Fire Cracker First Aid, Warnings and Reminders for New Year's Eve

How was your vacation/ staycation/ workcation so far? Time sure flies fast and now, it's the end of a month-long celebration and a the beginning of a new year. 2011 has brought us a lot of challenges, new experiences and adventures. You know what would be better? Ending the year with a bang, but not literally. Be with your families, celebrate by eating in moderation, have fun even without dealing with fire crackers. It's dangerous enough that it's inside your homes. What more if someone ingested it or get injured by it?

Here are some tips and reminders to have an injury-free celebration. (Send this to relatives and friends. Being informed is a good way to prevent injuries. Don't say you weren't informed. I informed you.)

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Scam or not? Cocoplans / Prudential Life Datamex scholarship

Have you ever received a text message like this? (Exact SMS message I got)

Cocoplans Inc. Last Notification:
Good Day! We are proudly informing you that you are one of our lucky recipients who entitled to claim a PERSONAL INSURANCE, FREE SCHOLARSHIP VOUCHER and other Rewards and Privileges. Your claiming code is AT2#***### (*=Letter ; #=Number). You may claim your certificate until Jan. 23, 2010 in our Binondo Business Center. For more info pls call us today at 3096250/3096251/4890375 or this mobile#09326668880. Look for Mr. Fernan Sunga

If you have, we are not the only ones to have gotten this message. In fact, tons of other people have received this message in different variations like this next one:

"Greetings! This is Ms.Rosalie Nicol of Cocoplans Inc. We are proudly informing you that you are one of our lucky recipient who is entitled to claim a two-year DATAMEX Scholarship Certificate with a free tuition fee, personal accident insurance and other rewards and privileges. Your security claiming code is MVS-#####-***. You may claim your certificate on or before August 14,2009 in our Makati business center. For more information,you may call us at 02-8563860/02-8563871. Thank you!"
SMS from +639324237395 (Source)

or maybe this one:

Greetings! This is Maricel Alvarez of Cocoplans, Inc. We are proudly informing you that you are one of the lucky recipients who is entitled to claim a two-year DATAMEX Scholarship with a free tuition fee, personal accident insurance and other rewards and privileges. Your security claiming code is MVS-26619-CCP. You may claim your certificate on or before Sept. 1 to 3, 2009 in our Makati Business Center. For more information you may call us at 856-3169 or 356-3855. Thank you!
SMS from +639229492872 (Source)

Yet another...:

As part of Prudential Life Market Corporation Agency initiated Promotion, you just been chosen to receive free tuition fee for a two year computer course at datamex (miscellaneous and other fees not included) free insurance nd 5 coupons for our cash raffle of Php 50,000 covering the period of July to Dec 2008. Activate and claim it now at Rada branch, Makati/ For your claiming code, please call upon receipt of this message, 8129585.
(Source)

Yes, one message, different companies and tons of variations.

So first, what is this Datamex? Upon searching using Google, here are some of the information I found:

- Datamex Computer College / Datamex Computer School / Datamex Institute of Computer Technology is not registered under Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Datamex have 10 branches or more. Here are some: Fairview, Tacloban, Novaliches, Las Piñas, Antipolo, Meycauayan, Mandaue Cebu, Valenzuela, Taft. (For verification)
- Datamex is/must be under TESDA
- Datamex is part of a government program that aims to provide "Ladderized Curriculum". Ladderized Education is a new system of education in the Philippines that allows learners to progress between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and College, and vice-versa. (TESDA FAQ)

Connection of Cocoplans / Prudential Life to Datamex

Upon reading almost all the possible search results, I found out that Cocoplans/ Prudential Life is using Datamex as a promotional gimmick to attract possible "policy" buyers. They are using the "Free Scholarship" as a bait to attract customers.

According to Starwin14 of TipidPC, he was one of the tele-marketers and they use the phone directory to call their prospective targets. They don't have salaries. Instead, for every person they can bring in, they get 100 Pesos (Roughly $2 USD) If they can sell that person an insurance policy, that's where the commission gets bigger.

So that's their main strategy.

Requirements to claim the "FREE" Datamex Scholarship:
1. Company ID
2. Government ID
3. Bank ID (such as visa or mastercard)

LOL. Bank ID?? haha! Something is really fishy. Why would you need a credit card este BANK ID? hmm...


They win if /You lose if:
Get you interested, make you go to their office, explain their plans / policies (full 100% attention because you are already there in person), sweet talk (maybe) you to let them swipe your card and get your free Datamex free scholarship.

They lose if/ You win if:
You get interested with the free scholarship, go to their office, let them explain their plans and policies (with your 100% decision of not buying any of their plans and policies), not to be sweet talked to swipe your card and get your free Datamex scholarship then leave.

But, how to you do the latter? Read this blog by Melbagabuya (Not a sure-fire way but it worked for her)

Warning though, there are some reports that they include the Free Datamex scholarship only when you purchase their plans/ policies. (source)

So, is the Datamex Scholarship really free with no strings attached?

Actually, it's still not entirely free. Upon enrolling, you will still be asked for 3,000 pesos (est) as miscellaneous fee. From 5,000 to 7,000 pesos misc fee PER SEMESTER according to this reply.

*some people are selling their Datamex Scholarship vouchers. Although transferable, they are of no value and is not for sale. This has already been featured in ABS-CBN's XXX.

Is the Datamex scholarship worth all the trouble?

If you have tons of time in your hands, then go. You have nothing to lose. If you are working your ass off and can't miss work even once because of a tight budget, I suggest you skip this one.

Here are some of the feedbacks of some "students"/ "datamex customers":- Ratio of computer to student in their Imus branch = 1:10 (source)
- Computer specifications very outdated (source)
- Datamex Valenzuela Branch: No instructors and often has no classes (source)
and lots more. If you want to read the feedbacks, visit THIS WEBSITE.

Now, it's up to you if you want to avail and take advantage of the free scholarship. I'm not saying that this is a scam. What I'm sure of is, this is a marketing strategy of the said companies.

Here are some more reading materials regarding the Datamex/ Cocoplans/ Prudential life Spams:

http://imus.olx.com.ph/datamex-free-tuition-fee-in-any-computer-course-certificate-2-yr-course-iid-2205628
http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=174011
http://www.istorya.net/forums/general-discussions/218365-cocoplans-with-datamex-scholarship-scam-or-not.html
http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=123300
http://pasig.olx.com.ph/college-scholarship-for-all-iid-2079096


Feel free to share your experiences below.

Good day to all :)

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Glossary of Crimes in the Philippines

This E-mail was forwarded to me and I thought that posting it might benefit a lot of people. So, to whoever created this, great job compiling Manila crimes! :)) You have to be updated though :p

===E-mail Starts Here===

Most crimes are committed on the streets, while riding on public transportation, in shopping malls, and in other areas with high people concentration. The most frequent crimes perpetrated across the metropolis are pick-pocketing, robbery, confidence schemes, and to a lesser degree, credit card fraud. While these crimes are common to many other major cities, the names could be different for these are the ones used mainly in Metro Manila.

Glossary of Crimes (In this order)
I, Tagalog Crime Name
II, Common Crime Scene(s)
III, Tactics Description

1. Salisi Gang
Hotel lounges, coffee bars, cafes, and restaurants frequented by perceivably wealthy tourists and businessmen

Suspects are typically well-dressed, mild-mannered, and project an aura of legitimate businessman or an affluent matron; complete with jewelry, attaché case and other props to appear and look wealthy. The perpetrator moves closer to the would-be victim and waits patiently until the victim is engrossed in a serious conversation with a companion or leaves his or her bags and other belongings unattended. In a swift motion, the perpetrator takes the unattended bag or belongings and casually leaves the place.

Another variant, involves two or three accomplices who distract the would-be victim by engaging them in a conversation, often pretending to know the victim from somewhere or ask for a lighter. When distracted, the accomplice takes the unattended bag or belongings of the victim.

Another tactic involves a perpetrator who loiters around the hotel ' s front desk and waits for a guest to deposit his room key or is busy conversing with the front desk staff during registration. Once the victim is already busy talking with the front desk staff, the perpetrator makes his move by walking beside the victims and grab the bags or belongings unattended in a swift motion and casually leaves the location.


2. Tutok-Kalawit Gang
Malls, sidewalks, schools, public buses, and jeepneys

Tutok-Kalawit involves a man or woman suddenly hugging a victim like they are old friends. In truth, the con man or woman is discreetly poking a sharp object on the side of the victim while quietly telling him to turn over his cash and valuables.

Another variant of this criminal tactic would be two thieves accusing a victim of something bogus. The victim would naturally deny the charge and confront his accuser. The thieves would then ask the victim to show his/her ID. Since IDs are usually kept in wallets, thieves will grab the wallet from the victim and run away.


3. Ativan Gang
Bars, boardwalks, restaurant, and other tourist spots

Ativan perpetrators commonly victimize foreigners who roam alone in public places. The group is usually composed of three (3) to four (4) males or females who befriend the would-be victim. After gaining trust and confidence, the victim will be taken for a ride to other tourist sites and during meal time, the victim will be brought to their house usually situated in a squatter colony where the victim will be treated for lunch, snacks, or dinner. The served drink is spiked with Ativan – a powerful anti-depressant/sleeping pill. Even before finishing the drink, the victim will succumb to a deep sleep and while sleeping, will be stripped of his cash and valuables and will be brought out of the house and left at a completely random location.

Another variant of this tactic is when a male victim is seduced and picked-up in a bar, restaurant, park and/or a tourist site by a gorgeous female, well dressed and well-mannered. The victim will be approached and befriended until a casual conversation and seduction process takes place which culminates in negotiated sexual activities. The victim will either be brought to a pre-arranged hotel/motel or to his own hotel room. Once at the designated room, the victim will be offered liquor or drink which the perpetrator mixes with highly potent Ativan pills. Once the victim is unconscious, the suspect will divest the victim of his cash/valuables, and then leave the victim at the scene. Most of the victims of this crime wake-up after two to three days and it takes another two days before the victim can fully recover from the drugs and discover the losses.


5. Ipit Gang
Crowded areas such as passenger jeepneys, railway stations, and malls

Ipit gang members operate in groups of four or five. Gang members shove or push a prospective victim to distract him or her, while their accomplice picks his pocket. In jeepneys and buses, suspects squeeze-in and distract their victims while their accomplice snatches the victim’s wallet and/or mobile phone.

6. Budol-Budol Gang
Malls, airports, restaurants, and coffee shops frequented by perceivably wealthy tourists and businessmen

Budol-Budol is a transaction scam principally involving a supposed bundle (budol) of cash that is actually padded inside with sheets of paper cut in the size of money. Only the exposed sides however are real money, everything in between are plain paper cuttings.

Budol-budol gang members are often described as sweet-talking, charismatic, and convincing. Other victims even report having been hypnotized by the group.

Reports and stories of the Budol-budol operations vary from a balikbayan (returning overseas Filipinos) urgently needing a huge amount in Philippine Peso in exchange for his Dollars, to a stranger ' s emergency offer to swap his bundle of cash with a mobile phone or an expensive piece of jewelry. After gaining the potential victim ' s trust the two parties barter their items – the bundle of money for whatever product the to-be victim is peddling. Mobile phones and jewelry are the most commonly lost items. Some high profile cases involve rare paintings, expensive furniture and millions worth of checks to the Budol-budol gang. After the deal is made, the gang and the victim splits.

Another, more sensational and dramatic variant of this crime is the use of fake gold bars, which the suspects use as bait for their victims. The ploy commonly used involves a Filipino treasure hunter or a Japanese survivor has knowledge of a secret Japanese fortune which was plundered by the retreating Japanese Army during World War II which is yet to be completely recovered. A sample of the gold bar is shown to the would be victim for physical examination and since the gold bar actually looks genuine, an offer is made to sell the whole fortune by asking the victim to pay half the cost of the gold bars under terms and conditions agreed upon. One of the conditions is that the gold bars can be delivered or a map can be provided and brought to the site where the bars can be dug up. After the payment, the perpetrators will never show up and the victim will soon discover that the gold bars which were delivered or unearthed from the site are gold plated lead bars.


7. Kotong
Airports, hotels, restaurants, malls, and public parks frequented by foreigners and balikbayans.

The common victims of this MO are foreigners, balikbayans and their dependents who are lured into exchanging their foreign currencies into pesos at a rate higher than the prevailing exchange rates. The group/individual approaches and offers a tempting high rate to the would-be victim.

During the transaction, which usually takes place outside or right in front of a foreign exchange shop, the equivalent peso is counted before the victim three times. Initially, the victim is allowed to count the money he will receive to make him feel confident that he will get the exact amount for his foreign currency. After, a recount is done by one of the perpetrators spreading the pesos in his palm to cover his fingers that are folding a portion of the bunch. The suspect distracts the attention of the victim, often by telling him to be extra careful of robbers, while wrapping the bundle of money in a newspaper or placing it inside a paper bag. The victim eventually discovers that he was shortchanged when he counts the money while inside a car or upon arrival at his house or hotel.


8. Laslas Bag/Laslas Bulsa
Malls, open-air markets, and public transportation

Perpetrators of this crime usually target victims in crowded areas. A man/woman/child pretending to be lost or selling an item approaches the victim to distract his/her attention. An accomplice slashes the bag/pocket of the victim who is busy being distracted by another suspect. All money and goods are stolen.


9. Ipit Taxi Gang
Taxis

The Ipit Taxi scheme usually involves three (3) perpetrators. The trio uses a taxi cab spray painted with a different name and sporting stolen or fake license plates. The driver usually drives around looking for a

potential victim who is hailing a taxi cab. Unknown to the victim, the locking mechanisms of both rear doors are not working. The driver then drives the cab to a pre-arranged area, usually a dimly lit street or highway, and slows down pretending he has engine/mechanical trouble. At this juncture his cohorts approach both doors of the cab, jump in and sandwich the victim who is forcibly divested of his cash and valuables. After the victim is robbed, the driver takes the victim and dumps him in a quiet place or highway.

In another variant, the taxi driver, with the help of an illegal solicitor, will ask the victim to pay an additional amount or forcibly divest him of all cash and valuables, then the victim is dumped in a remote area.


10. Estribo Gang
Public transportation

Attackers prey on passengers inside a bus or jeepney by positioning themselves near the estribo or vehicle ' s exit and then hold up everyone inside. In other instances, a crafty criminal will set up at the exit of a crowded bus or jeepney and systematically pick the pocket of passengers passing through..


11. Bukas Kotse Gang
Main roads under heavy traffic, parking areas in malls, churches, schools, etc.

Thieves typically work in pairs.. Spotting a potential victim driving a car with unlocked doors, a pair will force their way into an occupied parked car or a vehicle stopped at an intersection. Other times, using a car of their own, the pair will force the victim to maneuver his or her vehicle off the road. One of the attackers will force the victim to open his door. The attacker pushes the victim to the front passenger seat, drives the car to a deserted area, and robs the victim. Sometimes, the attackers also steal the car.

12. Dura Boys
Public transportation terminals, jeepneys, and buses

This tactic is usually carried out by a group of three. The first member informs the victim that a man/woman has spit on her sleeve and back. The victim will be distracted trying to wipe the spit on her sleeve while one of the other members of the gang steals the victim’s valuables, usually a wallet or a mobile phone.


13. Akyat-Bahay Gang
Residential areas

The Akyat-Bahay is the most common robbery scheme in the Philippines . This crime is usually orchestrated by three to five people. These thieves target homes that are unoccupied especially during the holiday season (i.e. Christmas, Holy Week, and Summer Vacation) or during severe weather conditions (i.e. typhoons) when members of the household can barely notice break-ins into their homes. The gang also employs children who can easily enter homes illegally through tight spaces.


14. Pitas Gang
Provincial and city operation buses, jeepneys, motorized passenger sidecars (tricycles), and schools

Thieves typically target passengers seated near the windows of public buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. Among the items usually snatched by thieves include wrist watches, rings, necklaces, mobile phones, and hand bags.

Another variant occurs when a group of thieves grab the ears of women and young girls and steal their earrings or snatch their bracelets from their wrists.


15. Zest-O Gang
Provincial/city operation buses.

This scheme is usually executed by three members. One of the perpetrators wears a bus conductor’s uniform and ask their potential victim “ilan ho” or “how many?” The unsuspecting victim assumes that the man is the bus conductor and responds with the amount of fare the victim should pay. The criminal then forcibly hands the victim a Zest-O juice or any food item and demands that the victim pay for the item. The two accomplices will vouch that the victim ordered from the vendor. The victim will then be forced to pay up.


16. Laglag-Barya Gang
Provincial/city operation buses, jeepneys, railway stations

Members of this gang drop coins or small bills near their victim. While the victim helps to scoop up the money, other gang members start robbing the victim. In most instances, a gang member blends with the crowd and serves as lookout or “stopper,” when someone tries to run after his companions.


17. Baraha Gang
Restaurants, shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets

Members of this gang are typically waiters and cashiers who target credit card users in business establishments. Once the victim gives his credit card to the waiter/shop attendant the card is swiped to a skimming device that will capture the victim’s credit card account.


18. Besfren Gang
Bargain malls and open-air markets

This gang targets shoppers who check out items sold in stalls (i.e. watches, jewelry, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets). One of the gang members stands next to the victim and borrows the item being checked, pretending that he/she is a friend of the victim. The thief will quickly flee the stall premises bringing with him/her the said item. The store owner/attendant naturally assumes that the victim is an accomplice and will ask him/her to pay for the item.

===E-mail Ends Here===

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I'm tired of making articles about those killer buses...

This morning, I found out that there was a new bus accident in Manila, Philippines, specifically near the North Cemetery / Chinese General Hospital area.

According to the GMA news website,

At least seven passengers were injured after the minibus they were riding turned on its side at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City early Monday.

Radio dzBB's Mao dela Cruz reported that the Sta. Cruz-Malinta minibus with plate number TVF-109 was traversing A. Bonifacio Road near the Manila North Cemetery when the accident occurred.

Photo not taken by me - It's from Flickr

I noticed something in the "related articles" of the GMA news website. The title says, Joanna Jesh buses allowed back on metro's road. It was dated today, November 10,2008. I double checked it and understood clearly that the said bus company would be allowed to be back on Metro Manila roads after a 3 week suspension, which is just today, November 10,2008.

You see, those bus companies are fooling LTFRB / LTO and they still do not know it.

I saw a couple (more than 4) Joanna Jesh buses last Saturday and Sunday on EDSA alone. I don't know if they have other routes but what people can do is, they can boycott this accident killer buses because if the Philippine government can't discipline them, it's up to the people to discipline them.

Who else would, right?

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Be aware of the products you use! (Milk, shampoo, body wash and more)

Melamine in milk
I was listening to the AM radio station yesterday afternoon (frequency: 630) and I heard an interesting topic. Korina was talking about the just recent hot topic, not only here in the Philippines, but in the whole world, the Melamine scare.

Korina's explanation was, because the cows in China isn't healthy enough to produce the anticipated protein levels in the milk they produce, they use melamine as protein boosters so when scientists or companies check the protein levels, it would then impress them and mislead them into buying and getting them as suppliers.

This is also the same answer I found on the internet.

some companies discovered that they could water down the product, getting the same money for artifically inflated volume, and hide it by adding melamine to fool the protein tests the buying companies would do to check on quality. I am absolutely boggled that people would do this AGAIN after seeing the consequences the first time; it's not like this goes undiscovered, as it makes people -- or pets -- very sick!

Yesterday, I posted the list of products postive with Melamine in it. The test has a follow up result on another brand of tainted milk. Now, people are very conscious in what they buy and it's a good thing. This would then lead to companies being extra careful in the ingredients they use to prevent being the hot topic. They wouldn't want that kind of publicity, believe me.

Cadmium in cosmetics

The other day, I was watching ABS-CBN news and heard that some cosmetics was positive for the ingredient, cadmium.

According to Wikipedia,

Cadmium has no constructive purpose in the human body. It, and its compounds, are extremely toxic even in low concentrations, and will bioaccumulate in organisms and ecosystems.

Those companies who are using this and defending themselves saying that cadmium should create a certain mixture with another ingredient to make them toxic in cosmetics. I don't think so. Just read the clear definition from that site. If you don't believe wikipedia, go here:
http://www.bodyburden.org/chemicals/chemical.php?chemid=30004

Paraben in some hair care products
Speaking of clear, from the time I was made aware (a few months back) that "Paraben" is bad and is also a carcinogen, I stopped using clear (shampoo). Believe me, this will be a very big issue very soon. Plenty of shampoos and body washes contain paraben. According to this website,

Parabens can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste.

Also, do you want your skin to age prematurely? Source: This site

Studies have found that the biggest risk from parabens seems to be from the use of products that require a prolonged exposure to skin, such as skin creams and facial lotions. The longer that the parabens are on the skin, the more opportunity there is for parabens to be absorbed. When used in skin care products, parabens are absorbed directly into the blood stream rather than through the gastrointestinal tract.

One type of paraben - methylparaben - has also been linked to the premature aging of skin. A study undertaken in Japan indicated that certain cosmetic products may cause skin to age excessively when exposed to ultra-violet rays. Ironically, this compound can be commonly found in products designed to fight the effects of aging.

So methylparaben causes premature skin aging?



I'm sorry to have had posted this picture of a famous shampoo brand but, this is the only product I have in hand with paraben. I will buy products with paraben and take photos of them. Someone informed me that some products from bodyshop has paraben also. This also goes for Marks and Spencer body wash lines.

Just be aware when buying products. Check out the ingredients at the back. it is better to be safe than sorry. Tell me, would you buy a product that has a risk of putting your health in danger? I don't think so.

==Updates!
-I just checked head and shoulders and it doesn't have paraben. I will have to triple check that to be sure.

-Sunsilk contains paraben!

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