No new tip

Hi folks. Itas been over a month and I haven't posted anything for August. I told myself I would post at least once every month, well obviously its harder than I thought.

Lets see now, what new tip should I be saying? Ahh, I know, the new chrome browser from Google. Its really nice, the design is what I would prefer, minimalist. You should download and try it out. Its just in Beta so there are some bugs, the one I know of is that I can't scroll up using the touchpad. A lot have experienced this also but until know Google has not yet patched it up. I would have thought this glaring bug would have been dealt with swiftly by the folks at Google, but apparently not.

Finally made the Leap

Well, that was it! I finally made the leap to emigrate to Canada. Submitted my application for skilled worker last June 30. From my research, it would take around 48 months to process. Here is what I did.

• Ask your friends who have been approved how they did it. Chances are they went through the difficult process of getting all the required documents such as diplomas, employment certification, bank statement, police clearances, language proficiency tests, etc.
• Good news, starting 2006, there is now a simplified application process where you just fill up the application form, and pay the fees. the documents will be required only after the embassy has evaluated your application and deem you a potential immigrant.
• Find out all about this through their website. http://www.cic.gc.ca/ . Note that there is an embassy specific visa instruction on how to pay the fees and where to drop your application.

Funny thing that after I submitted my application, my biking buddy told me was already leaving for the US in 6 months as an immigrant. Turns out his wife was petitioned by his wife's sister.

I also have an officemate that is expecting to be called by the embassy in 1 or 2 years time.

Well I hope I can pass the medical when the time comes. I'm really looking forward to a new beginning in another country. 47 months and counting.

To Immigrate or not to immigrate

To Immigrate or not to immigrate? that is the question.

Lately in the company I work for, it seems a lot have availed of the mapower reduction program to immigrate overseas, mostly to Canada. One couple I know are both managers yet they still want to migrate. Beats me, but I think its not the money anymore. I think they want a new environment or a new form of government. My own secretary now works in New Zealand.

I was testing out the Canadian point system, and I scored a really high 85 out of a passing 65. A lot of questions arised:

• will my children want to live there?
• will we like the cold weather?
• what will happen to our ancestral house in QC?
• who will look after my parents? especially my dad who is still recovering from prostate cancer.
• should I go alone first?
• can I petition my parents?
• will I pass the medical in the first place?

Man, I have to think this through. Its made more difficult with the 65K application fee alone. I would also need around 940K show money, if it happens I get approved.

I heard it now only takes around two years processing time.

Portable Video

Here's a great way to make use of all those cheap DVDs being sold in tiangges. Notice how almost all the TV series are being sold openly. Name it they have it: Prison Break, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Heroes, House, 30 Rock, etc. If you've always wanted to watch them all but don't have the time, here's how.

• Buy a Sony PSP. You can get this very cheap at VirraMall greenhills, around 10K+, with 30++ games, and a 4 Gig Memory.
• If you're thinking about buying an ipod video or iTouch, forget it. The screen size of these devices don't come close to the PSP's. Believe me I've compared and used them. And don't even think about buying those portable car DVD players!
  
• Download a freeware DVD to PSP video converter. There are thousands of these. I use "Any Video Converter 1.0". Unfortunatey you cant find this freeware version anymore on the net, the makers have a higher version but its not free. I'll let you download my copy if you request it.
  
• You'll need a computer with a large enough space to at least store all your movies. Insert the DVD in the drive, copy the *VOB files to a folder on your HD. Launch the converter program and convert the VOB files to PSP format (this is an MP4 file).
• Connect the PSP to your PC, drag the MP4 files to the Video folder on the PSP. Make sure you also make a folder named after the movie on your PSP video folder.
• Note that you cant put all the MP4 files in the PSP since you might not have enough space especially if you also have some games in the memory stick. After watching, just delete the files and load the rest when you're home.
  
• Bring the PSP with you everywhere, bring earphones also. Using the PSP in the car is excellent. Just buy a PSP stand, which cost around 500 bucks and find a way to put it on your dash. I found the stand to be expensive, so I made my own. Its just a piece of wire which I fashioned into a stand and hooks into the aircon vent. I plan on making a YouTube video of my contraption someday. If your car stereo is ipod ready, there should be an auxiliary input. Otherwise, you just have to use long corded earphones.
• Tada! you can now watch all the shows you want. Happy viewing.
  

Property Tax Payments in QC

Here's how to pay your property tax if you're living in QC, Philippines.

• Bring your property tax receipt for last year.
• Go to Quezon City Hall before 8am to avoid the crowd.
• Go to Tax payers assessment lounge located on th ground floor.
• Go to Tax payers lounge at the 2nd floor.
• Although you can pay quarterly, it is advisable to pay the full year to avail of big discounts (10-20%). You can pay in advance for next year's taxes. Remember that you must pay before March 31.
• Schedule your next tax payment in Outlook, cellphone, or whatever reminder options you may have, that way you dont miss the deadline, and avoid penalties.
• Pay in cash.
• You will be done in 30 minutes.