I would like to say goodbye to one of the greatest thinker and innovator of this time. May you rest in peace! I’m sure billions of people will miss you!

Watch this very inspiring speech from Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address:

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish! – Steve Jobs

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

R.I.P. Steve Jobs [1955-2011]

They also dropped browser support for IE6! Who still uses IE6 anyway?

You can check out the video below to see some new features the WordPress community has created for us.

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

WordPress Update [3.2 Gershwin]

I got an invite from the guys of LazerXtreme to try out there branch at Alabang Town Center and I agreed of course. I never tried laser tag in my life and it was a first for me and my friends.

Let me share you our experience at the LazerXtreme  in ATC.

LazerXtreme

LazerXtreme is popular for laser tag game but it has more to it than just that. LazerXtreme is an entertainment center where young kids and young at heart people can enjoy laser mazes, glow-in-the-dark mini golf and good food.

Laser Tag

If you watching the popular CBS comedy series “How I Met Your Mother” then I’m sure that you are very familiar with the term “laser tag”.

Laser tag is a team game where players attempt to score points by tagging targets/opponents, using their hand-held infrared-emitting targeting device or simply toy guns that shoots laser where players must also wear infrared-sensitive vest to act as a target. (see picture below)

Laser Tag is a game much like your typical “baril-barilan” but with the use of these high-tech toys. It can be played with multiple teams or with just 2 teams where you have to score as many points as possible by tagging your opponents.

The game can be played using different formats designed for a variety of challenges ranging from solo play, general team play, structured team building to advance game to challenge the most experienced players. In our case, we tried general team play where other players wear different colored vest and all we have to do is to hide and shoot them. It was crazy and fun but was also tiring because you have to be constantly on the move to avoid being tagged.

Golf Extreme

We also tried “Golf Extreme”. It was a mini golf with 9 holes that are using glow-in-the-dark equipments to add a little flavor to the experience. It was nice but it is more fitted for kids rather than adults.

Laser Maze

“Laser Maze” was the first activity we tried. We got excited to try it out because it was quite familiar to us. Remember when  you watch a detective or a spy movie and there’s always a highly secured place with lasers to protect it? This is what the Laser Maze is about. It’s a small dark room equipped with green laser sensors where players have to avoid. Players must travel to the other side of the room and back without alerting the sensor to avoid point deductions. The game can be played in 3 level of difficulties. We tried easy and medium and look, I even placed third on the record for medium difficulty. Yebah!

Planet Cafe

We had a great “merienda” at Planet Cafe after we tried all of Lazer Extreme’s amenities. We ordered spaghetti bolognese and peperroni pizza to complete our Lazer Extreme experience. The food was good and it was priced reasonably.

All-in-all we all had fun with our visit at Lazer Xtreme and if you ask me if I would go back there, I’ll say yes definitely. It you like to try what we experienced then you should visit Lazer Xtreme in Alabang Town Center or in Market-Market in Global City, Taguig.

You can check the rates of their services below or visit their website at http://www.lazerxtreme.com.ph/ for more details.

I would like to thank the guys of LaserXtreme for the experience and good food served at Planet Cafe.

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

LazerXtreme fun at Alabang Town Center

I attended the WordCamp Philippines 2010 for this picture! haha!

Thanks to Mr. WordPress himself, Matt Mullenweg and Ron for the photo.

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

With Matt Mullenweg!

Explanations for questions 1 to 9 is available here.

If you own a self hosted blog, then you have to read it and be informed!

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

Google Webmaster Quiz answer key is out!

It’s already 2010 and 2009 is so last year, but I want to go back to my 2009 new year’s resolution post to see how I did.

In my New Year’s Resolution for 2009 post, I listed my goals:

1. Keep my blogs updated (all my blogs: News Blog, tech blog, violin blog, showbiz news blog, earn money online/ personal blog and earn more money out of blogging

- Well some of it are still updated. DC is always updated of course but my tech and violin blogs are kinda ignored last year.

2. Study PHP and Code Igniter some more

- I did!

3. Go to the gym regularly and loose some 20 lbs

- Just recently, I enrolled to the gym. Let’s see if there will be some improvements this year.

4. Buy myself a new cellphone

- I think my iPhone 3G is enough.

5. Read my pocket books

- I’ve read some but the other ones were left unread.

6. Buy a new computer table and additional memory for my PC (Yes I know, I can’t afford a Mac)

- Yes I bought an extra 1GB for my Jurassic PC and gave my self a MacBook Pro.

7. Practice violin regularly

- This one, I failed badly! =(

8. Learn how to drive and get myself a non-pro license

- I got myself a Student’s license. That’s a start right?

9. Go to a blogging event at least twice this 2009

- I did!. I went to iBlog and WordCamp 2009.

10. Be a good boy! =)

- I think so, but Santa never gave me a present.

I did pretty well last year right? Now it’s time to make another wish/goal/resolution for 2010. I’ll keep it short this time.

My New Year’s Resolution for 2010

1. Have more time with my loved ones.

2. Update my blogs more often.

3. Learn how to drive and buy my own car. A second hand car is OK.

4. To have an SLR

5. Be a better man.

Happy New Year to all!

[image via istockphoto]

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

Happy New Year! Welcome 2010!

Hi I’m back here again after some time. I just don’t want to miss the chance to greet all the visitors of my blog, a very Merry Christmas!

I want to thank my friends and my family for the support through the past year. I want to wish all of us a good year ahead of us!

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Merry Christmas Everybody!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

Happy Halloween!

The objective of this challenge is to:

• promote the importance of fuel efficient driving amidst unstable fuel prices
• help reduce harmful emissions released into the atmosphere by burning less fuel
• validate Honda’s fuel-efficient and earth-friendly engine technology.

The Concept of this friendly competition is simple. Participants have to  Gas-up (Full tank) and Drive under normal, day-to-day driving style. It means that the air-conditioning unit must be turned on.

The competition has 2 parts, the City Driving and the Highway Driving. Winners will be determined by the average Kilometer reading divided by the gas used through the entire challenge.

The participants of this Honda Challenge Cup were composed of fleet account representatives and “us” (select members of the blog community).

When I arrived at the Assembly area in TGI Friday’s, Bonifacio High Street, I didn’t see any blogger from the people who were waiting there. When I was eating my breakfast (c/o TGIF), I saw this man (see picture below) entered the room and recognized him in that very moment.

It was Abe “Yuga” Olandres of yugatech.com. Me and Abe were paired for the challenge! Yeah!

Let’s Rock and Roll!

Participants were divided in 6 categories: (Basically all Honda line-up were put into the test)

1. City 1.3 AT
2. City 1.5 AT
3. Jazz 1.3 AT
4. Civic 1.8 AT
5. CR-V 2.0 MT
6. Accord 3.5 AT

We were assigned to drive the CR-V 2.0 Manual with a road book at hand. Abe took the driver’s seat while I became the navigator for the entire run. YES! For the entire run! I still don’t have my license, Sorry Abe!

Yuga: The Driver

City Driving Leg: In this part of the challenge, We started at Petron C5, Deigo Silang and ended at Petron NLEX, Marilao.

Highway Driving Leg: We started at Petron NLEX, Marilao and ended at Petron NLEX, Balagtas.

There was a lot of gas-ing up and waiting in between but after the Highway driving leg we returned to Global City for the Awarding and announcement of winners. At this point we had a good idea about who the winners would be since we were checking the filling-up of fuels of the other challengers.

Awarding

This is my favorite part of the event. Why? Because there were food and prizes!

We won in our category beating the other CR-V by a liter. We managed to get an average of 13.03 Kilometers/Liter (Not bad for an SUV with 2.0 engine, Just ask Abe about his driving strategy on how we achieved that performance). Surprisingly, we also came in 3rd overall, beating the compact sedan in City and Honda Jazz. The big winner was the Honda Civic with 18.51 Ki/L fuel consumption. Whoa!

We received 5K worth of Petron Fuel cards and 5K worth of Gift Certificates. I gave my fuel cards to Abe since I don’t have a car and he gave me his GCs. But wait there’s more! There was a raffle for all the participants! Abe got a cool Honda jacket and I got an iPod shuffle.

Here are the results: (click the image for larger view)

Conclusion:

Being fuel efficient is a combination of certain factors:

1. The Driver – Fuel Efficient drivers are skilled drivers. You cannot just step on the gas and expect to be fuel efficient. You can learn it over time.

2. The Car – Pick a car that is fuel efficient. The compact sedans are good for city driving because of smaller engines while the SUV’s or cars with bigger engines in my opinion are better for highway driving. (You can refer to the result above for comparison)

3. Road Habits – Frequent over taking can burn gas more rather than staying on one lane.

4. … You can add your techniques and ideas on how to Drive Every Drop! Let me know in the comments.

On a side note: I really like the “POGI” look of the new Honda City. I’d really like to own one! I want to give thanks to Sheryl of Honda Cars Philippines for inviting me to be a part of this great event!

Honda Challenge Cup was a fun experience! Thanks!  You can check Abe’s post regarding the event here.

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

Honda Challenge Cup: “Drive Every Drop”

To avoid inconvenience, other nearby Luzon dealers (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan) are also available to accept inundated vehicles. Customers are advised to kindly call their hotline number 1-800-1000-HONDA for an appointment before bringing vehicles to dealerships.

Below is Honda Cars Philippines official Press Release:

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is offering 30% subsidy on all parts, lubricants and 10% on labor charges for flood-related repairs. To somehow help ease the burden of its valued customers, Honda cuts down its prices in consideration to the affected motorists of typhoon Ondoy.

The aftermath of the calamity has brought influx of vehicles for repairs across Metro Manila dealerships. “The typhoon has caused widespread damage in Luzon. We send our deepest sympathies to all the victims of this disaster. After the storm has passed, we have projected a significant increase in service intake of inundated vehicles. Unfortunately, such vast demand has exceeded the capacity of our dealerships, particularly Metro Manila branches. We appeal for everyone’s kind understanding of the situation. Since our dealerships can only accommodate as much cars, we advise our affected customers to kindly call first Honda’s Toll Free Hotline, 1-800-1000-HONDA (46632) and make an appointment before bringing vehicles to the dealerships to avoid inconvenience.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, president and general manager of HCPI.

At present, Honda regularly monitors its dealership network to assess the actual situation. “We are mobilizing more service people to assist dealers in any way possible. In anticipating the surge in service intake, we have ordered in advance and even expedited the deliveries of parts to ensure availability of supply.” said Mr. Danny Pedro, customer service head of HCPI.

To prevent further damage to the vehicle, Honda advises immediate disconnection of the battery terminal or better yet, complete removal of battery from the vehicle. Honda also warned affected owners to avoid switching of ignition or starting of engine to prevent electrical short circuit. For vehicles completely submerged with floodwater, it is best to clean the car, especially the engine bay and airconditioning unit, with clean water to prevent further rust formation and corrosion.

Honda has a total of 18 authorized service outlets in the affected areas within Luzon. Apart from Metro Manila branches, Honda has less congested dealerships in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan to accept inundated vehicles.

For more information, you may log on to www.hondaphil.com or call Honda’s Hotline numbers 1-800-1000-HONDA (46632) and 857-7240 (for callers within Metro Manila), from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Post from: Randy Marasigan dot com

Honda extends 30% subsidy on parts and lubricants for inundated vehicles