Do-It-Yourself Decoration Ideas For Graduation Party

Graduation, and what comes to your mind? Party.

After years of hard work, concluding high school or college is a feat to celebrate. If you are throwing a graduation party, fill it with fun. It is classic to decorate in school colors. But try to personalize your treat. Check out these ten DIY decoration ideas to make the day more special.

Photo credit: www.paperdirect.com

Graduation Party Seals

Decorate invitations, party wares, and keepsakes with celebratory graduation seal. Use a gold-medallion notary stickers or cut-out papers. Then, print congratulatory or complimentary words. Place a notched ribbon behind before gluing them.

Photo credit: scrappinjulie.blogspot.com

School Days Scrapbook

You may display a bunch of photographs, artwork, awards, and test papers that the graduate accrued over the years.

Keys To Success Station

Put a key to success station where visitors could write notes for the graduate. Buy decorative keys and place note tags. Display it with a jar and pen.  Party guests will write a short message, and place it in the jar.

Photo credit: love-the-day.com

Graduation Banner

Make a banner for the graduates. String together card stock with felt letters that says congratulations or good luck.  

Photo credit:chicoparty.com

2015 Balloons

Use inflated colorful or one-colored balloons to spell out “class of 2015.”

Photo credit: thesweetestoccasion.com

Graduation Tassel Garland 

Hang colorful tassel garland. You may use real tassel, tissue or colored paper, or yarn.

Photo credit: thepartyanimal-blog.org

Mini Cupcake Graduation Caps

Make your grad party a special one by serving mini graduation caps. Bake mini chocolate chip cookie cups. Cut chocolate bars into squares. Then, use M&Ms, and sour candy for the tassel.

Photo credit: glorioustreats.com

Cupcake Toppers

Adore your cupcakes with printed toppers.  Dress it up with banners, medallions, ribbons, graduation caps, and diploma.

Photo credit: bakerella.com

Candy Cup Graduation Hat

If you want a sweet treat without baking, candy cup is a must try. You only need square chocolates, chocolate cups, mini M&Ms, strips of sour candy, and lollipop sticks. Then, assemble them all.

Photo credit: bitsandlittlepieces.wordpress.com

DIY Clothespin Photo Wall 

Throwback and relive the memories. Gather all photos to reflect on the milestones. By using clothespin and string, hang a bunch of family pictures and memorable things.

Best Photo Apps for IOS and Android Phones

Photo credit: techlomedia.in

One clear thing, taking pictures with a phone is a trend now. Call it smartphone photography or iPhoneography (because you’re using iPhone), you can point-and-shoot on interesting things.

Easy, isn’t it? But here’s a more interesting thing for your Android or IOS phone. You can use these different photo apps to enhance your images.

ProCamera 8

Many iPhone users can gain a more control on images with ProCamera 8. It has full-manual exposure control, adjustable shooting grids, an innovative high dynamic range, and image stabilizer. The apps even offer a set of editing tools for your images. What’s more, you can adjust the quality and size of your photos. Other than JPEG, you can save your pictures in TIFF format for high quality printing.  

Camera+

Camera+ is a camera and a photo editing app. It has a range of advance settings and tools to enhance your images. Have more control on exposure, color, and sharpness. Work with a variety of filters, touch-focus adjustments, 6x digital zoom, and a timer.

Hipstamatic

If you want a novel and timeless photo effects, Hipstamatic is a good choice. This photo app has different vintage and modern films, lenses, and flash. Using the combos can give you stunning images in a variety of style.

Oggl

It is an app by Hipstamatic, but it offers more flexibility. You can mix and match its filters before taking a picture. You can even change the film and lens setting after you have taken the photo.

VSCO Cam

This popular camera and photo-editing app has packed of filters and tools for your photos. It offers soft and slightly faded look features. You can adjust the exposure, color, and sharpness via this app.

Filterstorm Neue

The app has masking brush, curve tools, radial, and linear gradient filters. These features take your photos to higher level.

TouchRetouch

The app can get rid of unwanted things from your photo. Simply point or highlight the objects you want to remove. It has clone tool if you want to duplicate an object.

Google Camera

If you want simple interface for your android phones, Google Camera is a good one. What’s more, behind this simplicity are amazing functions for your snaps. Use its lens blur, panorama, and HDR+ to create great photos.

Snapseed

Google’s own photo editor, Snapseed, has been around to tweak photos taken by android phones. The app has basic filters and frames that allow you to check and adjust your photo. Crop, size, and rotate the image. You can even control its contrast, color saturation, brightness, and white balance. With its selective adjustment tool, you can select and adjust parts of the photo.

Instagram

Instagram has ramped up the popularity of mobile photography. Apart from being a photo-sharing app, it has editing filters and tools. You can even share your photos to Facebook, Twitter, and many more.

Treats for 2015 Graduates: Top Buffet Restaurants in Manila

Photo Credit: www.wisegeek.org

The news that summer is officially here is most welcome by students, especially the graduates. It means no more classes, no more exams, and best of all, no more having to stay up late and wake up early. But before taking the next big step (whether it's higher education, your first job, or maybe even your own business), it's time for a well-deserved treat. So here’s a list of the top buffet restos in Manila where you can celebrate with your friends and family.

1. Vikings

Enjoy sumptuous international cuisine at Vikings. Their branch in SM Megamall can easily house 500+ guests and serve more than 200 dishes every day.

2. Yakimix

Dig into mouth-watering Asian cuisines of Yakimix. They cater a variety of sushi and everything that you can grill from seafood to all kinds of meat.

3. Cabalen

Satisfy your native tongue with Filipino dishes served at Cabalen. They live by their name by serving tasty “Kapampangan style” dishes.

4. Kamayan/Dad’s/Saisaki Restaurant

Experience a triple treat buffet with three distinct buffets – Dad’s World Buffet, Kamayan’s Filipino Dishes, or Saisaki’s Japanese Cuisines.

5. Tong Yang

Love hot pot and grilled stuff? Try Tong Yang! It’s a Chinese Shabu Shabu (hotpot) and barbeque resto in Greenhills.

6. Spiral

If fine dining and buffet is what you’re looking for, Spiral in Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is the one for. Divided into 21 dining ateliers, I’m sure you’ll go gaga with their variety of cuisines.

7. Chinatown’s Best Food

Experience the taste of China in Quezon City. Prepared by authentic Chinese chefs, this smorgasbord will surely take you to the mainland.

8. Seven Corners Restaurant

Seven Corners Restaurant is just like any other buffet resto but what set them apart are their Indian dishes.

9. Chef Laudico Guevarra’s

You will literally feel-at-home at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s Restaurant. The house-turned-restaurant serves the best of our Filipino favorites.

10. Sambo Kojin

If you were into Korean and Japanese dishes, Sambo Kojin would be a great place to try. With their wide range of ready to grill stuff, you will surely satisfy your cravings.

Is your favorite buffet restaurant not on the list? Just comment below and I’ll check it out the next time my mind is beaten by my cravings. 

Books for Your Brain: The Start of Thinking Great Thoughts

Photo credit: braindrain.dk

Even during this digital age, books remain popular among people from all walks of life. It is simply because they retain their purpose—to educate while enhancing one’s comprehension skills. Who wouldn’t want to expand knowledge while having fun?

While reading any type of book is a good way to feed your hungry mind, you still have to be picky when it comes to the content of book. Don’t be blinded by an enticing title or a nice illustration on the cover.

Keys to a Healthier Brain

In choosing which books to read, will you go for a best-selling novel or the one authored by a controversial personality? Frankly, there’s no problem if you choose either of the two or both of them. It’s always up to you being the reader.

But if you want to further deepen your understanding and awareness about different things and topics, you might want to dwell on more helpful printed work.

Achieve a healthier brain by reading these types of book:

1. History

It’s always interesting to know what really happened in the past and how events unfolded that led to the current situation. Reading this type of book is very useful in such a way that it gives us a chance to look back at some notable characters who helped shape the civilization. Also, history gives us all the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and correct the present.

2. Science and Tech

The fact that the world has gone digital is enough reason to learn the most fascinating facts about the universe and the modern discoveries. This type of book lets us appreciate the efforts of humankind in an attempt to achieve progress.

3. Fiction

No, it isn’t all about false stories. Fiction works allow us to explore on someone’s innovative ideas and experience a “new reality.” This type raises the reader’s level of consciousness and widens imagination. As this book includes sorts of history and psychology, it makes the reader a good thinker.

4. Philosophy

No other type of written work can influence people’s daily life the way philosophy books do. As this one tackles a broad range of topics and concepts— from art to politics— readers are offered with basic teachings and views to learn the lessons in life.

[Note: The writer did not recommend certain titles of books intentionally to let readers choose the ones that interest them.]

Read these books during your leisure time and you’ll soon have great thoughts about anything and everything.

Let us know which books you really love to read. Leave your comment below.

Two Major Steps in Choosing a College Degree

When you think about your future, where do you see your growth coming from? Here’s a point to consider: successful persons would say that a good career rooted from the degree they take in college. 

So, a huge opportunity awaits you if you step-in the right course.

Deciding which course to take is a crucial one. Will you waste money, time, and effort for a wrong college degree? Of course, you won't. When it’s time to decide on what course to take, how would you do it?

If you are clueless of what major to take in college, then take these things as a guide:

Photo credit: seapublication.wordpress.com

 Evaluate Yourself

The old adage lives: go for things that you love to do. Choose a degree that goes with your interest. Look inward, and know yourself more. Reflect on your goals, likes, dislikes, and skills. It is important that your course compliments with your abilities, personality, and passion. It will be easy for you to take the curriculum and succeed.

Assessing yourself would mean asking your family and friends. Get their points. Also, ask yourself these questions:

-      What type of work do you enjoy?

-      What type of career you see yourself in?

-      Which subject you enjoy more?

-      Can you work with people or prefer to work alone?

-      Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

-      Can you communicate well with people?

-      Can you lead or just submit to orders?

Photo Credit: money.wikinut.com

The Demand and Earning Potential of Your Interest

Yes, a degree may give you the diploma. On the other hand, does it guarantee a job or a high pay? Job outlook and wage rate have big roles to grow well and attain a bright future.

Mind technology. Tech industry has the highest demand, and it pays well. As an ongoing trend, it will give you a well-off life. For example, you love math. Then go for computer programming, software development, or information technology course.  If you love arts, then find a course that suits and improves your creativity. Aside from fine arts, you may take multimedia, graphic design, or other digital arts courses.

Choosing a college degree requires more time to reflect and set up goals. Have an open mind and be honest with yourself. For sure, you can pick the right degree that leads you to success. 

2015 Travel Guide: Top Unspoiled Beaches in the Philippines

Summer is now officially here and it’s the perfect time to take a break and travel with family and friends! And when we say summer, the best refuge will be the beach. Out of the 7,107 islands, here’s our list of spectacular unspoiled beaches in the Philippines:

Photo Credit: www.calaguasislands.com

1. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

I still consider this island unspoiled due to lack of infrastructures near the beachfront. And when you choose this place as your refuge for some time, be prepared to kiss your gadgets goodbye. With no electricity and CP and data signal, the best form of entertainment you have is the beach.

Photo Credit: www.islandsofthephilippines.com

2. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

Declared as a National Marine Reserve since 1994, Palaui Island is largely uninhabited save for a small fishing community. It boasts an amazing coastline and abundant marine life and wildlife.

Photo Credit: www.tripadvisor.com.ph

3. Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan

If you’re heading to Coron, my advice is to save a day or two for island hopping. Laze on its off coast white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and awesome snorkelling spots with virtually zero or just a handful of people around.

Photo Credit: www.nomadicexperiences.com

4. Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Lush mangrove forest, a stunning lighthouse, white sand beach, and beautiful rock formations are just some of what Apo Reef can offer. You can also swim with sharks, green sea turtles, and diverse bright-colored fishes and corals.

Photo Credit: www.travel.wikinut.com

5. Puraran Beach, Catanduanes

Located on the easternmost fringe of Luzon, Puraran beach have been famous as a surfer’s haven. The place lacks modern amenities so there’s no choice but to unplug and unwind through its great waves, thick jungles, and pristine waters.

Photo Credit: www.rappler.com

6. Kagusuan Beach, Siquijor

Do you want a quiet retreat? Try going to the hidden paradise of Kagusuan beach. This beach is tucked securely away from many tourists so you might find yourself enjoying the beach without any distractions.

Photo Credit: www.backpackingpilipinas.com

7. Subic Beach, Sorsogon

Another beach worth visiting is Subic Beach, about 30-45 minutes boat ride from Matnog. An overnight camp near its pink sand beach under a starry night is definitely a treat to indulge in summer.

Photo Credit: www.backpackingpilipinas.com

8. Dahican Beach, Davao Oriental

Known as the skim boarding capital, Dahican is also famous as being a haven for the endangered sea turtle. There are protected areas on the beach set aside for them to lay their eggs.

Do you know other unspoiled beaches here in the Philippines? Please feel free to comment below and share them with us.

Top Cellphone Models to Lure People This 2015

Photo credit: samsung.com

Rapid growth in modern technology is a proof that the world really goes high-tech each day. Apparently, people can’t help but to wait for the latest trends that keep on coming and affect daily living.

In recent times, cellphone has become one of the necessities that help humans fulfill activities or even survive a day. But using this gadget always comes with a surprise. This is because tech firms selling electronic products strive to improve the current models. Further, phone brands seem like mushrooms that continue to exist and come out to meet the growing demand of people. As a result, both aficionados and regular Joes are all left waiting for new products and shocked upon seeing their specs.

Are you one of the many techy people who are eager to see the latest phone models this 2015?

Latest Models

There is a stiff race among electronics companies and phone makers. In a pursuit to dominate the market, these firms launch new phones at least once each year.

Here’s a list of what you can expect to see now or in the coming weeks or months:

• Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

These models were unveiled on March 1st and are set to be released on selected countries on April 10th. These sister phones have many similar specs with only a bit difference on battery, weight, and color of unit. Both do not have memory card slot.

• HTC One M9

This third-generation One model has similarities with One M8 but it features a much narrower and thicker frame. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and boasts its 20-megapixel rear camera.

While these two manufacturers announced the phone’s official release in the market, some others remain mum leaving aficionados speculating about their latest offers.

Below are other phone models we all expect to see before 2015 ends:

• Microsoft Lumia 940
• Apple’s iPhone 6S / 7
• Sony Xperia Z4
• LG G4
• Samsung Galaxy A7
• Nexus 7
• Huawei Ascend P8
• Asus ZenFone 2
• Google “Project Ara”
• Moto X+2
• Xiaomi Mi Note

Which one attracts you the most? Which one best suits your lifestyle?

(Note: The writer does not aim to preempt any impending release of these phone models nor promote these brands. The second list is a consolidation of predictions and rumors among phone fanatics across the Net, thus, these may or may not be released in the market and the name model may change.)

Korean Pop Music Invasion: How K-Pop Is Becoming a Worldwide Hit

Photo Credit: www.rollingstone.com

Does “K-Pop” ring a bell? For those who are not familiar with this term, K-Pop or Korean Popular Music is a mixture of trendy Western music and high-energy Japanese Popular Music (J-Pop). It preys on listeners' heads with repeated hooks, sometimes in English. It embraces genre fusion with both singing and rap, and highlights acts and strong visuals. But have you ever thought how these Korean songs are able to invade the music charts of other countries? Here are their secret formulas:

Versatile Music and Artists

Even from the start, the Korean record labels aim for the global market. They hire foreign composers, choreographers, and stylists and require their trainees to learn foreign languages. Most of the songs also include English lyrics and is translated to various languages like Japanese to capture the attention of other countries.

In order to invade foreign markets, the bands often include multi-language members like CL (fluent in English, French, and Japanese) and Dara (fluent in Filipino) of 2ne1. They also include non-Korean members who are accustomed to the local language and culture. One of the most famous examples is Nichkhun of 2PM. He is born in Southern California to a Thai-Chinese family and is fluent in English, Thai, and Mandarin.

Social Media

Social networking services (SNS) such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter have proven to be very effective for idols to gain fame overseas. They use SNS to promote their songs, connect with their fans, and appear more approachable by sharing pictures and footage from their private lives. One great example is the Gangnam Style of PSY. Garnering more than 2 Billion views in YouTube, he effortlessly invaded foreign music charts.

Collaboration with Foreign Artists

With the goal to penetrate foreign music charts, Korea’s Big 3 (YG, SM, and JYP) have made their artist collaborate with the big names in the music industry. Like will.i.am’s collaboration with 2NE1, Akon to Wonder Girls, Diplo to BigBang, and Teddy Riley to SNSD.

Star Value

K-Pop is also considered a visual industry. Aside from promoting in radio shows, idols prefer to make their debuts in TV and live shows highlighting their star value. This includes the face value, dance routine, fashion sense, and singing talent.

Do you want to know more about K-Pop? Suggest your topics and I’ll do my best to give you an amazing article.

MERS-CoV: What People Should Know about It

Photo credit: cdc.gov

People today face much greater challenge in maintaining good health compared to their counterparts a few decades back. This is for a fact that new strains of diseases continue to exist while other known ailments remain incurable. Further, some viruses are believed to have evolved into something worse, which affect the human body and ruin it within a short span of time. Thus, it is important that people be aware of these illnesses and learn how to prevent or treat them.

One of the new threats to human health is the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (or MERS-CoV), a viral illness that originated in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Know More about It

As of today, the cause of MERS-CoV has yet to be discovered. Some research suggest that it may have come from bats and was transferred to humans. But one thing is for sure: this virus is deadly. In fact, one-third of the total number of patients who fell ill due to MERS-CoV died.

Below are some interesting facts about this viral illness and some helpful information to educate and guide people:

• Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of MERS-CoV are so common that they are often mistaken for some other mild and common ailments. People who acquired the disease developed severe acute respiratory illness, which included cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Who Are at Risk?

According to health experts, people who may be at increased risk of developing MERS-CoV include (1) travelers who go to and have gone from the Arabian Peninsula; (2) healthcare staff who do not use safety gear while taking care of the infected patient; (3) people who have close contact with either confirmed case of MERS or ill traveler from the infected region; and (4) people who are exposed to camels.

• Treatment

If you feel you or someone shows the symptoms of MERS-CoV or is suspected of having it, do not self-medicate at home. While there is no known vaccine to cure the infection, it is still better to seek medical care.

• Recent Data

After the first case was reported a few years ago, the virus has since spread to some other countries in different continents. It has reached Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, France, Greece, Egypt, UK, the Philippines, and US, among others. Cases outside the Arabian Peninsula are reported by those who recently traveled there.

• Prevention Tips

Anyone can reduce the risk of acquiring the infection by doing good health routines and hygiene practices.

Let us all unite to fight all kinds of virus to stay healthy.