Computer Solutions

** This is a sponsored post written by me in behalf of jasmere.net.cafe.  All opinions are 100% mine.

It's not really very easy to look for services that fits our needs. This holds true especially if it concerns one of the most important things in our homes - the computer.

Jasmere.net.cafe started way back in the 2002 and is one of the most established internet cafes in town. But aside from internet cafe services, Jerome, the owner is also inclined to other things regarding computers. Other services include:

• computer repairs and reformatting
• upgrading
• sales

Back in 2002, my computer was infected by a very strong virus and I couldn't even turn it on. I brought it in the shop and have it fixed. Then, just recently, with my three-year-old laptop, I needed another reformatting because of another virus that slowed it down. My laptop was reformatted and done within the day with all the programs that I requested and needed to be there.

This is something that I couldn't trust someone else to do. But with the shop's services, I've always felt confident that my computers are in good hands.

Jasmere.net.cafe is located at L. Taleon St., Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It's just across the Cable Vision Office.  You can view it on Laguna Life Maps here. For more inquries, please e-mail Jerome at jasmere_net_cafe@yahoo.com.

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On Floods and Landslides

Part of the news today is the research done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources about those areas that are prone to floods and landslides.

Through the efforts of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, those hotspots were identified.

Because of the twin typhoons last year, Ondoy and Pepeng, and the November typhoon,  Santi, which did a lot of damage to the town of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, I immediately look at the list and looked for anything in Laguna. I did this with my fingers crossed, hoping not to find anything Laguna. But this is what I found.

Screen shot of MGB's Geohazard Map.  Click the image to go to the site

Four towns in Laguna, including our town, Sta. Cruz, are listed. The other three being Calamba, San Pablo City and Siniloan.  Of all the four towns, only the town of Calamba has a map that will show areas of high, moderate and low susceptibility to floods and landslides.  However, our town, Sta, Cruz, didn't have any maps to show.  But whatever the level of susceptibility is, our town is still on the list.  Let us just assume that those low-lying areas will be the most prone.  But then again, we all should be prepared.

May this serve us a warning to us during this remaining months of the typhoon season.

DENR maps RP's disaster hotspots
Mines and Geosciences Bureau's Geohazard Maps

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Poblacion By Foot

My errands today were to go to places that are far apart from each other. So, before I left this morning, I planned my route in such a way that I didn't have to go back and forth on the same place twice. I planned to walk around town and see how long I can stand walking.

My first stop was at the Irene Mall. I couldn't help but reminisce because I remember, as someone who just left college and Manila to come back to the province for good, Irene Mall was where I used to spend my afternoons after taking off from our store. Waffles N' Cones used to be at the center of the place and a lot of times, I came across with friends while having my late snack there.

After my errands in the area, I have to walk along M. H. del Pilar to get to L. Taleon St., where my next stop would be. Along the long street, I remember my afternoon walks from high school. I had some friend who I walked with and we used to share some jokes every now and then. I couldn't help but take a picture of this stretch here. There is just something with this kind of stone that attracts me. 

M. H. Del Pilar Street, this view is if you're coming from L. Taleon Street

Traffic wasn't so I didn't experience any traffic because I was walking. After L. Taleon, I needed to go to the bank which was at P. Burgos Street. This is the street where I grew up. I remember skating along the sidewalks when I was barely ten years old. Just a little bit of information, the Kodak store that used to be in the corner of P. Burgos and Falcon Streets is now closed and is replaced by a tv store, which I think sells surplus tv sets, so don't bother to go to that place anymore for your photo printing needs.

Then, I was off to A. Regidor Street. I was actually going to Novo, which used to be the Columbia Theater. Remember how a lot of guys and girls were addicted to space invaders slot machines at the second floor of the building?

There you go. This should have taken you to a ride around the poblacion area of the town of Sta. Cruz. You can check my google map for the streets I mentioned. I hope that taking you for a ride also took you down to your end of memory lane. You might think that it is tiring to do this, but actually not, if you have a lot of good memories to look back to.

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Goldilocks and Western Union Gold Card

If you are a holder of the Western Union Gold Card, you may be wondering why you cannot use it at the Goldilock's Bake Shop in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  Because I couldn't use mine, too.

I was informed by Mam Lina of Western Union that they are indeed having problems because Goldilock's is not honoring the card.  She told me to try it give her a feedback.

Yesterday, I went there to buy one of those Mocha rolls.  Unfortunately, the card was denied when I was trying to use it.  There were no explanations offered.  They just said that they are not honoring the card.

So, this morning, I went to Mam Lina to report the problem - well, more of to confirm the problem.  She said that they, too are wondering why Goldilock's is denying the card.  From what I understand, other branches are honoring the card.

I checked the brochure which lists down the establishments and the amount of discount that they offer or any other promotional tactics, and here is what I discovered.

They are giving 5% discount on decorated cakes or Party Fanfeast Packages at any Goldilocks store.  Then, there is an asterisked line:  *5% discount is on base cakes cost only.

So, this means that other than cakes, party fanfeast packages, no discount is available on purchases.  And this means, too, that buyin a roll or a loaf of bread of any kind doesn't entitle the cardholder for the discount.

If Mam Lina or the people from Western Union has no complete knowledge of the deal, I am expecting that the people from Goldilocks should know the details of their promotion as well as its scopes and limitations, since they are the establishment concerned.  I am not expecting the people from the Western Union to know the details of the tie-up with all the establishments since there are more than a dozen of them.  And if they do know the details, I think they should explain it to the consumers and not just tell us plainly that "No, we don't accept the card."   

This is only my understanding.  Mam Lina of Western Union told me that she will update me when this issue has been resolved within the two companies.

But for now, I will settle for the analysis that I made with regard to the issue.  Please don't hesitate to make a comment on this post if you have any other points of view.

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Sharing a Text Message

My sister received a text message that I think is worth sharing not just as a text message, but deserves to be posted here, too. I am sure this is something that is not just happening in our town since the text message came from someone who is from Pagsanjan, Laguna.

The text message hopes to warn everyone to be extra careful nowadays. This is both for the soft-hearted and the not-so-softhearted as well.
 
If you come across with kid that seems to be lost and holds a paper that is supposedly his/her address, it is better to take the kid to the nearest police station or barangay center than take the kid to the address written on the paper. There is an modus operandi going on nowadays that victimizes good samaritans in this scam.

It wasn't clear as to what happens when you take the kid to the address so it's better not to take the child home.   

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The Municipal Culture and Tourism Affairs Council (MCTAC) - Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Last night, I had the privilege to attend the induction and oath-taking of the new set of officers of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Municipal Culture and Tourism Council (MCTAC).  The event was held at the Camp Allen Training and Development Center, Bgy. Patimbao, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

The event started at 7:00 in the evening with a short prayer by the council's auditor, Mrs. Azucena Gacias.  It was then followed by a message of greetings by the president, Mr. Benito Copoc, and another message of greetings by their honorary Vice-Chairman, Councilor Laarni A. Malibiran and Honorary Vice-Chairman, Councilor Ramon Tan.  

After the messages, the new set of officers of the MCTAC were introduced by the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Tourism Officer, Ma. Lourdes A. Bituin and was immediately followed by the oath-taking ceremony headed by Sta. Cruz, Laguna Vice Mayor Louie Cambel De Leon.

After the oath-taking ceremony, there was a surprise number by the No Kru dancers.  No Kru dancers is one of the monthly finalists at the famous talent search program at ABS-CBN, "Showtime."  They are one of those two finalists that came from Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  

Right after the number, dinner was served.  The delicious dinner was made of various local viands.  Ginisang toge (sauted bean sprouts), pata tim (a Filipino-Chinese delicacy), grilled chicken and pork sinigang.  Fruit salad served as dessert.

After dinner, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Mayor Dennis Panganiban delivered his message to the organization.  He spoke about how he looks forward to the assistance of the private sector in the promotion and development of tourism in the town.  He hopes to boost tourism in the town by introducing projects in the next coming months.  One of the most promising project which will bring tourist and travelers in town is the upcoming ferry service that cuts across the Laguna de Bay from Sta. Cruz, Laguna to Pasig, Metro Manila. 

After the event, most of the guests went home excited and hopeful.  

*****

More photos from the event here.

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Civil Service Exams

Some time this week, I thought of getting the civil service examination just in case. If you are one of those who are like me who didn't know where its office is, I'm glad to share it with you.

The Civil Service Commission is within the Capitol grounds. The best entrance to use is the Philippine Red Cross gate and take the path that leads to the Cultural Center of Laguna. You should turn right once you see the capitol grounds and walk straight ahead. The sign should be visible once you made the turn.

Unfortunately, the commission has already reached their quota for this month, so no seats are available for the exam that was scheduled on October 17.

However, the lady told me to come back by November or December this year as they will start processing applications by this months.

The next scheduled examinations are set on either February or March next year. I'll keep you posted once they start accepting applications.

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Goto Paete

I have been going to Paete, Laguna for almost every month since June of this year. There are errands that I need to do there which is a sort of a monthly thing. I don't really mind the travel time since I have always enjoyed the travel. This is beside the fact that it is my dad's hometown and my Kaka (Tito) lives there at our ancestral home.

Sometimes, these errands take a little longer which sort of makes us need to catch some snacks whenever we feel our stomachs shout for food. My dad has been talking about the best lugaw (rice porridge) in town ever since I can remember. But we never had the chance to try it out since most of the time, we are offered some food by my cousins there.

In my August visit, I finally had the taste of this famous lugaw that my dad always talk about. Of course there are already variations, one of which is the goto (rice porridge with the pig's intestine). This is at Mercy's Goto. That's what the sign says. It is located somewhere behind the Aglipayan Church. The best landmark I can give you is the Paete Health Center.

Mercy's Goto has been serving the best lugaw and goto in Paete for the past seventeen years or so. How do I know? I met the owner at the Paete General Hospital in one of my visits there last May. Mercy says she got the recipe from her mother from years back and has been making lugaw and goto that long.

Aside from the special goto, I also tasted one of the best puto pasingaw I have ever tried. It is not too sweet so I guess it won't harm if you have a slice of it.

If you are looking for the best goto at a budget price when in this town, I suggest you try Mercy's Goto.

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One of the Reasons Why I Love Living in Laguna

If you are here in Laguna or somewhere near, you may now feel that the breeze is changing. A sign that Christmas is coming and the cold nights and not-so-cold days are also here.  This may hold true for the towns that are further down south than those that are near Manila.  Because during those earlier years, I actually felt the breeze slowly cooler as we go down from the Alabang viaduct.  

But apart from that, there is also one sign.  My dad told us about this just recently.  His memory of this bird was triggered by the song, "Boom Tarat" by no other than Willie Revillame.

"Tarat" is a Filipino term for migratory birds that move  in to our country when the climate changes from the rainy days to the colder season.  I tried to google for the English term and found out that these birds are called Shrike the best article I can find is here and the best images I can find are here and here.  I would love to have it copied here but I respect the copyright of the owner so just click on the link to give you an idea of how this bird looks like.

I also wish I can share with you how the bird tweets, so that you'll know what it sounds like when this species gives you an announcement of the coming of the happiest season in the country.

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Alexis Fitness Center: Where to Get Fit and Healthy

Located at the 4th floor of ASL building at P. Guevara Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Laguna is ALEXIS FITNESS CENTER. 

They have a huge range of equipment for the gym enthusiasts.  From stationary bikes to bench press, you are definitely in for a good exercise.  Occupying the whole fourth floor of the building, you will have the liberty to move around and use the equipment spread on almost three-fourths of the floor area. 

Step Aerobics

Aside from the gym facilities, they also offer aerobic sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the week.  The sessions start at around 6:00 p.m. and ends at around 7:30 pm.  The aerobics instructress is Pinky and she's been teaching aerobics since the 1990's.  She used to teach aerobics at the former Dionne's Boutique.  Then she had sessions at the Triad Building for several years before joining Alexis Fitness Center.

The session  starts with the dumb bell exercises which are good for the arms.  After a one-minute water break, stretching is next.  Here, you should feel every muscles of your body stretch and warm up.  Water breaks will be at the end of each of the routines, so don't forget to bring your own jug of water or any drinks you prefer.  And of course, you can always take a sip of liquid at any time during the routines whenever you feel like it.

Kickboxing comes right after.  This is my favorite part of the session.  This segment goes for about fifteen minutes of boxing and kicking.  Just make sure you keep your stomach in to get that dreaded abs.

Crunches

Step aerobics is on after the one-minute water break.  One thing that I've learned about this part is that if you are just starting the program, you can join the fun even if you're not using the step-on equipment.  You can always add them later when you're conditioned enough to do that.  The arm movements is also optional when you've just started to join.  You can either add this before you get to the step or after you've familiarized yourself with the routine.

Work your abs

Every woman's dream is to have a flat abdomen.  That's why part of the program is the crunches routine which focuses on those abdomens.  Remember to bring your towels or mats (a yoga mat will do if you have one) because you need to lie down on this segment.  From time to time, you will hear Pinky remind you to keep your stomach in.  So, you can start practicing this 'stomach-in' technique even if you're at home or in the office.

Having fun after the session

Cooling down is also one of the most important part of the exercise.  I suggest that never to miss out on this part even if you're already tired.  This helps your body cool down after those stressful exercises. 

Sometimes, after the workout, there are members who are still hyperactive and would want to practice their dance routines. You can always join them as they show and teach you some of the steps of the most popular song these days.  You can also take this time to meet and greet the other members.

ASL Building is just at the intersection of P. Guevara and the road to the Sta. Cruz Bridge.  It is the building beside the Columns Building and in front of Mang Inasal.  For more information about the membership fee and rates per session, you can contact Ruth or Bambi at this number:  0927-2566466.  

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Mass Blood Donation

There will be a Mass Blood Donation on October 10, 2010 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  The activity will start at 7:00 in the morning and will last until 12:00 noon.

This activity is organized by the parish council in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross, Sta. Cruz, Laguna Chapter.

I will post further details by Monday next week, and you can check the updates on this site's calendar page here.

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Mapping It Out!

I just created a map for a page on this blog..  You can find it here.  Or you can refer to the pages.

I am looking for Sta. Cruz, Laguna but couldn't find it.  But the town before and after, it's Pila and Pagsanjan respectively, are both there.  That's very disappointing in my part since I live here and I have always known that this town is the capital of the province.

But anyway, I made the map because it can be edited and that means that I can put all those places that I wanted to put.  And not only that, I can add pictures, too.

So, in this project that I wish to push through very soon, I will be able to place a mark on those places that I've been to and photos of that places. So, be on the lookout for the marks soon.

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Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Tomorrow, September 15, will be the Feast of Our Lady of Ina ng Awa.

If you would like to celebrate mass, there will be two services. One will be at 9:00 am and the other one will be at 4:00 pm, followed by the procession.

Our Lady of Ina ng Awa is located at Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. If you are along P. Guevara Avenue, the entrance to the chapel would be at the left side of the road. The nearest landmark would be the Avon Building (which used to be the Laguna Cinema). A few yards after that will be the Cervo's Mechanic where you will find the alley to the chapel.

If you are at Regidor Street, it will be on the left side, too. The landmark would be the Laguna Auto Supply. Right across that store, you will find the entrance to the alley that leads to the chapel.

The Ina ng Awa is thought to be a miraculous saint helping a lot of people in town. A lot of people could testify that all their wishes were granted by praying the novena to the most holy mother.

The oil that you can find inside the chapel is thought to heal the sick. The oil contains the dried sampaguita (Jasmine) flowers that were offered to the saint and is thought to be the one doing the wonders. Apart from the free oil dip that you can find at the entrance of the candle room, you can also buy small bottles of oil from the chapel's store.

Candles are lit to help you send your prayers to the most holy mother and you can find candles available inside the chapel.

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Remittance Service

If you are from the town of Sta. Cruz, Laguna or any nearby towns, you might find the service of this branch of Western Union friendly.

They are located at Regidor St., Sta. Cruz, Laguna, very near the Andok's Lechon Manok branch.  

We have been remitting our money (send and receive) here since I can remember. 

The staff headed by Mam Lina are very friendly and are extra polite to senior citizens.  The waiting area is not small nor big enough to accommodate their patrons.  There is a television that would entertain you if there are a lot of people waiting.  But I guess the best thing is that the office's air conditioning system is really good.  

With this kind of service, you won't get impatient if you have to wait for  your turn. 

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