My Life Renting in Makati
Electric Stove vs. Gas Stove
04/22/10
In a rentable space, tenants may debate whether to use a gas stove or an electric burner for their cooking needs. Some believe that gas burners are better than electric stoves, while others claim otherwise. To help you decide which one really suits you best, here is a list of differences between the two stoves.
Energy source
A standard gas burner is powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG, which come in tanks that may be bought or refilled in gas stations and other retailed stores. The cost of an LPG tank may cost depending on the tank’s brand. A tank usually lasts a month, depending on how frequent the burner will be used. Thus, the cost of a gas burner is a one-time big-time spending and is fixed.
On the other hand, an electric stove is powered by electricity. It is plugged to an outlet in the kitchen and obtains heat from the electricity flowing through its cords. Like in gas burners, the cost of electric burners comes every month in the form of an electric bill. Unfortunately, gas burners consume so much electricity that they would cause you a fortune in electric bill.
Regulation
A gas burner gives out flames when turned on. It immediately produces heat and may be easily regulated just by turning the stove’s dial. The cook can immediately determine if the fire is too hot just by looking at the flames produced by gas burners.
For electric burners, there are no flames. Electricity flows from the cord to the coils. This means the heating is gradual and slow. The lack of flames also makes it hard for the cook to know if there is too much heat or not.
Hazards
Since gas burners use gas, they are highly flammable unlike electric burners. Once a gas burner is left on and the gas leaks throughout the house, it may cause explosion and fire. Thus, users are advised to be very careful when handling burners.
Electric stoves are also at risk of causing fire if the stove is left plugged and turned on. The coils may overheat and may explode as well. The difference, however, is that electric stoves may not cause an explosion as big as what a gas burner may cause.
These differences may show that certain factors can make gas burners a better option than an electric stove. A gas burner is easy to regulate and can help save money. Electric burners, on the other hand, are safer for the home. Thus, the burner you should choose for your home is something that should answer your need. If you need to save money, try the gas burner. But if you need a more fire-proof option, use an electric stove.
Energy source
A standard gas burner is powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas or LPG, which come in tanks that may be bought or refilled in gas stations and other retailed stores. The cost of an LPG tank may cost depending on the tank’s brand. A tank usually lasts a month, depending on how frequent the burner will be used. Thus, the cost of a gas burner is a one-time big-time spending and is fixed.
On the other hand, an electric stove is powered by electricity. It is plugged to an outlet in the kitchen and obtains heat from the electricity flowing through its cords. Like in gas burners, the cost of electric burners comes every month in the form of an electric bill. Unfortunately, gas burners consume so much electricity that they would cause you a fortune in electric bill.
Regulation
A gas burner gives out flames when turned on. It immediately produces heat and may be easily regulated just by turning the stove’s dial. The cook can immediately determine if the fire is too hot just by looking at the flames produced by gas burners.
For electric burners, there are no flames. Electricity flows from the cord to the coils. This means the heating is gradual and slow. The lack of flames also makes it hard for the cook to know if there is too much heat or not.
Hazards
Since gas burners use gas, they are highly flammable unlike electric burners. Once a gas burner is left on and the gas leaks throughout the house, it may cause explosion and fire. Thus, users are advised to be very careful when handling burners.
Electric stoves are also at risk of causing fire if the stove is left plugged and turned on. The coils may overheat and may explode as well. The difference, however, is that electric stoves may not cause an explosion as big as what a gas burner may cause.
These differences may show that certain factors can make gas burners a better option than an electric stove. A gas burner is easy to regulate and can help save money. Electric burners, on the other hand, are safer for the home. Thus, the burner you should choose for your home is something that should answer your need. If you need to save money, try the gas burner. But if you need a more fire-proof option, use an electric stove.
Maximizing your closet space
03/03/10
When living in a house for rent or in a room you share with another person, closet space is more often than not a problem. There is always too much things to keep inside and not enough room for most of them. In the end, you are left stuffing most of your clothes in a bag and your shoe collection in a line of paper bags. This may do, however, it will easily expose you things to oxygen. This means your shoes will deteriorate faster and you clothes as well. In order to prevent this, here are some tips you may follow.
Declutter
Removing clutters from the closet space you have is a job tougher than most people think. It must be remembered that other people’s clutter is another man’s treasure. However, thinking of the need for space all things that are no longer of use must go. Throwing things should be on a regular basis so as not to have a collection of unusable stuff. By doing this, the space occupied by the clutter may now be used for the clothes and shoes that are left exposed outside.
Evaluate the closet
There are numerous kinds of closet. The most common is the one with a rod that runs from one end to the other and a couple of drawers. If you’re closet is one of this common designs, chances are, you need to really organize your things to be able to obtain enough space for everything. For this kind of closet, a certain distance of the hanged clothes is necessary. It should not be too close or too far. In addition, clothes that may be folded may be kept in the drawers so as not to consume the entire rod.
Make partitions
Partitions are necessary in easily finding what you need in your closet. This will help in eliminating the possibility of getting yourself hurt by having a box of shoe falling on your head. Be wise, shoes are placed below Full-length clothes. Full-length clothes must be hanged, jackets and pants as well. Shirts and shorts may be folded, place it nicely in drawers. By dividing the closet carefully you can easily locate what you’re looking for maintain the organization of your closet.
Whether you have a small or big closet, it does not matter. Getting the most space may be done by being organized and systematic.
Declutter
Removing clutters from the closet space you have is a job tougher than most people think. It must be remembered that other people’s clutter is another man’s treasure. However, thinking of the need for space all things that are no longer of use must go. Throwing things should be on a regular basis so as not to have a collection of unusable stuff. By doing this, the space occupied by the clutter may now be used for the clothes and shoes that are left exposed outside.
Evaluate the closet
There are numerous kinds of closet. The most common is the one with a rod that runs from one end to the other and a couple of drawers. If you’re closet is one of this common designs, chances are, you need to really organize your things to be able to obtain enough space for everything. For this kind of closet, a certain distance of the hanged clothes is necessary. It should not be too close or too far. In addition, clothes that may be folded may be kept in the drawers so as not to consume the entire rod.
Make partitions
Partitions are necessary in easily finding what you need in your closet. This will help in eliminating the possibility of getting yourself hurt by having a box of shoe falling on your head. Be wise, shoes are placed below Full-length clothes. Full-length clothes must be hanged, jackets and pants as well. Shirts and shorts may be folded, place it nicely in drawers. By dividing the closet carefully you can easily locate what you’re looking for maintain the organization of your closet.
Whether you have a small or big closet, it does not matter. Getting the most space may be done by being organized and systematic.
Doing your own laundry
02/23/10
Many people who rent in the city find that having their laundry done for them is more convenient. They fail to note that doing it on their own is more advantageous not only because it is a form of exercise but also because it is economical and safer. However, there is the question of the effort and time it consumes. To answer this problem here are five easy steps to follow in order to make doing your own laundry not only economical but effortless.
Pack the machine
Though old people might get angry if you do this, it is the best way to make the process fast. However, do not pack everything at the same time. A washing machine has a weight limit and if the contents exceed this, it won’t work anymore. Make sure that you are packing as much as possible and not all at the same time. The water should also be proportionate to the contents or else the machine won’t spin and the clothes won’t get cleaned.
Put in the ingredients
After dropping all the dirty clothes in, the soap is now the next thing to be added. Make sure you put in enough soap for this is the cleaning agent. Even with enough spinning and smashing inside the machine, your clothes won’t get cleaned without soap. Therefore, choose the best soap available and use it for your clothes. Try the ones which are good smelling and those with beads.
Do something else
Multitasking is very common these days. Thus, while you’re clothes are spinning in the machine, make the waiting time worthwhile and so do something else. Do not just stand around and wait for the buzz. By doing something else you are making the laundry convenient. Try preparing your lunch or hanging the clothes that just came out of the dryer. Just makes sure that the timer of the machines is set to what is necessary for the clothes.
Buzzer sound means done
While you’re busy doing something else the machine will just ring as a call that the spinning is over and the clothes are done. Make sure you see suds on top of the clothes when this happens as it indicates that you have added enough soap and water to get the clothes clean. If you don’t see any suds atop the water, it points that you need to add more water as well as soap and spin the clothes again. This is to completely get the dirt and germs off your clothes.
Rinse and dry
After the buzzer sounds, you can now get your clothes from the machine and rinse it. You have two options. First is you rinse it mano-a-mano or by hand or let the machine do it for you. Should you decide to do it by hand, you will need more time, effort, and tools. If you’ll do it by machine you just need to get the clothes out of the spinner and drain the water. Then replace the water with soap with clean water. Drop the clothes again then make them spin. Do this 2-3 times and you are ensured of soap free clothes. Afterwards, drop them in the dryer or directly hang them out to dry.
Pack the machine
Though old people might get angry if you do this, it is the best way to make the process fast. However, do not pack everything at the same time. A washing machine has a weight limit and if the contents exceed this, it won’t work anymore. Make sure that you are packing as much as possible and not all at the same time. The water should also be proportionate to the contents or else the machine won’t spin and the clothes won’t get cleaned.
Put in the ingredients
After dropping all the dirty clothes in, the soap is now the next thing to be added. Make sure you put in enough soap for this is the cleaning agent. Even with enough spinning and smashing inside the machine, your clothes won’t get cleaned without soap. Therefore, choose the best soap available and use it for your clothes. Try the ones which are good smelling and those with beads.
Do something else
Multitasking is very common these days. Thus, while you’re clothes are spinning in the machine, make the waiting time worthwhile and so do something else. Do not just stand around and wait for the buzz. By doing something else you are making the laundry convenient. Try preparing your lunch or hanging the clothes that just came out of the dryer. Just makes sure that the timer of the machines is set to what is necessary for the clothes.
Buzzer sound means done
While you’re busy doing something else the machine will just ring as a call that the spinning is over and the clothes are done. Make sure you see suds on top of the clothes when this happens as it indicates that you have added enough soap and water to get the clothes clean. If you don’t see any suds atop the water, it points that you need to add more water as well as soap and spin the clothes again. This is to completely get the dirt and germs off your clothes.
Rinse and dry
After the buzzer sounds, you can now get your clothes from the machine and rinse it. You have two options. First is you rinse it mano-a-mano or by hand or let the machine do it for you. Should you decide to do it by hand, you will need more time, effort, and tools. If you’ll do it by machine you just need to get the clothes out of the spinner and drain the water. Then replace the water with soap with clean water. Drop the clothes again then make them spin. Do this 2-3 times and you are ensured of soap free clothes. Afterwards, drop them in the dryer or directly hang them out to dry.
Eating In vs Dining Out
02/17/10
When trapped in the city and just sharing an apartment with a non-relative people are given the impression that to dine out is better than to eat inside the house. This may be true for some people but evaluating main aspects of the activity it may be found that eating inside the home is more advantageous. Here are some of the reasons why eating in is better than dining out.
It is making the most out of your rent
When renting a place or sharing an apartment with a stranger, it is sometimes awkward to use the kitchen and the utensils therein. However, it must be noted that these things are part of the bargain you are paying for. Thus, maximize it. Why should you share an apartment, which is more expensive than renting a bed space, if you do not have any plans to utilize the amenities it entails? You should not worry about the other person in the room. After all you might be paying the same amount.
It will help you save money
Many people claim that dining out is cheaper compared to cooking and eating inside the home. However, it should be taken into account that when you dine out you pay for the service of the waiters, bus boys, and cashiers of the restaurant. These were all charged on you, plus the price of the ingredients on your food. Also, by eating outside you are being charged of taxes. When it comes to eating inside, you are not charged of anything, just the gas you will be consuming and the price of the ingredients you will be using. You are also given the liberty to as regards the taste as you are the cook, the client, and everything else.
It gives you the chance to explore your cooking prowess
What is good about eating in is that you are required to exert effort. Thus, you do your best to make the result of your endeavor good. You will never allow that the food you have cooked tastes like thrash. You are then forced to experiment and have fun to get the result that will be worth all the time and effort. If you’re not a good cook, you are forced to check recipes and imitate to the best of your skills what is in it. The task will be a challenge you of course will never surrender to.
It grants the liberty to eat what you want
When dining outside, you are mostly limited to the restaurants that are in close proximity. Your budget also limits you with what restaurants you should eat in. Unlike when eating, since doing it on your wond is cheaper the choice is vaster that that in the restaurants. You have the freedom to choose between pasta, rice, or soup. You are also granted the chance to check other cuisines which you wish to taste
It is making the most out of your rent
When renting a place or sharing an apartment with a stranger, it is sometimes awkward to use the kitchen and the utensils therein. However, it must be noted that these things are part of the bargain you are paying for. Thus, maximize it. Why should you share an apartment, which is more expensive than renting a bed space, if you do not have any plans to utilize the amenities it entails? You should not worry about the other person in the room. After all you might be paying the same amount.
It will help you save money
Many people claim that dining out is cheaper compared to cooking and eating inside the home. However, it should be taken into account that when you dine out you pay for the service of the waiters, bus boys, and cashiers of the restaurant. These were all charged on you, plus the price of the ingredients on your food. Also, by eating outside you are being charged of taxes. When it comes to eating inside, you are not charged of anything, just the gas you will be consuming and the price of the ingredients you will be using. You are also given the liberty to as regards the taste as you are the cook, the client, and everything else.
It gives you the chance to explore your cooking prowess
What is good about eating in is that you are required to exert effort. Thus, you do your best to make the result of your endeavor good. You will never allow that the food you have cooked tastes like thrash. You are then forced to experiment and have fun to get the result that will be worth all the time and effort. If you’re not a good cook, you are forced to check recipes and imitate to the best of your skills what is in it. The task will be a challenge you of course will never surrender to.
It grants the liberty to eat what you want
When dining outside, you are mostly limited to the restaurants that are in close proximity. Your budget also limits you with what restaurants you should eat in. Unlike when eating, since doing it on your wond is cheaper the choice is vaster that that in the restaurants. You have the freedom to choose between pasta, rice, or soup. You are also granted the chance to check other cuisines which you wish to taste
Home Value
02/15/10
I recently got into thinking about the value of my home. Renting in a Makati Apartment, I would eventually get out of here later on and try to find a home I can call my own. And when that time comes, I would like to be able to get rid of my apartment and get a decent amount for it. So I asked a friend on how to raise the value of my apartment and this is what I got:
Makati Real Estate Investment
02/01/10
I recently had a talk with a friend of mine about my Makati real estate. For me, it is really a fine piece of property. I'm living near my office which means big savings on transportation and I'm close to almost every establishment I may need such as restaurants, hospitals, malls and more. Plus, the service in Makati is great. You know that police and firemen can respond quickly to your needs. At the same time, crime rate here is lower compared to other cities in the Metro Manila area. But for him, it is a lot more than that...Read More
A Real Day Off
The meaning of a day off or vacation, or even simple rest and relaxation, can be different from one person to another. For some people, a vacation is comprised of traveling to an exotic location and doing something new or different. Other people loves to go out at night and party hard till the wee hours. On the other hand, for some people, a simple alone time is sufficient enough...Read More
Helping a Friend
A friend of mine recently decided to move out from his dorm in Manila and move to an apartment in Makati for several reasons. One, a dorm isn't fully equipped to meet his needs. A apartment or condo will be able to provide him with better security, connectivity and other amenities such as swimming pool and gym access. Although it will come at a higher price, it will certainly be worth it for the additional stuff.
A Makati New Year
Spared no expense. That was what I did during my New Year here in Makati. Thousands and thousands of people gathered from everywhere to eat, be merry and have fun in Makati City. Me, instead of going to a big celebration (there was one hosted by a TV network giant in Mall of Asia), I opted to have my own big time celebration...Read More
My Top 10 Food Stops in Makati
Try hitting Glorietta in mid-day and you’ll find that when there are no rushing people around, it’s the perfect place to catch a break. Go eat at:...Read More
My Slice of Makati
I got home late yesterday. For a BPO employee renting in Makati, getting home at 11:30 is late. I forgot that it was Monday and the streets are jammed with more vehicles on this day of the week. I have been living in the city for almost two years now and I seem to have completely ignored this downside. But who can blame me? Makati has so many better things in its sleeves besides the traffic jam...Read More.
The City Life
I was just a fresh grad during the time I first moved in to Metro Manila. I thought this is the beginning of everything. I got hired in a great position in a BPO company, I knew that commuting from my province to the city is suicide. Sadly, I needed to get my own place and be away from my family. Homesickness was my main problem. But I eventually saw that the city presented several places that can lessen homesickness. Malls and plazas are plentiful, museums and libraries as well. More importantly, the night scene in Makati is extraordinary. I saw that this is the best place to live in.
Just like my job, I found my place through browsing the internet. A lot of websites offer numerous of rentable places, starting from affordable bed spaces to expensive condo units...Read More.
Just like my job, I found my place through browsing the internet. A lot of websites offer numerous of rentable places, starting from affordable bed spaces to expensive condo units...Read More.
