“Classic” Practical Ways of Taking Care of Your Timeless Piece

I’m a big fan of pop classics.

My weekend breakfasts taste better with “Bread” and “The Beatles” via Spotify or Youtube.

My idea of a romantic date night is on a couch with Sandra and “While You Were Sleeping” or “Sleepless in Seattle” with Meg. I don’t mind also if it turns out to be a disaster like “Titanic.”   

Invite me to join mobile games, I will bring Scrabble, Boggle, Games of the Generals and other board games.

Yes, I’m your classic Tito and you don’t have to remind me. If you’ll ask me friends about my look, how I dress up or does my #OOTD, more likely they will remember me in my wash and wear shirts than in my long sleeves polo. It’s a bit surprising because I am in my company uniform at least 8 hours in 4 days a week.  The explanation on this could be because I seldom post selfies in corporate attire on social media. I am usually wearing shirts in my FB and IG posts because I am more comfortable with them.

But of course, there are special moments that we get to experience to be in our classy and timeless look. It can be during life-changing events from your first date and wedding that needed you to be in your most photo album-worthy outfit.

In all those “special moments” I have this one timeless piece that I consider fool-proof and a must have. It’s a black blazer that I can put on top of a polo and tie or even on a shirt. It gives me confidence that I am formal enough to meet and talk with my bosses and executives from our companies. It empowers me to be the best me when dealing with clients or making a prospective business partner.

One of the most recent events where I used it is during the 60^th year anniversary of our company.  I really have to dress up and look good because we launched our company Almanac, a project which I spearheaded and was one challenging year in the making, sweat and tears not yet included.  Thus, I really have to take care of the blazer because it has been part of a lot of personal and career milestones and important occasions in my life’s journey.  

I am not a clothing expert but my fabrics have a long “shelf life” in my closet. I have pieces that are years old, not only for the reason that I am a sentimental fool but also because I really take care of my clothes and that’s the right thing to do. I would like to share 10 classic practical ways of taking care of your timeless pieces. To easily remember these tips, I am using brand ELECTROLUX to abbreviate my list. And besides, the company is well-known for its quality laundry appliances trusted in millions of households worldwide.

E – nsure good hygiene. If you don’t know it, sweat causes stain.   If your body is clean, your clothes will also be neat and in better condition.

L – earn basic repairs. Do not ignore loose threads or a missing button because a few minutes of sewing will save your piece from being a mere rag soon.

E – mpty your pockets. Get rid of items like tissues or even pens from your pockets before they make a mess on your laundry or holes on your pants or polo.

C – lose zippers and other fasteners to prevent snagging. During laundry, unzipped or unbuttoned pants might tangle with other fabrics or loosely tied strings.

T – ake time to fold clothes along the seams. This will help avoid unwanted creases and to maintain the shape of the item as well.

R – ewash stains. It is important to check clothes to be stain-free before ironing. It’s better to wash the shirt again if there is still dirt.

O –rder of ironing. The correct ironing order to follow is collar first before the cuffs and then the rest of the shirt or blouse.

L – earn to sort clothes to prevent colors from bleeding onto other fabrics. Wet a cotton swab and rub on the corner or seams of an item. If dye appears on the swab, handwash the said item.

U- se the instructions on the tag found on the neck or down the side seams of your shirt. It contains the garment’s laundering instructions to ensure that it stays in good shape.

X – tra Tip: invest on a quality and energy-efficient washing machine that offers the finest clothing care for all your laundry needs.

Electrolux Philippines offers wide range of washing machines such as top load and front load washers designed to provide efficiency and benefits such as ensuring your clothes stay in shape; exclusive Prism drum that minimize wear and tear of fabrics; Cyclonic Tub Clean that automatically cleans the entire tub; variable wash options for better care; and easy access, safe and durable units.

You can experience a whole new way of washing with Electrolux with their range of washing machines that offers optimal clothing care for your lifestyle and keep your classic pieces to look newer for longer use. Check out the Electrolux Amazing Holideals promo by clicking the flyer below.

Now talking about classic look, I would like to end this piece with the timeless quote, "People are not as beautiful as they look, as they walk, or as they talk. They are only as beautiful as they love, as they care, and as they share."

And with my classic laundryman pose :)

14 Kilig Date Tips for P20 or less

Ilang araw na lang at Valentines Day na naman, muling mahahati sa dalawang grupo ang sangkatauhan: #TeamMayLoveLife at #TeamWalangLoveLife. Although may isang grupo pa na ang tawag ay  #TeamLumaLoveLife, "renegade group" lang din yan ng ikalawang grupo pero pagdating ng February 14 magsi-sink in din sa kanila na imahinasyon lang ang lahat at walang ganun.

Ang blog post na ito ay hindi lamang para sa may BF/GF o may asawa. Kahit mga single ay may kapupulutan dito (sana) lalo na yung mga may nililigawan at nagpapaliligaw.

Ako ang unang magsasabi ng "weh?" o "E di Wow!" sa sinumang magsasabi na "Money doesn't matter in love" kasi naman... di ko na kailangan mag-explain dahil the mere fact na binabasa mo to, sigurado akong praktikal kang tao o medyo low budget for the coming Heart's day.

Kaya simulan na natin bago pa mawala interes mo sa pagbasa nito dahil sa mapalabok na pasakalye. Skip ko na stanza II at diretso na tayo sa chorus.  Kaya dukutin na ang P20 sa pitaka at sipat-sipatin sabay kiss dahil ito ang susi mo sa mga tipid kilig dates na pwede mo nang i-try sa araw ng mga puso.

1. Mag-Sunday mass kayo. Sa Martes ang Valentines Day ngayong taon kaya expect mo na may mga hugot lines si Father about relationship sa sermon niya. Mag-reflect kayo o kaya pretend kinakasal kayo habang makaluhod. During offertory, laglag mo bente mo sa umiikot na box. Pati kay Papa Jesus may pogi points ka din.

2. Bili kayo two packs ng Cheese Ring (gawa ng Regent). Mag tagalog movie marathon kayo via Youtube. Suggestion ko classic films nila Sharon-Gabby, Marvin-Jolina o John Lloyd-Bea. Tas yun huling piraso ng Cheese Ring, i-save mo. Wait for the best movie scenes yun tipong nagkabalikan na mga bida o kaya naghahalikan na tas sabay suot mo yun cheese ring sa kanya with the cheesiest line you can think of. Hindi niya naman maintindihan yun basta kinikilig na siya.

3. Punta kayo party supplies shop and buy a pair of balloons yun may helium ha? Then go to a park. Write all your fears and shortcomings in your relationship on the balloon then make a vow that past is past and lahat ng pagkakamali nyo sa isat' isa are forgiven and you are looking forward for better days ahead sabay release ng balloon sa langit. Kanta kayo ng "Ako ay may Lobo" afterwards para cute at may konti humor yun moment.

4. Buy one order of Kwek Kwek (5 pcs for P15) tas limang pisong gulaman kahit wala nang sago in plastic with straw. Pwesto kayo sa bubong ng bahay. Subuan kayo kwek kwek. Tig-dalawa kayo. Sigurado magkakahiyaan kayo kung sino kakain ng pang-limang kwek kwek, tusukin mo agad ito at sabihin mo pikit siya at sabay say "ah" tas i-kiss mo siya and sabihin I love you sabay subo sa natitirang kwek kwek then whisper to her ear, "Ako na kakain ng extra cholesterol para mas humaba pa buhay mo."

5. Greeting cards. Kailan ka huling nagbigay ng love letter o Valentines card sa labs mo? Kala mo lang baduy o di na uso pero may mga babae at kahit na lalaki na sentimental fool na itinatago ang bawat papel na may sulat mo lalo na love messages pa galing sa iyo. Samahan mo na ng pick-up lines na bago like, "Tanga ka ba?! Bakit kasi yang gandang babae mong yan na mala-Dyosa e nahulog lang sa isang pangkaraniwang lalaking tulad ko."

6. Sa umaga ng Valentines day, madaling araw pa lang bili ka na ng pandesal sa bakery. Ask mo sa tindera baka merong pandesal na malapit ang hugis heart. Katok ka sa bahay ng mahal mo at sabihin mong sagot mo na breakfast nila for that day. Timplahan mo na din nung kape ang nanay at tatay ng syota mo para pa-impress. Kung magawa mong gawing hugis puso yung usok ng kape, try mo para lang yung sa commercial..

7. Bili ka dog/ cat food para sa pet ng mahal mo. Kung makikita niya na mahal mo ang alaga niya kahit palagi kang kinakahulan at kinakalmot, pogi points yun. Ask mo din siya kung pwede nyo paliguan alaga niya (ampanget pakinggan pero wholesome ibig kong sabihin). Tas magkakahawakan kamay nyo ng may sabon at pet shampoo... madulas at basa kayo pareho. Eh ano ngayon, nakabantay tatay e. Basta cute kayo habang basa kayo pareho, ayus na yun. Selfie na lang kayo.

8. Papalit kayo tig-lima at biritin mo sa Videoke haus yung theme songs nyo. Kahit wala sa tono sige lang. Iyak iyak ka na lang kunwari pag di mo na abot yung nota tipong emosyonal ka na. Mag-iyakan kayo, kailangan nyo yan. Praktis para pag hiwalay na kayo madali na (joke!).

9. Taya kayo sa lotto. Piliin nyo numero monthsary nyo tas birthday mo at birthday niya. Iba pang number choice options: araw ng una kayo nagkita, ilang beses na kayong nag-ano... nag-out of town. First kiss date, ilan nunal nyo combine, etc. Tas kung manalo pa kayo e di wow! Pakasal na kayo agad agad. Ginalingan nyo e.

10. Ipaglaba mo siya. Bili ka sabon, downy at clorox. Ang sweet nun habang pinipiga o ini-squeeze mo underwears niya. Praktis lang para pag totoo na diba. (Oy nakangisi parang naka-touchdown ka na ata ah). Basta ang cool lang pag pinaglaba mo mahal mo sa buhay habang kinakanta mo yung awit ng Shamrock na "Alipin."

11. Sakay kayo jeep tanong mo kay manong driver hanggang saan mararating ng P20 dun kayo ibaba. Tas lakad o takbo kayo pauwi kunwari fun run. Usap usap kayo habang pauwi about the best moments of your relationship. Walking down memory lane literaly ito.

12. Pa-load ka P20 sa cellphone yung regular ha? Text mo siya ng 19 sweet nothings. Siyempre maghihintay siya ng ika-20th kasi parang butal o bitin ang 19 diba. Punta ka na ngayon sa bahay niya at personal mong ibulong yung pinaka-sweet na 20th message mo sa kanya, "Parang tanga lang ako 'no? Ganyan ako dahil sa pagmamahal ko sa 'yo"

13. Pa-develop kayo ng best five photos nyo then i-compile nyo sa isang scrapbook at sabihin sa kanya, "Umpisa pa lang yan ng maliligayang araw natin together."

14. Diba ang love is sharing. Bili kayo tinapay o ano mang kakanin at ibigay nyo sa mga batang kalye na namamalimos. Busog na sila, busog pa ang mga puso dahil sa kabaitan nyo. Malay nyo isa sa mga batang yan ay lumaking pari na siyang magkakasal sa inyo o kaya fairy godmother pala in disguise tas bigyan kayo three wishes o kaya kutsaba pa ng Wish ko Lang, may extra reward pa kayo.

Ang mga tips na binahagi ko ay mula sa aking masusing pagiisip habang naipit sa traffic sa EDSA. Pwedeng sundin, pwede ring isabin pero aminin kahit paano ay may napulot din. Sa mga nagbasa habang sa last sentence na ito, I love you and Happy valentines!

Do More With Less this Holiday season

2015 will be remembered by many Filipinos as the year when we witness how small things made big impacts to our lives.

Who can forget that simple kilig smile and pabebe wave that launched the phenomenal AlDub love team and spread good vibes all over the world (not to mention the dozens of TV ads that we will definitely see until next year or who knows until when). Or how about the struggling indie film outfit that defied the highly commercialized local showbiz industry and produced the bio pic Heneral Luna that made history in the box-office. Or how can you move on from the thousands of viral memes that we pass around online and even in our everyday conversations which were basically derived from just about any ordinary thing around us. I’m talking about the very clever and creative #hugot lines, of course (Kung hindi mo agad nakuha. What’s new? Kaya nga hanggang ngayon e umaasa ka pa rin).

Talking about hugot moments (which are even more relevant this Christmas season when most of us find this time perfect to reflect on the year that is about to bid goodbye), here are some tips, amusing they may seem, that may help you survive the holiday rush this year and beyond even if you only have less to do more.

CONSERVE ENERGY. Almost every home takes pride on how beautiful their Christmas trees are during this most wonderful time of the year.  We want our tree to be the brightest and most colorful it can possibly be. Just don’t sleep at night with those Christmas lights still turned on not only to conserve energy but also to avoid accidents in case a power outage or electrical wiring issue. Besides, true beauty comes out from simplicity.

SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY. We become more generous and thoughtful individuals during the Yuletide season. We spend more money during December than any month of the year (unless your a politician, of course). But have you ever thought of spending more time with your family and loved ones? You have filled your IG and FB wall with photos of your company and weekend getaway with friends, I hope you can “insert” in your loaded schedule a family “we time” before you realize your baby is already a lady.

MAKE A SHOPPING LIST... AND KEEP IT. How many times did you go home from the mall asking yourself why you bought something you don’t even need. We sometimes tend to purchase stuff when we see them marked as “SALE” which eventually will end up in the attic or under your bed for a looooooooonnnnngggg time. A wise shopper has a list of people whom he/ she will buy a present. A wiser shopper will keep that list until the gifts are all given to the recipients. For sure, you also have moments that a person visited your home and you can’t find his gift because you already gave it to someone else, accidentally or purposely. That small piece of paper called “the list” can help you avoid this from happening again.

Image credit: how-to-recycle.blogspot.com

RECYCLE. You received gifts, big and small in the most colorful papers, bags and boxes. What do you do with the gift wrappers? If you can be just that careful in unwrapping gifts, you can re-use the papers to wrap your own gifts or find other uses like ornaments for DIY Christmas decors and making lanterns. By doing this, you lessen the clutter in your house while saving some money. This would also be a good start to initiate recycling in your home. I’m sure you’re aware that plastic containers of mineral water, softdrinks, cooking oil and newspaper can be sold. Start this coming January and by December next year, you might be surprise of how much you have earned.

IT’S BETTER TO RE-HEAT FOOD THAN TO SPOIL IT. During Christmas and New Year’s eves, our dining tables will be turned like buffet platforms like those we see in restaurants. But yours has a much better deal because everyone can eat for FREE. It’s a sure thing that you’ll have bowls of leftovers from your feasts and more plate-full delicacy from your neighbors. If you have plastic containers, keep food that won’t easily spoil like lechon and adobo and just reheat them. You don’t have to cook for the next 2-3 days and you will stilll have a happy tummy. Trust me, our Electrolux microwave oven has been a great companion it situation like this in more than three years now.

Indeed, the holiday season brings the that one of a kind joy that we only experience during this time of the year. It’s up to us how we will make the moment more magical. One sure way is to do more with less. Wishing everyone a blessed and fruitful 2016!

This blog post is in support of the #DoMoreWithLess advocacy led by Electrolux Philippines.

5 Tips to Boost Your Immunity during the Holidays

The Christmas season is truly the most awaited and most exciting time of the year.

In the Philippines, the anticipation for the holidays starts on Day 1 of the so called “ber” months. Christmas songs are now being played over the radio, malls and different establishments showcase colorful displays, and everyone are beginning to be generous and starts to make a list and shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones.

In the midst of this festive atmosphere, we can’t deny the fact that we are also bound to experience even worse traffic congestion, longer lines in MRT and LRT stations, and the pressure of finishing all school or office works before the Christmas break is bigger than ever. Thus, everyone is prone to sickness during this time. The unpredictable weather that we experience these days also adds to all the hassles that we face.

To boost your immunity this holiday season, here are five (5) tips you might find useful. To stay healthy this Christmas, just remember FERN-C:

F-ind time to relax. You’ve been very busy all year-long. Don’t you think its time your body takes its much-deserve break? A good resort is just a few hours drive from the chaotic metropolis or you can do a hotel staycation for a day or two. Just make sure that you won’t be bringing any paper work during your vacation, okay?

E-xercise. It’s easier said than done. Can you still remember when was the last time you hit the gym? Or where you placed the abs flexer you bought for yourself last Christmas? Stretch your body or run a few kilometers regularly because it will also make you a more productive employee when you are fit and well. And also, pushing the shopping cart is not considered an exercise.

R-ight diet. I’m sure as early as now you have already received invitations to different Christmas parties and gatherings with friends. You  will feast on very generous dining tables and soon you’ll realize that you have gained weight. If you want to avoid this, choose healthy food, don’t overeat and resist the call of the lechon saying, “Eat me!”
 

N-ot too much alcohol. Over drinking liquor can hurt you in many ways. You can either be involved in a vehicular accident, get headache the morning after you drown in alcohol, or be seriously ill. Know when to say stop. Don’t listen to your friends who teases you to drink more. Follow the "instructions" indicated on the label of your brandy: "Drink moderately".

 C-heer up! Christmas time means happiness. Unless you’re the Grinch, you are excused to frown and hate the holidays. Be merry and create happy memories with your colleagues. Smile, laugh and have fun. Spread good vibes. It will not only make you healthy physically but it also promotes a healthy relationship with others.

To double your tolerance against all sorts of sickness that the busy holiday season brings, be sure to equip yourself with a trusted brand like Fern-C, the leading non-acidic vitamins in the country. It gives three benefits to the body if a dose is taken everyday--- immunity system booster to protect your body from flu, dengue and other illness, anti-oxidant that fights against the effects of free radicals and cancer, and collagen producer to make your skin looking young.

Wishing you all a merry Fern-C Christmas and a healthy new year!

To know more about Fern-C, visit their official website www.fern-c.com, like their official FB fanpage fb.com/ferncofficial and follow @FERNCOnline on Twitter and @fernofficial on Instagram.     

20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

There are at least three sure things that a man will experience in his lifetime--- birth, death and friendship.

A friend can come in any form, size, color, gender, shape whether it’s living or not. But seriously, I haven’t met anyone who confessed he or she doesn’t have a friend. Emo individuals might post in the Facebook wall, “Nobody loves me. I have no friend.” I’m pretty sure at least one kind soul will leave a warm message or comment just to assure him he is not alone.

Now, if you’re looking for someone to be a best friend or would like to be a best friend to someone, here’s a quick from-head-to-to list that might help you get that shoulder to cry on.

1.    On a bad hair day, just be there for her to comb her way out of misery.
2.    Be ready with your two listening, not just hearing, ears when she tells stories.
3.    Learn how to talk using your eyes. Isn’t it cute to be able to convey things with just a wink.
4.    Feast your eyes watching your movies and/ or TV shows.
5.    Smell good always. Consider this nosy but common, who doesn’t like fresh air?
6.    Compliment how rosy her cheeks are. Even if it’s really the magic of face powder.
7.    Ask her to be your taste buddies. Go on a food trip.
8.    Avoid getting into a neck-to-neck race on something. Try to achieve things without competing with one another.
9.    Be a shoulder to cry on when she feel like sobbing.
10.    Have time for a heart to heart talk on serious stuff.
11.    Tickle her funny bone during a boring afternoon.
12.    Rub elbows with other people. It’s also healthy for both of you to meet new acquaintances.
13.    You should always have open arms in accepting his flaws and shortcomings.
14.    Raise her arms and clap your arms during times of triumphs.
15.    Hold her hand and assure her that you are with her in times of trouble.
16.    Finger exercise with her for non-stop texting and chatting to kill boredom when you’re away from each other.
17.    Twist and wiggle those hips and dance together to your favorite tunes.
18.    Learn to bend your knees and admit to her when you are at fault.
19.    Travel on foot and discover the beauty of nature.
20.    Be that someone to keep her feet on the ground or bring her back to her senses just in case she’ll forget that one time in her life you were best of friends.

Hayyy… making this list made me realize that I haven’t talked to my friends from high school and college school and former offices.  A real friend calls not only in time of trials. I might give them a ring one by since since eith GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!

Mosquito, don't you touch my kiddo

I was having breakfast today while watching GMA 7's health show Pinoy MD. Suddenly, mosquitos start appearing, in the TV screen that is.

It was reported that many parts of Metro Manila are now having issues regarding hoards of biting mosquitoes because of the start of the summer season. Though authorities says that these are non-dengue insects, I still don't want them in my premises especially anywhere near my 5-year old Charles.

Pinoy MD offered some helpful information that every parent or any mosquito hater should know:

1. Dark colored shirts is an eye candy to mosquitos.

2.  They also love floral scent colognes and perfume.

3. These flying pest prefers smokers because they oh so into caron dioxide.

4. Pregnant women should take necessary precautions since their body releases more carbon dioxide.

5. Even if your house is clean, if your neighbor's a mess, mosquitos can just hop from one house to another . Community effort is the key.

6. Mosquito repelent is a MUST. 

7. Water with garlic is an alternative spray to drive mosquitos away.

8. Have a pot of citronella plant at home. Boil portion of the plant and mix with home-made candles. The best organic anti-mosquito stuff ever.

Share this helpful info to your friends and loved ones and stay healthy!

Dumb Ways to be Loved

Have you heard of the video "Dumb Ways to Die" that went viral  a couple of years ago?

It was a public service announcement campaign by Metro Trains in Australia to promote rail safety. The campaign video went viral through sharing and social media since it was released in November 2012. The campaign received some criticism on its "morbidness" as the ad reinforces deadly trains as a possible suicide method.  To date, it has spawned at least 85 video parodies.

For the spirit of fun, which I think is one of the elements of the video that one will easily notice, I wrote a poem (that can one can sing along with the original video) dedicated to all guys out there who are still in the process of unlocking the art of being loved. I am no love expert but I have some tips that have worked for me that I want to share.

DUMB WAYS TO BE LOVED

(De) Composed by Richard Mamuyac

Take time to fix your hair
Buy a Schick and shave your beard
Ask someone out for a date
And don’t forget to brush your teeth

Chorus:
Dumb ways to be loved
So many dumb ways to be loved
Dumb ways to be loved
So many dumb ways to be loved

Check your crush but do not stalk
Where she study or go to work
Teach yourself how to say Hi
Without freezing in front of sweetie pie

(Repeat Chorus)

Invite an available girl in sight
Take her home for a ride
Take your helmet off but don’t shove on her face
Let her use it and say “I’ll take you to a safe place”

(Repeat Chorus)

Keep a Cocker Spaniel as a pet
Post a selfie photo on the Internet
Or on Youtube, sing a tune or two
Choose the songs with words like “I love you”

(Repeat Chorus)

Dress up and act cool even it’s summer season
Buy flowers ‘coz she deserve it and that’s the reason
Stand on the edge of table of your loved one
Try to smile and relax while your finger crossing
Recite the sweet nothings you’ve been practicing

Pop the question, “Would it be possible for you to love me?”

The dumbest ways to be loved
The dumbest ways to be loved
The dumbest ways to be loved
So many dumb
So many dumb ways to be loved
be loved be loved be loved

Be astig but not maangas. Be confident and stop being torpe. A message from Astig Machismis.

Alter Space: Technology to Inspire a Generation

After the devastating 3/11 earthquake-tsunami combo in Japan, I’ve been interested with just about anything what-to-do-when-disaster-strikes posted online, printed on newspapers and reported on radio and TV.

I am one of the only 723 people (as of Mar 31, 2011) who viewed the MMDA Earthquake Preparedness for Metro Manila video since it was posted on Youtube last February 2010. When Charice Pempengco posted the MTV of her hit Pyramid also on that video sharing site on March 2010, it was viewed more than 31 million times after a year. With the rate it’s going, the MMDA vid will only reach thousands of hits either by getting Charice doing the voice over or the predicted 7.2 magnitude quake hit the metropolis.

I don’t want to sound like am paranoid or something bu t I am actually more than after the safety of my wife and son than my own. And besides, I am a true blue boy scout and still practice our mantra “Laging Handa” up to now.

If only I am Superman or our very own Captain Barbell, I would more than willing to work 24/7 to save all the people I can when danger comes. But I am not. I am just like the many people out there who works in front of the computer nine hours a day (with a few instances of online leisure, of course) and zoom back home when the clock hits 5 o’clock.

While posting a comment on an amusing video that one of my friends uploaded on Facebook, I discovered Alter Space which is a new Filipino-developed game in the popular social networking site. AboitizPower is the bighearted company who came up of the idea of giving gamers a fun way to learn practical tips on earth-friendly living. This means a lifestyle that helps reduce the effects of global warming, climate change and carbon emissions on the planet. Alter Space is the 1st Filipino environment awareness game on Facebook.

Alter Space: Official Game Trailer. Watch it NOW!

I think this game is very timely and relevant, not to mention the great fun you’ll have while playing. I want to describe this innovative game as ASTIG for Alter Space is a Technology to Inspire a Generation. AboitizPower is definitely using the right platform to reach out to the online community and make them aware of the need to do something for our beloved Mother Earth. As an added bonus, yo u’ll get a chance to win cool prizes and gadgets when you finished the game. Now , that ’s what you call fun fun fun! To play the game, just go to http://www.facebook.com/AlterSpaceGame.

Just want to share an alarming report from The Washington Post about the recent findings of scientists that there is a possibility that climate change and global warming could produce more earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity as ice masses on the continental crust shifts.

This only tells us one thing: every one of us should start saving energy not only to save money but to reduce the demand for fossil fuels like coal, oil, an d natural gas. Less burning of fuels also means lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary contributor to global warming, and other pollutants.

To set it straight, people cannot totally avoid carbon emissions because it’s a fact that all living things release carbon gas into the air. I would like to share some tips on how to conserve energy and lower carbon emissions that I learned after weeks of reading about what a non-Superman like me can do to save our planet. I am just so inspired by the great advocacy that is Alter Space initiated by AboitizPower that I will rundown my list using the name of its mother company. So if you want to take part in saving the planet, remember ABOITIZ.

Energy is lost when air conditioners and hot-air furnaces have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters. 5 percent of the energy used can be saved by cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter. That’s about 175 pounds of CO2 saved per year.

It only use 1/4 the energy of an ordinary incandescent bulb and last 8-12 times longer. They provide an equivalent amount of bright, attractive light. Only 10% of the energy consumed by a normal light bulb generates light. The rest just makes the bulb hot. Every home that will replace one standard bulb with one compact fluorescent bulb can save 260 pounds of CO2 per year.

Buy the product that is sized to your typical needs - not the biggest one available. Front loading washing machines will usually cut hot water use by 60 to 70% compared to typical machines. A new energy-efficient model of a refrigerator, saves 1.4 tons of CO2 per year.

This appliance accounts f o r about 20% of household electricity use. Use a thermometer to set your refrigerator temperature as close to 37 degrees and your freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible. Make sure that its energy saver switch is turned on. Also, check the gaskets around your refrigerator/freezer doors to make sure they are clean and sealed tightly.

Plant shade trees and paint your house a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color if you live in a cold climate. Reduction s in energy use resulting from shade trees and appropriate painting can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emission s per year. Each tree also directly absorbs about 25 pounds of CO2 from the air annually.

Every gallon of gasoline you save avoids 22 pounds of CO2 emissions. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon, for example, and you reduce your annual driving from 12,000 to 10,000 miles, you'll save 1800 pounds of CO2.


Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling. For every pound of waste you eliminate or recycle, you save energy and reduce emissions of CO2 by at least 1 pound. Making products with recycled materials, instead of from scratch with raw materials, uses 30 to 55% less for paper products, 33% less for glass, and a whopping 90% less for aluminum.

The above mentioned tips are just some of the many things we can do for our environment. It only shows that we don’t need a super hero to save the world. Each one of us has the ability and opportunity to contribute in preserving the only planet that we have. Let’s join hands like a family protecting their home from harm and danger. We should be grateful that we have a government trying to reach out to the public and organizations like AboitizPower who strive to make a difference in their own creative and innovative ways.

Coping with Hapontukin

This is a stolen shot taken by my former office mate and so called friend Sam when I was still working in a call center somewhere in Quezon City during one lazy afternoon in 2007.

I don’t know why I find it very tempting to sleep in my cubicle during office hours. Does the gentle breeze from our aircon unit has something to do with it? Or how about the cute sound of the keyboard or the delightful scent of the newly-vacuumed carpet? Hmm… just the thought is already an irresistable invitation to sleep.

I will be the first to confess if there will be a survey here in the office about instances of sleeping at work (as long as my name will be withheld, of course.)

But how do you cope with what we all now call Hapontukin? Personally,
when hapontukin sets in, I usually divert my mind in concocting random crazy thoughts that sometimes end up in my blog.

Below are some suggestions that might interest fellow working class hapontukiners (just coined this). You can try each "for office use only" exercise which promises progress in your agility, memory, endurance and strength. Just a simple reminder: There are no approve therapeutic claims in these activities.

1. Pumunta sa guard post at i-dial and extension number mo. Tumakbo ka ng mabilis at pilitin mong sagutin ang line mo sa loob ng apat na ring. Para hindi mahalata ng iba na ikaw ang tumawag sa extension mo, lakasan mo ang pagsabi ng linyang ito “Sorry, mam but you dialed a wrong number”

This will test your agility. You can repeat the same procedure until you get your personal best. You can also vary your speaking tone and modulation and choose the best one that matches your personality.


2. Abangan mo ang pagpunta ng lahat ng officemate mo sa pantry. Siguraduhing mag-isa ka lang sa IT room. Hanapin ang main server ng opisina ninyo at hilahin ang lahat ng wire na makita mo in 30 seconds. Mag-pause ka ng sampung segundo at dali-dali mong ikabit uli ang pinagtatanggal mong wire.

This will advance your memory. Make sure to plug in the connectors to the socket where you pulled it from or you will loose your job. Another option is too immediately leave the premises and let the IT guy loose his job.


3. Mag-abang ka ng naglalako ng nilagang kamote o mani at bumili ka ng worth Php 50. Wag kang mamigay at ubusin lahat yun. Pumasok sa CR at i-lock ang pinto. Isara lahat ng bintana at ilabas mo ang lahat ng gusto mong ilabas. Paulit-ulit kang huminga ng malamim at piliting ngumiti.

This will develop your stamina. There is no best way to check your endurance but to trap yourself in a room with limited oxygen to breath. Count the number of times you smiled while doing this. You can brag about this during a drinking spree with strangers.


4. Itulak mo ang file cabinet na malapit sa hagdan at sumigaw ka ng malakas, “Ay, sori akala ko pader!” Pilitin mong iakyat uli ito pabalik sa third floor at ambahan mo ng suntok ang sinumang janitor na mag-aalok ng tulong.

This will improve your strength. But it will depend on what the file cabinet contains so my suggestion is to choose the one where your property custodian keeps the chain saw, anchor, and spare kitchen sink. Avoid the one with the 201 files.


If you feel like the above mentioned exercises is too much for you. I have a much simpler tip which actually is my tried and tested hapontukin-buster. Take Enervon Multivitamins everyday. More energy, mas happy. And you’ll work happily ever after!