Raphael's 1st Birthday at Watercamp Resort

After a month-long preparation and a year-long anticipation, finally, we celebrated my son Raphael's 1st Birthday. Made possible by my parents and visitors like my son's godmother tita Betty and her family and grandpapa Rudy and tita Cai and her family as well. Celebrated on the exact day February 12, 2012 in Watercamp Resort, we had so much fun swimming and splashing even it's raining slightly and the sun is hiding the whole day. We actually thought of coming back because Raph (as we called my son) wasn't able to try to swim due to the rain that made the water colder.

Hopefully, this summer after Holy week and peak season, we would go back to Watercamp Resort and be able to give Raph his first swimming experience.

Laugh & Learn Animal Fun Game

Laugh & Learn Animal Fun Game

Most Wanted Smartphones

Mobile phones or Cell phones are devices or gadgets -as we call these days - that we used for communication. For the past few years, these gadgets continuously develops. Features and appearances are  enhanced endlessly, either will it be a new handset model or an upgraded unit. While there were many new phone manufacturers surfaced and introduced new models,   the competition about style, features, quality, design and price are the major consideration we rely in choosing the best phone for our lifestyle. 

Here are some popular smartphones this 2012 that made the market rummaged.

The iPhone 4S is launched to the dual-core group with more powerful graphics. There's a major improvement to imaging too, with 8MP stills and 1080p video. And the best of it all, Apple tried to take voice recognition to a new level with Siri.

The iPhone 4S style and size is exactly the same as its predecessor. It’s became one of the best-looking smartphones in the market. The handset is quite slim, it measured 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm and with only 3 grams of weight as compared to the others. All in all, the iPhone 4S is a completely different phone from its predecessor under the hood.

With its minimalist design, handy and good styling that made the handset very compelling and hard to resist. Although the handling might be a bit tricky, just need to be careful in the beginning. Because the finish just doesn’t provide a secure grip. The glass feature of its back could be relatively resistant to scratches but may not survive drops. The four corners have a weak spot, but the issue about the antenna had already been sorted.

The impressively-looking phone has just become faster and better which was really impressive. And last but not least, the iPhone 4S finally makes the A-list with 8MP stills and Full HD videos. We’ve got a dual-core smartphone and a full fledged cameraphone waiting in the lab. So, let us keep it moving.

Major Drawbacks:

 

• Main disadvantages
• FaceTime video calls work only over Wi-Fi
• No file transfer over Bluetooth or USB Mass Storage mode
• No FM radio
• No stereo speakers
• No microSD card slot
• MicroSIM card support only
• Non-replaceable battery
• Only iTunes provides loading content 

The Nokia Lumia 800 can be easily spotted in a crowd. The body seems very robust, it can take a few knocks and no signs of it. The polycarbonate has its own color so there’ll be no peeling paint and scratches issues and if deeply scratched only the same color will appear as the rest of the body. By the way, the Nokia Lumia 800 comes in black, cyan or magenta.

The touchscreen is very responsive and has convex glass cover with scratch-resistant edges (the display itself is flat). That’s why any users’ finger can glide easily from side to side – as it always involves a lot of sideways swipes.

Nokia declares it's great for 265 hours of standby in 2G (335 hours in 3G). And have a talk time of 13 hours and 9 hours and 30 minutes, respectively.

The Nokia Lumia 800 claimed to last 55 hours of music playback or 7 hours of video.

The shapes and curved sides of the Nokia Lumia 800 are made comfortably and manageably in handling it. The polycarbonate case is nice to the touch and all the controls are easy to reach. The phone feels hard but not too heavy and its slimmed edges makes it  easy to slip into pockets.

Major Drawbacks:

• The display is a little bit dimmer.
• Browser was not supported of Flash or Silverlight.
• No USB mass storage (file management and sync pass only through Zune)
• No Front-facing camera, thus, no video-calls.
• NO USER-REPLACEABLE BATTERY
• No memory card slot neither upgradeable.
• microSIM card slot
• Videos have to be transcoded by Zune

The Samsung Omnia I8350 W is a very compact phone, with professional looks. It measured 115.6 x 58.8 mm and at 10.9 mm it is obviously slim too. The weight has been trimmed compared to the Omnia 7 by nearly 23 g to the svelte 115.3 g.

The Samsung Omnia W bets on smooth design and solid build. There is a slight similar perspective to the original Omnia 7 styling in the front and backward edges. But the handset stands out to keep a neutral professional appearance compared to other promoted  curve Samsung droids.

It fits comfortably in the hand and feels solid but not too dense. Polished with quality plastic and a bit of metal. Overall, it's cleverly elegant, a grown-up design that could also be appealing to business users.

Although not the same full 4" of its predecessor, the Omnia W's 3.7" screen has an advantage over some phones. The display has WVGA (480 x 800) resolution and Super AMOLED quality that provides great contrast, deep blacks, and commendable outdoor performance. The PenTile matrix is not such a big deal this time around. On a 3.7" WVGA screen it is already pleasantly visible.

The 5 MP camera lens is fixed at the back of the device along with a LED flash and the loudspeaker outlet. The back has a brushed aluminum inset. At first you might be displeased as to how to remove the cover but once you’ve learned that the panel has more to it than the aluminum plate, it’ll be just fine. There's a small groove at the bottom left to put a finger and pry it open.

When it comes to design, the Omnia W outshines the other countless carbon copy Droids that Samsung launched in the midrange. And by the way, a distinct personality is a must for Windows Phone 7 handsets, which are hard to tell apart on the inside.

Major Drawbacks:

• Non-expandable storage/memory
• No mass storage
• Zune-only file management and sync
• No Bluetooth file transfers
• No Flash (nor Silverlight) support in the browser
• No DivX/XviD video support (automatic transcoding provided by Zune software

The launch of BlackBerry Curve 9360 sets a pressure of high expectations. Amongst its predecessors, it was always expected from Blackberry to introduce trendsetting, style-flaunting stuffs. But giving the business users, e-mailers and regular texters the best service they deserve is the major motive of every product launched. Consequently, this should be the best Curve experience they can ever have.
What makes the Curve 9360 a quality handset are the higher-resolution screen, improved processor and the new BlackBerry OS 7.0 with NFC support boosts the 9360 into a completely different dimension. Fixed with QVGA screens and 2 or 3 MP cameras, a great option for old-model users to consider.

The BlackBerry Curve 9360 is almost the same size and weight as the previous two Curve phones, the 9300 and 8520. The phone is pleasingly solid and user friendly, a package of good quality and efficiency.
It's an all-plastic handset but with compact built and very good ergonomics, such a nice phone to look at. Great for business messengers who’s always on the go because it is impressively slim. Curve 9360 was shaped for a better palm-fit, yet could have been one of the most comfortable phones to hold if with a rubbery finish.

Major Drawbacks:

• Poor camera focus
• Plain text-only submenus
• Call and navigation keys are inflexible
• NO HD VIDEO
• Enjoying all phone features requires BlackBerry Internet Service account
• Not quite handy with glossy back feature

How To Make Your Cover Letter Gets Noticed

Since many employers do not waste their time reading the resumes word for word, capturing only the most significant - your professional background and work history - an affixed cover letter to every resumes offers a more formal approach in introducing your background. It serves as a summary of details and facts to your resume written in an effective manner that must capture an interest of an employer to turn the page where your resumes are.

Here are some guides on how to make an effective cover letter that will surely make an impression for your resume to recruiters or employers.

Be specific on desired job position

This is the part where you are telling the employer why you are writing. Employers do not wish to guess what your qualification suites their vacancies. Although some companies welcomes for pooling applications, employers wants an application that expresses clearly a desire for a specific position. Inform them how you found out about the job and briefly explain why you have chosen their company. Employers observe those applicants who have knowledge about the company they are applying for.

Explain how you qualify and not what you look for in an employer

Quote how you qualify for the position, how your previous experience can support the new position and how much more can you improve the job by stating your former accomplishments. Be precise; avoid stating what you expect your employer can do to your career; instead, shortly explain your long term plan in your future employment.

Be Concise and Original

Go direct to the point, limit long paragraphs into short but intelligible ones. Also, try to focus on how you'll stand out to the crowd. Most cover letter follows a format that many end similar to others. Be unique, include some facts like a completed project or recognition awarded for sales performance. It is also possible to make a comparison of your qualification against their requirements in an enumerated column. You are trying to convince your future employer so try to sell out.

Sum up resume, not repeat it

Most applicants write cover letters by repeating their detailed resume and make it in a paragraph form. This only implies lack of effort and unpreparedness to your part. Thus, it could result to lack of interest for recruiters to read your letter and consider your application. Impressed them by being enthusiastic, show your eagerness to get the job.
You are writing a cover letter and not an invitation or greeting cards. Avoid unsolicited details and do not misrepresent your background just to make an impression. Your cover letter should increase your chance of getting an interview. Therefore, conclude your letter by thanking the employer for considering you and include your contact details and inform them you will make a follow-up. Finally, make sure that you proofread your letter before sending.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jena_Escobanas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6799108

1st Birthday

My son Raphael is turning 1 year old this coming February, and I’m starting to feel edgy in planning how are we going to celebrate. I wanted something that my son would appreciate, but came out blank because, really, what does a baby-turning-toddler would want in a party? It’s less than a month from now, and I don’t want to be caught unprepared again. Rushing many things here and there, which may turned-out to just dining out with the rest of the family. So, my husband and I listed some ideas on how celebration can be carried-out.

1.      A Jollibee Kids Party

2.      Swimming Party

3.      A House Party

4.      Vacation in Baguio

5.      Zoo, Park, Mall and dine-out?

We also listed some advantage and disadvantage of every idea, and as the days pass, we’re still undecided. I think a Jollibee Party probably is the best option,  because it was what we call the “IN” for a 1^st birthday celebration. But as we have listed our possible visitors, there are fewer kids and more adults. So, who’s going to enjoy the party, really?

Swimming Party is also the best, but we have no idea if our visitors are ready for early summer swimming. Plus, how about entrance fees? Do my visitors prepared for it? =)

I’m hoping we’ve come to a decision in a few days, because you wouldn’t know how fast the days just pass. One morning, it’ll be Raphael’s big day, and OMG! 1^st birthday happens just once in a lifetime, well, there can be many birthdays to come. But the 1^st one will always be the 1^st one.

Jollibee Kids Party

Let me share to you the party packages that I have compiled and can use as a reference for our future party plans.

STEP 1 – CHOOSE YOUR FOOD

Package 1 - P128.00/head

Package 2 - 168.00/head

Package 3 - P157.00/head

Package 4 - P198.00/head

STEP 2 – CHECK OUT THE PARTY FAVORS.

Pay a Party fee of only P1,250.00 on top of your  chosen food package. This includes;

            20 Assorted Game Prizes

            10 Crayons

            30 Baloons

            1 Guestbook

            1 Jollibee Mascot appearance

Should you wish to add an item, prices are;

            Game Prizes                P10.00/e

            Guestbook                   P10.00/e

            Crayons                       P 6.00/e

            Balloons                      P12.00/e

STEP 3 – CHOOSE FROM ANY OF THE STORES AVAILABLE THEME, LIKE

            1. JOLLITOWN         2. TRANSFORMERS            3. MY BEST FRIEND JOLLIBEE

OR ON OTHER PARTY ITEMS;

LOOT BAGS                       Standard Loot bag      P25.00

                                          Special Loot Bag        P50.00

                                          Premium Loot Bag      P80.00

PARTY FAVORS          

1 Set (Party Hat, Trayliner, Invitation Card, Thank You Card & Name Tag)        P7.00                                                                                                             

                      Name Tag                               P0.50/pc

                      Party Hat                                P4.00/pc

                      Invitation Card                        P1.50/pc

                      Trayliners                                P1.00/pc

                      Thank You Card                       P1.00/pc

THEME CAKES by RED RIBBON (Mocha or Chocolate)

         SMALL          P600

         MEDIUM        P900

         LARGE          P1,350

STEP 4 – JOLLIBEE MASCOT will definitely at the party! If you wish to add 1 or all 4 of Jollibee’s friends, ask your store for further details.