PGMA's SONA (State Of the Nation Address) will be this coming Monday, July 28, 2008.
The President’s Ten-Point Agenda are as follows:
1. The creation of six million jobs in six years via more opportunities given to entrepreneurs, tripling of the amount of loans for lending to small and medium enterprises, and the development of one to two million hectares of land for agricultural business;
2. The construction of new buildings, classrooms, provision of desks and chairs and books for students and scholarships to poor families;
3. The balancing of the budget;
4. The "decentralization" of progress around the nation through the use of transportation networks like the roll-on, roll-off and the digital infrastructure;
5. The provision of electricity and water supply to barangays nationwide;
6. The decongestion of Metro Manila by forming new cores of government and housing centers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao;
7. The development of Clark and Subic as the best international service and logistic centers in the region;
8. The automation of the electoral process;
9. A just end to the peace process; and
10. A fair closure to the divisiveness among the Edsa 1, 2 and 3 forces.
pinoy President Arroyo SONA 2008
President Arroyo receives the lowest rating of -38% in recent SWS survey. The Arroyo administration had a lowest rating of -33% in 2005.
The June 27-30 survey results added that only 22 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the President's overall performance against 60 percent who said they were not.
A lowest rating could be attributed to rising prices of basic goods, rice, electricity, gasoline and other basic commodities. Of course, the first affected of crisis are the less fortunate Filipinos. If the class A and B are already affected... the poor, with the rising prices of goods, life becomes harder. Pro-Poor? Is there such project? I believe that its better to teach a man how to fish than to give him a fish.
There are many problems in the Philippines, present political situation, unemployment, negative issues like ZTE-NBN controversy... no wonder. Good luck to 22% respondents who are still satisfied with the present administration. pinoy SWS Survey President Arroyo
Please watch the video provided by GMA7 regarding appointment of Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri as the new SSS President. The ZTE-NBN controversy is not yet finish and yet he still receives appointment from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Is it a reward or privilege for his loyalty to PGMA?
On the contrary, I watched in the news that SSS President Corazon dela Paz came back from a conference in Malaysia where she heard that Romulo Neri will be taking her position as the Social Security System President. She resigned effective end of this month for her worsening spine condition, she has scoliosis.
I'm sure CHED Secretary Romulo Neri is capable of running SSS. But the ZTE-NBN controversy is still on-going and I agree with Senator Madrigal that he should not be appointed to any position in the government because of credibility.
On the other hand, I found this video at youtube. news and info
The month of July is celebrated as the Nutrition month in the Philippines. I don't know how other schools are celebrating the event but in my youngest son's school, they encourage students to eat healthy and nutritious food.
My son's science lesson this week is about nutrients that our body needs. Their adviser also encouraging the class to bring nutritious packed lunch, vegetables if possible and no junk foods. Actually, they don't sell junk foods in school canteen although I don't buy chips for recess. Anyway, I don't have problem with my kids eating habits, they eat vegetables. My son's assignment tomorrow is to have vegetable for their lunch. I was thinking of cooking burger steak with corn and carrots but my son asked for his favorite, stir fried baguio beans. Sometimes, parents learned something from their children. I was thinking of a "show-off" meal but here he is asking for a simple meal.
Then I went to palengke (market) to buy ingredients. And I saw the very long line of people waiting for their turn to buy NFA rice. I thought, there's no rice shortage already? NFA rice now costs php18.25 per kilo. How come fancy rice price becomes even higher. We used to buy sinandomeng last month for php32 per kilo, now its php38-42 per kilo. I don't know what rice we are cooking now, it is 34 per kilo. With the high price of rice, gasoline, electricity, water... together with unemployment, no salary increase... What will happen now to nutrition of our fellow Filipinos? news and info Nutrition Month
Pambansang Kamao Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao arrived home early this morning with his new WBC Lightweight belt for defeating David Diaz on their Lethal Combination boxing match last week in Mandalay Resort in Las Vegas.
Tagged as the "Mexican Killer", Manny Pacquaio together with his wife Jinkee and some politicians met his children and carried his only daughter Princess. During his press conference, a live interview by GMA 7, he announced that he'll be having a motorcade today after his courtesy call to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacanang at around 10:30 am.
Pacquiao also told reporters that he would donate Php 3 million to victims of typhoon Frank. He would also visit the provinces that were badly hit by typhoon Frank.
He is lso planning to have a vacation with his wife and children and go back to school after being the 1st Asian to win four titles in different weight division. He is also planning to build a boxing school and teach boxing. There are many activities lined up for him today including his visit to his "second father", Environment Secretary, Lito Atienza and a mass at Quiapo Church.
Pacquiao major titles are WBC World Lightweight, WBC Featherweight, IBF Super Bantamweight and WBC Flyweight. news and info pinoy pacquiao
Pacquiao, First Asian To Win Four Titles In Different Division
Posted by myglitch Labels: current events, news and info, peopleFilipinos are now rejoicing for Manny Pacquiao new title as he wins over David Diaz in their boxing match Lethal Combination. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is long been eyeing for WBC Lightweight title that made him the first asian to win the four titles in different weight division.
Congratulations, Manny! You made all filipinos very proud. I'm also surprised of David "Dangerous" Diaz' sportsmanship. Diaz said to an interview after the match something like this, "He is too fast. He is fucking good. I have no idea of his speed. I don't worry about his strength but his speed is amazing. I've watched his fights. He beat me. He's good fighter".
Here are Manny Pacquiao's titles:
1st - WBC (World Boxing Council) Flyweight Champion
2nd - IBF (International Boxing Federation) Super Bantamweight title from Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
3rd - WBC (World Boxing Council) and The Ring World Super Featherweight title from Juan Manuel Marquez
4th - WBC (World Boxing Council) Lightweight title from David Diaz
A dream come true for Manny Pacquiao. Its not easy but Manny did it with flying colors for our country, Philippines. Pacquiao, the first Asian to win four titles in different weight division is a filipino. He now belongs to the "boxing legends" in boxing history, a phenomenom. Go, Pinoy! news and infopinoy pacquiao
As of this writing, typhoon Frank (international codename: Fengshen) was lowered to storm signal no. 2 in Metro Manila (where I live) same with provinces such as Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Ifugao, Aurora, Rizal and Laguna. It was signal no. 3 this morning. There will be no classes for all levels tomorrow.
Power was out in my area at 5 am this morning until 2pm. Good thing that I always have emergency kits ready for this situations. Wake up call? Nah, maybe for other people but not for me. I have candles, batteries, flashlight, AM/FM radio, emergency lights among other things in my house. I learned this from my Tatay who was always been ready for possibilities.
Speaking of radio, since there was no electricity, I monitored the news update at DZMM Radio Patrol. I heard of MV Princess of the Staras owned by Sulpicio Lines that was found this morning at Sibuyan Island in Romblon province after reportedly lost and nowhere to be found yesterday. The said vessel with estimated 700 passengers and crew was bound for Cebu. I also heard President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo confirming to Coast Guards if they released warning to the coming storm yesterday. This is another maritime tragedy just like what happened at MV Dona Paz and MV Dona Marilyn in the past. Lets pray for more survivors.
I also heard of floods, evacuation areas, homeless filipinos, brownout, local politician reporting their current situations, Mount Pinatubo preparations. Whew! There were many things to be done for typhoons, my emergency kits is so simple to be kept at home but monitoring the situations outside always matter to me. typhoon Frank Princess of the Stars maritime tragedy
I was very busy yesterday in preparation of school opening today, I did forgot to buy some things in the supermarket so I went to a nearby mini grocery where I chance to see our association's president. Aside from being an entrepreneur, he is also a reporter. Aside from the association topic, he informed me that Ces Drilon and two of her crew were missing in Sulu. That was yesterday and I didn't watch TV Patrol last night.
Upon checking on the web the "kidnapping" status of ABS CBN reporter Ces Drilon with Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama allegedly, here's the official statement of ABS CBN:Three members of our ABS-CBN news team, Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama, are in Sulu to pursue a story. As they have been out of communication with our Desk for some time, we are now trying to determine their exact location.
The safety of our team is our utmost concern and we appeal to the public to avoid speculation until we ascertain the facts.
I don't want to speculate but I've read some website that it is really kidnapping. Allegedly Abu Sayyaf are asking for 20 million. From another site, it says there that it is 10 million. Let's just wait for ABS CBN official report, I'm hoping for Ces Drilon's together with her collegues their safe release from Abu Sayyaf. news and info Ces Drilon pinoy
Our business association supposed to have meeting at 6pm tonight but our president texted me he may be late or may not make it to our meeting because he will cover a news report about Rudy Fernandez' death. After reading the SMS, I thought I misunderstood it and read it again.
Rudy Fernandez, better known as "Daboy" to entertainment world battled for periampullary cancer for two years. He was confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for almost a month and signed a waiver so he can went home last Friday. I guess, people are unique individuals when they felt that they are leaving, he choose his last minutes at home with his love ones unlike my tatay who choose to leave not in our home but in the hospital.
My condolences to his family, his wife Lorna Tolentino, his sons Renz Marion, Raphael and Mark Anthony Fernandez and to the movie industry. news and info Rudy Fernandez pinoy
3rd World Pyro Olympics 2008 Winner
Posted by myglitch Labels: current events, news and info, tourismParente Fireworks bring their mastery and professionalism to any corner of the World, letting thousands upon thousands enthusiastic people admire real artful performances. They are using the world’s most innovative radio-controlled ignition system: the FIREMASTER.
The video below is the winning entry of Parente Fireworks last May 24, 2008 for 3rd World Pyro Olympics 2008.
See you on the 4th World Pyro Olympics! I hope there will be more participants than previous Pyro Olympics. Congratulations to Italy. entertainment news and info 3rd World Pyro Olympics
As we spend our day in Trinoma, there's an exhibit that caught my attention. I seldom checked the exhibit in the mall, neither did I go to the mall to see an exhibit. The banner says National Kidney Institute are giving free kidney check such as urinalysis, FBS (fasting blood sugar) and BP on May 30, 31 and June 1 for first 100 patients to welcome the month of June, National Kidney Month with the theme: 25 Taong Pangunguna Sa Serbisyo Para Sa Kalusugan Ng Bato Ng Sambayanang Pilipino. Kidney health information streamers were displayed, there were lots of people reading the informations on kidney stones, renal transplant and other renal diseases.
Having my tatay (father) as a kidney transplant patient, my auntie (my dad's sister) who underwent a kidney transplant procedure six years ago, my other auntie (my dad's youngest sister) currently on dialysis and me having kidney stones for 3 times. Should I need to elaborate more why kidney issues have a soft spot in my heart? Its impossible not to blog about it.
Let me share the activities for the whole month of June in celebration of National Kidney Month:
National Kidney Institute National Kidney Month kidney health
I went to Manila City Hall and Pag-Ibig Office in Lawton, Manila upon my mother's request. I noticed some Philippine flags on the way and also saw banners placed on public walls. Too bad that it was impossible for me to took snapshots of those banners for security reasons. Anyway, the words "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" was printed inside the flag, on the lower right side of the flag, an estimated font size of 35% of the size of the flag. I did have negative impression seeing those banners. Whose behind this? "Makabayan" (nationalistic)? Or OA (over acting)?
Tomorrow is May 28, National Flag Day in the Philippines. At my age, I still remember my Social Studies lesson in elementary and high school regarding respect to our flag. According to wikipedia, here are the prohibited acts:
It is prohibited to deface or ridicule the flag, to dip the flag as a salute, or to add additional marks of any nature on the flag. It may not be used as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, as a covering for objects, or as part as a costume or uniform.
Several commercial uses of the flag are prohibited, including using the flag as a trademark or for commercial labels or designs. It is forbidden to use the image of the flag on merchandise, or in any advertisement. It also may not be used as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
The flag may not be displayed horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture or platform. It may not be displayed in "places of frivolity", defined in the Flag Code as marked by "boisterous merriment or recreation".
How come Lito Atienza forgot it by placing the words "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" in the flag banners. Makabayan or OA? Whatever explanation he have, it is still a bad example to young filipinos. Good thing that my 7 year old son didn't saw the banners. Year 2010 election is near, I won't forgot that. They should clear all those banners with "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" print immediately and the hard earned money of Filipinos gone to waste again. News and Info National Flag Day Philippines pinoy
Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River
Posted by myglitch Labels: news and info, pinoy big brother, tourismHave you watched PBB Teen Plus journey to the underground river, the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River? I've just posted two days ago an update article of the Seven New Wonders of Nature, I'm glad the local government of Palawan is promoting the underground river. Imagine, as I've wrote my first article regarding Tubbataha Reef, the Subterranean River was listed in 200th+ place, the underground river is now in top 77 (10th place) in 1 1/2 month of promotion of Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
He invited Pinoy Big Brother staff for them to see the beauty of 8.2km river under a mountain and the second longest in the world and drains into the South China Sea. The Subterranean River National Park is a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site just like . PBB flashed the website for televiewers to vote. Click here to vote, don't forget to confirm your email.
See for yourself a video from youtube.
Upon watching the island adventure and underground river boat ride of PBB, I remembered the time when we went in Huyup-Huyupan Cave in Bicol, there were lots of bats and stalagmites too. If the underground river has Holy Family, Huyup-Huyupan has Mama Mary and infant Jesus. tourism Puerto Princesa underground river Palawan New 7 Wonders
My sister brought home a newspaper from the market, its not a popular newspaper but an article caught my attention. I was looking for the newspaper now but it was accidentanly thrown away by my niece. Anyway, the article states as far as I remember, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is urging Filipinos to vote for Mayon Volcano of Bicol as one of the "Seven New Wonders Of Nature".
I don't know if GMA is aware that Philippines have other entries for Seven New Wonders Of Nature other than Mayon Volcano such as Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan. I don't have anything against GMA's intention of having Mayon Volcano to be included to Seven New Wonders of Nature but it would be better if she promote all four entries.
As of this writing, Tubbataha Reef is on 7th place (29th place last 3/10/08), Chocolate Hills on the 9th (42nd place last 3/10/08), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on the 10th place and Mayon Volcano on the 31th place(not listed on top 77 last 3/10/08). Wow! Pinoy bloggers really did their assignments on promoting our entries. This article is a friendly reminder, I hope you could make a follow up article on Tubbataha Reef and other entries. December 31, 2008 (closing of votes) is seven months from now, I don't think we should stop but encourage more votes from Filipinos around the world. If you haven't vote yet, please vote now, don't forget to confirm your email otherwise your vote will not be counted. You could view the live ranking here.
Go, Pinoy! Tubbataha Reef Mayon Volcano Chocolate Hills New 7 Wonders
Manny Pacquiao Aims For Lightweight Title
Posted by myglitch Labels: current events, news and info, people
Watch out for the coming boxing match of boxing superstar Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao versus 31 year old Mexican-American David Diaz, the present WBC (World Boxing Council) lightweight champion on June 28 at Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada.
August last year, David Diaz won the boxing match against Eric Morales in defense of his title. This time, Manny Pacquiao is aiming for the WBC Lightweight title which will make him the "first Asian boxer to win four world titles in three different weight divisions", and he will also be the First Filipino World Lightweight titlist.
Manny Pacquiao's titles:
1st - WBC (World Boxing Council) Flyweight from Fahsan 3K Battery
2nd - IBF (International Boxing Federation) Super Bantamweight from Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
3rd - WBC (World Boxing Council) and The Ring World Super Featherweight title from Juan Manuel Marquez
4th - Pacquiao's target: WBC Lightweight title
Taking consideration the data I gather, I guess this would be the greatest boxing match or should I say "the finale" of Pacquiao's boxing career. Let's just hope for the best. Go, Manny! news and info Manny Pacquiao
Miss Philippines Earth 2008 Winners
Posted by myglitch Labels: current events, news and info, people
From left to right: Maria Venus Bayonito Raj, Marie Razel Triff Eguia, Karla Paula Ginteroy Henry, Melanie Cabanding Felix, Marian Michelle Talag Oblea, & Maria Kristelle Micaller Lazaro
The winners are: news and info Ms. Philippines Earth 2008
Finally, Delfin DJ Montano interviewed for the first time by Korina Sanchez in TV Patrol regarding Brian Gorrel accusations against him. DJ MOntano together with his family and lawyer denied the accusations, they will file charges against Brian in Philippines and Australia. See the video below.
Its been a month since Brian started blogging regarding DJ Montano controversy, I guess, if Brian Gorrel didn't do it, DJ Montano will not came out in the open. It isn't right judging that quick, lets wait what would happen with the libel case when we hear both sides the legal way.
Words to ponder: Hey, pay up!
pinoy DJ Montano Brian GorrelThe Autralian blogger Brian Gorrel is on national television for 2 days already. Brian Gorrel wants to take his money back from filipino boyfriend DJ Montano. According to his tale to his blog, DJ Montano bilked him a sum of $70,000. Its sad that a filipino was involved to this controversy, considering that Brian Gorrel used blog as his tool to demand the retun of his money from DJ Montano.
A blackmail? What do you think? ABS-CBN managed to interview Brian Gorrel in Autralia, I'm sure they are capable interviewing of DJ Montano. But I haven't watch any DJ Montano clearing his name in the public. Brian Gorrel's tale includes gucci gang, his ex's well to do friends. Brian claimed that he had evidences on his misfortune. He should bring this to court and file charges. Is there such law? I dunno, but seeing the blog somehow made me sad as a Pinoy, this is additional negative impression among filipinos in the Philippines. What a shame.
Through blogging, Brian Gorrel shared dirty filipino secrets that he came to know when they're still in good terms. Brian deserves my sympathy, I hope that after he get what he wants from DJ Montano, he will come back and visit Philippines again and see that not all filipinos are like DJ Montano. On the other hand, DJ Montano is now a star not in pinoy blog community but to the entire blogospehere.
I like to hear the comments from my highest entrecard dropper Pandora Casket and from my highest received drop to the advert I place at Eyespi20 for the month of March. blogging brian gorrel
Just heard of the news that La Nina is nearly over to the Philippines when the temperature is 34°C. Usually La Nina occur every 3-5 years to tropical countries like Philippines. La Nina caused floods and landslides to Philippine provinces. If I remember it right, there was also La Nina when typhoon Reming triggered mudslides from Mayon Volcano and damaged many towns of Albay including Cagsawa Ruins Park in December 2006. I found out that La Niña conditions typically last approximately 9-12 months. Whatever, I got used to our extreme weather condition, if its not La Nina (cold weather), it could be El Nino (warm weather) and vice versa.
The weakening of La Nina will surely bring us hot summer even at night. This summer, its possible that the temperature will go up to 38°C. Mudslides triggered by heavy rains entombed a community of 1,800 in Guinsaugon on Southern Leyte province, about 675 km (420 miles) southeast of Manila, in February this year. Incessant rains since December also damaged some crop areas, forcing local feedmillers, poultry and livestock firms to import about 217,000 tonnes of corn since January. Philippines is experiencing rice shortage, La Nina had a big contribution to this problem.
According to PAGASA, rainy season will start on the second half of May. Although its too early to prepare for the coming rainy season, lets not forget that summer is the best season to fix and check our house roofs. news and info la nina
