Saturday, January 30, 2010

The Governance Pin

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The University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, headed by its project manager Nico Martin, recently launched the NCPAG Pin, selling at Php 100 each. Part of the funds will go to the Mga Munting Kawan Orphanage. You can contact him at 09175331890 if you want to order, or drop me a message here.

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Michael Jackson's This Is It by the Dancing Inmates



The famous dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) has done it again with their original rendition of Michael Jackson's This Is It. They were treated to a visit by Michael Jacksons long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT.

my|heroes - The Ninoy and Cory phone

At the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee hearing yesterday at the Senate of the Philippines, I saw the my|heroes phone by my|phone, a locally made phone, from Sister Mary Jo of St. Scholastica’s College and Jun Lozada, a controversial witness to the foiled the NBN-ZTE deal.
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There are two kinds or designs of the phone (see photos). One of the phones is a slide down, while the other one is a QWERTY phone. Meanwhile, both of them are colored yellow, with a yellow ribbon cellphone holder with it. As we all know, the yellow ribbon is a symbol used by Tita Cory, especially after her death, and now used by Presidential candidate Senator Noynoy Aquino, son of the two.

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Both camera phones have the digitized cartoon faces of Ninoy and Cory Aquino. Sister also said that the phones come with very cool and useful applications, which I forgot to ask about. I know that both phones come with the Holy Bible in it.

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The QWERTY phone comes with a yellow cover/casing with the Philippine map engraved on one side, and the glasses of Ninoy Aquino and “iamninoy” and “iamcory” on the other side. Sister Mary Jo said that there are just a few thousands of these phones made, making it a limited collectors item. The slide down costs around 4 thousand pesos, while the QWERTY around 5 thousand pesos. Message me if you want to order. Stocks are limited until supply lasts.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Beyond 2010: Leadership for the Next Generation - UP Academic Congress

Beyond 2010: Leadership for the Next Generation
A UP Academic’s Congress To Challenge our Next Leaders

February 1 to 5, 2010
Malcolm Hall, College of Law
University of the Philippines


This academic congress intends to identify the current issues, map the various approaches that have been tried in the past, provide some assessment of their gains and failures and draw out possible actions that must be done by the next administration. It is intended to empower the general public by making these issues transparent. It is not solely addressed to the candidates for the 2010 elections.

At the end of the forum, the public should be able to draw their own measurable objectives and milestones that can be achieved within the next six years hence allowing them to craft questions which they can ask from their candidates and make wise choices. The forum should draw responses from the political candidates that will go beyond mere generalities or rhetoric.

OPEN TO ALL! No registration fee required.To pre-register, please call the UP Law Dean's Office at 927-0518 or email academic.congress@gmail.com Please indicate your name, affiliation and the sessions you are attending.

DAY 1 - February 1, 2010, Monday
8:30–9:00 AM Registration Proper
9:00–9:30 AM Opening Ceremonies
9:30–9:45 AM Opening Remarks by Dean Marvic M.V.F. Leonen
9:45–10:00 AM “The Imperatives for Philippine Society within the Next Generation” by UP President Emerlinda R. Roman
10:00–10:45 AM “What Truly Matters to Filipinos?” by Prof. Randolf S. David
10:45–12:00 PM Open Forum
12:00–1:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30–3:30 PM Session 1: Jobs and the Cost of Doing Business in the Philippines
3:45–5:45 PM Session 2: Debt and Deficits

DAY 2 - February 2, 2010, Tuesday
8:30–9:00 AM Registration Proper
9:00–11:00 AM Session 3: Backrooms, Battlefields, and Backhoes: The Mindanao Conundrum
11:00–1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00–3:00 PM Session 4: Building Blocks to the Universal Enjoyment of the Right to Health
3:00–5:00 PM Session 5: Secularisms and Fundamentalisms

DAY 3 - February 3, 2010, Wednesday
8:00–8:30 AM Registration Proper
8:30–10:30 AM Session 6: The Diaspora of Filipinos: Strategic Issues, Concerns, and Alternatives
10:30–12:30 PM Session 7: Property Reform and Related Issues
12:30–1:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30–3:30 PM Session 8: Rethinking Urban Policy: Spatial, Economic, and Institutional Aspects
3:45–5:45 PM Session 9: Science and Technology

DAY 4 - February 4, 2010, Thursday
8:00–8:30 AM Registration Proper
8:30–10:30 AM Session 10: Confronting Trade, Markets, and Regulation
10:30–12:30 PM Session 11: Philippine Foreign Relations
12:30–2:00 PM Lunch Break
2:00–4:00 PM Session 12: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Trends, Challenges, Lessons, and Response Options

DAY 5 - February 5, 2010, Friday
8:00–8:30 AM Registration Proper
8:30–10:30 AM Session 13: Addressing Impunity
10:30–12:30 PM Session 14: Elections and How to Choose Leaders
12:30–1:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30–3:30 PM Session 15: Labor–Revisiting Constitutional Guarantees
3:45–4:00 PM Closing Remarks by UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio S. Cao

Third Week of February
Session 16: Energy Security
Synthesis by the Chief Rapporteurs
(Details to follow)
SESSIONS MAY ALSO BE VIEWED VIA LIVE WEB STREAMING at: dilc.upd.edu.ph


This event is brought to you by the:

Office of the President, University of the Philippines | Office of the Chancellor, University of the Philippines, Diliman | College of Law | College of Engineering | College of Science | College of Social Sciences and Philosophy | College of Social Work and Community Development | National College of Public Administration and Governance | School of Economics | Asian Center | Center for Integrative and Development Studies | Center for Women’s Studies | Diliman Interactive Learning Center | Institute of Islamic Studies | Third World Studies Center

Apple launches iPad

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Apple's newest device was launched today! It will surely be a hit to all Apple and non-apple fans as they have given the world a truly different and better way to experience music, photos, videos, and the internet in a slim and classy iPad.

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The best way to describe this cool masterpiece is it is like a mix of an iPod Touch and an Apple MacBook, joined to be better, faster and more savvy. I now have my graduation gift. \m/ :)))) I'm "salivating." haha! XD

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

"Perya" Documentary Film by Canon EOS 7D Camera


Bob Nicolas and Ian Cruz shot a short documentary / film entitled "Perya" entirely with the new Canon EOS 7D camera. The Canon 7D Test Team who worked on the video is composed of Bob Nicolas, Bong Sare, Cj Lagman, Ian Cruz, Marvi de Guzman, and Jason Magbanua.

The Canon EOS 7D has a lot of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process - from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals.


It features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation.

The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement. (Canon USA)

This camera has a lot of pros (good battery life, quiet, nice features/settings, quick start-up time, excellent image quality, superior build quality, bright LCD, solid operation), but it's expensive and sells at around US$ 1,700 and around Php 99,000 in the Philippines.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Philippine Senate Comedy Controversies: Mar Roxas and Nene Pimentel

The Senate of the Philippines is increasingly getting very politicized as the May 2010 Presidential Elections nears. Senators are once again starting to be at the center of controversies, comedy, and circus sessions, which they are in no position to be since session will end in a few days. Election season, though unofficially in COMELEC's calendars, has definitely started!

Senator Aquilino Nene Pimentel
ROXAS: I have no insertion on any matter. In fact, I have no insertion, period because we were in the minority. Let alone an insertion for a road to pass through any such property.

PIMENTEL: Well, I’m sure that after your marriage you’ve had some insertions…

ROXAS: Mr. President, I demand that that be removed from the record. That is an affront on my wife!

PIMENTEL: Mr. President, I remove it immediately.

Now you wouldn't wonder why sooner (or maybe later), Senators will be needing boxing gloves and that the Senate of the Philippines will already have a boxing ring? Maybe then, Manny Pacquiao can run for the Senate already?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Wai Ying Fast Food

Have you ever heard of a Chinese Fast Food? Wai Ying Restaurant, is an authentic Chinese hole in a wall type of fast food restaurant that offers great food without waiting for so long. Almost every time we visit Binondo, we would find ourselves eating at this very yummy and affordable restaurant in Benavidez St.
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Some of the must tries of the restaurant include the Congee, Pork Siomai, Hakaw, Wanton Mami and Chicken Feet :)
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You may add up the WAI YING FACEBOOK FANPAGE :)

Monday, January 18, 2010

UPCAT results and passers online

Congratulations to all who passed the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT). Formally, I would like to welcome all the new Iskolars ng Bayan! Nawa'y mapaglingkuran ninyo ang sambayanang Pilipinas ng buong puso't talino. Tunay na kayong matatalino't matatapang ang dapat maaasahan na ng bayan! :D (Photos to prove you passed - I took them a while ago - though they're not that complete, and I blame all the people who were looking at the OUR) (UPCAT RESULT SITE)
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N.B. Oblation Scholars list has yet to be released, so you can still cross your fingers ;)
Edit: DPWS or Degree Program With available Slots means that you passed UPCAT but you didn't get in the first 2 choices of course you originally picked. UP will send you a form where you will have to fill out with 3 new course-choices, according to preference, you would want to be enrolled in. You cannot choose the first 2 course-choice you originally picked.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Visiting Luneta Park

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After visiting some schools around Manila, our group decided to go strolling around Manila's parks, in search for some street food and drinks. We headed to Luneta Park, specifically where the Relief Map of the Philippines was in. It was commissioned by President Marcos to Sculptor Jose M. Mendoza. Very near it was the magnificent architectural design of the Department of Tourism. :) Also, and more importantly, Luneta Park is where the famous monument of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is located. Check it out! :)

Monday, January 11, 2010

Starbucks Philippines' Make it your drink Mondays

STARBUCKS: Every Monday (from January 11 – February 22, 2010), customers will be able to try a complimentary ADD SYRUP or ADD SHOT to their beverage. This offer is limited to ONE ADD SYRUP or ADD SHOT per beverage. :) Enjoy!
Make It Your Drink Mondays

Martial Law in FEU, Faculty President Notes

This is a reposted article from the FEU Faculty President, Joey Ting, about the alleged "Martial Law" in the Far Eastern University as evident with the way he was inhumanely treated after days of resumption of classes. Hoy Gising!


MARTIAL LAW IN FEU

By Joey B. Ting

I thank God I am still alive until now.

Hear the story and be open to the incident that had happened to me within the week.

When we resumed classes last Monday, January 4, 2010, I knew something went wrong. All new faces of security guards surprised us as we enter the campus uncomfortably. They were so tall and well-built, looking like young military men. They stood everywhere as if a Martial Law is about to happen, vigilant and so attentive to entering students, faculty and staff. It was Monday, resume for work (faculty and administrators) and study (students) in the campus after the Christmas break. Everybody has its own personal reasons to endure the day.

For me, I still need to catch up for the rehearsals for the upcoming theater project SPOOF. I stayed in the Arts Building together with the ATC (Art Theatre Clinique) kids until past 10pm, the usual night rehearsal just to polish the show due on the last week of January and the newtheater company (family) I founded for the FEU Mass Communication majors. Normally, I would park in the Technology Building since I have become the FEU Faculty President (2007) and before Christmas break started, my front part of the car was slightly damaged as unknown culprit never appeared before me to confess. I just saw the damaged part when I was about to leave one time from the SPOOF rehearsal in the parking. I communicated it during the last CBA (FEUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement) Meetings with the officials but nothing has done to remedy the part. The dent is still there until now. Then, as the year change from 09 to 10, another security agency came about.

That Monday evening started it all. After the rehearsal, I went to get the car, unfortunately, the newly-installed steel bars covered the whole area of Technology Building where parking is also located (I am referring to the old hospital space). I asked the guard to open up the said bars so I could bring down my car. I, together with Neil Tolentino, Ian De Ausen and Wilbert Castillo waited for almost an hour just to open the bars. I inquired as to why the community was not informed of the new installation and blockage as there were no MEMOs or E-mail or any communication for that matter regarding this “curfew” thing and the “closing time” approach. The security guard didn’t answer as a trained communicator. He just looked at me as if I am questioning the pronouncedMartial Law To add, another FEU Official – Budget Officer Arnie Macapagal – had his car upstairs, also trapped. Eventually, we got the cars down the parking and out of its vicinity. This prompted me to be conscious with the time.

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But that Monday night fatefully repeated. Last Friday, January 9, 2010, I accidentally forgot that I need to transfer the car again from the Technology Building to the Administration open-air parking simply because my teaching schedules for that day and my first blocking rehearsals for SPOOF got so tied-up. I just rememberedthe car after the rehearsals that ended as usual past 10pm since a lot of things should be done for the show. I got so tired as I went through a lot last Friday, however, the discourtesy displayed by the guard on duty that time provoked me to a heated argument with the assigned guard. This became worse. I waited two hours to get my car. KARAPATAN KONG KUNIN ANG SASAKYAN KO KAHIT NAKA-SARA NA ANG STEEL BARS NA YAN. TAMA PO BA? I called several officials before guards agreed to look for the key and finally opened up the bars.

Saturday morning, I attempted to park inside the open-air parking (VIP & OFFICIALS’ parking) since I do not want to park anymore in that Building and be trapped inside it and the only parking available perhaps for me since there’s no office on Saturdays. After the two previous incidents, I introduced myself as a Faculty Union President this time through a written notice that I’ve prepared a slogan posted insidethe car and the kind of relationship I have with the FEU President. Like a thunder, I went out of my car. An unknown security approached me suddenly and asking for the key. I refused to give the key. To my surprise, he dragged me like I was a criminal to the corner gate, physically pushing my right face and body against the wall and forcing me to get the key. He threatened me with a gun and discreetly kicked me while I was down on the floor, helpless. I have stood up once more yelling WALA KAYONG KARAPATANG SAKTAN AKO! WALA KAYONG KARAPATANG HAWAKAN AKO! HUWAG NIYO AKONG HAHAWAKAN! Then a troop ofsecurity guards came and the Security Head VERLANDO O. MIGUEL, again, once more held me but this time, I forcefully shouted for help and he let me out of the scene. So as I continue to leave my car at the gate hoping to communicate my point, I still met my 7:30-10:30am class in the Arts Building pretending to be okay but continuously trembling, as if nothing happened. I acquired bruises on my right elbow and muscle pain all over my right portion of the body as I was pushed by a 5’8 or 5’9 guard Hernandez.

The security never came back to inform me about the TOWING. During my class, a student who is familiar with my car told me that a towing service getsthe car WITHOUT ANY SECURITY INFORMING ME. Since, the security fabricated the story that – after I left my car in front of the one of the three opened gates, they still have the guts to blotterthe car as OBSTRUCTION and that the police station officer told me that I left out of the campus after having it parked.

They treated me like a criminal. In my eight years in the university, this is the first time I was physically touched and hurt by a security guard. Honestly, they do not look like one. They look like a trained military man ready to harm the ones asserting their right. This is still an educational institution.

ARE WE TO TOLERATE GUNS INSIDE THE CAMPUS?

ARE WE TO TOLERATE PHYSICAL HARM TO ANYONE WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY EVEN IF VIOLATION OF POLICY IS COMMITTED?

ARE WE TO ENCOURAGE FEU OFFICIALS THIS KIND OF SECURITY MEASURE?

Yes, I do assert my right as the Faculty President of FEU but I condemn the act of seriously hurting people especially in public. Whether I like it or not, I do carry the name Faculty President of the whole university system but being the first person to be harmed on the first week of this month by a one-week old security agency is unexplainable, a forceful act.

I can accept SUSPENSION OR EVEN EXPULSION FROM WHAT I DID WITH MY CAR but to touch me and harm me is another major matter.

IF THEY COULD TOUCH AND HARM THE FACULTY WITH OR WITHOUT A PURPOSE, THEY COULD DO EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING THEY WANT FROM US.

There is no difference now if directives come from the Officials.

From,
JOEY TING
Faculty President, FEU

Source: JOEY TING FACEBOOK NOTES : Martial Law in FEU

Friday, January 8, 2010

Amarula: South African Bailey's

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Amarula cream is a cocktail drink which is made up of smooth blend of fresh cream and mysterious taste of the wild marula fruit. This has 17% Vol. Alcohol on a 50ml bottle. I wonder how Amarula tastes like. This was Jamie's and she didn't let us taste it :( Wikipedia says that " It has the taste of slightly fruity caramel." and "It has become the second largest seller in the cream liqueur category after Bailey's Irish Cream." Interesting. I wonder where I can find one...

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Royce Mild Cacao Nama Chocolate

I love Royce's Nama Chocolates! Who wouldn't love this pieces of pure heaven? Everyone I met adores the Nama Chocolates of this Japanese Chocolate brand. Lately, we even converted our non-chocolate-eating cousin to liking Nama. XD Royce Chocolates are available in the Philippines at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Ayala's Greenbelt 5 and Trinoma Malls.
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Royce's Nama high quality brand blends smooth texture and extra rich flavor. It has 5 different kinds of variants – Au Lait, White, Champagne, Bitter, and the Mild Cacao (above). The Mild Cacao is a mix of flavors of sweet and bitter which is perfectly balanced. The melt-in-your mouth quality of the Royce Nama line is what makes it famous. Each box contains 20 mini rectangles. Php 580.00 XD

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

PINOY TEE SHIRTS FOR 2010

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Ever since, I really wanted to have those shirts you see on manikins during SALES in different stores. One time, I even asked (Marks & Spencer if my memory serves me right) if it was for sale, unfortunately, it wasn't. Not until recently, my brother, bought this shirt from Transfer It. I love it! XD
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Katrina Encanto from the Philippines (a kababayan) joined this contest "INSPIRATION Cannes Liones International Advertising Festival*," one of the most prominent festivals for advertising creative content. Her design entry (above) rocks, and for me, it deserves our votes (you can vote for her design here). Help her go through the next round. You can repost/reblog about this. Thanks!
*With its 56-year history, Cannes Liones has transmitted various key values to the advertising industry. Cannes Liones International Advertising Festival that developed as a venue to judge advertising ideas from around the world will select as the UT Cannes Liones Grand Prix 2010 T-shirt design one of the various values that can be said to be the Cannes brand. In that way, we would like to educe diverse ideas. This is what we see as "inspiration".

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Sushi during New Year

One out of a lot of dishes we had during New Year with the Ong Family at my lola's house in Fairview was this sushi platter. It was perfect and filling. I took some photos before they attacked and finished the whole thing :P
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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Thai Coca-Cola Can Design

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Happiness Factory - Coke can design from Thailand from my uncle. Thanks! :D I have more than 60 Coca-Cola cans from all over the world in my collection. Thank you to everyone who have contributed to it! XD

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