The Art of Talking To Yourself » Why It Does Not Always Mean You Are Crazy

I maybe having the first sign of madness, but talking to myself actually help me in making sound decisions. Yes, I may sound crazy, but this is not a statement of paranormal; it is a statement of truth. We all have an inner voice…and I consider mine as an ally.

Most of the time I am telling myself things I would never let anyone else say to me. This way I am not letting my inner voice tear down and strip away my confidence. This is the beauty of self-talk and I think I am not crazy. Self-talk is not bad, or wrong, or a sign of psychological problems. It is, I think, normal. Here’s a quick research I did on this topic.

What the hell is self talk?

In psychological terms, the talking is referred to as self-talk (wow, not a very complicated term, eh?). It’s also known as verbal persuasion, an important component of self-efficacy conceptualized by psychologist Albert Bandura presented in his social cognitive theory. Self-talk is a way of describing all the things we say to ourselves all day long as we confront obstacles, make decisions, and resolve problems. Self-talk is not "talking to yourself" in a literal sense, although it sometimes does involve talking out loud (I know a lot of person who do that – thinking out loud as they say.)

Why talking to yourself does not always mean you are crazy

Yodz talking, shouting, cursing....TO HIMSELF

 Usually, it is part of our thinking process, or what we call "stream of consciousness." As we are presented with problems, or decisions, we might think, "Okay, how do I handle this?' or "This looks like it is difficult, I better ask for help." or "I know how to fix this!" Self Talk is how you talk to yourself through out the day. It may be comprised of either positive or negative statements.

As a general rule, negative self talk is anything that puts us down or limits our actions, on the other hand positive self talk makes us feel good or motivates our actions. Positive self talk is extremely beneficial and will enhance the effects of future programming techniques. Once mastered, it will result in an attitude that anything is possible.

It is not madness, and it’s good for you, say scientists

Okay, Sir Yodz this is how we will handle this...

There has been a wealth of research in psychology that supports the advantages and usefulness of self-talk, especially when combined with other peak performance strategies. It is not madness, and it’s good for you, scientists have found.

According to researchers, it can even strengthen dieters’ willpower, help defuse arguments and improve decision-making.

Psychologists from the University of Toronto in Canada asked volunteers to complete several challenges to test their self-control. In some, they were prevented from talking to themselves by being forced to recite one word repeatedly.

Researcher Professor Michael Inzlicht said: "Through a series of tests, we found that people acted more impulsively when they couldn’t use their inner voice or talk themselves through the tasks."

In one challenge, the volunteers performed a test on a computer. If they saw a particular symbol appear on the screen, they were told to press a button.

If they saw a different symbol, they were told they must refrain from pushing the button. The majority of the symbols required the volunteers to press the button, making this become an impulsive response.

Their self-control could be measured by how well they resisted pressing it when an alternative symbol did appear. The second phase of the study included measures to prevent participants from exercising their inner voice while performing the tests, to see whether blocking this dialogue had any effect on their powers of restraint.

In order to stop the volunteers talking to themselves, they were instructed to repeat one word over and over as they performed each test.

Professor Inzlicht said: “Without being able to verbalise messages to themselves, they were not able to exercise the same amount of self-control as when they could talk themselves through the process. It’s always been known that people have internal dialogues with themselves, but until now, we’ve never known what an important function they serve. This study shows that talking to ourselves in this “inner voice” actually helps us exercise self control and prevents us from making impulsive decisions.”

Alexa Tullett, author of the study, added: “We give ourselves messages all the time with the intent of controlling ourselves – whether that’s telling ourselves to keep running when we’re tired, to stop eating even though we want one more slice of cake, or to refrain from blowing up on someone in an argument. We wanted to find out whether talking to ourselves in this “inner voice” actually helps.”

The team’s research has been published in the science journal Acta Psychologica.

CAUTION: Talk to yourself instead of allowing “yourself” talk to you

According to David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, author of the book Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure, it is important that we must talk to ourselves, instead of allowing “ourselves” to talk to us. He suggested that the main trouble in this whole matter of depression in a sense is that we allow our self to talk to us instead of talking to our self. He further stressed that most of our unhappiness in life is due to the fact that we are listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves.

Be good at being yourself

We can now safely conclude that outward success first starts with inward success. The trick is we have to learn the secret strategies to winning communication with ourselves. Everyday we talk to ourselves and about ourselves.

We affirm our beliefs, explain our behaviour, and predict our future. We persuade, cajole, order and suggest stuff constantly and consistently. For this reason alone we can be very good at being the person we really want to be.

The lesson? Learn self talk the right way -- it's a valuable performance tool.

At the very least, I tell myself that.

_________________

Photo Credit:

» Yodz Doube Trouble by Aldan Reposo January 2011
» Talk to the hand by cold-wind-of-death [Retrieved 28 January 2011] {http://cold-wind-of-death.deviantart.com/art) Category: Digital Art / Photomanipulation / Surreal

References: 

» Bandura, A. (1992) Exercise of personal agency through the self-efficacy mechanisms. In R. Schwarzer (Ed.), Self-efficacy: Thought control of action. Washington, DC: Hemisphere.

» Franklin, Donald J., Ph.D., “Self-talk”. Psychology Information Online

http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/cognitive.htm [28 January 2011]

» Daily Mail Reporter. “Is talking to yourself a sign of madness? No it's good for you, say scientists” 23rd September 2010 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1314434/Is-talking-sign-madness-No-good-say-scientists.html [28 January 2011]

» University of Toronto. "Inner voice plays role in self control." ScienceDaily 22 September 2010. 31 January 2011 .
» Tullett, Alexa. The voice of self-control: Blocking the inner voice increases impulsive responding. Acta Psychologica, 2010
» Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn, 1965. Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans

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Combat Jump Shots » Fun Things to Do On A Boring Weekend

Lying on my room reading e-book and eating pancit canton -- this is what I usually do during weekend and I realized how boring it really is behind my dusty gray walled cube. Though sometimes it is really nice to just lie on my bed, surf the net and sleep the whole day after a hell week at work, still it is awesome to spend the weekend outside kicking my lazy butt on a sunny day. 

This half of January has been a crazy whirlwind of a little good and a whole lot of bad at work and everything else. Most working days, I wish I could just have that provincial mundane life everyone complains about – you know, the oh so slow days in the province with ricefields and mountains.

I’m trying to make a point here, alright – that most of our weekend is boring. But enough of my senseless nostalgic rants.

I did go to Antipolo last week at one of our crew’s crib. A friend invited me to tag along for the dinner invitation. Technically I’m gatecrashing on that Friday dinner, but what the heck, that’s the whole point of fun ayt? Dinner was filled with awesome food, booze and small talk. We stayed overnight then hmmm, what else has happened? NONE. The booze didn’t hit the right synapse so we end up normal.

But hey, we didn’t go this far, on this mountainous city just to spend another boring weekend. It’s a good thing Aldan got his DSLR. As you may have notice on this blog, me and my friends are certified camwhores.

We decided to go out and take a little out of the box jump shots. We want to look at some ways to break out of the mold and take striking photos by breaking (or at least trying to change) the pa-cute photo shoots we usually had and adding a little randomness into our jump shots.

This is how we break our supposed-to-be boring weekend.Hiyaaaaa!!!

Yodz and Bernard initial fight

 See what a little posing can do for your jump shot?

Lady Gara and her magic toothpick fighting against Bernard

More of like Pandango dancing than fighting... 

You cannot kill me guys!!! I am Master Yodi!

Another Pandango-sa-ilaw fighting technique from Lady Gara and Bern

I said you cannot defeat Master Yodi!!!

Nice try Evil Anjho! Let's fight till the end.. Hiyaaaa!!!

 This is my favorite shot - with facial expression and a cool combat pose. Nice!

In the end, we will all go to Heaven....

We were all amazed by the result of our quick photo shoot - it was surprising and quite funny. This look like a bit silly but that's the point of having fun ayt?

If you’ve got your own special jump shot, I ask that you post a link to it or post it here on my comment section.

May you always have great weekend guys!!!

_____________________

Special thanks to Aldan Reposo for the amazing shots.   

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Travel Nostalgia » My Unique Regional Souvenir Keychain Collection

I’ve confessed my love for travel before, and now I have another confession: I am a total sucker for unique keychains. There’s something so refreshing about those souvenir regional keychains - maybe because of the travel nostalgia related to them. Their craftsmanship, unique to each place brings guileless wonder to them.

There’s always one thing common to us that we usually do when we visit a new place. That is, we buy things for ourselves, for our friends, family and co-workers. Buying “pasalubong” or take home gifts is actually a must when we happen to visit a place that was really awesome. Why we usually do that? As far as I know, it might be the first and last visit we can have for the said place , that is why we buy souvenirs, aside from taking lots of photos of course. Most of us prefer buying souvenir items unique on the said place. The good thing is there’s always a nice-looking keychain reflecting the place we are visiting.    

Keychains are one of the most common souvenir items especially in the Philippines. They are very inexpensive and small to store while traveling back home. We love mementos and a unique souvenir keychain can act as a reminder of the trip since they can be carried around during everyday life.

I want to share here my small keychain collection from friends and from my local travel.  (I'll try to post my other unique keychains in a separate post.)

	This one is from Bohol. I find it cute so I bought it. Unfortunately, even the saleslady doesn't know what kind of animal it is. Looks like a rat, but it's not a rat! It looks like a beaver though. But whatever animal it is, it is kindda cute.
	Antipolo is famous for cashew nuts, so they have lots of kasoy keychains as souvenir. This one is from Bernard, my office-mate from Antipolo
	This is from Boracay.  A local Banca which is very common in the area.
	Nice starfish keychain from Coron, Palawan. Pasalubong from Sally
	Another one from Palawan. Cool crocodile eh?
	Carabao from my Pagadian City trip.
	The famous guitar from Cebu
	Kalamay keychain from Bohol. Yummy!
	Seahorse from Coron Palawan
	Wide-eyed tarsier from Bohol
	Keychain from Hong Kong Pasalubong from  Ma'm Emma
	New York souvenir, Statue of Liberty from Atty. Rhesa
	Souvenir bottle opener keychain from Canada. Pasalubong from Mama Sarah (miss you mama  Sars)

So, to my friends and relatives, and also to my visitors here, if anyone of you got a chance to visit an amazing place, don’t forget to buy all the things you want, enjoy every second of the stay and take lots of pictures because in the coming years you’ll definitely enjoy browsing your photos and souvenir items you brought during that particular vacation.

Also don’t forget to look for interesting and nice-looking keychains for me. I’ll definitely appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

_______

Special thanks to my friend Aldan Reposo for the keychain photos. I will be featuring more of his photo shoots on this blog soon. Visit his Multiply site - Chicharapp

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Bill to Protect Bloggers » Miriam Wants Bloggers Included in Bill Protecting Media

Fellow bloggers this is good news. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is insisting that bloggers and online journalists be included in new legislation, the Senate Bill 455 which seeks to amend Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, that aims to protect members of the media. I definitely agree.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is seeking to add bloggers and online journalists to Senate Bill 455, which she is co-sponsoring. According to her;

“There is no reason why only members of the broadcast and print media should be included in the proposed law. Due regard must also be given to practitioners of the digital media.”

We all know that our county has a vigorous press and a freedom of speech. Yet we are rated abysmally by Reporters Without Frontiers and other media organizations, due to a tradition of silencing journalists (including numerous radio commentators) by execution-style killings carried out by small teams on motorcycles.

Our country became infamous late in 2009 with the Ampatuan Massacre, in which 34 journalists were among the 58 killed in a mass political killing in a remote province in Maguindanao.

Santiago also specifically cited the ongoing travails of Julian Assange—a non-traditional journalist who was subjected to harassment and threats after he published hundreds of classified US diplomatic cables on WikiLeaks, and of an online journalist in Russia who was reportedly forced to go into hiding after receiving threats for an article he wrote that was critical of the Russian government. Sen. Santiago said this are examples of someone who should be protected under the law.

"It is clear that practitioners of the digital media are exposed to the same dangers that print and broadcast media practitioners are exposed to, so they should likewise be given protection by the law," she said.

Santiago said the bill should likewise include in its scope more media practitioners, including photojournalists, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, feature filmmakers, documentary makers, television production, professional photographers, professional videographers, and public relations contractors.

Any thoughts?

_________________

Source: GMA News

Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) General Information

SCSIT  Students participating in MSAP 2011

Since I’m working on the Maritime industry, I just want to share this information to those who are searching some details about the Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP). Exam results for MSAP 2011 will be released by PJMCC.

General Information

1. The Maritime School Assessment Program (MSAP) is a nationwide standard academic assessment test for regular second year students taking up Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).

2. The program is wholly supported by the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) in Tokyo, Japan and is implemented by the Manila-based Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCCC). IMMAJ is an association of 96 Japanese ship owners. It counts among it’s members some of the largest shipping companies in the world such as Mitsui-OSK Lines, NYK Lines and K-line. IMMAJ employs up to 30,000 Filipino seafarers at any one time. PJMCC is the association of 65 Filipino manning companies that provide seafarers to vessel’s owned and controlled by the IMMAJ members.

3. MSAP has the following goals and objectives:

a. to assess the performance of BSMT and BSMarE students presently enrolled in maritime schools via a standard academic test which covers English, Mathematics and fundamental Deck/Engine Technical subjects.

b. to benchmark Philippine Maritime Schools against industry set-standards of academic performance for maritime students based on the examination results.

c. to assist maritime schools identify their strengths and areas of improvement based on the performance of students who took the examination.

d. to assist maritime schools in terms of faculty upgrading to ensure quality of instruction hence improve the quality of graduates coming from their institutions.

e. to give maritime schools a level-playing field in terms of recruitment/employment opportunities for their students/graduates.

f. to reward deserving students with Cadetship slots reference MSAP-related programs implemented in partnership with the government and other industry associations belonging to the Joint Manning Group (JMG)

4. All regular second year BSMT and BSMarE students currently enrolled on the second semester of SY 2010-2011, of MSAP-participating maritime schools are required to take the examination.

5. Benefits of the MSAP are as follows:

a. Three (3) months accredited shipboard training onboard the T/S Kapitan Felix Oca with a month stipend of USD60.00 for 120 MSAP passers who are accepted to the IMMAJ-PJMCC Cadetship Training Program (CTP).

b. Nine (9) months fully subsidized shipboard training on board a Japanese vessel with a monthly stipend of USD235.00 for those who are qualified in item 2 above.

c. Additionally, manning companies, who are the end-users of the graduates from maritime schools, have committed to give preference to MSAP qualifiers when recruiting additional cadets for their ship owner principals.

6. The MSAP is supported by the members of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institution (PAMI) as well as some non-members. Maritime schools who participated in the past exercises have seen the Program’s merit as it gives them required feedback as to the strong points that they have and the areas they should improve on. The MSAP also gives the Maritime School a level playing field in terms of recruitment/employment of the students/graduates.

7. The Government, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Fund (OWWA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has likewise showed support to the Program.

MSAP 2007 – 2010 Highlights

MSAP 2007

1. Total of 52 schools participated (20 Luzon; 20 Visayas; 12 Mindanao) in the assessment. Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and the John B. Lacson College Foundation (JBLCF) did not participate in the MSAP 2007.

2. Total of 5,481 students participated out of 8,111 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 68% students participation rate.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck:  3,663 out of 5,538 students registered (66%)
Engine   1,818 out of 2,573 students registered (71%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is higher than  that of the Deck Department.

4. Total of 507 students passed the industry’s set standard out of the 5,481 actual exam takers.  Passing rate us only 9% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck: 359 out of 3,663 actual takers (10%)
Engine: 148 out of 1,818 actual takers (8%)

Passing rate in the Deck Department is slightly higher than that of the Engine Department.

MSAP 2008

1. Total of 70 schools participated (34 Luzon; 23 Visayas; 13 Mindanao) in the assessment.

There is a 35% increase in the participation of schools from 2007. However, PMMA and JBLCF still did not participate in the exercise.

2. Total of 7,131 students participated our of 10,131 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 70% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has increased from 68% in 2007 to 70% in 2008.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 4,370 out of 6,463 students registered (68%)
Engine: 2,761 out of 3,668 students registered (75%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department, reference MSAP 2007.

4. Total of 1,145 students passed the assessment out of 7,131 actual exam takers. Passing rate is only 16% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck:  641 out of 4,370 actual takers (15%)
Engine: 504 out of 2,761 actual takers (18%)

For MSAP 2008, passing rate of the Engine Department is higher than the Deck Department  

MSAP 2009

1. Total of 81 schools participated (37 Luzon; 28 Visayas; 16 Mindanao) in the assessment.

There is a 16% increase in the participation of schools from the previous year. However, PMMA still did not participate in the exercise.

2. Total of 11, 443 students participated out of 15, 424 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 74% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has increased from 70% to 74% in 2009.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine student participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 6,771 out of 9,397 students as per roster (72%)
Engine: 4,672 out of 6,027 students as per roster (78%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department reference MSAP 2008.

4. Total of 4,038 students passed the assessment out of 11,443 actual exam takers. Passing rate is 35% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck and Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck: 2,554 out of 6,771 actual takers (38%)
Engine: 1,484 out of 4,672 actual takers (32%)

For MSAP 2009, passing rate of the Deck Department is higher than the Engine Department

MSAP 2010

1. Total of 80 schools participated (39 Luzon; 26 Visayas; 15 Mindanao) in the assessments.

The decrease in participation was due to the last minute cancellation of University of Perpetual Help – Biñan and Malayan Colleges to participate and the disqualification of Misamis Institute of Technology due to discrepancies found in the list of students. Likewise, the three (3) campuses of John B.Lacson University in Iloilo and Bacolod did not participate in this year’s exercise. The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) still did not participate in the MSAP.

2. Total of 11, 783 students participated out of 17, 241 expected to take the exam (based on the roster submitted by schools). This is equivalent to a 68% student participation rate.

Student participation in the MSAP has decreased from 74% in 2009 to 68% in 2010.

3. Breakdown of Deck and Engine participation is distributed as follows:

Deck: 6,931 out of 10, 606 students as per roster (65%)
Engine: 4,852 out of 6,635 students as per roster (73%)

Student participation in the Engine Department is again higher than that of the Deck Department reference MSAP 2009.

4. Total of 3, 508 students passed the assessment out of 11, 783 actual exam takers. Passing rate is 30% of the total examinees. Breakdown of Deck & Engine passers versus actual takers are presented below:

Deck 1,791 out of 6,931 actual takers (28%)
Engine: 1,537 out of 4,852 actual takers (32%)

For MSAP 2010, passing rate of the Engine Department is higher than the Deck Department.

MSAP 2011 FACTS AND FIGURES

Participating Schools

Luzon – Number of Schools: 42
Geographical Coverage
Ilocos/Tuguegarao/ La Union/Pangasinan/Nueva Ecija/Bataan/Pampanga/Bulacan/Metro Manila/Cavite/Laguna/Batangas/Quezon/Marinduque/Sorsogon/Albay/Camarines Norte/Camarines Sur

Visayas – Number of Schools: 28
Geographical Coverage
Aklan/Capiz/Antique/Iloilo/Negros Oriental/Negros Occidental/Cebu/Bohol/Leyte/Biliran

Mindanao – Number of Schools: 15
Geographical Coverage
Zamboanga del Sur/Misamis Occidental/Misamis Oriental/ Davao del Sur/South Cotabato/ Maguindanao/Lanao del Norte/Agusan del Norte/Surigao del Norte

TOTAL SCHOOLS: 85

List of Maritime Schools in the Philippines participating in MSAP 2011

Name of Maritime School their address and contact number in alphabetical order

1. Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines
Bolton Riverside, Ecoland Matina, Davao City 8000
082-303-1341

2. Aklan Polytechnic College   
Quezon Ave. Kalibo, Aklan   
076-268-9383

3. Asian Institute of Maritime Studies   
A. Arnaiz Ave. cor. F. B. Harrison St., Roxas Blvd. Pasay City   
833-5311 local 106

4 Baliwag Maritime Academy   
Km. 54 Cagayan Valley Rd., Sampaloc, San Rafael, Bulacan 3008   
044-766-1263

5. Bicol Merchant Marine College, Inc.
Rizal St. Piot, Sorsogon City   
056-211-2430

6. Capitol University    
Corrales/Osmeña Streets, Extension 9000 Cagayan de Oro City   
08822-71-1977

7. Cebu Technological University     
R.M. Durano Ave., Poblacion, Carmen Cebu
032-429-9898

8. Central Luzon College of Science and Technology - Olongapo    #1 CBMU Road, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City
047-223-5855

9 Central Luzon College of Science and Technology - San Fernando   
High School Blvd., Lourdes, City of San Fernando, Pampanga    
045-961-2517

10 Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion   
Arzobispo St., Roxas City   
036-621-2192

11 Cristal e-College   
Km. 14, Central Highway, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol 6340   
038-416-0433

12 DMMA College of Southern Philippines   
Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City 8000   
082-241-1350

13 Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College   
16 Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City   
930-5299 local 114

14 Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc.    
182 Wakas, Bocaue, Bulacan   
044-692-4066

15 Eastern Visayas State University   
Salazar St., Quarry District Tacloban City   
053-321-2554

16 Educational Systems Technological Institute   
Murallon, Boac, Marinduque   
042-332-2068

17 FEATI University   
Helios St., Sta. Cruz Manila   
733-8321 local 430

18 Feati University - Palawan State University Campus   
Tiniguiban Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan   
733-8221 local 430

19 Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.   
Sta. Ana Ave., Davao City   
082-221-9071 local 131

20 Iloilo State College of Fisheries   
Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo   
033-361-2417

21 Inter-Global College Foundation, Inc.   
Barangay Bocohan, Lucena City, 4301   
042-373-2535

22 John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation - Bacolod   
Pauline Village, Alijis, Bacolod City    
034-707-7749

23 John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo   
Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City 5000   
033-337-8828

24 John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Molo   
M.H. del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City 5000   
033-337-3860

25 Jose C. Feliciano College   
Dau Exit, NLEX, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga   
624-5116

26 Lyceum of Iligan Foundation   
Corpus Christi Village, Tubod, Iligan City   
063-221-1817

27 Lyceum of the Philippines University - LIMA   
Cuta, Batangas City 4200   
043-723-0054

28 Lyceum-Northwestern University   
Tapuac District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan   
075-516-2426

29 Malayan Colleges Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education & Training
Pulo Diezmo Road, Cabuyao, Laguna   
049-832-4082

30 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation   
University Site, Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City   
042-710-4237

31 Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation - Baras    
Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur   
054-474-1148

32 Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation - Rawis   
Rawis, Legazpi City   
052-482-0997

33 Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific   
Kamaya Point, Bgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan 2105   
237-3355 local 4024

34 MATS College of Technology   
R. Castillo St., Agdao, Davao City 8000   
082-226-4560

35 Midway Maritime Foundation, Inc.   
0162 Bitas, Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City   
044-463-7020

36 Mindanao Polytechnic College   
Crossing Makar, General Santos City   
083-380-2111

37 Misamis University   
H.T Feleciano St. Ozamiz City 7200   
088-586-0633

38 NAMEI Polytechnic Institute   
123 A. Mabini St., Mandaluyong City    
531-7328

39 Naval State University   
P. Inocentes St. Naval, Biliran City   
053-500-9047

40 Negros Maritime College Foundation, Inc.   
Airport Area, National Highway, Sibulan, Negros Oriental   
035-225-5408

41 Negros Oriental State University   
Main Campus II, Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City   
035-225-5493

42 Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College   
V. Cudilla Ave., Estancia Iloilo 5017
033-397-0314

43 Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science & Technology   
Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union   
072-700-3077

44 NYK-TDG Maritime Academy   
Knowledge Ave., Carmeltown, Canlubang 4037, Calamba City, Laguna   
049-549-0939

45 Our Lady of Fatima University   
120 MC Arthur Highway Marulas, Valenzuela City   
291-6556

46 Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation   
Vinzon Ave. Daet, Camarines Norte 4600   
054-721-2379

47 Palawan Polytechnic College   
Manalo Extension, Puerto Princesa City   
048-434-2393

48 Palompon Institute of Technology   
Evangelista St., Palompon, Leyte   
053-555-9841

49 Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy   
Perez Blvd., Dagupan City, Pangasinan 2400   
075-515-7870

50 PIMSAT Colleges   
Bolosan District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan 2400   
075-522-1808

51 PMI Colleges - Bohol   
C.P. Garcia Ave., City of Tagbilaran Bohol 6300   
038-235-5611

52 PMI Colleges - Manila 
419 Burke St., Sta. Cruz Manila   
241-9694

53 PMI Colleges - Quezon City   
72 Roosevelt Ave., San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City 1100   
372-7285

54 PMMS Colleges - Las Piñas   
San Antonio Valley Road, Talon 1, Las Piñas City    
805-0239

55 PMMS Colleges - Manila   
1571 Lope De Vega St., cor. Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila   
742-3373

56 PNTC Colleges   
Zone 3, Lt. Cantimbuhan St., Poblacion, Dasmariñas, Cavite   
046-416-2584

57 Polytechnic College of La Union   
San Joaquin Sur, Agoo, La Union   
072-714-0026

58 Regency Polytechnic College   
Lower Balmores-Paredes St., Brgy. GPS, City of Koronadal   
083-228-4059

59 Salazar Institute of Technology   
211-N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City   
032-261-0235

60 Southern de Oro Philippines College   
Julio Pacana St., Licuan, Cagayan De Oro City   
088-856-2609

61 Southwestern Maritime College   
Villa Aznar, Urgello St., Sambag II, Cebu City    
032-354-8107

62 St. Joseph Institute of Technology   
Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City   
085-225-3131

63 St. Therese – MTC Colleges - Magdalo    
Magdalo St., La Paz, Iloilo City 5000   
033-320-8434

64 St. Therese - MTC Colleges - Tigbauan    
Brgy. Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo City    
033-511-8679

65 Surigao Education Center   
Km. 2 National Highway, Surigao City 8400   
086-826-3767

66 Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila   
363 P. Casal St., Quiapo, Manila 1001   
733-9142 local 235

67 Technological Institute of the Philippines - Quezon City   
938 Aurora Blvd. Cubao Quezon City 1109   
911-0964 local 388

68 University of Antique    
Mayor Santiago Lotilla St., Sibalom, Antique   
036-543-8161

69 University of Cagayan Valley    
Balzain Hi-Way, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan   
078-844-8978

70 University of Cebu - Lapulapu and Mandaue   
A.C. Cortes Avenue, Looc Mandaue City   
032-345-6666 local 212

71 University of Cebu, Maritime Education and Training Center
Alumnus, Mambaling, Cebu City   
032-511-6700

72 University of Iloilo - PHINMA   
Rizal St., Iloilo City   
033-338-1071 local 230

73 University of Northeastern Philippines   
Ortega St., San Roque, Iriga City 4431   
054-299-2698 local 19

74 University of Perpetual Help System Dalta - Las Piñas   
Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona, Las Piñas City   
871-0639 local 121

75 University of Perpetual Help System Laguna   
Sto. Niño, Biñan, Laguna   
049-511-9778 local 3026

76 University of Saint Anthony   
Ortega St., San Miguel, Iriga City Camarines Sur   
054-299-2401 local 150

77 University of the Visayas   
Colon St. cor. Jakosalem St., Cebu City   
032-416-7884

78 VMA Global College    
Earl Carol St., Sum-ag, Bacolod City   
034-444-1093

79 West Bay College   
Cajiles Compound, Ilaya St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City   
850-2956

80 West Negros University   
Burgos St., Bacolod City, 6100 Negros Occidental   
034-434-4561

81 Western Institute of Technology   
Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City   
033-320-0259

82 Western Visayas College of Science and Technology   
Burgos St., La Paz, Iloilo City   
033-320-7190 local 125

83 Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College   
R. T Lim Boulevard, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City   
062-991-7470

84 Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology   
Purok Tugas, Balangasan District, Pagadian City 7016   
062-215-2232

85 Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology   
Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City 7000   
062-991-0645

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Dual-core Android 2.3 Gingerbread Samsung Galaxy S Successor Confirmed for February 2011 » And the death of my best-buddy Sam

It is only about a few months ago since I bought my Samsung Galaxy S smartphone which is really a blast. Of course it was a little out-of-budget, but heck, we are mobile dude! Nowadays we need to launch multiple applications at the same time, view videos, read RSS feeds, chat with friends, play games, post on Facebook and Twitter, send SMS, e-mail and call simultaneously in the palm of our hand – it’s awesome because Sam, my best-bud smartphone can do all that.

This evolution of mobile technology puts some amazing smartphone power at our fingertips, which improves every year – err NO, it’s every three months - which is really fast. Just recently I got my best-bud Sam running on Froyo upgraded from Éclair.

And now what? Samsung will release a new version of my best-buddy Sam on February?    
 
Shin Jong-kyun, the head of Samsung’s mobile business division, said Samsung will unveil a new version of the Galaxy S at February’s World Mobile Congress (WMC) in Barcelona. The new Android smartphone is Samsung’s attempt to maintain its technological lead in Android smartphones, and will directly challenge the LG Optimus 2X and Motorola Atrix, two other dual-core phones that are also on their way.

In addition to the dual-core processor, the new Galaxy S successor will also feature Samsung’s new “super” Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (Super AMOLED-Plus) display and Gingerbread (Android 2.3) – the most advanced Android version designed for smartphones, and the successor of Froyo (Android 2.2)

Since tablets is a also gaining popularity as a substitute for netbooks, Shin also announced that we will get a peek at Sammy's plans for the Galaxy Tab line for 2011, which will probably include that lovely 7-inch Super AMOLED display that's been kicking around.

I just hope with this development, Samsung will also roll-out free OS upgrade to Android 2.2 users. To my fellow Froyo users, hold on to your smartphone guys,  because in a few months our phone will really look antique, when they release Honeycomb (Android 3.0) and also Ice Cream Sandwich possibly on mid 2011.

Technology is really moving so fast, it’s good but in my case, it is making my best buddy Sam obsolete – and it’s killing me.   


___________________
Source:
Kim Tong-hyung "Samsung vows to double smartphone sales in 2011" The Korea Times
Posted: 01-10-2011 19:33  [Retrieved: 18 January 2011]

The Tale of the Sands » Change Begins From Within

I don’t usually believe or read horoscopes but while I’m browsing today’s broadsheet, I came across mine that says:

You could work yourself up into an anxious state as you compare your ideal fantasies with the actual day ahead. You really don't want to repeat the same old routines in the exact way you did them before. You’re dying for a change – not just on your physical realm but you feel it within. You're intrigued by doing things differently today, and anything that's unconventional is attractive to you now. However, just because you can dream it, doesn't mean that you should make it real.

This is exactly what I’m feeling today – and I find it surreal. I’m Libra by the way.

This prompt me to look for some related 5-minute-story to share on this gloomy and cold Wednesday and I got this one entitled The Tale of the Sands:
 

A stream, from its source in far-off mountains, passing through every kind of description of countryside, at last reached the sands of the desert. Just as it had crossed every other barrier, the stream expected to cross this one, but it found that as fast as it flowed into the desert, just as fast its waters disappeared into the sands.

It was convinced, however, that its destiny was to cross this desert, and yet there was no way.

Before long, the stream heard a voice whispering from the desert itself, "The wind crosses the desert, so can the stream."

"Yes, but the wind can fly!" cried out the stream, as it kept dashing itself into the desert sands.

"You'll never get across that way," the desert whispered once again. "You'll have to let the wind carry you."

"But how?" cried out the stream.

"You have to let the wind absorb you."

This idea was not acceptable to the stream. After all, it had never been absorbed before. It didn't want to lose its identity. So, it asked the desert,

“Once I give myself to the winds, how can I be sure of ever becoming a stream again?

'The wind,' said the desert, 'performs this function. It takes up water, carries it over the desert, and then lets it fall again. Falling as rain, the water again becomes a river.'

The desert told the stream that, if it wished, it could continue to flow into the sand, and that one day, after many, many years, it might even become a swamp on the desert's edge. But, it would never cross the desert as long as it remained a stream.

"Why can't I remain the same stream that I am?" asked the stream.

"You cannot remain as you are. Either you give yourself to the wind or you become a swamp." the desert said. "By giving yourself to the wind, your essential part is carried away and forms a stream again. You are called what you are even today because you do not know which part of you is the essential one."

The stream could not believe it, but realised that the best that could be attained without attempting the suggestion would be to become a swamp. Either way the stream could not stay as it was.

The stream was silent for a long time, listening to certain echoes deep within itself, remembering parts of itself having been held in the arms of the wind before. And then slowly, the stream raised its vapors into the welcoming arms of the wind and was borne upward and over the desert in great white clouds.

As it passed beyond the mountains on the desert's far side, there it began to fall as a gentle rain.

At first it was hushed and quiet, trickling down the rocky slopes. But gradually it increased in strength, as rivulets ran over the rocks and around the bent and twisted trees that grew there. And soon it was flowing as swift currents of water into the beginning of a stream.

P.S.

I choose this story to share with you guys because, like the mountain stream, each of us is called upon to change continuously, in every arena of our existence, whether it is in our relationship with our family and friends, in our work or profession or in the world at large.

Change is the dominant force in these times. Like what is happening to me now – it is happening whether I like it or not, whether I am prepared for it or not.

The sad fact is – It seems until now, I'm not yet prepared.

How about you, is there any major changes happening to you now?

______________

Source:

» Shah Idries "The Tale of the Sands"

» Image Source: Bizarre and Dark Arts Pictures

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Bottled Drink With No Preservatives? » Minute Maid's Wonderful Pulpy Reality

I just drank a bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy. They say it’s got ‘no preservatives added’. Aw, c’mon…It’s bottled juice. Is that even possible? So I thought maybe... it's just another ad campaign trick  in the market, which we all know is already exploding with lots of ad gimmicks such as beverages that promises weight loss, fruit juices that can make your skin whiter or aerated drinks that can boost your energy. And now, a bottled drink with no preservatives added? That is really clever.  

I didn’t believe it the first time I heard it’s got no preservatives added.  So I read the ingredients (even the fine print) and everything checked out! It really has NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED!  That means it doesn’t have ingredients that may turn out to be allergens, or worse...carcinogens!  Whew! Now that’s healthy goodness that tastes so good, I...  must say this is a wonderful pulpy reality that deserves to be patronized. I was looking for a refreshing drink which had no fizz in it; and Minute Maid Pulpy is exactly what I want. If I didn’t got it in a bottle I would’ve thought it was freshly squeezed. Totally amazing!

So okay, it’s got no preservatives added. That’s really good, right?  Not just because it doesn’t have those icky, harmful ingredients, but it also means... gone are the days that I still need to squeeze the orange to make it a yummy fruit juice - great for always-on-the-go guy like me. This is really a drink with a new twist... Hooray!

So far anyone who still has a hard time believing that Minute Maid has got no preservatives added - meaning it's THAT natural, it's almost like it's plucked straight from the tree, it's just as Mother Nature wanted your orange juice to be, it's got nothing but the good stuff yes, none of those potentially toxic stuff that can harm your brain, kidneys, heart; cause tumors aargh- the list of preservatives' bad effects just go on!!! Anyway, just to prove a point on just how good Minute Maid Pulpy is 'cause it's got NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED, I'm gonna gonna buy a dozen Mango-Orange Minute Maid Pulpy for my sister who, a few weeks ago, gave birth to her first son. Of course I'm also  gonna stack our fridge with a week's supply of this health drink so that I can enjoy a refreshing juice drink every meal. It's always good to know that this pulpy juice I  enjoy is not harmful to my body.    

Feels good to know about the real pulpy deal, right? C’mon show me a smile on the comment box, and you might win yourself a Really Pulpy Deal! (That’s a chance to win a Minute Maid gift pack simply by commenting. Sweet! C'mon you just might be picked as the lucky 'commentor'!)

Love,

Yodz

When Idiots Attack » Our Prime Assertive Customer Rights and How Salespeople Violate It

My jurassic Nokia phone has been with me for five years and already served its purpose more than it is bound to. Its hardware is now getting weird, so last Christmas, as a gift to myself, I decided buying a new Samsung mobile phone.

I grant you that the shop where I bought my phone is legit with official reselling rights, permits and stuff. However, my experience as a customer of that shop tested my temper, patience and my assertive customer right. At any rate, I hope that you can learn over my tales of woe, agree, disagree, defend, or commiserate as you see fit. Please note that it is not my intention to discredit any establishment – this is purely personal opinion on being on the receiving end of a lousy customer service. So with that being said, and without further adieu, let my rants begin!

Mega Exchange’s Mega-Bad Customer Service

I bought my new Samsung Galaxy S in a retail shop called Mega Exchange at SM Megamall Cyberzone because they offer the lowest price compared to other stores in Megamall. I definitely fell in love with my new “all-around” phone running on Android 2.1 (Éclair).

I learned that software upgrade for Samsung Galaxy S from Android 2.1 (Éclair) to Android 2.2 (Froyo) is already available in the Philippines via Samsung Kies but I’m having trouble downloading and installing Kies on my jurassic laptop so I brought my phone to Mega Exchange (the store where I bought it) and asked if software upgrade is part of the store warranty. They said it is not, but if I want to upgrade it, I have to pay 900.00 pesos for it. Whaaatt? I argue that that price is too much for a free downloadable software.

 

Mega Exchange re-tail store at SM Megamall Cyberzone where I bought my phone

Just around the corner is the Samsung Service Center, and they told me that software upgrade for my Galaxy S is FREE provided I have the original receipt. They checked my phone and sadly told me that they cannot do any upgrade on my phone because it is NOT NTC APPROVED (meaning it didn’t pass the National Telecommunications Commission inspection and I suspect it also didn’t pass Customs perhaps to avoid tax.) It’s what they called “puslit.” Damn!

This is the conversation I had with the Mega Exchange manager:

DAY 01:

Me: “Sir, Samsung Service Center refuse to do any free upgrade on the phone I bought here because it is not NTC approved”

Manager: “I’m not aware that some of our phones are not NTC approved. We just accept delivery from our head office, besides we offer store warranty.” {This is just a goddamn alibi – but still I didn’t switch off my diplomatic mode}

Me: “But you’re charging me for the software upgrade, which I am supposed to get for free. If you disclosed that this phone is not NTC approved, I will not buy it. Please upgrade my phone to Froyo.”

Manager: “Sir we don’t do Froyo upgrade here.”  {Liar Liar}

Me: “I talked to one of your technician this morning and told me they do Froyo upgrade for 900.00 pesos. Although I can do it myself, I don’t want to, because if anything happens I know your warranty will not cover it because, of course you will say I tampered with the phone’s OS” 

Manager: “Currently we don’t have the software for Froyo upgrade. We need to install it to our system.”

Me: “Installing Samsung Kies only took an hour, I’m willing to wait.” {The Manager didn’t realize I do research in advance}

Manager: {Whispering something at the technician beside him} “Sir we don’t use Samsung Kies, we are using different software.”

Me: “What software?”

Manager: “Sir, we’re not disclosing it to our clients”

Me: “Then problably it’s illegal. Anyway, I want a Froyo upgrade, can I have my phone upgraded today?”

Manager: “Sir, our senior technician who’s in-charge of upgrades is not on duty today. He’s only here every Saturday ”

Me: “Then I’ll be back Saturday”

DAY 02 – Saturday

Technician: “Sir, it will took one hour for the upgrade.”

Me: “Ok I’ll just leave my phone and be back after an hour”

{After 2 hours}
Technician: “Sir, we need another hour because we need new USB cable. The cable we have is malfunctioning.”

 Me: “What do you mean your cable is malfunctioning?”

Technician: “Sir, its resistor is defective.”

Me: “Look pal, I perfectly know what a resistor is. USB cables doesn’t have resistors. Just tell me if the phone you sold me is defective.”

{It’s damn obvious these guys is messing around, but I just took a deep breath to control myself. Lecturing the poor T-shirt-wearing soldering-iron-jockey would have been pointless because my goal is to have my phone fixed as soon as possible. But I'm not going to leave my phone to collect dust for a few days.}

After another long hour of useless fiddling and head scratching…

Technician: “Sir we can’t connect your phone to the PC. Our software cannot detect your unit. We need a few days to fix it”

Me: “Then the phone is defective. I need it upgraded today.”

Technician: “Sir we need to reformat it and flush the OS.”

Me: “I understand, but I need an upgraded and working phone today.”

Technician: “Sir, we have other customers requiring service and we need to download additional software for your phone.”

Me: “I need my phone today, Can I talk to your manager?

Manager: “Sir, our technician is finding ways to fix your phone. You need to leave it for a few days.”

Me: “Returning back here already cost me money and I already wasted my time here. If you can’t upgrade it today, then it’s definitely defective. Plus it’s not NTC approved. I need a phone today. Please replace it with a new NTC approved phone”

Manager: “Sir, we don’t do replacement, we will just fix it.”

Me: “I know my rights as a customer. You guys already make me look like a fool here. Our agreement is, you will fix it today in just an hour. You already wasted a lot of my time waiting here and giving me obnoxious alibis. You said you can fix it in an hour, then you said you need additional hours, and now you need days? I will not accept that defective phone. I need a new NTC approved phone TODAY.

Manager: “Sir, maybe you want other higher units. You just have to add a certain amount for it.”

Me: “What I need is a Samsung Galaxy S. I need replacement, and I need it today.”

Manager: “Sir you’ll need to add 4,000 pesos for the 16G Samsung Galaxy S, I’m not sure if we still have 8G Galaxy S today. {This is too much and really exasperating! Making sales to an already unsatisfied customer.}

Me: “Just tell me if you will replace it today or not. If not, you’re giving me no option but to file complaint to NTC, DTI or Customs! I want you to replace that defective phone and I want an NTC approved phone TODAY!” {I said it a little louder so that other customers around will hear it}

Manager: “I’ll see what I can do.”

The manager left the customer area and after a few minutes a saleslady handed me a new Samsung Galaxy S – brand new with official NTC sticker inside. They just let me leave without even saying “we are sorry for your inconvenience!”

The following day, I visited Samsung Service Center also in Megamall and got my phone running on Android 2.2-Froyo, upgraded for free.

This most recent experience teach me two things: the value of being well-informed and coping with other people through diplomatic verbal assertiveness. I understand that times are hard for many these days, and that retail shops in particular are feeling the economic pain, but selling non-NTC approved phones, probably to avoid tax and getting away with it is unacceptable. Most of the time, making returns is a bit more unpleasant, but it is our right as a customer.

Any thoughts? Or maybe you also have a bad Customer Service story to tell. I would really appreciate it if you could share highlights of it in my comments box.

 

____________

Image source: Matt Tusenfot “Familiar Faces II”