magandangbalita.com

Chikka: 10 Years of Innovation and More

Posted by jun On August - 19 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

Chikka.com: I. M. Free.

Several years ago, in the days of pre-paid dial up internet and the whopping speed of 56

kbps (maximum speed) and the start of the mobile phone boom, Chikka was born. It provided a free service (that i’m delighted to mention, has continued to this day, and more) of texting for free.

10 years since its inception (no, not the movie), Chikka has become the tech success story of the Philippines. Not only did it weather the onslaught of economic uncertanties of a rapidly changing industry and the mushrooming of new internet sensations, it has held its own and had gained a firm foothold of its niche. Chikka.com is now in more than 200 countries and have served more than messages.

As it celebrates its 10 year, it moves to provide better service, especially to the Filipinos from abroad who connect with their loved ones in the Philippines. The imminent release of Chikka Text Messenger v 5.0 enables it to connect with Google Talk and is now compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. The version for iPhone (iOS4), Blackberry, Symbian and Android are coming too, making it more accessible to more people, especially for the Filipinos abroad. (If my brain still retains some computing power, this would mean that replies using these applications abroad will be through the data plans and not as SMS – which would make it practically free since it will ride on the data plan).

The new Chikka Text Messenger v 5.0 comes out on August 25, 2010.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Events, Tech

Using My Talents, Passion and Skills To Plan For College And For Life

Posted by jun On July - 7 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

Session to be held on July 31, 9 a.m. to 5p.m. at the East Asia Pastoral Institute, Ateneo de Manila University Fee of P1,700 includes simple snacks, lunch, handouts, and consultation with parents regarding workshop results. Early-bird fee up to July 9, 2010, P1,500. For more details, call Mae Legaspi (9213711, 09209134690) or Mina Concepcion (09176251965) . Or email: legaspi_pdc@ yahoo.com

Popularity: 48% [?]

Events, Learning, Life Skills, Press Release

Golf Tournament for COJ-PTA Scholarship Fund

Posted by jun On May - 5 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

The Cradle of Joy-Parents Teachers Association are holding a golf tournament for the benefit of the COJ-PTA Scholarship Fund dubbed as the Cradle Cup.

The success of this undertaking will enable deserving but disadvantaged students to avail of quality education at COJ, and at the same time support COJ’s mission in continuously providing high quality Catholic Christian education.

For more information, you can get in touch with the following people:

1)      Rene Alimbuyugen – HP#918-9281352 (renealimbuyugen@gmail.com)
2)      Moira Bunyi – HP#916-4612471 (moira.bunyi@gmail.com)
3)      Nonet Cabezas – HP#917-5880567 (nonetl@mycabezas.org)
4)      Cocoy Bunyi – HP#917-8008039 (cocoybunyi@yahoo.com)
5)      Ching / Rose (COJ Office #s 9210602 / 8714553; coj_foundation@yahoo.com)

Popularity: 85% [?]

Events, Featured, Press Release

Good News from the WWW: 12 April 2010

Posted by jun On April - 12 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

Mike Eala, Champion: Krasae Tennis Camp Junior Challenge 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand, 8 and under Category

Congratulations and may you continue to develop to become the Filipino Grand Slam Champion.

Marianne Lozano, from IT to Photography

She was an officemate, one of the top programmers of her batch. She also had the stature and looks that she could have been on the other side of the lens. She has made the shift from the click of the keyboard to the click of the shutter. Congratulations Maan! Her website: studiolozano.com

Minnie Aveline Posadas Juan – Visually-impaired, but still the summa cum laude

Ms. Juan graduated at the top of her class at the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation in Pangasinan. Lesson: never let setbacks or obstacles prevent you from your success. Minnie, spread the hope and fire to the children you will teach!

PH Stocks close to 26-month high.

Yeah! Onwards!

New Monitor Lizard Species found in the Philippines

Our country is really diverse. Let’s all pitch in and take care of the remaining forests and animal habitats.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Featured, Press Release

The Philippine Miracle Team at First Deloitte Street Child World Cup

Posted by jun On March - 24 - 20101 COMMENT

The greatest miracle was not that they won.

It was not the series of events on how they got to go to South Africa.

The miracle was the changed life of each child. They’ve learned to dream. And they have learned to fly.

The trophy was just a bonus.

image from: http://www.sxc.hu/

Popularity: unranked [?]

Events, Featured, Life Skills, Photos, Sports

Panasonic Lumix

Posted by jun On February - 17 - 20101 COMMENT

My old Fujifilm A301 gave up. It has served me well and I am thankful for the countless images it has given.

I used to pine for a digital SLR like the Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel , and was thinking that somebody will be letting go of this “old” reliable.

Canon Digital Rebel 300D

Now, I am more inclined to get the Panasonic Lumix LX3. I had the opportunity to play around with this baby and I was very impressed!

Panasonic Lumix LX3

It was very handy compared to the bulky DSLRs but took great crispy-sharp images.

The only problem now is where to get the money to buy one. But I’m sure it would come.

images from http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/EOS_300D/ and http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/

Popularity: unranked [?]

Featured, Tech

The Traffic Sign We Need: Take Turns

Posted by jun On February - 12 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

It just might work.

Gary Lauder in TED

image by Gary Lauder, cc by-nc-nd.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Featured, Great Finds

Two Things I’d Like to See for Philippine Education

Posted by jun On February - 5 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

(Or for the Whole World for that matter)

1. That every Filipino who wishes to learn could attend one

2. That the curriculum include learning Life Skills as an integral part of education

That every Filipino who wishes to learn could attend one

The problem of lack of resources such as access, schools, teachers, books and budget has been the issue ever since – no budget. Even if our economy improves 10% per year, the problem would still be there.

One solution I can see is e-schooling: Create an e-Learning school that can be accessed fromany terminal via the internet or by plugging a USB drive. The technology is already there. We just have to create the content (to be discussed on another post).

Yes, there will be issues such as access, resources and manpower – not to mention the possible disruptive nature it will bring to paid schooling, the book publishing industry and education in general. These have to be addressed too, and they can be. But from a bigger persepctive, the concept is very viable – the global education trend is going this route.

For matters of discussion, let’s say this system is meant for those who want to learn but can’t because the brick and mortar schools can’t accomodate them, because of money or time constraints. Think of the children and adults who dropped out. Think of the places with no schools. Think of those people who need to earn a living by day and no night school is available for them. Think of those who cannot cope with the current pace of regular schooling. You get the picture.

Let’s say the e-school is built. And these folks “attend” school online or offline via USB. All they need to have is access to a computer. What if they can be “loaned” a netbook or even given access to a barangay computer in the community centers?

We would have a more “schooled” population.

That the curriculum include Life skills

While schools are character builders and motivators, I propose that Life skills, Character Building and Positive Mindset be an integral part of education, formal and informal. (I also propose that these be the first lessons for the e-school.)

Good conduct and good citizenship are incorporated in many lessons and discussions in schools today. They may not be enough. I think that we should put more emphasis on values and virtues in the curriculum compared to what we have now. If the children can imbibe goal setting, positive thinking, going the extra mile, perseverance, integrity, self-esteem and other virtues at an early age, perhaps we would have an more enlightened population. If each child are taught to be lifelong learners, positive thinkers and extra milers – we would probably have a Golden Age in the Philippines.

There. Two things.

It is my opinion that these will be key to turning this nation and the whole world around.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Learning, Life Skills

The Power of Words

Posted by jun On January - 15 - 20103 COMMENTS

There is power in them, words.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words…….

can break my heart or soothe my soul. Words can affect a child for better or for worse depending on which words are used.

In like manner, the words you say to others and the words you say to yourself affect your life greatly. You just don’t realize it.

Take a look at the words that you often use. Do you use four-letter words often? I mean, love, hope, care, give and best? Or are they filled with the bad ones?

If your vocabulary is more positive and uplifting and encouraging, you are more likely to be happier and less stressed. It may also be that you are healthier and are optimistic.

You are more angry if you use demeaning, cursing, abusive and hate-filled words. I bet you will be more depressed and pessimistic.

Words are expressions of your inner self. Conversely, the words you use affect what you feel.

This means that if you choose your words well, you have the ability to affect how you feel, how you see life and how you live.

Words carry power. Use them wisely.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Featured, Life Skills

The Future Is In Your Hands

Posted by jun On January - 12 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

We all felt the ripples and effects of the financial crisis.

But how come I know some people, from the very industries that were hit the hardest, are more successful now than before the meltdown?

There are also people who should have been raking it in but were miserable failures?

The answer lies in our attitude.

If we think we will not achieve our goals because of the economic downturn, we are correct. If we say we will exceed our goals despite a gloomy market, we are right too.

It is not only the external forces that shape our future. We have our internal response system that largely dictates the outcome of any endeavor we make.