Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year greeting: NLEx, SLEx, SCTEx toll hikes take effect Jan 1
By Dino Balabo, The Philippine Star
MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – Higher toll fees will greet motorists using 3 expressways north of Manila beginning this New Year.
Higher toll rates take effect beginning January 1 at the 85-kilometer North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the 94.5-kilometer Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the 8.5-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx).
Marlene Ochoa, vice president for corporate communications of NLEx concessionaire Manila North Tollways Corp., told The STAR that the adjusted rates are actually lower than the firm’s opening rates in 2005.
Ochoa said that on Feb.10, 2005 when the MNTC started operating the NLEx, the toll rate for class 1or light vehicles from Balintawak to Bocaue was P42.
Today, the MNTC, through its operator Tollways Management Corp. (TMC), is charging P41 for class 1 vehicles for the Balintawak-to-Bocaue stretch.
After the Bocaue interchange, the TMC charges northbound class 1 vehicles P2.38 per kilometer up to Tarlac in the SCTEx and westward to Subic through the SFEx.
The MNTC was recently awarded the concession for the SCTEx and the SFEx, but actual turnover of the concessions will be within the first quarter of the year.
Ochoa said that their current per kilometer charge in their closed system is still lower that the P2.48 charge they implemented after February 2005.
“The Toll Regulatory Board gave us the provisional authority to implement new toll rates, but public hearings continue,” she said.
Various parties are contesting the rate hikes before the courts.
“We call it toll adjustment instead of a toll hike,” Benigno Valles, TMC senior manager for corporate communication, said.
He said that on Jan. 1, 2007, toll fees at the NLEx were reduced by P2.20 per kilometer and later by another P2.13 per kilometer on July 1, 2008. This translated to P36 charge for class 1 vehicles in the NLEx from Balintawak to Bocaue.
From the previous P2.13 per kilometer charges, the TMC now charges P2.38 per kilometer.
This means that class 1 vehicles traveling between Balintawak and Bocaue interchange will have to pay P41, up from P36.
Valles stressed that the P41 new toll fee is lower than the P42 opening rates.
Ochoa assured motorists that the additional toll fees would redound to their benefit.
She said that since taking over NLEx operations in 2005, MNTC and TMC have implemented a number of improvements on the road system, including installation of closed circuit television cameras along the 85-kilometer stretch of the expressway for round-the-clock monitoring of traffic flow.
The TMC has also improved the condition of the expressways by removing potholes and cracks.
Valles said Korean and Japanese road experts have vouched for the high quality of NLEx, saying they are at par with those in Japan and South Korea.
Bus fare hike pushed
Meanwhile, bus companies operating between Metro Manila and South Luzon provinces are pushing for 30 to 50 centavos per kilometer hike in fares, citing the 250% increase in toll fees as well as the steady climb in oil prices.
Homer Mercado of the United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) transport party-list group said they are preparing to file a rate hike petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“We have to raise our fare to survive,” Mercado told The STAR in a phone interview.
“We’re thinking of asking for 30 centavos to 50 centavos...within that range but most likely, we’ll ask for 50 (centavos),” Mercado said.
Currently, Mercado said the fare rate per kilometer is P1.30. If allowed to raise fares by 30 centavos per kilometer, ordinary bus fare between Calamba and Manila would be at P80 from the current P65. For air-conditioned buses, the fare would be P95 from the current P80.
With a 50-centavo hike, ordinary bus fare from Manila to Calamba will rise from P65 to P90 and from P80 to P105 for air-conditioned buses.
The Big 3 oil companies – Chevron Philippines, Pilipinas Shell and Petron – raised the pump prices of their products last Wednesday by P1 per liter.
MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – Higher toll fees will greet motorists using 3 expressways north of Manila beginning this New Year.
Higher toll rates take effect beginning January 1 at the 85-kilometer North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), the 94.5-kilometer Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the 8.5-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx).
Marlene Ochoa, vice president for corporate communications of NLEx concessionaire Manila North Tollways Corp., told The STAR that the adjusted rates are actually lower than the firm’s opening rates in 2005.
Ochoa said that on Feb.10, 2005 when the MNTC started operating the NLEx, the toll rate for class 1or light vehicles from Balintawak to Bocaue was P42.
Today, the MNTC, through its operator Tollways Management Corp. (TMC), is charging P41 for class 1 vehicles for the Balintawak-to-Bocaue stretch.
After the Bocaue interchange, the TMC charges northbound class 1 vehicles P2.38 per kilometer up to Tarlac in the SCTEx and westward to Subic through the SFEx.
The MNTC was recently awarded the concession for the SCTEx and the SFEx, but actual turnover of the concessions will be within the first quarter of the year.
Ochoa said that their current per kilometer charge in their closed system is still lower that the P2.48 charge they implemented after February 2005.
“The Toll Regulatory Board gave us the provisional authority to implement new toll rates, but public hearings continue,” she said.
Various parties are contesting the rate hikes before the courts.
“We call it toll adjustment instead of a toll hike,” Benigno Valles, TMC senior manager for corporate communication, said.
He said that on Jan. 1, 2007, toll fees at the NLEx were reduced by P2.20 per kilometer and later by another P2.13 per kilometer on July 1, 2008. This translated to P36 charge for class 1 vehicles in the NLEx from Balintawak to Bocaue.
From the previous P2.13 per kilometer charges, the TMC now charges P2.38 per kilometer.
This means that class 1 vehicles traveling between Balintawak and Bocaue interchange will have to pay P41, up from P36.
Valles stressed that the P41 new toll fee is lower than the P42 opening rates.
Ochoa assured motorists that the additional toll fees would redound to their benefit.
She said that since taking over NLEx operations in 2005, MNTC and TMC have implemented a number of improvements on the road system, including installation of closed circuit television cameras along the 85-kilometer stretch of the expressway for round-the-clock monitoring of traffic flow.
The TMC has also improved the condition of the expressways by removing potholes and cracks.
Valles said Korean and Japanese road experts have vouched for the high quality of NLEx, saying they are at par with those in Japan and South Korea.
Bus fare hike pushed
Meanwhile, bus companies operating between Metro Manila and South Luzon provinces are pushing for 30 to 50 centavos per kilometer hike in fares, citing the 250% increase in toll fees as well as the steady climb in oil prices.
Homer Mercado of the United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) transport party-list group said they are preparing to file a rate hike petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“We have to raise our fare to survive,” Mercado told The STAR in a phone interview.
“We’re thinking of asking for 30 centavos to 50 centavos...within that range but most likely, we’ll ask for 50 (centavos),” Mercado said.
Currently, Mercado said the fare rate per kilometer is P1.30. If allowed to raise fares by 30 centavos per kilometer, ordinary bus fare between Calamba and Manila would be at P80 from the current P65. For air-conditioned buses, the fare would be P95 from the current P80.
With a 50-centavo hike, ordinary bus fare from Manila to Calamba will rise from P65 to P90 and from P80 to P105 for air-conditioned buses.
The Big 3 oil companies – Chevron Philippines, Pilipinas Shell and Petron – raised the pump prices of their products last Wednesday by P1 per liter.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Surviving without you at my side..........
Someday we will all be looking to those days we learned to love, get hurt, cry and fight for it.
Maybe when that time comes, we will be laughing at old dumb selves, realizing how stupid we were to stand up for things we knew were not really meant for us.
But i guess learning takes time and mistakes make one's journey fun....
Life is what we make it.
Being happy is our choice and it is nobody's responsibility to make us happy.
Till next time...God knows how much I LOVE YOU.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Forbes Magazine’s 40 Richest in the Philippines for 2010:
SM mogul Henry Sy is once again the richest in the country with a net worth of $5 billion. He ranks at no. 201 in the list of 1,011 billionaires around the world.
Followng Sy is Lucio Tan with a net worth of $2.1 billion. He is at no. 582, the second and last pinoy to make it to the world’s list.
Forbes Magazine’s 40 Richest in the Philippines for 2010:
1. Henry Sy US$5 billion
2. Lucio Tan $2.1 billion
3. John Gokongwei Jr. $1.5 billion
4. Jaime Zobel de Ayala $1.4 billion
5. Andrew Tan $1.2 billion
6. Tony Tan Caktiong $980 million
7. Enrique Razon Jr. $975 million
8. Beatrice Campos $840 million
9. George Ty $805 million
10. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. $760 million
11. Inigo and Mercedes Zobel $ 730 million
12. David Consunji $715 million
13. Emilio T. Yap $665 million
14. Andrew Gotianun $500 million
15. Vivian Que Azcona $445 million
16. Oscar Lopez $420 million
17. Manuel Villar $380 million
18. Jon Ramon Aboitiz $360 million
19. Mariano Tan $330 million
20. Robert Coyuito, Jr. $310 million
21. Roberto ONgpin $300 million
22. Alfonso Yuchengco $260 million
23. Betty Ang $165 million
24. Enrique Aboitiz $150 million
25. Gilberto Duavit $145 million
26. Mynardo Jimenez $143 million
27. Felipe Gozon $120 million
28. Alfredo Ramos $117 million
29. Manuel Zamora $116 million
30. Wilfred Uytengsu, Jr. $115 million
31. Benjamin Romualdez $110 million
32. Wilfred King $100 million
33. Tomas Alcantara $99 million
34. Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. $95 million
35. Frederick Dy $70 million
36. Eugenio Lopez III $68 million
37. Lourdes Montinola $65 million
38. Luis Virata $57 million
39. Jesus Tambunting $55 million
40. Philip Ang $50 million
Followng Sy is Lucio Tan with a net worth of $2.1 billion. He is at no. 582, the second and last pinoy to make it to the world’s list.
Forbes Magazine’s 40 Richest in the Philippines for 2010:
1. Henry Sy US$5 billion
2. Lucio Tan $2.1 billion
3. John Gokongwei Jr. $1.5 billion
4. Jaime Zobel de Ayala $1.4 billion
5. Andrew Tan $1.2 billion
6. Tony Tan Caktiong $980 million
7. Enrique Razon Jr. $975 million
8. Beatrice Campos $840 million
9. George Ty $805 million
10. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. $760 million
11. Inigo and Mercedes Zobel $ 730 million
12. David Consunji $715 million
13. Emilio T. Yap $665 million
14. Andrew Gotianun $500 million
15. Vivian Que Azcona $445 million
16. Oscar Lopez $420 million
17. Manuel Villar $380 million
18. Jon Ramon Aboitiz $360 million
19. Mariano Tan $330 million
20. Robert Coyuito, Jr. $310 million
21. Roberto ONgpin $300 million
22. Alfonso Yuchengco $260 million
23. Betty Ang $165 million
24. Enrique Aboitiz $150 million
25. Gilberto Duavit $145 million
26. Mynardo Jimenez $143 million
27. Felipe Gozon $120 million
28. Alfredo Ramos $117 million
29. Manuel Zamora $116 million
30. Wilfred Uytengsu, Jr. $115 million
31. Benjamin Romualdez $110 million
32. Wilfred King $100 million
33. Tomas Alcantara $99 million
34. Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. $95 million
35. Frederick Dy $70 million
36. Eugenio Lopez III $68 million
37. Lourdes Montinola $65 million
38. Luis Virata $57 million
39. Jesus Tambunting $55 million
40. Philip Ang $50 million
Saturday, November 27, 2010
'MY DECLARATION OF LOVE TO YOU
' I was about to accept the bitter reality of spending the next few years alone.
And just when I thought that love had passed me by, we met.
That first look in your eyes got me mystified.
You melted me with your tender touch, I felt all sorrow and fear washed away.
I was drawn to you.
I remember asking God to send me someone to love, but he sent me an angel instead.
Now and then I look where I have been (seems the good sometimes went wrong) I see in you the love that pulled me through - the love that kept me standing tall.
When drowning at a lonely sea, you reached out and rescued me.
You are my shelter in the storm.
It took time but now I see, you surpassed all my needs.
With your love you saved my life.
You took me back home, you gave me faith and gave me a world to believe in.
ILOVEYOU
Thursday, November 18, 2010
What P490-M can (and can't) buy
by Kris Danielle Suarez, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - As the jackpot in the 6/55 Grand Lotto balloons, hordes of Filipinos aren't just lining up to buy tickets - many are already dreaming of what to do with the jackpot if their numbers turn out to be lucky.
The jackpot amount - estimated to breach the P490 million mark by Wednesday night's draw - seems a big enough sum to buy anything and everything.
But don't be fooled, here is a list of what nearly half a billion pesos can be spent on in the Philippines.
Assuming no tax is levied on the jackpot, P490 million is sufficient for...
1. Running an entire executive department. In particular, it is more than enough to pay for the P200 million budget supposedly proposed by Sec. Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) for next year. (Carandang and Budget Sec. Florencio Abad have clarified that the budget is actually P50 million.)
2. Buying a private island off Leyte. Calanggaman Island, an island off the coast of Leyte, was bought by Legacy Group owner Celso de los Angeles for just P16.85 million. This fact was one of the reasons the erstwhile banker was nailed by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation for syndicated estafa and perjury.
3. The historic Admiral Hotel along Roxas Boulevard. Developer Anchor Land Holdings acquired this last year from the Lopez-Araneta family for P359 million.
4. Restoring the original proposed budget for state colleges and universities (SUCs). The Commission on Higher Education, which oversees SUCs, will have a P400 million budget cut for 2011. From an original P23.8 billion, the agency will only have P23.4 billion to spend for 111 SUCs nationwide. This, however, can be offset by the SUCs themselves, according to CHEd: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) estimates SUCs can generate P11 billion both internally from tuition and other sources.
5. The damages ABS-CBN is seeking from ex-talent Willie Revillame. After television host Willie Revillame bolted out of ABS-CBN (the parent company of ABS-CBN Interactive, which owns this website) and sued the TV giant for terminating his contract, the network lodged a P476 million counter-claim damage suit. Assuming Revillame loses the case, he can easily pay off the network - and have a few millions to spare - if he wins the jackpot (it's also possible if the winner is a crazed die-hard fan willing to give him the money).
6. At least 4 additional Doppler radars for PAGASA. The wrath of tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng back in 2009 put a spotlight on how the state weather bureau PAGASA is ill-equipped to forecast weather accurately. One of the proposed solutions was to purchase additional Doppler radars to help accurately predict rainfall. Each radar costs P100 million - and the jackpot would be enough for at least 4 of those.
7. Advertise the Philippines abroad. If you are among those who think the Department of Tourism's "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" campaign is ill-conceived, then you may be able to offer your services to handle the country's promotion abroad instead. The DOT has proposed a budget of P476 million for international tourism promotions for the year 2011, and with your winnings, you'll be able to promote the country to foreigners. You can now lure them with a better slogan, or opt to retain the "Wow Philippines: More Than The Usual" campaign and save money.
However, P490 million isn't enough to pay for...
1. The construction of the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. You'd think this stretch of road would cost only a few hundred million pesos. But the 8-lane boulevard traversing Pasay and Parañaque actually costs P1.1 billion, leading some to dub it the "most expensive" stretch of pavement ever. Allegedly, a 5-km stretch of the road was overpriced by over P650 million. A graft case, involving former officials of the Public Estates Authority and a private contractor, stemmed from this, and the case is already going through the motions at the Sandiganbayan First Division.
2. Priority infrastructure projects under the public-private projects initiative of the government. The projects included in the government's priority list, ranging from toll roads to airports to railways, are worth P4 billion and above, which explains why the Aquino government is going on a marketing blitz to attract investors with deep pockets.
3. One of Lucio Tan Jr's latest investments. The son and namesake of the country's second richest, "Bong" Tan initially paid P600 million in March as downpayment for acquisition of a listed mining firm, his vehicle for a backdoor entry into the stock market. But the entire deal was eventually valued at P1.38 billion.
4. One of the big 3 television networks. Dreaming of becoming the next Gabby Lopez, Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), or Atty. Felipe Gozon? You'll need more than P490 million to do so. At present, the big 3 television networks cost billions, with the newest major player TV5 costing MVP nearly P5 billion for 70% of the company. ABS-CBN is worth P41.6 billion while GMA Network is around P24.2 billion.
5. The Mang Inasal chicken business. Want a franchise of Mang Inasal? Your lotto earnings would be enough for a few branches. But if you want the entire company, sorry to say your lotto earnings won't suffice. Food behemoth Jollibee Foods Corp. recently bought 70% of the the Iloilo-based company for a cool P3 billion.
6. The last 3G frequency allocation. To have a share in the lucrative data-based telecom market, one needs at least P65 million to make a bid for the last remaining 3G frequency at the National Telecommunications Commission, the regulator. However, you first need to show that you have P3 billion in your purse to qualify.
7. Manny Pacquiao's earnings for his last fight. The Sarangani lawmaker has guaranteed earnings of at least US$15 million after beating Mexican Antonio Margarito last Saturday in Dallas (Sunday in Manila). That's worth a cool P645 million. Add to that around US$ 5 million (P218 million) per-pay-view sales, and you have around P863 million. Sorry, but you can't match the purse. -- With Lala Rimando, abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - As the jackpot in the 6/55 Grand Lotto balloons, hordes of Filipinos aren't just lining up to buy tickets - many are already dreaming of what to do with the jackpot if their numbers turn out to be lucky.
The jackpot amount - estimated to breach the P490 million mark by Wednesday night's draw - seems a big enough sum to buy anything and everything.
But don't be fooled, here is a list of what nearly half a billion pesos can be spent on in the Philippines.
Assuming no tax is levied on the jackpot, P490 million is sufficient for...
1. Running an entire executive department. In particular, it is more than enough to pay for the P200 million budget supposedly proposed by Sec. Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) for next year. (Carandang and Budget Sec. Florencio Abad have clarified that the budget is actually P50 million.)
2. Buying a private island off Leyte. Calanggaman Island, an island off the coast of Leyte, was bought by Legacy Group owner Celso de los Angeles for just P16.85 million. This fact was one of the reasons the erstwhile banker was nailed by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation for syndicated estafa and perjury.
3. The historic Admiral Hotel along Roxas Boulevard. Developer Anchor Land Holdings acquired this last year from the Lopez-Araneta family for P359 million.
4. Restoring the original proposed budget for state colleges and universities (SUCs). The Commission on Higher Education, which oversees SUCs, will have a P400 million budget cut for 2011. From an original P23.8 billion, the agency will only have P23.4 billion to spend for 111 SUCs nationwide. This, however, can be offset by the SUCs themselves, according to CHEd: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) estimates SUCs can generate P11 billion both internally from tuition and other sources.
5. The damages ABS-CBN is seeking from ex-talent Willie Revillame. After television host Willie Revillame bolted out of ABS-CBN (the parent company of ABS-CBN Interactive, which owns this website) and sued the TV giant for terminating his contract, the network lodged a P476 million counter-claim damage suit. Assuming Revillame loses the case, he can easily pay off the network - and have a few millions to spare - if he wins the jackpot (it's also possible if the winner is a crazed die-hard fan willing to give him the money).
6. At least 4 additional Doppler radars for PAGASA. The wrath of tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng back in 2009 put a spotlight on how the state weather bureau PAGASA is ill-equipped to forecast weather accurately. One of the proposed solutions was to purchase additional Doppler radars to help accurately predict rainfall. Each radar costs P100 million - and the jackpot would be enough for at least 4 of those.
7. Advertise the Philippines abroad. If you are among those who think the Department of Tourism's "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" campaign is ill-conceived, then you may be able to offer your services to handle the country's promotion abroad instead. The DOT has proposed a budget of P476 million for international tourism promotions for the year 2011, and with your winnings, you'll be able to promote the country to foreigners. You can now lure them with a better slogan, or opt to retain the "Wow Philippines: More Than The Usual" campaign and save money.
However, P490 million isn't enough to pay for...
1. The construction of the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. You'd think this stretch of road would cost only a few hundred million pesos. But the 8-lane boulevard traversing Pasay and Parañaque actually costs P1.1 billion, leading some to dub it the "most expensive" stretch of pavement ever. Allegedly, a 5-km stretch of the road was overpriced by over P650 million. A graft case, involving former officials of the Public Estates Authority and a private contractor, stemmed from this, and the case is already going through the motions at the Sandiganbayan First Division.
2. Priority infrastructure projects under the public-private projects initiative of the government. The projects included in the government's priority list, ranging from toll roads to airports to railways, are worth P4 billion and above, which explains why the Aquino government is going on a marketing blitz to attract investors with deep pockets.
3. One of Lucio Tan Jr's latest investments. The son and namesake of the country's second richest, "Bong" Tan initially paid P600 million in March as downpayment for acquisition of a listed mining firm, his vehicle for a backdoor entry into the stock market. But the entire deal was eventually valued at P1.38 billion.
4. One of the big 3 television networks. Dreaming of becoming the next Gabby Lopez, Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), or Atty. Felipe Gozon? You'll need more than P490 million to do so. At present, the big 3 television networks cost billions, with the newest major player TV5 costing MVP nearly P5 billion for 70% of the company. ABS-CBN is worth P41.6 billion while GMA Network is around P24.2 billion.
5. The Mang Inasal chicken business. Want a franchise of Mang Inasal? Your lotto earnings would be enough for a few branches. But if you want the entire company, sorry to say your lotto earnings won't suffice. Food behemoth Jollibee Foods Corp. recently bought 70% of the the Iloilo-based company for a cool P3 billion.
6. The last 3G frequency allocation. To have a share in the lucrative data-based telecom market, one needs at least P65 million to make a bid for the last remaining 3G frequency at the National Telecommunications Commission, the regulator. However, you first need to show that you have P3 billion in your purse to qualify.
7. Manny Pacquiao's earnings for his last fight. The Sarangani lawmaker has guaranteed earnings of at least US$15 million after beating Mexican Antonio Margarito last Saturday in Dallas (Sunday in Manila). That's worth a cool P645 million. Add to that around US$ 5 million (P218 million) per-pay-view sales, and you have around P863 million. Sorry, but you can't match the purse. -- With Lala Rimando, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
12 overlooked islands worth visiting
By La Carmina
Run away to Asia’s little-known, eco-rich isles
Word has long leaked out on “island paradises” like Phuket and Boracay. In high season, some beaches seem to have more tourists than sand.
Unless you’re a hardcore Survivor fan, however, vacationing on an uninhabited rock isn’t the solution.
Strike a balance.
Sail away to these overlooked isles, which have enough amenities and activities to keep you breezy.
Innoshima, Japan
A small island in the Seto Inland Sea, Innoshima has a scurvy history: in the 16th century it was a battleground for Murakami Suigun pirates. The swashbucklers’ legacy remains in the maritime museum and annual Pirate Festival. Find the best of Innoshima here.
Why the island is unknown: Innoshima isn’t included in most tour guides or excursions.
How to get there: The island is connected to the mainland by Innoshima Bridge. From Hiroshima Station, take the JR San-yo line to Onomichi Station, then transfer to a bus for Innoshima.
Where to stay: Visitors stay either in Innoshima or the mainland city of Onomichi. The city has a chart of accommodations.
Izu Oshima, Japan
Travellers who shun the sun will feel at home in eerie Izu Oshima. Dissidents were once exiled to the volcanic island, including the shaman En no Gyoja, whose spirit supposedly fathered Sadako from The Ring. And thousands of Japanese have thrown themselves into the bubbling Mt. Mihara. This island has a spooky side as well cheerier attractions.
Why the island is unknown: While technically part of Tokyo, the island is remote and has a foreboding reputation.
How to get there: Take a two-hour hydrofoil from Tokyo’s Takeshiba port terminal, or a 45-minute flight from Haneda or Chofu airports.?
Where to stay: Book a rustic hotel through Rakuten.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Located 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the laid-back town attracts top surfers who between July and November for some of the best waves in the world. The season peaks with the annual Siargao Cup. For those who wipe out, there are fishing and dive sites.
Why the island is unknown: Until recently, flights to Siargao were not readily available.
How to get there: Philippine Airlines offers flights from Cebu to Siargao five days a week. SeAir takes off three times a week. You can also board a 12-hour overnight boat from Cebu, or a faster boat from Surigao.
Where to stay: The General Luna district is centrally located. Visit surigaoislands.com for listings.
Kinmen Island, Taiwan
Kinmen was a military reserve and tension zone between Communists and Nationalists. Since the island is close to the mainland, curious Chinese come to gape at bullet-ridden walls and get sloshed on local Kaoliang liquor.
Why the island is unknown: Officials lifted travel restrictions to the island only about 10 years ago.
How to get there: Fly on one of Taiwan’s domestic carriers, or take a one-hour boat ride from Xiamen to Shuitou.
Where to stay: The tourism board suggests traditional homestays and inns.
Shengsi Island, China
Shengsi is known as China’s “hometown of mussels” and hosts the annual Mussel Culture Festival. When you’ve eaten your fill of hairy clams in Seafood Town, walk to Lingyin Temple or Huaniao lighthouse, one of the largest in Asia. CNNGo has a foodie’s guide to Shengsi.
Why the island is unknown: Qingdao and Dalian are the bigger beach destinations in eastern China.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4, get off at Nanpu Bridge Station and walk to 1588 Waima Lu. Ferry tickets are RMB 109 (steamboat) or RMB 140 (fast boat) including free shuttle bus to the harbor (which leaves at 8:30 or 9am).
Where to stay: For hotel options, click here.
Pulau Lang Tengah, Malaysia
Pulau Lang Tengah has the best-preserved ecosystem of the Redang Marine Park islands. The rich coral reef holds hundreds of species, including the endangered green and hawksbill turtle. Scuba. Snorkel. Tan on white sand.
Why the island is unknown: Most beach bums go to Redang and Perhentian Islands.
How to get there: Hop on a speed boat from Merang Jetty on Redang Island, or from Perhentian Islands. The ride takes 30-40 minutes.
Where to stay: The island has three resorts: D’ Coconut Lagoon, Redang Lang Tengah and Lang Sari.
Run away to Asia’s little-known, eco-rich isles
Word has long leaked out on “island paradises” like Phuket and Boracay. In high season, some beaches seem to have more tourists than sand.
Unless you’re a hardcore Survivor fan, however, vacationing on an uninhabited rock isn’t the solution.
Strike a balance.
Sail away to these overlooked isles, which have enough amenities and activities to keep you breezy.
Innoshima, Japan
A small island in the Seto Inland Sea, Innoshima has a scurvy history: in the 16th century it was a battleground for Murakami Suigun pirates. The swashbucklers’ legacy remains in the maritime museum and annual Pirate Festival. Find the best of Innoshima here.
Why the island is unknown: Innoshima isn’t included in most tour guides or excursions.
How to get there: The island is connected to the mainland by Innoshima Bridge. From Hiroshima Station, take the JR San-yo line to Onomichi Station, then transfer to a bus for Innoshima.
Where to stay: Visitors stay either in Innoshima or the mainland city of Onomichi. The city has a chart of accommodations.
Izu Oshima, Japan
Travellers who shun the sun will feel at home in eerie Izu Oshima. Dissidents were once exiled to the volcanic island, including the shaman En no Gyoja, whose spirit supposedly fathered Sadako from The Ring. And thousands of Japanese have thrown themselves into the bubbling Mt. Mihara. This island has a spooky side as well cheerier attractions.
Why the island is unknown: While technically part of Tokyo, the island is remote and has a foreboding reputation.
How to get there: Take a two-hour hydrofoil from Tokyo’s Takeshiba port terminal, or a 45-minute flight from Haneda or Chofu airports.?
Where to stay: Book a rustic hotel through Rakuten.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Located 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the laid-back town attracts top surfers who between July and November for some of the best waves in the world. The season peaks with the annual Siargao Cup. For those who wipe out, there are fishing and dive sites.
Why the island is unknown: Until recently, flights to Siargao were not readily available.
How to get there: Philippine Airlines offers flights from Cebu to Siargao five days a week. SeAir takes off three times a week. You can also board a 12-hour overnight boat from Cebu, or a faster boat from Surigao.
Where to stay: The General Luna district is centrally located. Visit surigaoislands.com for listings.
Kinmen Island, Taiwan
Kinmen was a military reserve and tension zone between Communists and Nationalists. Since the island is close to the mainland, curious Chinese come to gape at bullet-ridden walls and get sloshed on local Kaoliang liquor.
Why the island is unknown: Officials lifted travel restrictions to the island only about 10 years ago.
How to get there: Fly on one of Taiwan’s domestic carriers, or take a one-hour boat ride from Xiamen to Shuitou.
Where to stay: The tourism board suggests traditional homestays and inns.
Shengsi Island, China
Shengsi is known as China’s “hometown of mussels” and hosts the annual Mussel Culture Festival. When you’ve eaten your fill of hairy clams in Seafood Town, walk to Lingyin Temple or Huaniao lighthouse, one of the largest in Asia. CNNGo has a foodie’s guide to Shengsi.
Why the island is unknown: Qingdao and Dalian are the bigger beach destinations in eastern China.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 4, get off at Nanpu Bridge Station and walk to 1588 Waima Lu. Ferry tickets are RMB 109 (steamboat) or RMB 140 (fast boat) including free shuttle bus to the harbor (which leaves at 8:30 or 9am).
Where to stay: For hotel options, click here.
Pulau Lang Tengah, Malaysia
Pulau Lang Tengah has the best-preserved ecosystem of the Redang Marine Park islands. The rich coral reef holds hundreds of species, including the endangered green and hawksbill turtle. Scuba. Snorkel. Tan on white sand.
Why the island is unknown: Most beach bums go to Redang and Perhentian Islands.
How to get there: Hop on a speed boat from Merang Jetty on Redang Island, or from Perhentian Islands. The ride takes 30-40 minutes.
Where to stay: The island has three resorts: D’ Coconut Lagoon, Redang Lang Tengah and Lang Sari.
America's Dirtiest Cities
California's got seven of them. Will voters finally help clean the Golden State's brown air?
By Christopher Helman,
Nov 16, 2010 Provided by:
Forbes.com
Top 5 Dirtiest Cities in America
No. 1: Bakersfield, Calif.
Population: 800,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 1
Year-round particle pollution rank: 2
Ozone pollution rank: 2
Hot, dusty and surrounded by California's San Joaquin Valley oil fields, Bakersfield has all the ingredients for the worst air in the nation
No. 2: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Calif.
Population: 17.8 million
Short-term particle pollution rank: 4
Year-round particle pollution rank: 3
Ozone pollution rank: 1
University of Calgary researchers found in 2008 that salty coastal air mixed with sunshine and pollutants helps create unexpectedly high levels of ground-level ozone.
No. 3: Fresno-Madera, Calif.
Population: 1.1 million
Short-term particle pollution rank: 2
Year-round particle pollution rank: 6
Ozone pollution rank: 4
Cars, agriculture, petroleum and mega-dairies all contribute to the brown haze that hangs over the San Joaquin Valley.
No. 4: Visalia-Porterville, Calif.
Population: 430,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 8
Year-round particle pollution rank: 3
Ozone pollution rank: 3
Proximity to the giant trees of Sequoia National Park isn't enough to clean Visalia's smoggy San Joaquin Valley air.
No. 5: Hanford-Corcoran, Calif.
Population: 150,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 10
Year-round particle pollution rank: 8
Ozone pollution rank: 6
Hundreds of aircraft based at the giant Naval Air Station in nearby Lemoore doesn't help Hanford's air quality.
By Christopher Helman,
Nov 16, 2010 Provided by:
Forbes.com
Top 5 Dirtiest Cities in America
No. 1: Bakersfield, Calif.
Population: 800,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 1
Year-round particle pollution rank: 2
Ozone pollution rank: 2
Hot, dusty and surrounded by California's San Joaquin Valley oil fields, Bakersfield has all the ingredients for the worst air in the nation
No. 2: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Calif.
Population: 17.8 million
Short-term particle pollution rank: 4
Year-round particle pollution rank: 3
Ozone pollution rank: 1
University of Calgary researchers found in 2008 that salty coastal air mixed with sunshine and pollutants helps create unexpectedly high levels of ground-level ozone.
No. 3: Fresno-Madera, Calif.
Population: 1.1 million
Short-term particle pollution rank: 2
Year-round particle pollution rank: 6
Ozone pollution rank: 4
Cars, agriculture, petroleum and mega-dairies all contribute to the brown haze that hangs over the San Joaquin Valley.
No. 4: Visalia-Porterville, Calif.
Population: 430,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 8
Year-round particle pollution rank: 3
Ozone pollution rank: 3
Proximity to the giant trees of Sequoia National Park isn't enough to clean Visalia's smoggy San Joaquin Valley air.
No. 5: Hanford-Corcoran, Calif.
Population: 150,000
Short-term particle pollution rank: 10
Year-round particle pollution rank: 8
Ozone pollution rank: 6
Hundreds of aircraft based at the giant Naval Air Station in nearby Lemoore doesn't help Hanford's air quality.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
BANGUNGOT NG KAHAPON
BANGUNGOT NG ISANG KAHAPON
Ni: JOMAR LINGA
Sa isang simpleng pangyayari nagmula ang lahat
Modernong teknolohiya, ang siyang naging ugat
Sugat sa pusong kayhirap maampat
Ang kalimutan ka, siyang karapat-dapat
Dahil sa YM, ikaw ay nakilala
Sa kabilang ibayo, doon nakatira
Nakapalagayang_loob hinangad makita
Itong si FREINDSTER, ang siyang naging pag-asa
Tumagal ang siyam na buwan, masayang ala-ala
Sa kabila ng agwat, pagitang milya-milya
Itong pagmamahal walang iniinda
Hindi hadlang ang distansya, basta palaging masaya
Sa pangkaraniwang pagkakataon, away ang umpisa
Gusot sa pagitan, kawalan ng presensya
HAnda bang masaktan, maging ang makalimot
Sa isang hamon, ikaw at ako ang siyang sangkot
Nawala kang bigla, di nagpaalam
Nagsawa? o Sadyang may kumalinga?
Hangad kong ikaw ay lumigaya
Bangungot nag kahapon siyang tanging ala-ala.
Ni: JOMAR LINGA
Sa isang simpleng pangyayari nagmula ang lahat
Modernong teknolohiya, ang siyang naging ugat
Sugat sa pusong kayhirap maampat
Ang kalimutan ka, siyang karapat-dapat
Dahil sa YM, ikaw ay nakilala
Sa kabilang ibayo, doon nakatira
Nakapalagayang_loob hinangad makita
Itong si FREINDSTER, ang siyang naging pag-asa
Tumagal ang siyam na buwan, masayang ala-ala
Sa kabila ng agwat, pagitang milya-milya
Itong pagmamahal walang iniinda
Hindi hadlang ang distansya, basta palaging masaya
Sa pangkaraniwang pagkakataon, away ang umpisa
Gusot sa pagitan, kawalan ng presensya
HAnda bang masaktan, maging ang makalimot
Sa isang hamon, ikaw at ako ang siyang sangkot
Nawala kang bigla, di nagpaalam
Nagsawa? o Sadyang may kumalinga?
Hangad kong ikaw ay lumigaya
Bangungot nag kahapon siyang tanging ala-ala.
UNTOUCHABLE MEMORIES
BY: JOMAR LINGA
There was a time, you came into my life
Not expected and never requested from the sky
In a count of three, I close my eyes
To make sure, you are for real and not a fancy lie.
Almost everyday, my heart beats more than i expect
A bit of curiousity want of exists
Until i know, i let you go through
The curiousity I made, is just loving you
We shared a lot of time, being together
The love, the care, the sweetness of being a great lovers
How can i request for more
Because i need you, and that is the real score
Problems comes but we survives
For the sake of love, you stay at my side
Soon, time will come, you will be tired
If you leave ne, how can i survived
Untouchable memories, remains here inside
Inside my heart thay soon you be mine
Forever.....until times passed by
Untouchable memories continue to fly
ALAMAT NG MOGPOG
Bago dumating ang mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, wala pang mga bayan o baryong matatagpuan sa Pilipinas. Ang mga taong namumuhay lamang sa isang komunidad na binubuo ng 30-100 pamilya.
Noo’y isang komunidad pa lamang ang bayan ng Mogpog, nakatira ang dalawang mag-asawang mayaman ngunit sila ay walang anak. Sila’y sina Magno at Francisca na lalong kilala sa tawag na Pakita.
Ang buong yaman nila ay ibinuhos na lamang nila sa pagtulong sa mahihirap at pagkakawanggawa di kataka-takang mahalin sila ng halos lahat ng tao sa komunidad. Isang araw, dumating ang mga bandidong Moro at nanakot sa bayan. Napatay sina Magno at Pakita. Buong komunidad ay nalungkot sa nangyari at bilang pagmamahal sa mag-asawa inilibing nila ito sa gitna ng komunidad at pinangalanan itong MAGPAK, mula sa pangalan nina Magno at Pakita.
Noong dumating ang mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, ilan dito ang nanirahan sa Magpak itinanong sa mga tao ang pangalan ng lugar, ngunit sa kahirapan nilang mabigkas at sinabi na lamang nilang MOGPOG at simula noon, ito’y tinawag na MOGPOG.
late all soul's story
YM SCANDAL (unknown email sender send this to me,,,what a fuck!)
Message:
open it its true
Message:
Ann was chatting on her YM when someone named Marco Mist added her.
She accepted the invitation.
Ann cute:hus ds?
Marco Mist: di mo ako kilala?
Ann cute: di po e
Ann cute: cno po 2?
Marco Mist: sus kunwari ka pa
Ann cute: cno nga 2?!
Marco Mist: ann
Marco Mist: wag
Marco Mist: ka
Marco Mist: na
Marco Mist: magkunwari
Ann cute: kulit mo din noh?
Marco Mist: si marco to
Ann cute: cnong marco?
Marco Mist: ah so kinalimutan mo na ko?
Ann cute: cno ka ba tlga?!
Marco Mist: marco.
Marco Mist: Marco I. Melionza
Ann cute: Marco?!
Marco Mist: at last
Ann cute: OMG!
Ann cute: wag mo nga ako lokohin!
Ann cute: patay na si marco e!
Marco Mist: kaya nga e.
Marco Mist: miss na miss na kita ann
Marco Mist: miss na miss
Ann cute: hindi na to nkktawa
Ann cute: cno 2? jordan? mike?
Ann cute: wag nau kau mgkunwari!
Ann cute: :P
Marco Mist: ann ako nga to
Marco Mist: gus2 mo magwebcam pa ko?
Ann cute: cge ba
Marco turned on his webcam.
Ann cute: O
Ann cute: M
Ann cute: G
Marco Mist: kita mo na?
Ann cute: imposible!
Ann cute: nkita kitang nasagasaan!
Marco Mist: ...
Ann cute: so hndi k tlga ptay?
Marco Mist: patay
Ann cute: wtf?!?!
Ann cute: linawin mo nga
Marco Mist: bumalik ako pra sau
Marco Mist: mhal prin kita ann
Ann cute: marco may bf na ko
Ann cute: si noel
After that, Marco stopped replying and his webcam was paused.
But Marco still hasn't signed out.
Ann didn't close Marco's webcam just in case Marco broadcasts again.
BUZZ!!!
BUZZ!!!
Ann buzzed 2 times. Still no reply.
All of a sudden Marco's webcam was on again
It showed Marco, his head open, bleeding, his whole body full of cuts and open wounds.
Marco looked the same way he did when he was hit by a truck.
Ann froze in shock.
All of a sudden Marco replied.
Marco Mist: so hindi mo na ako mahal?
Marco signed out. Ann's computer turned off by itself.
Then Ann's phone rang.
Ann: Hello?
Jordan: Ann, bad news.
Ann: Ha? Ano?
Jordan: Si Noel.
Ann: Ano nangyari kay Noel?!
Jordan: Nasagasaan siya ng truck.
Ann: (cries)
Jordan: Hello? Ann?
Ann: Nasaan siya?
Jordan: Nasa ********.
Ann: Papunta na ko.
Jordan: Ok.
Ann went to ******** Hospital. Jordan led her to Noel's hospital room.
(the hospital name has been censored for privacy)
Jordan: I think kailangan muna kita iwanan dito.
Ann: Yah. Thanks ah.
Jordan left Ann with Noel.
Ann: Noel, wag ka mawala. Dati si Marco, ngayon ikaw. Wag naman o.
Ann hears footsteps from outside. She turns around.
To her shock, she sees Marco standing there by the door. Ann screamed.
Ann lost her consciousness. When Ann woke up, she was lying down on a hospital bed.
Ann: Ano nangyari?
Jordan: Hinimatay ka.
Ann: Wow.
Jordan: Akala nga namin kung ano na nangyari sayo e.
Ann: Yeah. But, I think ready na ako umuwi.
Jordan: Sige. Tawagin ko lang si doc.
Jordan leaves.
Bloody Marco appears in front of Ann.
Marco: Masaya ka na?
Ann: Ano ba Marco?!
Marco: Kung hindi mo ako kaya mahalin, wala ka nang ibang mamahalin pa!
Ann: Marco, patay ka na!
Marco: Pati si Noel!
Ann: Wala kang kwenta!
Marco: (laughs)
Marco disappeared and Ann started laughing like crazy.
When Jordan returned with the doctor, they were both shocked to see Ann, laughing, trying to hurt everyone she sees.
Since then, Ann has lost her mind and got checked in a mental hospital. Ann has never stopped laughing ever since. Marco has never forgiven Ann for finding a new guy.
And Marco has promised that anyone who finds out about his story will suffer the same fate as Ann...
... unless they pass the curse on to other people with the title "YM SCANDAL"
sorry..
but i have to re-post this i dont wanna be cursed... :(..repost this or Marco will get you!
Message:
open it its true
Message:
Ann was chatting on her YM when someone named Marco Mist added her.
She accepted the invitation.
Ann cute:hus ds?
Marco Mist: di mo ako kilala?
Ann cute: di po e
Ann cute: cno po 2?
Marco Mist: sus kunwari ka pa
Ann cute: cno nga 2?!
Marco Mist: ann
Marco Mist: wag
Marco Mist: ka
Marco Mist: na
Marco Mist: magkunwari
Ann cute: kulit mo din noh?
Marco Mist: si marco to
Ann cute: cnong marco?
Marco Mist: ah so kinalimutan mo na ko?
Ann cute: cno ka ba tlga?!
Marco Mist: marco.
Marco Mist: Marco I. Melionza
Ann cute: Marco?!
Marco Mist: at last
Ann cute: OMG!
Ann cute: wag mo nga ako lokohin!
Ann cute: patay na si marco e!
Marco Mist: kaya nga e.
Marco Mist: miss na miss na kita ann
Marco Mist: miss na miss
Ann cute: hindi na to nkktawa
Ann cute: cno 2? jordan? mike?
Ann cute: wag nau kau mgkunwari!
Ann cute: :P
Marco Mist: ann ako nga to
Marco Mist: gus2 mo magwebcam pa ko?
Ann cute: cge ba
Marco turned on his webcam.
Ann cute: O
Ann cute: M
Ann cute: G
Marco Mist: kita mo na?
Ann cute: imposible!
Ann cute: nkita kitang nasagasaan!
Marco Mist: ...
Ann cute: so hndi k tlga ptay?
Marco Mist: patay
Ann cute: wtf?!?!
Ann cute: linawin mo nga
Marco Mist: bumalik ako pra sau
Marco Mist: mhal prin kita ann
Ann cute: marco may bf na ko
Ann cute: si noel
After that, Marco stopped replying and his webcam was paused.
But Marco still hasn't signed out.
Ann didn't close Marco's webcam just in case Marco broadcasts again.
BUZZ!!!
BUZZ!!!
Ann buzzed 2 times. Still no reply.
All of a sudden Marco's webcam was on again
It showed Marco, his head open, bleeding, his whole body full of cuts and open wounds.
Marco looked the same way he did when he was hit by a truck.
Ann froze in shock.
All of a sudden Marco replied.
Marco Mist: so hindi mo na ako mahal?
Marco signed out. Ann's computer turned off by itself.
Then Ann's phone rang.
Ann: Hello?
Jordan: Ann, bad news.
Ann: Ha? Ano?
Jordan: Si Noel.
Ann: Ano nangyari kay Noel?!
Jordan: Nasagasaan siya ng truck.
Ann: (cries)
Jordan: Hello? Ann?
Ann: Nasaan siya?
Jordan: Nasa ********.
Ann: Papunta na ko.
Jordan: Ok.
Ann went to ******** Hospital. Jordan led her to Noel's hospital room.
(the hospital name has been censored for privacy)
Jordan: I think kailangan muna kita iwanan dito.
Ann: Yah. Thanks ah.
Jordan left Ann with Noel.
Ann: Noel, wag ka mawala. Dati si Marco, ngayon ikaw. Wag naman o.
Ann hears footsteps from outside. She turns around.
To her shock, she sees Marco standing there by the door. Ann screamed.
Ann lost her consciousness. When Ann woke up, she was lying down on a hospital bed.
Ann: Ano nangyari?
Jordan: Hinimatay ka.
Ann: Wow.
Jordan: Akala nga namin kung ano na nangyari sayo e.
Ann: Yeah. But, I think ready na ako umuwi.
Jordan: Sige. Tawagin ko lang si doc.
Jordan leaves.
Bloody Marco appears in front of Ann.
Marco: Masaya ka na?
Ann: Ano ba Marco?!
Marco: Kung hindi mo ako kaya mahalin, wala ka nang ibang mamahalin pa!
Ann: Marco, patay ka na!
Marco: Pati si Noel!
Ann: Wala kang kwenta!
Marco: (laughs)
Marco disappeared and Ann started laughing like crazy.
When Jordan returned with the doctor, they were both shocked to see Ann, laughing, trying to hurt everyone she sees.
Since then, Ann has lost her mind and got checked in a mental hospital. Ann has never stopped laughing ever since. Marco has never forgiven Ann for finding a new guy.
And Marco has promised that anyone who finds out about his story will suffer the same fate as Ann...
... unless they pass the curse on to other people with the title "YM SCANDAL"
sorry..
but i have to re-post this i dont wanna be cursed... :(..repost this or Marco will get you!
Kauna-unahan sa Pinas, 7-star hotel pasisinayaan ni P-Noy at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu
Pasisinayaan ngayon ni Pa ngulong Aquino ang pinaka-modernong hotel sa bansa na itinuturing na isang ‘7-star hotel’.
Pangungunahan ng Pangulo ang inagurasyon ng Radisson Blu Hotel na mayroong 400 room bukod sa 2 malalaking ballrooms at 10 state of the art na function rooms.
Ang modernong hotel na ito ay magkatuwang na itinayo ng Carlston Hotels, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation.
Nag-invest ang SM Investment Corporation (SMIC) ng P2.5 bilyon sa pagsasaayos at pagtatayo ng modernong Radisson Blu Hotel.
Sasalubungin naman si P-Noy nina Mr. Hans Sy at Mr. Grant Gaskin, general ma nager ng Radisson Blu Hotel.
Kabilang din sa sasalubong sa Pangulo ang mga local officials sa pangu nguna ni Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama at Ms. Elizabeth Sy, pangulo ng SM Hotels and Convention Corp. at Mr. Xerxes Meher-Homji, executive vice-president at chief development officer ng Carlston Hotels Asia Pacific World-wide-Asia Pacific.
Pangungunahan ng Pangulo ang inagurasyon ng Radisson Blu Hotel na mayroong 400 room bukod sa 2 malalaking ballrooms at 10 state of the art na function rooms.
Ang modernong hotel na ito ay magkatuwang na itinayo ng Carlston Hotels, SM Hotels and Convention Corporation.
Nag-invest ang SM Investment Corporation (SMIC) ng P2.5 bilyon sa pagsasaayos at pagtatayo ng modernong Radisson Blu Hotel.
Sasalubungin naman si P-Noy nina Mr. Hans Sy at Mr. Grant Gaskin, general ma nager ng Radisson Blu Hotel.
Kabilang din sa sasalubong sa Pangulo ang mga local officials sa pangu nguna ni Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama at Ms. Elizabeth Sy, pangulo ng SM Hotels and Convention Corp. at Mr. Xerxes Meher-Homji, executive vice-president at chief development officer ng Carlston Hotels Asia Pacific World-wide-Asia Pacific.
A saluite for our heroes
OFW remittances to PH is ‘4th largest in the world’—WB report
By Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Filed Under: Remittances, government, International (Foreign)Trade, Good news, Economic Indicators, Economy and Business and Finance
MANILA, Philippines— The Philippines remained one of the world's biggest recipients of remittances in 2010 and is seen to witness a further surge in money from Filipino migrant workers in the next two years, according to the latest "Migration and Remittances Factbook" by the World Bank.
Based on the country rankings shown in the report, remittances to the Philippines were the fourth-biggest worldwide.
Remittances to the Philippines are estimated to reach $21.3 billion for the entire 2010, registering a 23-percent growth from the $17.3 billion recorded last year.
Official and latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that in January to August, remittances reached $12.2 billion. The World Bank estimates, however, that some $9.1 billion more remittances were sent and will be sent to the Philippines from September to December this year.
The estimated remittances to the Philippines follow the estimates for India ($55 billion), China ($51 billion), and Mexico ($22.6 billion), which were the Top 3 biggest recipients of remittances.
Landing on the fifth place, behind the Philippines, is France, remittances to which are estimated to reach $15.9 billion.
Total remittances to all developing countries are estimated to reach $325 billion this year, up by 6 percent from last year's $307 billion and rebounding from the contraction registered in 2009 as a result of the global crisis.
Remittances to the Philippines significantly help boost growth of the domestic economy, as these largely fuel household consumption. Estimates by the World Bank said remittances to the country were equivalent to about 12 percent of its gross domestic product.
Economic managers admitted that remittances largely helped the country escape recession last year, when the latest global turmoil was said to have peaked. The Philippines grew by 1.1 percent last year, performing better than most industrialized countries, which contracted.
Remittances continued to grow this year due to higher demand for Filipino workers in more countries and in more sectors.
"The diversified destination of Filipino migrants contributed to steady growth in 2010 despite the crisis," the World Bank said.
The developmental institution has projected that remittances to the Philippines would grow further next year, consistent with the likely rise in overall remittances to developing countries.
According to World Bank, remittances to developing countries may surge further by 6.2 percent in 2011 and by 8.1 percent in 2012.
However, the bank pointed out risks to the projection, including the still high unemployment rate in the United States and some other countries that accounted for the biggest migrant workers. Should their employment situation worsen, remittances to developing countries might be adversely affected, the bank said.
By Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Filed Under: Remittances, government, International (Foreign)Trade, Good news, Economic Indicators, Economy and Business and Finance
MANILA, Philippines— The Philippines remained one of the world's biggest recipients of remittances in 2010 and is seen to witness a further surge in money from Filipino migrant workers in the next two years, according to the latest "Migration and Remittances Factbook" by the World Bank.
Based on the country rankings shown in the report, remittances to the Philippines were the fourth-biggest worldwide.
Remittances to the Philippines are estimated to reach $21.3 billion for the entire 2010, registering a 23-percent growth from the $17.3 billion recorded last year.
Official and latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that in January to August, remittances reached $12.2 billion. The World Bank estimates, however, that some $9.1 billion more remittances were sent and will be sent to the Philippines from September to December this year.
The estimated remittances to the Philippines follow the estimates for India ($55 billion), China ($51 billion), and Mexico ($22.6 billion), which were the Top 3 biggest recipients of remittances.
Landing on the fifth place, behind the Philippines, is France, remittances to which are estimated to reach $15.9 billion.
Total remittances to all developing countries are estimated to reach $325 billion this year, up by 6 percent from last year's $307 billion and rebounding from the contraction registered in 2009 as a result of the global crisis.
Remittances to the Philippines significantly help boost growth of the domestic economy, as these largely fuel household consumption. Estimates by the World Bank said remittances to the country were equivalent to about 12 percent of its gross domestic product.
Economic managers admitted that remittances largely helped the country escape recession last year, when the latest global turmoil was said to have peaked. The Philippines grew by 1.1 percent last year, performing better than most industrialized countries, which contracted.
Remittances continued to grow this year due to higher demand for Filipino workers in more countries and in more sectors.
"The diversified destination of Filipino migrants contributed to steady growth in 2010 despite the crisis," the World Bank said.
The developmental institution has projected that remittances to the Philippines would grow further next year, consistent with the likely rise in overall remittances to developing countries.
According to World Bank, remittances to developing countries may surge further by 6.2 percent in 2011 and by 8.1 percent in 2012.
However, the bank pointed out risks to the projection, including the still high unemployment rate in the United States and some other countries that accounted for the biggest migrant workers. Should their employment situation worsen, remittances to developing countries might be adversely affected, the bank said.
Philippines' largest ship set for launch
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20101109-302319/Philippines-largest-ship-set-for-launch
A Japanese-Filipino joint venture said Tuesday it has built the biggest sea vessel that will have ever sailed from a Philippine port.
The 287-meter (950-foot), 180,000-tonne bulk carrier Tenshu Maru is set to sail from the shipyard in the central port of Cebu on Wednesday, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries said.
President Benigno Aquino will be guest of honor at the launch, it added.
The vessel was built for the Japanese firm Chijin Shipping SA and will be registered in Panama.
Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture between Tokyo's Tsuneishi Group and Cebu-based Aboitiz Group, the Philippines' leading shipping company.
The 16-year-old joint venture is among the biggest industrial employers in Cebu, with a labor force of 11,000 at its shipyard.
The firm builds bulk carriers as well as truck and car carriers for clients worldwide, and said it was fully booked for orders until 2013.
A Japanese-Filipino joint venture said Tuesday it has built the biggest sea vessel that will have ever sailed from a Philippine port.
The 287-meter (950-foot), 180,000-tonne bulk carrier Tenshu Maru is set to sail from the shipyard in the central port of Cebu on Wednesday, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries said.
President Benigno Aquino will be guest of honor at the launch, it added.
The vessel was built for the Japanese firm Chijin Shipping SA and will be registered in Panama.
Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture between Tokyo's Tsuneishi Group and Cebu-based Aboitiz Group, the Philippines' leading shipping company.
The 16-year-old joint venture is among the biggest industrial employers in Cebu, with a labor force of 11,000 at its shipyard.
The firm builds bulk carriers as well as truck and car carriers for clients worldwide, and said it was fully booked for orders until 2013.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Justin Bieber - U Smile
U Smile
Oh
Yeah
Mmmm
I'd wait on you forever and a day
Hand and foot
Your world is my world
Yeah
Ain't no way you're ever gon' get
Any less than you should
Cause baby
You smile I smile (oh)
Cause whenever
You smile I smile
Hey hey hey
Your lips, my biggest weakness
Shouldn't have let you know
I'm always gonna do what they say (hey)
If you need me
I'll come running
From a thousand miles away
When you smile I smile (oh whoa)
You smile I smile
Hey
Baby take my open heart and all it offers
Cause this is as unconditional as it'll ever get
You ain't seen nothing yet
I won't ever hesitate to give you more
Cause baby (hey)
You smile I smile (whoa)
You smile I smile
Hey hey hey
You smile I smile
I smile I smile I smile
You smile I smile
Make me smile baby
Baby you won't ever work for nothing
You are my ins and my means now
With you there's no in between
I'm all in
Cause my cards are on the table
And I'm willing and I'm able
But I fold to your wish
Cause it's my command
Hey hey hey
You smile I smile (whoa)
You smile I smile
Hey hey hey
You smile I smile
I smile I smile I smile
You smile I smile
Oh
You smile I smile
You smile I smile
Terminal by Piolo Pascual
“Terminal”
By Piolo Pascual -
I’ve come back this mornin’ to where I first
came alive
Here within this terminal where the buses
arrive
I was a commuter on the 804
Work for a computer on the 19th floor and…
You came down the aisle of the bus and you
sat by my side
Shoulder up to shoulder we shared that 9
o’clock ride
Oh, my heart was screamin’ as you left your
seat
Followin’ your movements I was at your feet
and…
Oh, down into the terminal both of us smiled
So we entered the terminal just as you smiled
“Won’t you leave out work
for today?” you
ask of me then
So I phoned-in-sick on the way to the home
of a friend
We were all alone from 10 A.M. till 3
Really thought the fire had gone out of me
but…
You awoke the sleep of my life from gray
into red
Made the weary wonder of Wall Street rise
from the dead
Could have held up budding my entire life
But I had to get home to the kids and the
wife and…
So I left for the terminal where I began
Baby, no, I wouldn’t have left if I’d been
half a man
So here I am this morning where love had
asked for the dance
Here within this terminal where I passed on
a chance
Lord, I’ll never find her though I’ve truly tried
Probably she’s found another bus to ride and…
I am now about to begin the last of my days
I’m within what others would call a terminal
phase
I myself can only say it’s livin’ dead
Ridin’ to the office with a song in my head
that goes…
La da da…
And you know it grows
La da da…
Oh, la da da…
Oh, la da da…
Westlife - Safe
Westlife - Safe
Hard to find a way to get through
It’s a tragedy
Pulling at me like the stars do
You’re like gravity
Even if the wind blows
It makes it hard to believe
How ya gonna love
How ya gonna feel
How you gonna live your life like the dream you have is real
And If you lost your way
I will keep you safe
We’ll open up all the world inside
I see it come alive tonight
I will keep you safe
Doesn’t even matter to you
To see what I can see
I’m crawling on the floor to reach you
I’m a wreck you see
When you’re far from home now
Makes it hard to believe
So how ya gonna love
How ya gonna feel
How you gonna live your life like the dream you have is real
If you’ve lost your way
I will keep you safe
Well open up all your world inside
Til you come alive tonight
I will keep you safe
We all fall down
We all feel down
Cus rainy days and summer highs
The more we pray the more we feel alive
How ya gonna love
How ya gonna feel
How you gonna live your life like the dream you have is real
How ya gonna love
How ya gonna feel
How you gonna live your life like the dream you have is real
If you’ve lost your way
I will keep you safe
Well open up all your world inside
So you come alive tonight
I will keep you safe
Well I will keep you safe
I will keep you safe
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Joining fraternity,,,,,,,,,,,,,,good or bad?
Many of us people are wondering what are the reasons of students and every other person that come out to be a member of a gang,"Fraternity". We ask why do they take the chance to be a member of that said group of people, which we know that they are getting a lot bigger in number and have been reported to be a part of some cases, such as "rumble" and "group wars". Many of the youths who learned and had became a member of such any group are getting prone no getting "bust off" or more worse, get "killed".
There are many reasons why they decide to join these groups, some are the following:
-protection
-friends
-social companion
.....this reasons had been given to me by my friends and nieghbors that had been a member of a group. Some of them are students and some of them are already working on big companies. In some cases of students, they become more aware on going out alone. Why? Because, they could be hunted by some member of the opposite group, which they called thier "enemy". Some the groups are registered in governments and some are not. Why do this kind of group really exist in our community? Can`t they just stop thier war and be united, so that both parties could help community problems, such as waste. They can help clean the sorroundings and do some tree planting, that could help and can make a difference.
There are many reasons why they decide to join these groups, some are the following:
-protection
-friends
-social companion
.....this reasons had been given to me by my friends and nieghbors that had been a member of a group. Some of them are students and some of them are already working on big companies. In some cases of students, they become more aware on going out alone. Why? Because, they could be hunted by some member of the opposite group, which they called thier "enemy". Some the groups are registered in governments and some are not. Why do this kind of group really exist in our community? Can`t they just stop thier war and be united, so that both parties could help community problems, such as waste. They can help clean the sorroundings and do some tree planting, that could help and can make a difference.
153 bagong AIDS victims
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=625416&publicationSubCategoryId=92
MANILA, Philippines - Umabot sa 153 bagong kaso ng HIV/AIDS infections ang naitala ng Department of Health (DOH) nito lamang mga nakaraang araw na nagresulta sa paglobo sa 1,201 ang bilang ng mga taong positibo sa naturang nakamamatay na sakit sa bansa mula Enero hanggang Setyembre ngayong taon.
Batay sa 2010 HIV and AIDS registry ng DoH, ang 153 bagong HIV/AIDS infections ay mas mataas kumpara sa 56 noong 2009.
Ang kalahati o 77 ng sakit ay mula sa National Capital Region (NCR) at tatlo sa mga ito na pawang mga lalaki, ay kumpirmadong full-blown AIDS na ng maiulat sa ahensiya.
Sa kabuuang 1,201 positibong kaso ngayong 2010, nasa 15 ang full-blown AIDS na karamihan ay nahawa dahil sa pakikipagtalik. Dalawa na rin ang namatay ngayong taon.
Bukod sa sexual contact, kalimitang sanhi ng pagkahawa ng sakit ay mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusion, injecting drug use, at needle prick injuries.
MANILA, Philippines - Umabot sa 153 bagong kaso ng HIV/AIDS infections ang naitala ng Department of Health (DOH) nito lamang mga nakaraang araw na nagresulta sa paglobo sa 1,201 ang bilang ng mga taong positibo sa naturang nakamamatay na sakit sa bansa mula Enero hanggang Setyembre ngayong taon.
Batay sa 2010 HIV and AIDS registry ng DoH, ang 153 bagong HIV/AIDS infections ay mas mataas kumpara sa 56 noong 2009.
Ang kalahati o 77 ng sakit ay mula sa National Capital Region (NCR) at tatlo sa mga ito na pawang mga lalaki, ay kumpirmadong full-blown AIDS na ng maiulat sa ahensiya.
Sa kabuuang 1,201 positibong kaso ngayong 2010, nasa 15 ang full-blown AIDS na karamihan ay nahawa dahil sa pakikipagtalik. Dalawa na rin ang namatay ngayong taon.
Bukod sa sexual contact, kalimitang sanhi ng pagkahawa ng sakit ay mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusion, injecting drug use, at needle prick injuries.
EARLE'S DELICATESSEN @ Greenbelt
http://foodums.ellaganda.com/?p=100
Delicatessen is a term meaning “delicacies” or “fine foods”. The origin is a German word “delikatesse”, meaning delicacy. “Delikatessen” is the plural form (delicacies).
Delicatessen now refers to food stores that sell delicatessen. The term is oftentimes shortened to “deli”. These specialty shops sell ready-to-serve food products such as cold cooked meats, cheeses, salads, bread and pickled vegetables.
Cooked, sliced meats or “deli meats” are commonly called cold cuts.They are cured meat, often sold by weight, such as sausages, ham, liverwurst, salami, bacon, smokies, roast beef, bratwurst, pastrami and the like.
In addition to these ready-to-serve foodstuff, most delis offer sandwich and salad menus which are made to order behind the counter for dine-in or take-out meals. They also prepare party trays
Earle’s Delicatessen is one food shop that never fails to satisfy my craving for cold cuts, cheeses and greens all packed in an oblong roll which is actually a smaller version of a baguette. They serve their sandwiches “submarine” style.
Budget:P200 or less per person. The subs are substantial kaya puwede sa dalawang tao.
Delicatessens usually mean top quality foods, therefore top price din. Earle’s offers tasty filling meals that us poor office workers can afford
I give it 4.5 Ellicious hearts.
Branches and shops:
Legaspi Street, Greenbelt Drive,Makati City
G/F, The Columns Condo., Tower 2,
6821 Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Makati / (63 2) 900-3354
G/F, Alfresco Area, South Supermarket
Westgate Center, Alabang / (63 2) 771-3354
G/F, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, Ruby Rd, Ortigas
Rustan Supermarket, Rustan Bldg.
Ayala center, Glorietta
Shopwise Supermarket
E.Rodriguez, Jr, Bagumbayan Libis
Shopwise Supermarket
Araneta center, Cubao
Delicatessen is a term meaning “delicacies” or “fine foods”. The origin is a German word “delikatesse”, meaning delicacy. “Delikatessen” is the plural form (delicacies).
Delicatessen now refers to food stores that sell delicatessen. The term is oftentimes shortened to “deli”. These specialty shops sell ready-to-serve food products such as cold cooked meats, cheeses, salads, bread and pickled vegetables.
Cooked, sliced meats or “deli meats” are commonly called cold cuts.They are cured meat, often sold by weight, such as sausages, ham, liverwurst, salami, bacon, smokies, roast beef, bratwurst, pastrami and the like.
In addition to these ready-to-serve foodstuff, most delis offer sandwich and salad menus which are made to order behind the counter for dine-in or take-out meals. They also prepare party trays
Earle’s Delicatessen is one food shop that never fails to satisfy my craving for cold cuts, cheeses and greens all packed in an oblong roll which is actually a smaller version of a baguette. They serve their sandwiches “submarine” style.
Earle's Delicatessen at Greenbelt Drive, Makati City
Earle's must-try menu
Aaaah, the meats...the cured, processed, cold sliced rolls of meat! Yum yum! 
I got my New Year hams from Earle's, tigi-isang kilo, Christmas ham and Maple dinner ham, about P 900 ang dalawa. Definitely worth it.
Bavarian Cheese Smokies, binili ko kanina lang. P583 for 2.2 kilos, 16 pieces. Mura na siya, di ba? 
They have a little store for goodies like chips, coffee beans, tea, salad dressing, pasta sauces, bottled sardines, pickled veggies
I'm not really a tea drinker but I love this maple tea. It tastes good and quite refreshing, too. You've got to taste this, guys. Mura lang siya, bale P10 ang isang sachet 
Their macchiato is surprisingly rich.
And my favorite sub sandwich, classic Italian. For a little more than a hundred, busog ka na
Delicatessens usually mean top quality foods, therefore top price din. Earle’s offers tasty filling meals that us poor office workers can afford
I give it 4.5 Ellicious hearts.Branches and shops:
Legaspi Street, Greenbelt Drive,Makati City
G/F, The Columns Condo., Tower 2,
6821 Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Makati / (63 2) 900-3354
G/F, Alfresco Area, South Supermarket
Westgate Center, Alabang / (63 2) 771-3354
G/F, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, Ruby Rd, Ortigas
Rustan Supermarket, Rustan Bldg.
Ayala center, Glorietta
Shopwise Supermarket
E.Rodriguez, Jr, Bagumbayan Libis
Shopwise Supermarket
Araneta center, Cubao
EARLE'S DELICATESSEN @ Wynsum
http://www.shootfirsteatlater.com/2009/08/earles-delicatessen.html 
I've never eaten at Earle's. I usually buy their deli meats and sausages and make my own sandwiches at home.
Earle's menu
All the deli meats I've tried were good but my favorites are their roast beef and roast chicken.
Italian sandwich P145
BLT sandwich P146
salsa balsamica
riso carnaroli
riso baldo
four seasons & mango concentrate
Van Boutte coffee
homemade bottled sardines, bangus &
gourmet tuyo
horseradish mayo & roasted garlic mayo
Earle's Delicatessen
G/F Wynsum Corporate Plaza
22 Emerald Avenue,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Earle's Delicatessen is located in the same building as my gym. I've always wanted to take pics but I always forget to put my camera in my gym bag. Today I finally remembered. Earle's is at the back entrance of Wynsum Building.
I've never eaten at Earle's. I usually buy their deli meats and sausages and make my own sandwiches at home.
Earle's menu
All the deli meats I've tried were good but my favorites are their roast beef and roast chicken.
They also sell some Spanish cheese.
Their sausages are a bit salty when eaten alone but perfect in a bun. I plan to use their sausages in a pasta dish soon.
My favorite sausage is their thuringer bratwurst.
Italian sandwich P145
BLT sandwich P146
They also sell several grocery items in the store.
salsa balsamica
riso carnaroli
riso baldo
four seasons & mango concentrate
Van Boutte coffee
homemade bottled sardines, bangus &
gourmet tuyo
horseradish mayo & roasted garlic mayo
Earle's Delicatessen
G/F Wynsum Corporate Plaza
22 Emerald Avenue,
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)