Category Archives: Technology

[Infographic] SPAS 101 by looloo

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said I love infographics. I featured a few already. The Kapitolyo Fearless Foodie Guide started it all. And then the Tagalog Mozilla Philippines Firefox 3 infographic and of course, the popular Cost of Starbucks Planner 2013 infographic by MyManila.net

Here’s another one:

SPAS 101 by looloo.com | Art by Kitkat Pecson

I know it’s long pero I’m sure talagang tinitigan mo to. Haha! I love the colors and the graphics. This one is perfect for the spa lovers out there. You see, day spas have mushroomed all over the metro but only a few are popular. I’m only familiar with The Spa and The Island Spa in Jupiter Makati as I used to go there. Honestly, I don’t enjoy going to spas because instead of being relaxed, nabubugbog ako! LOL! That’s just me. I guess I really don’t know the science behind or the art of spa. Husband has been wanting to go. We were in Bangkok last week but we failed to experience an authentic Thai spa. We were too busy hanging out with the family at home. 🙂

This infographic might help me understand and yeah, discover what day spa in Manila to try. It’s the spa version of the foodie map I featured a few weeks back. All the information can be found on the yet-to-be-released looloo app. Speaking of which, have you signed-up?

If you’re a foodie or a spa lover, you need to have the app. It’s not available on the App Store yet but soon. 🙂

Get notified when the mobile app launches HERE.

I’m excited!

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Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalms 37:7

Nuffnang Blogopolis ONLIne in the Philippines Blogging Event

Ever since I decided to go back to blogging, life has been more exciting. Walang halong biro but I feel so alive! Haha! 😛

I was recently talking to a former colleague, sharing with her how fun it is to blog again. A lot of us have been bitten by the bug too. You see, it was also a decision for me to DO MORE. I have work so I am online all the time. But majority of those hours were spent on Twitter, Facebook, blog-hopping, stalking, etc. I was  wasting my time. But since I started blogging again, I became  busy with more important things like reading, researching for topics, testing mobile apps, reviewing, helping other start ups, attending a conference, and meeting new people. I guess I missed meeting people IN PERSON after being stuck at home for more than five years now.

And so I want to go to this Nuffnang Blogging Event on Sunday, November 18. I haven’t decided yet because that weekend, I’d be very busy. It’s a ticketed event too so that means I’d have to spend again. But this could also be an investment. You meet new people and get new opportunities.

The Philippine blogosgphere has so much changed since I left the corporate world. It’s a bit scary because of all the bloggers out there who can write about a certain person or brand that could make or break an image. I find this one overwhelming too. How can I thrive in the Philippine blogging scene? Earning from this isn’t my objective. Why I’m blogging again? I’m blogging for LOVE and for GOD. I decided no more ranting or hate posts. I just want to share my thoughts. Who knows, I might be able to help or inspire other people.

I still have 4 days to decide. I know my husband won’t mind me going. It’s just that this weekend is full. Can I still squeeze this event? It’s a 9AM to 9PM event. Ang tagal! Pano ba to?! Sana may mag magandang loob at mag-sponsor. 😀

iPhone 5 Hands-on

Apple iPhone 5 Hands-on

This is the iPhone 5. I got my hands on this Apple phone not in the Philippines but in Bangkok, Thailand. It’ s looks exactly like the iPhone 4 / iPhone 4S, only the iPhone 5 is thinner, lighter, and taller by about a half-inch.

The iPhone 5 looks fragile in my hand I was afraid I’d drop it. I wasn’t able to take much photos because the assistant at iStudio in Gateway Ekamai in Bangkok has been watching me.

I haven’t heard when the iPhone 5 Philippines launch will happen but I’m guessing Smart will have a super lavish one like last year. As for Globe, I’m expecting more affordable postpaid plans for the iPhone 5 albeit a simpler media launch.

I’m not really keen on getting the iPhone 5 because it doesn’t look much different. I know it’s faster but really, I’m not in a hurry to change my iPhone 4. However, my 2-year contract is about to expire so I’ll check the offers first. This or the iPad Mini. 😛

[Infographic] Tagalized Mozilla Firefox Best of 3 Billion Add-on Downloads

Mozilla 3 Billion Add Ons Download Infographic in Tagalog

On Infographics

I’m loving INFOGRAPHICS right now. I have a friend whose work includes making infographics for international clients. I mentioned it to my husband and then he said, “Ah..pareho lang pala kami ng ginagawa.” I answered back, “Naaah, yours is the boring kind.” Haha! Continue reading [Infographic] Tagalized Mozilla Firefox Best of 3 Billion Add-on Downloads

Keep Calm and NOAH Muna

Keep Calm and Noah Muna
Project NOAH

I laughed when I saw this poster because as much as I would like to say being with my son Noah always calms me down, there are times that he’s the cause of my stress. Hehe. Anyone who knows the famous “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster would be drawn to this local version and be interested what the NOAH here means.

This isn’t something I made for Noah. It’s a government initiative that I want to support not only for the NOAH reference but also because I know for a fact how technology can be helpful during tragedies. Remember during the Typhoon Ondoy and Sendong when Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks were used to spread and share relief efforts?

I got to hear Under Secretary Manuel L. Quezon III during the WordCamp Philippines 2012 Conference last Saturday. His keynote focused on the Official Gazette of the Philippines, Taxonomy, Corp Identity, Portal, and Institutional Memory efforts. I had no idea of such initiatives but Sir MLQ3 piqued my interest to support the government in this area. I’ve always dreamed of a hi-tech, super digital Philippine government and I’m looking at these efforts as only the beginning. I am all for spreading the cause and help promote the projects of the government I believe in.

So what is this Project NOAH all about? Read on.

Project NOAH is the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) response to the call of President Benigno S. Aquino III for a more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas throughout the Philippines.

The Project will harness technologies and management services for disaster risk reduction activities offered by the DOST through PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), in partnership with the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and the UP College of Engineering. (Source: Gov.ph)

DOST has a more comprehensive description of the project HERE.

NOAH’s immediate task is to integrate current disaster science research and development projects and initiate new efforts within the DOST to achieve this objective. Presently there are eight(8) component projects under the NOAH program, namely:

  1. Hydromet Sensors Development
  2. DREAM-LIDAR 3-D Mapping Project
  3. Flood NET-Flood Modeling Project
  4. Hazards Information Media
  5. Enhancing Geo-hazards Mapping through LIDAR
  6. Doppler System Development
  7. Landslide Sensors Development Project
  8. Storm Surge Inundation Mapping Project

The current NOAH Program team is composed of the scientist-leaders of these projects. The country’s warning agencies: PAG-ASA and PHIVOLCS are also represented.

Within two years, NOAH shall provide high-resolution flood hazard maps and install 600 automated rain gauges and 400 water level measuring stations for 18 major river basins of the Philippines. (See complete list HERE.)

I am reminded of this Project NOAH last night because I wrote about Google’s effort to provide Hurricane Sandy its own Google Crisis Map. I think this is exactly what the government is aiming for.

This is just one project of the government but I hope more people, especially those hiding behind their desks and computer screens all day (like me!), support this one. What we did during the Typhoon Ondoy and Sendong were amazing and we thank technology–the Internet for that.

I guess it’s time, we Netizens, step up and support such cause. Tama na ang cyberbullying at pagbabasa ng mga blind item websites (note to self). Use your Internet and Technology skills for a good cause. You never know how much it can change lives. Continue reading Keep Calm and NOAH Muna

Confessions of an UnReader

My Stack of Unread Magazines for this month

I prefer reading the old fashioned way. As much as I confess being a techie but digital reading really isn’t for me. I tried but I ended up not reading the e-books and magazines, only wasting the dollars I spent.

And for this month and the last, I have this pile of magazines unread. I have read only a few pages but I wish I could have the luxury to sit and read them. All I need is an hour or two. I guess I just have to bring them with me on the plane. We’ll see.

What local magazines do I read? Smart Parenting, Real Living, Metro Home, Working Mom, Food, YES, Star Studio, and the newly launched ELLE Decor Philippines.

I don’t buy all magazines each month. I only buy if I want to read a special feature or if I like who’s on the cover. My must-buy though is Real Living magazine. The Smart Parenting, I subscribed on Zinio but I don’t get to read them anymore. :/

How about you? Which mode of reading do you prefer? Do you prefer to read your books or magazines electronically or have the actual reading material in your hand?

Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP

Because I live and breathe the Internet, I expect most companies, both international and local, to be accessible all the time. Websites are the most common form of marketing but unfortunately, local companies or those based in the Philippines do not update theirs regularly. Facebook or Twitter accounts are more often updated than corporate websites.

One company website though that is always accessible and reliable is Meralco. Even before we receive a hard copy of a particular month’s electric bill, I already know how much because I receive it on my e-mail. Actually, even before Meralco sends a notification e-mail, I could already check by logging in to my Meralco E-bill. I could even check the electric bill of my parents’ and our previous’ residences so I know how much have been generated and who haven’t been paying for months.

Just recently, Meralco launched its very own mobile app. Officially called as the Meralco Virtual Engine or MOVE,  this is a free app especially designed for Filipinos. The app suite includes six apps that can be accessed from any iOS, Android, or BlackBerry device–smartphone or tablet–your choice.

Official Meralco Virtual Engine MOVE App-Suite
Official Meralco Virtual Engine MOVE App-Suite

Like any iPhone user, I immediately downloaded the Meralco MOVE App from the AppStore. I love the fact that Meralco wanted to offer assistance to customers who are often online. For a techie like me, I really appreciate and support such apps. (iPhone apps!) Continue reading Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP