Buzzer-beater!
Cramming again as usual. Despite of my full schedule, I would of course like to join Janette Toral's Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs this year!
I've had a several already in mind before. Some, I've picked only a few days back and others, a few hours earlier.
Here is my top 10 list in no particular order:
1. http://letsdive.ph/
> Simply because I love to dive too.
2. http://videochops.com/
> Simply because I love to watch videos
3. http://goodtimesmanila.com/
> One word. Funny.
4. http://www.letsgosago.net/
> Simply because I love to travel
5. http://www.adaphobic.com/
> Simply because I love the colors in her page
6. http://www.pataygutom.com/
> Simply because I love to eat out
7. http://www.absolutecousins.com/
> Simply because I love to eat out
8. http://theaccidentalteacher.com/
> She has a unique layout and a collection of interesting articles
9. http://www.flaircandy.com/
> She has a unique layout and a collection of interesting articles
10. http://animetric.blogspot.com/
> Informative Articles
Of course, this contest wouldn't be possible without the sponsors:
Absolute Traders
My Brute Cheats
Business Summaries
Fitness Advantage Club
Events and Corporate Video
Events at Work
Dominguez Marketing Communications
Red Mobile
Blog4Reviews.com
Budget Hotel in Makati
Lucio C. Tan group of Companies
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
When Streets Turn Into Rivers. What's Your Experience?
Last Sunday July 26, 2009, we were all welcomed by this very strong and long unexpected rain that flooded Metro Manila. What happened to our drainage system? Won't it work if the rain stayed for 4 hours straight?
I took the photo below around 1130pm in the intersection of Araneta Avenue QC
As you can see in the photo above and below. Araneta Avenue was converted into a river for several hours!
I've never seen this happen before!!!
Sorry for the blurry photos. I took them while crossing Araneta Avenue - E. Rodriguez intersection -- while driving.
Although I love rain, I pity those who live in that area because the QC government or whoever must be concerned is not really concerned. But remember, we can't put ALL the blame on the government. Sometimes, it's actually the residents that causes the drainage to clog because they throw their trash anywhere.
Take for example some areas in Caloocan where floods reached 2nd floor! I saw a chapel in the news that got aesthetically damaged and disoriented. :( My friends living in Talayan Village got home 2am because they waited the floods to subside.
That same night, we were supposed to hold a party but unfortunately, it was canceled when ea lot called and informed us that the floods were unusually high. It's also nice to know some roads where the floods won't be as high compared to the other streets. Here are some of the streets that weren't flooded at the height of the strong rains last Sunday, when a lot of streets were already more than knee high:
1. When going to Libis, pass through Camp Crame then Camp Aguinaldo.
2. When in Ortigas going to Libis, take a left in Edsa then Right turn at the street after Corinthian Gardens. Take a left (It's a deadend) and right again at the street of Camp Aguinaldo. (I am soo not good with street names)
Some areas that aren't passable to light vehicles: (Espana excluded because everyone already knows this.)
1. E.rodriguez (De Los Santos Medical Center and Walter Mart area)
2. Araneta Ave from E.rod and Araneta Avenue from Quezon Ave (Talayan Area)
3. Dapitan St
4. Retiro near Araneta Ave
Those are just some as I didn't have the energy and resources to do rounds that night just to complete my list :)
Anyway, just post in the comment below if your area won't be passable or otherwise when strong rains hit us again.
Do share your good/bad experiences too if any. :)
I took the photo below around 1130pm in the intersection of Araneta Avenue QC
Sorry for the blurry photos. I took them while crossing Araneta Avenue - E. Rodriguez intersection -- while driving.
Although I love rain, I pity those who live in that area because the QC government or whoever must be concerned is not really concerned. But remember, we can't put ALL the blame on the government. Sometimes, it's actually the residents that causes the drainage to clog because they throw their trash anywhere.
Take for example some areas in Caloocan where floods reached 2nd floor! I saw a chapel in the news that got aesthetically damaged and disoriented. :( My friends living in Talayan Village got home 2am because they waited the floods to subside.
That same night, we were supposed to hold a party but unfortunately, it was canceled when ea lot called and informed us that the floods were unusually high. It's also nice to know some roads where the floods won't be as high compared to the other streets. Here are some of the streets that weren't flooded at the height of the strong rains last Sunday, when a lot of streets were already more than knee high:
1. When going to Libis, pass through Camp Crame then Camp Aguinaldo.
2. When in Ortigas going to Libis, take a left in Edsa then Right turn at the street after Corinthian Gardens. Take a left (It's a deadend) and right again at the street of Camp Aguinaldo. (I am soo not good with street names)
Some areas that aren't passable to light vehicles: (Espana excluded because everyone already knows this.)
1. E.rodriguez (De Los Santos Medical Center and Walter Mart area)
2. Araneta Ave from E.rod and Araneta Avenue from Quezon Ave (Talayan Area)
3. Dapitan St
4. Retiro near Araneta Ave
Those are just some as I didn't have the energy and resources to do rounds that night just to complete my list :)
Anyway, just post in the comment below if your area won't be passable or otherwise when strong rains hit us again.
Do share your good/bad experiences too if any. :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Exercise Is Bad For Your Health!
You heard me right! Jogging, a form of cardiovascular exercise is bad for your health when you are in Metro Manila.
According to an article in Philippine Star by Babe Romualdez (Section B- July 23, 2009)
Our city, particularly those near the major thoroughfares like EDSA are so polluted that soon, we all need to wear masks to be protected from the air pollution. When I was a kid, I remembered drinking of our faucet at home which was filtered. After a while, we boil our waters first before drinking or for use in cooking. Now, we buy our drinking water by the gallons! I would never drink a water from the tap anymore. Prevention is better than cure.
Now, another pollution is inching in our lives -- Air Pollution. Soon, we would all need to wear masks and a few decades from now, we would all look like astronauts here on our planet, wearing tanks and paying for refilled oxygen just to breath.
The government really ought give tax rebates or discount for buying eco-friendly products! For example, the newly released Toyota Yaris is so friggin' expensive, not much are interested in buying it. Why? It costs more than 2.2 million pesos! Heck I can get a Camry or other luxurious cars with that price. It's just very unrealistic. The Philippine government doesn't really care about us or the environment we live in. IT'S ALL ABOUT THEIR POCKETS. ALL THE TIME.
Maybe the animation Wall E will give you an idea of what can happen. Not in a spaceship but, in our homes.
So next time you are going to exercise, just do it at the comfort of your home (like I do) or go to the gym. It would add years to your life.
Take care of the environment! Love our Awesome country, the Philippines!
According to an article in Philippine Star by Babe Romualdez (Section B- July 23, 2009)
While jogging is one great way to burn calories, relieve stress, and strengthen the muscles and the cardiovascular system, it can actually exacerbate the harmful effects of air pollution.
Our city, particularly those near the major thoroughfares like EDSA are so polluted that soon, we all need to wear masks to be protected from the air pollution. When I was a kid, I remembered drinking of our faucet at home which was filtered. After a while, we boil our waters first before drinking or for use in cooking. Now, we buy our drinking water by the gallons! I would never drink a water from the tap anymore. Prevention is better than cure.
Now, another pollution is inching in our lives -- Air Pollution. Soon, we would all need to wear masks and a few decades from now, we would all look like astronauts here on our planet, wearing tanks and paying for refilled oxygen just to breath.
The government really ought give tax rebates or discount for buying eco-friendly products! For example, the newly released Toyota Yaris is so friggin' expensive, not much are interested in buying it. Why? It costs more than 2.2 million pesos! Heck I can get a Camry or other luxurious cars with that price. It's just very unrealistic. The Philippine government doesn't really care about us or the environment we live in. IT'S ALL ABOUT THEIR POCKETS. ALL THE TIME.
Maybe the animation Wall E will give you an idea of what can happen. Not in a spaceship but, in our homes.So next time you are going to exercise, just do it at the comfort of your home (like I do) or go to the gym. It would add years to your life.
Take care of the environment! Love our Awesome country, the Philippines!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Should Classes be moved to September?
I was reading an article earlier this week in Philippine Star written by Alejandro R. Roces and I think we both have the same thoughts floating inside our minds.
There are way too many factors that distract the student's momentum in learning when classes open in June. One of which is because, June, July and August is Philippines' typhoon season.
According to the said article,
Some might say that it might be too hot to study in April or May. At least classes won't be suspended. I haven't heard of classes getting suspended because of hot weather here in the Philippines.
Installing air conditioners might not be the solution for everyone but, at least the kids won't get sick or stranded somewhere because of the floods. Worst case, they might even suffer injuries or death when crossing the flooded street unknowingly towards an open man-hole. (which is another problem in the Philippines. Flood and open man-holes)
I don't really know why classes in the Philippines normally start in June. Ever since I was born, it was like that already and now that I am already degree holder, I haven't thought of researching on it. I plan to, but not now.
Well, enough of the flood and typhoons. This year was the best year for them to run a trial and transfer classes from June to September! Looking back a month ago, a lot of classes were suspended because of the Ah1n1 virus (a common seasonal flu now). Although overrated, it did cause a lot of panic and alarm a month back.
Classes were suspended for around 1/3 of a month's time. Thank God that it's highly curable, but still, this was a good year to try the September classes.
Final thought from Mr. Alejandro R. Roces,
There you go. I am not sure if everyone would agree but, those are just my thoughts :)
To avoid flu's, keep a bottle of alcohol with you and wash your hands from time to time using soap to prevent the virus from spreading.
There are way too many factors that distract the student's momentum in learning when classes open in June. One of which is because, June, July and August is Philippines' typhoon season.
According to the said article,
Aside from Brunei, we are the only country in Asia which opens classes in June, the month of monsoon rains here, but in Brunei, June is dry season. Indonesia starts in mid-July; Malaysia and Singapore in January and China, in February or March, depending on the moving date of New Year in the Chinese calendar; South Korea opens in March and Thailand in May while Hongkong starts classes in September. As mentioned, both Japan and India open classes in April.
Some might say that it might be too hot to study in April or May. At least classes won't be suspended. I haven't heard of classes getting suspended because of hot weather here in the Philippines.
Installing air conditioners might not be the solution for everyone but, at least the kids won't get sick or stranded somewhere because of the floods. Worst case, they might even suffer injuries or death when crossing the flooded street unknowingly towards an open man-hole. (which is another problem in the Philippines. Flood and open man-holes)
Well, enough of the flood and typhoons. This year was the best year for them to run a trial and transfer classes from June to September! Looking back a month ago, a lot of classes were suspended because of the Ah1n1 virus (a common seasonal flu now). Although overrated, it did cause a lot of panic and alarm a month back.Classes were suspended for around 1/3 of a month's time. Thank God that it's highly curable, but still, this was a good year to try the September classes.
Final thought from Mr. Alejandro R. Roces,
India, for example, begins the school year in April and schedules its student breaks from the middle of May to end of July for students to escape the debilitating heat of summer. Likewise in Japan, one of the reasons for the trimester season which begins in April, is to have a summer break with a varying duration in mid-July to end of August also to avoid the heat of summer. So here in our country, if the rains and floods in June bring so much interference to students and schools alike, why should we not move the opening of classes to avoid it?
There you go. I am not sure if everyone would agree but, those are just my thoughts :)
To avoid flu's, keep a bottle of alcohol with you and wash your hands from time to time using soap to prevent the virus from spreading.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Free WiFi in SM Megamall
Yes! One of the biggest malls here in the Philippines, SM Megamall now offers free wifi! I am making this blog right here in SM Megamall's food court while drinking and snacking.
How cool can this be?? I mean, this is Ortigas business district. You can now hold your lunch meetings here! SM Megamall has several tenants which includes:
-Pansit Malabon
-Kipps
- Tang City
-Lydia's Lechon
-Razons
-Reyes
-Goto king
-World Chicken
-Davao Tuna
-Inasal Joe
-BalotBalot
-Greenwich
-Jollibee
-Chins
-Inihaw Express
-Sizzling Plate
-WokYan
-Chicken Company
-Bodhi
-Tokyo Teriyaki
-Tropical Hut
-Kamay Kainan 2
-Mings Garden
-Pinoy Toppings
-Sizzling Seafoods
-Flaming Hot
-Baliwag Lechon
-Cebu Fiesta
-Okuya Food Express
-Oriental Bowl
-PaoTsin
-Seafood Grill
-Ilonggo Grill
-Korean BBQ
-Sisig Hooray
-Kamay Kainan1
Whew! That was a lot! FYI, I typed this all and I did not copy-paste this! See the wide variety of foods and snacks to choose from?
Well, aside from the free internet, the WiFi is also fast. I mean VERY FAST! Who wouldv'e thought free WiFis could be this fast?
Well, SM did it again. I think soon enough, they will power all SM malls with FREE WIFI!
This is one of the best places to be.. eating and surfing the net FAST for FREE!
A few notes on what's happening in SM Megamall:
-FREE FAST WIFI!!!!!!!
-They are now holding the Filipino Food Festival.
-Tomorrow July 18,2009, PBA San Miguel team will also be here for a meet and greet and SM will be giving out Jerseys, posters, caps and other souvenir items authographed by the San Miguel team.
How cool can this be?? I mean, this is Ortigas business district. You can now hold your lunch meetings here! SM Megamall has several tenants which includes:
-Pansit Malabon
-Kipps
- Tang City
-Lydia's Lechon
-Razons
-Reyes
-Goto king
-World Chicken
-Davao Tuna
-Inasal Joe
-BalotBalot
-Greenwich
-Jollibee
-Chins
-Inihaw Express
-Sizzling Plate
-WokYan
-Chicken Company
-Bodhi
-Tokyo Teriyaki
-Tropical Hut
-Kamay Kainan 2
-Mings Garden
-Pinoy Toppings
-Sizzling Seafoods
-Flaming Hot
-Baliwag Lechon
-Cebu Fiesta
-Okuya Food Express
-Oriental Bowl
-PaoTsin
-Seafood Grill
-Ilonggo Grill
-Korean BBQ
-Sisig Hooray
-Kamay Kainan1
Whew! That was a lot! FYI, I typed this all and I did not copy-paste this! See the wide variety of foods and snacks to choose from?
Well, aside from the free internet, the WiFi is also fast. I mean VERY FAST! Who wouldv'e thought free WiFis could be this fast?
Well, SM did it again. I think soon enough, they will power all SM malls with FREE WIFI!
This is one of the best places to be.. eating and surfing the net FAST for FREE!
A few notes on what's happening in SM Megamall:
-FREE FAST WIFI!!!!!!!
-They are now holding the Filipino Food Festival.
-Tomorrow July 18,2009, PBA San Miguel team will also be here for a meet and greet and SM will be giving out Jerseys, posters, caps and other souvenir items authographed by the San Miguel team.
Monday, July 13, 2009
QC Gov't Will Impose Parking Fees Along Tomas Morato
MANILA, Philippines -- A group of businessmen in Quezon City have opposed a measure which would allow the city government to charge fees from people who leave their vehicles in designated street parking areas.
In a statement, Edwin Rodriguez of the Tomas Morato Business Club said the measure was “ill-timed, ill-advised and anti-people."
Under the proposed ordinance, fees ranging from P20 to P150 would be charged from drivers who would be allowed to park for three hours in designated street parking areas near “places of special interest.”
“Places of special interest” were defined as places where people congregate such as parks, churches, government offices, schools, museums and shopping malls.
(Inquirer.Net)
I love dining around Tomas Morato because there are no parking fees! Now, the greedy QC government will charge parking fee because they improved the area using OUR taxes.
I guess they just don't care about any other people as long as they get money and maybe worst, put it in their pockets. Can't they just be thankful enough that a huge bunch of establishments and restaurants along Tomas Morato are contributing to the development of Quezon City by paying taxes that the QC Government get to add to their budget and "spend"? How I wish they get to taste their own medicine soon. They are so filthy rich that they don't mind paying the 20 pesos parking fee because they got to get easy-earned money.
This is why it's hard to do business in the Philippines. We are nearing communism where the Government wants a share in our every single hard-earned earning. How selfish and greedy.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
10 MORE websites that describes the Philippines
Earlier this year, I made a post about 9 websites that features the amazing beauty of the Philippines, in just one page.
Now, I am adding 10 more websites to that list and as usual, these websites are all about the Philippines. (Some even featured in Stumble upon or other websites.)
1. Awesome Balut
Some nutritional facts about the egg "Balut"
Calories: 188
Total Fat: 14g
Calcium: 116mg
Phosphorous: 176mg
Iron: 2mg
Protein: 14g
2. Fiesta Dates in the Philippines
Do you know that this year, Bacolod City (Philippines), will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Masskara Festival! Actually, there are a lot of famous fiestas in the Philippines that you can attend and experience first hand.
Just check out this website for their respective dates and location.
3. Patintero
Before, we were young ones. Now, we are young once.
I think as a Filipino kid, we all have tried playing this street game. Well, this is the online version of it. :)
4. Tinikiling
Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines. The tinikling is an indigenous dance from the Philippines that involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. The name is a reference to birds locally known as tikling, which can be any of a number of Rail species; the term tinikling literally means "tikling-like".
5. How Pinoy Are You?
Well, aside from knowing a lot of facts about the Philippines, maybe you would learn a thing or two about the Filipinos.
6. Explore the Philippines with this Jeepney
The Jeep or Jeepney is the Philippines' primary mode of public transportation. Take a virtual ride in this online jeepney around the country.
7. Where are you? (This is not Where's Waldo!)
Well, it works this way. If you are a Filipino living in the Philippines or outside the Philippines, make it known by adding a marker on where you are currently living. Just for fun :)
8. Do you know a lot about the Philippines and its rich culture?
Your contributions here will appear on the website I posted in number 5. (How Pinoy Are You?)
9. Pasalubong
Don't know what to give relatives or bring back home from the Philippines? Check out this website. It might give you an idea.
10. project 7,,107
Okay, if you've voted already for the new 7 wonders (I hope you voted one of the Philippine sites) :)
This website presents the aerial view of some famous tourist spots we have here in the Philippines. Go check out some places from a different point of view! :)
There you go, 10 more single-served (paged) websites all about the Philippines. It's nice to promote the country you are in because it would be us who would harvest the returns.
=========================
=========================
Now, I am adding 10 more websites to that list and as usual, these websites are all about the Philippines. (Some even featured in Stumble upon or other websites.)
1. Awesome Balut
Some nutritional facts about the egg "Balut"
Calories: 188
Total Fat: 14g
Calcium: 116mg
Phosphorous: 176mg
Iron: 2mg
Protein: 14g
2. Fiesta Dates in the Philippines
Do you know that this year, Bacolod City (Philippines), will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Masskara Festival! Actually, there are a lot of famous fiestas in the Philippines that you can attend and experience first hand.
Just check out this website for their respective dates and location.
3. Patintero
Before, we were young ones. Now, we are young once.
I think as a Filipino kid, we all have tried playing this street game. Well, this is the online version of it. :)
4. Tinikiling
Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines. The tinikling is an indigenous dance from the Philippines that involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. The name is a reference to birds locally known as tikling, which can be any of a number of Rail species; the term tinikling literally means "tikling-like".
5. How Pinoy Are You?
Well, aside from knowing a lot of facts about the Philippines, maybe you would learn a thing or two about the Filipinos.
6. Explore the Philippines with this Jeepney
The Jeep or Jeepney is the Philippines' primary mode of public transportation. Take a virtual ride in this online jeepney around the country.
7. Where are you? (This is not Where's Waldo!)
Well, it works this way. If you are a Filipino living in the Philippines or outside the Philippines, make it known by adding a marker on where you are currently living. Just for fun :)
8. Do you know a lot about the Philippines and its rich culture?
Your contributions here will appear on the website I posted in number 5. (How Pinoy Are You?)
9. Pasalubong
Don't know what to give relatives or bring back home from the Philippines? Check out this website. It might give you an idea.
10. project 7,,107
Okay, if you've voted already for the new 7 wonders (I hope you voted one of the Philippine sites) :)
This website presents the aerial view of some famous tourist spots we have here in the Philippines. Go check out some places from a different point of view! :)
There you go, 10 more single-served (paged) websites all about the Philippines. It's nice to promote the country you are in because it would be us who would harvest the returns.
=========================
=========================
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Clean and Clear: Outshine (Music Video Contest)
Good news for female teens out there from 12-17 years old!
Clean and Clear has this contest in which you can star in your own music video with Andi Manzano!
Follow these simple instructions: (For the COOL prizes, just read on)
STEP 1:
Sign-in or register for an account at Multiply.com and add CLEANANDCLEARPHIL as a contact.
STEP 2:
Download Beautiful Ride by Andi Manzano
(right click on the Download Beautiful Ride by Andi Manzano link and click "save target as")
STEP 3:
Record yourself doing your own rendition of the song (can be acapella or with accompaniment)
STEP 4:
Click this link to upload your video entry
For more information, go to clean and clear website.
I, Contest Mechanics:
1. Sign-in or register for an account at Multiply.com and add CLEANANDCLEARPHIL as a contact
2. Download the MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song by Andi 9
3. Record yourself doing your own rendition of the song (can be acapella or with accompaniment)
4. Upload your video of you singing the MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song
5. Video Guidelines
* Video length must not exceed three (3) minutes
* Video must contain you singing acapella rendition of MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song
* File name format should be: MY OUTSHINE VIDEO Rendition
6. Judging Criteria for choosing the Top 10 Semi-finalists
* (40%) Voice Quality/ Harmony
* (35%) Musicality
* (15%) Performance
* (10%) Total Impact
7. Most number of online votes from the shortlisted Top 10 Semi-finalists wins
8. View complete contest mechanics
II,Contest Period:
June 15 – August 21, 2009 (11:59PM)
III,Contest Prizes:
* Grand Prize
o P30,000 in cash + Brand new MacBook
o Star in the OUTSHINE music video with Andi Manzano (Andi 9)
* 2nd Place
o P20,000 worth of prizes
* 3rd Place
o P10,000 worth of prizes
* Lucky Voter Prizes (10 winners)
o Gift packs from Clean and Clear
For more information, go to clean and clear website.
Clean and Clear has this contest in which you can star in your own music video with Andi Manzano!
Follow these simple instructions: (For the COOL prizes, just read on)
STEP 1:
Sign-in or register for an account at Multiply.com and add CLEANANDCLEARPHIL as a contact.
STEP 2:
Download Beautiful Ride by Andi Manzano
(right click on the Download Beautiful Ride by Andi Manzano link and click "save target as")
STEP 3:
Record yourself doing your own rendition of the song (can be acapella or with accompaniment)
STEP 4:
Click this link to upload your video entry
For more information, go to clean and clear website.
I, Contest Mechanics:
1. Sign-in or register for an account at Multiply.com and add CLEANANDCLEARPHIL as a contact
2. Download the MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song by Andi 9
3. Record yourself doing your own rendition of the song (can be acapella or with accompaniment)
4. Upload your video of you singing the MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song
5. Video Guidelines
* Video length must not exceed three (3) minutes
* Video must contain you singing acapella rendition of MY BEAUTIFUL RIDE song
* File name format should be: MY OUTSHINE VIDEO Rendition
6. Judging Criteria for choosing the Top 10 Semi-finalists
* (40%) Voice Quality/ Harmony
* (35%) Musicality
* (15%) Performance
* (10%) Total Impact
7. Most number of online votes from the shortlisted Top 10 Semi-finalists wins
8. View complete contest mechanics
II,Contest Period:
June 15 – August 21, 2009 (11:59PM)
III,Contest Prizes:
* Grand Prize
o P30,000 in cash + Brand new MacBook
o Star in the OUTSHINE music video with Andi Manzano (Andi 9)
* 2nd Place
o P20,000 worth of prizes
* 3rd Place
o P10,000 worth of prizes
* Lucky Voter Prizes (10 winners)
o Gift packs from Clean and Clear
For more information, go to clean and clear website.
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