Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Where To Download The Latest QuickBooks Installer?

I’ve been a fan of QuickBooks ever since I encountered it during my stay at the accounting office of a small construction firm. I’ve been visiting their support website to know more about the latest news of this software even after I resigned from this company.

quickbooks premier 2012

Lately, there is a hot topic in the support website regarding the upgrade that the maker of QuickBooks is doing that causes difficulty in downloading the installers for the different year (version) of QuickBooks. These links were already posted on the QuickBooks Forum support.quickbooks.intuit.com/support and I would like to post it here for fellow customers (specially in the US) who are clueless on where to download the installer.

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2012/US_R8/QuickBooksPro2012.exe (QuickBooks Pro 2012)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2012/US_R8/QuickBooksPremier2012.exe (QuickBooks Premier 2012)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2011/R10/QuickBooksPro2011.exe (QuickBooks Pro 2011)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2011/R10/QuickBooksPremier2011.exe (QuickBooks Premier 2011)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2010/R15/QuickBooksPro2010.exe (QuickBooks Pro 2010)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2010/R15/QuickBooksPremier2010.exe (QuickBooks Premier 2010)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2009/R14/QuickBooksPro2009.exe (QuickBooks Pro 2009)

http://dlm2.download.intuit.com/akdlm/SBD/QuickBooks/2009/R14/QuickBooksPremier2009.exe (QuickBooks Premier 2009)

I also found out from the support forum that these are the latest patches (updates or release) to his popular accounting software:

QuickBooks 2012 R8

QuickBooks 2011 R11

QuickBooks 2010 R15

QuickBooks 2009 R14

Do you have any problems downloading the installer? Let me know. I may be able to help.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I Agree With Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

miriam defensor-santiago

After hearing the votes and reasons of the Senator-Judges in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, it was Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's explanation that made sense to me the most.

There is really a need to amend our Foreign Currency Deposit Act first to exclude government officials before we can file complaints about it. There is a loophole in this law that needs to be corrected by our Congress (House of Representative and Senate).

So I agree with her. Technically, incorrect declaration of SALN is not impeachable. I also agree with her that interpretation of the law is not for everyone. Let’s leave it to the lawyers.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Car Show at Market! Market!

I stumbled upon this car and motorbike show at Market! Market! last Saturday. I’m not really a big fan of cars and motorbikes but I love taking pictures of brand new cars, motorbikes and even bikes.

I’m not sure if these are brand new models or if the prices attached to these cars are expensive. One thing is for sure – if someone asked me to describe a car (including the model and manufacturer), I would totally be clueless.

We have here some models from Nissan, Celerio (is this a manufacturer or model?), Chevrolet Spark, SX4 Crossover and Suzuki. We even have a vintage car here courtesy of Aguila Auto Glass.

If you’re a car enthusiast, can you please help me identify the exact model and maker of these cars?

IMG_3813IMG_3814IMG_3815IMG_3816IMG_3817IMG_3818IMG_3819IMG_3820IMG_3821IMG_3822IMG_3823IMG_3824IMG_3825IMG_3826IMG_3827IMG_3828IMG_3829

Zac Efron is a Canon EOS 5D User

zac-efron-taking-pics-at-cannes-09

(Photo courtesy of Just Jared)

Canon-EOS-5D

Here in the country, Canon is being endorsed by celebrities like Piolo Pascual and Kuya Kim. It’s good to know that there’s another celebrity who’s using Canon DSLR – no other than Zac Efron. It’s good to know that he’s one of us (Canon users).

He was last seen May 27, 2012 at the Hotel du Cap Eden Rock in Cap d'Antibes, France. I wonder when he’s going to the country to promote Penshoppe.

The Support

ragnarok priest by ~citrus-shood

(Ragnarok Priest by ~citrus-shood)

When I first played Ragnarok Online in 2003, there is a psychological test in the game to suggest what is the best in-game job that a player should level up. It's one of the best psychological tests I've ever encountered.

My psychological test in Ragnarok revealed that I would best excel as an acolyte (priest class). It is a support character which main goal and way of level-up is by assisting other characters through buffs.

At that time, I was fascinated by the archer class that I ignored the suggested job class for me and went on to become an archer.

Years later, I reflect on the characters that I made and I realized that I enjoyed playing a support character the most (priest and soul linkers). The psychological test that I took the first time I played the game, indeed predicted what job I would enjoy playing.

I experience a lot of happy experiences in the game while being the priest. Everybody loves a priest! Priest makes other job class stronger and heals their Hit Points (HP) a.k.a. Life.

In real life, I enjoyed being a support character -- someone who's not usually on the limelight. I tend to work on the background. I avoid jobs that require being in center stage.
I hate being on the hot seat and I tend to be the shy guy. That's probably the reason why I end up being assistants to engineers or an agent for a team leader. It's also the reason why I don't have the desire to apply for other “leader” posts like Quality Assurance, Sales Agent, Trainer or Workforce.

I specially dread to be a Sales Person. I hate the feeling of looking good and offering someone to buy something. I hate the feeling of bringing out a person's interests and getting to know the person so that we could offer something for him to buy. No matter how many sales training I've attended, I still feel comfortable offering someone a product.

I'm more of a support guy -- a technical support guy. I love to help someone resolve his issue. i love to empower a person to be more tech savvy and to learn something new, especially those ​things related to technology. I feel great pride and sense of happiness whenever I help a customer resolve their issues.

Like the Ragnarok priest, I love helping people. The next time a promotion comes around; I might take up the road to help my fellow agents. I might take up an SME post in the future. Wish me luck!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Avail and Queuing

petiks(Picture taken from Ang Blog ng Petiks na Agent)

To an agent like me, the word “Avail” is music to my ear. Avail is short for available -- a state wherein an agent is not receiving any call. In Tagalog, avail means "petiks".

An available state happens when the number of agents exceeds the volumes of calls being received. Example, there are 5 agents that are logged in and there are only 4 customers that are calling. The agent that doesn't have a call is on an avail state.
The longer the avail time, the better it is for an agent like me. It's already a piece of heaven for being paid and doing absolutely nothing.

On the BPO Company’s side, a lot of avail time (and longer avail time) is bad for the business. It means the company is paying agents for doing nothing ("petiks") and the more agents that are on avail, more money are lost by the company. Having a lot of long, avail time results in the following:

  • Voluntary time out (VTO) -- an agent will be given the option to go home early (under time) but the remaining hours will be deducted from his attendance
  • Training, QA huddle or coaching from TL -- if an account or if the company is generous enough to conduct trainings and calibrations
  • Layoff -- This is the sad part. If the account is having A LOT of avail time and longer avail time (30 minutes or more) for weeks, then it's really an indication that the account is overstaff
  • Agents like me can create articles like this one while others watch YouTube or check their Facebook page (it's prohibited so good luck to them if a member of Information Security screenshot their screens)

On the lighter side of the news, Avail time also happens during major holidays in the US like Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day. Right now, we have a lot of agents on avail because it's Memorial Day in the US on Monday. Holidays in the US are placed
(as much as possible) on a Monday so that their citizens could have long weekends.

The day after the holiday is usually a dreaded day. It means Queuing Day. Queuing is such a dreaded word in the call center industry. It's the opposite of AVAIL wherein the contact center ​is receiving calls that are beyond the capacity of agents that are logged in on the floor. Example is the 5 agents receiving calls from 6 or more customers.

Queuing also happens when there are a lot of agents that are absents or late. It means that the expected calls that those absent agents should answer, will be handled by the present agents. That's the reason why call center agents are strict with attendance. Plus the fact that the BPO Company is fined for those calls that were unanswered by agents on time (abandoned calls).

Queuing (a.k.a. high call volume) also happens on some accounts (usually DSL accounts). I experienced queuing on AT&T. Our average calls per day on that account are around 30 calls. Average Handling Time (AHT) was at 18 minutes back then.

For now, I'll cherish this AVAIL time that we're experiencing right now. Thank you Memorial Day Long Weekend. Next week after our rest days, we'll face one of our fears -- Queuing!

Happy 6th Birthday Digital Photographer Philippines!

I just came home from Bonifacio High Street where the 6th Anniversary of Digital Photographer Philippines (DPP) is being held.

DPP is the #1 source of information for Pinoy photographers regarding things that are related to digital photography. It’s a wonderful magazine but it is quite pricey. I don’t actually buy it but I read my friends’ copy.

This is my first time to attend their anniversary party and I enjoyed my 2-hour stay at the venue (I am so sleepy because of last night’s graveyard shift). Nevertheless, I learned a thing or two from 2 speakers: Jose Boboy Librado and Paco Guerrero. They are just 2 of numerous speakers to this event.

Boboy Librado discussed “Photographers As Artist” which deals mostly about proper (natural) lighting to achieve great photos. Photography after all is all about light – without light, there is no photographs. I love his photos that include Black & White portraits as well as providing samples from famous photographers.

Paco Guerrero on the other hand discussed the combination of landscape photography (travel) with portrait photography. He made ordinary people (fishermen, sugar cane workers, Tiboli tribe members) into extra-ordinary models in his pictures. He urges newbie photographers (like me) to shoot photos that are “travel narrative” instead of the usual post card photos.

I love his tip on how to talk to people that we meet in our travels to get to know their story and be at ease with them. This will surely help us in capturing their stories in our pictures.

I admit, I’m far away from being a professional photographer but with the help of such photographers and events like the 6th anniversary of Digital Photographer Philippines, I would eventually get there.

Check out my photos of the event which was sponsored by Nikon, Canon, Magnum, Sony, Olympus, Benro, Phottix, Rollei, among others.

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Use QuickBooks Pro and Premier 2012

quickbooks pro 2012I first encountered this software named QuickBooks when I worked for Honeycomb Builders, Inc. (a construction firm) in 2001. I worked as the cost controller in one of their housing projects in Bacoor, Cavite named RSG Gueventhomes. Back then, my boss is the comptroller of the company and I was assigned to monitor the expenses in each housing units both labor and materials. I worked for HBI for 4 years and the last project I’ve handled was their housing project in Baguio City.

We are using QuickBooks in our accounting department back then. We are doing payroll for employees and contractual workers and we’re using QuickBooks to bill our customers for their monthly amortization. We also use the software in printing out checks and invoices. It was an indispensible program for an accounting department.

Today, the latest version of QuickBooks is the 2012 version and comes in two “flavors” – Pro and Premier. The only difference between the two are the number of users that can access the same information at the same time and the types of reports you could generate in it.

I don’t know how popular QuickBooks is here in the country but in the US, it is the #1 accounting software. I did some Google search and found out that QuickBooks is being distributed here in the Philippines by E-Methods for Business Management (e-mbm). For those accounting students who are studying the software and can’t afford to purchase it, they might probably be using the ones that are being sold at Greenhills, St. Francis Square or Quiapo.

For those who have credit cards and tech savvy enough are probably purchasing it from the US website and are using the following links for the download of the software. For the current and older versions of QuickBooks, you may click on the following links. The only problem is where to get a valid license number. Torrents maybe.

usequickbooks.com/pro2012 (QuickBooks Pro 2012)

usequickbooks.com/premier2012 (QuickBooks Premier 2012)

usequickbooks.com/pro2011 (QuickBooks Pro 2011)

usequickbooks.com/premier2011 (QuickBooks Premier 2011)

usequickbooks.com/pro2010 (QuickBooks Pro 2010)

usequickbooks.com/premier2010 (QuickBooks Premier 2010)

usequickbooks.com/pro2009 (QuickBooks Pro 2009)

usequickbooks.com/premier2009 (QuickBooks Premier 2009)

If you have some technical support questions regarding QuickBooks, you may go to these support websites:

support.quickbooks.com (Intuit Support Website)

quickbooks.com/connectme (Remote Session)

ntrsupport.com/code (NTR Support)

Are you an accountant or an accounting student? What accounting software are you using?

So You Want To Join The Amazing Race Philippines?

the-amazing-race-philippines

I’m a big fan of The Amazing Race TV series. When I heard that TV5 acquired the rights to have the Philippine version of the race, I got excited. I would love to watch how Filipinos complete in such a race.

The Amazing Race is a very successful TV show. It’s most recent Season 20 just finished in the US and right now, the Norwegian version of the race is being aired. Too bad the Norwegian version (called The Amazing Race Norge) has no English sub-title. The Norwegian version is already being shot in High-Definition whereas the US version took 17 seasons before it was finally filmed in HD (starting with season 18). I wonder if The Amazing Race Philippines would use HD technology in filming (I hope so).

After watching 8 seasons of The Amazing Race (12-20) and if the producer would strictly follow the format of the US version, these are some of the skills (in my observation) that would propel the racers to be the first winners of The Amazing Race Philippines:

  • Attention to details
  • Team player
  • Sharp eye for the Red and Yellow Flags and markers
  • Good memory
  • Stamina and perseverance
  • Willpower
  • Luck (specially with Taxi drivers)
  • Driving skills with both left and right-hand vehicles
  • Swimming
  • Knows how to count accurately and solve simple Math problems
  • Good balancing skills
  • Is NOT afraid of heights and speed
  • Can learn dancing routines quickly
  • Can solve puzzles and abstract questions
  • Follows the clues and instructions to the letter
  • Knows how to book airline tickets on the Net
  • Good at arts and crafts
  • Biker
  • Can play musical instruments
  • Observant
  • Has big appetite and can eat exotic foods
  • Knows Geography
  • Can speak English and other major world language like Chinese, Arabic or Spanish

I would love to audition for this race but I lack the most basic skill needed: driving. I would also love to see the profiles of the successful racers to the much awaited Amazing Race Philippines. I can’t wait for the first season.

Do you have any idea who are the famous celebrities that auditioned?

Phillip Phillips: WGWG Wins Again!

Well, White Guys With Guitars (WGWG) Wins again! Congratulations Phillip Phillips for being the American Idol Season 11 Winner. You’re so cute and adorable!

To Jessica Sanchez, you made us proud. Good luck on your future endeavors!

Truly, America prefers White Guys With Guitars (WGWG).

69587758 (Photo courtesy of MTV)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I Stumbled Upon Luke Niccoli

While I was surfing the net and blogs that I frequently visit, another window of Firefox opened and it went to a YouTube page. Guess what. I find the music very beautiful and I find the artist cute.

Let’s all meet Luke Niccoli. I’ll try to Google more info about him. For now, let’s watch his MTV for the song “You Don’t Make It Easy”.

SkinWhite and Nuffnang bring you Snow White and the Huntsman

SkinWhite is the latest beauty product of Splash Corporation and Kim Chu is the face of SkinWhite. Combine that with the best online advertising in the country, Nuffnang Philippines, and you’ll have the upcoming movie “Snow White and the Huntsman”

The film stars Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan of the Twilight Saga) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and promises to be a wonderful twist to our favorite fairy tale.

Now, the ultimate question is, how does SkinWhite gives me that beautiful blush white skin that my prince charming (no other than my BF Glenn) can’t resist?

Well, SkinWhite has SYNCHROWHITE ACTION that works in FOUR ways all the time:

  • WHITENS the skin’s surface
  • REDUCES formation of new dark pigments at its source
  • NOURISHES skin with Vitamins
  • PROTECTS skin against toxins and UV rays

Let’s hear all about the Synchrowhite Action from Kim Chiu herself:

By the way, here’s one of the BEST KILIG BFF Story on how SkinWhite works:

Not only does SkinWhite take care of your skin needs, but it will also give you a chance to win a Canon EOS 600D and a prom planner if you go to their Facebook page.

What are you waiting for? Join their contest now! Visit SkinWhite’s Facebook page to know more:

https://www.facebook.com/skinwhite/app_137541772984354

Know more about the SkinWhite products through clicking this link:

http://www.skinwhite.com.ph/products.php

SW-badgeNuffnang-Logo-300x76

Sunday, May 20, 2012

My American Idol Season 11 Winner

I’m not an avid fan of American Idol. In fact, I don’t watch musical TV shows that much. The only time that I watched American Idol was during the finals of David Cook versus David Archuleta and Kris Allen versus Adam Lambert. After that, I’ve heard that Scotty McCreery won Season 10.

phillip-phillips-jessica-sanchez-pHowever, I can’t help but predict and cast my own vote on who is going to be the American Idol for Season 11. It’s all over the news! This season is extra special because this is the farthest a Filipino-American has ever reached this very popular singing contest.

Jessica Sanchez was featured in The Buzz today and I’ve learned that her mom is from Bataan. Her aunt was interviewed and I’ve learned that their entire clan is rejoicing for her and proud of her. Well, they should be. It’s not easy to be in the finals of American Idol. For that, Jessica Sanchez earned my admiration for being a very talented Filipino-American.

jessica-sanchezSo my curiosity on how good her voice is took me as far as downloading the last episode of American Idol. Today is the first time that I’ve seen her performance and I agree to most Filipinos that she definitely has the voice to launch her career in the music industry. One of the judges even commented that she should sing in The Grammys and I agree to that.

However, being gay, my vote would be on Phillip Phillips. I am predicting that he would win the American Idol Season 11. Although his voice is inferior to Jessica Sanchez, his talent with the guitar, his good looks, and his sex appeal would definitely add to his voice and would be more marketable with the voting population. He definitely have the majority of the votes from the gay community (just my two cents) and the female audience as well. He took my breath away by his performance of “We’ve Got Tonight”.

philip philipsI believe this coming Season Finale would be a repeat of what happened between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. The moment I saw Kris Allen, I knew that he’ll win the American Idol Season 8 because he’s more marketable than the more-talented Adam Lambert.

Final words: if I would only listen to the song on my iTunes, Jessica Sanchez would definitely be a winner. However, since being in the music industry means appearing in MTV, YouTube and concerts, I definitely believe that Phillip Phillips have the overall appeal of a Season 11 winner. He’s the winner for me.

Who’s your American Idol Season 11 winner?

Teen Wolf Season 2

Now that I’ve just finished watching the re-run of “The Amazing Race” Season 12 and that “The Vampire Diaries” Season 3 came to an end, I’m in the pursuit of a new TV show that I’ll download and watch.

I stumbled upon the trailer of “Teen Wolf” Season 2 and I guess it’s a good TV series to watch. I haven’t watched any episode from Season 1 yet but judging from the good looks of the male casts, I guess I’ll enjoy watching this TV series.

teen-wolf-first-10-minutes-03 teen-wolf-first-10-minutes-04I’m now downloading the complete Season 1 of “Teen Wolf” and I hope I’ll enjoy watching it until Season 2 comes up in June 3, 2012.

How about you, what are the TV series that you’re watching lately?

Saturday, May 19, 2012

My Dream Laptop: MacBook

Most photographers uses a MacBook – a laptop made by Apple Inc. It’s probably because of the software that comes with it. I admire and envy photographers who have MacBook.

I’m a member of Fotograpika Manila (a group of newbie photographers) and one of our members uses a MacBook. I took the opportunity to take pictures of her MacBook. I don’t know what exact model this is but I sure hope that one day I could have my own MacBook.

It’s definitely my dream laptop.

light MAC computer MAC computer 2 MAC computer 3