Monday, January 19, 2015

Davao City Sunrise

I was invited by my friend to attend his wedding in Talomo, Davao City. We have our apartment near the beach (it is only about 15 meters from the apartment) and it was a perfect place to catch the sunrise in Davao. It was a quick schedule, 2 days and 1 night but a memorable one.

I have taken many shots but these two pictures were my favorite. Enjoy!! :D
Davao.. I will be missing you.. :)



Monday, September 22, 2014

Solusyon ng Baha sa Metro Manila

    
   












 According to our National Government has a Flood Control Master Plan through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that cost a whooping P351-Billion bucks. Wow! napakalaking halaga nito. If the Peso to Dollar exchange rate is P43 to $1, that is US$8.162B. Ang yaman talaga ng Pilipinas. The Master Plan according to Mr. Rogelio Singson, the DPWH secretary, the project will last until 2030. That is a 20-year project!

     What comes into my mind as a Filipino tax payer is that the Flood Control Master Plan is not published in DPWH's website. I have seen an interview in a television network with Mr. Rogelio Singson that the Flood Control Master Plan is still secret and cannot be disclosed. What the he*l!! The Filipino people has the right to be informed with the projects that the government department will implement. In this multi-billion dollar project, the expenses will be paid by the Filipino tax payers in the future. Kawawang mga tax payers. :(

   During the weekend, I was able to check the project of Malaysia to control flood in Kuala Lumpur. It is an excellent project, from planning to implementation. To the day-to-day operations and maintenance. How I wish our government can do the same project as Malaysian government has achieved. Masyado kasing corrupt ang mga naka-upo sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas. Kokonti na lang ang matitino.

   An article of the Kuala Lumpur’s Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (Smart). 

http://www.itsinternational.com/categories/detection-monitoring-machine-vision/features/success-of-kuala-lumpurs-dual-purpose-tunnel/

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References:

http://www.rappler.com/nation/12834-flooding-to-still-be-a-problem-in-metro-manila-after-2030-dpwh 

www.inquirer.net

Friday, July 11, 2014

Bulgogi - Delicious Korean Food

It is always fun, exciting and an adventure to try different food in other places. I was greeted by the waiter.. "Good evening Sir! What is your order.." (in Korean style accent). My first choice was Bulgogi even I don't know what is the taste of it. Then its my turn to ask question.. "Does this one comes with rice?" (Filipinos cannot consider a good meal without rice.) "Yes!" I said in my mind, then, I am now happy.. :)

I had a chance to try Bulgogi - an authentic Korean food. It tastes sweet and juicy. The beef strips is very tender and you will enjoy eating the whole bowl.. ha ha ha.

Done some research in wikipedia...

Bulgogi (Korean pronunciation: [pulɡoɡi]; Korean: 불고기) is a Korean dish that usually consists of grilled marinated beef.

Below are the pictures.. Enjoy!!

PS: High resolution pics are available upon request. 











Wednesday, March 12, 2014

NAIA Terminal 1 - Repair Ongoing

There is a repair ongoing in NAIA Terminal 1.

For passengers with International flights, expect to experience long queues and crowded gates.
Please be more patient as they are making repairs to further improve the terminal as it is branded as one of the worst airports in the world.

Pictures below when I was in the terminal last 27 February 2014.

Long queues passengers.

Center portion of the Terminal 1 has repair works.

Waiting for his turn.





Long queues again.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Buying a BMX or Mountain Bike

It has been a tough week this week.

To buy or not to buy! that is the question. I was searching for a good mountain bike or bmx this week. The convenient website for buying items is sulit.com.ph or ayosdito.ph if you want the value for your money.

By searching diligently, you will come across different stores and vendors. You can check the specs that you want, from color, size, shapes, etc. But the main factor is how much money are you willing to spend. How much budget you have in your pocket.

My first choice is a Mirraco BMX from Glorious Ride Bike Shop that is worth P7,500. This model is 3x cheaper than the MTB yet it has limited features.



My second choice is a Cannondale Trail 4 MTB from Ryan Bike Shop that is worth P26,500. It has lot of features and can go off road or road routes.



And the verdict is.. I will deferred my purchase until September 2014 because I have a more important  financial commitment for this year.

And as Warren Buffet suggests Avoid expensive toys and luxuries and rather Pursue your passion relentlessly.

The question of reality bites, do I really needed a bike? The answer is No. :)

Till next week guys.

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Billionaire on a Budget: 7 Unbelievable Ways Warren Buffett Practices Frugality

When you first think about billionaire chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett, you probably can’t help but think about how much wealth, power and business success he’s accumulated over the last half-century.
However, Buffett is most proud of being frugal with his spending and savings, prompting him to share frugal living tips during interviews and public appearances on several occasions.
Living frugal might not be at the top of a to-do list for many people, yet that’s exactly what Buffett practices on a day-to-day basis. With a net worth of $46 billion, according to Business Insider, it’s undeniable that Warren Buffett must be doing something right when it comes to managing his personal finances.

7 Ways to be Frugal Like Warren Buffett

We’ve gathered the seven best frugal habits Warren Buffett practices so that you too can live like a billionaire on a budget.

1. Buy a Modest and Affordable Home

Believe it or not, Warren Buffett has lived in the same five-bedroom Omaha, Neb., home since 1958, when he bought it for just $31,500 — the equivalent of roughly $255,000 in today’s money.
Although buying a lavish home in a wealthy neighborhood can be tempting at times, buying a modest and comfortable home like Warren Buffett will free up extra money you can use to build your savings and retirement accounts.
Being frugal when it comes to owning a house will pay off in the long run, especially when you avoid substantial mortgage payments that could quickly escalate into mortgage debt if you’re unable to keep up.

2. Handle Investments Carefully

When it comes to making investments, Warren Buffett is often quoted saying, “The first rule of investing is don’t lose money; the second rule is don’t forget rule No. 1.” As far as investing goes, Buffett discourages anyone going into debt unless they’re certain they’ll make a profit later
However, Buffett also stresses that one of the best investments you can make is in yourself, according to San Diego Union-Tribune.
“Anything that improves your own talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you,” Buffett said. “You can have all kinds of things happen. But if you’ve got talent yourself, and you’ve maximized your talent, you’ve got a tremendous asset that can return ten-fold. ”

3. Avoid Expensive Toys and Luxuries

This might seem like one of the more obvious frugal habits, but if you have billions like Warren Buffett, sometimes it can be a hard one to employ. According to Business Insider’s “15 Frugal Billionaires Who Live Like Regular People,” Buffett doesn’t own a yacht or other stereotypical luxury items because, as he said, “Most toys are just a pain in the neck.”
Take a hint from Warren Buffett and avoid splurging on a new sports car or expensive wardrobe. Instead, take your extra cash and place it in a certificate of deposit with great interest rates. You can sit back, relax and watch your money grow.

4. Pursue Your Passions Relentlessly

While this may seem like a luxury to some people, Buffett does not consider it one. Buffett has said countless times that he loves what he does for work, meaning he doesn’t have to spend much money on travel or leisure.
Although you might not be as in love with your job as Buffett, you can find an inexpensive hobby that you do enjoy. You can even possibly earn a side income while being frugal, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on spas, relaxing therapies or exotic vacations to de-stress.

5. Never Pay Retail Price

For all you bargain hunters out there, you’ll be happy to know that Warren Buffett also shares your love for a good sale. By practicing patience and waiting for sales on the market, Buffett often finds a great company he can purchase on clearance. Don’t be hesitant to take the extra time to find sales, clip coupons or wait for deals on big purchases like cars, houses or vacation getaways.

6. Give Back to Others

Philanthropy is an art Buffett has no doubt mastered thanks to his significant net worth, and many people wouldn’t consider it an act of frugality.
That said, donating old clothes to Goodwill or canned goods to food drives can be a great way to give back to others — while clearing your home of unnecessary items.

7. Weigh the Pros and Cons

Sometimes we forget to think things through and review the pros and cons before making personal financial decisions. This can often lead to hasty spending and money trouble. Buffett often credits his commitment to thinking decisions through thoroughly to his financial success.
“You ought to be able to explain why you’re taking the job you’re taking, why you’re making the investment you’re making, or whatever it may be, ” Buffett told the U-T. “And if you can’t write an intelligent answer to those questions, don’t do it.”




http://www.gobankingrates.com/savings-account/7-ways-warren-buffett-lives-frugally/

Friday, February 7, 2014

Travel to Singapore with Philippine Airlines

Thank God its Friday!!

There's so much to be thankful for.. :)

I promised committed (this is more appropriate) to myself that I will write diligently every Friday. Hopefully this would become my routine in the weeks to come. 

This week I was given a chance and a privilege to travel again to Singapore. A work assignment given to me by the office to fix something (upgrade of a system). Am I excited? Naah.. It is because the office booked me to travel on 02 Feb, this is a Sunday. Normally I spend the whole day in church during Sundays.

And this Sunday is special because the Single Working Men will present their special numbers in the evening service. The Mulawin Quartet that will be singing Champion of Love.

Anyways back to reality.. I have to travel to SG. I was booked to a 10:25 AM flight, Thank God.. normally they booked me in the 6:00AM flight which is too early..

Philippine Airlines or PAL is now awesome.. the boarding time is on schedule and even the departure time. Before PAL is being notorious when it comes to time.. Palaging Late! (They are always late). The stewardess and flight crew is very courteous and smiling. Plus points for them.

They are also prompt to help when you need something. Plus points again.

And the best thing about PAL is that they have a decent inflight meals.. unlike budget airlines like Cebu Pacific or Jetstar. But they have the same choice of food, Chicken Curry or Fish Fillet. Sawa na ako sa Chicken Curry... ha ha ha because I have been to a tanker vessel with all Indian Crew.. Curry in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. Easy choice was to choose Fish Fillet. But something is missing.. the Goldilocks cake..




And for the dessert, it was a chocolate ice cream from Magnolia. The stewardess is too generous to give me an extra ice cream.. :D

Hoping someday they will have LCD screens on the chair so that you can choose the entertainment that you like.. But this will have additional cost. :(


Travel to Singapore with Philippine Airlines, all in all is an enjoyable flight.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Happy Chinese New Year - 2014

Kung Hei Fat Choi to our fellow Chinese-Filipinos. They are now celebrating one of big feast in Chinese Culture.

As a kid I was schooled in a Chinese school during my elementary days. Our Chinese teachers usually gives tikoy for good luck and a prosperous year ahead. Normally it is pan fried with egg.. I love it! :) 

It will be the year of the Wooden Horse (I'll be busy chasing and running to meet my deadlines and projects). May we have a prosperous new year ahead.

Tikoy has evolved from a white color unflavored to multi-flavored with different colors.



















And one best thing about Chinese New Year is that it is a non-working holiday here in the Philippines. It means that EDSA will not be congested in traffic today. :D


Credits:
Picture from http://www.bubblews.com/news

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Climate Change in the Philippines

Climate Change is indeed in the Philippines.

Its effects is already experienced in the past months. We have stronger typhoons hitting the country like Yolanda. The devastation was so great that thousands were killed and left homeless.
Typhoon Yolanda from Space

 
















In the past days, Metro Manila has experienced a cold weather that has not been experienced before.

Manila temperature last 26 January 2014




We're living in the same planet and every one must do its share to care for it.

For more info in Climate Change, visit the website http://climate.nasa.gov/index
Picture from www.gmanetwork.com

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Gloc-9 feat. Rico Blanco "Magda" Song Preview

The first time I heard the song.. I'm definitely sure this will pickup the charts. Waiting eagerly to release their music video of the song.

Usually Sex Trade happens to any country.. but the most affected countries are the 3rd world countries. The standard of living the Philippines.. milllions of Filipinos are still under poverty.. they will do anything for a living just to survive.

Bottom line is that we have to strengthen our Godly family values.. from the parents down to their kids.

Be a help to someone today. Make it everyday. :)


Some statistics about the Sex Trade in the Philippines from Wikipedia.

A 1997 report put the number of child victims of prostitution at 75,000 in the Philippines.,[10] with other estimates saying as many as 100,000.[11]

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef)an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 children in the Philippines are involved in prostitution rings. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) about 100,000 children are involved in prostitution.[12] is a high incidence of child prostitution in tourist areas. An undetermined number of children are forced into exploitative labor operations.[13]

The Philippines is the fourth country with the most number of prostituted children,[14] and authorities have identified an increase in child molesters travelling to the Philippines.[15]

There are estimated to be 375,000 women and girls in the sex trade in the Philippines, mostly between the ages of 15 and 20, though some are as young as 11.[16]

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies state that there are more than 1.5 million street children in the Philippines and many end up in prostitution and drug trafficking in places such as Manila and Angeles City.[17]

Government and NGO estimates on the number of women trafficked range from 300,000 to 400,000 and the number of children trafficked range from 60,000 to 100,000.[18] According to the US government reports, the number of child victims in the Philippines range from 20,000 to 100,000, with foreign tourists, particularly other Asians, as perpetrators.[18]

An estimated 60,000 to 100,000 children in the Philippines are involved in prostitution rings, according to Minette Rimando, a spokeswoman for the U.N.'S International Labour Organization's Manila office.[19] Based on the statistics provided by the Visayan Forum Foundation, most victims are between 12 to 22 years old.[20]

The Philippines is ranked under Tier 2 Watch List in the 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States (US) State Department due to the Philippine government’s alleged failure to show evidence of progress in convicting trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for labor trafficking.[21]


Youtube video is owned by UniversalRecPH.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Pork Barrel or PDAF Percentage in National Budget

Just came across with a very helpful info graphic that shows how much money Philippines have in 2013.

I firmly believe that Philippines as a country is not a poor country rather it is poor because part of the budget doesn't go to where it belongs. Most politicians are corrupt and greedy for money.

Money is not the root of all evil.. but loving money more than anything else is the root of all evil. I am just wondering.. will my tax go to the services for the people or it goes straight to the politician's pocket? 

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InfoGraphic is owned by EF Legara, its not mine. :D

The PDAF is only 1% of the total Budget ng Bayan. 



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