The Top 3 Highly Recommended Budget Laptops on Amazon

WITH THE HUGE demand for laptops nowadays -- what with entertainment, businesses, education and even shopping, among other daily activities people can do online -- prices for laptops and other electronics have become very competitive. Meaning, they are now cheaper and more budget-friendly and still of a good quality.

The wide selection of laptop brands, models and specs also brings a good range of prices. We can now buy basic brand new basic model of laptops for as low as $200.

For learning and online studies, as well as other common simple tasks, programs and applications, there are many new basic models of laptops that deliver high efficiency and smooth performance, enough to accommodate your daily needs.

We went through Amazon and studied the pros and cons, compared the prices and read all the reviews of every new laptops on the market. Hence, here are the 3 budget and reasonably-priced laptops we recommend: 

3. Asus Intel Core i5 ViboBook 15 Laptop

True to its description, this light and ultra handy laptop functions smoothly and opens programs fast. It is easy to set up, too. It has over a hundred satisfied buyers. The only downside is its battery life, which is not ideal for travelers. On the contrary, it charges up fast. It received an average global rating of 4.6 out of 5, with a 4.9-rating on "screen quality", 4.6-rating on "lightweight", 4.6-rating on "value of money", 4.4 on its "battery life" and a 3.6-rating on "touch screen". So, if you only need a basic household laptop, this one would be good enough when you are on a tight budget. Check price on Amazon USA here. They also ship worldwide. 

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" FHD Convertible Laptop

Second in line is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14-inches FDH Convertible Laptop. This laptop has a general overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 where touchscreen performance scores 4.7, battery life scores 4.6 and screen quality scores 4.2, thus, making this budget friendly laptop ideal for any simple to average tasks. It also works smoothly even while doing multiple tasks.  

It has a touch screen mode, hence, can be used as a tablet. Its battery runs for about 7-hours if on safe mode and is also much cheaper than other brands of computers. It (battery) can easily be replaced without taking too much time. Most of its users are satisfied with its performance especially with its crisp and clear graphics display on its 14 inches screen. 

Its downside includes: limited availability of colors. In fact, it is only available in graphite gray shade. It has no number pad, but quite understandable due to its small and compact size. For online learning and video streaming, among other simple tasks, this one would be our bet.    

Check price on Amazon USA here. They also ship worldwide. 

1. HP Standard Model 15.6" Wide Full HD IPS Display Laptop     

 

This simple but overall a great laptop for common household usage, office work and online education reaped good reviews from hundreds of satisfied users with a general global rating of 4.5 out of 5. 

It has great screen quality with very clear and crisp images producing amazing videos when streaming on YouTube. It produces clear videos when using Zoom for video calls with nice audio quality. The size of the screen is enough for home schooling purposes, as well. This laptop delivers what it promised and most satisfied users find it a great value for their money.

Check out the price from Amazon Japan HERE. This laptop easily gets sold out on Amazon. So if you missed it, there are other laptops from similar brand. Check them out on Amazon USA HERE.

Top 5 Halogen Indoor Heaters to Use This Winter

As the temperature gradually drops making way for the cold season, you might be considering investing on a good heating system to keep you and your family warm throughout the long winter nights.

While dressing up right may keep you warm, nothing really beats the comfort of a warm room on freezing days; and a good, durable and efficient halogen heating system is what you need to achieve a pleasant and sound slumber. 

What are halogen heaters and why are they nice to use?

Halogen heaters use the light emitted from halogen lamps as a source of heat. Light emitted from halogen heaters is predominantly invisible infrared (heat), and is a highly efficient source of heat energy. (www.ushio.co.jp)

Halogen heaters are user-friendly, portable, affordable, easy to store, space and even energy saver. Many new models already come with safety features, avoiding any mishaps and accidents. 

Among the halogen heaters we have tried, and researched about, among other means, we have narrowed down the 5 best ones. Let us check out these five amazing halogen indoor heaters and see if they fit your needs. 

5. Grelife 1500W Dual PTC Portable Heater

On the top 5 of our list, the slim and space-saver Grelife 1500W Dual PTC Portable Heater features a night light, 15 seconds auto backlight, a 12-hour timer, and a remote control with a nice storage on top of the device. It also has safety features including tip-over and over heat protection, as well as child lock. It is ideal to use inside the bedroom, living room and even in the office.

Upon delivery, it comes unassembled, but with its user's manual, it's not too complicated to set up. Upon the first usage, it brings out that manufacturing oil smell but eventually disappeared after a few hours. What we really like about this heater is its ability to turn a freezing (340 to 360 square-feet size) room into a comfortable temperature within 20 minutes. It also gives an accurate temperature measure. We tested it with the IR thermometer and it is within 1-degree.   

Considered as an Amazon's Choice product, this heating device has an average satisfaction rate of 4.6 out of 5-rating, with a 5-rating on safety features and temperature control respectively and 4.7 on head output. 

See prices on Amazon HERE. 

4. Sunnote Space Heater

On the top 4, the Sunnote Space Heater features a cool touch exterior, LED digital display and comes with a remote control. It has an electronic and adjustable thermostat ranging from 4.44 to 37-degree Celsius (40 to 99-degree Fahrenheit). It has an 80-degree wide oscillation making this device ideal for home-office use. It is built with a memory function, always-on mode, a 1 to 24 hours timer, eco-mode and 3 heating modes. 

Users trust its safety features as the Sunnote Space Heater provides tip-over protection, electric shock and overheating resistance. It automatically shuts off after unused for 24 hours.  

This heating system has an average satisfaction rate of 4.7 out of 5, with a 4.9-rating on head output, 4.8-rating on temperature control and a 4.8-rating on safety features. 

This is considered a best seller on Amazon. See prices HERE.

3. Dreo Space Heater with Motion Sensor 2022 Upgraded

Top 3 on our list is the Dreo Space Heater with Motion Sensor 2022 Upgraded. This is another Amazon's Choice item. It is portable and is a real space saver. This heating system features a digital display and a remote control. It has a smart motion detection that recognizes your presence in the room that triggers the automatic on and off function of the heater. Hence, a real power saver device as it only heats up when necessary.

Dreo Space Heater comes with a 5-year warranty. It heats up a freezing small to middle-sized room in 10 to 15 minutes, amazingly fast for a very small device. It heats up to 35-degree Celsius (95-degree Fahrenheit). It comes with 5 heat settings: Eco, Fan Only, 900W, 1000W and 1500W. It is small enough to fit under the desk, hence, ideal for home or office use. The heater has a 20-second countdown and a chime before it turns off.    

It has an average satisfaction rate of 4.7 out of 5-rating, with a 4.9 rating each on heat output, remote control and motion detection. This is also considered a Best Seller item on Amazon. See prices HERE.

2. Wind Talk Space Heater

As the number 2 on our list, the Wind Talk Space Heater is portably designed for indoor use with a cool touch exterior. It comes with an LED digital display, a memory function, and 3D oscillation, adjustable wind directions, complete with a remote control. It has an eco-mode and is energy efficient. It has electronic and adjustable thermostat ranging from 5 to 37-degree Celsius (41 to 99-degree Fahrenheit). It comes with safety features like overheat and tip-over switch protection, 24 hours auto on and off timer, and a 24/7 always-on mode. It automatically shuts off after unused for over 24 hours. It is also designed with V0 flame-retardant materials to avoid any hazard and comes with an ETL-certified mechanisms that provide utmost security and safety.  

It has an average of 4.8 out of 5-rating with a 5-rating on portability due to its lightweight, a rating of 4.9 on head output, temperature control and safety features respectively. 

See the price range and get it for a good deal on AMAZON HERE.

1. FHStars Space Heater

As the number 1 in our list, the FHStars Space Heater comes with very user-friendly features through an LED display touchscreen that provides a simple way of selecting various modes. 

Its special features include a digital display and a remote control with a range of 20-feet maximum, giving you utmost convenience. It is also designed in a way that promotes a space-saving feature, giving the room a more spacious appearance. 

The FHStars Heater has an electronic and adjustable thermostat ranging from 4 to 37-degree Celsius (40 to 99-degree Fahrenheit). It also comes with safety features including over-heat and tip-over protection. It has a 24-7 always-on mode and a 24-hour auto off feature. 

This super user-friendly device has an total rating of 4.8 (out of 5), as it achieved a 5-rating on its easy-to-use features, a 4.9-rating on its convenience due to the remote control usage, a 4.9 on its heat output and a 4.8-rating on its safety features, making this halogen heater an Amazon's choice among their long lines of heating system. 

See the lowest price on Amazon HERE. 

Make sure to keep yourselves warm this coming winter season.

The Most Expensive Laptop on Amazon: Is it Worth the Price?

WITH SO MANY brands and models of new laptops out in the market now, it is not rare to get a good product for less than $500 as competition encourages better price range and improving satisfaction rate. 

You can even purchase a good laptop for as low as hundred bucks and still get all the basic functions and features that are more than enough to support your minimal tech needs.

And yet, you wonder, why would anyone still need an expensive laptop? And is it worth the price you pay for?

Going through the list of expensive laptops on Amazon, we spotted this $4,000 laptop targeted towards gamers and video-streaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop. This is an Amazon's Choice item. Check the price in US HERE. Check the price in Japan HERE. Check out price in Canada HERE.

Digging deeper into this outrageously expensive laptop, its specifications and features are as follows:

• It has a 16-inch main screen with a 14-inch secondary touchscreen display, a 4K (3840 x 1100) ScreenPad Plus ideal for gaming, creating and video streaming, among others. 
• 165Hz 3ms 16” Mini LED QHD (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS-Type PANTONE Validated Display 
• Operating system: Windows 11 Professional 
• It features a ROG Nebula HDR Display assuring minimum brightness and color representation, as well as　response times, flicker-free, anti-blue light display that minimizes screen tearing with Variable Refresh Rate technology and many more. 
• RAM memory installed: 32 GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD 
• AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX Processor (8-core/16-thread, 20MB cache, up to 5.0 GHz max boost) 
• CPU speed of 4.9 GHz
• It features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 16GB GDDR6 - ROG Boost up to 1445MHz at 165W in manual mode or 150W in Turbo mode (140W + 10W/25W with Dynamic Boost)
• GPU MUX switch lets the GPU communicate directly with the display, increasing performance and decreasing latency 
• Gig+ Wi-Fi 6E with ROG RangeBoost | Bluetooth 5.2
• Built with ROG Intelligent and 0dB ambient cooling with arc flow fans, AAS plus and liquid metal. 
• It supports 100W USB-C for fast charging with long lasting battery life of 90 WHr. 

PROS:

• The laptop's overall appearance is sleek, handy, portable and cool. It is slimmer than most of the other high-performing laptops, yet performs similar or even better. 
• The dual screen feature that comes with a screen pad, makes it convenient and handy when performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Hence, it is great for note-taking and secondary application usage while performing the main task on the primary screen. As one user puts it, "the ability to have a tutorial on the second screen while having a major application open on the main screen is a huge bonus."
• The primary screen provides a superior video quality with an amazing HDR screen, making streaming and movie-marathon a good experience. 
• It comes with a full-fledged desktop replacement.
• It has a good over all performance. 
• It has of 5-star-rating of over 65%.
• It has a good portability, just like packing with you a desktop computer on a travel  and compact size. 
• It has a large selection of ports.
• There are no coil noises or any sort of audible noise when the system is idle.

CONS:

• Notwithstanding their cooling functions, the fans are a bit noisy, and thus, distracting, making headphones a necessity when performing any intensive tasks and work on the laptop. 
• While the keyboard provides a cool exterior, it can be a bit uncomfortable and awkward especially when placed at the edge of the desk or used on top your lap. 
• When you disable the HDR, the mouse pointer may look deformed and may appear gray even when doing video games, but restarting the computer fixes the problem. 
• The screen seemed washed out when you enable the multi-zone backlight. 
• Fews says its camera lack in quality. 

 The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop has an average satisfaction rate of 4 out of 5, with a 4.2-rating on screen display, a 4-rating on touch screen functions, 3.9 for gaming, 3.5 for battery life, and a 3.2-rating for the value of money. 

Extravagance doesn't always assure the best experience as each user demands  vary with unique preferences, specifications and conditions, along with high expectations to meet the satisfaction that equates to the amount being paid for. 

Some users said the detailed overall performance of the laptop doesn't live up to its extravagant cost, as one user who loves to travel and creates animated videos said in his product testimonial, "if you don't need a portable device, you can build, assemble or customized your own device with a more powerful desktop for a fraction of the price." But as another customer who was happy and satisfied about the laptop's performance, said, regardless of the price, if you can use the laptop to its full functionality, just get it. And when asked if he'd purchase the laptop again, it's a "yes" for him.

Check out more about this laptop HERE. For Japan users, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop is available for 100,000 yen cheaper. Check out price in Japan HERE. Check out price in Canada HERE.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Entertainment Center Stoops Down to the Lowest Market to Suit the Filipinos' Culture of Fun

photo credit to http://2.bp.blogspot.com

IN A SURVEY conducted in 2009 by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), a Bristish non-governmental group, it was found out that among the 143 countries surveyed, the Philippines ranked 14th as the happiest place in the world.

The Philippines, which is still considered a developing country and among the third world countries, outranked some of the riches countries in the world, like the United States of America, Austraila, and the Great Britain, which ranked 114th, 102nd and 74th respectively.

Needless to say, it is innate in every Filipino to spend time for leisure despite the hectic schedule in school and at work. Thus, Filipino families always find ways to get together for amusement, notwithstanding the major crisis bugging the country. It is not a wonder why according to the survey, 55 percent of the people are already satisfied with their lives.

With this in mind, World of Fun (WOF) took adavantage of this culture as their edge over the other entertainment destinations.

Emmanual Jimenez, WOF Senior Operating Manager said, it doesn't matter if they have to spend a few amount of pesos, Filipinos always have time to enjoy with their families.

Moreover, Marketing Manager Lovelle Sy said parents always look at such alternative form of entertainment as "rewards to their kids."

In order to address the problem of crisis, which is the major concerns of most families why they don't take their children out for fun, Jimenez said WOF stoops down to the lowest level of the market and maintained their prices at five pesos per token, which is "not hard on the pocket."

Even though going to entertainment centers is not really the priority of the family, but (this offer) will entice them to take advantage (of it)," he told the writer at a press conference in Cafe Laguna, Ayala.

Anyhow, whether Filipinos can afford such entertainment or not, they always find ways to relax themselves and feel life at slower pace. 

TOKYO Around You Photo Contest

IF JAPAN AND PHOTOGRAPHY are two of the things you love, then this might be your chance to be recognized as a winning photographer with a chance to visit or revisit Tokyo as the grand prize winner. Join the TOKYO Around You Photo Contest and get a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to Tokyo. The mechanics are very easy and simple. Just submit your favorite photo of Tokyo during your previous visit/s in the place.

But what if you have never been to Tokyo, will you still be able to join the contest? You still can! Just submit any photo that reminds us of Tokyo or at least anything taken in your place that connects or shows your relationship to Japan’s metropolis.

How to join? Here’s the three simple steps: First, go to Facebook and hit the LIKE button on the page “Tokyo Fan Club.” The name appears in their profile photo with a smiley face on it. Second, select your best photo for your entry and submit it to their page. Third, you may vote for your own photo (of course) then share your entry with your friends to accumulate more votes on your photo entry.

Who are eligible to join the contest? If you call yourself a decent human being, with an age over 13 years old and live outside Japan, give yourself three checks. Furthermore, you must be willing to be famous on Facebook. Well don’t expect “Brangelina break-up” famous ‘cause what I meant to say is, you will be documented or you will document yourself by taking photos – oh yeah, selfie – receiving the prize and while traveling to Tokyo using the prize air tickets, and post these on your Facebook account, tagging the award-giving organization’s Facebook page. Make sure these are appropriate photos or these will be deleted by the sponsors. Lastly, you must give Tokyo Fan Club the rights to use any or all photos taken related to the contest and awards received, and/or comments made for promotional use.   

So if you think you got what it takes to be an awesome photographer wandering about the busy streets of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara, etc. submit your entry now. Submission ends October 11^th and you will also have the chance to invite your family and friends to like your photo entry until the last day of submission. Winners will be announced on the 20^th of the same month. What are you waiting for? Go to Tokyo Fan Club’s page now.

Disclaimer: I neither connected to Tokyo Fan Club nor do I receive any marketing fees for sharing this good news. I’m just in the writing mood and feeling hardworking to blog these days, and not to mention, I am NOT eligible to join this contest for I am physically located in Japan now. Anyway, good luck!   

Huge Potential for Pinoy Teachers to Find Teaching Jobs in Japan

Summer English conversation class with a Filipino English Teacher

IF YOU ARE A FILIPINO English teacher looking for work, then the opportunity you are waiting for might just be in the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Citing a new law requiring Grade 5 and 6 Japanese students to learn English, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said there is a huge potential for Filipino teachers to find jobs in Japan. 

Aside from teaching positions, Filipinos can also take advantage of other job openings particularly in the fields of nursing, care-giving, electronics, engineering, information technology and construction.

Filipino workers, however, must learn both oral and written Nihonggo, the Japanese language as part of the stringent labor requirements in Japan.

Lopez said the Philippine government can appeal to Japan to reassess and give some consideration when it comes to their licensure examinations.

Many EIKAIWA or English conversation schools are already accepting Filipino English teachers. Hence, Jin Kitagawa, Go English School Manager said he only hired Filipino English teachers because aside from their good English communication skills, their energetic and cheerful way of teaching the subject inspires Japanese students to like and learn the language. He also said that Filipinos are hardworking, creative and accommodating.

“They have the heart to teach the language to non-English speaking students,” Kitagawa added.

Unique Gifts for Valentines

I love Valentine surprises! Who doesn’t, when opening your eyes to unusual and meaningful presents from a lover sure is sweet and spine-tingling?

Though, at 22, being single and uncommitted myself makes me feel insignificant about giving gifts to a lover on Valentines Day, but my natural creativity and generosity has inspired me to play with my imagination and come up with unique and meaningful gifts to help lovers decide on what would be the best gifts to give love ones on Valentines Day.

As a self-help proprietor and designer on gift items and give-aways, here are few gift items I have come up with that would surely leave footprints in your lovers’ hearts, not just because of your creativity and the charming thought of giving them something but the sentiments of love and passion you wrapped those presents with.

- Personalized Cassette tape recorded with your voice

 With a background of the sweet melody of your theme songs, let your voice reverberate in your lover’s ears.

Go away with the usual writing of letters; instead, tickle their heart with your great compassionate words and thoughts as you express your love by reading the poems and letters you’ve written for them and recording them into a cassette tape. This would surely melt your lover’s heart.

To make the recording friendly to their ears, let your voice compliment with the background music to make it sound more professional and realistic, as if it was released in the market just for them; and of course, do not forget to hand-design the paper cover for the cassette tape’s case. It would be best to paste a portrait picture of you both with a handwritten dedication in front of the tape’s paper cover to make it very special.

- Bonsai Plant

Let your lover feel your “living” commitment. Present her with a beautiful bonsai plant that they can display in their desk, be it in their office or in their room.

Like the bonsai plants that bloom through ages with utmost pampering, let your relationship shine forever by constantly pampering it with commitment and dedication towards the person. Like the bonsai plants, relationships are something that you need to take care of very well to make it lasts longer. The efforts will surely pay off because the older the bonsai plant gets, the more it becomes stronger, the more its beauty will shine and the more expensive it becomes. Let your relationship live and grow like a bonsai plant.

- Love Birds in a cage

 Isn’t it sweet to represent your love relationship with a pair of adorable and colorful love birds? Animal lovers say this kind of birds can’t live long without their partner.

So, just as you want to show your sweetheart that life is incomplete without them, give them something that would remind them of such feeling. They would wake up every morning with the chirping sounds of the love birds. It would constantly remind them of you, thus, it would make them feel better and secure to wake up in a brand new morning and thinking that someone cares and loves them so much.

- Home-made Fortune Cookies

Cooking for someone special is still the best act of love that you can to give them, because along with the burning fire and the pan, is an effort that expressed a deep sense of commitment and love for the person.

To make this gift more special, write short phrases expressing your love to them in a piece of clean paper and wrap each cookie in a colorful, creative Japanese paper with the phrases of love you’ve written on a piece of paper.

You can even create your own shapes of cookies to make it even more creative. Heart-shaped fortune cookies, anyone?

- Small chocolates in a glass bottle

Let your love ones feel your sweetness by giving them chocolates you personally repacked especially for them.

Scribble “I love you” using different languages in tiny pieces of clean colored paper. Repack many chocolates and insert the tiny papers with the “I love you’s” in foreign languages inside each chocolate.

In this way, it’s like telling your lover “I love you” every time she opens a chocolate. The thought would then make it sweeter than the chocolate itself.

- Sentimental Scrapbook

Sometimes it feels ironic yet good to know that reminiscing the sad memories you made together make you laugh, while thinking about your happy memories make you cry arousing a feeling of missing the person so much. Documenting these memories would then make a very good gift to your lover.

A collection of you and your lover’s pictures, the restaurant receipts you kept where you had lunch-out or dinner together, the letters and candies you gave each other, as well as other things that remind you of each other, would make such good scrapbook materials for your love ones.

Hand-decorate the scrapbook artistically with colorful articles and decorations would make it look attractive and very creative. Create and design each page with love and passion that your lover could feel every time they open the scrapbook; and every time they do, it would turn back all your beautiful memories together.

- Key chain engraved with a portrait picture of you and your honey

A personalized key chain with a picture of your faces printed or engraved on the heart-shape (or any other shape of your choice) surface would make a significant symbol of your bond. Otherwise, to make it simple, just a key chain with your names engraved on it, or better yet, with a personally printed  names for an even more personalized touch.

- Red panty or brief with a print at the back that says, “(your name) property”

Draw a big smile on your lover’s face and watch out for that “Oh my God!” or “Whoa!” expressions they make when they open the gift by presenting them with red pretty and seductive lingerie with your name printed at the back.

Aside from making them remember you every time they face the mirror wearing the lingerie with a print at the back that expressed your possessiveness such as “Mary’s property” or “Michael’s property” or whatever names you’d like printed in it, this would also make you feel confident that your lover is all yours.

- Framed Collage Digital Photo

Choose the best portrait picture of you and your lover. Collect hundreds of pictures of you both to create a huge poster. You may ask an expert to gather these pictures together to create and form one big digital picture or poster. You would then get a big portrait picture of you and your lover.

You can also create such magic yourself with the aid of technology. Retouch the picture with the help of Photoshop to make it into a big digital collage photo. This would make a good gift on Valentines Day because it’s personalized and simply created with great efforts.

(This article was also published in Philippine Wide Magazine for February 2008)

How to Act on a First Date: 5 Tips to Have a Fantastic Date For Men!

MEN ARE SO EAGER to make a good impression on their first dates. At this point, nervousness would overtake them, pushing their instinct of over-doing something just to impress their dates, but sadly, it turned out to be discouraging for the women.

Men, being nervous on their first date, evokes and portrays an awkward feeling between him and his date, thus, if he acts uncomfortably, the woman would feel uncomfortable as well.

So men are curious for pieces of advice on the do’s and don’ts of first dates, considering that it’s the most important because it influence the women’s decision whether or not she’ll go out with him for another date.

1. Do not treat the woman as a potential future wife

The biggest mistake a guy makes on a first date is to assume that every girl who wants to date him is a potential wife. Instead, simply be cool and enjoy each other’s company. Crack jokes on her screwing-up chances with you and make her feel she’s a nice friend, if not tell her about it. Assume that she possessed traits that may be annoying to you, point it out in a humorous manner.

2. Do not buy her affections too soon

Presenting the woman with so much gifts on a first date silently implies that the man is seeking her approval. It indirectly shows that the man is buying her attention because she may not like him for what he is. It is advisable to do these things to show appreciation, especially when you’re already on an official relationship.

3. Do not act like a best friend

If you do, you’ll spoil the mystery. The girl will feel comfortable with you right away. Just act cool, sit back and slow down, crack jokes on anything that might be of interest to you both and constantly comment about your friendly relationship with each other.

4. Encourage an interesting conversation

Know how to create an interesting, energetic, humorous and spicy conversation because it encourages romantic attraction between the man and the woman. Women are easily discouraged and bored by predictable and routinary conversations. Be creative.

5. Compliment sensibly and sincerely

Avoid superficial compliments like, “Wow! You’re very gorgeous!” This insults intelligent women and make them think you’re only after the physical features. It degrades your standards because it evokes a shallow person’s personality.

If you want to compliment her, be genuine, sincere and reasonable. You can say, I like your skirt, it emphasized your long and nice legs and compliments the color of your top.

These tips will most likely to result a successful first date. By doing so, it will push for a very enthusiastic and memorable experience and create a pleasant romantic attraction between you and your date, hence, encourage another night-out. So, do the “do’s” and avoid the “don’t’s” of first dates.

The Return of the Come Back!

After a year, eight months and eleven days, I have finally come to my senses to  reopen my blog. Ugh! That's about seven seasons that went by. Indeed, so many things have happened that I didn't know where and how to begin narrating. If I may start at a certain aspect in my life, each one leads to a rabbit warren of circumstances, experiences and situations. And along the journey of twist and turns leading to the finale and conclusion would surely bring confusion and uncertainty. 

Nevertheless, it's great to begin by saying, everything has been alright! I have experienced two years of a happy and satisfying marriage and two months of enjoying motherhood.  I have momentarily bade goodbye to my teaching jobs, hard as it may seem a decision to make yet the exchange is priceless. Indeed, what a bliss motherhood has brought to my life despite its difficulties, hardships and challenges. I had to give up things I considered important before, yet having a baby brought real joy to me. The feeling of being needed is overwhelming. What more could I ask for?  We may lose some, yet we gain more than we lost. 

And despite life's roller coaster of a ride, I have managed to stay rooted on my feet, firmly on the ground, two steps backward and three steps forward, always with great zeal in my heart to move on despite an ounce of hesitation and a quarter of anxiety. While I remained sane and sensible amidst all that has been, the Creator should not go unnoticed for He alone is my main source of energy and strength. 

Everything is indeed a kaleidoscope of images. And when all else seems hard to bear, I just need something to vent out some hidden and suppressed emotions. Where else is the best place to express them but in writing such as blogging? Ahhh... this is a haven of comfort. Hence, here now is the return of the come back and once again, I welcome you to my page, the Kaleidoscope of Images. 

Closed Door

Peek-a-boo!

Hello, visitors, readers and avid fans (as if I have some, duh!).

It's great to know of your interest in my blog. However, I am deeply apologetic about the BLANK PAGE you have come across, instead. I am currently doing a major blog make-over to improve its contents and lay-out and be of better service to you in the future. Please bear with me at this moment.

Doors shut with a soft bang... Peek-a-boo!

Sending Huge File Attachments Via Email: A Problem No More!

"The file(s) you are trying to attach exceed the 25MB attachment size limit."

And just when you're in the middle of hectic dealings, trying to send a humongous file to your clients or to your boss to beat your deadline through any regular email service, you get this notification... What the.. !?

FRUSTRATING isn't it?

So what you do now is send the files by batch, perhaps by seven or eight, or if you are lucky enough, you can send ten files in one email. But let's say you have more than a hundred files to attach and send. That would be a huge hassle on your part, and not to mention, very time consuming.

Been there, done that and I could only sigh a loud "Haaaay!" But well, you might wanna kiss me after reading this blog entry (don't worry, I am not committed to anybody yet, of course at the time of this writing) because of my generosity for sharing this information to you. Let me introduce (drum rolls please...) FILEMAIL! Tah dah!

But before myriads of questions would come rattling around your head about it, let me tell you a little bit about this mail service.

From the name itself, Filemail is a mail service that allows huge file attachments sent via email. It is a hassle-free and convenient service that allows YOU and ME and everybody else to send, and at the same time, receive HUGE files in just a fast, effortless and secured way... and the best thing about it is, you do not need to register for an account or become a member to take advantage of their service. I am not a member of that site myself, but I frequently use their services without shelling out money from my accounts. That's right, it's definitely FREE!

Now, don't get me wrong, I never received payment from Filemail to do this blog entry. This is neither an advertisement, just an informative article to let you know about their service. Why? Simple! I just love using their service and that's all! No strings attached.

With all my online businesses that are always on the go, I couldn't afford to waste time just to send multiple and huge-memory files to my students (I am an English teacher, by the way, and teaching online is just one of my numerous rackets online), to my clients (I am also a writer who provides different types of articles to website owners and SEO specialists, among others...), and to my customers (Well, I also do buy and sell online...), among others.

Filemail was conceptualized in Oslo, Norway, during the summer of 2008. Just like most of us who have experienced several dilemmas in sending file attachments via ordinary email services, the founders of this particular mail service are of no difference to what we've been. Thus, they "decided to develop a solution that was so easy to use," that with it's user friendly system, even those with very low TQ (technical quotient) and those who came from the abacus era could use the service and go through the process easily and quickly.

In their aim to provide more practical add-ons and features that are not yet offered by other email services, Filemail founders designed their solution with the following features:

• Does not require any registration or membership to send files
• Possesses a high upper limit on file size - 2 gigabytes!
• User-friendly that any normal e-mail client can use it with a smile
• Offers the possibility to give a single-click on several files and send them at once

Thus, with their practical and convenient solutions, Filemail has already come a long way since their beta-released in January 2008. This just proved that cyber technology is getting way much better, and more so with the release of Filemail in the online world. And before I close this entry, let me give an ounce of moral... (just like any children's storybook does)

Time is too precious too be wasted... Thus, "Time is GOLD" already sounded too cliche for me that I do not adhere to it anymore, because for me and in my cyber world, coupled with all my online businesses, "Time is DIAMOND"! Therefore, it's important to waste no time at all. Try Filemail and they will help you save our Diamonds.

I Am... (The Reflection)

The entity arises in the pedestal where the crowd’s eyes locked upon the angelic petite façade publicized to them. Mesmerized by her wit and charm, amazed by her out-of-this-world flair and the liberalism of her perception, fascinated by her sharp looks and mysterious grimaces and astounded by the hard-shell of a personality that shielded such delicate fascia, neither would doubt nor could ever decipher the reality of her being. The androgyny in her persona frequently calls out to everyone making her aura attractive regardless of their sexual characteristics.

Her wacky jokes and laughter, cheerful and almost nonstop chit-chats brighten people’s drab moments. Her strong, stern yet hippy and liberated leadership style draws the team to her side like tiny shreds of magnetic metals. Her sophisticated, mean and unapproachable, sometimes weird guise may repel prospective acquaintances. However, first impressions always never last.

Soft yet brutally frank and outspoken; it's simply credited to her "I'm lucky" childhood and independent secondary life pushed by her early encounter of life's turbulent waters. No wonder, she could be everybody’s greatest dream and worst nightmare.

Nonetheless, jumping into conclusions instantaneously or even judging what the eyes revealed from the frontage is futile. It may be as delusional as the soft and pleasant face of the girl smiling mysteriously from beyond the reflection of the mirror in front of you. So, behold what lies beneath the silver magical thing that reveals her charming but tough appearance to the naked eyes. It will always remain mystifying to people. Know her. She’s your best friend or your worst enemy. She will always remain an enigmatic reflection in the mirror. She will always be Tyra!

A Robber in a Decent Attire

Mary Anne, a school mate, theater sorority sister and simply a friend of mine was on her way to school on board a multicab (a mini jeepney-type of public transportation in Cebu, Philippines that can accommodate eight to ten passengers).  She was wearing her university uniform – a white female dress shirts-type of blouse with V-shaped neck line and an A-line type of navy blue knee-level skirt. It was just one of those normal weekdays where she heads off for school in the morning.

A few blocks away from where Mary Anne hopped into the multicab, a man clad in dark (almost in black shade) decent dress shirt also got into the multicab and sat beside her. He took the seat at the left side of my friend. The man looked like he was in his early thirties or late twenties but he seemed to look older than his average age because of some darker spots on his neatly trimmed face.

His hair was neatly in place and the dress shirts he is wearing (it looks like he has a white inner shirt) is also tidily pressed and looks really presentable. He looks like any respectable man with an office-type of work. Mary Anne even assumed that he’s a medical representative because of the type of brown leather suit-case-type of hand bag he’s bringing.

When Mary Anne reached school on General Maxilom Avenue, she just realized that her big wallet with all her identification cards, ATMs and school allowances were gone, and to make things worse, she found out that there was a big tear on the left side of her bag. Later did she realized why the presentable-looking man in dark and neat dress shirt covered his hands with his brown hand bag. She also realized that while on the multicab earlier, she felt slight movements at her left side.

She just ignored the idea of being robbed because she didn’t suspect a well-dressed man to do such crime. It was very unlikely of a robber to dress up well, because their usual features are rugged and badly-dressed in ordinary-looking shirts and faded denim pants. 

A simple rule that we should keep in mind, do not judge a person by the way they look. Sometimes, the security we felt in prejudice is like a lion dressed in a lamb skin.