Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Series of protest to kick off tomorrow, June 10, after House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1109 on Tuesday evening, through a voice vote.

Former House Speaker, Jose De Venecia

HR 1109 allows Congress to convene as a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution, without the necessary participation of the Senate.

Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) announced this evening that there will be 6 hours power interruption scheduled tomorrow, affecting most parts of Metropolitan Manila, between 9 AM and 3 PM and/or between 3 PM and 9 PM, due to upgrade of its old transmission located in Bulacan. Why not do your necessary repairs on a weekend, Meralco people?

Whether the power interruption has something to do with the scheduled mass rally tomorrow against Constituent Assembly (CON-ASS), protesters will attend rain or shine, with or without power, H1N1 threat or not, it's already set in Makati City, to protest the attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Oh! Well, that reminds me to charge my cell phone before going to bed to make sure I can run Skype on my cell phone to talk to Randy, in case our area is one of those affected by power interruption.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Sexy actress Katrina Halili files raps vs Belo, 2 others, for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004...

Now that the case is filed, I'm wishing Katrina will get justice.

It's a shame that we do not have yet the appropriate law that will protect us against cyber crimes. This is the reason why I still pay my bills traditionally in malls, instead of paying online.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Erik Johnston Chua maintains innocence on sex video scandal, involving Dr. Kho and Ms Halili.

Part of his sworn statement, as shown on GMA 7 Evening News:

"At or about 18 December 2008, Dr. Belo called and requested me to assist her to open the computers we retrieved from the Condominium Unit."

"Dr. Belo handed a recordable Digital Video Disk and asked me to make a copy of the video recordings."

"In her presence, I made a copy of the video recordings, and turned over the DVD-R to Dr. Belo upon its completion. On Dr. Belo's instructions and likewise in her presence, I deleted all the video recordings in the laptop."

"To verify the statements of Ms. Velasco about Dr. Kho's infedilty, Dr. Belo requested Ms. Velasco to call Dr. Rosario, another acquaintance and me for a meeting at her residence..."

"After hearing our report on Dr. Kho's infidelity with other women and his recordings of the sexual encounters with them..."

"...Dr. Belo asked me to retrieve the computers, storage devices and hardware..."

"Dr. Belo gave this key to me."

"We learned that Dr. Kho had attempted to commit suicide."

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Yesterday, I missed visiting Ana at the hospital and I promised myself I will visit her today but we're glued watching Ms. Katrina Halili (sexy actress) and Dr. Hayden Kho (celebrity doctor) at the Senate Inquiry, for filming and mass distribution of their sex videos in DVDs and on youtube.

Katrina Halili: "... akala ko doktor, direktor pala ng sarili nyang pelikula."

I don't know Katrina and Hayden personally but I prefer to write down what I heard over DZMM Teleradyo coverage of the Senate's Sex Video Inquiry (in aid of legislation) this afternoon...

According to Hayden:

• He filmed his sex acts with Katrina without the latter's consent.
• He admitted Katrina was not aware of their sex video.
• He moved the file from his camera to pc.
• He said Katrina allegedly asked him to use Ecstasy.
• He said his affair with Katrina was purely sex and drugs.
• Hayden said he became dependent on Ecstasy effects and purchased his own drugs from an influential figure.
• Hayden committed suicide by taking in 30 valium tablet when Vicky ended their affair.
• Master copy of Hayden's sex video was allegedly being sold to Hayden for 4 million pesos.
• Extortion failed, Katrina's and Hayden's sex video was sold for 2 million pesos to his drug supplier.
• Hayden fears for his life if he names his drug supplier who mass produce his sex video in DVD which are being sold in the market for 200 pesos each.

According to Katrina:

• She claimed she doesn't do drugs.
• Hayden was introduced to her family when he was courting her.
• She wants Kho to be punished and his medical license be revoked.
• She was not aware about the existence of her sex video with Hayden.

According to Vicky:

• When Vicky ended her affair with Hayden. she sent Hayden's friends, Bistek and Erick, to Hayden's place to recover disk where Hayden's file was kept, as it was Belo's property.
• Hayden's hard disk has a password but his friends managed access, and discovered 40 sex videos.
• She attended a dinner function and asked Hayden's friends to delete all sex video files.
• She received a gift from Erick, 40 sex videos of Hayden in DVD!
• She discovered 3 more women were involved with Hayden's sex video files.
• She helped Hayden attend Psychological session 3 times a week.
• Vicky and her lawyer admitted Vicky and Hayden have sex video as well which she consented but with agreement Hayden will delete it after they view it.

Maybe it is about time our Senators and Congressmen prioritize the passage of cyber crimes bill?

• Senator Pia Cayetano filed Senate Bill 3267 - Anti-Video Voyeurism Act of 2009: Violators will be punished with jail terms of not less than six months or more than six years and a fine of Php 100,000 but not more than Php 500,000 (if passed into law).
• Party-List Congressman Irwin Tieng filed House Bill 4315 - Anti-Cyber Boso Bill: Violators will be punished a penalty of up to six years imprisonment and a fine that could reach Php 500,000 (if passed into law).

Good luck to you, Katrina. Learning from the recent experience costs you a lot but I do believe you will overcome this. Be brave young lady... I just hope you were telling the truth about not using drugs.

In my humble opinion, Dr. Hayden Kho should be penalized (40 counts) for recording pornographic materials, without consent of his partners. Also, his medical license should be revoked not only because of Ecstasy use but, most importantly, to prevent him from meeting new potential victims.

While Katrina and Hayden were victims of mass distribution of their sex video, if there is no such thing exists, there will be no extortion, no sex video scandal. It's just a matter of time for the rest of the women involved, when their sex videos will be available for sale... all of these are pointing back to the source: Dr. Hayden Kho!

To our honorable lawmakers, please act now on all cyber crimes bills and don't wait until your own children's sex videos will be uploaded online.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

First, it was Obama...

Then, today, Arroyo...

Eating breakfast with call center agents...

At the height of Sex Video of Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho controversy, Department of Health (DOH) confirms first Novel Influenza A (H1N1) case in the Philippines, a ten year old girl who arrived from the United States on May 18th.

Both Randy and I are praying that this Novel A (H1N1) will be controlled, as he will be visiting us next month...

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Randy and I stopped playing Tribal Wars and Neopets while watching the live feed of Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas, courtesy of OpenSports Live Streams

.

The last winning punch.

Round 8, Pacquiao TKO De La Hoya

The Golden Boy and Pacman Stats

Interviewing Pacman about the fight

Both Randy and I enjoyed watching every move of Pacman. He improved a lot this time and no blood on his face. Congrats to Manny Pacquiao and to the Filipino people.

The recent fight made Pacman US$11++ million richer but I heard that De La Hoya might get over US$20 million from pay-per-view revenues.

Whoaaaaa... Balato naman, Pacman... Hoorrraaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tintin and I went to SM North EDSA this afternoon.

We had buffet merienda at Cabalen's before we we went to do some grocery shopping.

At the mall's grocery, the first item I always pick when shopping is the rice. I normally buy 2 - 5 kg of Jasmine Rice (enough for one week consumption). To my surprise, from Php 47.50 per kilo ten days ago, it went up to Php 62.50! A Php 15.00 per kilo price increase was very shocking and they told me it will still go up.

Two years ago, the dollar exchange rate was Php 55.00 and the cost of Thai rice was Php 40.00. Today, Thai rice is Php 68.50 and the dollar exchange rate is Php 41.00!!!

Budgeting these past few months is quite hard to do in spite of lower dollar exchange rate, I still cannot figure out why prices are going up while dollar rate is going down?

I now realize why evening news always feature rice buyers falling in a long line to buy 3-4 kilo of packed NFA rice. Commercial rice is now over US$1.50 per kilo! Even if I want to buy more rice to save some penny in case its price will go up again, I still have to balance my spending...

Randy told me prices of commodities in San Diego are also rising...

In a third world country like the Philippines with nearly 90 million population, high unemployment rate, and prime commodities' prices rising, most overseas Filipino workers (OFW) abroad who contributed to the country's economic growth are also suffering from their lower take home salary since the dollar to peso exchange rate went down.

I have three brothers working in Saudi Arabia and a sister working in Hong Kong. They're complaining how hard it is for them to send money to their families here in the Philippines to meet their families' daily needs.

At times like this, I was wondering how I will manage our budget on my next shopping if every other day, the prices of commodities shock the consuming public.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Friday, October 19, 2007

Joel Sugay aka Honorbound in UC game Randy and I are playing everyday, called me up by phone this afternoon.

He told me not to allow anyone of my kids to go malling as he heard over TV News Alert that there was a bomb explosion at Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati early this afternoon, killing eight people and wounded around 129 more...

I've waited for the 24 Oras Evening News on channel 7 to know more about he explosion and captured some shots so Randy will see the extent of damages inside the mall:

Many Filipinos believe that the Arroyo government faked the Glorietta blast as a diversionary tactic to declare Martial Law... on Oct 12th, Palace denies bribing solons to 'kill' Arroyo impeachment bid; on Oct. 18th, Solon hits Palace over COA 2006 report; and, today, Palace defiant amid renewed calls for Arroyo resignation...

RED ALERT status has been declared in Metro Manila...

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Defining moment in Philippines History, today, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada was convicted by Sandiganbayan, a special anti-corruption court, of plunder beyond reasonable doubt but, acquitted him on PERJURY charges.

Following the evening news later over GMA 7's SAKSI, I captured some important shots that will remind me what the entire nation have witnessed on today's promulgation on Estrada's Plunder case:

Former Pres. Joseph Estrada has been acquitted on Jose Velarde account but many believed the Guilty verdict has been given to legitimize the Presidency of the incumbent Gloria Arroyo. Well, if there is justice in the Philippines, why the alleged ill-gotten wealth and human violation cases of the Marcoses are still not resolved?

Whether the former president is really guilty or not, this is the turning point how the justice system works in the Philippines... ruling class.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Randy woke up late but, we're able to recite the rosary via skype voice chat before he left to work couple of minutes ago.

While talking with the kids, I have noticed that it started to rain outside. Super Typhoon Reming entered into the country this morning and Metro Manila is under Storm Signal No. 2 while Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Province, Southern Quezon, Marinduque, and Burias Island are under Storm Signla No. 4.

Today is Bonifacio Day but who cares even though Gloria Arroyo rescheduled this holiday tomorrow? Classes at all levels had been suspended anyway and kids were happy playing Rose Online.

After Super Typhoon Milenyo badly hits Metro Manila on September 28th this year, we're more concerned now how this typhoon would affect us tonight (and tomorrow). Randy told me about this typhoon earlier and sent me through email this map showing areas Reming's possible landfall.

Ouch! We have power failure right now and will continue blogging later. UPS will soon shut down my pc. Hope everything will be fine....

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Randy and I barely played in the shares market because we're busy in the new BlogShares Chances game. When Blogshares do a DB maintenance, we both watched America's Got Talent and Law and Order using Yahoo webcam. He logged out at 2:30 pm Manila time.

In spite of stormy weather that suspended all classes today, my eldest sister, AT, left this afternoon to Hong Kong.

Couple of times we had power fluctuations and interrrupted cable tv signals due to bad weather so I gave up using my PC. Typhoon Florita claimed 11 lives and caused millions of property damages. Evening news reported that Baguio and La Union are under State of Calamity while Metro Manila is under water.

My son and I took advantage of the bad weather to sing our hearts out but, I was interrupted by a phone call from Abdulelah's best friend, Fahad, around 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Nasser tried to give me the contact number of Aboundanji late in the afternoon yesterday, who according to my brother, was then waiting for my call. Aboundaji was the one who introduced his lawyer, Atty. L, to the EX. However, I refused to take down the number. I told my brother I have no business to discuss anything with the friends of the EX. The EX was worried but, I told Fahad there's nothing to worry about the case at all. It's just a mere annulment and not falsification. Besides, I just want to correct my documents with National Statistics Office (NSO). Afterall, it's been 10 years now since I parted with the EX. He has his own love life now and I deserve to move on as well. I warned that neither me nor my lawyer is asking for money and if his lawyer said so, don't give any amount. Twice Fahad called because the line wasn't clear.

Back to typhoon Florita, classes resume tomorrow in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4. Regions 1, 2, and CAR remained suspended.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao (42-3-2) for retaining his WBC international super featherweight title by unanimous decision this afternoon against Mexican Oscar "Chololo" Larios (56-5-1) at the Araneta Coliseum. The country's favorite boxer had been US$1,000,000.00 richer today but, I feel left out because he wasn't my relative.. :-)

Manny, favorite na rin kita!

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Gloria Arroyo visited the Vatican last Monday where she had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI and she presented the Holy Pontiff yesterday a book-bound copy of Republic Act (RA) 9346 abolishing the 1994 Death Penalty Law (RA 7659) for certain heinous crimes.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Anti-GMA forces filed series of complaints.

"Pope knows about Garci scandal," says Bishop Cruz

Peace Caravan called the rally to accuse the government of being behind the killing of more than 100 activists since Arroyo took office in 2001

More than 3,000 marchers were blocked by riot police
wielding shields and truncheons.

Bayan Muna marchers were even dispersed with water cannon.

Before the protesters were allowed to hold a rally
on the highway fronting the palace for an hour.

Photos and news source: GMA7 24 Oras Evening News.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Filpinos: The most courteous in Asia, according to Reader's Digest "Politeness Put to the Test", for which they sent reporters to major cities in 35 countries where their magazine is published.

GMA7's 24 Oras evening news reported about it yesterday. One of their test was the reporter dropped something while walking and in some instances, she got help but, there were times people either looked at her or ignored her. In fairness to what I had seen, sometimes, pickpockets' modus operandi in Metro Manila would dropped something intentionally infront of passersby while they're walking so when the victim picks it up, the robber will pick the money or cellphone from the bag. Maybe this is one reason why people ignored the said reporter when she dropped her things.

Anyway, I find time to visit Reader's Digest website and was dismayed that even if we're the most courteous in Asia, we still ranked at 22nd place with 48% rating. New Yorkers topped the list with 80% while Mumbai, India got 32%.

World of Courtesy: Ranking of 35 Cities*

80% New York, USA
77% Zurich, Switzerland
70% Toronto, Canada
68% Berlin, Germany
68% São Paulo, Brazil
68% Zagreb, Croatia
67% Auckland, New Zealand
67% Warsaw, Poland
65% Mexico City, Mexico
63% Stockholm, Sweden
60% Budapest, Hungary
60% Madrid, Spain
60% Prague, Czech Republic
60% Vienna, Austria
57% Buenos Aires, Argentina
57% Johannesburg, South Africa
57% Lisbon, Portugal
57% London, United Kingdom
57% Paris, France
52% Amsterdam, Netherlands
48% Helsinki, Finland
48% Manila, Philippines
47% Milan, Italy
47% Sydney, Australia
45% Bangkok, Thailand
45% Hong Kong
45% Ljubljana, Slovenia
43% Jakarta, Indonesia
43% Taipei, Taiwan
42% Moscow, Russia
42% Singapore
40% Seoul, South Korea
37% Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
35% Bucharest, Romania
32% Mumbai, India

* Source: Reader's Digest

As politeness put to the test, do you still say "Excuse Me" or "Sorry"?

Thursday, May 25, 2006

I would like to congratulate the first three Filipino Mountaineers in conquering the Mt. Everest Summit.

• Heracleo "Leo" Oracion, 32, first Filipino who conquered the Mt. Everest (South Side), on the 17th of May at 3:30 pm local time. Leo was supported by ABS-CBN TV network and various groups.
• Erwin "Pastor" Emata, 33, second Filipino who reached the Mt. Everest summit on May 18th, without the aid of oxygen.
• Romi Garduce, 37, the third Filipino who conquered the Mt. Everest summit on May 19th. Romi was sponsored by GMA 7 and various groups.

GMA 7's 24 Oras evening news reported that certification from the Ministry of Information in Nepal, expedition photos and confirmation from the Everest Expert Elizabeth Hawley will prove who among these three Filipinos reached the Mt. Everest summit first as some were confused whether Leo Oracion was the first one who conquered the summit.

Ang Pinoy talaga eh parang hindi na madaling magtiwala... bakit kaya?

Thursday, April 06, 2006

The New York Times Editorial: "Mrs. Arroyo is no Ferdinand Marcos, at least not yet..."

Source: GMA7 Channel 7's 24 Oras Evening News

Sunday, March 05, 2006

It's past midnight but, I patiently watched Bb. Pilipinas 2006 Coronation night until they announced the winners. Glad I was still awake when my son called me via overseas call from Saudi Arabia.

I'd like to congratulate Bb. Pilipinas 2006 winners, namely:

Bb. Pilipinas - Miss International 2006: #9, Denille Lou Valmonte
Bb. Pilipinas - Miss Universe 2006: #17, Lia Andrea Ramos
Bb. Pilipinas - Miss World 2006: #20, Anna Maris Igpit
Ist Runner-up: #11, Rosalyn Santiago
2nd Runner-up: #21, Jeanne Bernadette Bello

Saturday, February 25, 2006

As landslides rescuers stopped their retrieval operations in Southern Leyte... with my deepest and sincerest prayers to the victims of landslides, may their souls rest in peace. My condolence and sympathy to the survivors of this tragic incident.

Click here to light one!

For question regarding the situations of your families in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, please contact Philippine National Red Cross, Social Services and Tracing: 63 (02) 5270867; 5270000 local 126 / 127

May God bless us all and save the Philippines!

Friday, February 24, 2006

While concerned citizens were celebrating 1986 EDSA PEOPLE'S POWER REVOLUTION against Marcos dictatorship twenty years ago (22-25 February 1986), Gloria Arroyo today proclaimed State of National Emergency and issued Proclamation 1017, cancelling existing permits on mass rallies scheduled today. Confused rallyists were dispersed. Couple of personalities and officials were arrested.

Source: GMA7's 24 Oras News

Gloria Arroyo who ranked 4th among The Most Powerful Women In 2005, succeeded the presidency in 2001 after PRES. JOSEPH ESTRADA forced out from Malacañang Palace by a wave of largely middle class protests and mass street demonstrations. Since she was elected as President in 2004 Election, different personalities accused her of fraud, corruption, and cheating, calling her to step-down as a supreme sacrifice amid HELLO GARCI controversy last year.

Ironically, those personalities who seated Arroyo to the presidency were the same people asking her to step down. I am not happy that these situations were happening in my country:

• EDSA People's Power Revolution
• Arroyo declares state of emergency
• Proclamation 1017
• Gloria Arroyo
• The Most Powerful Women In 2005
• Rise and Fall of Joseph Estrada
• The Philippines elections 2004: issues and implications
• The Unmaking of the President
• Pressure Mounts on Philippine Leader
• Wire Tapping Controversy

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for winning the WBC International Super Featherweight Title against Erik Morales by TKO on Round 10 held in Las Vegas, NV on January 21, 2006. And GRRRR to SkyCable for being unable to fix my cable on time to enjoy a clearer Morales VS Pacquiao 2 fight.

   
 

Mabuhay Ka, Manny Pacquiao! You made millions of Filipinos very proud of you!!!

Meanwhile, we have now a lone SuperLotto winner this evening winning Php150,478,099.20 with the following combination: 18 11 41 43 6 47. The said amount is higher than what Pacquiao receives from winning the WBC International Super Featherweight Title.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Low water pressure is now being experienced in our area and I had been busy fetching water since yesterday afternoon filling up every container available. Starting tonight, most parts of Metro Manila will be waterless until midnight of Saturday due to replacement of MWSS Aqueduct located in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

To know schedule of water rationing in Metro Manila, call 1626 or 09187001626.

Friday, January 06, 2006

GMA7's 24 Oras featured on their news segment about Philippine Medical Tourism Program, a private-public initiative aimed at attracting international patients to the Philippines for needed medical care which was created through Executive Order No. 372 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last October 2004.

Philippine Medical Tourism website defines medical tourism as a trend wherein citizens of wealthy nations in the west and the middle-east travel to other countries for medical and healthcare services along with rest and recreation. It is the result of skyrocketing private medical care in the United States, as well as long waiting period in the national health systems of some European countries. It is also the product of improved medical skills, technology, and facilities in the developing world.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

My sister called me this afternoon and informed me that we now have Bird Flu in Calumpit, Bulacan. I didn't believe her but she told me her applicant from Bulacan told her that many poultry chicken and ducks died of the said disease. She asked me to warn the rest of our family not to buy chicken to avoid getting infected of Bird Flu virus.

This evening, I found out later that the Bird Flu outbreak in Negros forwarded as SMS messages nationwide was a hoax. Officials and executives assured the Philippines is BIRD-FLU FREE.

As broadcast over GMA 7's 24 Oras Evening News few days ago, here is a poultry map of provinces in the Philippines that are said to be near migratory sites of birds coming from cold countries like China.

Negros safe from bird flu, say doctors, executives

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Congratulations to Ms. Precious Lara Quigaman for winning the 2005 Miss International title. The MIss International Beauty Pageant was held in Tokyo, Japan yesterday, Sept. 26, for which 52 contestants joined the said contest.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Gloria Arroyo has called for stronger measures to conserve energy prior to rising crude oil prices. Funny how others suggested shortening closing hours of malls and theaters, I would suggest instead that let the conservation begins in Malacañang Palace, fire ghost employees, and cancel gasoline allowances of all politicians and high-ranking officials!

Meanwhile, since the 2.5 eVAt Hike was signed by Gloria Arroyo on May 24, 2005, I noticed price increases on goods I normally buy. These changes affected household budget and kids' school allowances. I had no choice but to limit grocery shopping to most important ones only. While the implementation of 12.5% eVAT is under TRO, the rising cost of living is worsening and unaffordable. The government should start their conservation measures within their constituents and leave private corporations and individuals alone! We're paying from our pockets and we know how to manage our expenses!

Papaano na kaya tayo by next year kapag ganito na kahirap ngayon?

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

My daughter was fortunate enough to be selected by International Bizarre Foundation today, a TESDA Women's Center sponsor. She will be given some allowances from July until December this year, taking up General Automotive Mechanic Course.

It's against my will when she decided to stop taking up her Engineering Course at the University of the East but, since she's old enough to do what she wants, I'll be on her side to support her in all her endeavours.

Meanwhile, while my daughter understands fully the situation of our finances, my Paul Denise had been giving me so much headache this month. His attitude made me upset lately.

Few days ago, in the middle of my sleep, I woke up grasping my breath. I wasn't worried about myself but had thought of the kids. I uttered a short prayer that may God protect me from any harm and that, I may need a longer life to watch over my kids' welfare...

Monday, March 21, 2005

I am not a sports enthusiast and it wasn't my intention to watch WBC International Super Featherweight Championship held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 19th (March 20th in Manila) but my son asked me a favor to record the fight as he was busy playing computer games. Since politicians were riding on Manny Pacquiao's popularity, the more I avoided watching nor following his boxing career.

But, today, I had never thought I would admire him, not only as a sportsman but, also as a modern hero. He had a serious cut above his right eye on the 5th round and his mouthpiece was thrown away on the 10th, yet, he never gave up and stood firm to fight for his country until the 12th round.

While Morales won by unanimous decision 115-113, in the hearts of millions of people who watched their bout, Pacquaio left a very good impression and made him closer to our hearts.

Mabuhay, Manny! Magaling ka palang umilag!

Sunday, March 20, 2005

I have read this morning Erwin Lemuel Oliva's INFOTECH article that Google Adsense now supports RP currency.

Inquirer.net:
Online advertisers currently pay Google and Yahoo to have their ads appear next to Web search results. What Google AdSense allows advertisers is to extend their reach beyond the home page of Google. The search engine firm now pays each Web publisher a commission in exchange for allowing ads to appear on their sites.

According to its website, Google AdSense will convert a website's earnings from US dollars into a local currency that the service supports.

By allowing Google to put ad links to a certain website, one can earn money. Reports from the industry indicate that people have earned from a few hundred dollars a month to 50,000 dollars or more a year. [read more]

I'm pondering though, if I will add Google in here, that would make the appearance of my blog ugly...

I just watched Bb. Pilipinas 2005 telecast over Channel 7 (SkyCable Channel 12). Congratulations to the following winners:

Bb. Pilipinas-Miss International 2005 #2 - PRECIOUS LARA QUIGAMAN
Bb. Pilipinas-Miss Universe 2005 #17 - GIONNA J. CABRERA
Bb. Pilipinas-Miss World 2005 #8 - CARLENE A. AGUILAR

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Inquirer.net:

FOREIGN businessmen have ranked the Philippines the second most corrupt country in Asia, according to results of a survey conducted by a Hong Kong-based consultancy group. [read more]

Congratulations, Gloria Arroyo, the Philippines almost made it to the top!

O , 'Di ba may resulta?

Friday, March 04, 2005

I was awakened this morning by the voice of Arnold, the young owner of the building. Then couple of seconds, they knocked at our door and handed me a green plastic container.

My eyes were still red and half awake, I was surprised while receiving the container. With questions in my eyes, Arnold explained to me that water shortage is worsening and he sought our cooperation to store water starting at 11:00 o'clock in the evening until 7:00 in the morning. Currently, they have 5 big storage tank that supplies water on third and fourth floor but since water rationing had been limited, he wants us to store more water in case of emergency and tanks had been emptied.

We're in the beginning of summer and yet, the water shortage started even when we newly relocated here last year. We're just fortunate the maintenance boy of the building was the one fetching water for us and I didn't know there was water problem earlier.

Anyway, I thanked Arnold for his concern because they were too kind to provide us those containers for free. And I had thought, for what those paid TV commercials PGMA broadcast about water projects being done lately in "O, 'Di Ba May Resulta?

Where and what is happening with the water supply in Metro Manila?

Friday, February 25, 2005

I watched GMA7's Debate's episode: Diborsyo sa Pilipinas, uubra nga ba? And here are the interesting surveys conducted in 2003 by Social Weather Station:

Eighty per cent (86%) of those interviewed were not contented with their family life.

Thirty six per cent (36%) of the respondents believed Divorce will best resolve unhappy marriages.

I voted YES in their online poll but, wish to add a comment that Divorce Law will only succeed if Lawyers will reduce their legal fees and implementation of its laws will be respected by both parties. At present, broken marriages abound yet the children couldn't have the support they expect from both parents. Either the father abandoned his responsibilities and started a new family in another city without looking back to his first family. More or less, the wife will do the same thing without formally filing for legal separation thus having double standard in marriages to the extent both will get married again without seeking annulment of the first marriage and/or they will just have a second family without the blessings of marriage. Who suffers? The children. Any children born out of wedlock must follow the family name of the mother IF the biological father does not permit the child to carry his name. Come to think of it, too many Filipino children didn't carry the correct family names lately. How they are going to trace their family roots someday if parents are so selfish to go on with their lives unplanned?

Anyway, I am in favor of legalization of Divorce Law in the Philippines. My children are victims of a broken family but, I did my best to cover the shortcomings of their biological father. It's been almost twenty years now that he neglected his children yet our lives are definitely better without him.

In the Philippines, Divorce is prohibited. However, Article 36 of the Family Code provides that a marriage can be voided if one of the contracting parties is psychologically incapacitated to perform the essential marital obligations, even if this incapacity surfaces only after the marriage is contracted. A divorce decree obtained in another country, on the initiative of a Philippine citizen, is not recognized or considered valid in the Philippines. On the other hand, the Family Code provides that an alien spouse may procure a divorce outside the Philippines, which will be recognized in the Philippines. Source: Morley and Trager

The Catholic priests believed that I was living in sin (and so were my kids) since I had a civil marriage and never wed in the church yet. Whether I can still correct my life or not, only the Almighty God knows the answer!

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

The simultaneous Valentine Day's bombings in Makati, General Santos and Davao Cities that claimed innocent lives and damage to properties, in my opinion, has a deeper meaning...

Photos are desktop captures from GMA7's 24 Oras Evening News

It's 'Business As Usual' for the powerful personalities who didn't respect lives of those ordinary people. Even if the Abu Sayyaf claimed ownership of the recent bombings, I didn't buy it, just like millions of Filipinos.

I'm watching the news, anyway...

• RP, US officials in talks for new defense treaty
• National ID plan costs P1.6 B
• RP-US Balikatan starts
• Are Filipinos ready for Charter Change?

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Once House Bill 3555 or VAT Restructuring Act is implemented, 2% VAT hike will raise cost of household expenditures by 1.4%. What is 10% or 12% VAT can do to the economy of the Philippines if tax collection is weak? If they failed with 10%, what the poor filipino families expect with 12%? While 12% VAT is definitely a burden to all and Juan dela Cruz will be taxed for the goods, what is the guarantee that those taxes already been paid will go straight to the government in due time?

I sometimes wonder whether this VAT increase is PGMA's some kind of incentive to the business community? Who is the greatest beneficiary of this VAT Restructuring Act?

Guess who are paying the correct taxes? The regular employees who are receiving daily wage and their income taxes are withheld automatically every payday. Aren't the biggest companies VAT-exempted? Instead of implementing VAT hike to all goods, why not let those exempted companies pay 10% VAT instead?

This country is going nowhere...

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Inquirer.net Newsletter Headline: Fewer Filipinos are hungry, survey shows. SWS says drop due to poor's belt tightening...

I'm puzzled... I do hope starving Pinoys are still alive??? This survey sounds suspicious. Was it because of a government loan or because of last month's Holiday season?

Thursday, December 02, 2004

Typhoom Yoyong (international code name: Nanmadol) with strong winds of up to 185 kph near the center and gustiness of 220 kph, is currently hitting the country.

Issued at 4:30 p.m., 02 December 2004 by PAGASA:
At 2 p.m. today, Typhoon "Yoyong" was located based on radar, satellite and surface data at 230 kms southeast of Baler, Aurora or 110 kms north northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte (15.0°N 123.5°E) with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness up to 220 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 33 kph.

Metro Manila: Stormy, Manila Bay rough, temperature range 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F).

Signal no. 2 has been raised over Metro Manila early this evening and we had power outage awhile ago for about 30 minutes and there might be a longer brownout by midnight. I wouldn't play my usual trading at BlogShares tonight...

GMA7 Network's Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations for victims of floods and landslides brought on by recent tropical depression. The Foundation can be reached at the following e-mail addresses:

Please contact gmaf@gmanetwork.com or bisigbayan@gmanetwork.com.

And at the following telephone numbers:
+63 2 9284299 +63 2 9287021 locals 310, 438

Or deposit your donations through all Metrobank branches to the foundation's peso or dollar accounts:
3-098-51034-7 for peso donations
2-098-00244-2 for dollar donations

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s son, Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal-Arroyo (Lakas, Pampanga), is supporting a proposal to legalize marijuana allegedly for medical purposes. The question is, how many will benefit from this 'wonder' grass and where are we heading? I hope this proposal will not push through, otherwise, the Philippines will be the drug capital of the world.

There are more serious problems that need attention. Broken families and abandoned children abound. Why don't legalize divorce instead so that men will not get away from their responsibilities? Divorce Bill Law should be given more importance since it became a common practice that men abandoned their families and children without support and then, start a new family somewhere else.

The strength of the nation is in the family and legalizing divorce instead of marijuana will help our children get child support from runaway fathers to protect innocent children.

Thursday, November 25, 2004

I cannot recall anymore how many banks had declared Bank Holiday since year 2000 but, today, we have a different kind of holiday. Transport holiday paralyzes 30% of transportation here in Metro Manila. Actually, this mass transport holiday was nationwide but I missed to watch the evening news because I was busy in the kitchen cooking our dinner. Daughter didn't go to school when they heard from TV news alert about the mass transport strike while Paul Denise left the house and took advantage of the situation to play PC games with his cousin. He came home late.

Whatever is the outcome of the recent strike, I'm sure it means additional budget to my kids' daily school allowances.

Friday, November 19, 2004

Ayon sa napanood ko sa GMA7's 24 Oras ngayong gabi, lubhang nakakabahala ang sakit na Meningococcemia na nakapatay na ng 5 katao sa Baguio City. Para sa kaalamanan ng mga Pinoy na malapit sa lugar ng Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center sa Baguio City, umiwas muna kayo dahil may outbreak ng Meningococcemia doon. Sa loob lamang ng 24 oras ay maaari diumano na mamatay ang pasyenteng apektado ng sakit na ito na nakakahawa.

Mga sintomas:

• Pananakit ng ulo
• Pagsusuka
• Pananakit ng katawan
• Stiff neck
• Convulsion
• Iritable
• Pasa-pasa sa katawan

Para sa higit na kaalamanan, basahin n'yo na rin ang Medline Plus Encyclopedia: Meningococcemia. Maaring iwasan ang mahawahan kayo sa pamamagitan ng mga sumusunod:

• Kumain ng wastong pagkain.
• Ito ay airborne kaya huwag lumapit sa pasyenteng maysakit.
• Kailangan ng wastong anti-biotic, kung sakaling napalapit sa may sakit.
• Huwag magpanic. Makibalita.
• Umiwas sa mga mataong lugar.
• Kumunsulta sa doktor, kung sakaling mayroon kayong karamdaman.

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Good news to all Filipinos who are Philippine residents. EBay Philippines is now available to us. I registered today at eBay Philippines after reading the article written by Erwin Lemuel Oliva of INQ7.net, entitled eBay mum about plans in the Philippines:

"Over 125 million registered users are now trading about 34 million items through the website. In the third quarter of 2004, the website recorded an estimated 8.3 billion dollars' worth of transactions."

"eBay has presence in nine Southeast Asian countries, namely South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, China, India and Philippines."

"Frederic de Bure, managing director of eBay Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines, said eBay.ph is currently a "free" service that allows Filipinos to trade any products online. It currently has not identified any payment scheme that can be used by Filipinos who want to trade through the website."

As I browsed through eBay.ph pages, I found out that many Filipinos are already registered with them but they had difficulty claiming their stuffs because of payment issue using PayPal. PayPal, an eBay company, is a global leader in online payments. It is currently available to 45 countries only and unfortunately, the Philippines is not a member yet.

Anyway, Erwin Lemuel Oliva mentioned a planned meeting of an eBay official with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, I shall wait then what this eBay can do to my BlogShares auctions.

Friday, November 12, 2004

PNR train 580 falls into ravine in Quezon Province, said to be the worst train tragedy in 20 years. They said overspeeding on a sharp curve and stolen railroad tracks caused the accident. *

The four coaches lay scattered at the bottom of the ravine while three remaining coaches stood above them, still on the railroad tracks.*

Seven died on the spot while three died at hospital due to multiple fractures and concussions.*

GMA 7's 24 Oras reported that at least ten people were killed and 115 wounded after a Manila-bound train from the Bicol region slipped of its tracks and fell into a 12-meter deep ravine early dawn Friday. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) train had 312 listed passengers, but its total occupants could reach 400 since commuters are picked up along the way.*

GMA-7 sets up telethon to aid victims of train accident. The telephone numbers, as listed on a GMA Network Flash Report, are as follows:

+63 2 925-7050   +63 2 924-3062   +63 2 924-3014   +63 2 929-6508
+63 2 929-6950   +63 2 928-2019   +63 2 922-7220   +63 2 927-6880

They can also be reached via e-mail at emergency@gmanetwork.com.

Sunday, October 24, 2004

The weekend had been quite busy for me. I was in Makati City, the financial district of the Philippines and had an opportunity to take some photos using NOKIA 3660.

The above photos were taken on a cloudy Sunday afternoon. If you know Makati very well, can you guess which building where I had those shots taken?

Monday, October 18, 2004

My sister, Neth Lansang, wishes to offer made-to-order calendars at affordable prices for corporate christmas give-aways.  You may wish to get in touch with her thru her mobile phone number, +639157802504 or e-mail her at bonethl(at)yahoo.com.

Please CLICK HERE for more details.

To Ate Neth, advance Happy Birthday on the 20th of this month!!!

Friday, July 23, 2004

A 5-year old 8th storey SIA Bldg. at the corner of Padre Rada and Juna Luna Streets in Tondo, Manila collapsed:

This SAi Bldg was constructed 5 years ago, based on TV news reports. Residents and office employees were advised to vacate the building after loud thud were heard twice, early Friday morning.

The SAI building started leaning Friday afternoon.

There were no casualties nor injuries reported...

except major inconvenience to motorists who were trapped in a big traffic jam around the vicinity.

Monday, May 17, 2004

I called PLDT 171 this morning and made a follow up on my DSL broadband internet application but, unfortunately, I have to call again next Monday, to know the status of my application.

After series of questions, I also applied for PLDT Internet Vibe (Dialup internet) but, to my disappointment, I was told that they could not process my request until my DSL application has been served.

Well, if not for a certain R. Tan, a lineman working for PLDT, maybe until now I do not have a telephone line. He was the one who facilitated installations not only of my phone, but, including those phone lines of my neighbors...

Sunday, April 04, 2004

Congratulations to ANTHONY OCAMPO, the first Filipino to win the Visual Effects Society Award or Vesy in the category Outstanding Models and Miniatures in a Televised Program, Music Video or Commercial, with his winning work in the TV movie "Helen of Troy". The 2004 Vesy Awards ceremony was held last Feb. 18 at the Palladium in Hollywood.

Full Story here at Inq7.

Those tremendous pressures I had lately pushed me to visit my parents. I missed them a lot these past few days and I finally decided this morning to go to Quezon City and had my lunch with them. It's kind of boring here at home since my daughter wasn't here because she went out swimming with her friends.

Upon seeing my father, he looked older than the last time I saw him, and, it breaks my heart when he had lost so much weight. He got serious burns two weeks ago when he had an accident while cooking and it was a miracle burns healed faster than expected considering he's diabetic. My mother had more white hair this time but, she remained faithful attending Sunday mass. It's Palm Sunday today and she left early with her best friend.

I had the opportunity to have a longer talk with my elder sister, Ate Neth, and she mentioned that Leila, the secretary of my EX who is still in HK, will stay for another 8 months there under maximum security, as punishment for Human Trafficking. What's worst, Leila's siblings here in the Philippines would like to sell some of her properties to cover and support their personal expenses, instead of visiting her in HK. Although we believe that what has happened with Leila had been so unfair, we cannot questioned the wisdom of God. It was Leila, herself, who insisted to visit Hong Kong, and she left Manila last month, along with my sister and fellow agents.

Somehow, we really do not know what is in store for us, but, if ever something bad shall happen to me, I just wish God will allow me first to finish all my duties and obligations with my children and family!

Anyway, many thanks to Jojo, the elder son of my sister, for repairing my TV's remote control. I wish all of you can read my blog everyday, after setting the newly installed Mozilla browser on your PC, with my blog's site as your default home page. I'd thought at first that the new PC of my sister was slow, because each time I wanted to open any site using IExplorer, it took me 5-10 minutes before the page is fully downloaded. But, when I downloaded and installed Mozilla, presto! Browsing is faster, to the extent that I enjoyed buying some Ideas at BlogShares.

My sister stopped my enjoyment when she reminded that we must leave to do some shopping. But, the moment we're in SM North shopping mall, I changed my mind and excused myself to go home, guess what? I missed my children...

Thursday, March 18, 2004

My elder sister, Ate Neth, told me that the next hearing of Leila (in Hong Kong) will be on April 30, 2004! Shocked with the news, I remembered her three boys waiting for her at their home. Two of her boys will graduate next week from Kinder and Elementary School. Unfortunately, she would not be around on their Graduation Day.

Although she was found NOT GUILTY by Hong Kong authorities, we do not understand why they do not pardon her for tampering entries on her passport and she has to spend one more month. She does not have any plans at all to stay in Hong Kong that long. I could imagined the reflection Leila is experiencing right now. She's quite a busy and occupied person and to be stagnant in one place without her beloved kids was such a boring, probably the longest days and nights in her life...

What she's been going through is some kind of test on her faith... wish she will hold on to God. Her children badly need her...

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

This morning, I spoke with my elder sister, Neth, over the phone and she told me the bad news, Leila was jailed in Hong Kong! My sister and her fellow colleagues at work decided to visit Hong Kong last Friday for a three days group tour. She arrived late last night in Manila, but, without Leila!

Leila, my inaanak and a very young widow with three sons, was a victim of fraud / forgery, which she consented and agreed on her willingness to go to the USA in the near future, fraudently have her passport stamped with arrival / departure in Brunei and Hong Kong. In her legitimate trip to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong immigration authorities discovered that the immigration stamps on her passport was fake! She definitely can afford to travel if she wants to but, that was her first trip last week, in spite of the fact that she's a millionaire!

Ate Neth called the attention of all the authorities concerned but, Leila is in Hong Kong jail and should be submitted to HK immigration laws and legal proceedings. Whoever made the scum in Leila's passport is in hot seat right now. I am not aware if this will attract media people to sensationalize the case but, hopefully, the politicians will make big headlines and no one will pay attention to a Filipina who was jailed in Hong Kong for forged entries on her passport.

Perla posted at The Entrepreneurial Filipina, describes Colonial Mentality as the mind-set of Filipinos that anything from overseas, that is, commercial goods or genetic lineage, is better than whatever is native to the Philippine Islands. On another level, it can be described as the illusion of those material qualities that gives some Filipinos a form of status, however superficial.

It is unfortunate that because of the recent incident, Leila is now blacklisted both in Hong Kong and in the USA. Many Filipinos have this colonial mentality that their lives would be better in the USA than spending their whole lives in the Philippines. In fairness with Leila, she got a very nice position being the secretary of my EX, USA is not always the Land of Bread and Honey. Because of her interest to go to the USA, she is now in jail and no one knows when the HK authorities will set her free and send her home back to the Philippines.

I had been to over 25 world cities but in my opinion, the most important thing that will make us happy, fulfilled, and contented is where our heart is. There is nothing as beautiful than to spend our lives with the people we dearly loved...

Sunday, March 07, 2004

Three New Queens were Crowned at the glittering coronation night of the 2004 Search for Bb. Pilipinas at the Araneta Coliseum, 6th of March 2004:

• Margaret Anne "Maan" Bayot, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2004 and 2 Special Awards as Ms. Lux Super Rich 24-hour Beauty and the Peoples Choice Award
• Maricar Balagtas, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2004, bagging 5 Special Awards including Ms. Red Bull Supreme, Ms. Philippine Airlines 2004, EACOMMs Ms. Internet 2004, Ms. Creamsilk 100% Super Beautiful Hair, and Best in Swimsuit
• Ma. Karla Bautista, Bb. Pilipinas-World 2004

and,

• Tracy Ann Javelona, Bb. Pilipinas 2004 1st Runner-up, won 3 Special Awards, Best in Long Gown, Binibining Avon and Ms. Close-Up Smile
• and Princess Jasmine Tiongson, Bb. Pilipinas 2004 2nd Runner-up, won 2 Special Awards, Miss Talent and named Ms. Pond's Noticeably Beautiful Skin

Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Thousands of commuters in Metro Manila and other major towns and cities nationwide were stranded yesterday, including my Sweety Pearl, who arrived late last night.

Strikers demanded for a fare increase and the scrapping of legislation that gives oil companies leeway to increase fuel prices.

However, PGMA threatened jeepney and transport groups with a revocation of their franchise to operate. Detailed report on Inquirer.

Saturday, February 14, 2004

Inquirer7: Over 5,000 Filipino couples set world kissing record.

Inq7 reported that about 5,122 smooching Filipino couples kissed simultaneously for 10 seconds to welcome Valentine's Day and set a new world record, organizers of the "Lovapalooza" in Manila said Saturday. read more

Monday, January 26, 2004

So impatient when Meralco would call us to pickup the netrefund, I tried to call all their three numbers this morning and yet all their lines were busy. There were cases that it will just kept on ringing and no one dares to answer the phone!

What I did, I called Meralco Hotline 16211 and guess what? They forwarded my call to Alabang Branch in split seconds and I talked with a certain Mark Infante who gave me a tentative date on February 3 and by then a Citibank crossed-check under my name will be available!

My bestfriend asked me last Sunday why she does not receive any schedule yet from Meralco. I explained to her that consumers who are scheduled for this month are those consuming electricity between 301-320 KWH average per month. And, since her consumption monthly is about 3,000 KWH (maybe more, because she runs a water business), her refund might be scheduled by 2011 :-)

When Parañaque City had water problems earlier, we paid so much for deepwell maintenance and electricity. But, the improvement of water system in the subdivision through its privatization helped us a lot. From 2,000 KWH monthly consumption, it went down between 300-350 KWH a month.

However, the meter reader asked few questions on what appliances do we have and also, Meralco electricians made thorough inspection of our premises because our bill dropped more than half of what we normally paid in the past. They probably suspected a jumper had something to do with it and, to remove their doubts, I showed them the deepwell and told them how tired we were on maintaining it.

Friday, January 16, 2004

My daughter claimed our Meralco Net Refund today but she just brought home a piece of paper that says:

Your check will be available after twelve (12) to fifteen (15) working days. Should you wish to verify if your check is ready for pick-up, you may call us at the following tel. nos. 6328714; 6328491; or 8099928.

Please look for MS. SARAH AVEGAIL MENDOZA.

Meralco pays cash for net refunds below PHP4,000.00 and, although I didn't like to wait for another two weeks, as usual, Meralco is unfair for holding our money that long.

They took my latest Meralco bill and furious because I always file my bills, I registered myself with Meralco website to keep track of my record. To register, you will be required to submit your Meralco details.

Saturday, January 10, 2004

I called Meralco Hotline 16211 and asked for requirements needed in claiming our refund. And, I was disappointed when "Jo" of Meralco Customer Service informed me that they will require 2 valid IDs of my authorized representative plus my valid ID before we can claim our refund.

So, to those who are planning to fall in line and collect your cash, be sure to bring the following with you (NO EXCUSES):

1. Original copy of your latest Meralco Bill with refund schedule
2. Your valid ID
3. 2 valid ID of your representative plus Letter of Authorization
4. Xerox copies of your IDs and Meralco Bill

If you forgot to bring any one of these requirements, they will not honor your claim. So, be guided accordingly and be smart enough...

NOTE: You cannot claim any cash if the bill is not under your name.

Wednesday, January 07, 2004

I'm not aware if all Meralco consumers receive their Phase 3 refund this month but as far as I am concerned, I am grateful they made my day when I received my bill this morning and I had nothing to pay for December power consumption, as the amount due was P 0.00! Although it surprises me that the bill was the highest in twelve months, with over P500 amount difference, I thanked God Meralco overcharged us for the last ten years! At least, in the next couple of months, we will not pay our electric bills prior to Phase 3 refund... wish I don't have to pay for the whole year!

It's inexplicable though how we consumed more electricity last month... were those Christmas lights consumed so much electricity?

Monday, December 29, 2003

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...

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

Sunday, November 30, 2003

ANDRES BONIFACIO, Founder of The Katipunan, was born to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro, a Spanish mestiza, in Tondo, Manila on November 30, 1863 and died on May 10, 1897 at the age of 33.

To remember Andres Bonifacio on his 140th birth anniversary is to rekindle in us his ideals - Liberty, Equality, and the Brotherhood of Men - a man of action, a great organizer, an indefatigable worker, and selfless Filipino who sacrificed his life to see his beloved Motherland freed from foreign domination. Source: Manila Bulletin Editorial

RELATED TOPICS:

• Heroes of the Philippine Revolution
• Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Philippine Revolution
• Andres Bonifacio, The Great Plebeian

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

I am furious today upon knowing that my Meralco Phase III refund is scheduled in March 2004. Meralco is quick in discontinuing service in the event we failed to settle electric bill on time even I reminded them that I have a Meralco refund (which I believe is) worth more than my current bill. They are not fair!

Business World: Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) is scheduled to service the third phase of the refund starting March next year, to cover all residential customers consuming more than 300 kilowatt hours per month. The third phase is estimated to cost Meralco about PhP5 billion. READ MORE

ERC REPORTS ON STATUS OF MERALCO REFUND

• Meralco has a total of about PhP2.1 billion cash refund to Phase I (100 KWH consumption and below) servicing around 2 million customers. As of August 25, 2003, Meralco has refunded a total amount of about PhP1.7 billion for some 1.5 million customers.
• Phase II of the cash refund started September 1, 2003 and is expected to be completed not later than December 31, 2003. Meralco has cash refund amounting to about PhP4.6 billion for Phase II (100-300 KWH consumption) with number of customers estimated at 2.3 million
• Meralco also requested ERC for an extension of time for the submission of the proposed procedures for the implementation of Phases III and IV of the refund scheme, together with the total amount involved for each phase.

Meralco advertised both on TV and newspapers said to notify customers in their bills on the details of how and where to claim our refund and when I couldn't see anything in my bill for schedule, I contacted Meralco Refund Hotline (1622-8888) two weeks ago and I have learned from them that said refund was computed based on the total kWh consumption from February 1994 to May 2003 AND the reason there was no schedule yet is that I belong to Phase III. It's surprising that this electric company had been overcharging the entire Filipino people for more than 9 years without our knowledge!

I spent the whole day gathering my old bills and when some bills were missing, I called Meralco Hotline once again and I was told that they had my records. I was real worried 'What if I sold my house' and I have not received yet my refund?' They assured me not to worry about this because they will refund to me what is due under my name AND even the amount I deposited 15 years ago will be refunded to me should I vacate my property. When I asked the guy who accomodated my call how much refund am I entitled to, he could not give me yet any figures as the amount will be determined by the total KWH consumption for 9 years. However, they had one customer in Phase I who refunded as much as PHP13,000 (US$236.00)! WOW! I belong to Phase III -- this refund is something I am looking forward to in 2004!

Still, I am furious, they should start the Phase III as early as January 2004...

Friday, October 31, 2003

Tomorrow, November 1, is the day when we pay respects to our departed family members by visiting cemeteries and praying for the dead.

We're not going anywhere nor will visit any family members. It is safe and peaceful to stay home, watch TV how PGMA will handle the possible Constitutional Crisis should the Davide Impeachment will push through:

• Impeachment crisis makes Macapagal look isolated
• Senate head: It's Supreme Court that can defuse crisis
• Solon: No consensus, binding decision on impeachment rap

I have been addicted lately watching GMA 7 Unang Hirit aired over Channel 7 (Channel 12 on Destiny) early morning from Mondays thru Fridays until 8:00 o'clock in the morning and will switch to Net-25's Liwanagin Natin ni Ka Totoy over Destiny Channel 86 (previously Channel 41). If you are news hungry, these channels are best to start your day.

Friday, October 24, 2003

WHILE THE PHILIPPINES' foreign debt rose to 56.1 billion dollars at the end of June 2003, making every Filipinos have outstanding debt of P38,000 or US$700 each AND with the country's budget deficit reached 144 billion pesos in August this year, it is ironic that the Philippines pledge $1 million aid for Iraq's reconstruction

.

Survey shows about 72% of Filipinos believe to reach the poverty level or are now living below poverty line and 1 out of 4 Filipinos would like to migrate to other countries to find job opportunities abroad. During Bush State Visit to the Philippines, a lot of poor families were relocated and ejected from their shanties, are now homeless and do not have access to water and electricity.

With the $1M pledge to help build Iraq, the Arroyo government should practice "CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME" before helping other countries...

Monday, July 14, 2003

For the benefit of thousands of ATM cardholders in the Philippines, please read here the full reprint of the victim's letter.

If in case you encounter any of these incidents, please be forewarned that you might be the next target of ATM machine syndicate:

• If the button for balance inquiry was hard and was not following the command;
• The card did not eject. It was stuck;
• In the middle of your troubles and someone came and asked if the machine was on line.

Whatever happens, never ever enter your PIN code infront of them! Just run and leave your ATM card, machine will take it in after three failed attempts, anyway... The Mighty Bond Gang might be nearby watching you. They vandalize ATM machines by putting glue on the buttons which cause cards to get stuck. Once a client enters the ATM booth, they strike as they did to the letter sender. Source: Philstar.com

Filipino voters are being urged to register with their embassy to be able to take part in the country's elections on May 10 next year. For the first time in Philippine history, we (Filipinos abroad) will be able to exercise our political right to vote outside the country.

• To register, Filipinos are urged to bring their passports or any other identification, such as their CPRs, that proves they are Filipinos.
• Filipinos aged 18 years and above are eligible to vote.
• Employers are also urged to encourage their Filipino employees to register.

An estimated six million Filipinos all over the world are expected to vote.

Source: Gulf Daily News

Thursday, July 10, 2003

What will you do if you won over $1 million dollars in a lottery? A chorizo (native sausage) maker and his wife realized that money cannot buy you peace of mind after winning the jackpot prize of more than 54 million pesos in the Superlotto draw on Sunday, according to Inq7.net Newsletter.

The couple and their five children have decided to go on vacation to have peace of mind, even for few days due to a lot of pressure since Sunday after their neighbors learned about their good fortune.

Several people had been flocking to their house to ask for balato (tip or winning's share)...

They could not sleep. They could not eat. They are faced with a lot of pressure. They don't know how to manage and what to do with their winnings... Read more

Although it came to my thoughts last night while washing dishes what if I won in a lottery? What would I do with the money? And then my imaginations went on and on and just sighed ater that. In what way I will win in any lotteries? I do not buy nor bet to have the opportunity to win one great prize? And then here comes the news this morning about the $1 million lotto winner.

I could imagined how they are feeling right now. When I have some money before, I was scared all the time. I even didn't know who to trust and I always kept the door of my room and also the gate of my house always closed. I was scared to walk down the streets, fearing someone would just grabbed my jewelries and hurt me.

So, you see, we cannot blame the family who fled away for few days just to have peace of mind. I may not have (a lot of) money this time but, at least, I can sleep peacefully and never run away from any one for my safety. Hey! I am damn lucky, don't you think so? It's called FREEDOM...

God has many ways to return to us what we have lost in the past. In fact, on April 29, the new millionaire's family's house was among those destroyed during the fire that hit Barangay Ermita, an urban poor community in Cebu City. The family was able to partially rebuild its two-bedroom house. Earlier, their eldest son was in second year college when he was forced to drop out because his parents did not have the money for tuition while the rest of the children were enrolled at a public school.

I am not losing faith that our great opportunity is just... uhmmmm... wish, it's like a mouse-click away...

Tuesday, July 08, 2003

Global Community's PhilStar.com reported:

"Filipinos avoid donating blood because they are "afraid of being pricked by needles, people think the nation has a fixed supply of blood, and last, it's against their religion," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit told reporters, seeking to explain the woeful donation levels as he kicked off a "Blood Donors' Month" campaign."

I do not know what made DOH Scy. Dayrit explained such a comment as alibi for blood shortage. As far as I am concerned, there were many of us who wanted to give blood donations during Church Blood Donation program. Unfortunately, many Filipinos are either suffering from low blood pressure or are anemic.

Mr. Dayrit, you are not being resourceful with your news!!! The Lady president and you (Mr. Dayrit) should go around Metro Manila and check the living standards of the majority of Filipinos - see if majority of the Filipinos are still eating three times a day, to be eligible to donate blood...

Related Topics:

• Filipinos urged to donate blood to sustain plasma bank
• Philippines below world standard for blood supply

Thursday, July 03, 2003

Why is the government running out of money? In today's Neil Cruz's Editorial in Inquirer.net, he mentioned many unfair practices of the Philippine government favoring the rich through dishonest strategies. Complete editorial is here.

Issue No. 1: Collect income tax from the small traders (who live a hand-to-mouth existence) at flea markets even before they earn any income by asking them to pay 500 pesos as advance income tax payment and the 30,000-peso rent for the stall in advance;
Issue No. 2: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is giving billions of pesos in tax refunds to big taxpayers, i.e. The Supreme Court had ordered Manila Electric company (Meralco) to refund the two billion pesos it had overcharged and collected from its customers, so it is asking seven billion pesos as a tax refund from the government;
Issue No. 3: Spurious tax credit certificates, secured in connivance with corrupt government officials, some in the names of non-existent companies, are sold to the biggest income earners like oil companies;
Issue No. 4: Personnel of the BIR steal whatever taxes are really collected, deposit the tax money in bank accounts under fictitious names and then withdraw the money for themselves;
Issue No. 5: Perpetrators of numerous high-profile "pyramiding" pseudo - investment scams are still free, in spite of the billions of pesos they have bilked from gullible investors. Source: Inquirer.net Editorial

With all these crimes government participated in, I think it's about time the vigilantes run also after these corrupt officials...

Friday, June 27, 2003

The 21st century global citizen or worker

"The 21st century global citizen or worker will have to keep up with this evolution of current times. He must be a citizen of the world because companies and brands are global. He must, therefore, be a global consumer," said STI Education Services Group chairman Felipe Alfonso. "It's going to be one world, one market, one consumer, where boundaries, citizenships, ideologies, economies and businesses will blur. How we live, how we relate with each other, how we buy, how we sell and how we make things will change." Full Story on Developing a world-class workforce

6th Philippine Web Awards nominations on

To be eligible for nomination, websites must meet three requirements:

• They should be developed and owned primarily by Filipinos;
• They should not contain illegal or offensive material, for example, pornography, violence, plagiarized or "hate" content; and
• They must be accessible to the general public.

The Web Awards was conceived and organized by Media G8way Corp. (formerly WS Computer Publishing Corp.), the exclusive Philippine licensee of the US-based International Data Group (IDG) and publisher of Computerworld Phils., PC World Phils. and Enterprise.

The nomination period ends on July 15, at exactly 11:59 p.m. Full Details Here.

Mobile phone users in RP seen to hit 20M in December

MOBILE phone subscribers in the Philippines are expected to grow to 20 million by the year's end, up from 18 million currently. Smart Communications Inc., a unit of telecom giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., is the leading mobile phone firm, accounting for over 10 million subscribers, followed by Globe Telecom with seven million. And the rest are accounted for by fringe mobile phone service providers. Source: Inq7.net

New airport scans could expose travelers

A scanner the government is testing for airport screening reveals too much more than meets the eye to be comfortable for most passengers. Full Story.

Publishing to BlogSpot

I was having difficulty synchorinizing my blog entries between BlogSpot and Geocities FTP since old users were moved to the new.blogger.com server. If you will check my BlogSpot Blog, it is no longer updated simply because I could not make a connection with the new server settings. It always redirected me to FTP even I already selected BlogSpot to publish my work. Anyway, I hope this bug will be fixed soon...

My background image on BlogSpot is not working with Netscape and Mozilla FireBird. Please check out my Geocities Blog for more updated news...

Thursday, June 12, 2003

The Philippines is making history today, on the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of our independence, courtesy of Macapagal-Arroyo's father who changed the day from July 4 to June 12. [July 4th is America's Independence Day]

"No other nation on earth considers its independence or national day a 'movable feast'; and no other nation has turned the most solemn of national holidays into a celebration of the degradation of love of country." [Full Editorial: Contempt]

The Independence Day That Wasn't

"The Bell Trade Act prohibited the Philippines from manufacturing or selling any products that might "come into substantial competition" with U.S.-made goods and required that the Philippine constitution be revised to grant U.S. citizens and corporations equal access to Philippine minerals, forests and other natural resources. As Americans relax around their barbecues this Independence Day, we might consider how our own forefathers would have reacted had such a provision been demanded by Britain as part of the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War." Source

"The idea that American rule introduced freedom and democracy in these islands in fact insults not just the dead in Balangiga but the country's heroes, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Makario Sakay et al. who fought tyranny, including the American Occupation, and bequeathed to us a true understanding of freedom and democracy. We did fight side by side with the Americans in Bataan and Corregidor, and succored those who hid from the Japanese, for which pains we had postwar rehabilitation funds tied down to parity rights." [excerpts from Editorial of Conrado de Quiros]

Friday, May 23, 2003

THE PHILIPPINES is facing a balance of payment (BoP) deficit this year -- a reversal of the 660 million dollars surplus reaped in 2002 -- due to slower inflows from trade, investments and foreign borrowings, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday. Full story

When I talked with Vera over the phone of my willingness to sell the house in a much lower rate, she mentioned to me about the fate of commercial establishments in our area. It's unfortunate that most small businesses failed to make it and were forced to shut down.

Life here worsened after the Iraqi war (US-led invasion). We're into recruitment and deploying people to the Middle East slows down. We can barely cope up with bills and other obligations. It's very sad that my children will not be able to make it to college again this school year. The last school they have attended refused to release school credentials unless we settled previous balance.

Somehow, watching news and seeing what has happened with those Iraqi people living in poverty in their oil rich country and/or those people who were victims of earthquake in Algeria, made me have second thought that we are still very lucky to be born here in the Philippines in spite of life's challenges we are now experiencing. There are many ways to thank God for this wonderful life we're having. Many thanks to God for the good health my children and I are enjoying. And, most of all, we have a house that safely shelter us... ah! we are indeed fortunate and very blessed!