How to Deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva

A whirl wind of angry rants and a barrage of hot protests were thrown at Devina DeDiva after her infamous, racist and degrading statement about newly crowned Miss World Megan Young and Filipinos in general. In her own words, "Miss Philippines is Miss World? What a joke! I did not know those maids have anything else in them[.] Ha Ha Ha" 

Seemingly not content with her insults, she further adds, "They r poor, smelly from cleaning toilets & uneducated."

Photo Credit: scoopboy

She may say that she's just stating her opinion. It's what freedom of speech has entitled her after all. Unfortunately, hers was not a reasonable opinion or a simple name calling fiasco, but a deliberate and tactless attack of an entire nation. Even more unfortunate for Devina DeDiva, she doesn't have an inkling of how fierce, bold and proud we Filipinas can be.

In just a matter of days, she became a household name in the Philippines and an instant web sensation, but not for good reasons at all. Just today, it has been reported that she lost her job as an assistant teacher in Singapore. Serves her just right, I must add. Several Facebook pages has been created against her. One Devina Dediva page currently has 8,635 likes and 10,548 talking about it. She's been called names: 'the devil', 'a scum', 'a b*stard', 'a f******g prostitute', 'a d*mb*ss b*tch', 'a sh*thead', 'a p*tang ina', and a slew of other nasty names. Some spewed out threats and others even wished her dead. What a nightmare it has turned for her.

Let's Show Her Who We Are

But as much as I agree that what she said was below the belt, I am saddened with how some of us reacted. I read through a handful of comments against her and I can see that some went down to her level. If Devina shamelessly attacked our Filipino descent, a few of our very own did the same - degrading her roots and stereotyping Indian women. Even worse, there was a meme posted in the aforementioned FB page (see below) that clearly implies....

I think you get the point. So instead of reacting to the issue, I'd like to respond with these thoughts with the hopes to admonish my fellow Filipinos that we can say our piece without being rude, stereotypical or threatening. We can deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva in a manner that's calm, educated and dignified. Instead of spewing her insults back to her, let's SHOW her that we are not what she said we are. After all, ACTIONS speak LOUDER than words.

How to Deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva

• Respond instead of Reacting - "Smelly, poor, less privileged and uneducated." Those are hurtful words and for many of us, our first reaction was all-consuming anger. How dare she! What audacity to accuse us of such things. And what's the shame in being a "maid" when it's a decent job that feed, cloth and shelter our families? Right? Yes, of course we're right which we think justifies our reactions (either good or mostly bad) but it doesn't. When we react, we says things that are hurtful (similar to what Devina said about us). Responding is a different approach altogether because we say things from a reasonable and open-minded perspective. 

• Be Direct - Say your piece, argue your case then move on. I think it's enough to let her know that what she said was offensive. If she listens, all good. But if not, try other means to get your message across (for this case, a legal advice is a sound option) then move on. Don't argue or extend the heated exchange after you've said your two cents. She won't listen because if she has an open mind, she wouldn't have said those racist stereotypes in the first place. 

• Avoid Name Calling - Despite her rotten statements and unquestionable character, we have no right to call her names. As much as it makes us feel good to call her this and that, but if we do we're just like her in a sense. So don't go this route or we'll be putting ourselves in the same level as hers.

• Respect to her Rude - Don't battle rude with rude. Instead let's heed what the Bible says about our enemies. Luke 6:27-29 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. 

How to: Develop Self Confidence by Napoleon Hill

Photo Credits: http://talknerdy2me.org 

Numerous self-help authors, motivational speakers and a plethora of books would tell us that self confidence is a key element in the formula of success. In fact, self confidence is normally where the journey to dream fulfillment starts. Besides creating lofty dreams, one needs to believe in one's self in order to make things happen.

Some people are blessed to grow up in an environment that breeds a healthy self-image. Unfortunately, most of us, I believe, grew up unsure of our capabilities and potential because of demeaning words spoken to us when we were younger by our parents, friends and other people. We are living in a negative world where it is very difficult to be optimistic. We are surrounded with people that are hell bent on pulling us down.

But if we truly and badly want to be successful in this lifetime, we need to develop the virtue of self reliance. We need to bank on our strengths, abilities and character to turn our dreams into realities. Before we can even start, we need self confidence.

Here are 7 declarations that we can take advantage to nurture and develop our belief in ourselves. Say it out loud and declare it everyday. It will make a world of difference.

The 7 Steps to Self Confidence by Napoleon Hill:

1

"I know that I have the ability to accomplish all that I undertake. I know that to succeed, I have only to establish this belief in myself and follow it with vigorous, aggressive action. I will establish it." 

2

"I realize that my thoughts eventually reproduce themselves in material form and substance and become real in the physical state. Therefore, I will concentrate upon the daily task of thinking of the person that I intend to be and of drawing a mental picture of this person and of transforming this picture into reality."

3

"I am studying with the firm intention of mastering the fundamental principles through which I may attract to me the desirable things of life. Through this study, I am becoming more self-reliant and more cheerful. I am developing more sympathy for my fellow man, and I am becoming stranger, both mentally and physically. I am learning to smile that smile that plays upon the heart as well as on the lips."

4

"I am mastering and overpowering the habit of starting something that I do not finish. From this time forward, I will first plan all that I wish to do, making a clear mental picture of it, and then I will let nothing interfere with my plans until I have developed them into realities."  

5

"I have clearly mapped out and planned the work that I intend to follow for the ensuing five years. I have set a price upon my services for each of the five years, a price that I intend to command through strict application of the principle of efficient, satisfying service!" 

6

"I fully realize that genuine success will come only through strict application of he "Golden Rule" principles. I will, therefore, engage in no transaction which does not benefit alike all who participate in it. I will succeed by attracting to me the forces that I wish to use. I will induce others to serve me because of my willingness to serve them. I will gain the friendship of my fellow men because of my kindness and my willingness to be a friend. I will eliminate from my mind fear by developing faith. I will eliminate hatred and cynicism by developing love for humanity."

7

"I will learn to stand upon my feet and express myself in clear, concise, and simply language, and to speak with force and enthusiasm, in a matter that will carry conviction. I will cause others to become interested in me, because I will first become interested in them. I will eliminate selfishness and develop in its place the spirit of service." 

How to Help the Poor?

 "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. 

Teach a man how to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), 2009 data shows that the magnitude of poor population in the Philippines is in 23.1 millions. (See data at NSCB website)

That is an astounding number. Unfortunately, it is a sad, scary truth that has been around for a long, long time. Even before and during Jesus' time, poverty already existed. Remember the poor widow who put in her last two very small copper coins as offerings (Mark 12:42)?

Yes, poverty is an epidemic and not only in the Philippines but around the globe. People die because of hunger. Millions of Filipino families live under a dollar everyday. They seldom eat three times a day. Children, disabled, men and women alike roam the streets of the cities to ask for alms. They live in the slums and most are jobless. 

Year after year, the state of poverty in the Philippines is getting worse. The number is ever increasing and if we do not put a halt to it, we will find ourselves in a sea of impoverished fellowmen.

But how do we help the poor? There are already a hundred NGOs around the country doing their share but it still doesn't seem to be enough. We see hundreds of on-going feeding programs, medical missions, and add to that those TV shows that give away cash prizes on a daily basis. Yes, these efforts help but after the meal was consumed and the prize money was gone, what happens next?

If we really want to help the poor, we need to stop offering band-aid solutions. These are temporary and forgettable. It doesn't deal with the root cause of the problem resulting in little to no difference at all. We need to come up with solutions that are meant to deal with the causes and not just the symptoms of the disease. Poverty is like a deadly disease that spreads like an epidemic because of lack of education, unavailability of decent jobs and poor mentality.

Poor people remains poor because they allow their situations and circumstances to dictate the course of their lives. Breaking free from poverty will never be a walk in the park. It will require hard work and grim determination to get past through the challenges and setbacks along the way. But the feat is possible because there are people who have already done it.

I came up with 4 E-STEPS on how we might be able to gradually eradicate poverty in the Philippines. This is not based on a study or research but this is merely based on my opinion, observations and readings.

Step 1: ENLIGHTEN

Changing one's poor mindset is a good place to start. They may be born into poverty but they don't have to die poor. They just need to understand that things CAN change for the better. Change the way they think and actions will follow through. 

Step 2: EMPOWER

As soon as the mind is ready, the next step is to prepare them for the long journey. They need to know that they have what it takes to do this. It's definitely not going to be easy but they need to know that there are people who are ready to guide, support and even love them.

Step 3: ENDEAVOR

If one has already set his mind to overcome poverty, it is time to set a goal, big enough that will challenge and motivate them to keep going even if the path is tough and hard.They need to have a target and they need to know where they are going. Setting a goal or an endeavor is essential for their success in beating poverty.

Step 4: EDUCATION

The tool that they need the most is education. A degree will not get them out of poverty but the experience of getting a diploma will widen their horizons and challenge their perspectives. Education is not the only solution but it is a key that will open doors of opportunities for our poor people. 

How To Test Your Perseverance: The Angry Birds Approach

The Angry Birds Approach

Angry Birds

Earlier today, Yahoo News reported that the famous gang of flying angry birds have reached a milestone. Ever since its release two years ago, it has been downloaded more than 500 million times worldwide. I don't think it will slow down for the next couple of years or so. It is indeed an Angry Birds invasion around the globe. In the Philippines alone, Angry Birds merchandises from key chains, toys, bags, shirts and many more are flying off the shelves fast.

I remember the first time I got hooked myself. I stayed up late for the next three days trying to finish all the challenges. There were times when I practically spent the whole day playing. It was both fun and frustrating. There were a number of really difficult challenges and I think I've done more or less a hundred tries (maybe it's exaggeration but I really felt it was close to a hundred) before I can move on to the next stage.

Setting "addiction" and "wasted time" aside, I think how we play Angry Birds tells us something about our attitude in life particularly, perseverance.

But first things first. Let's try to define what perseverance is. According to the www.thefreedictionary.com, it is a continued steady belief of efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty. 

I came up with these 4 questions* that might help gauge one's perseverance. Answer Yes or No.

1. Do you stay up till the wee hours of the night playing Angry Birds? If yes, up to what time? 
    This question tells us that if we are doing something fun and challenging, we can set our minds to do it and even withstand sleepiness.  

2. Do you strive to win all three stars for every challenge?
    The measure of how well we did killing all those catatonic pigs were measured through the stars given. We did good if we get one star, two for better and pretty damn well if we get all three. The first try will not always get us the three stars but I tend to go back and play again until I get a three. There's a feeling of fulfillment that goes with it if I did.   

3. Do you not stop trying as many times as you can to complete the difficult challenges?
    The pelicans are my least favorite among the angry birds. There was this one challenge and all I have were, you guessed it, the pelicans. It was really hard since I'm not very good with the timing. I was stuck after several tries, slept on it and tried again the next day. After like an eternity, I finally got it and I almost jumped for joy.       

4. Are you set to completing the game till the end?
    As you move on to the next level, the challenges sure were getting difficult to complete. There were times that it seemed pretty silly trying your hardest to get it right. But in the end, I'd still want to be able to say, "I did. I finished Angry Birds from start to end!"

Can you imagine if we are as persevering in our careers and goals in life the same way we play Angry Birds? Then we would have achieved a great deal of our goals and we'd be living a full life. Or how about if our careers and jobs are as fun as Angry Birds? Then it wouldn't be so hard to persevere. Life would both be fun and challenging and we are loving it.


*Disclaimer:
This is not based on any research or study. This is purely based on author's opinions. :)

How to Achieve Perfection: The Benjamin Franklin Approach

“Practice makes perfect, but nobody's perfect, so why practice?” 

― Kurt Cobain

This has become a famous quote and a famous EXCUSE.

It is a statement meant for humor but has become widely used as a go-to excuse for mediocrity.

Yes, it is true that nobody's perfect and perfection is an impossible feat that to attempt at it would be crazy. But what's crazier is to believe that it's not worth attempting at all. They say "why practice?" but I say, "why not?"

Perfection is not a state where it ends when we can say, "I am perfect!" nor simply a destination. To be perfect means you commit to a lifelong pursuit of it. You are in it not solely for what you will become but mainly for the amazing journey towards moral perfection. If we talk about math, perfection is like an asymptote. It is something that we get closer and closer to but we never really touches it or achieve it.

Let us learn from one of the founding fathers of America. He wrote in his memoirs at age seventy-eight,

"On the whole, tho' I never arrived at the Perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of  it, yet I was by the Endeavor a better and a happier Man than I otherwise should have been, if I had not attempted at it." 

Benjamin Franklin is a man of many talents. He is a leading author, inventor, political theorist, postmaster, scientist, musician, satirist, civic activist, statesman and a diplomat. He is a legendary and a great man because at age twenty-two years old, barely out of his teen years, he had the audacity to endeavor the "bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection."

We may not become the next Franklins because there will never be one like him but I am convinced that at the end of our lives, we will be better, happier and wiser because we heeded Franklin's call to be as ambitious and aim for perfection.

In Hyrum W. Smith's book, "The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management," he included a list of Benjamin Franklin's 13 guidelines or "virtues" towards moral perfection.

• Temperance: "Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."  
• Silence: "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
• Order: "Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time." 
• Resolution: "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
• Frugality: "Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing."
• Industry: "Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
• Sincerity: "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
• Justice: "Wrong none by doing injuries; or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
• Moderation: "Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
• Cleanliness: "Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation."
• Tranquility: "Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
• Chastity: "Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
• Humility: "Imitate Jesus and Socrates"

Franklin has already given us a head start. Here's how Benjamin Franklin did it: 

1. He identified his guidelines, values and virtues.
2. He organized his life into thirteen weekly cycles. Each week is dedicated to one virtue and he would focus mentally to align his actions with his values.

It was two steps. Let us come up with our own list and let us resolve to live our lives according to our list. If we live the same way Franklin did, it is without a doubt that we can call it a full life. 

How to Verify Paypal Without Using Credit Card Legally

You don't have a credit card or you don't want to use it but you badly want your paypal account verified. What to do?

No worries! Because Unionbank Philippines has a solution for your dilemma. It's so simple that you're going to love it. Once you follow the guidelines below, you can now reap the benefits of a verified paypal user. For one, if you're a seller you enhance your credibility and reputation. Also, you no longer have limitations on the amount of money you can send.


Verify Paypal Using Eon Cyber Account:

1. Prepare the necessary requirements for the application of your Eon Cyber Account. You will need the following:  

• Two (2) valid IDs (and photocopy of each) 
• One (1) 1x1 pic
• Billing statement (just to be sure but not included in their list)

2. Make a personal appearance at the nearest Unionbank Branch.

3. Fill up and submit a fully accomplished EON Visa Debit Card Application Form.

4. Pay P350 for your first year annual fee.

5. Wait for 10 banking days or as advised by your branch for your card to be ready.

6. Once you have your card, make an initial deposit of P100. Paypal will deduct $1.95 as part of the verification process. It will be debited back once card is confirmed. 

7. Enroll your Eon Account to Unionbank's Online Service. Visit UNIONBANK SITE. 

8. It takes 48 hours for your account to be activated. For my case, it took five days. Just keep checking.

9. Once activated, check the "Transactions History." Look for the EXPANDED USE NUMBER or EXPUSE Number. It is a 4-digit number before the word Paypal. It will look like this: 

VISA-0957PAYPAL--EXPUSE SG(840)

  

For this example, EXPUSE Number is 0957.

10. Proceed to your Paypal Account. Click "Verify" and enter EXPUSE Number. You are now...  

Important Note: This applies for Philippine residents only.

Register with Paypal:

How to: Zumba Fitness "Moving the World to a New Beat"

Photo credit:
http://www.zumba-karin.moonfruit.com/

USA Today reported that Zumba Fitness was included as one of the top 10 fitness trends for 2012.

I was looking for some varieties for my fitness regimen which is mainly a combination of Billy Blank's Tae Bo and Jillian Michael's with a few sessions of badminton from time to time. Then I happen to came across a video of Zumba. I only tried out the 20-minute Express and I instantly loved it.

Zumba was accidentally created back in the 90s by Alberto "Beto" Perez, a native of Cali, Colombia and an aerobics instructor. One day, he forgot his aerobics music and made do with what he had that time which are salsa and merengue, mix 'em up and allowed the music to direct the moves and his students loved it. From there, a new fitness craze was born -- The Zumba!

With a tagline that says, "Ditch the workout, Join the Party", what could be more catchy than that?

Dancing being my secret love, I say, "Join the party!" Although I'm not ditching the workout entirely because I love it too.

The blending of Latin-inspired dance with the tune of party-popping music makes it all fun and at the same time getting your heart rate pumped up. You move your hands, feet and especially your hips with the beat. Who says fun and getting in shape don't mix?

Take a peak at what Zumba is all about:

And here is Zumba's latest program: The Zumba Exhilarate DVD Experience

Photo credit: www.zumba.com

For women weighing around 110-115 lbs., you can burn approximately 351 calories by doing an hour of Zumba.

How to Pay Your Credit Card Bill, Smartbro, and other Bills Online

In today's age, we can pretty much do most things online which is amazing especially for me who lives in a semi-urbanized town with only one not-always-reliable bank. 

I hate, and I mean really hate, going to banks and putting myself through the torture of lining up just to pay my bills. Sometimes, it's a breeze but mostly, it can eat up an hour or so of our precious time.  

But thank God that banks now offer online banking 24/7. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can pay your credit card and other bills (e.g. Smartbro, PLDT, etc.) from the comforts of your homes.

This particularly applies to BPI Family Credit Cards only. 

1. First, you need to have a Savings account with BPI Family.                                                          

    Do not have one yet? Read this: How to Apply for a BPI Family Savings Account

2. Then, enroll your account for the BPI Express Online 24/7 Banking. 

    You don't know how? Read on: How to Enroll for the BPI Express Online 24/7 Banking 

3. Once your online enrollment is activated, you can start paying your bills minus the hassle and the lining up.

Here's how to pay your Credit Card Bill: 

Go to: http://www.bpiexpressonline.com/ then click

              'Personal Login'.

Under the 'Payments & Reloading' tab, click 'Bill Payments' then 'Enroll Credit Card & Loans' 

Fill up the necessary information then hit 'Submit/Continue'

When done, click 'Pay Bills Today' to pay for your credit card bill due.

And that's how easy it is. Do the same for your Smartbro and other bills.

Important: 

This is applicable for BPI Credit Cards Under Your Name and are Viewable in 'My Portfolio' and
For BPI Family Savings Bank or BPI Direct Loan Accounts Under Your Name

For some credit cards and other loans, BPI Family has special instructions for that. 

Visit BPI Family Online or go to the nearest BPI Family branch for more details.

Check out the List of BPI Express Online Bills Payment Merchants 

How to Enroll for the BPI Express Online 24/7 Banking

Take advantage of the internet and do your banking transactions from the comforts of your home!

How to Enroll:

1. Go to: https://www.bpiexpressonline.com/ then click on "Enroll Now" under "Personal login".
2. Fill up the online form and hit "Submit"
3. Activate your enrollment through any BPI Express Teller ATM by following the diagram below:

         Wait 24 hours from ATM Activation. After which, you can start using BPI Express Online. 

         Important Note: You are given up to 20 banking days to activate your enrollment. 

How to Apply for a BPI Family Savings Account, Philippines

I recently applied for a savings account with BPI Family and I'm quite impressed with their service. It was a smooth process from start to end and it's a plus that the bank personnel were very accommodating. I opened mine at the BPI Family Gatuslao, Bacolod Branch.

To start off, make sure you brought with you the requirements. I'm sure you don't want to go through the hassle of going back and forth to the bank.

These are what you will need:

• 2 valid IDs and photocopy of each
• Billing statement (to verify your address)
• 2 copies of your recent 1x1 photo

How to Lose 10 pounds in 40 Days

Barely two months till 2012 and I am nowhere near my goal weight. If I want to end this year right, I need to lose weight and I need to do it soon. Never mind that I am chomping on a 180-calorie chocolate-filled cookie sandwich while typing these words. Yes, you heard it right. It's a COOKIE SANDWICH -- a cookie I spread with chocolate filling and slapped with another cookie. 

Oh food! But how can I refuse such yummy treats?

Nonetheless, I am on a mission. That cookie was my weekly indulgence before I start kicking my butt again on Monday. I have committed to a twice-a-day 4x-a-week workout regimen and a daily 1300-calorie diet with a cheat day once a week where I can eat whatever I want but in moderation.  

I was scouting the net for some help and I found some very helpful and simple sites that got me started on this project. I'm not sure if this is going to be effective but what better way to find out than try it out myself.  It has been a week since I started and I am glad to report that so far, I have lost 2 lbs. It's not much but it's definitely a good start. 

If you're trying to lose some of the extra baggage too just like me, here's how you can do it...

1. Visit http://www.nowloss.com/

This is a pretty awesome site. You just need to input some numbers like your current weight, age, height and your goal weight. After which, it's going to give you another set of numbers like your daily caloric intake and how to distribute it throughout the day. It also includes some exercise programs that you can try out.

Just go there and you'll see what I mean.

2. Visit http://www.livestrong.com

This is another helpful site. It made life so much easier for me. You can record what you ate for the day and you'll know how much calories you've chowed on already.It's just awesome. A free online food diary to help you reach that perfect weight you've been striving to have.

It even records your sodium intake, protein-fat-carbohydrate percentages for the day.

That's not all. It also lists workout exercises with corresponding calories burned depending on your current weight. For instance, I did 40-minute moderate Tae Bo last Friday morning and it says, I burned 400 calories for doing that. Cool, huh?

3. Visit http://www.billyblanks.com/

Decide what exercise programs you want to stick to. For me, Billy Blanks' Tae Bo workouts were the best among the many I've tried. I sweat like crazy after every workout with Billy and it's fast and fun too.

So, if you want Billy Blanks to teach you how to box and kick then go visit his site and grab his latest Tae Bo workout videos.  

Billy incorporates a combination of cardio and strength on his workouts. It is said that you can burn as much as 700 plus calories by doing an hour of vigorous kicking and boxing.    

I love it and you might too!

How to Back-up Your Files

Have you ever lost your files before? How does it feel? Terrible, right? I’m sure you don’t want that to happen again. The only thing that will spare you from such tragedy is simple. You need to back-up your files regularly.

My files include my daily ramblings about life, my spending history for this year, very special photos, some of my favorite movies, the coolest songs, family videos and more. I wouldn’t want it to vanish in thin air because of a virus attack, my system crashing down or I have accidentally reformatted my computer. They are priceless and I wouldn’t know how to handle it if I lost them.

You’ll never know what will happen and it’s always better to be prepared. Here are some ways to back-up your files.

1. Burn it in CDs or DVDs
2. Save it online (e.g. emails, your website)
3. Print a hardcopy
4. Save a copy in your ipod


We should back up our files regularly. As for me, I do it once every 3 months. It depends on you how often you want to do it as long as you do it. You’ll get spared of the heartbreak losing your files might cause.

How to Make Someone's Day

Do you have friends whom you haven't seen for sometime now?

A few months back I decided to go back to my hometown in Negros Occidental. I just wanted to have some quality time with my family. I've been here for over 5 months now and I miss my friends very much. I miss the times when we use to stay up until dawn in coffee shops just to talk about anything. I miss the times when we use to do activities for the church and attend services. I miss the times when we spend the weekend bumming around. I miss the dinner dates, movie marathons and most especially, I miss their company.

I would love to keep in touch but phone calls are a little expensive. I'd be bankrupt if I'd do that. It's a good thing there are emails and chats. To be away from them is so much more bearable.

A few weeks back, I rediscovered visual talking. You communicate your thoughts, idea, feelings and opinions using pictures. You can even tell a story. I decided to send a VT message to my girlfriends and luckily, they love it!

Here's how you can make your special someone, friends or family's day:

1. Register a free account at VT's site. Click here.

2. Create a thoughtful message by picking cute and amusing pictures.

3. Send it to your friends.

That simple.
I'm sure it will put a smile in their faces. Try it out!

How to Curb Your Overspending

By Divine Grace Segunla

Do you overspend? I have too many times that I stopped counting. Whenever I plan a trip to the mall or groceries, I always end up spending more than what I intend. It has been this way for years that leaves me frustrated and in a financial turmoil. I got myself into debt several times and it’s not something I’m proud of. Debt is a vicious cycle that will keep you in bondage and far from financial freedom.

With the rising cost of food, rent, gas, and our everyday necessities, we need to make a decision before it’s too late. There is no better time than now to get our finances under control. One way of doing it is to curb our overspending.

Over the past months, I’ve been reading and researching about money matters. I have discovered a few simple money matter habits that we need to incorporate in our spending in order to get it under control.

1. Decide
To acknowledge that we are overspending and to decide to put a stop to it is the first step to our freedom. No one can do this for us. If you really want to control your money and not the other way around, decide now and resolve to do it no matter what.

2. Make a Budget
The next most important thing to do is to write down your expenses starting from your basic necessities (bills, food, transportation, clothes, rent, etc.) to your miscellaneous expenses (books, watching movies, etc.). It doesn’t stop in making your budget. You got to stick to it. For instance, if you’re planning to do your groceries, never leave the house with a list of what you need to buy and follow it.

3. Keep Track
This can be a little troublesome at first but when you get it into your system, it will dramatically help you in your endeavor. Get a notebook, write down every single expense you acquire everyday and keep it handy. In this way, you will be able to assess in which areas you tend to overspend the most.

4. Cut Down
Cut down on some unnecessary expenses. This is when your handy notebook is useful. Where do you tend to overspend? If you watch movies five times in a month, you might want to cut it down to twice a month. There will always be an area to cut down an expense from. You just need to find it out.

5. Live Within Your Means
If you have written your budget then you know where your money should go. If you can’t afford to eat out every week then by all means, stop doing it. You have to make an effort to stay within your limit. Do not spend more than what you are earning - as simple as that.

6. Postpone Buying
If you spotted a gorgeous blouse or a latest book from your favorite author, don’t buy it yet. Postpone buying for another 48 hours and do some thinking. Will it be a worthy purchase if you buy it now? Are you still within your means if you spend a few extra dollars for that book? Do you really need it? If you have assessed the situation thoroughly then you can make a reasonable buying decision.

7. Bring Only Enough
This is one of the most effective means of curbing impulse buying. If you are going shopping, have a list with you and bring only enough for your list. This is the best way of turning your back from temptations.

8. Quit Using CCs
As much as I can, I stay out of debt. Credit card means getting yourself in debt and I don’t use them unless for emergency purposes. If you use your credit card for shopping a new wardrobe, I don’t think that’s an intelligent way of using it.

9. Just Say No
IF temptations bug you, just say an emphatic NO! The urge will go away in no time.

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube

Let me tell you a little history first. The Rubik's cube is a mechanical puzzle invented by a Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Erno Rubik back in 1974. Rubik's cube is believed to be the best toy, selling over 300, 000, 000 cubes in 1980s.

Have you ever tried solving a Rubik's cube ever? I just tried doing it lately. At first, it sucked up the patience out of me. I was trying in vain. Some say this cube is called the 'torture' cube, I was about to agree when I realized I can always use technology to search the answer to my dilemma. Alas, I found the easiest and most comprehensive tutorials on how to solve the Rubik's cube.

It was a blissful achievement for me. I can't help but show off my 'talent' to my siblings and friends. Haha.

If you want to learn it the easiest way too, check out the links below. Good luck.

 Part One

Part Two

How to Make Money Online

By Divine Grace Segunla

Thank God for the World Wide Web! I just started my venture online a few months back and I discovered that there are hundreds or even thousands of great opportunities to earn money online. But unfortunately, there are also thousands of scams. We need to be extra careful.

I read and met (online) hundreds of men and women who made it big online. They are earning hundreds and thousands of dollars every month. Some make their living online and some do it part time. Nonetheless, they have found their niche in the World Wide Web. They are using the net to their advantage by turning it into a source of income for them.

Here are five easy steps to make money online.

1. Maintain Attitude
I believe this is the most important thing we need in our success. As I have mentioned, you will encounter scams along the way. They are littered everywhere in the web. You will get frustrated, that’s a fact. You will get discouraged. You will fail. Yes, you will fail and the sooner you fail, the sooner you will succeed. And in our journey towards success we need to maintain a persevering attitude. We need to arm ourselves with an attitude that will not back down from any obstacle.

2. Online Search
You must do your homework and you better do it well. There is no substitute to thorough research. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Read the FAQs, forums, and of course the policies. Google it.

3. Never Buy Anything
Eric Hodhulm is one of the online gurus I am getting my advices from and he said, “Never buy anything!” Keep this in mind. If you happen to encounter a site wherein you need to pay before you can earn then you better think about it (99% of the time they are scams). I mean the very reason why you’re online is to earn not to pay some fees. “Never buy anything” unless you know what you’re doing.

For more online tips from Eric, click here.

4. Enjoy and Explore
When you’ve done step 2, don’t be afraid to try out things. Explore the possibilities the web offers you. Keep your eyes open for other opportunities. Join forums and social networking sites. You can get a lot of scoops from there. And most especially try to enjoy every minute of it.

5. YOU
You are responsible for your success. Make sure to back up your plans with a decision to succeed no matter what happens. Quitting should never e an option. You never know what awaits you in the WWW. Good luck!


In order for us to succeed in our quest to make money online, we need to Maintain our attitude, conduct Online researches, keep in mind Never to buy anything, just Enjoy and explore and at the end of the day, You are responsible for your fate in the World Wide Web. In short, we need MONEY to succeed in making money online. ;D

For a list of online money maker sites that really pays, click here.

How to be a “Dragon Warrior”

By Divine Grace R. Segunla



Have you seen the movie Kung Fu Panda? I’ve seen it several times and I’m not over it yet. I just love the movie like crazy. I adore Po, the big fat panda, who’s always dreamed to become a kung fu warrior only to wake up everyday of his life with an apron around his waist and in the kitchen. He cooks the best noodle soup (next to his father) in the valley and he hates it. Deep down inside, Po knew he was meant to do something more. Po is ‘The Dragon Warrior’ the only one that can bring peace to the valley and master Shifu.

Po? The big fat panda is the dragon warrior? No way! He doesn’t even know anything about kung fu. He’s fat and he stinks. He’s nosy. He’s too loud. He’s disgusting (sometimes). He eats (too much) when he’s upset. He couldn’t be the dragon warrior. Surely, there has been some mistake.

But he is the dragon warrior.

Po may not have what it takes to be a dragon warrior but he was chosen because he was meant to be the dragon warrior. You may not have the resources, you’re too young or too old, you can’t speak well and you’re not talented enough to do great things in your lifetime.

You might have been in that road before. I’ve been there several times. I know deep down inside me I’m meant to do something more. I just can’t be the ordinary province girl who just wants to finish her studies and help her family afterwards. I know there is something more to life than that. I want to be the ‘dragon warrior.’ I want to help other people. I want to travel around the world. I want to be a successful entrepreneur. I want to live life to the fullest.

Here are some things I learned from the movie on how to live the life we are made for (becoming a dragon warrior):

1. Dream
It all starts in a dream. When you dream, do not ever limit yourself. That’s why it’s called a dream. It’s for free. You can dream as big and as grand as you can. Po didn’t just dream of becoming a kung fu warrior, he dreamed of becoming the best kung fu warrior.

2. Never Give up
A true dragon warrior never gives up. If you want to fulfill all your dreams in life, you better not include give up, quit, and can’t do it in your vocabulary. It should not and never be an option for you and me.

3. Training
You need a mentor. You cannot do it and learn everything on your own. Find someone whom you trust and who believes in you to teach you everything you need to know about failure, success and life. In order to be the best in what you can do, you need to be trained, coached and mentored. Po has Shifu as his master. I have Jesus as my master. It’s time you find yourself one.

4. Believe
“To believe something is special, you just need to believe it’s special.” That’s what Po’s dad told him that ultimately led to Po’s fulfillment of his dream and call as the dragon warrior. There is no special ingredient to the best noodle soup in the valley. In the same way, there is no special ingredient for us to succeed in life. We just need to believe. Believe in your master and believe in yourself.

For us to fulfill our destinies in life does not depend on what we have or on what we can do. It depends on who we are and what’s inside us.