Uncategorized
Must visit each one before i reach the age of 29 XD
Now this is a list I’d definitely keep track of doing, except the sex in dirty hostels 
OMG OMG OMG my creysss
As a reward for Clary winning the ‘Tournament of Heroines’ title, Cassandra Clare promised fans the greenhouse scene from City of Bones in Jace’s POV.
After teasing the scene late Saturday night, Clare shared the scene in its entirety on Sunday.
Jace’s point of view of his first kiss with Clary
I kissed your lips and broke your heart
The Institute’s bell begins to toll, the deep loud heartbeat of the apex of the night.
Jace sets his knife down. It’s a neat little pocketknife, bone-handled, that Alec gave him when they became parabatai. He’s used it constantly and the grip is worn smooth from the pressure of his fingers.
“Midnight,” he says. He can feel Clary beside him, sitting back amongst the remains of their picnic, her breathing soft in the cool, leaf-smelling air of the greenhouse. He doesn’t look at her, but straight ahead, at the shining…
View original post 2,114 more words
Perks of Being an Applab-er
Getting the job you’ve always dreamt of having isn’t really easy. I would know because I’ve been in over three to four different jobs in a span of three years. Why the jobs shift every now and then? Well, my principle is: Why Work if you aren’t having fun at it?
I’ve tried working at a call center to being a shadow writer. I’ve heard the words “Good Job” and “The Hell is this shit?” from bosses. I’ve cried in bathroom stalls because of negative feedback and enjoyed hefty incentives on jobs done well. Yet, I’ve never lasted more than a year or so in a company. Why? If I don’t see growth in myself within the company or if I notice I’m not really happy with the work, I leave.
Thankfully, now I have managed to find not only one job I’m really happy in but two. So what’s the first job?
That would be being a news writer for an Australian based company. The best part about this job is all I have to write about are articles on the latest Hollywood news. So if you guys want to know all the latest about Hollywood celebrities, movies and books, then you know who to ask (apart from Google that is).
What’s my other job? Well, being a blogger for two awesome app development companies in the Philippines – AppLabs Digital Studios Inc and Kid Apps Inc.
Who exactly are we? Established in 2011, AppLabs Digital Studios Inc. is a technology-based media company headquartered in Eastwood City, Philippines. The company aims to be THE premier applications development company on the planet. Chairman of the Board Azhar Khan and Managing Director Oliver Ian Atienza are the founders of the company.
The company is behind the first ever Filipino made application, Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners and Values. It’s a brilliant application available for free at the Apple App Store that teaches kids of today all there is to know about manners and values.
So, what’s so good about being an AppLab-er? Apart from the work not being stressful, the workplace is a totally awesome place to work in. It doesn’t even feel like work when I come into the office. Hilariously, even AppLabs shares the same sentiments and principles as mine: Work should be a fun and an enjoyable job.
If you’re ever in the Philippines and worrying about not having a job, fret not, because the answer lies within AppLabs Digital Studios & Kid Apps Inc. See you around here then. Crossing my fingers!
Hugs & Kisses: My sister gives the best hugs
There comes a time in any person’s life when they would simply and oh so easily give up. I admit that I’ve gone through those times. When that would happen, I wouldn’t have second thoughts throwing all the hard work away to just get the relaxation I need. But like the saying always goes: there’s always a silver lining to every gray rain cloud. In my life, that silver lining is my sister’s hugs.
Hugs are the best gifts anyone can give and receive but my sister’s hugs are the best presents for me and my family. Dyzelle, our family’s little angel, despite being autistic shows the best of her emotions at times when you least expect it from her.
At age 3, my mom was the first to notice that she still had not spoken clear words. The only words she had managed to verbalize clearly were “No” and “Mama”. I also noticed that when she wanted something, she’d simply point at the object or use us as her “tools” to get what she would point at. When hugged or kissed, she’d scream and run away, which at that time we thought were rebellious acts of a three year old who wasn’t given what she had wanted.
Dyzelle at four years old still had not spoken clearly and her temper tantrums were the worst. Unlike other kids that were disciplined easily with “the look”, like me and my brother, it had no effect on my sister and it only made the temper tantrums worse. Dyzelle also had no fear of fast moving vehicles or rabid dogs. She’d simply laugh and try to get closer. She was a daredevil as my dad would say.
I had convinced my mom to take her to a specialist to have her checked out because we weren’t making any progress in controlling her temper tantrums and her daredevil stunts. The thing I dreaded the most had been confirmed when my mom came out of the room crying. Dyzelle was indeed autistic. We were devastated – our hopes of having a normal life had been thrown out the window. Now we had to bring her to a SPED school everyday where utmost attention to her speech development and attitude were to be given. At home, everyone had to adjust with the changes and live with it.
It was a rough time and at those times I was sure to give up hope that there was any cure to my sister’s “disease”. One time I found my mom crying in the bathroom asking God what she had done wrong. Yet, we knew that no one was to blame and that no one had wanted this for my sister.
Dyzelle now five years of age still continues her education and training at a SPED school in the province. Her teachers and her nanny say she has been doing great. She’d no longer have temper tantrums and she’d do as what she’d been told to do. SPED school had indeed helped. Dyzelle, unlike before, now shows willingness to learn. I enjoy teaching her how to pronounce words. We’d all laugh when she would say “ice cream” instead of “igloo” when I showed her the flash card of the letter I with the drawing of an igloo.
While she learns, we too learn from her. We look at the world in a different point of view whenever she’s around. Nowadays, whenever someone cries in the bathroom about to give up on life, Dyzelle would barge in and simply look at you. But she’d surprise you with the best present you’d least expect from her – a hug. She’d laugh and say incoherent words and run out the bathroom leaving you laughing and crying at the same time.
So she’s autistic, who cares? We love her just the way she i. Unlike any other kid I know has the greatest and loving heart. At times when I think of giving up, I go to the bathroom and wait for a little girl to barge in and give me the greatest present I need.
Why exactly am I sharing this? Well, in this society where special children like my sister tend to be “mis-cared” for, people just shrug their shoulders and move on. Thankfully, there are special schools established in certain parts of the Philippines (with people who actually care) where my sister can get the appropriate care and education she needs.
Now, with two app development companies in the Philippines, AppLabs Digital Studios Inc and Kid Apps Inc, who are working on apps for special children, education can be done at home. With positive reviews on Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners and Values, I so am looking forward to AppLabs and Kid Apps releasing the app set for their “special” audience.
Learn more about Maddie & Matt by clicking here.
Raising Respectful Kids in a Rude World: Seven Short Easy Steps
Nowadays, kids have the ease and luxury of life. At a snap of their fingers or at the stomp of their feet, everything is immediately handed to them. While some parents see this as “normal” kid behavior and call these tantrums “part of growing up”, it is this kind of behavior that makes me not want to have kids.
Rude and spoiled kids are everywhere. You see them on your trip to the mall or even at church seated right beside you. Sometimes you’d wonder if the mom or dad are just too nice, too busy or to simply put – still too young to raise a kid themselves.
Becoming a parent is part of my plans but not for the next six years. I may not know all there is about proper parenting but here are seven quick steps to dealing with rude spoiled kids. These seven steps have been based on Gary D. McKay’s book, “Teaching Your Children the Power of Mutual Respect & Consideration”, plus a few personal principles from which my parents have raised me from.
Step 1: Start Early. If you notice your kid acting all spoiled, well you must realize that it’s your fault. As early as the stomps, rants and screams start, practice saying “NO” and sticking to it.
Step 2: Prioritize and Set Limits. Spoiled kids have gotten their way with just about everything and anything. By limiting their resources and their activities, you give them room to prioritize the vital tasks at hand.
Step 3: Reward Good Behavior. I won’t go on an all out psychological theory to explain this. The simple thing is if the kid does something good, reward them. Once they are rewarded they are latched onto the thinking that good behavior equals gifts, goodies and games.
Step 4: Ignore Bad Behavior. Ironically, spoiled or rude kids act ruder when they notice that people give them the time of day. Let them stomp, scream and cry all they want. Ignore them at such instances. Kids will immediately stop once they see that they aren’t noticed.
Step 5: Find the root of the problem. Spoiled kids are the product of any of the following: rich parents, lenient parents, very young parents or busy parents. The problem varies with each kid and it’s just a matter of finding out what triggered the behavior.
Step 6: Observe your behavior. I’m no parent but from what I’ve observed from parents younger or my age, they tend to spoil their kids. Ask yourself: Will buying my kid a PSVita really push him to study harder at school?
Step 7: Download an educational game to teach them all the basics. With the advancement in technology, learning is easy in just a touch of a button. Kids nowadays are so tech savvy that they have access to everything on the web. If you’ve got a problem with your kid and their “spoiled” behavior, then the application, “Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners & Values”, is your best bet. “Maddie & Matt” was created by a team of Filipinos from two application development companies in the Philippines namely AppLabs Digital Studios and Kid Apps Inc. 
What’s so good about it, you ask? It’s an interactive storybook that teaches kids of all age all 26 letters of good manners and proper conduct. With other fun features like picture me, coloring time, live objects and trivia, your little tot will be prim and proper by the end of “Maddie & Matt’s” adventures. Reviews are already in and basing from all of the feedback, “Maddie & Matt” are a big help to their little kids. Allow me to translate one review stated in Filipino which says, “I noticed my niece/ nephews change in behavior. He/she became well-behaved and his/her manner of speaking changed greatly all thanks to the application Maddie & Matt. To those who are reading this comment, I am stating the truth and am very happy with the results of the app. I also take pride in the fact that Filipinos were behind this ingenious app.
The best part about this app – it’s free for download on the Apple App Store for the iPad 1, 2 and 3. So if you’ve got a “little” problem at home, then “Maddie & Matt” are here to help re-establish all 26 letters of good manners and values in your kid.
A Family that Plays Apps Together – Stays Together
It’s funny how family bonding then and now has changed throughout the years. Back when I was a kid, family bonding would mean heading out of the country or visiting our parents’ hometown in the province. However, now bonding would be done in the comforts of the home with all the latest technological advancements such as a home cinema, tablets, desktop computers or iPads.
For one, these methods save parents a lot of money which they could have spent on travelling expenses. Gadgets partnered with applications create a world of endless possibilities. Along with these possibilities are activities that help tech-savvy families bond with each other.
In a national survey done last year by the Entertainment Software Association, a video game industry group, 35% of parents who play video games are most likely to have a better relationship with their kids by up to 80%. So if you’re one of those tech-savvy dads or moms who wish to get closer with their kids, gaming applications are your best bet. Plus they’re a cheaper option too as I have said above.
Though there are a lot of educational and gaming apps to choose from, here are just a few family friendly apps that will certainly help “bond” the family better. First off is Tumbles which is based on the highly popular Pop’em game that basically involves moving the iPad around to move balls around the screen. The best part about this game is that parents and their kids can have a head-to-head match.
Another app that would certainly be interesting for both parties would be Labyrinth 2 HD. With impressive graphics, compelling storylines and complicated puzzles, it’s a game that’s sure to be a win for dad and mom.
Last but not the least would be the educational app, Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners and Values. Created by a team of Filipinos from two start-up development applications in the country, AppLabs Digital Studios and Kid Apps Inc, Maddie & Matt is the app that teaches all the basics of “Please”, “Thank You” and so much more. With 26 letters in the alphabet plus a whole range of features, this educational app is definitely one parents would approve of. The best part about this app – it’s free for download on the Apple App Market. And guess what, there are more additions to the Maddie & Matt series that are sure to be as fun and as educational as this. 
So, dear mom and dad, gadgets and the apps installed in them aren’t necessarily a bad addiction. Sit down with the kids one time while they play on the iPad or tablet, you’ll might just be surprised how fun it could be to play and learn alongside them.
The Best Educational Applications for Kids
Let’s face it, kids nowadays are as tech savvy as any tenured office employee. You’ll have to admit that on your trips to the mall, you’ve seen kids aged 5 to 12 playing with a PSP, an iPad or a tablet. Times like these make me wonder if kids are growing too fast or if I’m just getting too old. Well, whatever. With the rise of technological advancements and gadgets, kids rarely get out of the house or let go of these devices. So here are a list of educational applications that are best suited for kids with the iconic Apple iPad.
Having grown up with Disney, “Toy Story” would be the ultimate classic animated film. Thanks to the brilliant minds behind the film, there is an application available on the iPad for free. Apart from teaching kids the catchy tune of “You’ve got a friend in Me”, the “Toy Story” app offers fun an interactive storybook activities sure to keep preschool to grad 1 kids entertained.
When it comes to math, sometimes it isn’t all fun and games. However, for kids having a hard time with math and numbers (like yours truly), I’d suggest the Jungle Coins app available for $0.99 on the iPad. This application basically teaches kids in kindergarten to grade 4 all there is to currency through finding coins, comparing coins, counting money and counting the correct change. The downside for this app would probably be that it only comes in the Canadian currency.
Next category would be Science and the best applications under this would be the 8 Planets and Leafsnap app. The 8 Planets app basically teaches kids in preschool to grade 1 all there is to planets while the Leafsnap app teaches kids of all ages all there is to know about plants simply by taking a picture of leaves.
For budding artists in kids, Draw Something may be the best app so far but a “little” version called Doodle Buddy would be another incredible app. It comes with a variety of tools such as chalk, stencils, stamps, paint and photographs enough to keep your future Picasso busy.
Last but not the least is a recent app launched May 21 created solely by Filipinos. Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners and Values created by AppLabs Digital Studios and Kid Apps Inc is the perfect companion of kids with the iPad at hand. This app not only has fun and interactive games enough to keep them busy but teaches them all the basics of “please, thank you” and more. The best part, it’s free and there are a few more additions in the works.
Got a kid or a pesky little one in the family? Then these apps are your best bet to keep them busy plus the Maddie & Matt app is enough to teach them all they need to know.
AppLabs Digital Studios Inc & Kid Apps Inc Welcomes Aboard 80 New Trainees
Manila, Philippines – Unemployment is not an issue in the Philippines especially with the continuous advancement of technology nowadays. In fact, two start-up application development companies established in Eastwood City, Libis has welcomed over 80 new trainees.
AppLabs Digital Studios Inc. and Kid Apps Inc. is helping out with employment issues in the Philippines. Last June 3, 2012, AppLabs welcomed aboard 80 new trainees to be distributed to various departments of the company namely: Product development, Business Development, R&D, Creative Artists, Bloggers and Social Media Marketing, Telemarketing and Sales and the Shared Services Department.
The welcoming party was held on June 1, 2012 at AppLabs Digital Studios’ Entertainment Division, 30th floor of IBM Building. Drinks, snacks and feel-good music were provided for the new hired trainees. Members of the managing department along with successful employees of the company took time to speak up during the event.
A photo booth with the AppLabs tarpaulin was provided at the entrance where new trainees were required to be photographed at. Filled with dancing and a range of games set up by Leah Forbes and Alyssa Felix, the welcoming party was equally successful as the launch of AppLabs first ever app, Maddie & Matt’s A to Z’s of Good Manners and Values.
With a few more additions in the works for the existing Maddie & Matt application and numerous partnerships underway, AppLabs Digital Studios Inc & Kid Apps Inc are ready to welcome even more trainees this year.
About the Company:
AppLabs Digital Studios Inc. aims to be “THE” premiere applications development company on the planet by creating unique and value-rich mobile and web applications aimed to educated, entertain and inform people of all ages. The company is currently based in the Philippines with plans to further establish offices in Singapore, Thailand, Pakistan, Burma, United States and Hong Kong.
On the other hand, Kid Apps Inc. is a Hong Kong based company whose primary goal is to empower kids of every nation through technology and education. The company is currently working on fun and educational additions to the existing Maddie and Matt’s series.
Sheepishness and Shenanigans 