Quick Guide to Update Manually an Android Smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S7 edge) using Odin

CAUTION:

Updating manually to a new version of the Android OS may BRICK your smartphone. And before you start anything, make sure your smartphone has enough battery juice.

Usually it takes a longer time that your android smartphone will be updated to a new version of Android Operating System (e.g. Nougat Version 7.0 - 7.1.2 or Oreo Version 8.0 - 8.1) due to two main reasons:

1. The OEMs is late to release new version of the android OS.

2. The Network Carrier is also late to release the OS after a few months or years of released from the OEMs.

Here is a quick guide to update manually your Android Smartphone:

1. Download the latest firmware of your smartphone model from Samsung or Sammobile website.

https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/

2. Download the Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phone to your PC. To do this, you have to download the proprietary software of Samsung Kies: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/kies, and from there update or reinstall device driver.

3. Download the latest update of the Odin software.

https://odindownload.com/download/#.WoUk5vmWZxA

4. Extract the .zip file of the new software to your computer's desktop

5. Set your smartphone in Download Mode. To do this, press the Power, Home and Volume Down simultaneously in about 10 seconds or more. Then, press Volume Up to continue.

6. Run the Odin and attach the USB cable connecting to your PC and Smartphone, and check the word says "Added" in the log. 

Then attach the extracted files (BL, AP, CP and HOME_CSC) for new model of Samsung galaxies. Press Start.

(In my first attempt, I just attached AP as per tutorial of some threads at XDA developer but it didn't work. I happen to read further threads that says that BL, AP, CP and HOME_CSC file has to be attached and it works smoothly). 

If the download is successful, a PASS will appear on the Odin.

7. Wait until the download finished and your phone will reboot.

ENJOY!

Botched Job Opportunity at Amec Foster Wheeler / Wood plc

I was offered a job as Document Controller position with reference to 2016-12220,  located in Khurais, Saudi Arabia. I received a final letter of employment offer and I accepted the offer and sent back the signed employment offer to AmecFW / Wood plc office in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. 

Then, I received an email that asked me to cut the period notice from my previous employer and so that I can join AmecFW / Wood plc on July 1, 2017 as per client. 

I resigned on May 30, 2017 which formally ended my employment from my previous sponsor in Saudi Arabia. I had a flight schedule to the Philippines on June 1, 2017. So basically I had a month of spare time to wait for AmecFW's instruction of visa and flight schedule back to Saudi Arabia but it didn't happen.

The worst thing is that I resigned from my previous job in Saudi Arabia in a hope that I can join to another job opportunity at AmecFW / Wood plc. Meanwhile, on September 27, 2017, I received an email that the said employment opportunity would not proceed with the vacancy.

Now it's been 8 months past that I became jobless and this has caused trouble and adverse effect emotionally and financially on me.

To view the employment offer, please click the link located at the bottom part of this post.

Following is the timeline of events as per email exchanges:-

Day, Date and Time	Sender Person	Email Subject / Content
Thu, Jan 5, 2017 at 3:06 PM	Ramanathan, Vasandhan	That my candidature is under consideration to proceed for Clerk / Document Controller for AmecFW’s ongoing Khurais & Manifa Crude Program requirement for Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 8:15 PM	Catherine Estillore	Received a confirmation of my Amec Foster Wheeler interview that took place on February 16, 2017, 2:00 PM (KSA time) by Ms. Sarah Awadallah via telephone.
Mon, Feb 27, 2017 at 5:19 PM	Ramanathan, Vasandhan	Received a provisional Employment Offer for my review and acceptance for the position of Secretary / Document Controller[PMC] for AmecFW – Khurais & Manifa FEED Program for Khurais location, Saudi Arabia.
Mon, Mar 6, 2017 at 9:00 PM	Ramanathan, Vasandhan	AmecFW -KSA, Background Reference Check & COI - Mr. Rey, Document Controller. I signed the AmecFW's Conflict of Interest (COI) and reverted back to the sender.
Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 11:43 PM	Gracita Gosiengfiao Rich.Gosiengfiao@amecfw.com	Important Documents for review from Amec Foster Wheeler. The said document is the Global Mandatory Policy Documents.
Tue, Apr 4, 2017 at 12:47 PM	Patricia Bianca Matira patricia.matira@amecfw.com	Employment Verification Check Request
Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 4:22 PM	Ramanathan, Vasandhan	I received a Letter of Employment Offer from AmecFW with the signatory of Hesham Khairalla, Director of Human Resources. Mr. Rey, Secretary / Document Controller for AmecFW - Khurais Project, KSA. "This is reference to our availability check, Client feedback and subsequent approval.  Accordingly, we are pleased to offer you the position of Secretary / Document Controller. Please find attached herewith Letter of Employment Offer as agreed for your review and acceptance. The employment term are as per Amec-FWEAPEC existing standard and offer validity effect upon the Client Perior Approval(PAF). We request you to kindly sign the offer on the space below with date and send us a scanned copy by e-mail ASAP."
Wed, Apr 19, 2017 at 9:11 PM	Ramanathan, Vasandhan	"Rey, Please try to cut your notice period, Check if you can join 1st July, client will not wait such long period, may discard for delay. Update as per latest."
Wed, Sep 27, 2017 at 3:50 PM	Vasandhan Ramanathan	"Dear REY, Thank you for your interest in Amec Foster Wheeler and your application for the position in Khurais, Saudi Arabia. I regret to inform you that we have decided not to proceed with the vacancy. If you have applied for other opportunities, please note that this message is only in reference to 2016-12220, Document Controller position located in Khurais, Saudi Arabia. We will maintain your details in the event that another opportunity becomes available. Kind regards,   Amec Foster Wheeler Recruitment"

Kuwait Al-Azraq vs Philippines Azkals

The second round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifiers between Kuwait Al - Azraq and Philippines Azkals is finished with an aggregate score of 5-1 won by Kuwait.

The first leg was held at Mohammed Al-Hammad Stadium in Kuwait City last 23rd July 2011 6:30 PM. In this match, Kuwait won 3-0 (FT) against the Philippines. In the first half, the Azkals was able to defend on the midfield but the mood changes on the second half giving Kuwait to gain momentum in defense in the midfield and dominates the entire game. Eighty percent of the balls possessed by Kuwait team and due to their relentless defense allows them easily to score three goals. And each opposing teams got two yellow cards.

Yellow Cards : Fahdel and Messaed Nada for Kuwait; Jason Sabio and ????? for Azkals
Goals : #20 Nasser 16', #13 Al Enezi 68' and #11 Al Ebrahim 84'
******************************************************************
The second leg took place at Rizal Memorial Stadium in the city of Manila, Philippines on 28th July 2011 started 5:30PM and kicked off 7 PM. Kuwait won 2-1 (FT) against the Philippines. During the first half, Stephan Schrock made a historic goal at 45' + 3' against a tough opponent Al - Azraq making the Filipino crowd very voracious. However, the Kuwaitis nailed its two goals from Nasser 60' and W. Ali 84'.

Yellow Cards: Angel Guirado and Stephan Schrock for Azkals; Nasser and Al Ebrahim for Kuwait.

Again the Kuwaitis dominates the game with ball possessions to about 70 percent and with their very hard defense in the field. Not to mention the dribbling skills which is very fantastic to watch (e.g. #7 Al Enezi). The Kuwaitis have had shown that they are impossible to beat especially coming from a team at its infancy stage.

It is the stiffest game for the Philippines Azkals due to the pressure to which needed them to score 4 goals to advance to the third round of the qualifying match. Though the Azkals have tried to do their best to prevent the Al-Azraq to penetrate but it seems lacks strong defense in the midfield and losses possession and control of the ball.

But the overwhelming home crowd shows a come back of football fans in the country and a support to the Philippines Azkals. And maybe it will take 5 or more years to realize the world cup dreams of the Filipinos and to become the Philippines as one of football powerhouse.

The hopes and world cup dreams of Filipinos can be manifested with the common word use as they say "we believe".

Philippine Government Forms

I. Application Forms

DFA

Philippine ePassport Application Form

DSWD

Travel Clearance for Minors

PAG-IBIG

Modified Pag-IBIG II Registration Form

PAG-IBIG Member's Data Form

PAG-IBIG Multi-Purpose Loan Application

SSS

SSS Maternity Notification

SSS Maternity Reimbursement

NSO

Request for copies of Birth/Marriage/CENOMAR (Singleness)

Birth Certificate

Marriage Certificate

Certification Of No Record of Marriage (CENOMAR)

OWWA

Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 10022 - also known as Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995

DOLE

Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program

How To Add MP3 To Your Website

It is quite entertaining to listen songs while reading posts in a blog. And it is as easy to put this on your website as long as you have an existing account at singingbox.org and fileden.com.

First thing you do is to create a free account at singing box and you can start to add songs. While other songs that you wanted to add is not found in the list at singing box, you can add additional songs from FileDen.

In order to add songs to singing box, you need to create an account at FileDen and add songs from your computer. To add songs from FileDen to singing box, you need to copy the URL and title of the songs.

Now, to add this mp3 player to your blog, you need to go through add a widget from existing widget at blogger called HTML/URL. That's it. You have an option at singing box to auto play songs upon opening your blog.

See an attached mp3 player on my blog at the bottom right of the window. Enjoy listening to your favorite mp3s.

Philippines vs Sri Lanka (4 - 0)

The second leg of 2014 FIFA qualifying match between Philippines' Azkals versus Sri Lanka's Brave Reds kicked off on 3 July 2011 3:30 PM PHT at Rizal Memorial Football Field .

This is what you call a revenge!

In the first half of the match, two free kicks have been played for the Philippines and a Sri Lankan called for a foul. Obviously the match is dominated by the Philippine Azkals. But Sri Lanka can also give some burst of counter attacks. The Sri Lankan captain out at 89 minute with a second yellow card and touched the ball with his hands.

The filipino midfielder Emilio Caligdong showed prowess to score the first goal at 19th minute. At 43' striker Phil Younghusband scores the second goal. It was a controversial goal because the assistant referee (linesman) called for a foul, but the main referee did not. At 51' Angel Guirado with a lone effort, an assist by James Younghusband. At 54' Stephan Schrock was tackled by Sri Lanka player inside the box, maybe out of frustration. And Phil Younghusband took the penalty kick and sealed fourth goal at 57'.

It's said to be vengeance over Sri Lanka when last time they met in 1996, Sri Lanka beat Azkals 3 - 0. And now beat Sri Lanka 4 - 0. A 1 point higher and that was a great job.

What should OFW need to know when your passport is kept by the recruitment agency?

The Philippines has produced millions of world class manpower workforce to every parts of the world. They are commonly called 'bagong bayani' or simply Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

And these OFWs usually becomes prey to almost all placement agencies in the Philippines that has practices of keeping the passport of an applicant that makes them take an advantage to them. Not to mention the over charging of the placement fee and processing fee. And the applicant can't find an option to look for a better job offer because he/she is bound to the agency with the passport kept in.

Now, supposed you have a better job offer to other company abroad so practically you can't transfer easily without your passport. Not to mention the benefits to OFW applicant that some good company can offer to such as free placement and processing fee, free medical etc. If that is the case, remember the POEA - Philippine Overseas Employment Agency being the government agency in-charged to settle problem like this. It is important to have knowledge or familiarization of POEA Rules and Regulation and seek advice from a legal officer at the POEA office. Their services is free of charge.

As I summarized below, under Sec. 2 (L) Rule 1, Part 6 of the POEA Rules and Regulation. It states that

'withholding or denying travel or other pertinent documents from workers for considerations

other than those authorized under existing laws and regulations'

is not to be allowed. So, if in any case an OFW plans to transfers to other agency you can use this as your basis or a valid reason to withdraw your passport from an agency. Provided that your visa is not yet been approved because you will pay an equivalent amount of the visa if you withdraw your application or documents when your visa is already available.

Another thing is that a placement fee is equivalent only to one month salary to be paid in cash or through salary deduction. And accordingly, POEA only allows the agency to charge from their applicant a processing fee from 5,000 to 10,000 pesos.

Now, its your consent whether to continue to apply through a placement agency that will charge placement and processing fee too much.

P.S. Please see this link below

http://www.poea.gov.ph/rules/POEA%20Rules.pdf

l. '

withholding or denying travel or other pertinent documents from workers for considerations

other than those authorized under existing laws and regulations'

http://www.poea.gov.ph/about/hiring.htm

EXPENSES FOR HIRING FILIPINO WORKERS

Private land-based recruitment agencies are allowed to collect from its selected/hired workers a placement fee equivalent to one (1) month salary, except in countries where laws prohibit collection of fees from workers.

Sri Lanka vs. Philippines (1 - 1)

The FIFA 2014 world cup qualifying match between Philippines' Azkals versus Sri Lanka's Brave Reds kicked off on June 29, 2011 at Colombo Sugathadasa Stadium. Each player of competing teams obviously play hard to win. In the first half of the game, there were too many disappointments on the part of Philippine team due to three failed goal attempts of Azkals' striker Phil Younghusband and till replaced by Nate Burkey due to cramps.

And the excitements of which team score first or will win enlightened with Sri Lankas's Chathura Gunaratha scores first goal on the 41st minute. And the hopes of Philippines delighted with Burkey scored the first goal for the Azkals at 49th minute.

Azkals' player received 3 yellow card each were James Younghusband, Stephan Schrock and Alexander Borromeo. The Brave Reds also received 3 yellow cards. One each for Anton Nemal Fernando, Nadeeka Pushpakumara and Safraz Kaiz. The game ends in a draw with 1 goal each for Sri Lanka and Philippines.

The second leg of the Azkals vs Sri Lanka will be on July 3 to be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.

The Big Five Personality Tests

I'm a O35-C89-E64-A83-N37 Big Five!!