Places: The Philippine Arena and Stadium - The World's Largest Dome Arena

Aerial shot of the Philippine Arena and Stadium - Rappler.com

This multi-purpose indoor arena at Ciudad de Victoria is a 140-hectare tourism enterprise zone in Bocaue and Santa Maria, Bulacan, Philippines.With a minimum capacity of 55,000 seats, it is the WORLD'S LARGEST INDOOR ARENA Overtaking STAPLE CENTER  in  Los Angeles, CA, USA and the O2 Arena in London, England. It's capacity is double or triple that of MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, and can compete with stadiums like the Tokyo Dome in Japan and the Hong Kong Stadium.

The Arena is the centerpiece of the many centennial projects of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for their grand celebration on July 27, 2014. The legal owner of the arena is the INC's educational institution, New Era University.

Hats off to the whole INC leadership for this accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS! :)

Business: 10 (More) Customer Relationship Management Questions to Ask Yourself

10 (More) Customer Relationship Management Questions to Ask Yourself

Customer service may not be in every business plan, but it should be. Whether you’re putting up a new business or are entering a new phase of your business like franchising, expansion or specialization, assessing your customer relationship or procedure is essential.

The way customers feel is the second most important take-away of every transaction. Because after appreciating the value of your product or service, you want them to return. How you get them to return will depend on letting them know you appreciate their business as much as they do yours.

1.Ask yourselves these questions, and you will be able to see the forest through the trees.
2. When was the last time I reviewed our customer service routine? How do I ask the customers what they think of our brand and service?
3. Aside from my own, which is my favorite store, product, or service? Has customer service become expected of my brand?
4. When was the last time I got pleasantly surprised by a friend, brand, or service?Which famous techniques can I adopt in my marketing strategy?
5. Do I know the benefits and attributes of all my products? Should I expect all my employees to know?
6. What incentives do my customers have to want to be part of my mailing list?
7. What is unique with the way we treat our customers BEFORE the sale? How can I make our customer experience unforgettable?
8. How can we drive our brand message through DURING the sale?
9. Who is in charge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) AFTER the sale?
10. What are the Key Performance Indicators that I can demand from our customer service staff?
11.Are my customers more visual and do they like to browse new products? Or do they like to interact and share as a community? What are the benefits of having a CRM program in place?
12. Which local cause or community organization are my market most concerned with?

As always, surprise the client or customer. Exceed expectations. Do eleven when you promised ten.

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

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.

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

Lifestyle: Top 100 Most Beautiful British Slang Words and Phrases according to Anglotopia

Anglotopia’s Top 100 Favorite British Slang Words and Phrases


1. Tosser – Idiot
2. Cock-up – Screw up
3. Bloody – Damn
4. Give You A Bell – Call you
5. Blimey! – My Goodness
6. Wanker – Idiot
7. Gutted – Devastated
8. Bespoke – Custom Made
9. Chuffed – Proud
10. Fancy – Like
11. Sod Off – Piss off
12. Lost the Plot – Gone Crazy
13. Fortnight – Two Weeks
14. Sorted – Arranged
15. Hoover – Vaccum
16. Kip – Sleep or nap
17. Bee’s Knees – Awesome
18. Know Your Onions – Knowledgeable
19. Dodgy – Suspicious
20. Wonky – Not right
21. Wicked – Cool!
22. Whinge – Whine
23. Tad – Little bit
24. Tenner – £10
25. Fiver – £5
26. Skive – Lazy or avoid doing something
27. Toff – Upper Class Person
28. Punter – Customer/Prostitute’s Client
29. Scouser – Someone from Liverpool
30. Quid – £
31. Taking the Piss – Screwing around32. Pissed – Drunk
33. Loo – Toilet
34. Nicked – Stolen
35. Nutter – Crazy Person
36. Knackered – Tired
37. Gobsmacked – Amazed
38. Dog’s Bollocks – Awesome
39. Chap – Male or friend
40. Bugger – Jerk
41. Bog Roll – Toilet Paper
42. Bob’s Your Uncle – There you go!
43. Anti-Clockwise – We Say Counter Clockwise
44. C of E – Church of England
45. Pants – Panties
46. Throw a Spanner in the Works – Screw up
47. Zed – We say ZZZZZZZ
48. Absobloodylootely – YES!
49. Nosh – Food
50. One Off – One time only
51. Shambles – Mess
52. Arse-over-tit – Fall over
53. Brilliant! – Great!
54. Dog’s Dinner – Dressed Nicely
55. Up for it – Willing to have sex
56. On the Pull – Looking for sex
57. Made Redundant – Fired from a job
58. Easy Peasy – Easy
59. See a Man About a Dog – Do a deal or take a dump
60. Up the Duff – Pregnant
61. DIY – Do It Yourself home improvements
62. Chat Up – Flirt
63. Fit – Hot
64. Arse – Ass
65. Strawberry Creams – Breasts
66. Shag – Screw
67. Gentleman Sausage – Penis
68. Twigs & Berries – Genitalia
69. Fanny – Vagina
70. Bollocks – Balls
71. Ponce – Poser
72. Don’t Get Your Knickers in a Twist – Don’t Get worked up
73. The Telly – Television
74. Bangers – Sausage
75. Chips – French Fries
76. Daft Cow – Idiot
77. Do – Party
78. Uni – College/University
79. Starkers – Naked
80. Smeg – From Red Dwarf
81. Bits ‘n Bobs – Various things
82. Anorak – A person weirdly interested in something
83. Shambles – bad shape/plan gone wrong
84. I’m Off to Bedfordshire – Going to bed
85. Her Majesty’s Pleasure – To be in prison
86. Horses for Courses – Won’t work for someone else
87. John Thomas – Penis
88. Plastered – Drunk
89. Meat and Two Veg – Genitalia
90. Knob Head – Idiot/Dickhead
91. Knob – Penis
92. Chav – White trash
93. It`s monkeys outside – it is very cold
94. Stag Night – Bachelor Party
95. Ace – Cool!
96. Plonker – Idiot
97. Dobber – Penis
98. BellEnd – Penis
99. Blighty – Britain
100. Rubbish – Garbage or ‘That’s crap!’

Lifestyle: 6 ways to plan a destination wedding

MANILA, Philippines - Dreaming of getting married on the beach? Or in a garden surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers? Or in any out-of-town, exotic location?

For some, June is a month especially for brides. In case you are planning a June 2014 wedding (or a wedding in any month, for that matter), here are tips from brides and their grooms who've had successful destination weddings.

1. When you pick your location, take into account logistics, especially for your guests

BEAUTIFUL YET COMFORTABLE. When it comes to a beach wedding, your best bet is to wear clothes of light fabric.

Are you getting married on the beach or in a garden out of town? How easy is it to get there? Can your older relatives travel there? Will you be paying for your guests’ transportation and accommodation costs or will they be paying? The answer to the last question should be clarified with your guests early on.

If you plan to have an outdoor wedding, the wedding planner advises giving your guests a welcome kit. The kit should have mosquito repellant, comforting footwear, basic information on and maps of the place, and program. At the very least, inform them in detail and in advance what to expect and what to bring.

Transporting delicate items like a wedding dress can also be tricky. For beach weddings, it is best to have a wedding dress with light fabric so that it can be folded and transported easily. It will be more comfortable to wear outdoors, too!

2. Compare costs between wedding essentials in your wedding location and where you are coming from
Local suppliers and materials cost lower (usually), so you might want to get them at your location instead of bringing them with you. There are some cases, though, when the cost at the location is more expensive, especially if you are having your wedding overseas.

This helped them cut down significantly on costs and still have a memorable wedding.

3. Enlist your family and friends and/or a wedding planner for help
Jana and Joaqui Tupas had 3 wedding ceremonies: they said their “I do's” in a cove in Boracay in the presence of immediate family, they marched with their entourage at a garden in Tagaytay and they had their wedding kiss at a big party with all their friends in Manila.

How did they pull it off, and with a limited budget? With the help of trusted family and friends.

Whether it’s family and friends or professionals, it is important to work with your dream team. “Go with who and what makes you happy, relaxed and radiant” .

4. Out of town need not be out of town in the conventional sense

If your main goal is to travel and celebrate with your family and friends for your wedding, you don’t need to do all — ceremony and reception — out of town. Let your taste and creativity be your guide.

5. You can also have a travel-themed wedding!

If you love to travel but would like to keep the ceremony in town (and save the out of town for the honeymoon), you can go with a travel-themed wedding.

“The theme, motif and the totality of your dream wedding are best if reflective of your personalities, and show your great love for each other,”

6. In the end, don’t stress too much on the details

“Cliche as it may sound, one must handle everything with a smile,” On the day of the wedding, “just relax and let go.” Your wedding is, after all, only part of the big picture. “It isn't how glamorous your wedding turned out that people will remember; it is how you lived your lives as a married couple”.

- Rappler.com BY RHEA CLAIRE E. MADARANG

Lifestyle: Which are the world's most polluted cities?

PARIS - Paris has leapt into the headlines over an alert for dangerous atmospheric particles, yet it does not ordinarily count among the world's most polluted cities.

Here are the top 10 cities for which data is available, according to a 2011 World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

The pollution is measured as the microgramme (mcg) concentration per cubic metre of air of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometres (PM10) -- about a seventh of the width of a human hair.

The figures are the average for the year. Seasonal spikes can be many times higher.

The WHO's health guidelines are maximum exposure of 20 mcg/m3, measured as an annual average.

1) Ahvaz, Iran 372 mcg/m3 (2009 data)

2) Ulan Bator, Mongolia 279 mcg/m3 (2008 data)

3) Sanandaj, Iran 254 mcg/m3 (2009 data)

4) Ludhiana, India (2008 data)

and Quetta, Pakistan (2003/4 data)

tied at 251 mcg/m3

5) Kermanshah, Iran 229 mcg/m3 (2009 data)

6) Peshawar, Pakistan 219 mcg/m3 (2003/4 data)

7) Gaborone, Botswana 216 mcg/m3 (2005 data)

8) Yasuj, Iran 215 mcg/m3 (2009 data)

9) Kanpur, India 209 mcg/m3 (2008 data)

10) Lahore, Pakistan 200 mcg/m3 (2003/4 data)

Paris, whose levels hit a high of 180 mcg/m3 last week, has an annual mean level of 38 mcg/m3 according to 2008 data.

Beijing, which has also been in the news over smothering smog, is listed with an annual mean figure of 121 mcg/m3.

The Middle East and North Africa is the world's most polluted region with an annual mean level well over 130 mcg/m3, followed by Southeast Asia with a level near 100 mcg/m3.

The UN's health body estimates more than two million people die every year from breathing indoor and outdoor particle pollution.

Particles are released by burning petrol and diesel for car and motorcycle combustion, or coal, fuel wood, charcoal and animal waste for heating and cooking.

Weather conditions can drastically affect pollution levels, as in Paris where particles were trapped by a high pressure system causing sunny days and cold nights, with little wind.

Particulate pollution is also measured by levels of particles called PM2.5.

Measuring less than 2.5 mcg, or about a 30th the width of a human hair, these can penetrate deep into the lungs and are often made from more toxic materials than PM10.

Other pollution yardsticks are gases -- ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide that are potential irritants of the airways or eyes.

SOURCE: Exposure: City Level Data by Country

Lifestyle: Martinez finishes 19th at Winter Olympics figure skating finale - Rappler

Congratulations to our lone Filipino Olympian at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics!  The whole Philippines is so proud of you.:


EARLY LEAD. Filipino Michael Christian Martinez performs in the Men's Figure Skating Free Program at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi Winter Olympics on February 14, 2014. Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez finished 19th at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics men's figure skating finals on Saturday morning (Manila time).

The lone Filipino Winter Olympian Martinez, 17, garnered 119.44 points in his final free skate routine for a two-day total of 184.25. Martinez skated third and held an early lead after six performances.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan won the gold medal with a score of 280.09, while Patrick Chan of Canada won silver. Kazakhstan’s Denis Ten, who finished ninth after the short program, moved up to third place to earn bronze honors.

Martinez of Parañaque performed to the tune of "Malagueña" of Ernesto Lecuona which lasted for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds, drawing applause once again from the crowd in attendance.

Martinez, who also ranked 19th after Thursday's short program, had a pristine start in the finale.

"That triple axel went up like a rocket. Super start," exclaimed one of the commentators.

He did have some anxious moments, being deducted a point after a fall, but he fought hard through fatigue to finish strongly.

"He's giving everything that he's got and he's fighting right to the finish," said another commentator.

"A lot to be proud of. He looked very, very impressive indeed," capped the event commentators assessment after Martinez ended a phenomenal performance.

Martinez humbled by support, seeks bright future

Right after Martinez's dazzling performance in the finale, the Olympian said he was in awe of the rabid support he has been receiving while competing in Sochi.

"Sobrang saya. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso," he said in a television interview. (I'm so delighted; the support is very heart-warming)

Martinez, who already made history by barging into the finals, is also becoming the media darling in the event with several interviews from international media outlets.

He admitted there was some pressure as he did such a difficult routine, but it won't stop him from his goal of reaching the 2018 Winter Olympics as well.

"I had pressure. It was one of my hardest jumps," he said.

"My goal is to qualify and compete again in the next Winter Olympics."

Martinez has still made history as the first Southeast Asian skater to perform at the Winter Olympics. -Rappler.com

Lifestyle: Malaysia tops survey of 'halal holidays' for Muslims -Rappler

HALAL TOURIST SPOTS. Arab tourists walk past a sale sign while shopping in downtown Kuala Lumpur. AFP Photo

SINGAPORE – Malaysia is the world's friendliest destination for Muslim travelers, according to a survey released Tuesday, but Japan has shown most improvement as it ramps up efforts to cash in on a growing market.

Malaysia was followed by the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in this year's rankings for "halal" friendly holiday destinations released by Singapore-based Muslim travel specialist Crescentrating.

The survey evaluates countries in terms of their attentiveness to the needs of Muslim travelers, including the presence and accessibility of halal restaurants with meat slaughtered to Islamic standards, and the provision of prayer rooms at airports, shopping malls and hotels.

"An increasing number of destinations are now keen on tapping into this segment and adapting their services to take into account the unique faith-based needs of Muslim travelers," said Crescentrating chief executive Fazal Bahardeen.

For largely Muslim Malaysia, Bahardeen said the country's Islamic Tourism Centre has "continued to educate the industry on how to cater to the Muslim travelers".

"There are now more and more hotel kitchens with halal certification, an increasing number of hotels are also now catering to the specific needs of Muslim travelers," he added.

One hotel even has separate timings for the use of gym and swimming pools for males and females requiring privacy, he said.

Bahardeen said the Muslim travel market was estimated to be worth $140 billion last year, accounting for almost 13 percent of the global total. It is expected to rise to $200 billion by 2020, he added.

Japan was in 40th place among the 60 ranked, but its score is 10 notches up from 50th place last year – the biggest improvement overall.

"Japan has definitely been the most active destination during the last year to focus on this segment of travelers," Bahardeen told Agence France-Presse.

"It has launched a number of initiatives – from awareness programs to the local industry to releasing the Muslim travel guide to Japan."

Some airports and hotels in Japan have also started offering halal food and prayer rooms, he said.

Singapore placed sixth in the global rankings, and was the only non-Muslim country in the top 10, followed by Morocco, Jordan, Qatar and Tunisia.

The tiny island state touts its man-made attractions, a vast array of local food and reputation for cleanliness and order to travelers, and "does better than even some of the Muslim countries" in enticing those who follow the Islamic faith, Bahardeen said.

Italy, Belgium, Ireland and Mexico were the bottom four countries in the rankings, as they had "not really focused" on the possibilities of the Muslim market, he added.

The top ten in order were: Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Morocco, Jordan, Qatar and Tunisia. – Rappler.com

Lifestyle: Business - Olivia billboard mystery solved by Ira Agting of Rappler

So the message that makes passerby in edsa was just a marketing strategy for a condo in mandaluyong. Read the details below:


SHE SAID YES. The Olivia billboards are part of a marketing campaign. Photo by Ira Agting/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Mystery solved, and Olivia said yes.


The "Olivia, will you marry me?" billboards are part of a marketing campaign for Pioneer Woodlands condominium in Mandaluyong.

A new billboard appeared on EDSA that says, "Olivia Said Yes! So we bought our first investment together at Pioneer Woodlands Mandaluyong City."

On the week of Valentine's, mysterious pink billboards with the words "Olivia, will you marry me?" popped out accross main thoroughfares in the metro. Also written on the billboards were the numbers "21414," that many assumed to be Valentine's or the proposal date.

It turns out, "21414" refers to the weekly price of a unit in the said condominium. "For as low as P2,141.4/week," said the new billboards that recently popped out.

For the past week, the billboards have created a buzz among curious citizens, with many taking to social media to share theories behind the mystery.

Many believed the billboards were part of a real proposal. Actor John Prats, they said, was the romantic behind it, given that the actor's girlfriend, actress Isabel Oli, is named Olivia Daytia in real life. Adding to this, the two revealed in recent interviews that they are ready to settle down.

Others, however, were right to believe that the wide campaign could have been the work only of a major company.

There were some who believed the billboards were part of a marketing campaign for television showScandal, which has as main character someone named Olivia. Others speculated the campaign was for a feminine wash product.

Did you guess right? – Rappler.com

Lifestyle: Business - How to Make the Customer Experience in Your Business Unforgettable

‘Unforgettable’ is such an arbitrary word. Good or bad experiences can be ‘unforgettable.’ They can be glib or profound. They can lead to recommendations (free advertising and more business), or they can be warnings that can kill your brand.

However, in the realm of customer experience, it is easier to work ‘unforgettable’ into their vocabulary, and there’s simply one word you should always remember:surprise.

Surprise cuts through the routine and brings fun to an otherwise boring day. It can make disappointment forgettable. It allows you to create, strengthen, and reward loyalty. Best of all, it gets you talked about.

Therefore, don’t forget to connect your unforgettable customer experience back to your brand. The last thing you want to hear is “Unforgettable! Except I can’t remember which company it was…”

Use the experience wisely; communicate your brand’s values; appreciate their patronage; introduce new product or service or endorser; raise interest in an old one.

Question: when is it best to create an unforgettable customer experience?
When you first open your store?
When they first walk in the door?
After they’ve made their first purchase?
When they’ve entered your contest for the first time?
On their 10th visit? Third purchase? Second contest?
When they subscribe to your email list or loyalty program?
When they blog/tweet about you or like your page on Facebook?

The fact is, you can make any moment unforgettable, at any time, in any stage of your customer loyalty ladder, even online. Depending on whether you want to bump up a ‘prospect’ (not yet bought) to customer (bought once), or from ‘supporter’ to ‘advocate,’ you can recruit, reward, incentivize, or simply reach out to a great, surprising effect.

How easy or hard is it to make an experience unforgettable? Well, let me answer that with another question: how well do you know your customer? We answer this question in another blog post, to help you with writing your customer satisfaction survey.

As always, we would still recommend a full Customer Experience Management consultation. Feel free to leave your comment!