Are you Taking Care of your Gadgets?

                                                                                                                                                              

[Editor's Note: This article was first published in EMMagazine, a bi-monthly publication in Japan, Volume 18, October-November 2014 Issue]

Gadgets are everywhere! Young and adults alike have gadgets. It seems to me that most of us are even pre-occupied with gadgets and we spend most of our days using them. I for one cannot miss a day without having to use my own collection! 

At your birthday parties, unveiled under every gift wrapping paper and in every corner shop, there are gadgets being sold. We can’t seem to do without them. From updating our status messages to finding about the way back to the destination through the map apps. Gadgets are widely used and they are present in almost all aspects of our lives. 

With today’s technology, it’s normal if you want to purchase new gadgets. These devices will not only make you look cool. Obviously, it can also make your life easier. Take for example your mobile phones if it weren’t for those, you won’t be able to communicate fast. And let’s talk about the internet connection. Don’t you think that it makes us closer? You can learn new things in just a click. Thanks to your modem, connecting is such a breeze.

The question is, how do you take care of your gadgets? You are always using your devices on its full potential. But have you ever thought on how you can handle these properly? If you won’t do it, you will have to spend more changing units year after year. Here are some of the most practical tips on how you can make your gadgets last longer.

Protect Your Gadget From Water

Water is one of the greatest enemies of electronic devices because it is an almost perfect conductor; if a gadget falls into water when it is switched on this can cause its components to short circuit. Water also corrodes metals to varying degrees, so if a mobile phone or other handheld device gets wet it should be wiped dry immediately to prevent the moisture from seeping inside.

Say No To Direct Sunlight

Sunlight can be very bad to your gadgets. You think that I’m exaggerating when I say that your devices will melt. However, that’s true. In fact, it happened to me. I accidentally left my laptop inside my car while I was doing my monthly groceries. I completely forgot about it until I got home. Too late for me though. The screen of my laptop now has a line which cost me hundreds of dollars! Indeed, I learned the hard way. This doesn’t only go with laptops. All your gadgets must be stored away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, it’ll be ruined.

Extremes of heat and cold should be avoided, as internal components can be irreparably damaged by swings of temperature. If taking them into such extremes cannot be avoided, then they need to be adequately protected in suitable bags and other casings.

Buy Protective Casing 

You’ll see a lot of protective casing available. They are not there for nothing. If you think that these will ruin your gadget’s look, you are wrong. There are a lot of designer protective housings which would be perfect for your desktop, laptops and mobile phones. I even found an iPhone casing that has a cute cartoon character. Instead of making your gadgets look dull, these casings give it more personality.

Clean Your Gadgets As Necessary 

Too much is bad. You need to clean your gadgets when it’s needed. Don’t use your everyday cleaning materials at home. I would suggest that you buy special fluids and cloth for your devices. That way, you can be sure that you will not scratch your phones by accident. 

Electronic gadgets need to be regularly cleaned as well. Keeping your gadgets clean and dust-free is important, as it may affect its performance.

A soft cloth should be used to wipe any accumulated dirt, avoiding the use of chemicals and harsh cleaners because these may damage the case. Mild detergent in the water is usually enough; apply with a soft, damp cloth. You may get a gadget cleaning vacuum sucker available easily in the markets for your laptops, etc.

Keep Your Gadget Away From Food and Drinks

Many people, work on their table with their computers and other tech stuff while eating or drinking something. This has been very common; however, we should be very careful about this because one small mistake, like accidentally spilling your juice, can damage your gadgets.

To avoid this, put your precious gizmos somewhere safe and make sure that your food and drinks are far enough from your things so even if there’s an accident, you’ll only have to worry about how to clean up the mess.

Charge Your Battery After The ‘Warning’ Sound 

As much as you want to use your phones for a long time, you have to give it a rest. I won’t recommend that you charge your gadgets even if it’s half empty. You have to wait for the warning that it needs to be charged. Again, I learned the hard way. I always charge my laptop even if I don’t have to. Now, I can’t use it without plugging in.

Batteries are a particular cause for concern in things like iPhones, iPads and laptops. Laptops should be left plugged in, which causes less battery strain, and the latest version of the battery should be used with iPads and iPhones. On all devices, check the programs available for extending and optimizing battery life.

Always Bring Your Gadgets To An Accredited or Authorized Center 

If in case your gadgets broke down, don’t bring it to cheap repair centers. In the end, you will be paying more. It would be best if you bring it to well known repair centers. That way, you know that you are putting value on your money.

Always bear in mind that gadgets can be very fragile. If you will not take care of it, you’ll have to buy a new one. Given the bad economy, I don’t think that it’s acceptable.

BONUS TIP: INSURE YOUR GADGETS

Take out adequate insurance on your precious electronic gadgets as a final line of defense against their damage or loss. Many of these devices are quite expensive, and apart from the cost of replacing them there is the loss of irreplaceable data to consider; this should be regularly backed up on various media, such as external hard drives and discs.

There are a lot more things that can be done to protect your gadgets. These are just some basic tips that you can do. But the main point would go as if you really love gadgets then be concerned to them else it would be a sort of waste of money and resources.

Interesting Facts you should know about the Philippines

Interesting Facts You Should Know About the Philippines

Posted by Junrey Belando at 11:08 PM

The Philippines is where we live in. It's a must that we ought to know what all Filipinos should know about their country.

Here are some of the facts that you should know about the Philippines:

1. The Philippine archipelago is composed of 7,107 islands. It is divided into three (3) main island groups, namely: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (Source: National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)).

2. Not many people know that the Philippines is ranked 12 among the most populated countries of the world. The country boasts “90 million” as of its official population. The figure itself is quite impressive to get one’s attention to this new emerging economy of the world.

3. Philippines boasts of a coastline of 36,289 kilometers. However, it still ranks fifth in the world for having the longest coastline.

4. In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines and claimed the islands for Spain.

5.The Philippines have declared independence from both Spain and the United States. Independence from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. The Philippines declared independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.

6. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos named the Philippines in honor of King Philip II of Spain.

7. There are some 80 major ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, with many subgroups, that make Philippine society a complex one. All these, traditionally, are groups practicing distinct cultures and using a domestic kind of economy. 

8. The Philippine islands were ceded by Spain to the United States for 20 million US dollars in the 1898 Treaty of Paris.

9. Mount Apo, found on the island of Mindanao is the highest point in Philippines. The height of this mountain is 2,954 m.

10. Philippines is known as the ‘text capital of the world’ because of the large number of texts sent to-and-fro by the people in one day. On an average, every day, about 35 million mobile subscribers in the country send about 450 million short text messages (SMS) on an average. The United States and Europe together can’t beat this daily text messages count.

11. Philippines is the only country in the world whose flag is hoisted upside down when the country is at war.

12. Metro Manila is the most populous of the 12 defined metropolitan areas in the Philippines and the 11th most populous in the world. 

13. The karaoke was invented in the Philippines and not Japan. Karaoke means “singing without accompaniment” in Japanese was invented by Roberto del Rosario. The invention of “Sing-Along-System” was later called karaoke.

14. A shell called Glory of the Sea (Connus gloriamaris) that is found in the Philippines is considered as one of the most expensive shells in the world.

15.  The largest bat in the world is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying-fox (Acerodon jubatus). It is a rare and endangered fruit bat that can be found only in the Philippines. It has a wing span of at least 1.5 m (5 ft) and weighs approximately 1.2 kg (3 lbs) and is also known as the Golden-capped Fruit Bat.

16. The world’s longest navigable underground river is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River found in Palawan. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea.

17. Cagayan River or Magat River is the longest river in the Philippines.

18. The world’s largest Catholic university located in one campus in terms of student population is the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. It is an academic institution founded by the Dominicans. It is 25 years older than the oldest university n the US – the Harvard University.

19. The bamboo organ at St. Joseph Church in Las Pinas City is arguably the world’s largest bamboo organ. The centuries-old musical instrument was constructed between 1792 and 1819. It has 174 bamboo pipes, 122 horizontal reeds of soft metal, a five-octave keyboard, and 22 stops arranged in vertical rows.

20. The world’s largest high school in terms of student population is Rizal High School in Caniogan, Pasig City. The school has more than 20,000 students. Graduation rites are conducted 5 times and that means the class valedictorian has to deliver his/her valedictory address 5 times also.

This is just a tip of the iceberg of cool and interesting facts about the celebrated facts of the Philippines. These and much more truly make me proud as a Filipino.Do you know something interesting and cool facts about our country? Just comment below and let's share it....now, isn't it cool to be Pinoy?

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I happen to experience the most wonderful feeling so far--it's when a friend encourages when I lost faith in myself.

Top Summer Destinations in the Philippines

Top Summer Getaways of the Philippines

It’s official! Summer heat is on, and summer parties are everywhere in the Philippines. Are you ready to get soaked in fun, thrill and excitement? Do you have already something in mind where to spend your summer getaway? If not yet, then join us and together we'll explore the top summer destinations of the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

 The country's more than 7, 107 beautiful islands surely lure tourists both local and foreigners alike to spend their best summer vacation and enjoy its most popular and attractive islands, indulge to sports activities along white beaches, fine weather and much more!

Standing proud of its rich soil and tourist attractions, truly, the Philippines is one of the most sought vacation destination for tourists all over the world. Let's explore these places below and select your own place Or even places to go!

Luzon:

 Luzon is the largest among the 3 main island groups of the Philippine archipelago. It is home to lots of wonderful places and amazing tourist spots. Here are the top 5 places you should go where tourists fond of going every now and then in Luzon.

1. Baguio City (Baguio, Philippines)

Topping our list among the favored summer destinations in Luzon is Baguio City. It is one of the most popular cities in the Philippines and has been considered the country`s Summer Capital for the past 99 years.

Otherwise known as the City of Pines, this summer capital in the country is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. The city is known to its cold climate owing to its elevation, which is why most tourists in the country flock the city in the verge of the summer heat in the Philippines.

Explore its famous attractions such as the astounding view of Mines View Park, the Mansion (home to Philippine Presidents in their visit to Baguio), the Wright Park (just near the Mansion, with its beautiful gardens and landscape), Camp John Hay (which prides itself with 18-hole golf course), Burnham Park (where tourists can go picknick or row boats and relax), or stroll around and enjoy the views of Session Road where commercial and business structures abound. First class hotels, restaurants, department stores and shopping centers are to be found in this area.

 With not only its amazing scenic views but its variety of historical and cultural attractions, Baguio has become a desirous tourist destination for Filipino and foreign tourists alike.
And oh, don't forget to pack along with you your thick coats!

2. Mayon Volcano (Legazpi City, Albay)

For the longest time, Mayon is the answer to Japan's Mt. Fuji; exuding a panoramic beauty that attracts a myriad of tourists from around the globe. (www.filipiknow.net/mayon-volcano-shocking-facts)

Mayon Volcano is world famous because of its reputable perfectly cone-shaped and form of all volcanos in the world. It is also the most active volcano in the Philippines.

Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. Proud with its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon Volcano rises to 2460 meters above Albay Gulf. Its last eruption was in May of last year.

3. Hundred Islands (Alaminos, Pangasinan)

Yes, it's difficult to choose which among the 7107 islands to explore first in the country. Bit if you'd like to hit about 100 islands all at once, come to the Hundred Islands Natural Park in Pangasinan.

There are 123 islands and some of them are called as "Devil's Island," "Governor's Island" and "Kissing Island." And of course, don't forget your bathing suits because its clear blue-green hues of water will surely get your attention!

4. Underground River (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

This Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished protected areas of the Philippines. It contains an 8.2 km long river that directly flows to the sea. It was recently declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nicknamed as a city in a forest, Puerto Princesa is where this underground river can be found. This underground river is part of the national park which is home to 800 plant species, including almost 300 trees, 195 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles, and 8 bat species--truly a model of biodiversity!

Don't forget to visit the astounding view of Coron Palawan when yout get there!

5. Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)

Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, Puerto Galera has been the where-to-go summer destination for city-dwellers for beach activities.

Water is certainly the main attraction of Puerto Galera. Crystal clear and shimmering especially during hot summer months, the sea framing Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tourists who had gone there certainly look forward to the next visit!

Visayas

The second largest group of islands in the Phillipines next to Luzon is the Visayas.

Lying in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, the Visayas group of islands is well known and highly visited for its top selection of sun-sational summer destinations. It us composed of the major islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay and Samar.

Below are the top places you should never miss when you go to th Visayas.

1. Boracay Island (Boracay, Aklan)

 Out of all islands all over the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012.

Also, voted the world's best beach by the Sun Herald Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the perfect island getaway with its warm blue waters, powder fine white sands, and a palm-fringe 4 kilometer beach.

Experience water sports and activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling,diving, and jet skiing. Fun here doesn't end when the sun sets; Boracay's nightlife lures one and all to bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.

2. Bohol Island (Bohol, Philippines)

 Bohol is popular for its enchanting and captivating scenic views like the chocolate hills, world class beach resorts, beautiful diving spots, and astounding wildlife including th smallest known primate, the Tarsiers.

Get to relax at the pristine waters and white beaches that abound in Panglao Island. Or better yet, be amazed at the 1268 beautiful and perfect cone shaped chocolate hills. The shape of the hills are almost uniform and ranges from 30-50 meters high!

Summer is the best time to go if you want to witness the Chocolate Hills of Bohol!

3. Cebu City (Cebu, Philippines)

 Dubbed as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is the second most important city of the country next to Manila. It has its own international airport and seaport. It is the home of its Sinulog Festival with colorful costumes and street dancing. The oldest known Spanish settlement in the country is in Cebu City, dating from the 15th century.

Tour around the Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino cathedral, various beach resorts and more!

4. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

 Do you love adventure and exciting excursions under the sea? Then come to Apo Island which is just less than an hour trip from Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. Be in love with marine nature at its best as you go on scuba diving.

At present, Apo Island is home to at least 650 documented species of fish, and estimated to have over 400 species of corals.

Apo Island is one of the world's best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such, it has been well documented by the global science communities.

Mindanao

1. Camiguin

Camiguin is the second smallest province of the Philippines. Nevertheless, this small island has promising wonders you must see.

Camiguin is referred to as "Born of Fire." This spectacular island has 7 volcanoes and several volcanic domes. It has also clear waters and thus acclaimed as one of the top dive spots worldwide.

2. Davao

Davao is where Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines is located. Grab the chance to trek its popular nature trails for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Famous spots you can visit in Davao include Mt. Apo, Philippine Eagle Center, Crocodile Park, Samal Island and Pearl farm, Paradise Island and much more!

Activities you will enjoy in Davao include but are not limited to beach and water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat sailing, river rafting, and the like! You also must try their famous durian fruit and durian candies!

3. Bukidnon

Bukidnon is a highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao. It is home to the world's biggest pineapple plantation and boasting a classic golf course dating back in 1928.

Landlocked by mountain ranges and forest reserves, Bukidnon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The entire place is tailored-fit for eco-adventure activities mountain climbing, trail hiking, trekking, rapelling, and more!

Final tips

One must agree tha the Philippines is a haven for fun and adventures. Its geographical setting is tailored fit for an exciting and fun-filled summer getaway.

Blessed with a rich environment--lush forest, tropical islands, white beaches, rivers, lakes, and mountains, friendly and hospitable people, who are always happy to welcome guests and visitors.

When planning your activities outside for summer, take into account the following:

1. Be free to do anything (just don't break the law!)

Fun and excitement can be enjoyed the most when you free yourself from all inhibtions. Experience life at its best, savor the moment by doing things beyond ordinary and when you go home, you'll surely have a moment worth keeping for! Be active to do anything for fun-filled summer, just don't break the law!

2. Learn something new. Okay, is something that we actually should be doing every day. Summer is usually the time to relax and be free from your usual roytines at work, at home. So, why not use your spare time to learn a new skill, a new foreign language perhaps? Or perhaps, learn the best way to whip a chocolate?

Whatever the case maybe, go, and grab the opportunity to learn something new.

3. Relax. Summer wouldn't be fun at all if during this time you won't be able to relax. Our human body needs rest. Summer calls for a relaxing experience. Give yourself a break and relax, free yourself from stress and other tensions. Just like other people, you too, deserve to relax.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and give yourself a chance to personally experience that indeed, IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!