Only in the Philippines!

Here are the images from the fellowship night party where bloggers get together and socialize and get to know each other a little better.

This is just the first part of the images I've taken at the party. Do watch out for the second part!

Enjoy!!!

Read more On "Images of Bloggers at the 2MBS Fellowship Night!!"!

Friday, 31 October 2008

The removal of the P10 additional rate for taxis will be tackled by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in a hearing set on November 4, 2009. Based on a petition filed by the National Council for Consumer Protection (NCCP) in Manila together with a petition for fare reduction of P1.50 for public utility jeeps and P2 for public utility bus.

This is a good news to all Filipinos if the petition will be granted before the Christmas season starts. The board en banc will decide if whether the reduction will be higher or lower over the rate presented by the petitioner.

So htis means that a fare reduction will be implemented hopefully before the year ends, but they are not still sure of the amount to be reduced yet. But still a fare reduction of any amount is still a good news. Read more On "Hearing for Fare reduction set!"!

Wednesday, 29 October 2008



Entrant criteria

The Nikon Photo Contest International is open to all photographers, professional or amateur, from any part of the world.

Theme and categories

Theme "At the heart of the image"
Categories
A Free subject:
Express yourself freely, as it moves you.
B My Planet:
Express your world, whether that involves the environment, scenes from your daily life, or the people and things that stir your passions.

Please note that the same photograph may not be submitted to both categories.

"At the heart of the image" is not only the brand statement of Nikon Imaging Company, but it is also the theme for the 32nd contest, in which entries are invited in two categories. The first category is free subject and the second is entitled "My Planet," and entries to each category are accepted as prints sent by conventional mail or as JPEG images sent via the Internet. With this theme and these categories, we look forward to receiving expressive images from around the world that are true to people's emotions.

Prize Name Number of Winners Prize Grand Prize 1 (selected from both categories) Nikon Digital SLR Camera D3 AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED Exhibition of photograph on the contest website*1 NIKKOR 75th Anniversary Award 1 (selected from both categories) Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300 AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor ED 10.5mm F2.8G AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G (IF) First Prize 2(1 from each category) Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300 Speedlight SB-800 AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G (IF) AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor ED 105mm F2.8G (IF) Second Prize 10(5 from each category) Nikon Digital SLR Camera D80 AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR Third Prize 20(10 from each category) Nikon Digital SLR Camera D60 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Emerging Talent Award*2 4 (selected from both categories) Nikon Compact Digital Camera COOLPIX P5100 Exhibition of photograph on the contest website*1 Runners-up: Emerging Talent Award*2 16 (selected from both categories) Nikon Compact Digital Camera COOLPIX S52c Exhibition of photograph on the contest website*1

For more information, log-in to imaging.nikon.com and Nikon news Read more On "Join the Nikon International Photo Contest!"!

Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Here are the second batch of images of those who attended the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in General Santos City. If anyone of you interested to exchange link with me on this site kindly leave a message with your link. Thanks a lot and hope you like the pictures that I took at the event.

Click on the image to enlarge!

























Read more On "Images of Bloggers at the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit! PartII!"!

Tuesday, 28 October 2008

Click on the images to enlarge!

Part II of the images coming up in the next post! Keep visiting this blog!

Read more On "Images of Bloggers at the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit!"!

Friday, October 24, 2008



Actress Alicia Mayer posed for a brand-new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia-Pacific or PETA. She is advocating vegetarianism and their logo campaign tagline "Relate to who's on your plate".



"I'm challenging Filipinos to really think about what 'meat' is," said Mayer. "Eating flesh means eating the corpse of a tortured animal who did not want to die. I'm encouraging kind consumers to give vegetarianism a try." Read more On "Alicia Mayer nude in PETA!"!

Friday, October 24, 2008




Yesterday the hearing at the Senate begins and the PNP officials who attended the 77th Interpol conference in Russia that were involved in a scandal. De la Paz and his wife Maria Fe were caught carrying undeclared cash worth 105,000 euros, or P6.9-million, at the departure area of a Moscow airport last Oct. 11 after they attended the Interpol conference together with seven other police officials.

During the hearing held at the Senate it was noticed that Philippine National Police comptroller Director Eliseo de la Paz was not present thus prompted Senator Meriam Defensor Santiago to issue a warrant of his arrest for snubbing the said hearing.

de la Paz was advised by his lawyer not to attend the hearing and questioned the Senate commitee at the Supreme Court asking if they have the jurisdiction to investigate the case.

As of the presstime the warrant of arrest was not yet issued since Senator Juliana Pilar “Pia” Cayetano, who is the Senate officer-in-charge and Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. is in the Europe for official functions, could not yet sign the warrant because it might require the backing of the majority of the senators.

Villar is due to arrive today and expected to sign the said warrant of arrest.

Until then we would not know the truth. Why is de le Paz hiding through technicalities just not to attend the senate hearing? Is he hiding something?

We hope that the issues will be cleared in the next few weeks. As we all know that tis is the Philippines and matters like that would take months if not years to be resolved or will it be resolved at all?

What do you think? Read more On ""Euro cops" and Senator Meriam Santiago!"!

Thursday, October 23, 2008



I got my pass for the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit to be held in General Santos City this weekend. I am looking forward in meeting fellow bloggers and get to know them in person. Some of the participants are already friends of mine online and some I met in the past bloggers party held in Davao City.

The expected participants to the event are around 100 bloggers from allover Mindanao and some participants from as far as Visayas and Luzon. That is how big the population of bloggers that are active in events and parties being organized by bloggers.

To my fellow bloggers hope to see you this week end! Read more On "All is set for the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit!"!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

MANILA - Three officials of the National Bureau of Investigation, two of whom attended the International Police general assembly in Moscow, have been summoned to testify before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

In its subpoena, the Senate panel told the NBI men to appear Thursday for hearing into the P6.9 million mess involving retired Police Director Eliseo dela Paz and several other police officers.

Those subpoenaed to attend on Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. on the Pecson Room, Senate Building, CCP Complex, Pasay City were Deputy Director for Regional Operations Services lawyer Reynaldo Esme-ralda; Head Agent lawyer Claro de Castro Jr., chief of the NBI Interpol Division; and Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines, chief of the NBI Special Task Force (STF).

The subpoena was signed by Senator Miriam Defensor, chair of Committee on Foreign Relations.

“You are commanded to bring with you to the hearing all effective issuances by your office concerning official travel by government personnel, to be used as evidence in an inquiry in aid of legislation concerning the Moscow incident, involving the Philippine Interpol delegation,” the senator said.

The Senate also warned them that the subpoena duces tecum has been issued under the Senate Rules of Procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation Section 17 and that failure to comply with it shall subject the NBI officials to penalty for contempt.

De Castro and Dalumpines were part of the Philippine delegation to Moscow Interpol event recently.

De Castro earlier said, in a GMA TV report, that his roundtrip ticket cost P87, 277 while the Philippine National Police officers’ approved airfare budget was P139,620 per head.

It was also learned that the NBI agents were given a daily allowance of $171.

For his part, Esmeralda said he did not attend the event but said he would still appear at the Senate hearing because of the summons.

“NBI Director lawyer Nestor Mantaring and lawyer de Castro were the original representatives of the NBI to the Interpol General Assembly in Moscow. In the absence of Mantaring, I was the official substitute for Director Mantaring for this event, However, I was scheduled to attend the budget hearing here so I was not available for the Moscow event. So on behalf of me, it was Head Agent Dalumpines who went there with lawyer de Castro,” said Esmeralda in an interview over the mobile phone.

Source Read more On "Senate probe on PNP officials held in Moscow today!"!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Senators Edgardo Angara, Manuel Roxas II and Francis Escudero are pushing for an increase in the maximum bankdeposit insurance from 250,000 to 500,000 pesos by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).

This is to to help strengthen and restore confidence in the country’s banking system, three senators are pushing for an increase in the maximum deposit insurance from P250,000 to P500,000.

The said bill seeks to strengthen the very foundation of the banking system and continue to foster confidence among investors and depositors. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Co. (PDIC) supports the proposal, which projects a 97.2-percent coverage of all deposit accounts in the banking system compared to 95.1 percent in the present maximum coverage. Read more On "Senators want s to hike bank insurance rate!"!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Another good news is coming before the Christmas season will come! Reduction of the minimum fare by P1.50 by December is very much possible due to the ever decreasing oil price not just in the world market but also locally. That would mean a little relief for all Filipinos and an early Christmas gift for all of us.

Reports says that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board may release a decision on the petition to reduce the minimum fare for passenger utility vehicles by December following the latest round of fuel price cuts.

LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion said that he sees a ruling by the first week of December following consultations with transport groups and even officials of petroleum companies.

"It was agreed during the frist consultation hearings that [if] they had to pursue a rollback, that will be dependent on the price and amount of gasoline and diesel as a point of reference," Lantion said, referring to petitions to cut fares in Central Luzon, Southern Luzon provinces and Metro Manila.

On Friday, independent oil player Unioil announced a P2 per liter reduction in prices of its diesel product while P1 per liter will be removed from gasoline and kerosene.

Seaoil, another independent player, meanwhile, has been selling diesel at P44.98 per liter for private motorists and P43.98 per liter discounted price for PUVs.

Based on the petition submitted by a group on September 19, there should be a P1.50 cut in the minimum fare for passenger jeepneys and P2 for buses.

Transport groups, however, said they can only take P0.50 off the prevailing minimum fare of P8.50 for the first four kilometers.

The LTFRB has set November 4 for the formal hearing of the petition submitted by the National Council for the Protection of Commuters, Inc. Aside from the petitioner, the LTFRB has also invited representatives from Pilipinas Shell, Petron Corp. and Chevron (formerly Caltex Philippines) and those from the independent players.

Should there be a consensus on November 4, the LTFRB will give concerned parties to submit their respective memoranda. The agency will then issue a ruling within 30 days after receiving comments.

Source Read more On "Fare reduction before Christmas!"!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

According to the Times Higher Education Supplement-Quacquarelli Symonds (THES-QS), four prominent Philippine universities are included in their list of Top 500 schools worldwide for 2008.

This year’s result showed a significant improvement in the standing of Philippine universities against other school worldwide.

The four RP schools and their worldwide rankings:

1. Ateneo de Manila University - 254
(Last year: 451)

2. The University of the Philippines - 276
(Last year: 398)

3. De La Salle University - 415th
(Last year: Out of the 500)

4. University of Sto. Thomas - 476th
(Last year: Out of the 500)

THE-QS based its results on the following categories:
# peer academic review
# recruiter review
# international faculty ratio
# international student ratio
# student-faculty ratio
# research citations per faculty Read more On "4 RP Schools made it into Top 500 Universities Worldwide!"!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Henry Sy, founder and chairman of the SM group of companies, has been named the Philippines wealthiest man, according to the Forbes Asia 2008 Philippines Rich List.

Sy, who ranked second in last year's Forbes list, has an estimated net worth of US$3.1 billion. The 83-year old mall mogul and his family control SM Investments, which owns stakes in a dozen companies including the nation’s second largest bank, Banco de Oro Unibank. Their wealth is up by $1.4 billion, the biggest gain on the list in absolute terms.

In second place is business tycoon Lucio Tan and family with a net worth of $1.5 billion, down by $100 million from last year. Their holdings include the nation’s largest cigarette maker, Fortune Tobacco, Philippines Airlines, Asia Brewery, mining operations and Hong Kong property.

Forbes Asia said the collective wealth of Philippines’ 40 richest has fallen 18 percent to $14 billion from $17 billion in 2007 as the global financial turmoil took its toll on stock prices.

The top 10 richest in the Philippines are:

1. Henry Sy & family; US$3.1 billion
2. Lucio Tan & family; $1.5 billion
3. Jaime Zobel de Ayala & family; $1.2 billion
4. Andrew Tan; $700 million
5. Tony Tan Caktiong & family; $690 million
6. John Gokongwei Jr. & family; $680 million
7. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.; $610 million
8. Enrique Razon Jr.; $525 million
9. George Ty & family; $435 million
10. Inigo & Mercedes Zobel; $430 million

To compile the list, Forbes Asia calculated net worths using October 3 stock prices and exchange rates. Public wealth was estimated using shareholder and financial information while privately held assets were estimated based on what they would be worth if public.

Source

Read more On "Sy, Tan are RP's richest - Forbes!"!

Thursday, October 16, 2008



The song Gikumot Kumot by a Cebu based band Kantin became popular due to the tandem of Ted Failon and Korina Sanches who sing the song with gusto in their morning radio show on DZMM.


Gikumot Kumot

Gipanumpa ko na, nga kitang duha
Magtiunay sa ato nga gugma
Abi mo kita, magkadayon na,
Kay sa gugma mo, nanumpa ka...
Kalit gibyaan, ikaw na naghilak
Mao nang dagway mo kung sa samin daw mabuak.
Chorus:
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.
Gipanumpa ko na, nga kitang duha
Magtiunay sa ato nga gugma
Abi mo kita, magkadayon na,
Kay sa gugma mo, nanumpa ka...
Kalit gibyaan, ikaw na naghilak
Mao nang dagway mo kung sa samin daw mabuak.
Chorus:
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.

Kay Gikumot-kumot, gikumot-kumot
Gikumot-kumot, gikumot-kumot
Gikumot-kumot...
Kalit gibyaan, ikaw na naghilak
Mao nang dagway mo kung sa samin daw mabuak.
Chorus:
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.
Kay gikumot-kumot, sa dakong kamot
Ang dughan mong pagkadako, dako sa gugma.
Kay Gikumot-kumot... ! Read more On ""Gikumot Kumot" Music and Lyrics!"!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has issued an apology for airing a comedy sketch that portrayed a Filipina in a very demeaning manner.

This is from BBC’s Complaints Division:

“Firstly, we’re sorry if you were in any way offended by the program as this wasn’t our intention,”

“It in no way represents real people and was never intended to offend or demean any viewer,”

“We recognize that you were personally offended by the sketch and would like to assure you that your complaint has been registered on our audience log,”

The complaints division of the network described “Harry & Paul” as a “post-watershed comedy sketch show well-known for its exaggerated humour and absurd characters.” Read more On "BBC apologizes for anti-Filipina “Harry and Paul” sketch!"!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Looking for a local job? Want to seek greener pastures! There is a new jobsite that will make searching for employment opportunities easier, faster and more convenient for you!Start your job hunting by creating an account at http://www.jobopenings.ph/ now! Registration is free. All you need is a valid email address. Being a member allows you to create an online résumé that you can use to apply to various job openings.

Visit JobOpenings.ph now! Your dream job is just a click away! Read more On "Job Openings for Filipinos!"!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008



American television host and actress Ellen DeGeneres who invited Charice Pempengco on her show is reportedly invited another Little Star Dreamer Alumni the 6-year-old 2nd Little Star Dreamer Amy Nobleza (real name: Ana Mae Libot) to also appear on her show.

This after Ellen saw Amy’s rendition of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To do With It” on YouTube. Read more On "Amy Nobleza is invited by Ellen Degeneres to her show!"!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008



Again Charice is a hit in Las Vegas, this time at Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert!

The girl is really going places!

Video courtesy of FalseVoice Read more On "Charice's performance at Wynn's for Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children Benifit Concert!"!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Electric tricycles are now plying the streets of Taguig City, Philippines. For just 8 hours of charging from any electrical outlet the electric tricycles can be use for 2 days. Electric tricycles are environmental friendly, smokeless and noise pollution free. It does costs more than an ordinary tricycle that uses gasoline but more income will be generated in the long run.

Read more On "Electric Tricycles! Only in the Philippines!"!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A new impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was filed Monday morning by Jose ‘Joey’ de Venecia III, Iloilo Vice-Governor Rolex Suplico, and public interest lawyer Harry Roque.

The complaint, accusing her, among others, of betrayal of public trust was endorsed by Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casino, and Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza.

Grounds included in the complaint are:

- betrayal of public trust after she approved the National Broadband Network (NBN) telecommunications deal with China’s ZTE Corp., saying that the deal was overpriced by at least $130M
- culpable violation of the Constitution for approving the Northrail rehabilitation project;
- numerous human rights violations;
- graft and corruption for her administration’s involvement in various irregularities including the P728M fertilizer scam, P2B swine scam; and,
- alleged ballot-switching in the 2004 presidential election. Read more On "4th Impeachment complaint filed against Arroyo!"!

Monday, October 13, 2008


It's a never-ending story of dreams coming true!

The country's pride, Charice, again marked another personal milestone - she met one of her music idols, Mariah Carey.

Almost a month after her performance with Celine Dion, Charice was again in cloud nine after she got the chance to talk and to hug Carey who has been described as one of the best-selling female pop artists of the millennium.

Charice met Carey at Wynn's Hotel for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation's Grand Slam for Children benefit concert last Saturday, October 11 in Las Vegas.

Source Read more On "Charice meets Mariah Carey!"!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The world economy is in turmoil,especially the U.S.A. which is right now in recession. There are hundred thousands or around 497,214 to be exact are currently enrolled in Nursing this school year.

Nursing tops the list of college courses here in the Philippines, according to records of the Commission on Higher Education’s Office of Policy, Planning, Research and Information.


Also in the Top 20 list of most popular baccalaureate programs are:

• hotel and restaurant management (134,688),
  
• computer science (100,760),
  
• criminology (96,991),
  
• information technology (95,353),
• accountancy (89,564),
• management (82,882),
  
• elementary education (67,204),
  
• English education (52,336),
  
• electronics and communications engineering (48,252),
  
• marine transportation (45,034),
  
• computer engineering (43,388),
  
• civil engineering (39,202),
  
• business administration,
  
• management and accountancy (37,773),
  
• economics (33,656),
  
• industrial technology (33,470),
  
• public administration (32,810),
  
• commerce (29,897),
  
• community development (28,769),
  
• business administration (28,479).

The world market for OFW is also fast changing there will be less work available not just for nurses abroad but also for other sector in business. Since the economy of most countries in the world are affected so are the jobs availability is also affected.

Nurses are the most affected by this development, it is because of over supply of nurses in the Philippines alone and there are lots of students enrolled right now. Their job prospect today and in the future is very bleak not only here in our country but also abroad.

My advice for those who are planning to take up nursing, they should think twice or many times now. Read more On "Taking up Nursing? Think again!!"!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Oil started flowing yesterday from the Galoc fields off Palawan which is estimated at around 22,000 barrels a day is the headline in most newspapers and on TV. This is a reallly good news for the Philippines since the prices of Oil in the world market is rising. This will give much ease for the country who is relying mostly on imported crude since we don't have any oil fields until now.

This will surely decrease our needs for imported crude in the future and I hope it will drive the prices of oils in the market lower and more Filipinos will benifit fron this. Hopefully since they found out that there are around 10-20 million barrels reserved on that oil field they will explore more areas in the country that has the same amount or more oil reserves so that we will become exportes of oil in the future. Read more On "Oil draws off Palawan may lead RP to enery self Sufficiency!"!

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Department of Health (DOH) had already cleared a total of 49 dairy products (as of this posting).

These are the milk and chocolate brands that are free of melamine according to the DoH:

Anchor Lite Milk,
Anlene High Calcium Low Fat Milk,
Bear Brand Instant,
Chichok Milk Chocolate,
Farmland Skim Milk,
Jinwei Drinks,
Jolly Cow Pure Fresh Milk,
Kiddie Soya,
Milk Egg Delight,
Lactogen 1 DHA Infant Formula,
M&M Peanut Chocolate Candies,
Milk boy,
Nestogen 2 DHA Follow-up Formula,
Nestogen 3 DHA Follow-Up Formula,
Nido 3+ Prebio with DHA,
Nido Full Cream Milk Powder,
Nido Junior,
No- Sugar Chocolate of Isomaltooligosaccharide,
Nutri-Express Milk Drink,
PURA UHT Fresh Milk,
Snickers Fresh Roasted in Caramel & Soft Nougatin Thick Milk Chocolate,
Vitasoy Soya Bean Milk,
Wahaha Orange,
Want-Want Milk Drink (Red Can),
Windmil Skim Milk Powder,
Yinlu Milk Peanut,
Yogee,
Yoghurt Flavor Milk Drink
Anmum Materna Milk Powder Chocolate Flavor (400g)
Bear Brand Choco (300g)
Bear Brand Sterilized Milk (200ml)
Cadbury Choclairs
Carnation Calcium Plus Non-fat Milk Powder
Klim Instant Full Cream Milk Powder
Milk Chocolate Bar (40g)
Monmilk Breakfast Milk Walnut Milk Beverage
Monmilk Hi-calcium Low fat milk (1L)
Monmilk Deluxe Pure Milk
Nestle Chocolate Flavor Ice cream
Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk
Nestle Fresh Milk (1L)
Nestle Kitkat
Nestle Milk chocolate (40g)
Nestle Pops Ice cream
Nestle Vanilla Flavor Ice cream
Nestogen 1 DHA
Nesvita Cereal Milk Drink
Blue Tree Express Milk Drink or Green Apple Flavor (500ml)
Prime Roast Instant Nutritious Cereal (28g)

Read more On "DOH's list of Milk and Chocolate drinks that are melamine free!"!

Thursday, October 9 2008

Do you believe in Bad Luck and Good Luck signs that our ancestors believed before and up to now some people still believe in them? Philippine superstitions and beliefs. . . .

Check them out yourself if it is still applies up to this day:

• Black cat crossing your path is a bad omen.
• A person who breaks a mirror faces seven years of bad luck.
• Whistling at night invites evil.
• If brown Butterfly enters your house, you will lose money.
• Don't mend your clothes while wearing them or harm will befall you.
• Encountering yellow butterfly will bring you good luck.
• Lying down with your feet facing the door will bring you an early death.
• Adorning your wedding dress with pearls means you will shed many tears with your marriage.
• Stepping on a pillow will bring misfortune.
• If you sit on your bag while traveling, you will not reach your destination.
• A person who is headed somewhere should not proceed with her journey is she trips on something after leaving the house, Something terrible will happen.
• Wearing a Diamond protects the bearer fron evil-minded people.
• At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, eat twelve grapes which represents the twelve months of the year. This will ensure money and good luck throughout the year.
• If you are awakend by chirping birds at dawn, luck awaits you.
• Dreaming of fish, trees or snakes means good fortune, money or happiness.
  

Read more On "Bad Luck, Good Luck!"!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008




In the latest report by InternetworldStats, the Philippines took the #10 spot with the most number of internet users at 14 Million, just 900k lower than Malaysia at #9.

That number represents 15.1% of the total population of the Philippines. That’s still a low internet usage density though.

China tops the list at 253 Million followed by Japan at 94 Million and India at 60 Million.

As for internet penetration, the Philippines is still way down the line, esp. in South East Asia:

Japan: 73.8%
South Korea: 70.7%
Hong Kong: 69.5%
Taiwan: 67.2%
Malaysia: 59%
Singapore: 58.6%
Macau: 51.6%
Brunei: 46.2%
Vietnam: 23.4%
Thailand: 20.5
Philippines: 15.1% Read more On "Philippines is #10 in Asia Top Ten Internet Countries !"!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

WASHINGTON - Oral cough and cold medicines sold over the counter should not be used in children younger than 4 years old because of the risk of rare complications linked to inappropriate use, a US industry group said on Tuesday.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which represents Procter & Gamble Co, Novartis AG and other companies, said most of the problems occurred in children who were given the wrong dose or who took the medicine accidentally.

"We're doing this out of an abundance of caution," the group's president, Linda Suydam, said.

The association said it made the decision in consultation with the US Food and Drug Administration, which last week held a public meeting to weigh the controversial use of such products in children.

Doctors and consumer advocates at the meeting called on the agency to reject use of the medicines in children as old as 12. They argued nonprescription cold products have never been proven safe and effective, making any risk too great to give them to children.

Complications can include seizures, stroke and other side effects.

FDA officials have already banned marketing of the products to children younger than 2 and have said they are weighing what action to take in older children.

Agency spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the FDA had no immediate comment.

The industry group limited its ban to those under 4 because an analysis showed most problems occurred in 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds, Suydam said.

Companies this week are rolling out products with packaging that cautions parents not to use the medicines in such young children, she added.

Cough and cold medicines aim to treat cold symptoms such as runny noses and congestion. There is no cure for colds, which are caused by various viruses.

Products available without a prescription include Wyeth's Dimetapp, and Procter & Gamble's NyQuil, Novartis AG's Triaminic, and Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol and PediaCare, among others.

The industry's move only applies to syrups, pills and tablets and does not include nasal sprays, inhaled medicines, lotions or rubs.

Source:Reuters Read more On "Over the counter cough, cold meds not suitable for children below 4 year-olds!"!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

After serving 13 years, convicted killer Claudio Teehankee Jr., son of the late former Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee Sr and brother of former Justice undersecretary Manuel Teehankee was ordered released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City Friday last week by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said the Department of Justice, Bureau of Corrections and Board of Pardon and Parole “carefully studied” the commutation of the sentence for two to three years.

Teehankee was found guilty in 1995 for murdering Maureen Hultman and her friend Roland John Chapman in Dasmariñas Village in Makati. A third victim, Jussi Leino, was wounded in the attack.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez said on Tuesday that Rolito Go who was found guilty of killing Eldon Maguan in 1991 during a traffic altercation, is likely to be granted presidential pardon soon.

He added that the Maguan family had accepted the civil damages the court ordered Go to pay them. Read more On "Claudio Tehankee Jr. freed by Arroyo,Rolito Go may be next!"!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008



21 top Filipino artists...
5 recording days...
1 song...
About one great country...

"BIYAHE TAYO" is a fantastic song collaboratedly performed by various popular Filipino artists and was set to promote domestic travel and tourism in the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Philippines...

Some of the leading Filipino singers and musicians had contributed their talents and voices for the first time in putting together a song and a music video which encourages fellow Filipinos to travel in their own country and other foreign nationals to come and visit the variety of wonders of the Philippines.

"BIYAHE TAYO" actually highlighted the Philippine`s top tourist destinations along with some most awaited events of the country and some various Filipino cultures. Read more On "WOW Philippines!"!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008


Great Britain’s Darren “Dynamite” Appleton has won the 1st World 10-Ball Championship in Sunday’s finals at the Philippine International Convention Center.

He beat 2005 World Pool champion Wu Chia-Ching of Taiwan, 13-11 and took home the $100,000 top prize plus the championship trophy. Meanwhile, the last Filipino player to go the distance at the WTBC, Demosthenes “Plong Plong” Pulpul lost to Dutch Niels Feijen in the battle for third place, 11-8. Organizers of the WTBC said the event will be back in Manila next year and continue living up to its billing as the pool Mecca in Asia. Read more On "Britain’s Darren Appleton wins World 10-Ball Championship!"!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Together with National Geographic, Connections Photo Contest invites all amateur photographers to submit one colour image of a destination anywhere in the world. Submit your photos online and you could just Win the grand prize - National Geographic Photography Expeditions in 2009 to Morocco, India or Mexico led by a renowned National Geographic photojournalist. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 2nd, 3rd and 17 honorable mention prizes ain't too bad as well!

Contest Mechanics:

1. View complete contest mechanics

Contest Period:

• August 20, 2008 at midnight (12:00am) Eastern Time and ends November 15, 2008 at midnight (12:00am) Eastern Time

Contest Prize:

• Grand Prize winner - a choice of one National Geographic Photography Expedition to Morocco, Mexico (Ruta Maya) or India for two persons in 2009. Covered expenses are roundtrip coach/economy air travel for the winner and a guest of his/her choice from the major airport closest to winner's home to and from the Expedition; accommodation for the trip duration and select meals as per the expedition package during the Expedition. All other expenses are the responsibility of the Grand Prize winner. Prize trip must be taken at the time the tour is offered in 2009. Travel companion should be a suggested eighteen (18) years or older. If the winner cannot travel at the time of one of the scheduled departures, the winner may be disqualified and an alternate winner selected. Sponsors reserve the right to substitute the prize, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of the Grand Prize is $15,000US. Actual value may vary from ARV, based on location of winner's residence and other variables. Any difference between actual value and ARV will not be awarded.

• Second place - one (1) stay of two (2) nights for two (2) people based on double occupancy including tax and breakfast at any InterContinental Hotel or Resort worldwide; and a $2,500 US gift certificate to B&H online camera store. ARV of second prize is $3,000US based on location example. Hotel stay is based on availability; blackouts and restrictions may apply. No airfare, travel or incidentals included. Hotel stay must be redeemed by December 31, 2009.

• Third place - one (1) stay of two (2) nights for two (2) people based on double occupancy including tax and breakfast at any InterContinental Hotel or Resort worldwide; and a $1,000 US gift certificate to B&H online camera store. ARV of third prize is $1,500 US based on location example. Hotel stay is based on availability; blackouts and restrictions may apply. No airfare, travel or incidentals included. Hotel stay must be redeemed by December 31, 2009.

• 17 Honourable Mentions - An autographed copy of A Camera, Two Kids and a Camel, the newly published photography book by renowned National Geographic Photographer, Annie Griffiths Belt.

Upside:

• Big Prizes!
• Online submission
• Recognition if you win
  

Downside:

• "Only one photograph may be submitted by each entrant"
• "Entrants grant to Sponsors (and their licensees) a non-exclusive, royalty-free worldwide license for the duration of intellectual property rights, to use photographs for editorial, commercial or trade purposes."

Read more On "Join the Connections Photo Contest!"!

Monday, October 6, 2008


Solid Group Inc. of the Lim family, a consumer electronics marketing firm the makers of Filipino-branded, low-cost mobile phones and the first dual active SIM phones in the market is now studying the possibility of introducing Filipino-branded notebook personal computers and they are hoping to launch their new product by the first quarter of next year.

“The laptop market is touchy because chip sets keep changing. We are more careful (in venturing into this) because the rate of obsolescence is so fast,” Lim said.

In order to make it big in the consumer market, he said a company had to be in the three Cs -- communication, consumer electronics and computers.

Although he did not give details of the plan yet, Lim hinted that “myBook” would be similar to the Asus mini laptops but with more power.

Source

Read more On "Filipino-branded laptops available soon!"!

Monday, October 6, 2008




Evangelist Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Movement said he will run in the 2010 presidential elections depending on their network and political machinery.

“I have to be true to you. Before I entertain that idea, show [me] first that Bangon has nationwide, reasonable machinery and pray to God [for] people to have the consensus to fight for genuine change. That was my answer to them.” said Villanueva.

Asked who will be his possible running mate, Villanueva said they are looking at Pampanga Governor Eduardo Panlilio to institute genuine reform in the country if the JIL leader eventually decides to run in the 2010 presidential race. Read more On "Eddie Villanueva may run for President in 2010!"!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Canada’s western province of Alberta needs at least 10,000 Filipino workers as they are experiencing a shortage in doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, machine operators and mechanics.

Alberta’s Ministry of Employment and Immigration headed by Hector Goudreau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) represented by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque concerning recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

OFWs in Canada earn much higher than those in the Middle East. As an example, welders earn 6,000 Canadian dollars (US$5,700) a month compared to only 400-500 dollars in Saudi Arabia. Pipe fitters earn 3,800 Canadian dollars while Nurses earn 4,500 Canadian dollars.

Take note that those who want to apply to Alberta are required to have experience. You can contact (02) 523-3633 or visit poea.gov.ph for more information.

Read more On "10,000 jobs for Filipinos in Alberta, Canada!"!

Saturday, October 4, 2008



The October issue of Metro Magazine is all about female empowerment by featuring women who continue to make a difference. Topping that list is actress Angel Locsin for her popularity and the causes she advocates.

In the October issue of Metro Magazine, they listed a few good women who continue to make a difference. Aside from Angel, who was voted as the Most Beautiful Pinay of 2008, these women also made it to the list:

Read more On "Angel Locsin is on the cover of Metro Magazine!"!