Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Lifestyle: Business - 10 Most Popular Online Scams in the Philippines by IMoney, Phils.


The internet provides us with anonymity. Though this is a good thing in terms of voicing out your opinion, it is also the main reason why a number of scams exist. People use the internet to hide their identities. If you have been using the World Wide Web for quite some time, you may be aware of some shady practices that can get you into trouble. In fact, some scams online are intricately planned, to the point where it looks legitimate at times.

Here are some of those scams that you might want to avoid.
Sulit Laptop Scam



Sulit has been a household name for those trying to sell. Whether you are selling pre-loved shoes in your house, you can place it on Sulit to get a potential buyer. For those selling their laptop, they may get an unusual email from Nigeria.

It Happens When: The scam goes where the seller will receive an email that he needs to ship the laptop to Nigeria. They then let tell you that the payment will be coming once you sent the laptop to a certain address that they will provide.

How to Avoid It: If you are selling an item, everything should be shouldered by the buyer. In fact, for some meet ups, the seller asks for an additional fee.
PayPal Conversion Scam



PayPal’s partner in the Philippines is Union Bank. For those with no EON card, it is impossible to get your money with minimal charge. What’s the alternative to getting your money from PayPal? You may not be able to get it with the most reasonable price.

It Happens When: There are some people who will claim that they will give you cash in exchange of your PayPal funds. With those ads posted on Sulit, they claim to buy your PayPal funds with a given exchange rate. They usually ask you to buy from them online, and in exchange you get the conversion of your PayPal funds. Once you’ve purchased an item for them online, they will most likely deactivate their Sulit Account along with your line of communication.

How to Avoid It: Just go get an EON card. It is the simplest and most convenient way of getting your cash from PayPal.
Dating Scams Online



Thanks to the internet, it is possible to find someone special through dating sites. Though there are people who actually met their significant other through this channel, there are also those who just met a scammer.

It Happens When: For those who are lonely, they risk going to dating sites, meeting new people who they can fall in love with. There are some scammers who are taking advantage of this, asking money from other users. Some scammers ask money from the victims in order to buy a webcam or for them to pay for some sick relative. The story goes on and on and even more complicated than usual. By the end of it all, it is common that these scammers would ask their victim to send money via Western Union, and other money transfer means.

How to Avoid It: Do not send money whenever you are dating online. Keep in mind that true love is free, well, except for the dates, travel fees and other expenses. Other than that, there is no price tag to falling in love.
MLM/Networking Scams



MLM/Networking scams happen most of the time outside the house. However, they most often establish rapport through online means or through texts. They invite people to a business meeting often times asking them to dress in smart casual attire. Sounds legit? Some perform their “business meetings” on fast food restaurants from Jollibee to KFC for hours.

It Happens When: They usually won’t say what their product is about on the email but rather state that they are looking for a business partner who they can share their blessings with etc. Once you are there, you will be offered products with exorbitant prices that you then have to sell. Just imagine paying P20,000 worth of items that you could actually buy for a fraction of a price? It could be health related or even beauty products. You name it. It is also common that they use “legit” testimonials or even name drop celebrities to attest to their product’s effectiveness. Also, it is common that they show off success stories of people who stayed with them, who now drive a nice car.

How to Avoid It: Be reasonable. Who do you think would buy overpriced items? Also, can you stomach going to your loved ones selling them with goods that you know are overpriced? Also, remember that there is no short cut to success. These networking businesses typically offer fast financial security with minimal sweat, under the guise of “working smart”.
Work-At-Home Scam



The internet allowed us to stay connected with each other. Because of this, there are businesses that are now operating solely online. Lowering the overhead cost, this paved way for outsourcing and real opportunities. However, there are some scams disguised aswork-at-home opportunities.

It Happens When: Who wants to earn money while sitting comfortably at home? Well, everyone would love that. The problem with this, is that they don’t say that you will be the one buying the supplies, paying for the newspaper ads, and doing all the trouble for a minimal pay. There are a number of legitimate work-at-home opportunities though. Web designers, developers, copywriters and even some call center agents now enjoy the perks of the internet working for legit stay-at-home jobs. Just keep in mind that if you are going to have to pay, then maybe there is a problem.

How to Avoid It: Do a bit of research. You may want to go to sites such as Freelancer, and oDesk to get some work at home gigs.
Auction Scams



One of the best ways on how you can get precious items is via auction. Through auction, collectible items are typically sold. This is the best way to get an item that is rare. In fact, designer bags and other similar items are sold on this platform.

It Happens When: When you get an item that is not exactly what is described, now that is already a scam. There are cases in the US where an $18,000 Louis Vuitton bag turned out to be a knock off item.

How to Avoid It: You need to make sure that you look at the comments and feedback of a seller, especially on eBay, Sulit or any other e-commerce site.
Phishing Emails



People are sometimes eager to click on links that they see on their emails. What they don’t know is that this could lead towards identity theft. People sometimes forget that they should also not enter their bank or credit card information on sites that look dubious.

It Happens When: Ever received an email where you are told that something went wrong with your bank account? If you will look at the email, everything looks legit from the logos to the way the sentences were constructed; everything seemed to come from legitimate sources. However, when you get to the link, you will be asked to enter your information data. This is how they get your money.

How to Avoid It: Just ignore the emails. Banks will call you if ever it involves your security. Also, you can always verify with your bank first when you receive these emails. Make sure you are on a secured website.
Fund Transfer Scam



People can be greedy. When people are faced with large figures, they sometimes throw their logic out of the window. This is where the fund transfer scam happens.

It Happens When: Ever received an email, more commonly, from Nigeria that tells you about a story that he needs an accomplice in order to launder huge amounts of money? According to the email, it is worth millions. Of course, the greedy person in you may actually consider it. The catch, you need to come up with an initial fee that will be used to finalize the transaction, such as bribe people who needs to be bribed. Paying upfront, you will never get the money that you thought you are going to get.

How to Avoid It: Do not send money to anyone you do not know. Also, you need to be reasonable and control your greed.
Congratulations Scam!



There are a lot of contests where you could win online. When you are offered by free items, people hardly say no. This is the whole principle why this scam is also successful. The bottom line is that people love free stuff. You could tell them that they won despite not joining anything.

It Happens When: Ever had an experience where you get an email, that you actually won an item. It could be an iPod, Xbox, PS3 or now PS4. You will be told that you won via electronic raffle and your email has been picked. What do you need to do to claim your prize? Well, you just have to go to a certain website where you have to fill in your debit card or bank information in your address. Now, do you get an item in your mailbox? Not really. You just get unexplained charges from different parts of the world. There is a chance that you have to pay for all of this, unless you dispute the charges.

How to Avoid It: You will never win if you didn’t join anything. Also, do not ever give your bank details to anyone, especially to dubious websites.
Wi-Fi Hot Spot Scam



People use the internet most of the time. They actually go online in order to check their emails or to even buy a number of things. What if you suddenly have your information stolen because of these connections?

It Happens When: Free seems to make us go crazy over something. In fact, people love to connect to a free Wi-Fi connection. What most people do not know is that these connections leave you vulnerable to hackers. They could be mining your credit cardinformation when you log on to those Wi-Fi connections.

How to Avoid It: What you want to make sure is to only use legitimate connections from a coffee shop or from the establishment.

There are a lot of online scams today. In fact, they keep on adapting in order to get more victims. What you want to do is to always be vigilant. Is it easy money? Does it involve you paying upfront? Lastly, is it too good to be true? These are some questions that you may want to ask first before ever considering a gig or an offer. Think before clicking.





Share this information to your friends now! 

Source: IMoney Philippines

Monday, April 21, 2014

Lifestyle: Book Review - The Secret Shopper Affair by Kate Harrison





The Secret Shopper Affair revolves around 3 friends, Sandie, Emily, and Grazia, who found each other through their secret shopping activities. The book gives us a glimpse of how they deal with life beyond their love for retail: for Sandie, it’s juggling pregnancy and the herculean task of resuscitating a dying department store, while engaged in a battle of wits with her partner’s mother. For Emily, it’s the internal conflict of swallowing the bitter pill over Sandie’s (and everyone else’s, for that matter) successes. And it doesn’t help that her Will is adamant about not having another baby, something she feels she is ready for. Finally, for Grazia, it’s the proverbial question of man or career: new love or budding talent?

Seems intense? Don’t be intimidated. Despite a few heartfails, humor is never wanting. The characters are also very relatable (yes, even glamorous Grazia seems very down to earth). Furthermore, I found it so witty how once in a while they “revert to secret shopper mode,” observing and assessing real life with the eyes of a mystery shopper.

Overall, it’s a fun and light read, a heartwarming story that celebrates friendship… and secret shopping

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it.

Lifestyle: Business - Handle Customer Feedback Like an Absolute Pro


Getting customer feedback puts us on the spot. We’re in crosshairs of other people’s expectations. When we receive customer feedback, we’re forced to multitask; we have to acknowledge and assess the complaint; pinpoint the problem; and if possible, troubleshoot the customer’s situation; and if it can’t be solved with troubleshooting, appease the dissatisfied customer to ensure his/her return with the promise that the next experience will match the customer’s now verbalized expectations.

The feedback may be directed at you; it may be about a front-liner; it may be in the form of an email about your ad campaign; and it could be something less in your control like your supplier’s behavior or hygiene.

Handling feedback is a complex job that can be over in a matter of minutes, the speed of which can trigger a fight/flight/freeze response. In this case, we are pressured to act in self-defense, or acting to “take care of it” without thinking. Or it could cause us to “freeze,” and stand speechless, unable to do anything, annoying an irate customer further.

The unfortunate fact is we have been trained to see customer reviews as negative criticism. But this is a point of view that should be corrected, if you wish to handle customer feedback with the best in the business.

To reverse the negativity associated with customer feedback, just imagine that it could be much worse:
Your dissatisfied customer could just leave your store and never do business with you again.
Instead of coming to you, the irate customer could go online or tell friends.
Instead of knowing about a problem, it could grow to become a chronic failure.

Truth is, customer feedback should be received with grace and gratitude because it averts the above reasons. You could see a customer who gives feedback (complains) as someone who cares enough to vocalize his/her opinion. And at the heart of every complaint is that the customer wants a better experience than the one he/she is currently getting.

Here are some tips to help you overcome the fear of receiving a complaint and turning it into a customer service coup.

Pause before speaking. Reach for a pen and paper to compose yourself. The customer is likely in a huff, with a complaint that must get off his/her chest. It’s better to be mentally prepared, rather than rush to react to a customer who is flustered with a negative experience.

Remember, it isn’t about you. The complaint is about your customer’s unmet expectations. Find out what those expectations were, and view the event through that lens, so to speak. Knowing what he/she wanted in the first place leads you to the next tip.
At this point, your customer is expecting you to fix the problem. You may be pressured to take action, so take a mental pause so you don’t say or do anything rash. One way to mentally buy some time is to apologize for damaged goods or expectations, or that he/she was inconvenienced.
Acknowledge the complaint. Restate his/her problem as clearly as possible to communicate a full grasp of the situation. This should give you time to work out a solution, as well as provide affirmation that you care about the complaint.
Offer two solutions. One temporary and one long-term. Tell the customer what you can do for him/her right now, and say that the complaint will be addressed more systematically to ensure any company failure gets corrected and never gets repeated.
Remember that pen and paper? Now would be a good time to use it and jot down the customer’s information. After all, you’ve said that his/her complaint would be acted upon. Wouldn’t the customer want to be notified once the complaint gets resolved? Whether you’re able to fix the problem or not, updating the customer on how and why (or why not) may gently introduce him/her to your company standard procedure, its stand on the issue, or brand promise.

Remember, a customer feedback system is not a punching bag with your face or your brand name on it. It’s a way to receive input that improves your company. It is important to outwardly win the customer’s confidence that you are working towards the customer’s best expectations.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Lifestyle: 13 BEACHES NEAR MANILA (AND HOW TO GET THERE) February 9, 2014 By Yoshke Dimen


Save those airfare bucks because here are 13 beach destinations that do not require you to fly and are all within 5 hours of the metro.

But first, here are time saving tips:
Be an early bird. Leave in the early morning not just so you could have more time at the beach, but also to avoid the heavy rush hour traffic. You’ll be surprised how much time you will be wasting just to get out of the city if you leave when the sun is out. (Or maybe that’s not surprising at all.)
Take the Expressway. This one’s obvious if you’re driving but not if you’re taking public transportation. Choose the bus that takes the short cut. For example, if you’re Batangas City-bound, there are two routes that transport companies use. The first one passes through the cities of Tanauan and Lipa, which entails braving the traffic and making a dozen stops. This makes the travel time a lot longer. The other takes the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (what they commonly refer to STAR Tollway or CALABARZON Expressway), which goes straight to Batangas City and bypasses all the others. Board the bus with the CALABARZON sign and you’ll be in your destination in 2 hours or shorter.



And now, here’s the list:
1. SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES


Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales


The Agoho trees of Anawangin Cove


The other side of Anawangin Cove


Nagsasa Cove, San Antonio, Zambales

Beaches: Nagsasa Cove, Silanguin Cove, Anawangin Cove, Talisayin Cove. Their coasts are blanketed with volcanic ash straight from the guts of Mt. Pinatubo. It’s a Baguio-meets-Boracay world out there; thanks to the agoho trees rising from the ashes (literally).

Don’t miss: Fishing! The waters of San Antonio are rich. If you have the skill and the patience (or you just want to give it a try), ask your boatman about fishing tours.

How to get there: Travel by bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales and get off at San Antonio Public Market (P250-P270, 4 hours). Take a tricycle to Pundaquit (P30, 10-15 minutes). From here, boat tours cost P1000 for Anawangin, P1500 for Nagsasa, and P2000 for Silanguin. Add P500 if you want to make a stop at Capones and Camara Islands.
2. CALATAGAN, BATANGAS


Calatagan sunrise


Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, Calatagan

Beaches: Burot Beach is the best beach in this part of Calatagan.

Don’t miss: Cape Santiago Lighthouse. Built in 1890, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines that continue to function. The construction began on December 15, 1890, led by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers, and was completed by Guillermo Brockman.

How to get there: At EDSA-Taft, there are vans and buses that carry passengers straight to Calatagan (P200, 3-4 hours). From the town center, take a tricycle to the lighthouse (P150-P200, 20-30 minutes).
3. MALABRIGO, LOBO, BATANGAS


Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas


Pebble Beaches of Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas


Malabrigo Lighthouse, Lobo, Batangas

Beaches: Malabrigo Point. No white sand here, either, but its beaches are strewn with smooth medium-size pebbles.

Don’t miss: Submarine Garden, where the water is so crystal clear, you can see live corals and other life forms even without goggles. Also, the Malabrigo Lighthouse can be easily accessed from Malabrigo!

How to get there: Board the bus to Batangas City and alight at Balagtas or Diversion (P150-180, 2-3 hours). From here, ride a jeepney or tricycle to SM Batangas and get off at the Batangas-Lobo terminal. Board a jeepney to Lobo (P53, 1 hour), then a tricycle to Malabrigo (P100, 15 minutes).
4. NASUGBU-LIAN, BATANGAS


Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas

Beaches: The sand at Bamboo Beach and Tali Beach in mainland Nasugbu isn’t sparkling white (not white at all), but it doesn’t make it any less relaxing. It is also home to Olive Ridley turtles that visit to nest each year. Hamilo Coast is also a good spot.

Don’t miss: Fortune Island, a short boat ride away. It is surrounded by shipwreck diving sites including the Dutch warship Mauritius, which sank on December 14, 1600. Also, the Greek-style ruins are perfect beach selfie setting. (We got you at selfie, yes?)

How to get there: From EDSA-Taft, take the BLTB bus to Nasugbu (P155-170, 2.5-4 hours). All the beaches are accessible by jeepney or tricycle. If going to Matabungkay, take the bus or van to Calatagan and tell the conductor to drop you off at the junction to Matabungkay (3-4 hours).


5. LAIYA, SAN JUAN, BATANGAS


Laiya Aplaya. Photo by Winston Almendras.


Laiya Aplaya. Photo by Winston Almendras.

Beaches: Laiya Aplaya, laced with White sand spread over a long stretch!

Don’t miss: Batangueno dishes. You’re in Batangas, dig in to a bowl of sticky lomi and sinaing na tulingan!

How to get there: Take the bus to Lipa City and get off at the bus terminal (1.5-2 hours). Ride a jeepney bound for San Juan, and when you reach the town market, take another jeepney to Laiya.
6. ANILAO, MABINI, BATANGAS


Sunset at Anilao


Anilao, Batangas

Beaches: Anilao is more of a diving mecca than a powdery paradise — it is widely regarded as the birthplace of scuba diving in the Philippines — but there are pockets of white sand hidden in between its rocky promontories.

Don’t miss: Mt. Gulugod Baboy! It’s an easy, fun climb with breathtaking views of Balayan Bay. Or, conquer the deep blue sea and learn how to scuba dive!

How to get there: Ride the bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal (P150-170, 2-3 hours) then a jeepney to Anilao (P35, 45 minutes).


7. TINGLOY, BATANGAS


Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas


Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas

Beaches: Masasa Beach, Sepoc Point, Sombrero Island. They’re all completely isolated from the rest of Batangas. Masasa Beach, for example, has no resorts on site. It could give you the peace of mind you’ve always been chasing!

Don’t miss: If you have more energy, climb the nearby hill and meet Mag-asawang Bato, a curious rock formation on top of it!

How to get there: Ride the bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal (P150-170, 2-3 hours) then a jeepney to Anilao (P35, 45 minutes). From here you have 2 options. If you’re staying overnight, try to catch the 10:30am public boat to Tingloy (P70, 50 minutes). If not, charter a private boat for an island hopping tour for P2500.


8. SUBIC, ZAMBALES


Subic Bay, Zambales. Photo by Vins Carlos


Subic Bay, Zambales. Photo by Vins Carlos

Beaches: It may not be as fair as Boracay or Laiya, but Halfmoon Beach is a decent beach getaway with grayish sand hugged by gentle waves.

Don’t miss: Duty-free shopping! Aside from the beaches, you might want to take a look at the stores on your way back to Manila. Beach + retail therapy. No other formula is more effective in relieving stress.

How to get there: Travel by bus to Olongapo City (P207 via Old Olongapo-Gapan Road, P235 via SCTEX, P280 via SCTEX non-stop). Travel time is around 4 hours. Take a jeepney to the freeport.
9. MORONG, BATAAN


Photo by Nix Nicolas from Save Philippine Seas

Beach: Nagbalayong Beach

Don’t miss: Pawikan Conservation Center. Morong celebrates Pawikan Festival every November, but you might still want to visit the center for more info about our turtle friends!

How to get there: Take Victory Liner or Bataan Transit bus to Olongapo City ((P207 via Old Olongapo-Gapan Road, P235 via SCTEX, P280 via SCTEX non-stop; around 4 hours). Take another bus or jeepney to Morong, Bataan (45-60 minutes).


10. PADRE BURGOS-PAGBILAO, QUEZON


Borawan, Padre Burgos


Dampalitan Island, Padre Burgos, Quezon


Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao, Quezon

Beaches: Dampalitan Island and Puting Buhangin (Kuwebang Lampas) are your usual white sand beaches, but Borawan Beach has something else to brag about, karst cliffs!

Don’t miss: Stargazing. No electricity, you won’t have that many options at night.

How to get there: Board the bus to Lucena Grand Terminal (P250-P260, 3.5 hours) and another bus to Unisan (P35-40, 45-75 minutes). Get off at QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos and take a trike to Aplaya (15 minutes). You’ll find boats for rent here.

Tour package? Contact Harry Balais of 7107 Islands Tours at +639176274945.


11. TERNATE-MARAGONDON, CAVITE


Photo by Robbie Bautista of The Travelling Dork

Beaches: Marine Base/Boracay de Cavite.

Don’t miss: Aside from swimming and lazing on the beach, this part of Cavite is popular among hikers and mountaineers for its rugged terrain (Parrot’s Beak, Mt. Marami, and the rest of Maragondon Peaks). Also, Mt. Palay-Palay National Park is worth a visit.

How to get there: Saulog Transit offers direct rides from Manila to Ternate, Cavite (P94).


12. HUNDRED ISLANDS, PANGASINAN


Hundred Islands, Pangasinan. Photo by Harry Balais


Hundred Islands, Pangasinan. Photo by Harry Balais

Beaches: Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Children’s Island. Hundred islands, man. Can’t enumerate them all.

How to get there: Victory Liner, Five Star, and Dagupan Bus are among bus companies that have daily trips to Alaminos (P393, 3.5-4.5 hours). Take a tricycle ride to the Lucap Wharf (10 minutes).


13. PUERTO GALERA, ORIENTAL MINDORO


Haligi Beach, Puerto Galera. Photo by Vins Carlos


Puerto Galera. Photo by Vins Carlos

Beaches: White Beach, Sabang Beach, Haligi Beach, Bulabod Beach

Don’t miss: Dolphin watching! In 2007, a study by the Smithsonian Institute described it as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity citing the high concentration of marine species. The best places to see marine mammals here are the Lubang Islands and Batangas Bay, but most dolphin and whale watching tours are offered in Puerto Galera.

How to get there: Take the bus to Batangas Pier (P150-P170, 2-3 hours) and board a ferry to Puerto Galera (P250-P280, 60-75 minutes).

Source: Philippine Beaches Org.


Lifestyle: Candles form PH map in 'new record'

Agence France-Presse
Posted at 04/15/2014 3:36 PM | Updated as of 04/15/2014 3:44 PM

A Filipino volunteer lights candles during the "Light of Peace in the Philippines" event in Oton, Iloilo. Photo by Leo Solinap, Reuters

Participants stand next to lit candles in a bid to set a new world record for largest flaming image in Iloilo City. Photo by Tara Yap, Agence France-Presse

Volunteers light candles during the "Light of Peace in the Philippines" event in Oton, Iloilo.Photo by Leo Solinap, Reuters

In this handout photo taken on April 14, 2014 and released by Middle Way Meditation Institute on April 15, shows an aerial shot of 56,680 candles in a bid to set a new world's record for largest flaming image in Iloilo City. Photo by Middle Way Meditation Institute/Agence France-Presse

ILOILO -- Hundreds of people lined up in a dark, muddy field to form a giant map of the Philippines on Monday, in a bid to set a new world record for the largest flaming image using candles.

The project by the Middle Way Meditation Institute in the central island of Panay seemed to be successful with Seyda Subasi-Gemici, a representative from Guinness World Records, saying that their 56,680 candles appeared to have topped the old record of 35,478 candles forming a company logo in Pakistan in December, 2009. The organisation will confirm the record at a later date.

The candle-lit map, along with a logo of the organizer and the motto "world peace through inner peace" came twinkling into formation despite heavy rain before the event discouraging many volunteers from taking part.

But the rain stopped in time, allowing enough people to participate in the most recent record-setting attempt in the Southeast Asian archipelago.

The candle map was intended "to promote inner peace, which is through meditation, so conflicts and misunderstanding will be reduced," said Nguyen Ha, a publicist for the organizers.

"That's why we hold these large-scale events to gather many people, to build an atmosphere of peace... based on the theme of light," the publicist added.

Setting new world records has become quite popular in the Philippines, with about 10,000 taking part in the largest human formation for the symbol of a woman last month and more than 3,000 signing up as organ donors in one place in February.

© 1994-2014 Agence France-Presse

Lifestyle: MOSHI, MOSHI | Japan eyes visa waiver for tourists from Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam


By: Philippines News Agency | Kyodo
April 15, 2014 10:47 AM

Mount Fuji. AFP FILE PHOTO

TOKYO - Japan's government and the ruling coalition are making arrangements to waive visas for tourists from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, in line with an action plan due out in June, and which seeks to make Japan a tourism-oriented country, government sources said Monday.

The initiative, which is aimed at drawing more tourists from Southeast Asia, including the Muslim population in the region, is envisioned to raise the annual number of foreign visitors Japan to 20 million, particularly in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also looking to tourism as a pillar in its strategy to spur the country's economic growth.

InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5