpet shampooing at least once every three months. Shampooing will not affect the entire color of the sofa. Only the stained part will slightly fade once it is rubbed by stain removal agent.
• If you have pets at home, train them to stay away from the carpet. Vacuum the carpet everyday, and leave baking soda overnight. (Baking soda is known to contain a property that absorbs musty odors.)

Floor Dusting and Waxing

• For wooden floors, rub on a non-buffable wax to avoid making it too slippery. (Non-buffable wax does not need polishing.)
• For tiled floors, simply apply wet and dry mopping.
• For marble floors, have them crystallized (marble crystallization) by a professional cleaner to protect the surface and keep them shiny.
• For vinyl floors in hallways, use a buffable wax or wax that requires polishing. Put a sealer wax on small vinyl floored areas to protect them from scratches.
• For all types of floors, dust and sweep everyday. Use wax only when needed.
• If you have kids or elders at home, do not apply wax to areas that do not need polishing to refrain from causing accidents.

Furniture Dusting

• Wipe medium to large furniture with a damp cloth. Use a mild liquid detergent to remove dirt. Dry it with a clean cloth.
• Use old socks as mitts for dusting difficult woodworks.
• Wash small knick-knacks instead of just dusting them with a brush or cloth.

General Housecleaning

• Set all your cleaning tools in one place to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.
• Start cleaning from the ceiling down to the walls, furniture and flooring.
• Clean as you go. It takes less time to remove new dirt than the old ones.
• Carry out a general cleaning once a month. You may also prefer doing it portion by portion.
• When hiring professional cleaners, give them ample time to set the entire house for the cleaning job. MYKA SANTIAGO

Contact LCS Trading and Janitorial Services. View Ad.

Budgeting your way into financial success

“How do you spend your hard-earned cash?” is a question that should be taken seriously. Most of us can be careless when it comes to spending money. We use it up without thinking only to realize we don’t have enough to bring us to the next payday. There are moments that we try to be thrifty only to lose our control when sale season comes. And the solution that we think of – swiping that credit card!

How many times have we heard of the statement, “Live within your means.”? It’s not that people do not want to follow this golden rule; sometimes, they simply don’t know how. Sheila Ching, a registered financial planner and senior financial consultant for AXA Philippines stresses the importance of keeping your expenses in sync with your earnings, so you won’t find yourself always waiting for the next payday.

Create a budget. A budget plan will be your starting point to manage your income. To make a budget, Sheila advises to list down all expected and probable expenses for the month and categorize them based on your expense type such as household utilities, mortgage fees, entertainment, etc. Allocate your money to each item in the category then subtract your total expenses from your total income. An excel spreadsheet can make doing this easy.

Identify your spending habit. Take time to track where your money is going. Record your daily expenses. Do you really need to spend on Starbucks coffee every day? Do you really have to ride a cab? Think about it. You might realize you’re spending too much on things that don’t really matter.

Plan your purchases. Plan your purchases so you can better manage your cash outflow. Sheila’s suggestion is to know the estimate amount of the thing you wish to buy and plan when you intend to buy it. If for instance you intend to buy something that costs around 20,000 pesos, four months from now, it means you have to raise 5,000 pesos a month. If you think you can’t, you may consider delaying the gratification. Wants can wait, and it is better to wait than get it instantly by swiping your credit card only to realize in the end that you can’t afford to pay the price.

Use your credit card wisely. Sheila recommends using credit card only for emergency purpose or when you are certain that you have the money when the bill arrives. This is to avoid paying the interest which goes as much as 3.5% a month. Take note that the interest accumulates over time when you fail to pay in full.

Save for the rainy day. When payday comes, before you start making any purchase, take away a portion of your salary – at least 10% - and save it as your emergency fund. This is to be used when something unexpected arises such as when you lose a job or get hospitalized. If you’re having a hard time, start with 5% and increase it when you get a salary raise. Build an emergency fun that is equivalent to at least 3 times of your monthly salary. When you have saved enough, Sheila suggests putting a portion of your emergency fund in an ATM account, a portion in checking account and a portion in time deposit. WILLETH LAUS

For financial consultations, contact Sheila Ching here.

Winning the Perfect Shot

Basic Travel Photography Tips

Summer heat is now kissing our skin. I’m sure it is not only me who can’t wait to worship the sun, the sand and the sea. Summer vacation spells swimming, sunbathing, camping, mountain climbing, nature-tripping and a hundred more adventures. But one action that summarizes them all is one of my favorite hobbies in the world—traveling!

Discovering new and far-off places is one of the things I best look forward to every summer. My points of interest range from God-made to man-made—ancient trees, bodies of water, sea shores, rice fields, farm animals, nipa huts, hilltops and caves. My eyes could capture them well, but stories are always better with visuals attached. And so, with my traveling comes photography, which allows me to share my divine experience with nature to the rest of the world.

Not everyone has a knack in photography, but it is a skill that can be learned through considerable amount of practice. It doesn’t matter if what you have in your bag is a pricey SLR or a basic digicam. Just hold it high, keep your focus and aim all you want. Now, let me share some tips on vacation photography that my artsy friends and I keep in our pockets every time we go out of town.

• Do not over pack. It’s best to just bring the equipment—camera, tripod, batteries and memory cards—you need for easy traveling. A huge pack will be harder to carry as you tour from one place to another. Plan ahead what you need for where you are going.
• Get out of the hotel. Take pictures of the beach, the sunset, and other flattering sceneries. And don’t miss out on local cuisine and great architecture. Capture the culture of the place you are in, and take as many pictures as you can.
• Experimenting is your key to productive vacation photography, so try different angles and techniques in shooting.
• Get in the spotlight and prove that you’re there. You might get carried away shooting those scenic beauties and forget to include the human element.
• Make your photos tell a story. Try to get some action shots and not just you and your family or friends always standing in front of a scenery or landmark.
• If you are with your family, consider taking kids’ photos first. They may not be that fresh and game after hours of walking. Capture their excitement with that amazing scenery or landmark at the background.

Hope these tips help you in your vacation photo shoot. Don’t be afraid to take that shot. Grab your gadget, focus and snap the button! MYKA SANTIAGO

Be a professional photographer? Take photography lessons! View Ad.

Summer Loving with Dogs

As the weather changes from somewhat chilly to humid, sun-worshippers prepare their travel odds and ends for the ultimate summer getaway. Humans can bathe under the heat of the sun for long hours protected by sun block lotion with high SPF, but what about our best friends – the dogs which are our favorite companions for almost all occasions.

Dog-owners love to drag their cuddly-wuddly pets anywhere, anytime like during a morning jog in the park, an afternoon stroll in the mall, or an evening dinner at a nearby pizzeria. And during this season, those who have considered their pet dogs as part of the family will not forget to bring them along to lovely summer destinations like vacation houses in the province, beach resorts, and even on out-of-country trips.

But do you know that traveling and other outdoor activities are not actually recommended for dogs during hot days? It does not take a genius to know that a dog’s body is heavily covered by furs and that they do not have sweat glands. They release the heat from their bodies through deep breathings. And so, you may observe how warm they feel inside by the way their tongues droop from their mouths.

Lovepets.com President Joey Tiosayco says, “It is not just about the sun being out and hot. A bad humid climate condition could be worse to our dogs. When we feel hot and sweat up, our dogs feel much worse than that. How many times worse? It depends whether your dog is acclimatized or not, more coaty or not, hyper or not—just like humans who move a lot, they sweat up more than the inactive ones.”

However, dog-lovers need not worry! Your bonding moments with your charming pets are not really over this summer season. Hear out some tips from Lovepets.com on how you can spend happy times with your dogs outside the coziness of your house.

Minimize your dog’s sun exposure between 10am to 3pm. The Animal Welfare Law Republic Act 8485 of 1998 says it is not advisable to expose your dog under the direct heat of the sun from around 10am to 3pm (when it is hottest).

Have a bowl of water ready all the time. When you bring your dog out, chances are your dog would play and run around with you or with other dogs in the area. So, always bring water and a bowl then, have it ready in a spot as you and your dog settled in a particular place. Dogs will find their way there every time they feel the need to drink. It is actually better that way than you initiating them when to drink or not.

Let them have their water ice-cold. Bring along a small cooler with lots of ice and store the bottled water inside. If you want to travel light, put the bottled water in the freezer the night before your trip until it gets icy. Wrap the icy bottle with towel and pack it safely in your traveling bag. The ice will slowly melt along the way and you will have a real cold drink for your dog.

Give your dog an extra support. Water is enough but it pays to give your dog a rehydration support like the one from Royal Canin. It is a powder that has to be mixed with water for instant rehydration and energy booster.

Keep them refreshed with instant cool wipes. Dampen a small face towel with clean water. Place the damp towel in a plastic bag, then keep it in the freezer overnight. Pack it safely in your traveling bag. The cold towel will come handy in helping your dog beat the summer heat. Do not wait for your dog to react negatively with the hot temperature. Just wipe the towel on the areas where there is less coat (fur)—face, belly, hip and armpit—from time to time.

Don’t make your dog a fashion victim. Don’t force your dog to wear clothes especially when going outdoors and in places that are not properly ventilated. Imagine how hot a dog feels with that built-in fur which is impossible for them to take off for a while, unlike the piece of jacket that we, humans, wear which we can easily remove from our body anytime we like.

Check on their needs every now and then. Yes, you can bring your dog to the beach. Just be more cautious with dogs that are into it as a first time experience. Sporting breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers may love and enjoy the water more than any other breeds. Let your dog feel the summer fun, and don’t forget to check on all their needs from time to time.
Seek help from a veterinarian when the need arises. It is hard to tell if a dog is about to suffer from a heatstroke. The signs would only show when the condition gets irreversible, and that stage could be very fatal. When your dog collapses, rush it to a vet and apply cold body rub right away on the face, belly and other areas that have less coat (fur). MYKA SANTIAGO

Lovepets.com is a pet welfare group that promotes responsible pet ownership. Join their cause. View ad.

Baking with Love

There is no gift better than the thing you personally craft for your special someone. Cards, scrapbooks, portraits, bracelets and shirts are just some of the most popular items that can be personalized. The word “personalization” can actually be defined as the practice of exerting an effort to churn out a present for someone whom you want to feel extra special and unique. This simple act makes gift-giving sweeter and more appealing to both the giver and the receiver.

Try forgetting the boring memorabilia for a while, and consider offering your darling with yummy treats that you especially baked just for him or her. Remember that sweets, aside from flowers, never fail to serve as a charmer.

Bake with your love one in mind and take some cues from Executive Chef Rudolf Ranada of MOST Institute Culinary School. Here are some tips on baking brownies, that will sure bring you closer to your girl’s heart

1. Be very patient. (especially when you are not that much into pastry)


2. Follow the recipe. You will produce lesser quality if you don’t do so. If the recipe says one cup of sugar, you have to put one cup of sugar. Making “tantsa” simply wouldn’t work because there is no discipline in it. When you become a professional chef, that’s the time you make your own recipe.


3. Taste it. Good chefs are known to be good eaters. If you are too conscious with your abs, the kitchen is not the place for you. You have to taste whatever it is that you’re cooking or baking.
   
4. Underbake it. Brownies are the easiest to bake because they are basically melted chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, nuts and flour. To prevent brownies from becoming too dry, underbake it. If the recipe calls for 30 minutes in 3500F, take it out from the oven after 25 minutes or five minutes earlier. This will make brownies gooey in the inside. When you cut the brownies, you will have a fudge layer in the middle portion. You may also start baking the classic recipes of apple pies and chocolate cakes.


5. Research and experiment. Instead of using almonds, try hazel or macadamia nuts if your budget is not tight. Add a little twist to your brownies. Cut a small piece, put it in a plate and microwave. Get a scoop of ice cream and add it on top. Now, share a plate of this divine dessert with your dearest! Myka Santiago

Want to learn more about baking and pastries? Enroll in a culinary course at Most Institute. Click here for contact details.

How Not to Crash as a Comic Artist

Comics has succeeded in creating its own tradition in the Philippine Literature, owing history to Filipino artist-writers who contributed art and stories to Hapi, Holiday, Hiwaga, Aliwan, Tagalog Klasiks, Espesyal Komiks and other popular comic magazines of long-ago. And then, there were the likes of Alfredo P. Alacala, Nestor Redondo and Francisco V. Conching who became well recognized in the field. Now, young readers still choose to patronize the great works of Larry Alcala and Pol Medina Jr., as new names aspire to be included in the list of Filipino comic artists.

In contemporary days, a college barkada headed by Jescie James “Da Bhoss” Palabay started a Filipino Comic Magazine publication. “Ilabas ang utak ng Pinoy” was their art’s primary thesis, and “Culture Shock” was the first title they came up with. After a short while, they changed it to “Culture Crash” which basically concerned the rowdy crash of cultures taking place in the Filipino system. Culture Crash Comics was launched in the year 2000, with the appearance of the very first issue on August. Issue No. 14, the last one to be sold in the market, was released in 2004. Culture Crash followers were disheartened when the group stopped their publications. The artists said, comic-making seems easy but it never is. Unsurprisingly, the biggest challenge they encountered was the lack of resources—time and finances.

Despite the breakup, each Culture Crash artist still has his presence felt in the comics industry. And to relate the stories of a few, Mark Navarro is now a creative director of Level Up and a freelance comic books seller, while Jon Zamar is a freelance graphic artist (concept art and digital art) for local and international companies.

And in line with their group and individual success, Jio Beltran, Jon, Mark, Melvin Calingo also known as Taga-Ilog and the rest of the gang willingly shared some tips for aspiring independent comic artists.

• Passion. Every comic artist must love what he or she is doing. Passion will drive you to create more and more comics. It will also help if you find a graphic art-related job to complement your hobby. With this lifestyle, you will get to earn and have fun at the same time.


• Support. Find a financier who believes in you and in what you do. However, Jio related, your product must already be in good quality to start with.


• Publicity. Let the public feel your presence. Release as much comics (books, magazines, etc.) as you can.


• Controversy. Create buzz. Take advantage of the functions of the Internet and popular social networking sites to promote your works.


• Media. Since everything has already started to roll up in the Internet, web comics are now gaining popularity in the online scene. You may choose to upload your comics in the cyberspace and make it accessible to the public as what Jio plans to do. Or just put supplements in the net and publish the real thing as Indie like what the Taga-Ilog prefers.


• Time Management. It is difficult to find time and funds, especially if you are already raising your own family. In this case, it is always better to take comics as a sideline. But if you have a financier who can really carry you on, do it full-time.


• Decision Making. If your comics are now in hype, think hard before accepting any television offer. Be sure you have already completed a series before doing so and that the television company that will buy your publication is a trusted one. As Mark stated, “TV is a very different animal (compared to comics)”.

The popular artists behind Culture Crash Magazine continue to amaze their fans with their achievements in the arts. Perhaps, the legendary comic magazine has not suffered an upsetting crash at all. Kubori Kikiam is still in business and if only each of them would have enough reserves, more Indie komiks will be released under these well-liked names. Myka Santiago

Meet some of aspiring comic artists here.

Making It Right in the Online Business

Shopping is, without doubt, one of the favorite pastimes of many people. No wonder, bazaars which you can find not only during Christmas but all year round, are frequented by shoppers who like me are always on the look-out for good deals. Going over all the stands in line always allows me to find cheap alternatives for the bits and pieces in department stores and signature boutiques. However, for those who do not have the luxury of time and energy, there is of course a way to leave some of the shopping hassles behind. Shopping online will definitely help you save some resources if you only know the right merchandising business to contact, as well as the safe way of doing it.

DIVICOM Marketing is a reliable online business where you can easily purchase bulk giveaways such as bags, clothes, accessories, shoes, and office and school supplies. Just state the item you need and the budget you can afford, and DIVICOM will aim to provide it for you.

And when it comes to secure online shopping, DIVICOM owner Roman Ubaldo shares some tips:

• One way to know if an online shopping business can be trusted is if it has a permit to operate. DIVICOM Marketing sends a properly signed scanned copy of the power of attorney form to his client. Then, the client signs it as well and scans it after. Roman ensures that both parties involved have a copy of the updated form. In such case, if ever he would fail to meet the terms of the contract, the client can simply file a lawsuit against him.


• Roman accepts payments in the form of G-cash and through banks. These are the more traditional methods of payment, along with PayPal. Be doubtful of sellers proposing a complicated payment scheme.
  
• If there is a delay in the delivery of the products ordered, it might be the fault of the courier. Maximize your patience and communications skills. Coordinate properly with the seller before taking any harsh action.


• Avoid lopsided bargaining. Negotiate with the seller moderately to prevent unwarranted arguments. A good buyer-seller relationship will always mean a favorable deal on both factions.

He also provides advice for those selling online:

• Understand the competition by visiting ukay-ukay stalls, Divisoria malls, and other similar stores. Keep yourself updated with the hottest products and general market pricelist. Widen your list of contacts. Develop relationships with more business partners and suppliers. These actions allow Roman to put the prices of the products he sells in the lowest possible quotation.
  
• You can’t stop fragile items from being damaged during deliveries. This, of course, adds to the company expenses. If a client complained for damaged products, ask him or her to return them to you as soon as possible. After checking the breakages, resolve the conflict by negotiating with the client properly.


• Lastly, Roman claims, a real client will provide you ample time to prepare and deliver the ordered products while a potentially bogus one will insist on obtaining them within the day they were ordered. Myka Santiago

So, if you are looking for an online merchandising business worthy of your trust, DIVICOM Marketing is the name to go for. Contact Roman Ubaldo here.

On Pest Alert

Sharing a home with the creepy crawlies is like living on some quasi anti-terrorist battlefield where war tactics include silent attacks and seek and destroy stratagems to ultimately outwit, outplay, and outlast the enemy. It’s all about winning sole survivor.

An effective scheme would be deploying a special unit particularly trained in pest annihilation. That team from TOPBEST Pest Services, Inc. will fill in the shoes of the S.W.A.T. squad and will fight like there’s no tomorrow. Note to enemy: be ready to raise the white flag.

TOPBEST Services, Inc. is a family-managed organization founded in 1997. With a staff of more than 50 trained technicians and personnel, servicing thousands of residential and commercial clients, they’re the fastest growing pest control company in the country. Using biodegradable and environmentally-friendly products and state-of-the-art equipment, the company puts a premium on safeguarding life and providing the best service for their clients. It’s a commitment to their namesake.

Frances Grace M. Lazaro, Senior Marketing Executive, shares some valuable tips we could use to keep our homes pest free.

There are different preventive measures for different kinds of pests. Household pests such as ants, cockroaches, flies, and rodents come inside our properties for food and shelter. Some steps we could take would be the following:

• Eliminate food, moisture and harborage. Rigorous sanitation (cleaning and disinfecting) causes stress on pests, so they will forage more actively and may be controlled more readily by pesticides.


• Garbage cans should have tight-fitting lids. They should be cleaned regularly and placed as far from doors as possible. Clean garbage cans with boiling water to kill maggots. Likewise, garbage should be regularly disposed to avoid further infestations.


• Always keep doors and windows closed. Seal cracks and crevices to eliminate hiding places and reduce passageways. Seal gaps around plumbing, wall outlets, and switch outlets.


• Ensure proper ventilation in humid areas, such as stock rooms and attics because these are ideal breeding places for pesky pests.

Termites, on the other hand, are a much more complex case. They continuously but silently build one colony after the other and can wreck our precious properties. Proper attention should be given to termite prevention and control.

• Keep it dry. Check your gutters to make sure water drains away from your home and doesn’t pool around your foundation. Fix faulty drainage and any plumbing or roof leaks that cause moisture to accumulate.


• Keep all firewood, lumber, or wood products away from your home’s foundation or crawl space.


• Signs of mud tunnels or “bug size” tracks of damp dirt denote that termites are present, as these serve as means of traveling. In the meantime, do not sweep away these mud tunnels because termites will be driven away only temporarily.


• Immediately call a professional pest control such as TOPBEST Pest Services, Inc. to survey your property and give you treatment options and recommendations. Romina Tobias

Live in a pest-free environment. Consult a TOPBEST Pest Services professional today. Click here.

Own a Car through a Loan Program

Is owning a car listed in your 2009 planner? If you believe you are ready to own one but is a little short on budget, financing assistance may be all you need. Add a bit strategy to your action plan in order to achieve the noble objective. It wouldn’t hurt at all to try first-rate loan services for the idea to materialize.

The Auto Loans Department of AMA Bank provides refinancing services to local and overseas employees, business owners and corporations for as low as .50% monthly interest rate. Now, the question mark falls on the why’s, how’s and few what’s of things. Read on as Roel Galang, Marketing Officer of AMA Bank’s Auto Loans Department, provides a comprehensive guide on how to own a car through a loan program:

How much money do I need to start with the loan program?

You will need at least P50,000 from your own pocket as a down payment. You can then loan another P50,000 from AMA Bank to be able to purchase a P100,000-worth 1994 model, secondhand car. Or to avail a brand new vehicle like Toyota Vios or Honda City, you must have at least P150,000 for the down payment and mortgage fee.

Post-dated checks are required for the monthly amortization. To understand the credit ratio, the monthly amortization is 30 percent of the borrower’s monthly net salary. For instance, if you earn P35,000 to P40,000 a month, you can avail the loan services with P10,000 worth of monthly amortization.

The modes of payment vary on the status and model of the car to be refinanced. The down payment for a brand new car is 20 to 30 percent with maximum terms of 48 months and minimum of 3 years; forty percent for secondhand cars with specific bracketing indicators. For instance, a 1994 model will require you 18 months to pay while a 2004 model will allow you 3 years to settle your balance. Insurance is also covered and with four months to pay after signing of loan documents.

How do I get to choose a car?

AMA Bank finances brand new cars mainly from Nissan, Toyota and Honda. You can choose the car to purchase but you may also seek advice from the marketing officers of AMA Bank on which brand has a high market value or consumes less gasoline.

BMW and Mercedes Benz are the most expensive cars that can be possibly loaned from the program. On the other hand, the least expensive car that will be accepted must be worth P100,000, and anything that goes below is considered undervalue. Examples of this car are the ‘94 model Toyota Corolla and ‘95 model Nissan Super Saloon automatic.

How fast is the car loan processing in AMA Bank?

If it is within Metro Manila, you will have to wait four to five days for it to be approved. The whole processing period from the time of application will count 45 banking days excluding Saturdays and Sundays.

Once your loan has been approved, you have to forward the OR/CR or the original certificate of registration and the official receipt of the registration to the Marketing Officer-in-charge. After that, you will sign the loan documents and issue a post-dated check. The Marketing Officer will then process the check. This will signal the availment of the loan. You will start paying the debt after 40 daysupon signing of loan documents.

What if I fail to pay the loan on time?

Problems in terms of collections are quite unavoidable especially when a client suddenly loses a job or business. It is clearly stated in the promissory note that once you fail to pay back the bank, the car will be repossessed. As Roel puts it: “mababaon ‘yung sasakyan”. They wouldn’t be able to claim their registration copies unless they fully settle their loans. Sad to say, AMA Bank doesn’t provide extensions or “tawad” since in a bank’s point of view collections are always expected especially in a lending business. Funds must keep spinning so that new borrowers will always be accommodated. Failure to pay on time will lead to penalties and more cost of money.

AMA Bank has been in the business for 54 years with10 branches nationwide, with the car loan program being added to the list of its banking and finance services in 2001. Myka Santiago

To avail the fastest car loan services, contact AMA Bank here.

How to Dress Fabuloose-ly for Plus-size Women

All women want to look and feel beautiful. That’s why they constantly look for classy and tasteful clothes that fit and compliment their figure regardless of their size. Plus-size women encounter exceptional challenges in finding the perfect outfit, as the traditional market gears its designs more on the slender body type.

Good thing, nowadays, there are a lot of apparel shops whose products are specially designed for full-size women; one of them is Fabuloose Clothing Collections.

Fabuloose owner Maria Elena Pascual Inigo recognizes the need of large women for hip clothing styles and designs. And to help them dress fabulously, she provides the following tips:

• If you have big arms you should avoid puffy sleeves. This will only attract attention to the area where women feel extremely conscious.


• Wear off shoulders, preferably black if you feel that you can flaunt them. The style is very elegant, not formal and fitted but not tight. You will definitely leave a lasting impression.


• Try a wrap dress to hide the hips and notice the curve. Let the clothes flow the way it should without revealing your bulges. This looks classy, sexy and comfortable at the same time.


• Use belts when wearing very loose, long blouses. They will make you look slimmer and hide extra pounds. Do not wear it too tight, it’s not pleasing and definitely not comfortable. Make sure to wear it wisely.


• Wear cotton fabrics if the season is humid. A light fabric cotton allows for better air circulation than most others. One great thing about it is that it also absorbs moisture from the body.

Because of Fabuloose, large women are now able to flaunt their assets and figures. In personal affairs and career issues, the world and its society recognize those who can look secured and feel good about themselves. With outstanding and notable get-up, plus-size women can now carry themselves and face the world with much greater confidence and optimism. Mary Gumellus L. Arabaca

Have a fabulous look for less! Click here.

Surplus Hunting in the Metro under a Budget

With the prices of commodities continuously going up, who said you can't have quality gadgets anymore? I say you still can, as long as you know where to look.

If you don’t mind buying surplus items and doing some sort of treasure hunting like me, HMR Philippines may be the best place for you to go to. Situated in Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong, HMR Philippines is a 5,000-square meter warehouse that offers a wide range of products from computers to furniture & fixtures, audio video products to office equipments, toys and even items for Christmas all at a very low price. You can find branded desktop computers and laptops such as Dell, IBM, Compaq or HP at a fraction of the running cost in the market. Computer monitors go for as low as P1,000 while CPUs are between P3,000 to P7,000.

Don’t get suspicious about the quality of the products. HMR Philippines marketing manager Kares Ng said, all their products particularly the PC and electronic lines, go through a series of tests to ensure that they are in perfect running condition before they are displayed in the showroom. Each product even goes with a warranty. Their commitment to affordability and quality makes them a “well-kept secret,” as proven by their loyal patrons through the years.

Just some tips when you visit HMR Philippines: be patient and have an open mind. Don’t expect too much. Remember, the items for sale are surplus. Some, though are really brand new… it’s just they come with minimal damage like scratches. Their products are one-of-a-kind too, so if you find something you like, don’t wait for another day or week to buy it… the item might be gone by then.

But don’t worry about the warehouse being empty when you drop by for a visit as there’s a steady schedule of deliveries. Now, with all this information in hand, the well-kept secret is out. Happy surplus hunting! Czarina Medina Año

Find affordable surplus items such as computers, peripherals, electronics, office equipments and a lot more at HMR Philippines, Inc. click here for contact information.

A Loving Care at the Tip of Your Finger

Nails are dead cells but similar to your hair, they need pampering; they can also be trimmed and colored in different ways. And they must also be taken cared of just like the rest of your body. Jing Pastrana, Assistant Marketing Manager of California Advanced Nail and Skin Care (CANS) says, “we must protect every part of our body including our nails, so don’t use them as a screwdriver or a can opener”.

Chipped off and dirty nails are plainly unimaginable. They reflect the way you mistreat yourself. You may feel glamorous wearing a classy dress and a posh pair of sandals, but with nails not properly trimmed and cleaned—you will definitely lose your confidence. Remember when meeting people, we shake hands; when saying goodbye, we wave them; and in cluttering our high heels, our feet helplessly attract attention. These are how often we let others see how nice or ugly our nails are. Or do you intend to sport gloves and closed shoes all the time in the heat of this tropic country we live in?

Dealing with your nails is not always costly and time-consuming. With some advice from CANS, here are easy-to-do nail care tips to help you keep up with your fashion in the most fabulous sense:

• Avoid biting your nails. It is not a healthy way of keeping your nails short


• If you find it hard to maintain your nails, just at least cut them regularly; or else seek help from an expert who would professionally get them done for you.


• Ingrown is natural. The growth of your nails is dependent on the shape of the cut. Avoid oval or round cut. The best option is the straight or square cut so that when your nails started to grow they wouldn’t disturb the flesh around them.


• Instead of the pink malodorous liquid, just use a do-it-yourself mixture of shampoo and water which is a proven effective cuticle softener.


• Say “goodbye” to metal pusher and say “hi” to orange wood stick which is much safer to utilize and is highly recommended for those who have sensitive skin around the nails


• In using a pusher, never scrape your nails. Simply push the cuticle aside.


• It doesn’t matter if the nail polish is P20 or P200. Sometimes it is just really the brand that we are paying for. But how do you choose the perfect color for your nails? You don’t actually have to base it on your skin tone. Though if you are the type who wants everything matched up, you may ask a nail technician for suggestions and he will surely be glad to be at your utmost service. While a bride would always go for a French manicure or any pastel color that perfectly complements her gown, it wouldn’t hurt to try something new if you are a little adventurous.


• A dark-colored nail polish makes your nails yellowish. But don’t worry too much because the discoloration is normal and is not really dangerous to your health. All you need to do is to rest your nails a bit before putting on a new color. However, if you really love to color your nails regularly and you can’t wait to put on a polish, you may do so but don’t forget to apply a base coat before anything else and a top coat for the final touch.


• Nail care should never be painful. If you will go to a salon, always instruct first the nail technician on the manner you want your nails to be treated
  

If you are looking for a nail care salon that would pamper your nails delicately like a baby, California Advanced Nail and Skin Care is definitely the place to visit. Click here and start caring for your nails the way they—or you—deserved. Myka Santiago

Eye Care Tips & Myths

Basic tips & common myths debunked for healthy eyes

Our lifestyle today is incredibly fast-paced that eating healthy and exercising have become a chore; not to mention that we rely heavily on computers and other electronic gadgets. What most of us don’t know is that this lifestyle also affects our eyes. So what can we do?

We all know that prevention is better than cure but with the numerous eye care tips going around, it is easy to get confused. What is it that we really should remember and follow?

To help us out, ophthalmologist Dr. Roderick A. Feliciano of The Lasik Surgery Clinic gives us some basic tips on how to take care of the eyes and clarifies some myths around it.

Tips

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of nutrients such as beta carotene needed by the eyes.


2. Take vitamins. Vitamins and supplements help ensure that our eyes get the proper dose of the nutrients it requires to function properly.


3. Have adequate rest. Well-rested, unstrained eyes work more efficiently.


4. Exercise regularly. Working out improves blood circulation. This is also the only time your eyes are sure to receive enough oxygen.


5. Drink water. Drinking lots of water flushes out waste from the body that can help avoid puffiness in the eyes.


6. Don’t rub. Do not rub and blink instead or flush with water when dust gets in your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can irritate it leaving it red and stinging.


7. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses aren’t only created to make you look cool. Wearing sunglasses actually protect your eyes from sunrays which can cause heavy damage to the eyes.


8. Visit your eye doctor at least once a year. When going for a visit, you don’t only get checked if you still have a 20/20 vision. The eye doctor also examines you for other eye problems and also makes an assessment of what you need to keep your eyes in good condition.
   

Myths

1. Sleeping with wet hair can cause blindness. No one knows where this originated. Perhaps this is an old wives tale to discourage children from getting the pillow wet.


2. Washing your face after working in front of the computer will make your eyes blurry. This can actually freshen up the eyes.


3. Reading in dim light or in a moving car can cause permanent eye damage. The worst that this can bring is to induce headache or nausea since eye muscles become strained from working harder since you're reading in an awkward position.


4. All eye doctors are the same. There are two kinds of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Ophthalmologists are physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye that includes surgery while optometrists are medical professionals who examines and tests the eyes for disease and treats visual disorders by prescribing corrective lenses or vision therapy.
   

As a general rule, what is healthy for the body is also good for the eyes but “the bottom line is taking care of the eyes is a regular habit of having it checked” says Dr. Feliciano. Czarina Medina Año

To know more about eye care and The Lasik Surgery Clinic here.

How to be a successful freelancer

Check your Finances
Going freelance is risky especially when it comes to financial security. You must keep in mind that with freelance status comes the elonquently worded risk, “No work, No pay.” Therefore, the flow of money is irregular. Remember to self-evaluate and review your current financial standing and support system before making any major shifts in your career. It may also be wise to discuss your career choices with family, friends, or even business experts to determine if they agree and if they’re willing to assist you until you’re at a comfortable pace. Also make sure you have “savings” to serve as a head start. You may want to consult a banking and finance professional to guide you in planning your finances.

Treat your work like a business
If you treat your work like a hobby, something just for sheer personal enjoyment, you might overlook some serious plans for the future. So if you want to make a living out of your craft or passion, treat your work like a CEO would treat his company.

Self-promotion is key
Advertise yourself like the freshest product in the market. Promote yourself online and offline in a very professional manner. You can put together a portfolio or a personal website to showcase who you are. If you have a budget, you can hire a web designer or go to a web service company to set up your own site. There are also free web hosts to accommodate such functions. 88DB.com is a service portal offering free ad posting to freelancers. Register as a member and create your own advertising profile. Email your portfolios to your prospective clients. Include the services you offer, your strengths, rates, references, and skill level. Portfolios in CD or DVD format may also be a good choice.

Build a huge network
Be a social animal. Socialize online and offline to promote yourself and to land more projects. This also includes participating in various online forums, knowledge Q & A, groups, business and social networking websites. The important thing is to be able to interact with other people working in the same industry as you are while making new associations and exchanging tips with them.

Practice good time management
As a freelancer, you have chosen to opt out of the 9-6 culture and so, time is in your hands. Not being able to manage your time wisely will be your downfall. Organize your work in an efficient manner. Make sure to systematize your time even for the simplest of work such as checking e-mails and finalizing paperwork. This will allow you to efficiently accommodate the much bigger tasks at hand.

Promise consistency and deliver consistency
Do not overcommit and underperform. Be reasonable with what you can and cannot do. Analyze the deliverables, set realistic expectations, and do your best.

Suggest other projects
A consistent amount of work load or a repeat business is your best friend. That means more work and more money. Don’t be afraid to request for more. There is no harm in asking.

Think positive and expect to succeed
Freelancing is not just about flexibility and adaptability. It is investing on your own skills to help you achieve a balance in your life, and if you let it, it will open the possibility of steering your career to a direction that truly fits your lifestyle. It’s about having self-belief and taking responsibility for your own future. Set your goals, put it in writing, work hard, and keep your eye on the prize. Romina Tobias

Are you a freelancer looking for more prospective clients? Post your free ad here and gain results.