Scum of the Earth

What do you consider as scum of the earth?

The word represents the most offensive and demeaning that any person can be called. What it means, is you are judged as one of the lowest life form that walks this earth. It is an insult which says---you amount to nothing.

What we normally do with scum, is throw them out like garbage. I threw out a pile of twigs, leaves, and various bric-a-brac this morning. I have to pay a little extra for the garbage truck doesn't usually accept this stuff. Only household garbage, they say.

50 sacks were thrown

After doing away with them, I went out on an errand and rode a jeepney. While seated cozily, I noticed this young boy who sat on the stairs sniffing a bottle of rugby. I stared at him--- helpless, and unable to do anything.

How can somebody so young, act so brazenly, as if "getting high" in public is normal? He sat there, sniffing, and holding on to the rails for about half a kilometer. The passengers sat there stupefied, and unable to do anything. They looked at him with disdain as if, he was a total scum of the earth.

Garbage collection  every Saturday of the week 

I remember the garbage that I threw away a couple of hours before, and I would have liked to do the same thing for this young boy. But, I can't. So, I just stared there---helpless,   until he took off in an alley, where he can probably get another fill.

What a pity! A sheer waste of humanity for somebody so young.


writer_csm


Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved

SHANE MALUNGGAY HOT PANDESAL, Pilar Village, Las Pinas City

Flyer of the store in Pilar Village, Las Pinas City

SHANE MALUNGGAY HOT PANDESAL: A New Kid on the Block

Pan de Sal is an iconic Filipino (Pinoy) bread that you eat for breakfast and can be dipped in either hot coco or barako coffee. It is best eaten hot with a whipping of strawberry jam, peanut butter, or coco jam.

No amount of western influence could make any Pinoy change his ways regarding Pandesal. It is his way of life, and no life change is going to make him do away with it. It used to be fist-sized during my time, but has shrunk miserably to a about three by two inches today.

Due to changes in consumer preferences, several businessmen introduced additives that they hope would bring in more sales. A new outlet in the subdivision near my place is a hole-in-the-wall Panaderia (bakery) named, Shane Malunggay Hot Pan de Sal.

Steaming hot pandesal fresh from the oven

Malunggay is otherwise known as Moringa, a leafy vegetable that is rich in protein, vitamins A, B, C and other minerals. It is a staple in the Pinoy diet, from the poorest of households to the upper middle class.

Since both malunggay and pandesal are known to local consumers, what could be a better mix than to have these two together? Hence, Shane Malungay Hot Pandesal was born in a subdivision near my place.

You can buy it straight from the oven, from 4am to 10 am; and again, from 2 pm onwards. It is soft as it is baked fresh every day and comes cheap at P2 pesos per piece. It is best eaten hot, with a dash of butter and with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.

Pandesal with Moringa (malunggay)

The only drawback that I have with the place, is the thin paper bag that they used for packing. It is too thin and fragile, that my pandesal popped out of the bottom, when I least expected it.

The girl manning the store said that sales have not been good lately. I can only surmise that even with a strong product, if customer needs are not met (like seeing her newly bought pandesal popping out of their packaging), there will be little repeat sales to dream about.

Little things like that could make a big difference to buyers on whether they still want to do business with you or not.

My one cent...


writer_csm


Only in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved

Review: Massage for Less, Metropolis, Muntinlupa City

 Massage for Less at Metropolis, Muntinlupa City

A friend once asked me if I wanted to go with her to a massage parlor. I said no since I am not used to other people invading my precious territory --- which is my body. Heheh!

I have a secret to share...I get tickled easily. I am certain that once the massage attendant starts to pounce and roll on my body parts, I will laugh and roll till thy kingdom come.

Hence, I am not a target client of any massage parlor. Not by a long shot. It would be like asking the devil himself to go roll it out with the angels. It just wouldn't work.

However, there was a flyer given to me some months back about a massage chair. It was a bulky-looking contraption that wiggles and moves your body from head to toe. It looked ok and I would be honest to admit, that I liked it.

But the price stunned me! It costs P65,000! Never in my life would I sink my few precious peso on anything whimsical, such as a massage chair. I would rather buy three cows with that money and ride on it till perdition. Lol!

The other week, I saw these same chairs in the Metropolis. It was rented out at P10 and P25 for 5 to 10 minutes by Massage for Less. I am not sure about the number of minutes, but I tried it out --- being tired of walking around the mall.

I have to pay extra P5 for the socks, and there I was comfortably seated on that bulky contraption. It was a nice experience, all over again. It made me relax without being tickled pink. The pains in my legs and back were gone after my time was up.

I hope these massage chairs can be found in other malls, like in the nearby Southmall. It is relaxing and would not punch your pockets dry, for a few minutes of wondrous time.


writer_csm

Onli in da Pilipins: A writer's Journal
Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved

Mr. KIMBOB Food Stall-Southmall, Las Pinas

Mr. Kimbob Stall at Southmall, Las Pinas

Mr. KIMBOB is a fast food stall in Southmall, Las Pinas that fast food diners can try out. It boasts of Korean-inspired dishes, and you can have a pick of either meats, veggies, or a combination of both.

As a resident of the area, I am always at the mall either to buy some stuff in the supermarket or to have my devices (computer, cell phone, and camera) repaired. It also has a C-D-R King outlet where I  buy my USB, monitor, and other techie knick knacks.

I came upon Mr. KIMBOB today, to try out their Korean dishes. I have been a loyal customer of KIMCHI, a Korean fast food joint, that have folded up several years ago. I always liked Kimchi's chicken/squid barbeque and beef broth whenever I am at the mall. This order always comes with  a heaping of kimchi to add spice to the dish, and it's yummy!.

Mr. Kimbob's Chicken meal that looks like a Chinese sweet and sour dish

So, eager-beaver, I ordered a Chicken dish with veggies on this new Korean food stall. KIMCHI used to served this meal with spicy mongo sprout, and it was never oily. Nonetheless, what I ordered had carrots and slivers of cabbage instead of mongo sprout. I would have thought, that the manner of cooking would be the same and taste the same too.

But I was wrong. When I got what I ordered, I was surprised that it looked like the sweet and sour variation of a Chinese lauriat. The meat and veggies were oily. Had it not been in the name of the store, I would have no reservation that this was a sweet-sour thingie that is served in many Filipino/Chinese joints.

You cannot judge a store by a single product, so they say. But you cannot also fool a customer by saying that you are what you are, when you are not. 

Will I go back?

Nope, you have lost me there Mr. KIMBOB. I suggest for you to come up with fewer choices of meals and only concentrate on authentic Korean dishes. That would make you stand out. You can fool some people once. But twice?

Ah, nada! I better go try Teppanyaki next time. :D


writer_csm


Only in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved

Nikon CoolPix S100: My New Writing Buddy

pixabay.com by geralt/ Public Domain CCO

Nikon CoolPix S100: My New Writing Buddy

I have been dabbing on journalism once in a while that I know I need a small camera to take pictures of events instantly. I need something slim and easy to carry, so I can take pictures anywhere and everywhere I go. This has been on my mind in the last few months but I can't seem to make a go out of it, since I squirm whenever I see the price.

This morning, with my usual walk-around to air my congested grey cells, I decided to have my burger with bacon at the nearby Minute Burger stall. On my way, I passed by a pawnshop store and was surprised to see an array of cameras that they have for sale.

I saw a beauty, a Nikon CoolPix S100, that sells for a few thousand pesos. I tested it and it looks great! It's small enough to be inconspicuous, but takes clean and clear pictures. It is just what I needed when I go around the metropolis to take shots of what I plan to write about.

To be doubly sure, I called up my daughter, Maricat, to ask her if it is a good buy --- and she said yes! Well, I am now a proud owner of a small camera the Nikon CoolPix S100, that I plan to use in the next few days. But first, I need to study the features on how to take good shots before I give it a dry run.

Whewww....rallies and demonstrations, here I come! I will be where the action is! Me with my little camera nosing around......:D


writer_csm 

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

Copyright © csmiravite™. All Rights Reserved

Tips for Small Time Investors in the Philippines

Philippine Currency- P500

Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Tips for Small Time Investors in the Philippines

Filipinos are known as non-savers. If we earn a little money, all we think about is spend it on frivolities like cell phones, laptops, gadgets, and a social life that is far beyond our financial means. I cringe whenever I see people throw away money on the most mundane things. You do not need a top of the line cell phone or laptop to be functional. An ordinary gadget with the basic amenities/features is always an option whenever you think of buying.

Having the most expensive and up-to-date gadgets just to keep up with the Joneses, is a fool-proof way of emptying your pockets. These techie toys go down in value and would be replaced  by newer models a year from now. Meantime, what you now buy would be passe and you may be compelled to buy a newer version next year.

It is a never ending cycle, which leaves your pockets running empty. A lifestyle to imitate the others, is another fool-proof way of getting into bankruptcy. I never believe in eating out all the time as a means to live your life. Buying expensive food to be at par with your peers is not going to get you anywhere. When the money runs dry, your peers will not be there to throw you the ropes. You will be on your own to paddle your way out of the quagmire.

They say that the best way to prove your point is to put your money where your mouth is. Hence, I plan to be a small time investor on my own in the next one month. I have seen former students investing in blue chip stocks by keeping a portion of their salaries for investment. This is a good sign, where I get to see kids barely out of college, learning the ropes fast on money handling and stock trading.

At the outset, I believe that putting all your money in a savings account is never a good idea. It will earn you a few pesos, and nothing much by way of asset appreciation. An option would be --- small time investment in mutual funds. You can research about it online before deciding on where to invest. Another option would be to invest in the PSEI or index funds. These investments do not necessarily have to involve large sums; but spreading yourself around, may be the best strategy for your money to grow.

Stock Trading

Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

If you are not risk averse, you can play around with a few thousand pesos in the stock market. However, you need to study about stock trading since this is the fastest way to lose your shirt. This type of investment is not for the faint hearted. Due to the risk involve, you should only put in the amount that you can afford to lose.

Other ways of being a small time investor in the Philippines, is through the outsourcing business. Most businesses in the United States and Europe outsource their admin, marketing, and accounting functions to professionals in countries like the Philippines, India, and other countries where labor is cheap. This is a good way for Filipinos to earn, as you are paid in dollars, and spend the money in Philippine pesos. With a P43:$1 exchange rate, this option has been always a win-win situation for everyone.

Other small time investment opportunities, are affiliate marketing. This is done by online writers and marketeers to make money by creating blogsites and linking them to Adsense, Amazon, Ebay, Chikita, and other affiliate firms. There are many tools online that can help you create the best blogs that would fly high in cyberspace. 

Bottom Line

Creating the best investment mix for yourself, would mean a life that is rewarding and financially fulfilling. This has been a trend for several years now and many are seeing their dreams come true by working at their own pace and time. 

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © 2014 CSMiravite


Consolacion S. Miravite, CPA
http://broker-csmiravite.blogspot.com/
http://csmiravite-blogs.hubpages.com/
http://csmiravite.blogspot.com/
http://paattiinngg.blogspot.com/
http://artikulo49.wordpress.com/
http://csmiravite0520.wordpress.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Consolacion_S_Miravite
 http://www.essencearticles.com/author?pen=11525

My First Filing of a DMCA Complaint to Google

http://www.dom4j.org/legal/dmca.php

I filed my first DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) complaint to Google a while ago. I have to teach myself on how to do it and learn it by reading a number of materials online. Since it was my first time, I had a hard time on going about it.

There was one hubber who said that we need to file a letter of complaint to the site owner. I tried to do that by searching the owner's online/IP address. Lo and behold!  I got hold of his email address too.

I cranked out this letter, and sent it to him via Gmail. But this guy is slippery, the email got bumped by Gmail - telling me that this person's email address does not exist.

If I can't reach him, what do I do? The most logical move, is to report him to Google. This guy is the first DMCA complaint that I filed ever since I started with online work. There will be around ten more sites to follow. One fellow is in Korea. I just don't know if he is from the north or the south.

These characters either copy my content word for word or use my name to crank out their lousy articles. It's time to get back at them and give them a beating! They disturb my peace by copying my work and pretending to be me.

I say, enough is enough. This old woman is going to fight back by filing DMCA complaints to all of these rascals, until they grow tired of being booted out by Google.

I am posting this letter online to mark the first time that I filed a DMCA complaint. A feather on my cap, I have arrived!  Lol!

Former students at PLMun- June Yambao, Edgar Eduardo, Rowena Dumalagan with friends at El Nido Resort in Palawan,  Photo grab from FB account of June Yambao

18 June 2014


Mr. Mohammad Afif
www.lakewoodestate.info
I.P. Address:  50.87.146.108 - 337
Domain Name:LAKEWOODESTATE.INFO
Domain ID: D50976542-LRMS


Dear Mr. Afif,

SUBJECT: Copyright infringement of your article entitled,"Selling Real Estate Properties to Filipino Expatriates"                                      
 
I am filing a DMCA complaint with Google regarding an article of mine that was copy-pasted in your site. Your url link follows:

http://www.lakewoodestate.info/113-real-estate-property.html#more-113

I own the copyright of this article that you infringed upon. This was published in ezine.com on July 7, 2012. My url with ezine. com follows:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Selling-Real-Estate-Properties-to-Filipino-Expatriates&id=7164672

The publication of the said material in your website is not authorized by me, or by any agent that purportedly represents me.

This notification is accurate and serves as a notice of perjury, of my claims for exclusive rights, that you have infringed upon.

Please respond immediately by removing the infringing content as soon as possible.


Thank you.


Very truly yours,

Consolacion S. Miravite “/s/”

Former students at PLMun with friends at El Nido Resort in Palawan,  Photo grab from
FB account of June Yambao

POSTSCRIPT:

When I was still in the academe, I used to tell students of mine to be careful with what they post in FB or any social sites. You leave digital marks whenever you post, even if you don't use your real name. There are ways of finding out on who you are.

If you write online, you're traceable. If you copy quotes or post pictures without naming your source, you will get in trouble. If you come across owners like me, I file a DMCA complaint against you, and you get booted out of Google.


Hehehe!


writer_csm



Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
Copyright © 2014 CSMiravite


Consolacion S. Miravite, CPA
http://broker-csmiravite.blogspot.com/
http://csmiravite-blogs.hubpages.com/
http://csmiravite.blogspot.com/
http://paattiinngg.blogspot.com/
http://artikulo49.wordpress.com/
http://csmiravite0520.wordpress.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Consolacion_S_Miravite
 http://www.essencearticles.com/author?pen=11525