Wednesday, December 31, 2003

As I was preparing for our Media Noche (midnight dinner) late this afternoon, I was in deep thought - what have I accomplished in 2003? Then, I started to defend each failures I had but I told to myself, so what if I failed? In general, we are still very blessed and I believe I have many reasons to thank God for. I may be shy to admit that I still do not have a job in spite of my willingness to do so but, the feeling of contentment is there, as long as my kids are with me, I am fulfilled.

And as the countdown to 2004 begins, I am seeing a new beginning, new hopes... and that, everything will gonna be fine.

A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

For many days now, my prayers were dedicated to the survivors and victims of natural calamities and crimes created by humans. I hope, before something bad happens to all of us, we already achieve the very essence of our existence here on earth.

Please let our loved ones know that we do care and love them...

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Time flies too quickly. When Movable Type version 2.64 had been installed on ploghost server about ten days ago, just few days later prior to migrating all files to ladylaila.net/blog, a newer version of movable type 2.65 was released. Although I haven't familiarized myself well yet on its templates and tags, MT successfully upgraded to version 2.65 today and I did some minor changes on templates. So, I am sending this brief message for blog testing...

I had a terrible day today when my daughter accidentally deleted some files necessary to connect to broadband internet server. I'd thought at first that our server shuts down temporarily but we'd been waiting for couple of hours and yet, nothing happened. After I sought technical help from 173, I was informed that server was perfect and had no problem reported, and guess what? I was the first complainant today!

Looking for alternative, I logged on using win XP (PC got dual boot) and, my goodness! The internet connection speed was OK! This is how I continue editing my templates.

Monday, December 29, 2003

Did you know who invented New Year's Resolution?

NewYearsResolution.com says "The Babylonians celebrated New Years Day over four thousand years ago, although their celebration was in March rather than in January, coinciding with the spring planting of crops. Resolutions are a reflection of the Babylonians' belief that what a person does on the first day of the New Year will have an effect throughout the entire year." READ MORE

• My List of New Year's Resolutions
• Take this QUIZ: What Should Your New Year's Resolution Be?

Whatever the things I failed to do this year, they're automatically renewed and I never have a change of heart but, to continue with what I have started... how about yours?

Too many times in my early mornings that this GMA7's Unang Hirit's segment, "I Saw The Sign" by Love Añover, made me smile. Guess why? Well, everytime she asks those drivers, by-standers, barangay tanods, or traffic police officers, if they know what's the name of the traffic sign she's holding, too seldom she got the right answer...

Embarrassed for failure to answer the question correctly,
this traffic police officer just hugged Love Añover

Funny but very disappointing that both drivers and traffic authorities didn't know the meaning of traffic street signs. No wonder the traffic problems nationwide never been resolved because traffic signs were just mere road displays and do not mean anything to the public anymore, or, because some street signs were now painted in pink???

More power and good luck to Unang Hirit Staffs. Please continue educating the Filipino masses...

Sunday, December 28, 2003

Please be informed that my house will be open to all my online friends and bloggers alike LIVE on Yahoo Webcam on the 31st of this month, between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Manila time (+8 G.M.T.) to join me in the New Year's Eve celebration. My sisters will simultaneously be online with me and I hope you will do the same thing to welcome 2004 with a new beginning - the more, the merrier. If you don't have Yahoo messenger version 5.6, you may download it here.

Anyone is welcome except perverts and offenders! So? Let's get connected...

Many thanks to Girlie's MT category archives listing tips, I was able to add category links on this page.

Category titles will still change as days pass by. There is primary and category attributes that I must consider next time. At least, it is now convenient for you to choose topics that best interest you...

Saturday, December 27, 2003

To install RSS reader (Internet syndication and aggregation software), I first upgraded Explorer 5.5 to version 6.0 and installed the free Microsoft .NET framework as required for first time installation instructions.

After it has been installed, I have added some of my favorite blogs but made a mistake at first. I have to enter rdf or rss feeds instead of blog URLs. And then I realize how convenient it is to syndicate someone's blog when I published my latest entry and I was informed of the latest update!

If you haven't install RSS Reader yet, I suggest you try to visit its site at www.rssreader.nl right now and you, too, will appreciate it. Ooppss! Feedster.com can make things simplier by registering yourself and they have 'Add Feeds feature' to subscribe to new feeds of your favorite blogs.

I know there are lots of blogging stuffs still waiting to be discovered... and, I am really happy and enjoying it...

Edmer F. Panesa of Manila Bulletin reported on December 24th that Sandiganbayan approves Estradas's travel to the US:

The Sandiganbayan Special Division allowed on 23rd of December 2003 former President Joseph Estrada to travel to the United States for three months to undergo knee replacement surgery.

In a 13-page resolution, the court granted Estrada's Nov. 4 urgent motion to travel filed through his court-appointed lawyers "for humanitarian reasons and in the service of justice and equity," subject to at least nine conditions. Among the conditions imposed on the deposed leader, the court gave emphasis to the second and third conditions, namely:

• he shall submit in three days a personal undertaking that he will return to the country within the authorized period of his travel
• he will recognize the authority of the court over his person and over the case against him and, he shall post a P1 Million travel bond.

If the Arroyo government is really sincere in supporting Pres. Estrada's knee surgery for humanitarian reasons, why he will be forced to recognize the authority of the supreme court? Even Juan dela Cruz understood that once Estrada recognizes SC authority, he surrenders his position as the legitimate President of the Philippines and admits guilt on plunder charges against him!

Estrada's health is deteriorating and we all know that he's a big factor on the forthcoming May 2004 Election. Sending him for medical treatment abroad seems a political strategy to weaken the presidential bid of his kumpare, FPJ. And, the masang Pilipino are wondering what motivates the Arroyo government, why just now? President Estrada fears of forced asylum in the US should take into consideration, and he must be given assurance that he can come back as soon as he's done with his medical treatment abroad.

Now, we couldn't help but speculate that the current administration is aiming to send him away to keep from endorsing his presidential bet and strengthening his bet's candidacy. Please give me at least one good reason to trust PGMA's administration:

• Impatient Barbers threatens to bolt Lakas for Roco camp
• Amnesty not for me, says Estrada
• GMA-Noli team a done deal?
• Angara suspension from LDP is fiction
• GMA-Noli team a trial balloon
• President's VP, senators known after Christmas:report
• 15 of 16 LDP regional leaders back Poe
• Preacher's party needs Comelec OK - Abalos
• Senator Legarda: Let Poe break the news
• Poe accepts draft of opposition bloc
• Loren: Noli won't run for VP
• FPJs media team formed
• Roco: FPJ might suffer same fate as Estrada
• It is final: FPJ agrees to run for president
• Presidentiables urged to discuss Cha-cha
• Malacañang defends Macapagal support of Estrada surgery
• Catholic Bishops back court ruling on Estrada US trip
• Court allows Estrada to go to US; prosecution to appeal
• LDP may end up with no candidate because of row
• Karma pulled Ping out of contention
• Palace offers to help Erap obtain US visa
• Erap: FPJ won't be my clone
• Remulla: FPJ seeking reunification talks with Ping
• Presidential bets dared to bare economic programs
• Communists warn Macapagal against cheating in polls
• FOR ALLOWING ESTRADA TRIP Anti-graft court under fire
• GMA awaits final ruling on Estrada
• Comelec to summon LDP factions on Dec.
• Mike A seducing FPJ leaders?
• Abalos to Señeres on poll-computer problems: Go ahead, hack
• Pimentel bares new cheating mode in polls
• DOJ: Estrada can't seek political asylum in U.S.
• LP set to endorse presidential bet on Jan. 14

Friday, December 26, 2003

Thank you very much for your continued support and interest in reading ladylaila.blogspot.com. And, because of that, I am happy to inform you that effective today, ladylaila.net/blog/ will be my official blog site and will integrate my Yahoo! Geocities home page to my new domain, ladylaila.net...

I hope ploghost server will not shut down again like before... if things didn't work out in this new site using movable type, I will still blog at blogspot to record my thoughts so that they will not slip away.

On the other side, are you mentally, financially and emotioanlly ready by 2004? Whether you're ready or not, I am wishing you all a GREAT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Thursday, December 25, 2003

I am not supposed to blog at blogspot but since ploghost server shuts down 2 days ago, something went wrong with movable type mt-cgi. I couldn't access MT Editor when running mt-load.cgi, I had an error message that says: "Got an error: Connection error: Access denied for user: 'username@localhost' (Using password: YES)" message and I first sought assistance from Exodus and he advised me address the matter to the support forums for Movable Type.

Few hours later, Girlie sent me a private message that they moved my bug report to MySQL forum, as the access problem was not a bug. It's good that Abe came online at Yahoo! and he's now checking cpanel for me with the link provided in Girlie's message, I hope he will resolve it the soonest possible time.

Ah! I'd thought earlier that blogging was the easiest way of creating web pages, now, as I go deeper into understanding the blog tools, plugins and resources, the more I realized that I am still a newbie.

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

It's now Christmas vacation for millions of students here in the Philippines YET it will be a sad Christmas for thousands of families in Leyte, mourning for the loss of their loved ones, livestocks, and properties.

Nature tolled once again after the recent Cherry Hill tragedy, it's another wake up call for more attention from the government at the expense of precious lives of the people of Leyte. It's very painful that in this Holiday Season, instead of rejoicing, survivors are in pain, suffering, homeless and mourning.

Hardest-hit village may be turned into cemetery

The damage has been done. Everyone is finger-pointing again who's responsible. Yet, the situattion needs long-term ecological solution. Something must be done, otherwise, their fate might happen to us as well. It's just a matter of time...

My sincere prayers and sympathy to those survivors and may all those victims' souls rest in peace!

FOR YOUR DONATIONS, you may wish to contact ABS-CBN Foundation NOW!

Monday, December 22, 2003

After I successfully moved all my Yahoo! Geocities files to ploghost server, I take pride that all pages were VALID XHTML 1.0 now with W3C Validator EXCEPT my blog entries.

More movable type features are waiting to be explored! Unfortunately, server is always down due to unknown reason and Abe is checking out reasons behind accessibility problems of domain ladylaila.net.

Please accept my apology for the inconvenience. Please check out my new site for newer entries from time to time. Thank you...

Sunday, December 21, 2003

I had been busy these past few days trying to install movable type (MT) on ploghost server and how to configure a movable type template and stylesheet. This is my first entry to test MT at www.ladylaila.net/blog/.

Looks like it's working... my next concern was how-to-export my previous BlogSpot entries.

Voila! After many hours of browsing and finding for some answers, my BlogSpot previous entries were successfully imported to the new site! Many thanks to Exodus, for his prompt reply to my problem and I recommend his site at http://king-of-fools.com whenever there is a need for further detailed instructions not available in movabletype user manual. Thank you, The King!!!

My appreciation goes to Shareef as well, who sponsors ladylaila.net. And to all my silent mentors who contributed in the advancement of my blogging skills, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Wishing You All Great Holiday Experience!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Saturday, December 20, 2003

A carpenter and a taxi driver were among the thirteen (13) first day filers who filed for certificate of candidacy (COC) for President showed up on December 16 at Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila. Eddie C. Gil, the only one among the 13 presidential candidates has political party and the rest are running as independent candidates.

Called obscure candidates, Rigoberto Madera listed himself as a "messiah", 6-star general, and Ace Diamond Commander-in-Chief on Earth and said to unite the people. German Tupas Valladare would be running under the slogan, "Money for You, for Me, for Everyone." Heiress to the Sultanate of Sulu, Princess Soraya Sultan Julaspi Macarambon Kiram Rasheed, declared her candidacy on the 18th and promised to free the nation from economic stagnation and restore dignity to every Filipino, whether Muslim, Christian, or non-believer.

You see, I am not alone in this country who is wishing to run for President! Whatever the motives of these people are for running, I believe it's the calling to change the current administration prompted them to move forward and declared their interest to initiate changes. Filing for candidacy is extended until January 2nd where top opposition candidates are expected to file their COC at the last minute, including PGMA.

Looking closer to these candidates on the other hand, I didn't like to think that some invisible hands intentionally sent them to Comelec to cast a big JOKE. Just like any ordinary Juan dela Cruz who is applying for a simple job or position, it is not enough that he submits his BIO-DATA. Juan must also be physically and mentally healthy, and passed medical examination and get himself an NBI or police clearance, have a Barangay Clearance and residence certificate, before he can be qualified for screening and interview. The president and vice president positions are sensitive positions and should be given respect not only by the public but, the government officials as well. Is COMELEC doing fairly their duties?

• OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES Article IX: ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES AND CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY

Meanwhile, as weeks passed by, more and more political news are being covered each day. With my poor memory, I find it useful to collect news headliners in my blog. At the end of the day, you will realize that in politics, there is no permanent friend nor enemy:

• Poe, Lacson meet finally
• Senator Pimentel warns of hi-tech poll fraud
• President criticized over vote-gathering HK trip
• Angara to back outcome of Poe-Lacson talks
• Macapagal lawyer resigns to help in 2004 campaign
• OUT OF 43 MILLION VOTERS Comelec validates registration of 9M voters
• 'Jesus Christ' files candidacy for vice president
• President woos spiritual leader to rejoin her team
• Pimentel swears to FPJ's true Filipino citizenship
• Election season officially begins today
• NPC faction backs Macapagal
• Lacson ready to 'go separate ways' with Poe
• 2 solons take leave from LDP
• Fernando Poe tells Muslims: No backing out of election
• Biggest OFW group inclined to back Roco
• Legarda confirms FPJ offer to be his veep
• Allies see GMA getting El Shaddai endorsement
• Born-again preacher gives Macapagal no commitment
• Lakas heckles Opposition efforts to unify its ranks
• GMA readies amnesty bill to unite RP
• Ban sought on TV appearance by politicos
• Lacson still open to unified ticket
• GMA to opposition: Get your act together
• Noli-FPJ team still possible?
• GMA running mate known around Christmas
• Lacson won't meet with Poe anymore
• Comelec extends period of filing of COCs for national posts
• Friction within the opposition continues
• Born-again preacher sure of running next year
• Solons: Require admission of guilt before giving amnesty
• Macapagal ally urges Roco: Be a statesman, run for VP
• Vic Sotto: FPJ can heal the land
• LDP panel suspends Angara
• SC: Elective bets need not resign
• Solon pushes 'isolated' meeting for Poe, Ping

Friday, December 19, 2003

I already finished four weeks of doing the firm aerobic workout yesterday and I weigh 146 lbs, shed off 2 lbs! If I had taken my diet seriously, I'll probably lose between 5-10 lbs off my 148 previous weight. Nevertheless, the fact that I feel good and stronger matter most to me...

Speaking of (feeling good or) looking good, I have read today's Manila Bulletin Special Supplement on Well Being (page 14), which was written by Dr. Vicki Belo herself entitled "THE BELO CHRISTMAS CATALOG." On the upper right corner of the page, it says:

"Dr. Victoria Belo is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. She received her Diploma in Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery. Dr. Belo's expertise extends into the use of skin lasers after she underwent training of varicose veins and the latest techniques in skin rejuvenation and scar revisions.. etc."

Without going through all the articles, I went online and checked out the previous news at inq7 about possible surgical malpractices by Beauty Clinics and Salons, should proposed House Bill 5037 by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) be approved by the Congress, many clinics will have to close down. I earlier read "Is Belo qualified to perform cosmetic surgeries?" written by Carmela Fonbuena, Inquirer Newsbreak Researcher. I also found a similar article online which was written by Mark Allen Sison: "Regulating cosmetic and plastic surgery practice" for Sun Star Pampanga:

A BILL seeking to regulate the practice of surgical and cosmetic dermatology was approved by the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chaired by Representative Eladio Jala (3rd District, Bohol). Authored by Rep. Prospero Nograles (1st District, Davao City), House Bill 5037 is aimed at protecting the public from any injury or danger arising from incorrect dermatological procedures or faulty plastic surgery.

In fairness with Dr. Belo (Belo Medical Group), who is known as Doctor of the Stars, I believe she's a victim of some kind of 'trade jealousy practice' (or whatever term you call it) among her fellow aesthetic surgeons.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

I had been real busy lately understanding movable type version 2.64 powered by Six Apart publishing system created by Ben and Mena G. Trott, the people behind TypePad's personal weblogging service and Movable Type. This Movable Type has been nominated Best Practices Category in the 2003 Webby Awards.

Since Abe Olandres of plogHost reserved and registered ladylaila.net 4 days ago, I am looking for a sponsor for my new site. Inquiries are welcome before end of this month.

Ladylaila.net is a personal site that will integrate my blogspot and yahoo website AND will not accept pornographic links. Interested party may contact me for further details.

Hardcore movable type users are also welcome for tips and guidance.

Monday, December 15, 2003

Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) or Misa de Aguinaldo (Gift Mass), a treasured Filipino tradition, will start tomorrow, December 16 at 4:00 o'clock in the morning, a uniquely Filipino custom dating back nearly 439 years ago, back to the time when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi celebrated the first feast of the Nativitiy in 1565 in the archipelago.

Since then, the Philippines has celebrated the longest Christmas season in the world - from Dec. 16th until Jan. 6th, the Feast of the Three Kings. It begins with nine dawn masses (novena) which will start tomorrow, for nine consecutive nights, before the final midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (Misa de Gallo), after which, families partake of a hearty post-midnight meal called noche buena, which includes the queso de bola (literally "ball of cheese") and hamon (Christmas ham).

After hearing the dawn mass, Simbang Gabi is not complete without native delicacies, like 'bibingka' (rice cake), puto bumbong (finger-shaped violet-colored glutinous rice steamed in small bamboo tubes attached to a steamer), and a nice 'painit' of hot thick cocoa or coffee. I love castañas, by the way...

Christmas 2003 may not be as lavish and elegant as last year but, there's so many things to thank God for for all the blessings and for all our loved ones' good health and happiness, and the most important thing of all, it would be wonderful if all our loved ones will be together this Christmas.

Maligayang Pasko Sa Inyong Lahat (Merry Christmas to all)...

PLEASE READ:

• A sampler of Christmas Carols
• Titik ng Awiting Pamasko with midi files
• Serenade your family, friends and special someone with dedications on air!
• Celebrating Filipino Christmas traditions

With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the bereaved family, relatives and friends of BLAS FAJARDO OPLE who died of a heart attack in Taipei yesterday morning, December 14, 2003, while en route to Bahrain for the state visit of PGMA.

KA BLAS, 76, was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs; former Senate President; former member, 1987 Constitutional Commission; President, 60th International Labor Organization Conference; former Secretary of Labor; Writer; Newspaperman; and the World War II Veteran.

I admired and respected this man, one of the best respected leaders the Philippines ever had.

Sunday, December 14, 2003

CNN BREAKING NEWS: U.S. officials confirm former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein captured. Watch CNN for live coverage.

When I logged on to CNN website, the headline news was: U.S.: 'We got him' and I had thought, the dictator Saddam realized by now that the Father and Son were his karma! But, I feel a terrible pain for the Iraqi people, why they all must suffer because of him, it isn't fair... wish God will do something real soon, not only for the Iraqi people but for the whole world, in general!

Saturday, December 13, 2003

"Stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong."

- Abraham Lincoln

I secretly admired former Finance Secretary, Jose Isidro Camacho, when he quits his job before speaking against the administration he's serving. "Change the political system. The leaders, too." These were suggestions from Jose Isidro Camacho at a testimonial luncheon hosted for him Thursday by five business groups, "We need to change our political leaders and bring back credibility, trust and sympathy and people who believe in who are leading them."

I agree with Camacho when he said that the government has lost the ability to shape our future, was beset by corruption, bureaucratic red tape AND has a peace and order problem BUT, I do not agree when he said that our country's current political system was inappropriate to move the country forward. I smell something fishy? It would be more appropriate if he suggested that all public servants, including politicians, government employees and even the police force should review their office jobs and agencies' functions. I believe if they fully understood their jobs well, this country has a chance to prosper...

Perhaps, what we really need from the government are officials who have patriotic hearts who will perform their duties well as public servants. Our main problem is not really the corruption itself BUT, lack of concern for the welfare of this country. Anyone who corrupts and pocketed government funds contributed to the indebtedness of every Filipino, including those unborn children of our great grandchildren. Cast the first stone...

Misleading news abound, politicians' and presidential aspirants' daily activities are being monitored. Obviously, news articles are enough to differentiate opportunism from patriotism:

• Poe surges ahead in latest SWS survey
• Macapagal 'open' to team up with Roco, says senator
• Ople, Bulacan mayors defect to Lakas-CMD
• Ban on transfer of govt men starts Dec. 15: Comelec
• 'E-Gloria' targets 2M students, teachers
• Noli's temptations
• FPJ, the man and the myth
• Lacson camp pushing for dialogue with FPJ
• Poe camp ready to talk with Lacson, says Sotto
• Lacson downplays Poe proclamation
• LDP solons chide Enrile for going FPJ
• Pimentel still eyeing presidency
• Palace woos Roco anew
• Poe says he's willing to yield to Lacson
• Lacson hangs on as Poe keeps mum on coalition nomination
• 'Too late,' says Sotto on Pimentel bid
• LP not yet sure about supporting Arroyo
• LDP rift affecting legislative work
• Mike's camp expecting 'black propaganda' from Lacson
• SC asks 'Kuratong' judge to answer charges: report
• Angara bars LDP 'nuisance' bets from joining '04 polls
• Roxas quits Cabinet to run for Senate
• Poe a no-show at proclamation
• Ex-finance chief: Change political system, leaders
• Palace: De Castro to eat Poe votes for Macapagal
• Butz threatens to suspend Angara as LDP president
• GMA has Shaddai, Lacson has INC
• Poe takes stand vs globalization
• Poe, Lacson agree: Only one to challenge Macapagal
• Inq7 Editorial: Plus or minus

2004 National Poll is less than five months away but the heat is now on. Have you noticed that garbage collections are now being done at least three times a week? Political season has its advantages and disadvantages...

While reading A Sassy Lawyer in Philippine Suburbia blog, I accidentally discovered that her blog is powered by plogHost, a Philippine-based, Filipino-owned web hosting service that offers affordable and flexible terms. When I checked out plogHost's webhosting plans, for as low as PhP75.00 (US$ 1.36) a month, I could have 75 MB webspace, 500 MB bandwidth, unlimited email, unlimited subdomain, support for PHP, mySQL, Perl, Frontpage Exts. PLUS additional of PhP600 (US$11.00) for a one-time domain registration for a year. PlogHost Domain registration is charged on a yearly basis while ccTLD (.ph) are charged for 2 years at $70.

This is too good to be true but, this is an answered prayer - to host my blog and images to a permanent server - and my wish to shift to Movable Type will come to reality real soon. In fairness with Blogger, build on the popular XML-RPC communication protocol, I find its Interface user-friendly, not only because it's FREE but, it takes a mouse click only to re-publish all of my blog entries at once. I am not aware if this feature is possible with MT? I will soon find out about this... ah! Mother never told me there will be days like these...

Abe Olandres, one of the incorporators of PlogHost accomodated my inquiry and I already registered with their webhosting service and placed my order to register ladylaila.net which will soon integrate my blogspot and geocities homepage. Demand for more control of my site prompted me to do this...

My BlogRoll Favorites are increasing each day and I hope to find time to review them all and rearranged them based on their blog type. For the meantime, please check out my neighbors on metaspace.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Congratulations to Miss Philippines-World, Maria Rafaela "Mafae" Yunon, for winning top 5th place from among the 109 gorgeous contestants competing for the 2003 Miss World Title in China, covered "live" by Star World (Channel 25 on SkyCable). FULL STORY

• Miss Ireland, Rosanna Davison, wins the title as Miss World 2003.
• Miss Canada, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, First Runner-up.
• Miss China, Qi Guan, Second Runner-up.
• Miss India, Ami Vashi, Third Runner-up.
• Miss Philippines, Maria Rafaela "Mafae" Yunon, Fourth Runner-up.

This W3C MarkUp Validation Service is a big challenge on my part. Wish I could lessen the errors on this page. It's very unfortunate that after corrections were made, this blog is not a valid RSS (again).

Template modification is inevitable... I am not giving up!

I received e-mail from Betsy Devine c/o Feedster User Support RE my RSS problem:

"Hi -- Scott asked me to look at your page and see if I can help you get valid RSS. I found two problems, one of which you can easily fix--the feed validator doesn't like the ntilde you used in this phrase: “Lacson scores Malacañang over ‘La(x)son’ stickers” The other problem is that the feed labels your posting times as pubdate where it should say pubDate. I have asked Scott to fix this for you and I am sure you'll soon have the RSS you want. Best wishes with your site!"

Thank you very much, Scott, for Betsy's visit on my site...

Thursday, December 11, 2003

Endless Love II - Winter Sonata is another hit in Philippines' Chinoy Tele-novela series. Starring Choi Ji Woo (as Yu Jin) & Bae Yong Joon (as Joon Sang/Min Hyung), both effectively played their roles with their sparkling chemistry. This tele-novela is being aired over GMA 7, between 8:00-8:30 in the evening, Mondays thru Fridays. It has been well reviewed at SPCNET Reviews and its official Korean website is at drama.kbs.co.kr/winter and its english version is at wintersonata.com.

My eldest son composed me a ringing tone of Winter Sonata with a bonus of midi version of 'From The Beginning 'Til Now' from my daughter and I believe this is the complete Tagalog lyrics of GMA's Winter Sonata Tele-novela theme song:

Di ko na kaya pang itago
Ang nararamdaman sa iyo
Umaasang ikaw sana'y mayakap

Di ko na kaya pang ilihim
Nasasaktan lang ako
Sa 'king pag-iisa, hinahanap ka

Di ko kailangan ng kayamanan
Puso mo ang tangi kong inaasam
Hindi ko kayang ikaw ay malayo
Mawalay ka sa piling ko

Sana ay ikaw ang kapalaran
Sa bawat araw ay aking mahahagkan
Habang ang buhay ko ay narito
Handa 'kong ibigay sa iyo

Kay sarap damhin
Ang tunay na pagmamahal
Katulad nitong pag-ibig ko sa iyo.

PHOTOS COLLECTED FROM GMA7's ENDLESS LOVE II - WINTER SONATA

Inspired by this background midi, I have finally added GeoURL on this page! There's a lot of things to learn, i.e. Understanding XML and RSS 2.0 specs. I'll probably shift to MT real soon, once I familiarize myself well with this blogging stuffs.

PAKIUSAP sa mga nagbibigay ng comments sa aking blog, ako ay walang kaugnayan sa GMA7 katulad nang inyong akala. Katulad ninyo, ako rin ay isang masugid na fan ng Winter Sonata at dahil sa maraming nagrequest sa aking magdagdag naman ako ng mga kuha sa Endless Love 2, kaya heto, mayroon akong nagawang site. Pero hindi ibig sabihin ay lahat ng inyong request ay kaya kong ibigay.

Maraming salamat sa inyong unawa...

We are all addicted to this GAME!

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Sony Ericsson P900 is out in the market since mid November here in the Philippines and when I called Hello Telecom, I was told that today is Rupert's day-off. He's the one patiently accomodating my phone inquiries. Nevertheless, my curiosity about P900's selling price made me disappointed only upon hearing from the sales clerk that it's current tag price is PhP 43,000 (about US$780.00)! With that amount, I can buy a new computer with a one-year broadband internet subscription.

Last November 15, I blogged P900 as my wishlist item for this year YET as Third Generation (3G) Mobile Technology will be introduced here next year, I must keep myself away from the thought of buying this P900, so what if it is a PDA, a videocam and MP3 player? With it's current tag price, I better upgrade my PC to laptop...

By the way, no matter what I do, I cannot access my Blogger Template today. Something's messed up in my Netscape browser and I could only blog using Firebird. Explorer browser is too slow, I had no patience to wait 'til the page is loaded.

Tuesday, December 09, 2003

Can't figured out how-to-RSS this site and I had been wondering how can I syndicate this blog other than upgrading to Blogger PRO. I sent couple of e-mails to techie bloggers and I hope they would respond positively.

I am done with the first step with Syndic8: All About Feed Metadata:

• GeoTags
• Thesaurus of Geographic Names (TGN)
• Open Directory (DMOZ)

Finally, I was able to fix my problem with the help of Mikel Maron. He asked me to try Feedster to RSS my blog and when things didn't worked out, he advised me to validate it at FeedValidator.

This blog is a valid RSS and I'd like to thank Mikel for guiding me through.

J. Scott Johnson, Co-Founder of Feedster, e-mailed me back: "The problem is that you have specified an incorrect entity code that isn't supported in XML. The code you have specified is ñ. If you fix that then you won't have the entity error."

"Note: Feedster doesn't care about the entity error so you don't have to fix it on our behalf."

Uhmmmm.... to know the extent of my page's errors, I XHTML validated it with W3C MarkUp Validation Service and it detected 72 errors! Errors are sometimes caused by URL or image links and they should properly coded based on xhtml 1.0 compliance.

I have tearful eyes right now, too sleepy to correct it this time. Need to wait another day to do it. I actually sneaked only in editing my blog while washing my son's uniform. Now that I am done, I'll leave the rest for tomorrow.

Monday, December 08, 2003

QUESTION: Should Ping Lacson give way to FPJ's presidential aspirations and be his running mate in 2004?

MESSAGE I POSTED: YES. Although I believe in Lacson, he does not have the popular support he needs to succeed as the President of this country WHILE many Filipinos believe that FPJ is an ideal man to lead this country AND that he should run to save and unite its people. This way, both these gentlemen will sacrifice for the good of this country: Lacson to give way to FPJ's presidential bid and FPJ to leave behind his peaceful and private life as requested by many Filipinos who are looking forward to have a clean and honest president. Let's join our hands to change the current administration and eliminate the trapos who are currently in the service since the popular EDSA Revolt in 1986.

NOTE: This opinion will still change prior to latest political developments.

Sunday, December 07, 2003

My daughter had a small birthday celebration yesterday with her friends here at home but, her former schoolmates in Jesu-Mariae visited her today and they made an extended birthday party for her. Since we had financial difficulties, she tried to stay away from friends and prefers to stay home. Yet, her friends love her so much that they gathered together and gave her a surprise visit this evening. It's party time once again!

My house is open to all of my children's friends and I never scolded my kids nor distrust them, especially with their activities outside our home. I trusted them so much that they knew what is at stake should they made a mistake, it might cost their future!

When I was at their age, my chinese relatives never allowed us to accept friends and schoolmates at home. We lived in a very big compound in Quezon City and all the relatives were there. Each time I arrived home late for about 10-15 minutes, they scolded me as if I committed a crime. My aunt would then reminded me how my father was so stubborn in his younger years not to follow family rules and because of that, we should be well-guided and well-disciplined not to repeat the same fate of my father. It was a sad part of my life, I never enjoyed my teen-age life. Then, I was married to a man I didn't love, just because I had to ran away from my father who wanted me to marry a chinese businessman, 9 months after I graduated from high school. The biological father of my children was just a friend - I do not even know what love means at that time - but, because I had lost my virginity to him, I ha d to face the consequences. At the age of 18, I was living independently, had three lovely kids at the age of 23 and had been a single parent at 24!

My children deserve a better life. I believe if they grow up with love and devotion, they would do the same when they raise their own kids. And, while my daughter is enjoying partying with her friends, I feel good they didn't experienced what I had been through... c'est la vie!

Remind Us: Why did the United States invade Iraq?

Saturday, December 06, 2003

It's political season once again and trapos are realigning members with familiar faces and the same political interests and agenda prior to upcoming May 10 2004 National Poll while Juan dela Cruz and the like are feasting on everyday news drama and political dirty strategies in eliminating strong opponent out of the electoral race. The majority of Filipinos are in search of a unifying president for 2004 to lead this sick and troubled country and to unite its people. Sad to say, PGMA is the least favorite and if she has delicadeza, she should step down and concentrate with her campaign, distance herself from using government funds and let the dynamic duo, FG Miguel "Mike" Arroyo a.k.a. Jose Pidal and Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo, tell the Filipino people the truth behind accusations of Eugenio Mahusay once and for all. Call for RECONCILIATION is not possible if PGMA administration is not transparent to the Filipino people...

"Some of you may encounter the Devil's Bargain, if you get that far. Any old soul is worth saving, at least to a priest, but not every soul is worth buying. So you can take the offer as a compliment."

- William S. Burroughs

MAYBE IF we know how to read between the lines, the answers lie in the news we heard and watched everyday BUT we seemed careless and busy with our own lives. IF we want to see a great leader, perhaps the change should come from within us... if we are as corrupt as they are, this country is going to nowhere!

And, to Madame CORAZON AQUINO, your days as Philippine president was over since 1992, STOP YELLOW CRUSADING. The people behind your cause are believed raking billions of pesos in tax scams, behest loans AND maladministration and diversion of government agencies' resources to private firms. Maybe, just maybe... if you can prove WHO'S THE MASTERMIND behind the assassination of your husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino (Peace be upon him!), that's the biggest achievement, I believe, you can give to the entire Filipino people. We had enough of KRIS, please do not disappoint us furthermore...

THREAT OF ANARCHY IS RISING. LET'S THINK AND WATCH CAREFULLY THOSE FAMILIAR FACES SINCE EDSA REVOLT IN 1986:

• Real FPJ is a US citizen, but he is dead
• Panic in Malacañang over FPJ's announcement
• Lakas solon sees members leaving party to join Poe
• Lacson softens up on Poe
• Suggestion for GMA leave of absence to campaign full-time for her 2004 bid turned down
• Angara's ouster as LDP president sought
• LDP faction nominates Lacson but Angara says it's illegal
• Gun ban, poll period start Dec. 15
• Poll critics admitting defeat
• Opposition bloc scraps Lacson from 2004 list
• Lacson meets Estrada over presidential bid
• Noli de Castro: The X factor?
• Yadao accused of dishonesty, partiality in Kuratong case
• Cojuangco abandons presidential bid
• Presidential candidates all alike, says Communist Party
• Macapagal or Roco? Liberal Party is divided on support
• Lacson scores Malacañang over 'La(x)son' stickers

LONDON -- A British father, Peter Randall, 49, is auctioning one of his kidneys over the Internet to fund pioneering treatment he hopes to earn 100,000 pounds (173,000 dollars, 143,000 euros) from the sale, will allow his disabled six-year-old daughter, Alice (suffers from cerebral palsy), and wants her to walk, a London newspaper reported. READ MORE

Although I respect Peter Randall about his motive, I am not sure if he's aware that his kidney cost a house in Ayala Alabang and a brand new SUV. Acquiring kidney here in the Philippines from poor donors will cost anyone from US$1,500 to $3,000 only. With the amount of US$173,000, recipient could have about 69 kidneys at the price of US$2,500 each. Anyway, may God bless him for the sake of his daughter's welfare...

Selling organs is illegal in different parts of the world.

• UNDERGROUND SALE OF ORGANS STILL RAMPANT
• DOCTORS WHO 'STEAL' ORGANS FACE JAIL

Friday, December 05, 2003

Today is my daughter's birthday, and here's today's words of wisdom for you: "To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living." -- Henri Frederic Amiel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETY!

I had slight fever and terrible headache the whole day. Thanks to Advil, I am back sitting infront of my PC late this evening. I find this Customized Pizza Order conversation a bit funny, so I'd thought of posting this here in my blog - this was originally posted at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arizona_humor/.

Customized Pizza Order

Operator: "Thank you for calling Pizza Hut. How May I serve you..."

Customer: "Hi, I'd like to order."

Operator: "May I have your NIDN first, sir?"

Customer: "My National ID Number, yeah, hold on, eh, it's 6102049998-45-54610."

Operator: "Thank you, Mr. Sheehan. I see you live at 1742 Meadowland Drive, and the phone number's 494-2366. Your office number over at Lincoln Insurance is 745-2302 and your cell number's 266-2566. Which number are you calling from, sir?"

Customer: "Huh? I'm at home. Where d'ya get all this information?"

Operator: "We're wired into the system, sir."

Customer: (Sighs) "Oh, well, I'd like to order a couple of your All-Meat Special pizzas..."

Operator: "I don't think that's a good idea, sir."

Customer: "Whaddya mean?"

Operator: "Sir, your medical records indicate that you've got very high blood pressure and extremely high cholesterol. Your National Health Care provider won't allow such an unhealthy choice."

Customer: "Damn. What do you recommend, then?"

Operator: "You might try our low-fat Soybean Yogurt Pizza. I'm sure you'll like it"

Customer: "What makes you think I'd like something like that?"

Operator: "Well, you checked out 'Gourmet Soybean Recipes' from your local library last week, sir. That's why I made the suggestion."

Customer: "All right, all right. Give me two family sized ones, then. What's the damage?"

Operator: "That should be plenty for you, your wife and your four kids, sir. The 'damage,' as you put it, heh, heh, comes $49.99."

Customer: "Lemme give you my credit card number."

Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid you'll have to pay in cash. Your credit card balance is over its limit."

Customer: "I'll run over to the ATM and get some cash before your driver gets here."

Operator: "That won't work either, sir. Your checking account's overdrawn."

Customer: "Never mind. Just send the pizzas. I'll have the cash ready. How long will it take?"

Operator: "We're running a little behind, sir. It'll be about 45 minutes, sir. If you're in a hurry you might want to pick 'em up while you're out getting the cash, but carrying pizzas on a motorcycle can be a little awkward."

Customer: "How the hell do you know I'm riding a bike?"

Operator: "It says here you're in arrears on your car payments, so your car got repo'ed. But your Harley's paid up, so I just assumed that you'd be using it."

Customer: "@#%/$@&?#!"

Operator: "I'd advise watching your language, sir. You've already got a July 2006 conviction for cussing out a cop."

Customer: (Speechless)

Operator: "Will there be anything else, sir?"

Customer: "No, nothing. oh, yeah, don't forget the two free liters of Coke your ad says I get with the pizzas."

Operator: "I'm sorry sir, but our advert's exclusionary clause prevents us from offering free soda to diabetics."

COMPUTERWORLD ( IDG NEWS SERVICE ) - Last week's revelation by Diebold Inc. that its automated teller machines (ATM) operated by two financial services customers were struck by the W32/Nachi worm, also called Blaster-D and Welchia, raises the specter of even wider disruptions from virus and worm outbreaks and highlights a growing security concern that cash machines running Windows XP and interacting with other Windows systems are vulnerable to attack. Story by Paul Roberts

Thursday, December 04, 2003

As I weighed in today, I was disappointed to find out I am back at 147 lbs while two days back, I weighed about 145 lbs only. But, in general, I feel good and stronger after I completed 2 weeks today of doing The Firm aerobic workout.

If things didn't improve as expected, I might try an absolute fasting for 3-5 days, in order to achieve my target weight loss for this month. Oh! I need Divine Guidance to succeed -- tomorrow is my daughter's birthday and, there's actually a lot to celebrate this month. My nephew called and he will have a birthday party on Sunday and he's expecting us to attend.
How can I skip from eating is something I must carefully plan. To lose weight, I must eat once a day only and if I cannot hold myself, two meals will just maintain my current weight. And worst, if I went further, that would add some pounds.

I better keep my fingers crossed. Wish me luck and pray for me that I will succeed. I deserve a great body by 2004!!!

"The beginning of a habit is like an invisible thread, but every time we repeat the act we strengthen the strand, add to it another filament, until it becomes a great cable and binds us irrevocably thought and act."

--- Orison Swett Marden
[1850-1924 Founder of Success Magazine]

Wednesday, December 03, 2003

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PayPal, an eBay Company

Tuesday, December 02, 2003

I was disappointed when I found out that domain name registration and web hosting are too expensive in my country - it's a kind of extortion. To get myself a domain name here will cost me a fortune of P4,000 (US$72.00) and a monthly fee of P2,000 (US36.00)! This is incredibly shocking...

What made me more upset was when I checked out PayPal's website. They can accomodate account registrations only from people in 38 countries, and, sad to say, the Philippines is not on its list yet.

Monday, December 01, 2003

PRESIDENTIAL Proclamation No. 58 issued on December 11, 1998, declared the first Monday of December as Family Day, or Father's and Mother's Day.

"We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life. We are all connected to one another in the heart. Connecting with the ultimate source of love is possible through discovering the hidden power in your heart."

- Sara Paddison, Hidden Power of the Heart

After my aerobic workout, I called and greeted my mother a Happy Family Day and she's sad that we couldn't visit her in Quezon City.

HAPPY FAMILY DAY TO ALL