12 Happenings On My Birthday

As I end my day, I pondered on the things that happened today, 30 August, which is my birthday. One special anxious moment was this morning. I had a nightmare at around 07:11 AM since I am on night shift schedule, I had to sleep in the morning. Thank God, my Love was there to wake me up.

I thank the Lord for all the small and big blessings I have received and ask forgiveness for all the wrongdoings I have done.

1. I bought two games from GTribe which has a promo that was extended and long enough for me to buy with 2 hours left on the clock. The original price of the game was ‎US$39.99 for the Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth PC game and DiRT Rally was originally priced at US$59.99. I bought the two games at a promo price of $38.75 making me a UX member at GTribe with an exclusive badge at my profile plus an option to launch my own Fan Page at GTribe while helping game developers.  
   
2. I donated a few savings at UNICEF of which I am a  regular donor. 
   
3. I bought 2 pieces of Coin Collector's Collecting Album Holder which was on a Lazada promo price of Php 508.00 which is 40% of the original price of Php847.00. This is a good price already since it amounts to two coin albums already. 
   
4. I also bought a TECO Coffee Maker at Lazada worth Php743.92 with an original price of Php 1,500.00, a sure savings of 50%. 
   
5. I bought a Gold Medal Ear Mite and Tick Control (4 oz) at Lazada, for Ikkyo and Recca, our Siberian Huskies, to help get rid of their itchiness in their ears, most especially with Ikkyo's case. 
   
6. I also donated a few pesos to the Save The Children organization, for Marawi children who are in need of our assistance because of the effects of the war against Maute group involved in terrorism. 
   
7. I joined two teams at Chess dot com, namely Team International and The Bear Cubs. 
   
8. I also joined the 40th tournament at the Chess dot com so that I will be able to exercise my mind again. 
   
9. I bought Sampaguita garlands worth 50 pesos when we went to church. The Sampaguita garlands today are high compared to when I was young which was worth 10 pesos back then. I used the garlands as offering for my two patron saints. 
   
   
   
   
10. I got a Silver Engineer badge in my Ingress gameplay. I got it when I reached the required 1,500 mods deployed for upgrading portals. 
    
11. I SAW MY GOOGLE BIRTHDAY DOODLE TODAY WHEN I USED MY LAPTOP. ALRIGHT!!! 
    
12. My family had dinner at home together with my two sister-in-laws and it was a delicious and mouth-watering experience. 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Email From UNICEF Help Nepal Now

URGENT: On May 12, a second earthquake of 7.3 magnitude struck Nepal--a country still reeling from a 7.9 earthquake that claimed over 8,000 lives. Dear Joseph, The first quake last April 25 affected 7 million people--1.7 million of them are children in need of urgent assistance. As search and rescue operations unfold in the aftermath of the second earthquake, UNICEF will be assessing in the coming days how many more children need to be reached and provided with critical aid. We have been working around the clock to deliver more life-saving supplies to children since the first earthquake hit—which include tents, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, medical supplies, toilets, and more. You can still help.

The post above was part of an email I received today. I posted it here so that others can help. Click the link below to read or you can click the title above and donate to help Nepal earthquake victims 

http://ngo.sgsupport.asia/philippines/unicef/2015/NepalEarthquake_3rdAppeal/Nepal_Earthquake_3rdAppeal_cold_webcopy.html

Shakey's Pizza Online Order

1. My Love was craving for pizza and I was too.
2. Registered at https://www.shakeyspizza.ph/ 
3. Tried ordering online using my Shakey's Supercard
4. At 5:27 PM, I ordered Friday Special Hand-Tossed - LARGE 11" with my choice of FREE Garlic N Cheese and Coke Zero XL which cost a total of P600.00 or six hundred pesos
5. Paid the order using Visa credit card.
6. Received an Order Notification email from Shakeys Online Ordering <callcenter@shakeysdelivery.ph> at 5:28PM
7. Received another Notification text message from Shakey's Online at 5:40PM (+639988416191)
8. Called (02) 77-777 to confirm and follow-up my order which I have already paid online using credit card.
9. Received a phone call thru my mobile phone from Shakey's Manila at 6:07PM (09237374528)
10. I was informed that the order will be delivered after 45 minutes and it will be coordinated with Shakey's Kisad branch in Baguio.
11. Around 6:03PM, upon logging in at https://www.shakeyspizza.ph/ I was able to see my order in the Transaction History of my username with Asiapay as the mode of payment.
12. Around 7:12PM, I personally received the pizza while texting the delivery rider the directions because upon arrival, he told me that he kinda mixed up Old Site to New Site.

12 Thoughts From An Unexpected Visit

We had an unexpected visit from a missionary today, 18 November 2014, in our office. She was Sister Lilia Gonzales-Pre, a lay missionary who encourages everyone to have a deep devotion to the Divine Mercy.

She did an spiritual talk to us and we did enjoyed, learned and had an spiritual enlightenment and spiritual healing. There are some things I have learned and tried to remembered during her very simple yet profound talk.

YAGIT KA

For most people, yagit means mahirap. To God, most of us are YAGIT. People don't want to be yagit or experience being yagit. People do not want to be in pain, to be hurt or to be poor. Ayaw ng taong maging mahirap o mahirapan.

Then she expounded on these letters. These are included on the 12 things that caught my attention.

1. Y - Yabang | "alisin ang yabang" People who are boastful have this motto: "I know everything and they do nothing."
2. A - Api | "okay lang ang inaapi dahil kakampi mo ang Diyos". Vengeance is God's alone.
3. G - Galit | "alisin ang galit dahil ang galit ang kadalasang pinagmumulang ng sakit"
4. I - Inggit | "huwag maiinggit dahil ito ay nagdudulot ng galit lalo na sa mga gustong maging pangit."
5. T - Tapang | "huwag masyadong matapang dahil maraming namamatay sa sobrang katapangan lalo kung wala sa lugar" "pwede mo ring sabihin kapag hinahamon ka ng ganito:"hindi ako katalo, pero malapit ka na (while pointing your hand to the ground which figuratively means that you are closer to the demon or the devil's act is upon you)
6. T - (another meaning of T) Takaw | "huwag maging matakaw"
7. Ka - Kakuriputan | "huwag pairalin ang kakuriputan at pati ang sarili ay pinagdadamutan pa o pinagkakaitan pa ang sarili"
8. Love your parents. Mahalin mo ang iyong mga magulang.
9. Love your parents-in-law too because without them you will never knew your wife or husband whom you are loving. Isampit mo na rin ang iyong mga biyenan dahil kung hindi dahil sa kanila hindi mo mapapangasawa ang iyong asawa na iyong minamahal. 
10. Give money to your parents. Bigyan mo ng pera ang iyong mga magulang. Do not go home with free hand. Always bring or buy something even small to your parents. 
11. Magpatawad. Kapatawaran. Forgive. Learn to forgive.
12. Bayaran mo (na) ang iyong mga utang. Pay your debts (already). "Eh wala pa naman akong pambayad." If there's a will, there's a way. Kailangang bayaran mo ang mga utang mo dahil ang perang inutang mo ay pinaghirapan din ng taong inutangan mo. Ang taong walang utang, deretso kung maglakad. Ang taong may utang, paliko-liko kung maglakad dahil kapag nakita na ang pinagkaka-utangan sa kanan, iwas sa kaliwa at kapag sa kaliwa naman nakita, iwas naman sa kanan. Mahirap mamatay ng may mga utang. 

Sister Lilia also mentioned that she had a vision two days before a tsunami and earthquake devastated parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other places.

Later, on her closing remarks and after the "healing" part, she told us to always pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary by praying the Rosary every day. We should also pray to the Holy Spirit for spiritual guidance and enlightenment. Also, we need to pray to the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph because he is the patron of the dying.

She also recommended to attend 9 consecutive First Friday Masses starting December 5.

In return for this spiritual talk, I bought a copy of her CD to aid her in her missionary works in my own little way. 

Front of the CD

Back of the CD

Note: For spiritual talk, healing and counseling: Please contact Sis. Lilia Pre

Mobile No. 09198413544

I tried to search for a few references in the internet about her and I only found one.

Song to the Divine Mercy 

For the tsunami and earthquake, the references are:

Why Didn’t the Tsunami Hit Singapore & Australia? 
Tsunami devastates Indian Ocean coast
11 Facts About the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
2004: Thousands die in Asian tsunami

Star Cafe Baguio, 74 Years

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.”

1. Last day today, 8 July 2014, after 74 years of customer service.
2. One of the best restaurant in Baguio, a living tradition, a pioneer institution and a historical landmark.
3. Star Café was established in 1940 by Rufino patriarch, Goo Chin.
4. Joey Rufino succumbed to a lingering illness on 18 December 2013. 
5. Donna Rufino, widow of Star Café owner Joey, at 69, said she no longer has the energy to keep the business running. Her children on the other hand, are living abroad and are practicing their respective professions. Also, none of her husband’s six siblings could attend to the business because everyone is now living in Canada.
6. First and original location was at Calderon Street where Jollibee-Calderon is presently located.
7. Transferred to its second location in 1955 at Session Road, across where the first McDonalds (which also recently closed on 16 June 2014 after 23 years) was located.
8. Transferred to its current and last location in 1991 at Session Road.
9. Famous for its Chinese cuisine such as pancit, pancit canton, lumpiang shanghai, egg foo yong, camaron jon hamon, for its breads like cinnamon buns, pan de sal, pan de Vienna, and egg pie.
10. Star Café is one of the pioneer awardees of Go Negosyo by businessman Joey Concepcion.
11. It was also awarded the “Builder of Baguio” award during Baguio’s centennial in 2009.
12. Sells Baguio Midland Courier newspaper for 16 pesos only, same with Luisa's Cafe.

References:

Best Homegrown Baguio Restaurants
Famous landmark to close shop after 74 years of operation
After 74 years, Star Café in Baguio to close
Star Café: Forever a star in Baguio 
Baguio’s Star Café closes on July 8
After 74 beaming years: Baguio's Star Café shutting down 
Pasasalamat for 23 years!
Unang McDo sa Baguio, magsasara na

Network Connection Configuration

Today was supposed to be the last day of waiting before my Computer Hardware Servicing NC II examination. Then, I received a text message informing me that the said exam was rescheduled to 4 July 2014. It was half-relief for me because I will still have enough time to review for another week. It was half-eagerness for me too because I already want to finish it and relax but maybe it was my destiny to review more. I also have to file for another leave because it was scheduled on a Friday which is still a working day.

Anyway, this is part of my review on how to configure network connection in Windows XP.

1. Click on the Start menu. 
2. Click on Control Panel. 
3. When the Control Panel window opens, you will see items in either Category View (continue with step #3) or Classic View (skip to item #4).
4. Find and double-click on the Network and Internet connection icon. 
5. Next, find and double-click on the Network Connections icon, a window will open with all network connections available on the computer (wired and wireless). 
6. Find the network connection you want to manually configure, right-click on it and select Properties from the pop-up menu. 
7. In the Connection Properties window, under the section labeled This connection uses the following items: find the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item and double-click it. 
8. A new window will open, select the second radio button which is labeled Use the following IP address.
9. Enter the appropriate IP address (192.168.0.1); subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0); and gateway (the router or proxy server address).
10. The next part of the windows will now have a radio button selected which is labeled Use the following DNS server addresses. 
11. If you need to access the Internet, enter the DNS addresses provided by your ISP; if you do not have that information you can use the OpenDNS server. Their DNS addresses are: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 
12. After entering the required information, click the OK button twice and close the Control Panel window.

12 Basic Mobo Parts

Two days before my TESDA Computer Hardware Servicing (National Certificate) NC II examination. This is part of my review for the said assessment.

12 Basic Parts of a Mobo (slang for Motherboard):

1. I/O ports - this is located in the rear panel of the CPU. This is use to connect the outside hardware or peripherals of the computer.
2. ATX Power Connectors:
1. ATX Power connector (4 pin) - this is use to connect the 4 pin of the power supply unit (PSU) .This is separate of the 20 or 24 pin of ATX power supply to provide DC voltage of computer processor.
2. ATX Power connector (24 or 28 pin)- a group of connector of the MOBO, This is separate of the 4 pin power assignments. Its provide a DC power output to the system board(SB)from the output of the Power Supply Unit.
3. Processor’s ZIF Socket - part of MOBO which is use to hold the processor or CPU chip (Zero Insertion Force). The compatibility of the socket depends on the computer processor type such as the AM2 socket of the AMD and the socket 775 of the Intel company.
4. Memory slot (DIMM) - this is called Dual Inline Memory Module which is the computer's memory slot or what we call RAM. The memory slot depends on the type of the memory such as the PC 133 SDRAM and PC 400 SDRAM-DDR 1.
5. CMOS/BIOS jumper - this is use to disable the BIOS default setup such as disabling the supervisor password of the BIOS.
6. IDE connector (Integrated Drive Electronics) - this is use to connect the IDE cable of the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or CD/DVD ROM to the motherboard IDE.
7. SATA connector - this is Serial Advance Technology Attachment. The new standard of the IDE connection array of the computer HDD (SATA HDD) to the motherboard system.
8. FDD connector - the connector of the FDD cable through the system board. Normally there are 34 pins out of it to connect the 3.5” 1.44mb Floppy Disk Drive.
9. Front panel connectors (F-Panel) - this is use to connect the Power LED, HDD LED, Power Switch and Reset switch of the computer system unit(CPU).
10. PCI slots - part of the computer motherboard that is use to connect the I/O cards of the computer such as LAN card, WIFI card, USB expansion card and sound card.
11. PCI express slot - part of the computer that holds the computer video card (VGA), the PCIe card. The latest card used which is most compatible with 3D and 4G gaming of the computer. (The old video card type is the AGP or Accelerated Graphic Ports.
12. Controller Hubs:
1. North Bridge IC - another name of the north bridge is Memory Controller Hub (MCH) which is assigned to manage and control the computer memory before the processing of the CPU chip.
2. South Bridge IC - another name of the south bridge is I/O Controller Hub (ICH) which is a microchip tasked to control all the input and output devices of the computer such as the keyboard and mouse, the monitor screen of the computer, that is commonly found at the back of the CPU or system unit.

12 OHS Procedures for Computer Hardware Servicing NC II

Three days before my examination in Computer Hardware Servicing NC II at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Saturday, 28 June 2014. This post is part of my review for the said assessment.

OHS or Occupational Health and Safety refers to the legislation, policies, procedures and activities that aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of all people at the workplace.

1. Do not work alone so that there's someone who can take care of you in case of emergency.
2. Always power off the computer and unplug the computer before working on it.
3. Take away any liquid near your working area to avoid getting electrocuted or accidentally damaging computer parts.
4. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
5. Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
6. Do not use excessive force if things don't quite slip into place.
7. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain sanitation and prevent accidents.
8. Hold the components on the edges and do not touch the Integrated Circuit (IC) parts.
9. Always wear personal protective equipments (PPE) in accordance with the organization's OHS procedures and practices.
10. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable connector.
11. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized.
12. Use brush, compressed air or blower in cleaning the computer system.

Administrative Officer Exam of DOH

I took the Administrative Officer exam at DOH and these are some of the items I remembered during the untimed exam. I only remembered keywords and I believe you are either a former Administrative Officer with sufficient development trainings or an "insider" who knows the ins and outs of the agency in order to pass with flying colors.

I do not have any idea if these are the same set of questions given before for previous applicants but this is an essay-type of written exam with 18 items of different points for a total of 100 points as perfect score.

• Part I

1. Vision and Mission
2. What is "Kalusugan Pangkalahatan" and its goals
3. What can you contribute for the thrust, goals and objectives
4. Government employees' values adopted by Department of Health
5. How can you apply customer focus as an Administrative Officer IV?
6. Value of professionalism
7. E-government and examples
8. Matching type, 5 items but I only remembered RA 7305 and RA 6713

• Part II

1. What is Office Administration? What is an Administrative Officer? Functions of Administrative Officer IV? Customers of Administrative Officer IV in the Department of Health?
2. Explain PDCA Cycle of Management and Management Tools for planning, implementation & monitoring. No Gantt Chart to be use.
3. Examples of grave offenses and less grave offenses
4. Processes of Management Support Division

Pre-Qualifying Exam of DILG

This is not a post that shows sample tests about the DILG Pre-Qualifying Exam but rather a post of my experiences when I took the exam and twelve things to know about the DILG PQE.

I took the Pre-Qualifying Exam (PQE) today at the Baguio City National High School Library. I counted a total of 61 examinees, including me, who bravely took it unaware of its contents.

I only remembered the number of items and corresponding minutes and not a specific question of the exam inasmuch as I wanted to remember.
 
What is the Pre-Qualifying Exam or the DILG PQE?

1. It was (and is) a gruelling exam that will really exhausts you, the applicant/examinee.
2. It was (and is) a time-pressured exam which will rattle you once the proctor announce the remaining time during the examination.
3. It is the national qualifying exam of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
4. It is a battery of tests aimed for applicants who wants to join and become part of DILG.
5. It is a continuous exam with a duration of two to three hours.
6. It consists of four parts, namely:
• Logical Reasoning Tests -
• 55 minutes for 100 items.
• Language Tests - 
• 3 parts. 
• Part 1, PD (Paragraph Development), 7 minutes for 10 items; 
• Part 2, RC (Reading Comprehension), 13 minutes for 22 items; and
• Part 3, LT (Language Test), 10 minutes for 20 items.
• Verbal Tests - 
• 3 parts. 
• Part 1, (Analogy), 6 minutes for 20 items; 
• Part 2, (Analogy, requires 2 answers), 6 minutes for 20 items; and 
• Part 3, (Mathematical Test, no choices, input your answer after solving using provided scratch paper), 10 minutes for 20 items.
• Non-Verbal Tests - 
• 3 parts.
• Abstract part.
• Part 1, 3 minutes for 16 items; 
• Part 2, 3 minutes for 16 items; and 
• Part 3, 4 minutes for 18 items.
7. It is usually administered every last Friday of the month in the DILG Central Office located in Quezon City but in our case, it was scheduled in Baguio City and a representative from DILG Central Office officiated the examination.
8. In the case of my application, I had to write a request for endorsement to take the PQE and also indicating that it is a prerequisite for non-DILG applicants.
9. Passing the exam does not mean you are hired already. According to the DILG employee, there may be another exam to be taken depending on the position applied for. It also depends on the assessment of the regional or district office.
10. You must be prepared to read fast and analyze quickly for the logical reasoning test.
11. Mathematics is still a part of this exam and you need to know how to compute because guessing will definitely not help you on this part of the exam because you need to write an answer and there are no choices to select from.
12. Common sense and stock knowledge will help you plus lots of prayers to survive this challenging examination.

Pray. It helps.

Memories of Basilan

Kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures, Keep nothing but memories.

Not everybody has a chance to travel and visit the province of Basilan in the southern coast of Zamboanga.

These are just some of the collection of memories in Basilan from the selection of many kept photos of 2009.

• After a short ride from Zamboanga airport then straight to the Island of Basilan via speedboat - an exhilarating start of an adventure.

our mode of transportation

• Military checkpoints are prevalent in the area, an oft sight in our travels... so are the warm and generous smiles from the locals! 

overloaded jeepney passing through a checkpoint

• One of the many brave men defending the country. Our gratitude to all the heroes in this island.

welcome to Basilan, sir

• Amidst the chaos in this land is the simple array of nature, a reminder of peace and harmony. 

even the trees fall in line

• A hidden beauty... the feel of flowing water washes all the worries 

what's down there?

• It took us a long bumpy ride and a boat ride to get here... IT WAS WORTH IT!

beautiful, lovely n

• For a moment I forgot the alarming news and how terrifying the island is. What is there to be terrified about?

there's something out there

• This is nothing compared to Boracay - this is more and not too many people get to experience the beauty of Basilan.

afternoon beachview

• If only everywhere in this island is this peaceful and serene, then everyone can enjoy this amazing beach.

sunrise or sunset ???

• Almost time to leave, another stroll just to savor the beauty of the place. 

time to go...

• At that time, this fastfood chain was new in this area. Same logo, same name... yet something is different!

yes, there is Jollibee in Basilan

• In Zamboanga...pondering of when I'll get the chance to visit the Island of Basilan again. The memories are made sweeter by the wonderful people who made it possible. Thanks... to all of you and hoping to see you all again!

serenity

Basilan