5 Tips for the Upcoming Mega Traffic in Metro Manila

Honestly, I don't know if the traffic can get any worst in Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 3 construction officialy started last night but we won't really feel the chaos until all projects simultaneously coincide with each other. Amidst all the hype and armageddon-like description from the media of the upcoming traffic that will be caused by the Skyway Stage 3 infrastructure project, here are some tips to get you all lock and loaded for the supposedly traffic-ggedon:

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6 Truths to the show Don't Drive Here: Manila [Video]

I was watching an episode of Don't Drive here by Discovery Channel featuring Manila and I can't help but laugh at the funny comments the guy is giving. Before anyone get's angry (*cough-cough* Dan Brown's book), remember that it's supposed to be a light show and what he mentioned in the show are problems which we experience daily.

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Manila is 3rd Worst for Traffic? (Are you sure it's not the worst?)

Behind the friendly smiles and helpful nature of Filipinos that "others" see, the real truth can't be hidden. I recently read an article about Manila and what's behind the silly smile of Filipinos (Read: Behind the silly smile is a sad sad nation)

Quoting from that article,

Filipinos smile because they don’t want the world to know that they’re suffering. If the world does know, Filipinos will only get more questions as to why, and the truth will eventually come out that most of the time, their suffering is the consequence of their own stupidity. Filipinos go out of their way to help foreigners because most of the time, they’re looking to get a sort of monetary reward or some sort of “favor” for their “troubles”. 

How locals treat foreign visitors is not a definitive basis of how rude they are as a people. Watch how they treat each other, and their environment, and you get a much better idea.

Yes, the problem is with the people themselves. Not how Filipinos treat foreigners but how they treat each other. Case in point, as simple as traffic, we can almost top the list. Travel and lifestyle website CNN Go, cited that Manila is the 3rd worst place to drive in the world. Some of the few reasons on why: Traffic congestion, air pollution, garbage collection, flood control and the need for security.

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My Christmas Celebration 2010

Hey! How's your holiday so far? Are you spending every second well? You know what, God is fair. He gave us all 24 hours to use. It now depends on how we spend it. How's your Christmas holiday so far?

Unlike the past few years, once the "ber" months start, I can feel a bit of Christmas already. It's entirely different this year. I only felt Christmas on the Christmas eve dinner where we usually gather with relatives. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every moment of it. Went to 2 sides of the family -- father side and mother side. In between, we attended a Christmas Candle Light service at a Christian church.

No Traffic on Christmas Eve

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Typhoon Ondoy strikes hard and long

It's currently 730pm here in metro manila and the rain has been going on for more than 24 hours.

Since we don't have electricity, i will just blog some of my thoughts earlier. (I'm typing this whole blog using my mobile phone)

If this would be (exaggerated) similar to the movie, 'the day after tomorrow', are we ready to go?

I was pondering.. We are here on a purpose. We are just travelers and just passing by this place called earth.

Our purpose, is to help save many as we can.
Not in terms of search and rescue operations, but, through God's salvation.

I am a Christian, yes. In that sense, I am ready. But, the ultimate question would be, how many have you led to the Lord?

Going back to typhoon ondoy, my grandma's place would be one of the least possible places to get flooded. It is elevated enough that there is an approx 45 degree ramp for you to enter the parking area. Today, and as I am typing, their first floor is still flooded.

Nothing I can humanly do now but pray. All roads leading there from where i am currently is flooded.

Hearing and reading a lot of far more worst situations than what my grandma is experiencing now and i want to thank God for keeping my grandma safe. Im praying for the others too.

The skies are improving and the rain is backing down a bit.

I hope this continues and lets all pray for the safety and quick recovery of the Philippines because metro manila is still under state of calamity.

We definitely can't afford another 24hour rain with the few resources the Philippines has.

God bless everyone and keep safe!

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