I’m not here to discredit anybody, either male or female and I know also the fact that there are more successful men in business than women. It’s only in the past few years that women are beginning to be visible on the top ladder.

But what about online business, is there really a gender discrimination here?

In a private Facebook group, I noticed a lot of people were looking for a tech person to work with. So, I introduced myself. Upon returning to check on the status, I saw a post at the very top of the wall from a guy who also introduced himself as a coder.

This made me to think, where’s my post? Has it been buried by some guys who are more techie than me?

Now, I’m not that naive to think I am the only geek in a group. There are probably many people better at tech than me in any group. What gave me pause was, why this guy’s introduction got so many responses when mine hardly went noticed.

A horrifying thought flashed through my mind. It couldn’t be true. Did he get more attention because he’s a man? Maybe you have experienced something similar. Something that made you stop to wonder if you didn’t win the bid, secure that client or get that exposure because you are a woman. Then, you look around and it looks like all the top dogs are men.

Of course it depends on the industry you are in but I’m here to tell you, even in seemingly male-centric arenas, there are plenty of women quietly making serious coin. Sometimes, we aren’t seeing the ladies because women simply aren’t vocal about their successes. And, when we toot our own horn, we often express it in an entirely different manner.

For us, being able to support our families and being there when the kids get off the bus mean a whole lot more than ‘crushing it’ or making a million dollars in 24 hours. I’m not saying women don’t strive for that. I’d love to make that kind of money any day. It’s just, our goals are often more immediate and realistic.

That is why it’s always refreshing to hear stories about real women and how they broke through the barriers. If you need a little inspiration from authentic women just like you, head on over to SoloMasterminds. They are bragging on three ladies who turned their wildest dreams into reality while juggling homework, laundry, whiny children, soccer practices and meal plans.

As for that little incident I told you about earlier, after giving it more thought, I decided it had nothing to do with gender nor discrimination of any kind. There were plenty of logical and probably more accurate explanations like the timing of our posts and how quickly my post got buried under a flurry of activity.

What I learned that week – focus on being awesome instead of speculating about something that may not be true because when working for yourself, there is no glass ceiling. Especially with an Internet business. Don’t take my word for it. Check out the three case studies and let those women tell you their story.

— BIO —

Lynette Chandler helps small businesses leverage technology in their marketing. She is also the resident tech expert at SoloMasterminds and credits it for helping to turn her business around. Lynette would love to connect with you in this special community and invites you to come check it out.

The 1st International skyrunning race is set on Feb. 18, 2012, Saturday, 630am, at Mt. Ugo Itogon, Benguet.

The race; spearheaded by the Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism-Cordillera (DOT-CAR), the Provincial Government of Benguet and other event sponsors; will be a 32.88 km race going up the 2150 meters above sea level summit of Mt. Ugo and back to the barangay hall of Tinongdan, Itogon.

The Pilipinas Akyathlon (Philippine Skyrunning), the country’s first ever international mountain trail high altitude race, is the first of its kind here in Asia to be accredited by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) according to PSA president Nina Dacanay. It is also part of the 2012 SKYRUNNER™ World Series Trials.

Pre-Registration
Pre-register to this race by emailing (1) name, (2) gender, (3) birthdate, (4) mobile number, (5) country represented to kath@philskyrunning.com.

Race Course Description:

This is a 33-km out-and-back race, starting from the Barangay Hall of Tinongdan (779 masl) in the Municipality of Itogon, Province of Benguet. The first 1.7km is a downhill run on paved road to the start of the trail (499 masl). From this point, the route to the summit is mostly uphill with a total elevation gain of 1858 meters, and loss of 195 meters. The scenic route will showcase magnificent views of surrounding mountains, including portions of Binga and Ambuklao dams as far away as Pangasinan. It will navigate through pine forest trails and 3 sitios: Cayuco, Cawayan and Lusod which lead to vantage points where other peaks in Benguet can be seen. The turnaround point will be at the summit of Mt Ugo (2162 masl). The 16.4-km route from the summit to the finish is a mirror image of the route to the summit, and concludes with a 1.7-km (280m vertically) ascend to the finish line at the hall of Barangay Tinongdan.

Awards and Prizes:

Trophies and valuable outdoors prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall winners in both the male and female categories.

Medals and valuable prizes will be awarded to the top 3 runners, male & female in the 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and above age groups.

All finishers will receive a medal, finisher’s t-shirt and will be qualified for raffle prizes.

Registration Fee:
For local Philippine runners: Php1,500 until 30 November 2011.

Php1,800 until 31 December 2011

Php2,000 until 31 January 2012.

Php2,500 until 17 February 2012.

*USD50 for foreign entries payable on Feb. 17 during race kit claiming.

Payment by local residents can be made by depositing the fee to BPI current account number 3191-0473-02 of Philippine Skyrunning Association, Inc. Email scanned deposit slip (with your name) to kath@philskyrunning.com.

Dacanay said they have chosen to pilot the event here in Cordillera as it is very apt with the region’s mountainous terrain. Sky running by definition, is a mountain running at a minimum height or altitude of 2000 meters above sea level.

Mt. Ugo is known for its annual summer climb which won last year in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ (ATOP) Search for Best Tourism Event in the Philippines under the Sports, Adventure and Wellness Category – Municipal Level.

For more information: www.philskyrunning.com

If you are planning to try your luck on food business by next year, see the list of menu prepared by Entrepreneur.com.ph. Find out which will make it big next year in the food industry.

Here’s a sneak peek of what 2012 has in store for us:

1. Jack-potluck
Formal dinner parties will take a backseat this year to make way for casual Barefoot Contessa-like entertaining at home.

2. Super-size me to mini-me.
Why have one big meal when you can have 12 small ones? Inspired by French cuisine’s degustation and the now-defunct El Bulli restaurant.

3. All fired up.
Expanding the horizons of pugon and wood-fired pizza, restaurants in New York are now turning to the smoky route of roasting and charcoal.

4. Unusual desserts
We’ll find more food infused with alcohol and other weird stuff. Already available in Manila are The Munchy Market’sJack Daniel’s-infused Blackinese Brownies and Café Ysabel’s Chocolate Bourbon cake.

5. Home bakers, unite!
Thanks to Parvati, a pastry shop that consigns from different home bakers, baking entrepreneurs are now at the forefront of Metro Manila’s dessert scene.

see the complete list at http://www.entrepreneur.com.ph/ideas-and-opportunities/article/a-forecast-of-food-trends-that-will-rock-2012.

Planning for next year’s vacation already? Below are the Regular Holidays, Special (Non-Working) Days, and Special Holiday (For All Schools) for the Year 2012 based on Proclamation No. 295 as released by  Malacañang on November 24, 2011.

For those who are looking forward to some long weekends, based on this list -  the longest of these long weekends is  five days — from April 5 (Maundy Thursday) to April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan).

List of Regular and Special Philippine Holidays 2012

• January 1 (Sunday) – New Year’s Day
• January 23 (Monday) – Chinese New Year
• February 25 (Saturday) – EDSA Revolution Anniversary
• April 5 (Thursday) – Maundy Thursday
• April 6 (Friday) – Good Friday
• April 9 (Monday) – Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1 (Tuesday) – Labor Day
• June 12 (Tuesday) – Independence Day
• August 21 (Tuesday) – Ninoy Aquino Day
• August 27 (Monday) – National Heroes Day
• November 1 (Thursday) – All Saints Day
• November 2 (Friday) – Additional special (non-working) day
• November 30 (Friday) – Bonifacio Day
• December 25 (Tuesday) – Christmas Day
• December 30 (Sunday) – Rizal Day
• December 31 (Monday) – Last Day of the Year

The first special non-working holiday will be on Jan. 23 (Monday) for the celebration of Chinese New Year. I think this is the first time the Chinese New Year is declared as non-working holiday.

The EDSA Revolution Anniversary was declared a special holiday for all schools.

Accordingly, November 2 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest.

For our Muslim brothers:

“Proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall hereafter be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations,” the proclamation said.

Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs are known as our “lipon ng mga bagong bayani.” With the continuing pressures of earning a living for Filipino families, “The 1st OFW and Family Summit 2011” will be launched on November 24 by the Villar Foundation, the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), Inc. and Go Negosyo. Its theme is, “Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan,” which aims to entice business minds into the OFWs. Where is the venue? This event is happening at the World Trade Center.

Aside from the exhibits and stalls, other goals of the summit would be to endear training and education to the OFWs on what it takes to start their own forms of businesses, whether small or big.

Topics on that day can be: the basics on business, shaping business minds and skills allied for them and their families needs. These OFWs can either start on distributing products or directly selling products then advance in progress in being a franchisee on the type of business of their choice. Everything of these will be tackled in the summit by guest speakers and presenters, who are experts in the business world.

According to Mrs. Villar, encouraging smart investments should be the key to protecting as well as multiplying these OFWs hard earned money. To which, Mr. Concepcion of Go Negosyo agreed by saying that the summit should support the OFWs plans on securing their children’s education and basic needs.
A house and lot by Camella will be raffled to a lucky OFW, who can present a valid proof of profession. Help our OFWs today in enriching their lifestyles and share their success.

MANILA AUTO SALON SHOW is the newest aftermarket show in Asia.

Since it’s inception in 2007, it gathers under one roof, local and international manufacturers, distributors and dealers of the automotive aftermarket industry. Incorporating two long-running events – Custom Car Show and the Sport Truck Show plus a Bike Show and the Mobile Electronics and Technology Show (METS). Manila Auto Salon is the country’s biggest styling and tuning car show with international affiliations in the U.S. and Japan.

Manila Auto Salon Show 2011

Manila Auto Salon will be hold on November 24-27, 2011
Time: 11:00am-10:00PM (Thurs-Fri), 10:00am-9:00pm (Sat-Sun)
Place: SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex

This event is a production of Tradeshow International, Inc. For inquiries, call (02)-6713122.

For those starting-up a business, you need capital.

For those with growing business, you need more capital.

For those with business problem, you need financing.

For those with money, make your money works for you.

For those looking for money don’t look further, come to the 1st International Money Expo on October 21-23, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center. Learn and get it from the experts.

The 1st International Money Expo is more than just exhibits. Its making deals whether you need personal and business loans, financing, funding, investments, starting new business, buying franchise, networking and more.

Guest visitors may participate in Deal Making through business matching and lead generation. Example is if you are looking for personal loan, you  will be matched  with financial institutions depending on the amount you need. If you are looking for investment or business, you will be informed of the choices available and match you on business to business meet.

Register early and avoid going through long line to register during the holding of the event. You also get the chance to be listed for deal making if you want result during your visit at the exhibits. You may register online HERE.

At the 1st International Money Expo, you come in with your Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) Entrance Fee, you go home with a possible business at hand, financing personal or business, investment you can bank on, and with loads of information for money-making you hardly find. What’s more you have the chance of winning Free 3 days and 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Boracay Hotel good for two (2 pax) and Gift Certificates worth thousands. If you register early on, you will only pay P375 Pesos. So if you are seriously looking for opportunities, mark October 21-23, 2011 in your Calendar and register early simply click the above link.

I received this email today from a friend of mine which I want to share to all the readers of KayaMoPinoy. The Christmas holiday season is fast approaching and I want to remind everybody to be more extra careful when using our credit cards.

Be sure to read scene 3. Quite interesting. This is a new one. People sure stay busy trying to cheat us, don’t they?

Scene 1:

A friend went to the local gym and placed his belongings in the locker.

After the workout and a shower, he came out, saw the locker open, and thought to himself, ‘Funny, I thought I locked the locker… Hmm, ‘He dressed and just flipped the wallet to make sure all was in order.

Everything looked okay – all cards were in place…

A few weeks later his credit card bill came – a whooping bill of $14,000!

He called the credit card company and started yelling at them, saying that he did not make the transactions.

Customer care personnel verified that there was no mistake in the system and asked if his card had been stolen…

‘No,’ he said, but then took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yep -you guessed it – a switch had been made.

An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in the wallet. The thief broke into his locker at the gym and switched cards.

Verdict: The credit card issuer said since he did not report the card missing earlier, he would  have to pay the amount owed to them.

How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy? $9,000!

Why were there no calls made to verify the amount swiped? Small amounts rarely trigger a ‘warning bell’ with some credit card companies.

It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to big one!

Scene 2 :

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card. The bill for the meal came, he signed it and the waitress folded the receipt and passed the credit card along.

Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and behold, it was the expired card of another person.

He called the waitress and she looked perplexed.

She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man.

All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card.

No exchange of words — nothing!  She took it and came back to the man with an apology..

Verdict:   Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours. Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time.

Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, ‘assuming’ that it has to be theirs.

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!

Scene 3 :

Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in. I paid by using my Visa Check Card which, of course, is linked directly to my checking Account.

The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, then laid it on the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure.

While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing. I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a picture.

He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile, I’m thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of,  oblivious to what was really going on.

It then dawned on me: the only thing there was my credit card, so now I’m paying close attention to what he is doing…

He set his phone on the counter, leaving it open. About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved.

Now I’m standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card. Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened.

Needless to say, I immediately cancelled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlour.

All I am saying is, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Whenever you are using your credit card take caution and don’t be careless. Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card.

Be aware of phones, because many have a camera phone these days.

The grandest gathering of Physical, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology & Pediatric Therapy Professionals.

This event is endorsed by the Department of Health because the agency believes that this convention will help Filipino Therapists aim for improvement and progress.

Theme: “Towards Global Advancement & Competitiveness of Filipino Therapists”

When : September 24 – 25, 2011
Where : Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila

The objective of the convention aims to globally, advance and create competitive Filipino therapists due to rising demand in the market. It also envisions enhancing the organizational, practical skills, competence and ethical service practices of Filipino Therapists. Lastly, this convention would like to raise the Filipino therapists’ awareness of the clients’ and patients’ need in facing the current society.

An event that convenes Filipino Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists & Pediatric Therapists and discuss the goal towards progress. This also aspires to strengthen the industry through forming a distinctive group that will cater the needs and development of Filipino therapists all over the world. The expo aspect of the event will showcase products and services in the therapy industry.

For inquiries and more information, just call:

EX-LINK MANAGEMENT & MARKETING SERVICES CORP.
Unit 1-C Soriaville Royale, 88 Sandoval Ave., Brgy. San Miguel, Pasig City
Tel. No.: 632.643.3887 | Fax No.: 632.640.1280
Email Address: info.exlink@yahoo.com
Website: www.exlinkevents.com

If Australian crocodile hunter Steve Irwin  is still alive today, he will surely be surprised with the size of the crocodile that was captured live recently in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, Philippines.

Photograph from Reuters

The Guinness Book of World Records lists a 17.97-foot-long (5.48-meter-long), Australian-caught saltwater crocodile as the largest in captivity while the crocodile caught on September 4 is an allegedly 21-foot long (6.4 meter) and 3.5 feet wide female crocodile.

Unfortunately, some experts were skeptic on the reported 21-foot crocodile. According to alligator biologist Allan Woodward, “there’s never been a crocodile longer than approximately 18 feet [5.5 meters]“. If the report is true, he said that it would be an exceptional jump.

Herpetologist Brady Barr, host of the National Geographic Channel show Dangerous Encounters was surprised, adding that a scientist would need to verify the claim.

Philippine federal wildlife official Ronnie Sumiller, who led the team that captured the behemoth, told the press that another search was under way for a possibly larger crocodile spotted in nearby marshes.