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 in 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 in Quezon City last year. We're just fortunate the maintenance 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 bestfriend.

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

• 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, Fe