OFWs Around The World

Everywhere you go, you would definitely see a Filipino. It might be in Asia, Europe, America or even in the Middle East. We Filipinos do everything for our families even sacrificing being away from them. I actually read this data weeks ago and wasn't able to post it. Since I can consider myself as an "OFW" (Overseas Filipino Workers), I was intrigued on our demography.

Here is the 11 million OFWs Around the World.

United States - 4,000,000
Saudi Arabia - 2,000,000
Malaysia - 636,544
Canada - 437,940
UAE - 450,000
Japan - 258,977
United Kingdom - 200,000
Italy - 200,000
Mexico - 200,000
Qatar - 200,000
Taiwan - 158,116
Singapore - 150,000
Hong Kong - 130,810
Australia - 129,400
Kuwait - 144,955
South Korea - 70,000
Germany - 65,000
France - 65,000
Guam - 45,600
Greece - 40,000
Bahrain - 36,718
Israel - 37,155
Lebanon - 30,000
Spain - 26,505
New Zealand - 16,938
Norway - 19,291
Netherlands - 18,456
Macau - 18,447
Sweden - 17,343
Thailand - 5,000
Nigeria - 2,324

I don't think I'm still not included in that list since that is only as of 2007.

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Recommended Articles as of August 6, 2008

Starting today, I will be posting Recommended Articles from my two other blogs. I would include the gist of the articles as well as the links.

Makoy's Take On The Arts and The Entertainment

Brangelina Twins Pictures - The twins of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt was finally revealed on the cover of People Magazine. Angelina Jolie gave birth to the twins namely Knox Leon (boy) and Vivienne Marcheline (girl) last July 13 on Nice on the French Riviera.

New Harry Potter Book - The biggest author in the world, J.K. Rowling announced last Thursday that she will publish a book of wizarding fairy tales this December. The Harry Potter author also announced that she will donate an expected $8 million in proceeds to her charity for vulnerable children.

David Archuleta New Song "Crush" - American Idol runner up winner David Archuleta released his first single titled, "Crush" on Z100 last Friday. The American Idol favorite was excited, nervous and anxious after hearing his first single on the radio.

Make Money Online With Makoy

Subscribe by Email - One way of attracting readers to your blog is to have a facility wherein your reader has the option of receiving your new posts in their email. With the help of Feedburner and other web feed management provider, it has become possible. If you can see in my three blogs, I have this widget wherein a reader just needs to type their email address followed by clicking the Subscribe button.

If you like this post, buy me a coffee link - A reader from my main blog asked me on how to add the link “If you like this post, buy me a cup of coffee” that you usually see at the end of my posts. Here is the answer to that query.

Entrecard Toolbar - I immediately downloaded the toolbar and was fascinated with the ease of using it. No more hassle of checking my Inbox and clicking each links. Now with a single toolbar, you can drop cards, advertise to other sites and you could also tag sites as your favorite. Whoever thought of this is so brilliant. More Entrecard users will definitely be engaged in dropping cards and spreading the good news of Entrecard.

Some Rights Reserved - Good news to bloggers, students and the people of academia, we can now use copyrighted materials like pictures, written publications, art work and music without the threat of being sued. The international group that introduced “creative common license” is in the works of allowing copyright owners to release their work to the public with few restrictions.

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How To Save Money Effectively

Friday--I have been thinking of writing this article since last week but the ideas weren’t flowing. Even I have fever now, I need to write this one or else it would be gone. Anyway, I’m not an expert with money matters but I feel that I am somewhat above average when it comes in handling my finances especially the saving part.

Here are my effective strategies that helped me save money:

1. Every payday, save at least 30 to 40% of your earning to your bank account. It is even better to save it all in your bank account and just allot your weekly budget and withdraw. Saving it in the bank will lessen your temptation to spend it but it will also help your money grow with the regular interest bank rates.

2. If your company is offering salary loans, grab it. Apply for a loan with a monthly or semi-amortization that you can handle. Instead of going to a shopping spree with the loaned money, go to a bank then apply for a TIME DEPOSIT. Time Deposits are savings that are bound with a certain period. The longer the period, the better. You cannot withdraw your money unless it has reached its maturity. Time Deposits will ensure that you will not be tempted in withdrawing the money because if you do so, you will need to pay the bank with tax and other charges for terminating it before maturity. This is very effective for me!

3. Do not spend more than what you earn. It is just common sense that if you cannot afford it then don’t buy it. Many are burdened with paying their credit cards with non-sense shopping sprees. Just buy the important things. Think of long term.

4. Do not depend on your paycheck. Find other outlets that can help you earn money. Aside from selling cell phone prepaid cards and doing electronic loads, I am also earning from blogging. Be proactive instead of pitying yourself that you don’t have money one week before the payday.

5. And lastly, once in a while pamper yourself with the things you like, it could be food, clothes or movies. A consolation prize that you have worked hard.

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Best Hotels In Ortigas Center

I just love Ortigas Center especially the fact that our office building is surrounded with schools, hospitals, shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants, recreational centers and the top of the line hotels.

Would you believe a total of nine hotels are in Ortigas Center? If you are planning to spend your weekend in Manila why not try one of these hotels in Ortigas Center. To know more about these hotels, I would give a short overview of each hotel and their room rates. Choose what suits you the most.

Astoria Plaza
(15 Jose Ma. Escriba Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Astoria Plaza is the new standard in urban living with its spacious suites ranging from 60 sq. meters to a maximum of 130 sq. meters. It has a comfort of home combined with the convenience of a deluxe hotel. It’s facilities include a gym, a lap pool, spa and massage center, cosmetic surgery clinic, valet shop, laundry service, clothing shops and a hair salon. Room rates ranges from $76 to $130.

Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila
(Ortigas Avenue corner ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Crowne Plaza is the place to meet. It provides all your needed facilities in making your business meetings a success. Crowne Plaza provides meeting services that include a 2-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and Daily Meeting Debrief. Not only it is ideal for business but it also provides amenities such as a swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center and fine dining restaurants that could help you unwind after those meetings. Room rates ranges from $120 to $170.

Discovery Suites
(25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Discovery Suites is a premiere serviced apartment that combines the warmth of a home with a luxurious pampering of a five-star hotel. Having successfully redefined the concept of a full-service luxury apartment, Discovery Suites continues to be the favorite among local and international travelers. Room rates ranges from $120 to $230.

Edsa Shangri-La Hotel
(1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Shangri-La Hotel is a five-star deluxe city-resort convention hotel in Ortigas Center. It is adjacent to two major shopping malls in Ortigas Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and SM Mega Mall. Guests can indulge with their award-winning Asian hospitality and their unique wellness concept. Room rates ranges from $150 to $190.

Linden Suites
(37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Linden Suites Hotel blends full hotel features and international standards service with the comforts of home. The hotel has 128 luxurious furnished and designer decorated rooms and suite providing spacious dwelling suited for overnight stays or long-term residency. The Linden Suites Hotel boasts a stylishly designed indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a fitness center with modern gym equipments. Room rates ranges from $100 to $190.

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Food Destinations In The Metro

Even an underweight person like me, I admit I am a big eater. And when I say a big eater, I go for big food servings with an affordable price of course. With all the fast food chains and restaurants here in Manila, you would definitely have a lot of options in choosing what suits your taste buds.

My taste buds just have a common denominator. It only desires American food, Italian pasta and Filipino dishes. American food because of the strong influence of America in my life. Italian because Filipinos love spaghetti, I prefer sour spaghetti though compared to the usual sweet Filipino flavor.

Over the course of my existence, I have picked some of my favorite food destinations here in the Metro.

Chiggy’s at SM Mall Of Asia: When I first dined at Chiggy’s and tried their Grilled Squid, I immediately told myself that it is the best Grilled Squid ever. Even without the soy sauce and kalamansi, the squid tastes yummy and flavorful. And this costs only 99 pesos. The Grilled Squid combo comes with a cup of rice and a glass of iced tea.

Piadina at Food Choices, Glorietta 4: I have discovered Piadina way back College. At first I was really intimidated with it’s name and how Italian it is. My usual order was called the “Today’s Special” combo. It has a slice of pizza, a portion of pasta, fried mozzarella and a piadina. This is what I call big serving! I like the Piadina, fried mozzarella and the thin slice pizza. Now the “Today’s Special” combo comes only with a pasta and a piadina. It costs 120 pesos.

Pupung & Friends at SM Mall Of Asia: I only had tried dining at Pupung & Friends just once. I had their Lechon Kawali and my favorite “laing.” I just can’t recall how much it is but I know it is affordable. The Lechon Kawali was phenomenal! It’s crispy and tasty. You need to order an extra rice to complete the meal.

Sbarro at SM Mega Mall: The ultimate heaven for pizza and pasta. I usually order for the supreme pizza and a half-baked ziti. The baked ziti is very creamy especially when you order with the white sauce. You would definitely have a full stomach after munching with lots of carbohydrates.

Cowboy Grill at El Pueblo: My officemates and I usually go to Cowboy Grill on every special occasion. It may be a birthday celebration, despedida party or even to just eat out. Cowboy Grill is a platter of Filipino dishes. I usually crave for their shrimp sinigang, kare-kare, pinakbet and pork sisig. Yum yum!

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Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB9)

The Department of Finance early this week informed the public that they are selling Retail Treasury Bonds for a 3-year and 5-year period. Compared to commercial bank’s time deposits, Retail Treasury Bonds have higher interest rate (6+% for the 3-year and 7+% for the 5-year period). Not only you’re earning but you are also helping the economy and the government.

I think RTB is much safer than the stock market. You may check the Department of Finance website for the complete details and list of authorized selling banks.

Pickpockets

Before I continue reading Song of Solomon, I want to share an experience last Friday at the MRT. On my way to Taft, the MRT is jammed packed as usual. When I managed to ride the second train, I got all squeezed up inside. Thank God the air-conditioning system works.

At the Magallanes station, I noticed that the guy on my left side near the door suddenly whines and talks to the passengers beside him. Apparently his wallet got stolen from the passenger that got off Ayala station. Exclaiming, “Sabi ko na nga ba eh!”

I just don’t get it why people aren’t that cautious and observant. You know exactly that it’s payday, you’re gonna ride a jammed packed MRT and there’s a possible lurker of you’re hard earned money. You are in the Philippines, you have to be careful, smart and on-the-look most of the time. Don’t feed these criminals the chance to steal.

The Truth About Schedule

Last week, I was watching an episode of Mega Builders in Discovery Channel. I keep on hearing the word “schedule” by the narrator. And from his pronunciation, I find it strange from its usual pronunciation. The narrator pronounced it with silent “c”, when I usually hear it with the “ch” sound.

I checked the correct pronunciation of it through www.hyperdictionary.com. It should be skejool.

How to put your holiday bonuses to work

Courtesy of INQ7.net

Q: There have been talks in our office that we will be getting a rather substantial 13th month pay and Christmas bonus this year. I can already picture out in my mind all the things that I can buy with that holiday money but something tells me I better plan early so that it won’t disappear quickly the way my holiday bonuses seemed to vanish in the past. Any suggestions? -- Anna

A: You sound like a voice of reason amid the excitement probably being felt by almost all employed Filipinos at this time of the year. All employees get 13th month pay, but not all get Christmas bonuses so you should count yourself lucky!

However, we hope that you don’t feel too lucky that you splurge your holiday money all in one go. If you haven’t yet spent this money in advance the way a lot of Filipinos do (overspending even before the bonuses arrive), we suggest putting your holiday bonus to work so you can count on bigger treats in the future.

Below are some suggestions on what you can do with your cash:

1. Start saving for a big-ticket item. Have you been dreaming of that cool car or relaxing vacation for too long? Then use your bonus to kick off a smart savings plan. You may also use your holiday money for other medium-term goals, like graduate studies or a pad of your very own. If you don’t start now, that dream will slip farther away.

2. How about a business? They say a job gives you stability. Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is the one that will make you rich. Don’t think that you need a lot of capital to start a business. With just P5,000, you can start making polvoron and other sweets then sell it at the office. You can also use that P5,000 to start a business making handmade beaded jewelry. Find out what you like to do and what you are good at. Who knows? Your business may take off and you could end up leaving your job and going into it full-time.

3. Get insured. If you don’t have health insurance benefits at work, it’s a must that you get your own health insurance coverage. There is never a convenient time to get sick. Use your bonus to pay for the premiums for next year.

4. Pay off debts. Use part of your windfall to pay your credit card bill in full, or that personal loan with the bank. Consider this your most creative gift to yourself. Not only will this allow you to sleep more soundly this coming year, you will also be taking a step further to being more financially stable.

5. Give to charity. You can share your blessings by giving to your church or a favorite charity. You might be surprised to realize later on that the blessings will come back to you.

How to grow your savings
If you’ve decided to practice delayed gratification and save for your future, it’s not enough that your money is tucked away safe in a savings account. There are many places you can park your cash where it can grow even more through higher interest rates.

• Unit investment trust funds. These are funds managed by banks and invested in government securities, bonds and stocks, depending on the kind of UITF. It can be peso- or dollar-denominated. Funds are pooled from small investors and invested based on their analysis of the markets. You can earn more than what savings accounts offer, depending on the market rates. But there are charges when joining and leaving the UITF.

• Mutual funds. These are like UITFs except that these are run by financial companies. Mutual funds enable small investors to take part in the investing game normally open to wealthier investors. They also come in different types depending on where they are invested in: government securities, bonds, stocks, or a mix. You will also be charged fees when joining and leaving the mutual fund.

• Bonds. Big companies may issue bond certificates which give you interest income when you place your cash with them. In effect, you are lending to them. The Philippine government is also into this. There are now retail treasury bonds (RTBs) at P5,000 each which will give you regular interest income quarterly. You can avail of RTBs and bonds from banks.

• Time deposits. You lock your money for a certain period (30, 60, 90 days or more) at a bank and you get higher interest in return. Time deposits are quite safe; however, you have a chance of getting higher interest if you will invest in the other options mentioned earlier depending on your risk appetite.

Christmastime is the best time to start thinking of your financial future. Get into the habit of saving as opposed to the feverish spending usually done this season and you can look forward to a brighter future ahead.

But we also suggest buying a reasonable treat for yourself, too. Those who deprive themselves too much are often vulnerable to a shopping splurge. But remember, keep it simple!

NTC's Anti-Phone Theft Service

Text 682 or Text NTC is another alternative way of reporting lost/stolen cell phones. Project Text 682 aims to prevent and eventually eliminate the problem of mobile cell phone theft. Through a string of SMS commands, TEXT 682 will enable mobile phone subscribers to prevent anyone from using a stolen or lost mobile phone by blocking the IMEI of the said phone. Once a mobile phone is blocked, it cannot be used anymore even if the SIM card is replaced. Likewise, if the stolen phone is returned to the rightful owner, he/she will be able to automatically unlock the IMEI of the said mobile phone.

For SMART/Talk & Text, Globe and Touch Mobile Subscribers:

REGISTER

First step is to register to TEXT 682. Registration is valid for one year. To find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, simply type *#06# or look for it on the printed compliance plate under the battery.

To register, simply type REG___ and send to 682

BLOCKING THE PHONE

You must block your phone as soon as you learn it is lost or stolen. You may use any GSM phone to BLOCK a cellular phone.

To block phone, simply type BLOCK__ and send to 682.

UNBLOCKING THE PHONE

You may use any GSM phone to unblock a blocked cellular phone.

To unblock phone, simply type UNBLOCK__ and send to 682.

UNDOING THE REGISTRATION OF THE PHONE

You must use the registered cellular phone that you wish to unregister.

To unregister, simply type UNREG__ and send to 682.

CHANGING THE PIN CODE

You must use the registered cellular phone to change the pin code.

To change pin code, simply type PIN__ and send to 682.

HELP MENU

For help, simply type HELP and send to 682.

For Sun Cellular Subscribers:

The Text 682 service is found under Sun Cellular Emergency sub-menu. To reach the said sub-menu, enter The Mall, select Post Office, then select Public Service, then select Government, and then you will find the TEXT 682 service. There are six options found under the Text 682 service: Register, Block, Unblock, Unregister, Change PIN, and FAQS.

NOTE: All completed transactions are worth PhP 5.00

Source: ntc.gov.ph

Good News Credit Card Holders

I read this week an article regarding the banning of additional surcharges for credit cards payments. The good news is, effective November 5, additional surcharging is prohibited.

I experienced this before in G2000, in Greenhills and just recently at Body Tune Spa. It is really discriminatory and it is too much. Aside from the interest they are gaining, they would have additional revenues for credit card surcharges. It is a great move of our government. I just hope they would also look on unfair charging of credit card companies.

There should be a regulation that dictates the standard computation of interest or penalties, minimum penalty rate and so on. Credit card companies should be transparent and should not false advertise just to attract prospect cardholders.

An agent of HSBC told me that their annual fees are waived for life. When clarified she told me that the points earned could be converted as payment for the annual fees. What if I cannot meet the minimum points? I would have to pay? Oh come on!

Great Add-ons To Your Blog

Registry/Guest book - a great way for your visitors to say their shot outs. There is a bunch of free guest book over the internet. Just select a great package that suits your needs. You can sign my guest book by clicking here.

Statistics Counter - a great way to track your web visitors. Just like the guest book, there are many websites that offer free visitor counter. Not only it counts web traffic in your website, it also displays demography per country, city, browser used, operating system, popular pages of your website, and many other cool features.

Google Ads - a great way to earn money by adding an ad link in your blog. Every page impression or clicks of ads correspond a dollar value.

Blog Links - a great way to advertise your blog site. Just register and add the code to your blog. Voila! Every registered member of Bloglinks is randomly displayed in the java application.

How To Cope With Your Blog

1. When an idea strikes, immediately jot it down. Don’t rely on your memory. You might not have that brilliant idea the next day.

2. Don’t pressure yourself in posting a new message everyday. Set an attainable target on how many posts you are going to make in a month or in a week.

3. If you’re having a hard time with creative writing, think first of the major thoughts then just break the major thoughts into sentences. Voila!

4. Make a draft first in writing your messages. A text editor can help you with spelling and grammatical errors. You can even save net time.

5. Make your blog simple. Don’t overdo with your background and design. Just make sure your texts are readable and the overall look is pleasing to the eyes. I’ve seen many Friendster profiles that overdo a lot. Instead of browsing it, I immediately press the back button. Don’t you just hate it when the background is all black and the text is somewhere close to black? You have to highlight the text just to read it. What a hassle!

6. Be responsible in posting your messages. Remember, its world wide web!

7. No plagiarism.