The Presidential Chopper Crash

I am shocked about this news I heard about premier government officials who was initially reported lost with a chopper off Benguet province but are now being declared dead by the hour since it was reported to have crashed along the mountains yesterday afternoon. The cause was bad weather and initially they were only doing ocular inspection of a project that was meant to be seen the day after by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They were supposed to be the head party but after this particular incident, I guess there would not be anymore flights soon.

Now there are 8 recovered bodies from the crash site. Ifugao Governor Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. said that this is the death toll confirmed and according to Tinoc, Ifugao Mayor Lopez Tugong.

Baguilat said that there are no details where specifically their bodies were found as the Bell 412 wreckage was seen in his municipality. He added that tommorrow they would be able to identify the victims with the help of forensic experts. Search operations will still continue until the last one is found. They are still trying to see if there are going to be survivors but chances seem a little low now since they found the bodies. Because it is already hard to go in that location and it is already night time the priority is to at least get the bodies transported to the municipal and have them examined. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. This is just really sad news.

These are high ranking officials from Malacanang and it is sad that this had to happen. It was about 4PM when they left Loakan Airport in Baguio. I have a question though, how air worthy are our aircrafts? What if Arroyo was the one in the chopper? That would just be really dangerous! The last time there was contact with the chopper was around 5 PM where the crew reported zero visibility in their area. Oh my, let's pray for them!

Play All You Want!

There have been obvious need for safeguarding the copyrights of artists all over the world and this includes our country the Philippines. Billions worth of pirated software, audio and video pilfered the streets of Manila and that does not discount those who are also in the malls. The favorite past time of everyone at this side of the world is window shopping. It even coined a term "MALLING" which we treat as an adjective for going to malls, stores and establishments. That is one unique culture trait as you may know but if they continue to be the number one consumer of these illegally produced DVD and Cd's then the need to put a stop to it is vital so the music and movie industry would not get hurt in the long run. They would not be able to get a single centavo off honorariums which they earn off.

Good thing there are web sites and companies like Kerchoonz that we can go to if we want our works of art be given recognition. They pay the actual artist even if we listen to their music free. That in my dictionary is better that going the hard way, piracy is a perennial problem in this side of the world. If I remember it correctly, there were about 3 buy bust operations that was held in provinces a few minutes outside Manila and the actual value of the machines were 3 million each. This does not include the raw material for the DVD and CD which costs around 2 million dollars. This may have destroyed the hopes of artists to earn their living and a lot of people from the film industry may lose their jobs if that continued operation. I might sign up our band in this site too so we can get the ball rolling with our music. This is just great because they pay their dues to artists and it would really be a big help to a so called dying industry. It is in Beta right now, but it would be great if everyone checked it out!

World War II Veterans Apply for Equity Benefits

Over 26,000 World War II Veterans applied for equity benefits which was passed by Barrack Obama together with the stimulus package. He has pronounced that this should never be delayed because they are some who are sick and dying. From what I have heard this will amount to about 9,000 dollars or about 432,000 pesos so this is a huge payment for those who almost lost their lives in that fight. That amount is only for those who are in the Philippines. For those who are in the US, I think I heard that it would amount to about 15,000 dollars... which I hope I am not mistaken.

My Grandpa is also one of those who will get benefits since he served that war and got POW'd even. I just hope they pay what is due them. Good thing Obama knows his priorities and these veterans have paid enough I think. Giving them this is actually a little too late but its good at least that they gave it... confusing as that may sound its just good...

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said that this number will increase in the coming days. I like this US Ambassador because she is so down to earth. Today,they are continually processing the papers of these veterans and I hope it would all be given soon.

My Own Pepsi Break this Summer!

I was not in the mood earlier this evening and I had to take a break. I dropped 5 peso coins in our office vending machine and bought a can of Pepsi MAX. Good thing this makes me smile every once in a while. Talk about zero sugar, maximum taste and compatible with my gym regimen. Hey! I have to work out a couple of hours from now so that's not going to make me feel full.

With the several on line games I've featured here in the past, there are some which I would like you to try. Since I am drinking Pepsi a lot these days, there is a Footvolley game on their international site that you should try. Some of you may not have heard of that sport but it is just the beach version of football. This of course is perfect for the summer season so make sure you grab your gear for it. The current version is only 5 players strong and all of them are in legendary status. Graphics are nice and it looks as if you are playing 3D cardboard equivalents of the real one.

I'm a Torres fan but I hope they also include in future versions the Amazon or Gladiator figures of Britney, Pink and BEYONCE, much like in the commercials. I hope I get to have my own break this summer. That would be just fun!

Holy Week in the Philippines 2009

It's holy week again in the Philippines and that long week where most people have no work means almost nothing to me.... because I have to work at these times. It's okay though because after 5 years of having no absences at work, I pretty much am used to it.

People from the metro will flock back to their own provinces and security is tight in almost all ports. The new National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Roberto Rosales has even ordered the few thousand policemen to watch over people at these times. Which would mean no holiday for them too... I hope they really keep peace and order like what they are supposed to do. I heard over the radio,that Rosales tasked his District Director to assure that there will be visible police men on public terminals, ports, airports, malls, and vital installations. There should be no NIGAS COGON on visibility because as usual, they'll probably be there only when there are events like these. I hope they keep it that way so there would be lower crime rates.
They should also be working with local security groups and local barangay officials because most people would be leaving their houses. A neighborhood watch perhaps? That would be a miracle if that happened.

Although there are no security threats by unscrupulous groups, they should never let their guard down because it is highly possible that these extremists may get the chance and blow up people and places. I wouldn't wanna fall trapped with that.

I hope I can visit Pampanga and watch people crucified... or maybe just watch them from afar. I don't like blood baths anyway, it gives me the creeps. The picture above is just a normal march at these times... imagine after that, they will get crucified too. That would just hurt looking at it but hey it's a cultural thing so we don't have to be too freaky all year hehe.

Have a blessed holy week everyone!

The Financial Crisis: Free Credit Report Solutions

The financial crisis is not over yet but the G20 already agreed upon some measures to put a halt in the drowning structure of economies around the world. They black listed countries who still employ banking secrecy laws and that includes the Philippines. How worried we should be is going to be a different story. I am optimistic that this will work because with the months of preparation and disagreements that came in the way, the 20 countries already started to work together despite their differences. I'm worried though that this has been hurried a lot and may not be thought about too much which may result in outrageous decisions that some countries may neglect and put everything at risk.

Westerners have faced credit problems head on and slowly making recovery as seen in the latest market reports. Even Asian stock had gains this week which is evident that it is working. Reports say that the appearance of the US President had a lot to do with it. I guess they were merely inspired by him which a huge American population experienced when they voted last year. Today, it is tantamount to fix credit problems of the average earner. I really am so happy that they are starting to help each other because there is a new place where you can get a freecreditreport. Times like these need everyone to chip in, because the time to take action is now. There are some government incentives given to those who filed bankruptcy but they are working on getting a permanent fix. They have to start evaluating the credit report which contains their current financial standing. They need to earn a little more than what they spend so it means making an effort to live within their means is important. After which, the government should stay monitoring your credit as well to prevent this from happening. We all know how people spend a lot if they have "plastic" to use. Sometimes it is out of control so we should put a stop to that now.

DOMINATION III : The E-Games Event

It was a gathering, of people from different walks of life, status and individual weirdness. We all went to the DOMINATION III event hosted by E-Games. I play CABAL as you all know because it has been all over my site. I like the story, the quests and how I got into my level not unlike the other game I played (RAN) hosted from the same game company but that takes a long time to level up. To make matters worse, they even get my things dropped some of the time if you die. So if you are used to battling monsters and got your sword lost, how in the world would you ever get money to pay for it when it is so expensive in the game. So i just quit that one and made this one an official past time. I'm enjoying it a lot, and as I got into the DOMINATION III event I really liked what it meant, a new beginning. It was a new game to start with and new friends to see too. With all the guilds and gamers out there with different backgrounds, it was a huge success! I'm going to look forward to DOMINATION IV.... if that would be the next event.

It was fun, lots of ladies and germs. I like it a lot so if you plan to check it out, better luck next year!

Unleash Our Inner Hero!

Heads up gamers! I'm excited about this new card game that is going to be released 77 days, 6 hours, 55 minutes and 31 seconds from the time I'm writing this post. I'm an avid card gamer too for those who do not know. My hobbies include fantasy card games and I've spent quite a few bucks for my deck even when I was still in college. I'm going to dish out a few too when this gets released, the plot seems realistic and great. I'm hoping that the game itself would equal what was indicated in the story line because I personally would even want this in a movie which I'm sure could even get a huge following like the comic book heroes.

The trading cards are not that bad because the art work is quite phenomenal. I think I've heard some of the illustrator's names like Emmanuel who is pretty well known in deviant art. I'm sure he's got lots of his graphic work immortalized in the collectible card game not to mention the great interpretation of monsters, enhancements, magic and mechanical robots. The cyborg like make up of the prime characters show eerie personalities too and if the story continues as good as the one on their site, terminator 3 may have a run for it's money. The other trading card artists are also great in their work, it just fits the whole package.

I hope some of you would be able to wait that long. I'm planning to also join their community which also quite similar to the on line gaming site I manage now. I fervently hope this could change the one I'm playing today because they will also soon release more characters. This was just not done that regularly so I tend to get bored with the tactics I play to win from other addicts in my neighborhood. If they switch to this one 77 days from now, guess who's starting a deck first! Ha-ha!

1,310 New Philippine Lawyers Passed 2008 Bar Exams

It's only 1,310 that passed from the 6,364 that tried their best in the 2008 Bar examinations last September 7, 14, 21 and 28 for 2008 which was held in De La Salle University Taft Avenue, Manila.

Justice Dante Tinga, Chair of the 2008 Committee on Bar Examinations also said that the number only pertains to about 20.58% examinees. This is still a low passing rate even if they already lowered the passing percentage but they feel that the exam was really also harder in this set.

The bar topnotcher is Atty. Judy A. Lardizabal of San Sebastian College Law School that got 85.70%. Her parents are sure to be proud of her.

Aside from Lardizabal, included in the top 10 list are:

2. Mylene I. Amerol-Macumbal of Mindanao State University, 85.65%

3. Oliver P. Baclay, Jr. of Ateneo de Manila University , 85.60%

4. Majesty Eve L. Jala of Ateneo de Manila University, 85.55%

5. Ma. Elizabeth L. Liceralde of University of the Philippines, 85.40%

6. Michael T. Macapagal of University of the Philippines, 84.15%.

7. Denise S.Dy and April Love C. Regis of Ateneo de Manila University, tied at 84.00%

8. Christine Joy K. Tan of Ateneo de Manila University , 83.80%

9. Jihan A. Jacob of San Beda College and Shirley G. Velasquez of University of the Philippines, tied at 83.75%

10. Vanessa C. Raymundo of San Beda College, 83.70%

They will be sworn in to the practice of Law on April 28, 2009, 2PM for oath taking of all bar exams passers at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Congratulations everyone!

Change We Need in SOHO Businesses

Times are hard and even the greatest 20 countries are scuffling to merge today in London for a summit to resolve the world financial crisis. The G20 with months worth of agreements from coast to coast worked together to formulate not just a stimulus package worth trillions of dollars but a safety net of huge changes in the system of capitalism in the world market. The Asian currencies have all rallied and brought huge gains against the dollar which makes positive impact on their cause because this is what they have been all wishing to do.

The result of quarters that have been in negative growth even for these well to do countries is so hard since thousands lost their jobs. There are some parts of the EU countries that had to cut down on their wages up until 10 percent so as to at least keep their businesses afloat. The Philippines however is doing an awesome job because it has even posted slow growth when everybody else was posting negative GDP percentages together with only 1 other country in the region. This is good news for us but I hope the government would be able to sustain this, otherwise we would be in the same boat as with the stricken countries.

The President has been suggesting to stimulate the market with job opportunities and she is also spearheading government initiatives. The role also of entrepreneurs has been harnessed for home and small office businesses. This not only generates jobs but also empowers the person to have their own businesses at their own home. I like the ones also recommended in http://www.PaidIdea.com that explains how on line businesses thrive through these tough times. These are all legitimate and home based so it is quite easy for any Internet savvy individual. Logistics for it are also cost effective since you are being pushed to be your own boss. I will embark on this lucrative line of businesses and see how I would fare in a couple of years. Wish me luck!