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

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 ParaƱaque 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.

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.

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.

UNTOUCHABLE MEMORIES

Love for ArtsImage via Wikipedia

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
Enhanced by Zemanta