Internet ala Vending Machine!

PISONET OUTBREAK

        

As fast as a dengue outbreak, Pisonets have been sprouting out of nowhere like mushrooms. You observe three or five units one day and the next day you see 12,14 or even 20 lining up the streets of your neighborhood. What makes these little computers so popular is because that for just one peso you can have four minutes in using the internet, which is quite enough to quickly check your status

Pisonets are these boxed personal computers (PC) that only contain the complete basics. If you open a Pisonet unit you will be surprised to see only a motherboard, and internet modem, and a timer. Combined with a monitor, keyboard and mouse the Pisonet is ready to go. To use it just simply put a one peso coin in the insert slot (just like an arcade game) and, voila, you have four minutes to use the PC.

Pisonets definitely gives you more of that “bang for your peso”. In 

computer cafes five pesos gives you 15 minutes and ten pesos gives you 30 minutes. Pisonets on the other hand give you 20 minutes per 5 pesos and 40 minutes per 10 pesos. Pisonets definitely lets you peso “go the extra minute.” There is definitely a significant difference between Pisonets and Internet Cafes.

The reason Pisonets are patronized by the young people because Pisonets do not require you to stay for a set period of time. If you think your done with your project, you can simply stop inserting coins and leave. Internet cafes on the other hand have a 15 minute minimum while Pisonets don’t.

No need to walk long distances to use a PC. Pisonets like mushrooms are everywhere. Your nearest Pisonet is always just a stone’s throw away. They are very convenient especially if your parents won’t allow you to go very far.

Although Pisonets do not have USB ports, you can send your documents, projects and pictures to your local print shop. No need to worry about corrupt flashdisks that have lost all your important data.

But we must always be cautious in using Pisonets since everyone can see what you are doing, the pages you visit, your account, and even worse, your password. When you log in cover your keyboard so that no one will be able to see what your password is. Pay close attention to the people around you. Look around once in a while and see if anyone is looking at your account profile. Also be sure to DELETE any files that are connected to you ESPECIALLY PHOTOS that you have downloaded or uploaded because it  can be used for scamming other people. Erase your browsing history, be sure to remove any trace of your internet usage sp that people will not be able to hack your accounts or use your name in fooling others.

Surviving High School

Surviving High School

For most of us Torresians, high school is a very long and tedious journey. Faced with numerous people, several subjects and countless deadlines, indeed you really have to work hard for that diploma.

So here are some of my tips that come from my own experiences Surviving High School

Make TIME work for you, not the other way around!

Projects, theme papers and assignments, these are the things we need to get done every time we get home. Don’t forget your Math time, English time, Sci Time, every time! It’s so ironic that students often complain that they don’t find the time to answer all of these modules.

But the secret is one thing ... time management. With so many distractions like facebook, computer games, textmates, and t.v. we sometimes overlook that we have work to do. Admit it, when you research on your assignments, do we just take a peek to update our FB status? But as soon as we hear that familiar ‘ping’, we throw everything out the window!

In the end, we don’t realize how much time has passed and we find ourselves shocked to find a mound of things to do.

To solve this problem, we must budget our time. Prioritize things that need to be done ASAP, then things that can wait then entertainment. We should always stay focus. Never let things get in the way from your priorities, you will always have plenty of time to do these other things later.

It would also help a lot if we could work ahead of time. Instead of cramming for one night, we can do the project little by little. We are accustomed to the Manana habit, waiting ‘till the last minute to accomplish a task.

Time can be the greatest ally but also the worst enemy.

Ace that test!

If we can’t find time to do projects, how can we also find time to review on a quiz or exam?

To be frank, you do not have to do intensive review to ace an exam. An exam or any form of test is a measure of your comprehension of the lesson/ Therefore, in order to do well, you only need to listen during class discussion.

The reason why most students fail is because of two main reasons. Either the students is cutting classes or they are busy doing something else.

Try your best to take down notes. Since you already know the topic very well, use your notes to refresh your mind on major points that need to be emphasized.

Finally, do not rely on the assurance that your ‘cheat mate’ have all the answers. Getting caught is a big problem, so don’t copy at all or you’ll end up getting zero in [the first place!]

Dealing with peer pressure

We definitely need friends in high school. It’s impossible to live without friends. But sometimes we are forced to do things that are wrong like smoking, taking drugs, or drinking alcohol. This is called peer pressure.

To avoid peer pressure, asses the people you hang-out with. Make prudent decision in choosing who your friends are. Avoid any gangs, hoods, sororities, and fraternities at all cost. Peer influence is the main cause if teen pregnancy, drug addiction or even worse ... death!

It definitely pays off to see who will contribute to success than to see yourself in the wrong crowd!

As I go to my conclusion, I hope you learned a lot of things. I hope you’ll find my advices helpful. I wish everyone a good luck in surviving the harsh, winding, confusing and oh so long journey in life we call HIGH SCHOOL!

Love and the Honor Student (Part 1)

Love and the Honor Student (part 1)

Dear friend,

I think that it would be quite weird if I write about Love. Love is a very, how should I say this, emotional subject. It is not of my nature to talk about my past experiences. But this would be an exception.

As I go back to the time of my innocence and playfulness, I seem to laugh at myself for the things that I have done years ago. My childhood has been a fairly normal one. And a part of it is having those childhood crushes.

The reason that I am writing about this is because just a few days ago she went back to our neighborhood, probably to spend the week here with her relatives. I felt an impulse to look at her deeply. I don’t feel anything for her, but I feel the urge to remember those days when we were close friends, very close friends.

When I saw her for the first time in almost a decade I saw how different she was. Adolescence has definitely caught up with her. I’ll call her Karen. Karen has a darker skin tone than me and she has an average height for her age.

When we were five, we used to play around just in front of our houses. During those times we would kid around about whose got a crush on who. I can’t help myself laughing from all those silly little things we did. Have you ever had that feeling of liking the other person just because you spend a lot of time together?  

I have a very sharp memory. As much as I want to talk to her and say hi, I can’t. She probably doesn’t remember me. She must have probably forgotten those childhood moments. But I can’t.

I want to talk to her. Maybe ask what she was up to. How she was doing at school. Where did she live. Those things that people often ask when they engage in small talk.

I don’t want to forget her. She was a childhood experience that is worth remembering.  I don’t want to ask her out to a date, or maybe enter in a relationship.

I ask a around about her trying not to look suspicious. But sadly I didn’t get much out of my friends.

I feel so sad that she will go away a few days from now.  Sad for the possibility, that I will never have a chance to talk to her again.

For almost ten years, I have sometimes thought about Karen. How we used to play, and sadly, how suddenly she went away, without ever saying goodbye. 

Maybe this is the reason I’m so eager to talk to her.

As I am writing right now, she is outside, talking with her friends, unaware of the guy who is writing about her, unaware of a forgotten friend.

I feel shy about approaching her. I am afraid that her friends will make malice out of me talking to her.  Right now she has 5 friends all around her, all of them are girls, and that makes it a lot difficult for me.

I should talk to her. Maybe get help from a friend to break the ice. All I want is to make up for the time we missed. It is so ironic how to people who like each other, two people who were once the best of friends, suddenly forget about each other.

Friend I need to take a rest, maybe next time. I can’t write properly. I have a lot of things I want to talk about but when I write it down, I can’t. I am sure this is not love, maybe just confusion. Yep, that is right I’m just a little confused.

‘till next time.

Yours truly,

Adrian

A Zero Waste Lifestyle (Part 1)

A Zero Waste Lifestyle (part 1)

Why Zero Waste?

Let’s face it, disposing trash, refuse and waste is one of the greatest problems of mankind. Man has resorted to burying in landfills, burning in pits and ignoring waste completely.

When there is no way to get rid of trash, we often leave it. Why try to solve a problem that can’t be solved? That is what people always say.

That’s wrong. Waste should be a concern, and we should all try to manage it. After all, we are the ones who created it in the first place.

Add ca http://www.findanyfloor.com  ption

People say reduce, reuse and recycle. But we shouldn’t stop there.  We must REFUSE making any waste. Instead of trying to kill an enemy, finding a way to make no enemy in the first place is much better. The truth is there are some things that can’t be recycled, reused nor reduced. Non-renewable products like plastics or Styrofoam are general examples of these kinds of waste. No matter how many times you recycle, it would still be there.

It is therefore a necessity to stop taking action to manage waste that we constantly create but rather find a way to stop making waste.  You don’t spend money to dispose of waste nor do you need land to make room for landfills. 

Everything is connected. The waste we make all make an impact to our environment. If plastics were not present in the ocean then animals will not die of eating something they thought of as food. If special wastes like mercury where not dumped into landfills then the soil wouldn’t be poisoned from all the toxins it produces as it decays.

One Part of a Battle

Wastes that are found in the oceans threaten wildlife. Wastes that are burned and buried contribute to climate change. Wastes that are found in the streets make an awful living environment. 

Waste is a hindrance to the safety of nature and to man himself. Large amounts of waste have been found to contribute to several illnesses.

Waste can also affect productivity. Imagine a workplace littered with trash. Imagine trying to focus in spite of the stench of waste.

https://www.facebook.com/dontdrill?ref=stream

We need to eliminate waste from our lives. Several initiatives have been done to fight against waste. People are now appearing in television to warn us about the dangers our wastes make. People now write about our irresponsibility in managing waste. People now complain because of waste. So when you think about it, waste produces so much problems, it is a paradox why we keep on making them!

We should play a part in a war against our own creation- our wastes. The root and cause of all these things we experience is every candy wrapper, plastic cup, and straw that we have ever disposed.

If we manage to make Zero Waste successful we would be able to win several wars. Oceans will be saved, forests restored, and climate change controlled.

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I am who I am because They Made ME WHO I AM!

I  Am Who I Am, Because They Made Me Who I Am:                                                                                                           An Ambitious Dreamer and a Go Getter

That Look in Her Eyes

 

I still remember four years ago in May when I graduated from elementary. My mom was sitting up front and I was on stage. My mom was the most joyous among the parents of the top ten, even if I graduated as seventh honorable.

For mom, it didn’t matter if I lost in a contest, if I fell short, or anything! As long as I tried she was proud. In my entire life I have not won first place, I was always second, but that didn’t matter with mom. That same face when I graduated was all I saw after every contest that I entered. That face that is so happy and proud.

Encouraging a Dreamer

I am so lucky to have people that help me with my studies, people who encourage me to try harder, aim higher and dream greater. My family is not rich, mom only works as a vendor at Divisoria. I have three other siblings who are still studying. And I know that my parents cannot afford to send me to college. My family is very lucky that grandmother allowed us to stay at her home. My cousins give me a lot of reference books that are very helpful whenever I research. When I look at it, I find a lot of people all contributing to my future. 

Someday I will repay my debts to the people who cared enough to help an ambitious dreamer.  I told my mom once that someday I’ll study in a big university. My mom would say that we didn’t have enough money to send me to such prestigious universities. But then I’ll tell her, “Why? Is to dream that I’ll be rich or maybe I’ll be famous bad?” My mom would just nod, although she didn’t say it, I know that she wanted me to at least try. I was fortunate enough to receive countless free application forms for the big universities.

When I saw my mom’s face so happy and proud, four years ago, I just knew that everything I have achieved could never have been possible without everyone’s help. The moment I started high school I became more determined and encouraged. A fire in me burned brighter. That moment when I saw my mom’s face changed me. I discovered who was I, who I am now and who I want to become.

Who I Am Now and Who I Want To Become

My classmates have dubbed me “the Lawyer” because of my ability to speak my mind. I always like politics and business. Whenever me and my classmates attend Journalism class I was the one discussing matters about the government. One of my cousins is a BS Business Admin gradand he urged me to take a course on commerce or philosophy. I took his advice and that is why I put BS Business Admin and Political Science at the top of the list whenever I apply. The world of commerce is so big. I want to explore that world. I also realized that the government plays a big role in a developing economy. That is why I’m considering taking a dual course in Masters in Business Admin- Juris Doctor (MBA-JD).

I like a heated discussion. I always participate in debates and extemporaneous speaking contests. Even if I lose it’s ok because I love what I do, and that enough for me. I love sharing my ideas and learning someone else’s. If I am lucky enough, I hope to become a professor someday.

I feel so empty if I don’t have a reason to study. Everything I have done, everything I am doing and everything I will do will not be for me but for every single person that made me who I am. To finish my studies and get a decent job to support my family is my goal.

` I want to prove to my parents, cousins and relatives that the help they gave me will not be in vain, that their investments to my future have produced many dividends. My future is up for me to decide but to reach it would need some helping hands. In my journey to a better life I would have to exert the greatest effort, after all it would be me and only me who would benefit from it.

Whenever I failed in an exam or got a low grade mom would just pat me in the back and say that there is always a next time. I am not that good in math. It has always been my waterloo. But my mom always stresses that the reason we have weaknesses is because we are not perfect, it is our duty to improve those weaknesses. We have strengths because it is our gift from GOD, therefore, it is our responsibility to help people who are weak in the areas we excel in. Even if I’m weak in math I still have some other thighs I’m good at like writing and speaking. I am trying hard to improve myself it might be slow but I know I’ll get there.

Molding Me Even More

I want a challenge. And studying in a prestigious college despite  my financial incapability 

is a challenge. Studying in these colleges will mold me even more to be a greater man. Yet finshing my course or my studies is a moment in life all by itself.  I want that same face I saw four years ago to reappear once more when I graduate from college. I want my mom to sit again in front and say:

“That’s my boy!”

To See That Face One More Time

My mom’s face, that look in her eyes made a big part of me. That look in her eyes made me realize that my achievements are not mine alone. That every drop of sweat I make while studying is all because I want to prove myself. And ultimately, to see my mom once again make that smile that has inspired me. That is my goal and to go there I have to give it all I’ve got.

Who Is Adrian James Astorga?

So in the end I’ll answer the question, “Are there any significant experiences you have have had or accomplishments you have realized that have help to define you as a person?”  The person I am now is the accumulation of my experiences with other people whose beliefs, values and personality have piqued my interests. These persons have influenced me so much that I used them as an inspiration to write this essay. These people made me who I am now. I am the product of their intelligence.

But the problem is  I am not yet a finished creation because, quite frankly, the change a person experiences that defines him or her is NEVER OVER. I know that persevering more will help me build myself.

So who is Adrian James Astorga? He is a diligent student, a devout Christian, and a business oriented person. He is also hardworking, loving and determined. And most of all:

An Ambitious Dreamer

US Election 2012? More like WORLD DECISION 2012

The US elections is just around the corner. It all comes down to this, an entire nation voting to decide who will lead not the United States but the ENTIRE WORLD. 

It is no surprise that America has become such an important player in the development in the world.

The US is the leader in several organizations particularly the UN.
 
  Throughout the decades the world has relied on the US to maintain one crucial thing- PEACE.
 
     The Last debate between Governor Mitt Romney and incumbent US President Barrack Obama focuses on foreign issues. The conflict in the Middle East was greatly discussed. They see how important foreign affairs are in maintaining US as a global superpower.

   
    They have also accused China as a "currency manipulator" according to Gov. Romney.China is a very prosperous nation, a sleeping dragon slowly awakening.

    However China as progressive as it may seem,  has over the last few months taken aggressive action against the nations of South-east Asia particularly the small island nation, the Philippines. The US government should take action against China in trying to at least stop its very harsh steps towards being a global superpower. 

    Last month the US has supplied the Philippines with a new radar system to ward off against missile threats, also they have donated several boats to keep the PH border from being infiltrated by Chinese fishing vessels.

   Under the guise of Pres. Obama and Sec. Clinton, the Philippines has maintained its sovereignty from the hands of the Chinese who are attempting to take a small group of islands called the Spratlys.

   What makes President Obama a great President is his abstinence from the use of weapons. Because of him US military presence in the middle-east has reduced significantly allowing the Arab nations to lead themselves. He uses diplomatic means to maintain peace and order in the world.

    Although he is a great example of a president who prioritizes world affairs, he seems to have lost a sense of alertness when it comes to his nation the US. Unemployment in the US is in a record high.  Gov. Romney on the other hand promises job reforms, offering the population stable jobs and high "take home pay."

   The world also relies on the US to make jobs. The companies they make like Shell, 7-eleven, Best-Buy and many more are franchises that developing nations use to make jobs. So if these companies fail expect also the entire world to come falling down in another recession.

    Several big companies have come to a stop. The recession has left its mark very big. America has not found the strength to get out of the hole. This has made a big effect in the job market. Thousands of Americans, and to some extent immigrants who work in the US, have lost their jobs.

    The conflicts in the middle east has also had a great effect in the prices of oil. With the majority of the Arab nations now in chaos, fuel supply is being cut down. Thus causing a big rise in oil prices. The US is a big exporter of oil. What about the nations who rely on the US for oil? Low supply equals high price. We (the World) need a US president who can make a stable supply of Oil possible with reasonable prices.


    The US Elections is an event everyone should watch out for.  The person who will win will have a huge share in the path not the US will take but the WORLD. We need three things from these candidates:

1. Assurance of Peace
2. Assurance of Jobs
3. Assurance of reasonable prices of Oil.

Please do comment I want to hear you out!
Im just 16 but i am very concerned about this even if I cant vote. This is the best way I can to get my idea across the world

 

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Scholarships: How to get 'em

For all those honor students who want an ensured future a scholarship is a thing you should go after.
this is an editorial article I made for my local newspaper. Hope you like it!

Eyes Wide Open

            Scholarships are very hard to come by and applying for it may be even more difficult. With a majority of the student population who are financially incapacitated it only shows that the demand for scholarships is great.

           

            Scholarships can greatly help families of the students. It lightens the load that the parents need to shoulder. The only problem is, we hardly hear anything about scholarships.

           

            To solve this problem, we only need one thing, initiative. We cannot expect application forms to be served on a silver platter. Of course we need to keep our eyes open for any news about scholarships. Ask the people who are involve and get their requirements. The most commendable person in the school to ask about scholarships is the guidance counselor. A guidance counselors does more than just give disciplinary actions, they also assist in the students request for scholarships or anything regarding to improve a student’s academic performance. A quick visit twice a month can keep you updated. This gives you ample time to accomplish the tasks being requested.

            Do not be afraid to ask questions. The guidance counselors will be happy to help you. In fact, it is their utmost priority to make your life as a student comfortable, both socially and financially.

            If the guidance office cannot give you any information about scholarships, ask teachers. There are some who offer aid to financially needy students. Other than that, the internet is another convenient way. Scholarships are offered by people, companies and foundations. Look around and you will definitely stumble upon one.

           

            Initiative is definitely needed since the guidance office is always busy. It is more appropriate if we go to them, not the other way around. Asking around is another way to get informed. Keeping our eyes wide open definitely pays off.

World Teachers Day

Last October 5  we celebrated the annual World Teachers' Day. I think it is just deserving that they receive a little appreciation for the hard work they put in educating the future leaders of our nations. So here is an oratorical piece I made just for them.

Also I would really appreciate if you would follow my blog from now on =)
Blogging is something I'm very interested in.

What Makes It Worth It

By: Adrian James Astorga

       Sometimes I think that, teachers are the most miserable people on earth.

        Teachers get up every morning and go to school for half a day with no overtime. They have to endure the sweltering heat and the irritating noise all day. And after all this they go home without even finding the time to rest because, there is no time at all.

       Imagine going through this cycle day-in and day-out. And after all that you get twenty-thousand pesos. Personally, twenty-thousand pesos is not enough for the effort, blood and sweat that these teachers give out to educate students.

        Maybe it’s not all about the money. If money was everything I’m quite sure there won’t be any more teachers. There’s more, definitely more. I wonder what it feels like, a student going up the stage to receive his diploma, or receive recognition, or maybe get promoted to higher section, knowing that you had a part for that person’s achievement. Teachers feel much prouder than parents. Because teachers can see how this child improved, how he progressed and how he move up through the ranks. That feeling is simply amazing.

        Teachers, they look old, they’re hungry all the time and they look as if they haven’t slept in a thousand years. But no matter what happens, they still have what it takes to lighten up the entire class’ mood with a single, smile.

        Teachers are the kindest people on earth. They don’t mind if you’re smarter than them, actually they encourage you to surpass their knowledge because that’s how they know that their teaching is effective.

        Teachers are the most understanding people on earth. No matter how big a mistake you make, as long as you can say sorry sincerely, they’ll forgive you as if nothing happened.

        Teachers are the most influential people on earth. The greatest minds of all times were once taught by teachers. All these people have teachers to thank for that extra effort to squeeze out their full potential. Teachers can virtually change the world.

        Teachers, you are truly incredible. No matter how hard waking up each morning is, no matter how bad your body needs rest, no matter how deep your eye bags are. Never for one moment forget, that it would be all worth it. After every class that one look the students give, when you know they learned something is all it takes to relieve you of any pain, any tiredness, and any sadness. And that’s something twenty thousand pesos cant buy.

ZERO WASTE YOUTH CONFERENCE BRAZIL

Hey guys!

Have you ever noticed the garbage around you?
Are you frustrated?

Well last September I was invited by The Zero Waste Youth Organization of Brazil to be part of their Zero Waste Conference to be held this month October 22-24.

Sadly I will not be able to attend because I was not able to get my passport and visa done. But nonetheless Zero Waste is an advocacy we must all be involved with.

Zero Waste is a belief that we should reduce our waste to absolute ZERO!
yes thats right NO WASTE.

how do we achieve this? First we must segregate all our waste . Then we can try to either recycle it or compost it.
That's basically it. The main focus of the Zero Waste Advocacy is to prevent any waste from ending in landfills and to a greater extent Incinerators. Both of these have been proven to  hurt more than help our environment.

So look up the Term ZERO WASTE and try to implement it yourself.
Remember Zero waste Starts with each and every one of us!

Try and join them on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/zerowastemeeting?fref=ts

you know guys, our dependence on plastic is a big concern for the Zero Waste Movement.
Did you know that, although some plastics are claimed to be Biodegradable their actually not?
No matter what you do it is still plastic! Plastic comes from a non renewable source called Petroleum, the same thing we get our gas from..

How can we start ZERO-ing Waste? Simple, pick up a piece of garbage and Segregate. Thats pretty much all you can do if you just started.

be part of the MOVEMENT!

#Zero Waste Youth Conference Brazil October 22-24

This is my first ever post! I hope to get all of you reading my next posts regarding my life as a student!

I would like to thank the first 7 people who had the time to check my new blog
I am a Neophyte in the Blogging world and I have found the time to come up with an actual article.
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