Monday, May 30, 2011

Official BRSTN Codes In the Philippines


A BRSTN code is the Bank Routing Symbol Transit Number. It is the common term for BIC or bank identifier code that is used by banks in the Philippines for transferring funds. It is a 9-digit code identifying your country, city, and bank.

With BRSTN, oDesk’s bank can easily forward the funds to any registered bank in the Philippines. Below is the official list of BRSTN codes in the Philippines:

BRSTN ----------------------Name of Bank

010320013 ------------- Allied Banking Corporation
011020011 ------------- Asia United Bank
010700015 ------------- Australia - New Zealand Bank
010530667 ------------- Banco De Oro
010670019 ------------- Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd.
010120019 ------------- Bank of America, N. A.
011140014 ------------- Bank of China
010440016 ------------- Bank of Commerce
010040018 ------------- Bank of the Philippine Islands
010100013 ------------- China Banking Corporation
010690015 ------------- Chinatrust Commercial Bank Corp.
010070017 ------------- Citibank, N. A.
010650013 ------------- Deutsche Bank
010590018 ------------- Development Bank of the Philippines
010620014 ------------- East-West Banking Corporation
010860010 ------------- Export and Industry Bank
010060014 ------------- Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp.
010720011 ------------- JP Morgan Chase Bank
010710018 ------------- Korea Exchange Bank
010350025 ------------- Landbank of the Philippines
010220016 ------------- Maybank Philippines, Inc.
010269996 ------------- Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
010640010 ------------- Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.
010110016 ------------- Philippine Bank of Communications
010080010 ------------- Philippine National Bank
010090039 ------------- Philippine Trust Company
010330016 ------------- Philippine Veterans Bank
010280014 ------------- Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
010140015 ------------- Security Bank Corporation
010460012 ------------- The Bank of Tokyo Ltd
010050011 ------------- The Standard Chartered Bank
010419995 ------------- Union Bank of the Philippines
010299995 ------------- United Coconut Planters Bank
010270341 ------------- United Overseas Bank Philippines


source: oDesk

Using Unionbank’s EON Card to Verify and Withdraw Money from PayPal



Unionbank’s EON card is the best way to withdraw money from PayPal because it is the only bank in the Philippines that is linked to PayPal. Read more info here.

Moreover, one good thing about EON is that, there is no minimum maintaining balance requirement. However, to open an account, you have to pay P350. To get your EON card, you may apply online through visiting the Unionbank’s website.

Now, when you have your card and ready to link it to PayPal, here are the next steps to take.

Do not confuse the numbers that appear on your card. Take note of the following information:



a. The bigger number in the middle of your card is the card number.
b. The one below your name is your bank account number.

The ACCOUNT NUMBER is the one that you need to verify your account in PayPal.

Be sure to deposit at least P300 pesos in you EON account because PayPal will take away $1.95 for the verification process. After successful verification, your $1.95 will be returned to you.

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click the Profile and choose Add a debit/credit card.
3. Be sure that the details that you will enter in the fields are the same as indicated in your Unionbank EON account.
4. Log-in to your Unionbank EON account and check your transaction history.
5. Look for the Visa Expanded use charge and get the 4 digit number that you can see following the word “VISA.”
6. Once you have the 4 digits, go back to your PayPal account, just under the welcome message with your name, you will see the GET VERIFIED link. Click it and then enter the 4 digit number in the designated field.
7. Go back to your home page and see if the status under your name was changed to VERIFIED.



How to Activate your EON for Withdrawal

1. Log-in to PayPal account.
2. Under the Profile tab, choose Add Bank accounthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
3. Key in your bank account details.
4. Click continue and then confirm that all the details are correct.



For the bank code, here is the official list of BRSTN codes use in PayPal. If you want to add another bank, refer to the list and look for the assigned code for the bank that you would like to add.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

oDesk Payment Methods for Contractors in the Philippines

If you are getting projects via Odesk, then it is important that you know the different methods of withdrawing your earnings. With the increasing number of Filipino freelancers, this article would be of help to everyone.

The payment options that I will review are the ones that I’m using right now so the details that you are about to read are based on my actual experience. This is for Filipinos who want to know how to get their money from oDesk.

In the payment options listed in the site, we can only use the following:

Payoneer



- This is the fastest option. You can transfer the money in your card in as little as 2 hours, provided that you are willing to pay a $3 loading fee. If you want to avoid the loading fee, just wait for 2 days until your money is credited to your card.

- You can use your Payoneer card for purchases as long as the store honors cards with the Mastercard logo.

- If you will withdraw your money in ATM’s, you will be charged $2.15 for every withdrawal transaction.

PayPal(verified account)



- oDesk charges $1.00 for every fund transfer to Paypal. And when you withdraw money from PayPal to your bank or credit card, the withdrawal fees are as follows:

1. For P7,000 and up – free
2. For 6,999 and below – P50.00

- From PayPal, it usually takes 2 – 3 days before your money shows up in your bank account balance.

Note: Your bank may charge extra fees for the incoming transfers from PayPal.

Wire transfer

- This could be the easiest method to get your money but because of the expensive fee which is $30, I do not recommend this.

Local Fund Transfer

PayPal recently made this option available for Contractors based in the Philippines. oDesk will only charge $.99 per transaction. See more information here.

So, which one is the best?

Based on my experience, PayPal and Payoneer are the best. Local fund transfer seems to be a good option too but I still have to try it.

How to Get Started With Odesk


After learning that I’m working as an online freelance writer, many friends are asking about it. They would ask how I got started, where I get my projects, etc.

As a response, I am now writing this simple step by step guide for getting work via the internet. If you want to earn online while working at home, sign up with oDesk.

Now, getting started is easy. Just follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to establishing a great career online.

Step 1 – Create an account

You have to create an account by signing up as a Contractor.



Step 2 – Build up your Profile and Portfolio

After setting up your account, fill up your profile with relevant information. In your portfolio, do not leave it blank as this is how you are going to give employers a glimpse of your skills and work experiences. Employers can also asses you based on the given details when you apply for a job.

Step 3 – Take oDesk readiness test

All contractors are required to take this test. You will not be able to apply for jobs if you will skip this requirement. The test will be about oDesk policies, procedures, and general rules so review them well. Take other qualification test to increase your chances of getting hired.

Step 4- Download the oDesk Team desktop application

This will be your virtual office. It will enable you to collaborate, connect, and get guaranteed pay for your work as it automatically take snap shots of what you are working on-proof of work you’ve done. This application is especially important if you are working on hourly-paid jobs.

Step 5 – Choose your payment method and set it up

There are several options to get paid in oDesk, choose one that you think is more suitable for you. In my case, I use Paypal, and so far, I haven’t experience any problem with it.

If you are in the Philippines, you can just transfer your earnings directly to your bank. Choose the local fund transfer and provide details of your bank. You will be charged $.99 every time you withdraw.

Step 6 – Browse for jobs

Finally, you can now apply for jobs! Browse through the thousands of jobs posted and search out something relevant to your knowledge and skills.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Curtains For Less




Had I bought the sheer curtain at the home section of the department store, I would have spent about a thousand pesos or more. The curtain is exactly what I'm looking for but I find it too pricey. So, I just decided to look for a fabric store and asked for organza and spent only 150 pesos.

Tip:

As a substitute for interior fabrics, you can opt to use fabrics meant for dresses if you are working on small spaces. On the other hand, if your space is big, it would be better to stick to heavy-duty fabrics designed for the trade.

Easy Ways To Lose Tummy Fat Fast




Tummy fat is not easy to get rid of, but there are a few things that you can do about it. Simply follow these tips and you’ll soon be flaunting your flat belly.

1. Start building your muscle – build up muscles and be sure to give special attention to large muscle groups. If you want to lose tummy fat quickly, then building lean muscle is a must.

Muscle building can burn off more calories than just doing some cardio exercises; the burning of calories will continue even while you are resting.

And don’t forget to focus on the muscles on your back, chest, and legs as this will speed up your tummy fat reduction.

2. Go for natural foods – avoid eating processed and labeled “diet” kinds of foods. Our body is not familiar with the ingredients and other components that made up these foods, thus, these foods will never be digested properly. Plus, the calories from these foods will be stored as body fat.

3. Watch the extra calories that you consume- when you want to accelerate your tummy fat reduction, one important thing that you must keep in mind is to watch your daily calorie intake.

Pay special attention to foods like sugar, coffee creamer, margarine, cream cheese, cheese, jelly, and sugar as these are high sources of calories. Avoid eating them, otherwise, eat in small amounts.

4. Have an unwavering and persistent attitude when it comes to losing weight- if you really want fast and amazing results, you must be persistent and remain firm with living a healthier way of life. Also, stick to your workout regimen as well as balanced healthy diet.

And remember, you are doing these things to feel good about yourself and to be healthy and strong. Just don’t quit and you’ll have flatter tummy and be in better shape in no time.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Transform Your Attic



The low ceiling of an attic is just the right height for kid's play space. Just make sure to install something that will keep warm air out. Add colorful kiddie furniture, fanciful wallpaper, and storage for toys.