DISCLAIMER: This workaround is not official and has no endorsement from DLSU or anyone whatsoever.
Hello DCAT Takers!
The results of the De La Salle College Admission Test DCAT have just been released today and obviously, many applicants are eager to find out their results. Unfortunately, the website cannot handle the traffic, making the loading of the results a very long wait.
This workaround will still need some patience, but it will allow you to skip some steps that will need much, much more waiting. This will DIRECTLY lead you to the status letter.
-- Getting Your Result
In trying to get your result, you will be linked to the My.LaSalle website. The page will then ask you for your reference number, first name and surname (can be found in the green paper given to you after taking the DCAT). The page looks like this:
Then when you press "Search", you will only be sent back to the page, only that a "Print" button will be visible on top of the form. Clicking that "Print" will lead to your status letter.
In effect, the status letter will have been the third page you accessed, but just loading a page will take a really long time.
The Workaround
This will save you from having to load two pages.
**I USED MOZILLA FIREFOX IN THIS**
1. Copy the following and paste it in the address bar:
3. Press enter. If it doesn't load on first try, just keep on refreshing. The page should load if done correctly.
God Bless, and hope for the best!
Note: I can't guarantee 100% that this will work. However, I've tried this method with other applicants (who have asked my help), and they were able to load their status letters. If it cannot really work, I suggest that you go through the normal procedure.
The infographic is aimed at explaining the physics behind railways and rail transport. It highlights two important physics principles that are aimed to improving rail safety, both for passengers and rail road passers.
FILIPINO TRANSLATION:
HUMINTO,TIGNAN,MAGBASA ukol sa Hipnayan at Kaligtasan sa Tren, Riles o Daangbakal
HUMAWAK SA MGA HANDRAIL! Hangga't gusto mong mabuwal. -Pansinin na kapag bumibilis ang tren, ika'y napapaatras, o di kaya'y pag bumabagal at huminto ay ika'y napapasulong. Ito'y dahil ika'y pumipigil sa pagbago ng iyong takbo o motion. Ang pagpigil na iyon ay tinatawag na inertia. Kahit ika'y nakatayo o nakaupo lamang, ika'y tumatakbo kung ang tren ay tumatakbo, o nakahinto kung ito'y nakahinto. Hindi ka pa rin makapaniwala? Tangkain mong hindi humawak sa mga hawakan o hand rail kung nakatayo, pero binalaan ka: "Hold on, if you don't want to fall." More on Inertia / Karagdagan sa Inertia:http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-1/Inertia-and-Mass
MAS MABIGAT ANG TREN; kung kaya't mas malaki ang momentum.
-Ang momentum ay ang produkto ng bigat at velocity.Ito rin ay tinatawag na inertia in motion. Kung mas mataas ang momentum, mas matagal ang oras upang ang isang bagay ay huminto, o di kaya'y mas malakas a puwersa ang kakailanganin. Kahit mabagal ang tren, maaari pa rin itong makapatay sapagkat ito'y daig na mabigat kumpara sa tao. Paalala nga ng PNR,
It's (definitely) not that time of the year where one will invite another from the opposite gender to be part of his/her special night - the Juniors Promenade, also known as JS Prom or simply prom. I decided to write this blog post this time in the thought that I'll have no other time to do so in the coming months. It's also for those who want an idea of what prom is all about. I may be a hypocrite for what I'll say (actually, for a lot of what I'll say) but it's still too early to be concerned about it. Nevertheless, read on if you want to.
The ideas I express here may or may not apply to you; your decisions will always depend on your own judgment and to what you think is right or proper. I'll be sharing my experience, such to my opinion went well.
What Is Prom
Prom, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a formal dance for high school students usually at the end of the school year. Here in the Philippines, prom is for Juniors (3rd year; not sure with the K-12 equivalent), usually held during the month of February. The venue would be in a hotel (though I've never experienced prom in a hotel), or in the school grounds, should the school have the facilities to hold one. Given that it's a formal event, guests have a formal dress code to follow; such is usually provided by the school. Here, a student can attend with a date, or attend solo - stag. You may end up pressured to having a date but take note - there is nothing wrong with being stag. If you really want to have a date, however, go ahead and find one; just don't push it when you really can't find one.
Promspect
The word doesn't exist in the dictionary but promspect is just a combination of prom and prospect. In other words, promspect refers to the person you'd like to be with in your prom. Your promspect does not have to be your boy/girlfriend (thus you don't really need a relationship!), or someone who's undeniably handsome or beautiful. You'd like your prom to be a memorable one, so think of someone you know you'll have a good time with, someone who's really worth that memory. It can be (but not limited to) a friend, someone you know, someone you'd like to know more, or have a good connection with. Consider as well the probability of that sweet yes. Do you think that person is free and willing on the night itself? Do you think that person's parents will allow? There are more factors to consider, but those are one of the most important ones. Again, your preferences may be different from mine. Whoever you think should be your date, go ahead and aim for him/her. And if the probability isn't that good, yet you really want that person to be your date, go ask! There's nothing wrong with trying. Again, this is your night. It's up to you as to how you want it to be.
Promposal
This word isn't in the dictionary as well. Promposal is just short for prom-proposal. What a term (though I did prompose, or that's how it's called)! Back in the old days ('80s), my mom told me that inviting a person to prom was as simple as calling the person's house telephone. Promposal is the act of inviting the person to prom. This, however, is different from mere inviting. Promposal is usually grand in nature - flash mobs, group singing and so on. Inviting a person, however, needs not to be grand or extravagant. The extravagance of an invitation doesn't necessarily increase your chances nor does it guarantee a positive response. A well-thought invitation will suffice, something that the invitee will really appreciate. There are a lot of ways to invite a person. The internet offers a lot of ways. It's best, however, to have your own way of inviting a person. Don't be too plain with your invitation as well (such as texting the person like Prom. G? or asking as if it's an ordinary question); it's rather improper these days. There'll be a separate post regarding my personal experience based on this post (which I believe will be more interesting). Stay tuned!
With regard to when you should invite a person, it varies. Some invite as early as October (like me) when the night itself is in February. Others invite as close as a week before the night. There's really no ideal time to invite, but in my opinion, the ideal time is within one to two months before the night. Consider the availability of the person you'd like to invite (should you want to meet with him/her, or at the least have a lengthly conversation). A school Christmas fair may be a good venue to invite the person, if the night is near that.
Some would invite a person in such a manner that the public will take notice. Well, publicity isn't always good; it instead can be disappointing when it doesn't go as planned. The manner of invitation will depend on the preference of the invitee. Usually, it's better to do a personal invitation. The invitee will get to appreciate it more. Also, it's only you two who're interacting. That way, the invitation will only be between you and the invitee, without external intervention or so.
After Promposal
Should you fail to invite your promspect, you can try inviting someone else. Take note that you can attend on your own as stag. Should you succeed, however, well congratulations! Now that you have a date, the next thing you'll have to do is to settle necessary matters. This may include asking the date's parents for permission. Always remember to be honest and respectful to your date and to his/her parents. This will give you a good impression and will show that you deserve to be with your date on that special night. There's nothing much to do in between inviting and prom itself, actually. You just have to prepare your attire (among others) and make sure that your date is informed with pertinent details. If necessary, get to know your date's address. Usually, the arrangement is that the male would pick his date up at the date's house. The date will be brought home after prom as well. Again, this arrangement is not necessary. Just be faithful and adherent to whatever the arrangement/agreement will be. Acknowledge your (and your date's) limitations.
On Your Special Night
This is it! This is your night! After all that preparation and stuff, the night has finally come! Before you leave the house, make sure that you have everything you need. Avoid bringing too many things, by the way. Be punctual; it gives you a better impression to your date and his/her parents and/or family. On the way and at the venue itself, do converse with your date. Take care of your date as well. His/her parents entrusted him/her to you, so it's just proper that you make sure that he/she is well cared for. Most of all, enjoy! You don't have to be perfect with everything. What's important is that you're enjoying and you're making good memories by the minute. After prom, never forget to express gratitude towards your date for spending the time with you.
Prom isn't necessarily the end, however. It isn't necessarily the 'beginning' as well, but it is a good way to start a good connection.
If you finished reading all the way here, thank you! I'm sorry if the article's kind of lengthly but what I have written is what I can offer to you as someone who has gone through it. Note that the ideas I expressed here worked best for me. Know that you are not me, and I am not you, so other ideas may work best for you. You can follow if you want to. Nevertheless, I'll be willing to help you out. Just drop a comment or message if you need help or you simply want to suggest something in improving this post. Don't forget to be constructive :)
It's been some time since my last post, but here goes one... By the way, I'm gardening in Manila, Philippines (just to give you an idea of the climate and environment).
I wanted to grow sunflowers on a pot so I decided to buy sunflower seeds. I got the Yellow Empress variant, from Yates Seeds, imported by Ramgo. According to the packet, the plant is expected to have a height of one meter (or more). Needless to say, this sunflower variant has to be planted on ground, not on pots.
In my garden, there's not much space. If there were, that space isn't good enough; it doesn't receive enough sunlight. Given that, I decided to plant the seeds on a pot. I wanted to see how it will do, aware that the chances of it flowering is relatively slim. I still kept my hopes high, however. Years back, I saw a bloomed sunflower planted on a metal milk can (which is commonly used as a pot in the province).
I planted on April 23 and in around 3 days if I remember, the seeds emerged. Unfortunately, the seedlings were leggy (but not drooping), as I planted them on a not-so-sunny place. I then transferred the seedlings to a bigger pot (still not big enough, however). The leaves drooped initially, but the seedlings normalized eventually. The plants receive at least five hours of sunlight a day, and they have grown well since then (despite the leggy stem; that portion has strengthened).
I eventually decided to transfer the seedlings to their individual pots. Transplanting isn't recommended for sunflowers, but I still decided to give it a try. I took the shortest one and transferred it on a plastic pot (roughly 7 in. diameter x 8 in. height). After a few days, success! The plant was able to establish itself. I planted another, but it is yet to fully normalize as of now.
I let the established one grow, and after some more days, lo and behold- the plant has a bud! Picture was taken June 4 (roughly a month and two weeks).
I was delighted to see a bud growing. Days passed, and the bud grew larger. This plant is serious about blooming! Picture below was taken four days after, June 8.
I'll be photographing as much photos as soon as the flower blooms. In the meantime, stay tuned! I wonder how the flower will look like (obviously yellow with a brown center- I mean how big and so on).
My family and I traveled by road from Manila all the way up north to Ilocos Region. Surprisingly, I wasn't that impatient, despite that the trip was the longest distance in my life (or it was from Detroit to Washington, D.C. and back). We left home at around nine in the evening and arrived somewhere in Ilocos Sur at around six.
The long travel time paid off as Ilocos had so much sights in store. Given that, I instinctively took photos, as I always would. This is just Part I; expect more photos from the northernmost region of the Pearl of the Orient.
A kalesa (or calesa) plies by Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Calle Crisologo is the street that has that Spanish era feel. It's also the street usually featured to feature Vigan itself.
Right under a windmill/wind turbine in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. You can hear the wind swooping as the blades turn. The turbine's a giant; you may feel a bit uncomfortable when going near it.
Unfortunately, I didn't bring my tripod. Fortunately, there was a table. Tried to keep it as stable as possible. This was taken after the sunset. A beautiful sight indeed! The orange lights on the horizon are fishing boats
More to come! And by the way, I opened an Instagram account. If interested, I'm @jigsthetwisted there.
I brought my camera since I wanted to make a better walk through video of the Premiere Train. Unfortunately, when I arrived at Sucat station, the ticket agent told me that a reservation has to be made beforehand in order to ride the Premiere Train, or push your luck as a chance passenger. I took a commuter train to EDSA instead, not wanting to take the risk of not being able to ride the Premiere Train. Well, I won't say that today was a waste, since I got to experience something new.
I left earlier at home so I wouldn't be pressured in catching the train going to Sucat. Arriving at Bicutan station, I got an P8 ticket that had 'MSC7237' written on it. Though the ticket's value was P8, I paid P10. Well, first luck of the day! I got an P8 ticket instead of the usual P10. The ticket got partly ripped at the end since it was inspected.
While waiting, DEL 921 performing MSC800 (based on schedule) arrived, headed northbound to Tutuban. I got to film its arrival and part of its departure.
Right after it departed, an orange figure appeared coming closer. It was a KiHa 52! I thought that I was lucky since I'd be riding a type of train of PNR that I haven't. I have previously rode the Hyndai Rotem DMU, EMU 203 and Kogane 59 trains. This train was performing MSC723 (as a Shuttle train) with its last stop being Sucat.
KiHa 52 arrives at Bicutan Station
By first looks, it seemed that it wasn't air conditioned. True enough, it isn't. I got in and saw that ventilation was provided by ceiling fans. I didn't bother, though. Before I got in, the conductor asked me as to where I'm bound to. I said Sucat, and he let me in. Surprisingly, the cars aren't packed, so I got the chance to sit down in red cushioned chairs. I took a video since it's not that cramped.
I also took a picture of its interior. I don't know if this is a legitimate Japanese set up (with the overhead fans) but like the EMU, the Japanese signs from its previous owner remain attached. I guess this kind of DMU wasn't really built with air conditioning as Japan's climate is cold.
KiHa 52 Interior
This one is less noisy compared to the EMU but I won't say that this isn't. There's this hissing sound in puffs. I'm not sure where it's coming from. Also, you would hear its engines rev quite madly at times. And though not air conditioned, you won't feel too hot inside (or that's because it's not that cramped and that it was morning). I'm not sure for the summer season, though.
The train arrived in Sucat and it was filled up with passengers bound for Manila after its previous passengers were offloaded. There I waited for the ticket booth to finish selling tickets for the outgoing (the same KiHa 52) train. As the train departed, I was entertained. Then voila! I realized that I will have to reserve a ticket just to ride the Premiere Train, otherwise be a chance passenger. I rode an EMU instead, a trip that will leave earlier at the station.
Going northbound wasn't as bumpy and noisy as going southbound (both routes compared by riding EMUs; as shown in the video in a previous blog). Again, though, I would still have to say that the Kogane 59 is the quietest train. I do hope that I'll still get to ride the Premiere Train in good shape. For now, I'll just think that I'm lucky to have rode KiHa 52... from Japan with love!
The Philippine National Railways recently launched the Premiere Train service (March 3, 2014) in response to the scheduled roadworks in the Metro that are threatening to heavily congest the city. PNR said that this is an alternative to people who use their cars as everyday transport. PNR also described the coaches as similar to that of an airplane such that its amenities include a reclining and rotating chair, lavatory and so on.
Having a fascination for PNR's trains ever since, I decided to ride that train for the sake of experience. Some local news agencies have featured it on their morning news programs and the interiors do look good.
Before the Premiere Train was launched, PNR operated various rolling stock as Metro Commuter trains, specifically the EMU 203 from Japan, hauled by the company's own DELs, Hyundai Rotem DMU from Korea, and occasionally, the KiHa 52, also from Japan.
My very first PNR ride was in a DMU. That one was jam-packed, suggesting that many (literally many) are using the train, contrary to my personal belief. The train may be shakey, but it's not very noisy and the shaking isn't that "bumpy-like." You'll only hear the engine revving and shifting gears plus the clacking on the rails. Typical old-style train sound for me.
A PNR DMU arrives at EDSA Station
As soon as I frequented PNR I started to want to ride an EMU since I've been riding the DMUs all the time and maybe riding an EMU would be a whole different experience. On top of that, the EMU is hauled by the DELs, the ones I had a fascination for ever since I was a kid.
PNR EMU 203 hauled by DEL 914 arrives at EDSA Station
Fortunately I was able to ride one. And truly, riding an EMU is a whole different experience. Unlike the DMU, the EMU is quite noisy and shakey, with its doors literally shaking while in transit (and being the main source of noise). It gives you an impression that there are bumps even on rails. Other than that, most of the signs from its original owner (JR East) are still there. Somehow, it'd give you a Japanese-feel.
As soon as the Premiere Train service had launched, I started thinking of dates as to when I can get to ride it. I checked the train schedule and see if the schedule fits with any of my other schedules and thankfully it did - March 5. For me to get in one, though, I will have to ride a train to Sucat, then board the Premiere Train from there.
[A video below covers this part of the blog]
On that day, I rode train MSC737 from Bicutan to Sucat, operated by an EMU. The ticket costs P10. I realized how fast can PNR's trains really travel (may be +60 kph). Also, it was my first time to ride the route between Bicutan and Sucat. The ride was very shakey and bumpy, though I enjoyed it. I stood in the aisle holding nothing so I could try balancing myself with the left-and-right-and-up-and-down motion of the coach.
PNR Metro Commuter Ticket (Inspected)
Upon arriving Sucat station, I asked the station guard as to where I can buy a ticket for the Premiere Train.
Yung Kogane? She asked. After I affirmed, she called out one of the station staff who was holding a booklet of tickets. That staff member then asked for my name and where I was bound to. She then asked the other staff for the train number. After it was filled out, I got two copies - one for myself and another for the conductor (carbon copy). And wow, the ticket is an eye candy! Next time though, I'll ask for the ticket to be ripped more properly. The ticket costs P60.
[EDIT: I tried to ride the Premiere Train March 18, and apparently, you have to reserve for a ticket to get a sure seat. Otherwise, you'll be a chance passenger. You'll only know if you can get in when the train itself arrives at the station.]
Apparently the commuter train had to wait for the Premiere Train to arrive before it can finally travel to Alabang. A few more minutes passed and the Premiere Train arrived. This service makes use of the Kogane 59 train, again, from Japan. Getting in required passengers to present their ticket for the trip; the green commuter ticket is not accepted. The train marshal (yes, there is) let me in after I presented my ticket.
The coach wasn't as noisy. I also observed that the coach is almost full. Only two seats were vacant when it arrived if I remember. Take note, the service only started two days ago. As soon as it started moving, I realized how smooth it went. Indeed, the train is good! This one is very quiet and it's not that bumpy at all, even in transit. The train isn't allowed to be packed; otherwise, it would refuse to travel. By the way, this is my first time to sit inside a PNR train. I then walked around a bit to explore the train more. I went to the lavatory area, which is located near the couple between coaches. That area is probably the shakiest and noisiest part of the train.
I got in the lavatory and tried the sink. Apparently, no water was flowing out. It's either there really is no water or I just failed to press the valve well. The valve is different from the usual ones. You'll also have a hard time balancing inside the lav, so good luck! Just kidding...
There's another sink just outside the lav. That one, however, has flowing water. It also had a mirror glass so I tried to take a selfie (pardon the excitement) but that area was just too shakey to make a good one. I ended up having one with the background of the aisle.
Other than those amenities, guards and train marshals are also present. Here you'll feel very safe inside. Don't forget to be vigilant, however. On the way, the train stopped at FTI Station although I don't know if the doors were opened. The train was supposed to go all the way to EDSA Station.
PNR Kogane 59 Windows
The train was about to arrive in EDSA Station so I stood up and prepared to exit. I asked the train marshal if the service is already used by many. He said yes, without hesitation.
Riding it was quite a good experience. In fact, some of my friends proposed that we ride in the summer going all the way to Sta. Rosa, Laguna and back just for joyriding while it's new. Hopefully, PNR will maintain this service. IMO, this is incomparable to other trains in the world but this is the best that we have. Improvements have started; let's not waste it again!
Hopefully.
Here's a video of that day... This will give you a good comparison between the EMU 203 and the Kogane 59 train.
If you do want to ride this train, here are some important details...
-The service is limited; there are only two round trips a day, minus Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
-The trip is from Tutuban to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It only stops at select stations in between, specifically Blumentritt, España, Sta. Mesa, Buendia, EDSA, Sucat, Alabang, San Pedro Laguna, Biñan
-Minimum price is P60; maximum is P90.
-For more information, you can go to this website: http://www.pnr.gov.ph/metro_commuter.htm
