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For Pinoy pet owners, beware of this online scam

loqal.ph — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:55:18 +0000

By Anna Valmero

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—Dog owner Ferdinand Lopez Robillos learned about being cautious of potential identity theft scammers the hard way. A true-blue pet lover, he recently fell victim of an online scam involving the supposed adoption of eight pomeranian puppies.

The scam involved a pet adoption announcement at ayosdito.ph by a Singaporean who is leaving the country after his wife died in a car accident. He supposedly posted an announcement for pet adoption before he leaves the country to make sure his eight pomeranian puppies can get a good home.

Moved by the story and thinking of the puppies who will turn homeless anytime soon, Robillos offered his help.

When he emailed the Singaporean, Robillos was requested to send scanned copies of his driver’s license and Philippine passport. To assuage his fears of sending the documents, the same email contained the scanned image of the passport of the Singaporean dog owner.

Seeing that his contact works for the Manila office of the United Nations, where his father used to work before, Robillos believed that the transaction is not questionable and sent copies of his personal documents.

After emailing his personal documents, Robillos was asked again to transfer money to a local bank account amounting to P8,000 for the paperwork involved in shipping the puppies to his place.

“I was hesitant to give the amount because I wanted to talk to him first over the phone and see the puppies first. When he refused to do that I called off the arrangement. After sometime, I realized it was a scam after a fellow dog owner told me that my name is being used for that same story,” said Robillos.

The scammers used his name, “Ferdinand Lopez”, thinking that his middle name is his surname. Further research pointed that the group has been operating for a while now and might have been using the passport and IDs of their victims to avoid being charged themselves.

“The moral of the story is that you should always be cautious of transactions online. Anyone can post a story and make it look real. So you have to take care of sending personal documents and as much as possible, be sure to talk to the person first. If they cannot talk to you, then chances are that they are scammers,” said Robillos.

Robillos wrote to ayosdito.ph about the incident but was unable to get a reply. So, to prevent other pet owners from getting victimized as well, he said he decided to tell his story.

Meanwhile, Web Safety Philippines founder Sonnie Santos said that what happened to Robillos is a phishing scam, in which the scammers extracted information by posing as someone via email complete with a detailed passport. While the scammers were unable to get money from Robillos, the passport and driver’s license that he gave are open for use for whatever purpose the scammers see fit.

He urged Filipino users to practice “online ethics”, for example not posting sensitive data such as your mother’s maiden name and complete address on social networking sites like Facebook to avoid identity theft.

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Study shows proper hygiene can reduce school absences

loqal.ph — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:36:19 +0000

By Anna Valmero

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – Daily hand washing and toothbrushing could reduce absenteeism among pre-school and grade school children and make them more alert in class, according to a study.

In particular, the study noted that absenteeism can be reduced by 27 percent and proper hygiene can also help prevent “under nutrition” among schoolchildren.

The Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) of the Department of Education – in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Fit For SChool Inc. and Procter and Gamble – highlights the importance of proper hygiene among schoolchildren to keep them healthy and more alert in class.

In essence, EHCP is a low-cost preventive “intervention” of DepEd and its partners to reduce by half the incidence of infectious diseases among pre-school and elementary students, and reduce overall absenteeism.

The successful pilot program will be adopted in ten provinces nationwide namely: Northern Samar Governor Paul Daza and partners at Erenas, Victoria. Aurora, Tarlac, Camarines Norte, Guimaras, Antique, Cebu City, Davao City, Zamboanga del Sur and Sarangani.

“We are happy that our local government partners have shown their commitment to their children. This program will not only teach children healthy habits but also make them an instrument in teaching these healthy habits when they come home after school,” said Tim Grieve, UNICEF Philippines water and sanitation chief.

The program covers 3,000 schools and aims to improve the learning capabilities of one million pupils pursuant to achieving child-friendly schools under the Millennium Development Goals.

A major factor that directly affects a kid’s staying power and performance in school is his state of health and nutrition. For example, toothaches and diarrhea are among the common ailments that cause children to miss classes.

About seven in 10 children aged three- to 12-years-old suffer from intestinal worms due to improperhand washing before eating, which leads to diarrhea and under-nutrition.

Meanwhile, not brushing the teeth at least twice a day resulted in at least 97 percent of six-year-olds and 81 percent of 12- year-olds to suffer from dental cavities and toothache. School-based fluoride programs lead to a 40 to 50 percent reduction in new tooth decay, according to researches conducted during the pilot of EHCP.

Proper hand washing of about a minute is the single most effective way to curb intestinal worm infestation and avoid respiratory and diarrhea-related diseases, such as coughs, colds, cholera and dysentery, according to the study.

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Taking the Pedestrian Walk along Binondo on New Year’s Eve

loqal — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:07:40 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA— Hues of red and gold lit up the street of Binondo as people made their last minute errands before welcoming the Chinese New Year.

The famous Chinatown gave way to a “Pedestrian Walk” for the first time as it closed major streets, allowing visitors to walk and shop for fruits and other items believed to usher in good fortune.

While we have grown accustomed to seeing dragon dancers, there were also other sights that seem to indicate just how the Chinese culture have greatly influenced our own practices.

One of which is the Filipinos’ fondness for lucky charms. Stalls of table pieces, bracelets, door hangers and cellphone trinkets were among those that drew the crowd in.

The charms would be placed in a small metallic basin as the seller performs a ritual of sorts claimed to give it value and help attract whatever the it represents – health, wealth or romance.

Another crowd favorite was the Chinese delicacy stores. It could be for our love of food or a tradition to others, but it was obvious in the long lines and out-of-stock variants that we’ve become partial to treats like tikoy (sticky rice cake) and hopia.

Of course, a Chinese New Year celebration will not be complete without a basket of rounded fruits. From oranges, kiat-kiats to pineapples assembled like a dragon, you can never go wrong with these selections in the alleys along Quintin Paredes and Tomas Mapua streets.

The bustling streets of Chinatown have indeed gone from a typical business district to a community that represents a relation of two countries deeply rooted on culture, history and tradition.

What lies ahead in 2012 for those born in the Year of the Dragon

loqal.ph — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:56:55 +0000

By Alexander Villafania

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – One of the most enduring aspects during the end of the one year and the start of a new one is the belief in what the future holds through astrology, in particular the Chinese zodiac.

Many people go to soothsayers in town fairs to ask for their fortune. In many cases, people refer to feng shui, the Chinese system of geomancy, to create their own fortunes.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the year of the Dragon or, to be more specific, the Earth Dragon in the water year. Already, there are some predictions as to how the year will turn out for those who were born under the sign of the Dragon.

One of the first things to know about the year of the Dragon is the characteristics born under this sign.

The Chinese zodiac notes that people born under the sign of the Dragon are driven and passionate. They are courageous and are not afraid to take risks and are often successful with their goals. T

hey are also reliable while not asking help for themselves, which is because they would rather work by themselves to complete their tasks.

On the other hand, people under the Dragon sign can also suffer from exhaustion as they push themselves hardin their missions. Their preferences to be alone when working could come across as arrogance and conceited but that is only because these types of people can work faster with only themselves.

Another negative trait of those under the Dragon sign is the fact that they are temperamental.

With that in mind, what lies ahead for those born under this sign? According to the popular Chinese zodiac websiteGeomancy.net, 2012 is a water year and it would be a good one for the earth Dragon with some mixed blessings in wealth and relationships.

They are also compatible with those born under the Chinese zodiac sign of Rooster, Monkey and Rat while they could have some problems with people under the signs Tiger, Ox, and Dog.

In terms of travel, Dragon people would have better fortune if they are to go to directions facing North, North-West, and West. They must also avoid traveling down South.

But whatever the outcome would be, all geomancy experts would say that people should always look at the positiveand be aware that they can create their own fortunes.

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How to attract good fortune this Chinese New Year

loqal.ph — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:41:08 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA— The Chinese believe that how you celebrate the lunar New Year impacts the flow of positive energy that helps stimulate good fortune at home, business and at work.

Here are some common customs observed by the Chinese, often believed to bring in prosperity for the coming year.

Clean the entire house. If everything is as spick and span as you left it after your spring cleaning earlier, then you’re all set. Just a few more de-cluttering then you’re good to go.

Cleaning house on the day itself, though, is not recommended because this would brush away good fortune.

Open every door and window on midnight. The Chinese believe this will allow the previous year to completely move away.

Set the dinner table with jars of flowers and trays of round, sweet fruits. Oranges are said to attract good health and long life; persimmons for happiness and wealth; and tangerine citrus fruits for long lasting relationships.

Decorate your home with bright red, gold and orange. The Chinese believe this will attract happiness and wealth. Candies placed in a circular tray also indicate closeness in the family.

Wear brand new clothes in shades of red. This particular hue is considered a bright, happy color and would bring the same to its wearer. Similar to the “no sweeping” rule, the hair should not be washed to keep good luck.

Be generous with ang pao. These are the ubiquitous red couplets or envelopes filled with crisp bills; the Chinese believe giving these to children, close relatives and unmarried friends will bring good luck. According to common practice, it’s better to give the envelopes in twos to attract more happiness and pass on good luck to the next generation.

Greet the Year of the Water Dragon with loved ones. Every celebration is best enjoyed with our families. After all, and sharing the fun is always considered to usher in good vibes no matter the occasion.

BetterDog Canine Behavior Center

loqal.ph — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:04:20 +0000

Address: Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, Metro Manila

Contact number: (+632) 8865918

Email address: betterdog@me.com

Short description of business: The first and only Canine Behavior Center in the Philippines, BetterDog teaches you how to turn your beloved pet into a better, happier dog. New techniques and knowledge from the US are made available in BetterDog through trained professionals who will help you and your dog learn modern ways to build a happy and fruitful friendship based on discipline, health and love.

Short description of products and services: We offer comprehensive training programs, beginning with puppy training, to basic family dog manners, to more advanced competition training in obedience and agility. We also offer canine behavior consultation and specialized behavior modification programs.Open Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays), 9 AM to 6 PM

Values Pinoy parents can teach their kids from the Christmas ‘belen’

loqal.ph — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:34:18 +0000

By Anna Valmero

CABUYAO, LAGUNA— Reverend Father Bert Sandiego of the St. Francis of Assissi Parish in Bgy. Pulo here urges parents to take time in explaining the story of the Christmas Nativity Scene or belen to their young children.

“The belen is one of the popular Christmas decorations that homes throughout the nation have on display to celebrate the season. But more than mere decorations, it tells us the story of how Jesus was born and the story has a lot of values that children can learn from,” said Fr. Sandiego.

“Christmas is not all about the parties to attend nor the gifts one will receive. It is welcoming the birth f Christ and preparing ourselves for that birth by doing away with our old ways.”
According to Fr. Sandiego, the first Nativity Scene was created by St. Francis of Assissi in 1223 in his attempt to tell people that Christmas is more than materialism and gift giving but rather by transforming oneself to a better person.

The first belen was in fact life-sized because it used actual persons who stood in a makeshift manger. Later on, people created depictions using materials such as paper and ivory figurines.

Parents could begin by telling their kids about the main figures in the scene, namely the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, baby Jesus in the manger and the Three Wise Men. The Belen is also an inspiration for other Christmas symbols such as the lantern and the celebration of the Three Kings’ Day held every January 6.

The Christmas lantern (parol), which are seen everywhere depicted in all sizes and shapes, is based on the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their travel.

Children should know that Jesus was born in a manger or cattle feed because after his parents fled the kingdom of King Herod who ordered to kill all young boys in fear that one of them will overthrew him from power.

According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Mary and Joseph could not find an inn to accommodate them except for a stable. This also explains the animals and the shepherd boy who granted them temporary shelter, narrates Fr. Sandiego.

Being born in a manger shows the humility of Jesus as he came to earth, he pointed out.

Journeying to witness the birth of Jesus are Three Wise Men or Magi, more commonly called as The Three Kings whose names Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar appeared only 500 years after the birth of Jesus. Traveling very far, the three were guided by a single star that shone brightly above the rest. The star led them to the stable where Jesus is and they offered him valuable gifts fit for a king – frankincense, gold and myrrh.

“The Belen is our Christmas story and it teaches us values of humility and how to become better ourselves. It is a time to give and not only about receiving the most expensive toys. It is a time for family to be together,” said Fr. Sandiego.

Sandiego urgea parents to tell the story of the Nativity scene to their kids until January 6, when the feast day of The Three Kings are observed.

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Values Pinoy parents can teach their kids from the Christmas ‘belen’

loqal — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:08:28 +0000

By Anna Valmero

CABUYAO, LAGUNA— Reverend Father Bert Domingo of the St. Francis of Assissi Parish in Bgy. Pulo here urges parents to take time in explaining the story of the Christmas Nativity Scene or belen to their young children.

“Christmas is not all about the parties to attend nor the gifts one will receive. It is welcoming the birth f Christ and preparing ourselves for that birth by doing away with our old ways.”

According to Fr. Domingo, the first Nativity Scene was created by St. Francis of Assissi in 1223 in his attempt to tell people that Christmas is more than materialism and gift giving but rather by transforming oneself to a better person.

The first belen was in fact life-sized because it used actual persons who stood in a makeshift manger. Later on, people created depictions using materials such as paper and ivory figurines.

The Christmas lantern (parol), which are seen everywhere depicted in all sizes and shapes, is based on the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their travel.

Being born in a manger shows the humility of Jesus as he came to earth, he pointed out.

Domingo urges parents to tell the story of the Nativity scene to their kids until January 6, when the feast day of The Three Kings are observed.

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What lies ahead in 2012 for those born in the Year of the Dragon

loqal.ph — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:34:40 +0000

By Alexander Villafania

Many people go to soothsayers in town fairs to ask for their fortune. In many cases, people refer to feng shui, the Chinese system of geomancy, to create their own fortunes.

One of the first things to know about the year of the Dragon is the characteristics born under this sign.

The Chinese zodiac notes that people born under the sign of the Dragon are driven and passionate. They are courageous and are not afraid to take risks and are often successful with their goals. T

hey are also reliable while not asking help for themselves, which is because they would rather work by themselves to complete their tasks.

On the other hand, people under the Dragon sign can also suffer from exhaustion as they push themselves hard in their missions. Their preferences to be alone when working could come across as arrogance and conceited but that is only because these types of people can work faster with only themselves.

Another negative trait of those under the Dragon sign is the fact that they are temperamental.

With that in mind, what lies ahead for those born under this sign? According to the popular Chinese zodiac website Geomancy.net, 2012 is a water year and it would be a good one for the earth Dragon with some mixed blessings in wealth and relationships.

They are also compatible with those born under the Chinese zodiac sign of Rooster, Monkey and Rat while they could have some problems with people under the signs Tiger, Ox, and Dog.

In terms of travel, Dragon people would have better fortune if they are to go to directions facing North, North-West, and West. They must also avoid traveling down South.

But whatever the outcome would be, all geomancy experts would say that people should always look at the positive and be aware that they can create their own fortunes.

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Bring home these organic soaps on your next visit to Baguio

loqal.ph — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:01:23 +0000

By Nikka Garriga

BAGUIO CITY, BENGUET — Besides the usual pasalubong such as sweets, bonnets, walis tambo, this kiosk at Camp John Hay offers something else you can bring home from Baguio - organic soaps.

Coco Manila houses beauty products made from organic materials, mostly sourced in the Cordillera region. From massage oils, lip balms, hand sanitizers to soaps, all their products are handmade by former flight stewardess-turned-entrepreneur Sarah Juan.

Their soaps are formulated using various natural local ingredients like ylang ylang, lemon grass, pili nuts and goat’s milk to name a few, which are then combined with virgin coconut oil from Candon in Ilocos Sur.

The concept behind Coco Manila, says sales representative Joy Santos, is to highlight the beauty benefits of organic products made from the finest local ingredients, particularly those that can only be found in this northern region.

One of their best sellers is the Miner’s Charcoal, a mix of natural oils and activated charcoal that works well for treating acne, blemishes and blackheads.

Other must try variants of their soap bars include Sagada Orange, Ube (from the famous Good Shepherd Convent treats), Oatmeal and Pili Oil.

And unlike most pasalubongs which can now be brought home even without having to go to Baguio, the products of Coco Manila can only be found at their kiosk in Camp John Hay and has yet to branch out in the metropolis.

Get more information on Coco Manila