FIBA Asia Cup 2012: Philippines vs Lebanon - Results, Scores, Schedule

After suffering a painful three-point defeat from China (71-68), the Philippines's national basketball team Smart Gilas won a high-margin match over Lebanon, 78-68, on the preliminary rounds of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup, held at the Ota Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday (September 15). (For a summary replay of the match between China and Smart Gilas Philippines, find it below).

This news of victory brings the current win-loss standing of Smart Gilas to 1-1. For it to qualify for the knockout stage of the event, previously called Stankovic Cup, Smart Gilas has to make it to the top four in its group prelims.

Scores and Standings

Player and game scores are as follows:

Philippines (78):

Douthit (25), David (11), Tenorio (11), Norwood (10), Dillinger (10), De Ocampo (8), Fonacier (3) 

Lebanon (68):

El Khatib (E.C.F.) (24), Thompson (17), Akl (10), Abd El Nour (8), El Khatib (c.H.) (4), Sarkis (3), Stephan (2 )

1st Qrtr: 19-20

2nd Qrtr: 21-19

3rd Qrtr: 21-12

4th Qrtr: 19-15

As of September 15, the current FIBA Asia Cup 2012 standings in Group A are as follows:

China - 1 W, 0 L

Uzbekistan - 1 W, 0 L

Lebanon - 1 W, 1 L

Philippines - 1 W, 1 L

Macau - 0 W, 2 L

For Group B matches, basketball standings are as follows:

Japan - 2 W, 0 L

Iran - 1 W,  0 L

Qatar - 1 W, 1 L

Chinese Taipei - 0 W, 1 L

India - 0 W, 2 L

Schedule

Tomorrow, September 16, Smart Gilas will be showing off against Uzbekistan. On September 17-Sunday, at around 11:30 AM, the Philippine basketball team will fight Macau.

The team, Smart Giles Philippines, is composed of LA Tenorio (PG),  Gary David (SF), Larry Fonacier (SG), Ranidel De Ocampo (PF), Gabe Norwood (SG), Jeff Chan (SG), Enrico Villanueva (C), Matt Ganuela Rosser (PG), Marcus Douthit (C), Jay-R Reyes (SG), Sonny Thoss (C), and Jared Dillinger (SF).

Meanwhile, here is a summary replay of Smart Gilas's loss to China in the FIBA Asia Cup 2012 Group tourneys.

Video Courtesy: Youtube user kagila gilalas

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 5

Here's a summarized comparison of the latest smartphones in town, Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5. If you could actually see, the physical dimensions differ by only a few units. However, the clash of these gadgets will be defined by the great features each boasts, the convenience each can provide to the user, and of course, its selling price.

Which will have more units sold? Which company will get more profit?

The photo above is an edited version of a smartphone comparison image I saw online in Facebook; credits go to Mr. Llaneta.

Class suspension as of September 15 (Saturday)

Here is a list of schools and cities that have suspended classes and/or work this Saturday (September 15, 2012) due to flooding .

• Adamson University (all levels)
• Arellano University (all levels, all campuses; no work )
• Assumption College (work and grad school suspended)
• CEU - Manila, Makati (all levels except grad school)
• DLS-CSB (all levels; no work)

Online registration system for board exam passers

Passers of different licensure examinations, monitored by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), can now register as a Professional online through PRC's Online Registration System (ORS), in its goal to lessen the hassle and inconvenience brought about by falling in long lines during previous registration conducts. 

 To proceed to PRC's Online Registration System, click the colored link.

Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination 2012

After three (3) working days, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination held last September 11-13, 2012 in Manila.

List of Successful Examinees in the

Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination

Held on SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 

Released on SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Seq. No. N a m e

October 2012 CPA Licensure Exam Schedule

The new schedule of the subjects in the October 6, 7, 13, and 14 licensure examination for Certified Public Accountants (CPA), as released by the Professional Regulation Commission, is as follows:

Day 1 (October 6, Saturday) - Theory of Accounts, 8-11 AM | Auditing Theory, 1-4 PM

Day 2 (October 7, Sunday) - Management Services, 8-11 AM | Practical Accounting I, 1-4 PM

Day 3 (October 13, Saturday) - Auditing Problems, 8-11 AM | Practical Accounting II, 1-4 PM

Day 4 (October 14, Sunday) - Business Law and Taxation, 8-11 AM

Electrical Engineer Board Exam 2012 Top 10

The top-notchers in the September 2012 Electrical Engineer Board Exam are as follows, per category:

Registered Electrical Engineer Board Exam Topnotchers

TOP 1: 91.50

BERNARD BANDOJO ALZAGA
Bicol University-Legazpi

RUE LEI ACUÑA BALICACO
Saint Louis University

TOP 2: 91.20

WILFREDO LIGNES MATA JR
Bicol University-Legazpi

Philippine News Bits 1 (September 2012)

Typhoon Karen intensifes into super typhoon (as of September 15)

Storm passing near the Philippines, Karen, has now grown into a super typhoon with maximum sustained winds packing at more than 277 kilometer per hour, twice stronger than any typhoon that battered the Philippines in history, with gusts of up to 333 kph. Even saying area hit will reach signal no. 5 is an understatement. Karen is expected to spare the nation from its devastating force and will hit South Korea on Sunday tracking its path towards Japan. 

Photo Courtesy: Join Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)

Its strength is barely felt in the country, however, will pull the southwest monsoon winds to the western part of Luzon. Metro Manila may experience cloudy skies and scattered rain showers over the weekend.

Comedy King Dolphy unites big TV networks

The passing of the Comedy King Dolphy will seem to halt TV network wars, for a short period of time commemorating the comical life he shared to the Filipino audience. He served as a reason for everyone in the entertainment industry to unite for a commendable cause.

Pacquiao, Marquez to fight this December

It's all systems go for the fourth match of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In a reported disclosure to The Times, Wednesday, two unauthorized-to-announce-about-the-deal sources close to the negotiations revealed that Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 knockouts) will fight Marquez December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, after rejecting a rematch with recent-fight mate Timothy Bradley.

We're gonna have a rumble this December 2012!! Here's a more comprehensive source of the incoming Paquiao-Marquez match.

Globe iPhone 4S Promo

Get the iPhone 4S for 5 pesos only at Globe's Plan 1799 by using group-buying site Groupon! The deal mechanics for the 5 pesos Globe plan can be found here.

Globe, in its latest move to market iPhone products prior the iPhone 5 launch, has offered iPhone 4S units for only P5.00 under its postpaid plan 1799. 

Almost P300 million September 12 Grand Lotto jackpot prize won

Two winners will be splitting the Grand Lotto jackpot prize of more than  P200 million pesos, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has announced. The winning numbers for the 6/45 Grand Lotto are 25, 52, 26, 05, 49 and 17, with a pot amounting to P299,897,496 pesos. Cash prizes in the PCSO lottery are tax-free.

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Wow, big-time millionaires! I wonder where these two winners come from.

Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis join National Peace Ambassadors list

The "I am for Peace" campaign, spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), is one of the activities of OPAPP in this year's celebration of the peace month, themed "Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan."

Rurouni Kenshin to show in Philippine theaters

The movie adaptation of anime craft/comic Rurouni Kenshin, more popularly called in the Philippines as Samurai X, will be showing in SM cinemas on October 17, 2012, as reported in SM Cinema's facebook page.

Photo Courtesy: SM Cinema

Directed by Keishi Otomo, Rurouni Kenshin revolves around the story of a wanderer with an immensely dark past. An assassin, and not yet a samurai, with superb skill during the restoration of the Meiji, Himura Kenshin (played by Takeru Sato) turns his back in the middle of the raging war. His adventure leads him to Tokyo (under 11th year of the Meiji), where he meets a female Kendo master, a former thief, a doctor and a brawler who also have secrets within. Together, they fight off enemies coming from Kenshin's inescapable past.

Meanwhile, to those who can't wait to see Rurouni Kenshin, here are two full trailers to boost up your enthusiasm and excitement.

Rurouni Kenshin Movie Trailer 1:

Video Courtesy: Youtube user RUROUNIKENSHINMOVIE 

 Rurouni Kenshin Movie Trailer 2:

Video Courtesy: Youtube user RUROUNIKENSHINMOVIE

Electrical Engineer Board Exam Results 2012

The results of the Electrical Engineer Board Exam were released by the Professional Regulation Commision  (PRC) and are now available here in Spotlight Philippines. The list of successful EE/Master Electrician examinees are now posted below. 

The Electrical Engineer Board Exam, the licensure examination for both aspiring electrical engineers and master electricians, was held from September 8 to 10, 2012 in various cities including Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Manila, and Zamboanga.  The results of the Electrical Engineer Board Exam, both for Electrical Engineers and Master Electricians, are now available!

1,569 out of  2,497 examinees or 62.8 percent of total takers passed the Registered Electrical Engineer Examination, while 664 out of 1,876 examinees (35.4 percent) made it in the Registered Master Electrician Examination. Results were released three (3) working days prior the last examination day. Congratulations!

June-July 2012 NLE passers registration schedule

The Philippine Regulation Commission has now released the schedule of registration for the June-July 2012 Manila passers of the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE).

Registration venue is set at the PRC Auditorium, 5th Floor, Annex Building. The following are requested to attend the registration schedule:

September 18 (Tues): ABABAO, JAN CHRISTIAN T. --> BACARRO, THIMOTHY E.

September 19 (Wed): BACCAY, STEPHANIE RAF I. --> CALANTUAN, CHAKY R.

September 20 (Thurs): CALAO-IT, CHARY O. --> DALANGIN, LOUISE LINH S. 

September 21 (Fri): DALANGIN, NEIL ANDREW S. --> ESCALONA, VANESSA C.

September 24 (Mon): ESCANDOR, JOHN FERNAN VINCENT V. --> GUERRERO, KARISSA JULIETH M.

September 25 (Tues): GUERRERO, KIMBERLY MAE L. --> LLENA, ARIANNE KATE E.

September 26 (Wed): LLOREN, REA O. --> MICAYABAS, NEL JOSHUA Q.

September 27 (Thurs): MICOLETA, HYZENT M. --> PATA, MARIDELLE JOICE C.

September 28 (Fri): PATALINGHUG, EDMUND G. --> RONDENA, CATHERINE HAZEL P.

October 1 (Mon): RONDILLA, MARIA CRISTINA B. --> TALOSIG, SHERYL MAE V.

October 2 (Tues): TALUSAN, CARIZA G.  --> ZUNIGA, STEPHANIE LORRAINE J.

Registration for June-July 2012 passers from other regional offices will start from September 18 and end on October 3. Meanwhile, Pampanga NLE passers may visit the PRC's mobile service at the Republic Central Colleges (in Angeles City), on September 22, 2012 from 8AM to 5PM.

Guidelines for 2013 Elections released

Running for a government position in your hometown, city, province, or in the national arena?

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has released the official guidelines on filing of certificates of candidacy for the upcoming 2013 automated regional and national elections which will be held on May 13, 2013.

Here are the guidelines on filing of certificates of candidacy for those who would like to run under the banner of  their political party. Guidelines on Filing of Certificates of Candidacy for 2013 Elections - COMELEC

How to get rid of rats in the Philippines

Rats are probably one of the most hated creatures in the world because of the fact that they carry diseases with them in the form of feces and urine. These small animals lurk within the comforts of our home at all times when nobody's present.

Since the coming months will be filled with rainy days and unwanted weather disturbances, we should all be prepared to evict these unwanted housemates.

One of the best ways to get rid of rats is to set up traps with food as bait. I think there are traps that can be bought in the market. And using these, we can rely on convenient possible disposal for them. We are innovative people, so some of you may be using Pringles cans or mayo glass jars - that I cannot easily reveal - to make these traps. Kudos! Hope you can share your procedures in making easy-to-make rat traps.

Another way to eliminate these rats is to get to the bottom of their irresistible flourishing - food. Always keep your food out of reach of rats. Place these inside the refrigerator if you plan on re-heating themselves at a later time. Secure your trash cans by making sure that it's not accessible to everyone. Never leave stains or food crumbles in your bedroom, dining area or anywhere.

Aside from these, you can use commercial rat poisons that can be added to bait food. For instance, I somewhat like Racumin because it is an effective killer; however, it's purpose of outsmarting the rats by telling them that it's not what killed their co-pests has its own disadvantage. The slow killing mechanism, due to dehydration caused by Racumin's agents, will not assure us that they die in an easily accessible place. What if these rats were able to reach their dwellings and they died there, it will take time to remove them out of the burrows and the smell of death will automatically disgust you.

Now, if you plan on really removing these rats out of your home, there's this one cheap and effective way that does not entail killing them but will really help you eradicate them. Use fly traps (paper with sticky material in it), and place these near holes in your homes. I actually captured one, a baby rat, today. I don't know what to do with it yet.
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With these fly traps, you can get rid of flies, roaches and now, rats!

I hope this has helped you even if pest control is not my profession. If you have other suggestions, do comment them below. Let's help one another get rid of rats to avoid any unwanted health risks.

PH universities down in QS world rankings 2012

Top universities slide down in 2012 global rankings as evaluated and yearly updated by London-based education research firm QS (Quacquacerilli Symonds).

The University of the Philippines (UP) is still the top Philippine school to enter the rankings; it slipped from 332nd last year to 338th in 2012. The Ateneo de Manila University, next to UP, entered the 451-500 bracket after ranking 360th last year.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) got enlisted under the 601+ bracket, where the University of Santo Tomas (UST) has maintained its inclusion, while last year it was in the 551-600 bracket

The global rankings of the universities, resulting from a survey of more than 46,000 academics and 25,000 employers, were based on academic reputation (accounting 40%), citations per faculty (20%), faculty-to-student ratio (20%), employer reputation (10%), international facility (5%) and international students (5%).

Meanwhile, the world's best universities are located in two of the most powerful nations in the world today, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The top 10 universities in the world this year, according to QS, are as follows:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
2. Cambridge University (UK)
3. Harvard University (US) 
4. University College of London (UK)
5. University of Oxford (UK)
6. Imperial College London (UK)
7. Yale University (US)
8. University of  Chicago (US)
9. Princeton University (US)
10. California Institute of Technology (US)

Job Fairs Schedules and Venues (October to December 2012)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced the schedules for different job fairs that will take place nationwide from October to December 2012. The following are listed down as actual dates and venues of the planned regional job fairs.

NCR

October 1: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
October 3: Brgy. Lower Bicutan, Taguig City;
October 5: LRPESO, Marikina City; different barangays, Muntinlupa City;
October 6: South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
October 8: LRPESO, Marikina City;
October 10: St. Joseph Parish, Taguig City;
October 11: Ampitheater, Malabon City;
October 12: RPESO, Marikina City; different barangays, Muntinlupa City; PESO Office, Pasay City Hall;
October 13:South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
October 15: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall; October 17—Coop SMMPC, Taguig City;
October 19: LRPESO, Marikina City; different barangays, Muntinlupa City; City Hall, Las Piñas City;
October 20: South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
October 22: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
October 24: Our Lady of the Poor Parish, Western Bicutan, Taguig City;
October 25: Ampitheater, Malabon City;
October 26: LRPESO, Marikina City; different barangays, Muntinlupa City; PESO Office, Pasay City Hall;
October 27: Brgy. Sta. Monica, Quezon City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
October 29: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;

October 31: Brgy. North Daang Hari, Taguig City;
November 2: LRPESO, Marikina City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
November 3: different barangays, Muntinlupa City;
November 5: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
November 7: lCity Hall, Caloocan City; Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
November 8: SM Valenzuela Multi-Purpose Hall, Valenzuela City; Ampitheater, Malabon City;
November 9: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Makati City Hall; South Station II, Muntinlupa City; PESO Office, Pasay City Hall;
November 10: different barangays, Muntinlupa City;
November 12: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
November 14: Caloocan City Hall; Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
November 16: LRPESO, Marikina City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City; City Hall, Las Piñas City;
November 17: different barangays, Muntinlupa City;
November 19: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City;
November 21: Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
November 23: LRPESO, Marikina City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City;
November 24: different barangays, Muntinlupa City;
November 26: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
November 28: Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
November 29: Ampitheater, Malabon City;
November 30: LRPESO, Marikina City; South Station II, Muntinlupa City;

December 3: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Pasay City Hall; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
December 5: Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
December 7: LRPESO, Marikina City;
December 10: LRPESO, Marikina City; PESO Office, Taguig City Hall;
December 12: Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
December 14: LRPESO, Marikina City;
December 17: PESO Office, Taguig City Hall; LRPESO, Marikina City;
December 19: Barangay Job Fair by PESO Taguig City;
December 21: LRPESO, Marikina City; City Hall, Las Piñas City;

REGION 1

October 12 (tentative): Narciso Ramos Gymnasium, Lingayen, Pangasinan;
October 18: LGU San Fabian Grounds, San Fabian, Pangasinan;

November 9: DMMSU-MLUC San Fernando City, La Union;
November 12: Mangaldan Town Plaza, Pangasinan;
November 16: LGU, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan;

REGION 2

October: St. Mary’s University Handog Kabataan; Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya;

REGION 3

October 1: Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Olongapo City;
October 5: NEUST Main Campus, Cabanatuan City; 

October  (2nd week): PESO Office, Municipal Hall, San Simon, Pampanga; Capitol Ground, Baler, Aurora; PESO Office, Municipal Hall, San Simon, Pampanga;

November (1st week): Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University, Bacolor, Pampanga; November (2nd week): PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Bacolor, Pampanga;
November (3rd week): PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Paniqui, Tarlac;

December 8: Cabanatuan City; Province of Pampanga;
December (1st Saturday): PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Sta. Rita, Pampanga;
December (2nd week): SM Clark, Clark Special Economic Zone;
December 19: Rizal Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Olongapo City;
December: PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Camiling, Tarlac; PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Capas, Tarlac; PESO Office, City Hall, Tarlac City; Science City of Muñoz; PESO Office, Municipal Hall, Guagua, Pampanga;

REGION 4A

October (tentative): Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta,Rizal; Tanay Plaza, Tanay, Rizal;
November (tentative): Yñares Plaza, Binangonan, Rizal;

REGION 4B

October: Municipal Hall, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro;
November: Provincial Capitol, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro;
December: City Hall of Calapan City;

REGION 6

October: PESO Office, City Hall, Iloilo City;
November: San Carlos City Covered Court, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental;
December: PESO Office, City Hall, Iloilo City;

REGION 7

October 6: Sports Complex, Mandaue City;
October 7: Sports Complex, Dalaguete, Cebu;
October 21: Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City;
October 25: Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol;
October (third week): Negros Oriental Convention Cetner, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental;

November 10: Abellana National School, Cebu City; Sports Complex, Asturias, Cebu; Robinson’s Place, Dumaguete City;
November 17: Panfil B. Frasco Sports Complex-Kai Gym, Liloan, Cebu;
November 24: Durano Sports Center, Sogod, Cebu;

December 2: Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City;
December 10: BQ Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol;
December 15: Sports Complex, Mandaue City;

REGION 8

October 12: Naval State University, Naval, Biliran;
October 13: Naval State University, Naval, Biliran;
October 20: Ormoc Superdome;

November 15: Cabucgayan Terminal, Cabucgayan, Biliran;

REGION 9

October 12: Zamboanga City;
October 16: Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur;
December 8: Zamboanga City;

REGION 10

October 24: City Gym, Oroquieta City;
October 25: City Gym, Oroquieta City;

November 4: PCTC, Capitol Compound, Oroquieta City;
November 30: City Tourism Hall, City Hall, Cagayan de Oro City;

REGION 11

November 12: Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City;
November 2012: Pantukan, Comval Province;

REGION 12

October 6: New City Hall, Lobby of Koronadal, Koronadal City; Municipal Hall Lobby of Tacurong City;

November 7: Municipal Gymnasium of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato;
November 2012: Municipal Social Center of Tulunan, North Cotabato; Municipal Hall of Midsayap, North Cotabato;

December 14: Protech Center, Alunan Ave., Koronadal City;
December 15: Municipal Gymnasium of Sto. Niño, South Cotabato;

CAR

 
October 18: Luna, Apayao;
November: Provincial Plaza, Benguet Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet; and

CARAGA REGION

October 12: Father Saturnino Urlos University Gymnasium, Butuan City;
October 25: City Hall, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte;
October 26: City Hall, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; and;

November 17: Butuan City Hall job fair sponsored ABS-CBN and DOLE Agusan del Norte Field Office.

Nokia Lumia 920 Sale Price, Specs

UPDATE: Apple is anticipated to launch its iPhone 5 today, Wednesday (September 12). Keep updated.

As reports point to the planned start of sale of Nokia Lumia 920 this November, but in European markets first, I kept on searching for possible sale prices of the Nokia Lumia 920.

One article I read says that it's expected that the price would fall at around 758$. That is approximately around 31000 Php. And if we would actually add a plus-minus 5000 Php allowance, the expected price range of the Nokia Lumia 920 will be between 25000 Php and 36000 Php.

It's relatively higher than the 16Gb iPhone 4S's price (22000 Php to 25000 Php) and the 16 to 32Gb Samsung Galaxy S3 (24000 Php to 28000 Php) smartphones.

Meanwhile, satisfy your curiosity. Here is a list of specifications of the new Nokia Lumia 920.

• 4.5-inch PureMotion HD+ WXGA (1,280x768) IPS display  screen
• Nokia ClearBlack with Corning Gorilla Glass 
• Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Chipset 
• Dual-core 1.5GHz Krait Processor 
• Adreno 225 GPU 
• Microsoft Windows Phone 8 OS 
• 1GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage with 7GB free SkyDrive storage 
• 8.7MP Camera with PureView advanced optical imaging stabilization and Carl Zeiss optics 
• Full 1080p HD video capture at 30fps 
• 1.2MP front-facing camera with 720p HD video 
• GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS 
• Bluetooth v3.1 with A2DP, EDR 
• Stereo FM radio with RDS 
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 
• On-the-go support 
• HSDPA, 42 Mbps 
• HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps 
• NFC Support 
• LTE connectivity (optional) 
• Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass 
• Li-Ion 2000mAh battery (biggest battery) with integrated wireless charging 
• 130.3 x 10.7 x 10.7mm 
• Weighs 185g 
• In yellow, white, red, gray or black casing

September 2012 LET Room Assignments

The Professional Regulation Commission announced that room assignment posting, for the September 2012 LET or Licensure Examination for Teachers, which will start on Monday, September 17. The September 2012 LET will take place on September 30, 2012.

The lists of room assignments will be made accessible through the PRC’s official website and through LETResults website, on the date stated above.

Here are the lists of examinees qualified to take the September 2012 LET - Elementary and Secondary.

List of Qualified Examinees (Elementary) for LET September 2012
List of Qualified Examinees (Secondary) for LET September 2012

UST classes suspended September 11

Classes in all levels were suspended in University of Santo Tomas Tuesday (September 11) due to flooding caused by moderate to heavy rains. Students were reportedly stranded inside and near the vicinity of the campus. Work, however, will still go on as usual, as announced on Twitter.

Last night was filled with thunderstorms and rainshowers that lasted hours. Today, the weather seems to be cooperating.

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Meanwhile, today marks the 11th anniversary of the commemoration of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. 9/11 cancer victims will now be able to access treatment funded by the US federal government.

The September 11 attack led to the US invasion of Afghanistan.

ABS-CBN News Team "I Want It That Way" music video trending

Workaholic journalists have fun too! 

Seen below is an "I Want It That Way"-backed music video which started trending September 11 with the hash tag #ABSCBNepicvideo. Encountering this video made me really smile because, despite the struggles as employees, people always find a way to entertain and release the stress.

Video Courtesy: Youtube user ChiaraZambrano

MRTtrackr app in the Philippines

Manila MRT/LRT commuters, who have smartphones, can now avail of the open beta version of the MRTtrackr, a social train tracking application that can help users track the MRT/LRT in the Philippines.

With the use of real-time information displayed by this application, MRT/LRT passengers can determine the estimated crowd in each station and can plan ahead of time if it's convenient to commute via MRT/LRT at that time.

The MRT tracker application's features include:

• find the station nearest you
• provide train itinerary
• notifies with voice alert upon reaching destination station
• give current crowd estimate at a certain station
• show up-to-date news relevant to public

The MRTtrackr app has a facebook page. Find it here.

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As for me, I find this app useless since most commuters are already aware of the time/periods where particular stations are too crowded. Also, most commuters are knowledgeable of the order of stations. Commuters, in a public transportation vehicle, wouldn't want to bother or disturb other commuters with a beep coming from the phone itself. It's noisy. 

However, one significant feature of this app would be to be able to provide current news, e.g. when MRT/LRT trains are stopped due to technical problems. At least, the commuters who are yet to go to the stations will have an idea, evade such headache, and choose an alternative transportation vehicle.

I personally think this could only serve very helpful to tourist and non-Mega Manila smartphone users.

Neil Coleta in "I Do Bidoo Bidoo!"

Commercial model-turned-actor Neil Coleta is seen in the comedy musical movie "I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila!" which is still showing in theaters.

 

Photo Courtesy: WhyNotCoconut

He assumes the role of a gay bestfriends secretly admiring Sam Concepcion's role. His play on the role has earned him positive reviews. Before engaging into this role, he already prepared himself for possible stereotyping, though he took the role with challenge and excitement.

Neil Coleta has been seen commercially in the popular advertisements of the "Voice" biscuit sandwich and "Nestea" drink. He also became known in his acting skills in "100 Days to Heaven" and "Growing Up".

Where to buy O+ Plus Phones

O+ Plus Phones seems to be the "IT" phone recently after being featured in Eat Bulaga. There are a lot of reasons why the O+ Android phones are awesome. 

So, to help you guys look for one, I did check on a lot of places where you can find O+ Plus Phones being sold here in and near Metro Manila. These include stores inside SM, among others:

CALOOCAN

Cellway and Digicom - Victory Mall 

LAS PINAS

GSN Wireless – SM Southmall 

PASAY

MX SM Mall of Asia  

PASIG

Jr. MX branch in Pasig  

MAKATI

Avant – Greenbelt 4 

MX Cash and Carry 

Comcentre Shop – Parksquare 1 

MALABON

Techno Mobile Citisquare 1 and 2 

Digicom

MANDALUYONG

Teleponetics – SM Megamall 

MX Megamall 

MX Pioneer 

MANILA

Hello, 5th Ave – Robinsons Ermita 

MX Midtown - Ermita 

MX San Lazaro Mobilizer – SM San Lazaro, SM Sta. Mesa 

MJ’s Appliances 

MARIKINA

MX Marikina 

Techno Mobile – SM Marikina 

Citylight

MUNTINLUPA

Avant - Alabang Town Center 

MX Festival GSN Wireless – Festival Mall Jr. 

MX Muntinlupa

QC 

Citylight, Techno Mobile – SM Fairview 

Avant – Trinoma Mall 

MX North EDSA 

MX Trinoma 

MX Cubao Jr. 

MX Novaliches Jr. 

MX E. Rodriguez Jr. 

MX COD Cubao Jr. 

MX Anonas 

RIZAL

Techno Mobile – Sta. Lucia 

Techno Mobile – SM Taytay 

Comcentre Shop – Sta. Lucia 

MX Sta. Lucia 

SAN JUAN

Mr Dynamic Telecm – Virramall 

Intogadgets – Virramall 

Mobilizer – Bridgeway and Bridgeway 2, Greenhills 

TAGUIG

Market Market 

Intogadgets 

Comcentre Shop 

VALENZUELA 

Intogadgets 

Mobilizer 

Techno Mobile

MX Valenzuela 

Filipinos join Anti-Epal campaign, target epal politicians

Epal politicians may have to think twice now on posting tarps with their faces taking up almost half the space of the publicity materials. People are more aware of these actions and are now responsibly using social networks like Facebook to expose these trapo politicians who plan to run again in the 2013 elections.

The Anti-Epal Facebook page has gathered thousands of people who would serve as critics of politicians who campaign early without consideration of how the public's funds are being used for such impertinent publicity and misguided information dissemination tactics.

An EPAL politician can be characterized as follows:

• a politician whose name is, in a subtle or evident manner, imprinted on project publicity materials
• a politician whose face occupies at least 1/4 of the project publicity materials
• a politician whose name or face can be seen in distributed relief goods/packs and service publicity materials

It is expected that more and more people will be vigilant of their surroundings, easily and conveniently capturing unusual politically-related pubmats. This will definitely be a blast to epals and will force them to adhere to Comelec's rules of campaigning.

The names of the epal politicians will be posted here soon.

Aquino's 6 senatorial bets

President Aquino gave out 6 names who will be part of his political party's (Liberal Party) 12-man senatorial slate for next year's elections. 

These include MTRCB chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares, former Senator Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr, former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros, Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara. One sure seat will be given to either of the Biazon politicians, the son (Customs Chief Rufino Biazon) or the father (former Senator and Muntilupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon).

Names still on the senatorial pending plate include the President’s cousin, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, TESDA chief Joel Villanueva; Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tanada III, and former Senator Jamby Madrigal.

Close friends Senator Francis Escudero seems to be on the border, as PNoy has kept his opinions regarding Escudero's move, whose path is on a zigzag road being wooed by the rival Binay-Erap tandem, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Learn English via Skype

Do you need an English tutor to improve your English speaking and writing skills?

The Spotlight Philippines blog is calling on all foreign (Japanese, Korean, etc) and Filipino nationals who want to learn English by means of conversation to send an email to spotlightphilippines@yahoo.com.ph. 

If chosen, you will be accommodated by our reserved English tutor here and will be given the chance to talk and learn English through Skype. The online English conversation and tutorial will be subjected to cheaper hourly rate. The English learning experience will depend entirely on the availability of the person being taught, but will only take place between 8AM and 4PM.

Moreover, once your English writing skills are improved, you will have the chance to be invited to write here in Spotlight Philippines!

If interested to learn Engish, contact Leigh by messaging him through spotlightphilippines@yahoo.com.ph. It's going to be fun!

4th PMPC Star Awards for Music winners

The 4th Star Awards for Music, organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), was held last September 9 at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig.

The awarding ceremony, recognizing the brightest and most influential music artists of the year, was hosted by Xian Lim, Maja Salvador and Pops Fernandez.

Christian Bautista wins the Male Pop Artist of the Year award, while Angeline Quinto bagss the Female Pop Artist of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Martin Nievera takes home the Male Concert Performer of the Year award; Sarah Geronimo grabs the Female Concert Performer of the Year award.

The roster of winners in the 4th PMPC Star Awards for Music is found below.


MALE POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Christian Bautista/Outbound/Universal Records

FEMALE POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Angeline Quinto/Fall In Love Again/Star Records

FEMALE CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR:
Sarah Geronimo /What Love Is / Viva Concerts

MALE CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR:
Martin Nievera /Tribute/ Viva Concerts

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Araw Oras Tagpuan /Sponge Cola/Universal Records

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka/Erik Santos/Star Records

FEMALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Aiza Seguerra/Songs from The Vault/Star Records

MALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jed Madela/Breathe Again/Universal Records

DUO/GROUP ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
The Company/Lighthearted 2/Viva Records

POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Outbound/Christian Bautista/Universal Records

CONCERT OF THE YEAR:
It’s Complicated / Jose Mari Chan, The Company/ Beginnings at 20 Plus Incorporated/ Star Express

DUO/GROUP CONCERT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR:
Jose Manalo & Wally Bayola/Jose & Wally: A Party for Every Juan/ APT Entertainment Inc

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Where Do I Begin/Gary Valenciano/Star Records/Director:Cathy Garcia-Molina

NEW FEMALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Paula Bianca/Self-titled Album/Vicor Records and Solenn Heusaff/Solenn/MCA Music NEW MALE

RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
DK Valdez/It’s All About Love/BWB Records and Robin Nievera/Robin Nievera Overwait/PolyEast Records

REVIVAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
 Mga Awit at Damdamin/Martin Nievera/PolyEast Records

DANCE ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
18+ Restricted/Mocha Girls/Bellhaus Entertainment/Playboy Fragrances

ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
 Romantico/Kamikazee/Universal Records

MALE ROCK ARTIST:
Sponge Cola/Araw Oras Tagpuan/Universal Records

FEMALE ROCK ARTIST:
Yeng Constantino/Yeng Versions Live/Star Records

ACOUSTIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Panaginip/Noel Cabangon/Universal Records

FEMALE ACOUSTIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Juris/ Forvevermore/Star Records

MALE ACOUSTIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Noel Cabangon/Panaginip/Universal Records

ALBUM COVER DESIGN OF THE YEAR:
No Water, No Moon/Bamboo/Poly East Records

COMPILATION ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
ThePearlCollection, 30 Years of the Most Memorable Theme Songs/ Viva Records

NOVELTY ALBUM:
Blind Item/Wonder Gays/D’Concorde Records & LDG Prod. &; Ent. RecordingCo.

NOVELTY SONG OF THE YEAR:
Blind Item/Wonder Gays/D’Concorde Records & LDG Prod. & Ent. RecordingCo.

NOVELTY ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Wonder Gays/ Blind Item/D’Concorde Records & LDG Prod. & Ent. RecordingCo.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Jose Mari Chan

SPECIAL AWARD: NATATANGING ALAGAD NG MUSIKA:
Boy Christopher (Composer)
Lito Camo (Composer)
Vehnee Saturno (Composer)
Gary Valenciano
Kuh Ledesma
Lea Salonga
Martin Nievera
Ogie Alcasid
Pops Fernandez
Regine Velasquez
Sharon Cuneta

Increase traffic into your blog!

Get good traffic or more visitors into your site through LinkReferral

Are you a blogger who wants to share out your thoughts to everyone? Have you got good advices to give to our fellow bloggers? Do you need more visitors in your blog? Want good traffic?

I can help you with that. I recently joined this site called LinkReferral, which is actually a website directory that ranks your blog or site based on your performance or participation in the LinkReferral program. What's actually nice here is that receiving good traffic relies on you, apart from the fact that you have to increase your blog content targeting quality SEO keywords, and your determination to make things work out for your blog.

What you only need to do, and if you can do it regularly then do so, is randomly click or view AT MOST 30 websites, post/reply ONCE in a forum/post, review AT MOST 5 sites, and add ONLY 1 site in you favorites. By doing this in one day, your rank automatically adjusts up into the top 10 to-visit blogs. 

What's nice in LinkReferral is that there's a high chance that your site will get great traffic, not only because it's ranked at the top, but because it will be one of the first sites to be reviewed. And the reviews that you will get will really help you to achieve four of your goals in making your site attractable: good content, great navigation design, high ease of responsiveness, and relevance.

As of the moment, my site has been given already 11 REVIEWS in less than  a week! Awesome right? So, if you think you could afford to take time to finish doing what was stated in paragraph 3, which only takes less than an hour a day, there's no way for you not to get traffic!

I wanted to share this because seriously there's nothing to lose. LinkReferral really generates traffic; you just have to be patient. What's loveable about LinkReferral are the reviews that you get to receive from your fellow bloggers and site owners. It really matters to know how viewers of your blog see it. It will make you realize how you can improve your site.

So join LinkReferral now! Visit LinkReferral.

Nokia Lumia 820 vs Nokia Lumia 920 vs Samsung Galaxy S3

I was searching video sites in determining the difference between Lumia smartphones. Found below is an in-depth comparison  of the Nokia Lumia 820 and the new version Nokia Lumia 920.

I think the Nokia Lumia 920 is quite impressive compared to other smartphones by Samsung and Apple. It's got better camera viewing quality. The Lumia 920 boasts of Nokia's new imaging technology, the PureView techwhich reduces the blurring of the image/video being shot. Aside from this, the Lumia 920 has a wider  curved screen, a scratch-proof case, a faster processor and LTE 4G, and really cool, innovative ideas.

The Lumia 920 is smart in a sense that it, not only adjusts the brightness, but also the color spectrum with regards to the vibrance of the sunlight in the environment. Moreover, the Lumia 920 possesses wireless charging technology by magnetic induction; thus, there's no need for cables or wires.

It's got near-field communication (NFC) that allows just a tapping movement to signal start of automatic headphone pairing or photo sharing. Think about convenience; there's no need to change the Bluetooth settings.

The Lumia 920 also has the capability to transform images into GIFs (animated images). Aside from that, it's got the world's fastest, brightest and most sensitive display, and an enviable augmented reality!

Video Courtesy: Youtube user minipcpro

Meanwhile, here's an easy-to-view comparison of the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Samsung Galaxy S3. To all potential smartphone buyers out there, I think you're smart enough to choose which one suits your style, your character, and your needs. *wink

Video Courtesy: Youtube user minipcpro

Demi Lovato gets taste of criticism in X Factor audition

I watched a youtube video that features Demi Lovato sharing out her thoughts of a bad-lighted X Factor contestant's performance. Suddenly, the X Factor contestant blurts out something everyone didn't expect. 

In the world of dreamers, the auto-tune issues that pop out of nowhere seem to make the headline. Watch the video below as Britney Spears gives out her own tactless criticism of the X Factor candidate.

Video Courtesy: o0SoRock0o

Coca-Cola flavor drops for flavored water

Want some flavor in your water?

As early as October, beverage giant Coca-Cola may launch its new product, Dasani Drops, which will give flavor to water that you will drink. 

 Photo Courtesy: OpenMarkets

It will be packed containing 32 servings allowing consumers to pick from initial four different fruity flavors. Therefore, if you are sick and tired of the same flavor, and want to save more, then you may opt to purchase Dasani Drops and taste your choice flavor everyday!

Coca-Cola is not the only company who engaged into the flavors niche. Last May 2011, Kraft Food Inc released MiO Energy, a liquid water enhancer.

When it hits the market, the Dasani Drops will cost about $4 or around 170 Php (if sold in the Philippines). The lingering question here is, will Dasani Drops be sold in the Philippines or not? We'll find out soon.

Just keep posted. Follow this blog; view any of the side-panels of Spotlight Philippines and be updated.

Joan Da leaves X Factor Philippines

Joan Da is the latest contestant to be eliminated in the X Factor Philippines on Sunday (September 9).

She was one of the bottom two contestants, the other one being Allen Sta. Maria, to match up for a slot in the Top 6 X Factor Philippines contestants.

 Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN News

Emotional Allen fought in with some off notes, while Joan did everything she can to remain and be given a second chance to pursue her dream. However, the decision's been made, and Allen was chosen to continue her fight in the X Factor Philippines.

Interesting questions about the Catholic Church

I am a Catholic. I am proud of who I am as an instrument for change. But, sometimes, I wonder and ask myself things Church-related that, even if does not seem relevant, will also make you wonder.

This is a post that does not criticize nor commend. I write down in this blog some questions that I have in mind about the Catholic Church, simply referred here as the Church.. Naive and clueless, I just seem to think about these questions over and over again, even when I am inside the Church.

1. With all the investments of constituents of the Church in big conglomerates, why are there still a lot of Filipino beggars in the street? Are they not being sheltered by our beloved priests, with all the collections they make every mass hearing?

2. How is the "ostya" made? What is its composition?

3. Every time there is a blessing or an act of sprinkling water over the mass-hearers' heads, where do they get the water being used?

4. From whom do they source the beautiful statues and handcrafts? They're really wonderful; with every detail so intricate and all, it really interests me.

5. Is the Catholic populace declining? Where I hear mass, at around 10AM, only around 60% of the total seats are completely filled in; another 10-20% of the unoccupied seats become filled only when the Homily is about to finish.

6. Did our priests, ever since they entered the life of simplicity and meekness, commit sins in the entire duration of service? And what's their say on Senator Tito Sotto's plagiarism issue?

7. Is use of condom still banned by the Church? Recently, the Pope has dropped the Catholic ban on condoms (article courtesy: The Telegraph).

8.What do our Reverends do during their free time? Do they watch TV, pray or do something else?

9. Why are tuition fees in Catholic schools expensive?

10. Does a secret society, the Opus Dei, really exist? It really intrigues me, hehe.

Seaoil, Petron, Chevron to rollback prices

Seaoil Philippines cut prices of its oil products by 60 centavos a liter of premium gasoline and 25 centavos a liter of diesel today, Sunday. Meanwhile, Petron and Chevron will be rolling back prices on Monday, in response to the price decline of oil  in the global market.

This good news, however, will not apply to kerosene prices which will increase by 20 centavos per liter starting today, for Seaoil, and on Monday for the other oil  firms.

Last week's prices include diesel's faring between P43.85 a liter and P46.35 a liter, while gasoline prices  were between P50.55 a liter and P58.41 a liter. As of September 4, compared to last year's, gasoline prices decline by P3.08 a liter, while diesel price adjustmed up by P1.97 per liter.

Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 4, The Voice Philippines in ABS-CBN

Pilipinas  Got  Talent Season 4

Revealed on ASAP 2012 today (Sunday), Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 4 will be having its live auditions on September 17-18, 2012 in Cebu City.

Confirmed a the PGT Seaon 4's big three are returning judges Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Freddie “FMG” Garcia.

PGT Season 4 is anticipated to premiere this October 2012. Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 audition venue might be posted here soon. Keep  posted. Follow  this blog.

The Voice Philippines

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that ABS-CBN will air its new reality show franchise, The Voice Philippines.

The show’s unit head, Direk Lauren Dyogi, tweeted the schedule of audition, which will begin in North America, and the venues.

Schedule and Venue

September 15 – Island Pacific Panorama Branch

September 16 – Great America

To join, aspiring singers must be at least sixteen (16) years old by Oct. 1, 2012 with Filipino ancestry. If you are under 18, one (1) parent or guardian, who must assist, will be allowed in the audition..

Bring identification ID, a copy of birth certificate, and one close up and one full body photo. Prepare two (2) songs for your open call audition. You may not perform both but have them ready.

Background tracks and instruments are not allowed in the audition.

Dress appropriately in a style that represents you. Family, friends and coaches are not allowed at the audition.

PBB alumnus and host Robi Domingo is believed to host of the show. The show will  yet reveal its judges/mentors in the coming weeks.