Stand up for Climate Change: Run against the Elements

Last Monday October 26, I received an email from a certain Ally Lim who introduced herself as the Project Head of Run against the Elements. As I have read her email message, she is requesting bloggers to help promote a video through simultaneous online release.

This video was created as a project to stand up for climate change. Apparently, another email was included which came Illac Diaz. In case, you don't know him. He is a former local actor who now named as a Young Global Leader of 2008, by calling the world’s attention to Filipino vision sparked by brilliance and marked by compassion.

With this, I support their vision and I hope I can help in my own little way. Below is the video and the email messages.

Dear Blogger,

Ateneo’s Collegiate Society of Advertising (COSA) will be having its first-ever Fun Run on January 24, 2010 (Sunday) at the Ateneo campus grounds called, “RUN AGAINST THE ELEMENTS: Ateneo COSA Fun Run 2010″ with our slogan: Stand Up to Climate Change. We have partnered with social entrepreneur, Illac Diaz, who started “Design Against the Elements.” This is an international design competition that responds to the call for social and climate adaptation by building sustainable homes. This was launched to international architects last June 16, 2009 at the Institute of International Education (IIE) at the United Nations Plaza in New York with the support of the IIE, the Philippine Consulate, Gov. Lray Villafuerte, Gawad Kalinga, United Architects of the Philippines and My Shelter Foundation.

We are going beyond the spirit of volunteerism. By choosing Design Against the Elements as the cause for our fun run, we will also be promoting its anthem, “Stand Up”, a collaboration of 50 of the Philippines’ finest artists like Kjwan, Cookie Chua, Karl Roy, Jett Pangan, Noel Cabangon, Barbie Almalbis, Migs Escueta, etc. We are asking for your help in the simultaneous online release of the video we (Ateneo COSA) are creating for the song. This unreleased single will be launched online via a video which will be sent to you on TUESDAY for posting on your blogs. TUESDAY (OCT 27) is the targeted date, so if you would like to help us promote this global campaign and fun run event, please do post this video on your blogs. Below is a forwarded message from Illac Diaz if you would like to know more details about the campaign.

We hope you help us in promoting ACTION against and not just mere AWARENESS regarding climate change. Climate change is here and now—we want to be able to properly handle another calamity like Ondoy next time. Don’t we?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ally Lim
Project Head
RUN AGAINST THE ELEMENTS (Ateneo COSA Fun Run 2010)



———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Illac Diaz
Date: Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Subject: Philippine Bloggers Appeal Letter (Tuesday Video Launch)

Dear Blogger

These last month has been an incredible trial for the Philippines and its people. As the floodwater begins to receed, a new challenge will need to be met, which is rebuilding many areas that have been affected by the storm. This crisis may have an opportunity by allowing us to work with you and help you rebuild better. Specially since, the incident is not a singular occurence, but is going to be a pattern of challenges for the coming decades due to the changes in climate and a longer view must be implimanted.

We would like to ask you to help us with a mega-band campaign song to raise awareness on the need to move awareness to climate adaptability in the Philippines over mere carbon reduction as the country is not a significant emitter, but one of the world’s communities most vulnerable; and least able to adapt.
We have united almost 50 of the top icons of music to sing the campaign song to arouse attention not only of the Philippines, but a global audience that we must move to greater awareness and policies for raising awareness to climate adaptability in the Philippines over mere carbon reduction as the country is not a significant emitter, but that we are also one of the world’s communities most vulnerable; and least able to adapt.

Like the Blog Action Day we shall be releasing a video simultaneously over the web that we are editing now. Here is a rough sample http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol2×22rFtBg

We ask you if you could help us with the simultaneous release.

…..

The projected impact of climate change in Philippines is extreme typhoons (top four in the world according to the Global Climate Index). This is due mainly to the high vulnerability of rural areas and very little capacity for adaptation (poverty and lack of awareness of the rising dangers) of the people at risk. These upcoming humanitarian disasters, and climate refugee mass migration, and will lead to a high state of conflict and insecurity for the poor below the poverty line.

This project, Design Against the Elements will focus on the climate displaced communities in Metro Manila, Philippines. Combined with research recently completed by the Manila Observatory on the future challenges of climate in the Naga region ( which is a sample of similar challenges in other areas of the Philippines), it contribute to design and build a redesigned low income community which will be the new blueprint of how people in the vulnerable coastal areas can successfully cope with impacts of climate variability. The knowledge generated from this study will facilitate the development of policies that address these humanitarian challenges.

The main objective of this competition is to contribute to rural adaptability to climate change impacts, in the form of architectural resiliency to strong typhoon winds and heavy rains. Capacity building in the present social networks such as community, non-government, and government organizations involved with these areas will allow a shift into post disaster mitigation to preparing ahead of the storm. The main hypothesis of this project is having a safer structures “ahead of time” will lead to less injury, number of climate refugees, and loss of life and property.
The main partner and benificiary will be Gawad Kalinga who will recieve the winning designs of which the winner of the competition will have 100 houses built with the new design.

This competition will begin in November 2009. We are setting the land and the global partners.

The competition brief ( which is how the architects design the village based on the key points of climate change challenges, data on the site and province, ect) is still being done by the United Architects of the Philippines.Last 2008, it was for building safer schools for shelter (http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2008/05.08/31-designs.html)

It will be from the top marketing using the United Architects of the Philippines writing to all architect associations in the world linked to them BUT the exciting one is the grassroots marketing of the global Gawad Kalinga members asking architects they can reach (inspire) to be involved. We expect 4000 entries.

The song is composed by Joey Ayala and Boogie Romero and is about to be finished by 50 of the top Filipino bands and personalities who are now finishing the “Stand Up” theme song for the campaign.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Illac Angelo Diaz
Executive Director
Global Designer Village Challenge

With this, I hope there will be more related projects in the future, and that bloggers like me will support them too.

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Vote Efren Peñaflorida Jr for the 1st Filipino CNN Hero

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Michael Jackson This Is it Movie: A Musical Mosaic?

This coming October 18,2009, the Michael Jackson This Is it Movie will finally be released worldwide which will run for 2 weeks only.

But then, there have been no advance previews, in which leaving ticket buyers guessing about what they'll see. The film was assembled from intended promo interviews, rehearsal tapes and behind-the-scenes footage planned for a future DVD of Jackson's never-to-be comeback series of 50 concerts.

According to director Kenny Ortega, the Michael Jackson This Is it movie is a musical mosaic.

"It's the puzzling together of remnants to create something that had continuity to it," Director Kenny Ortega says. "It borrows from both the documentary and the concert film idea, but it's neither of the two. … I said to Sony not to promote it as a concert film because it's going to confuse people. We never were a concert. We never got that far. We had three weeks left of rehearsal."

"Sometimes Michael was onstage, and the band was playing, but he wasn't singing. He was watching, listening," Ortega added. "But then he would start to sing (another time), and I had to paste things together to create a full beginning, middle and end performance." The movie will weave in video backgrounds that were designed to play on a giant concert screen, in which he calls the movie "a musical mosaic."

But no matter what it may look like, fans of Michael Jackson will definitely love it and cherish it for the rest of their lives.

Meanwhile, tickets are still on sale. You can visit the Michael Jackson This Is it official website for more details.

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Vote Efren Peñaflorida Jr for the 1st Filipino CNN Hero

Actually, I already voted Efren Peñaflorida Jr as the 1st Filipino CNN Hero about 2 weeks ago. I was really touched and inspired by his advocacy to teach poor children using a when I read his pushcart classroom story at CNN.

To begin with, Efren during his high school years in Cavite was being bullied by gangs just like most students. But despite this, he still managed to finish his studies. However, his great concern for chidren and their education inspired him to start Dynamic Teen Company or DTC at the age of 16.

It offered his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. For Peñaflorida, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved.

"They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," Efren says.

Since then, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Amazingly, their main tool is a pushcart classroom. Efren now at 28 hopes to expand the pushcart to other areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of gangs.

As of 1997, an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization supports its efforts by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle.

A few months ago, the story of Efren touched many lives and reached the international news. Now, he is among the top 10 CNN Heroes finalist for 2009.

With this, I am requesting all fellow Filipinos everywhere to vote for him in which the winner will be awarded with a $100,000 cash prize. This will definitely be a big help for his advocacy.

To cast your vote, you can visit the image below.



I just hope he will serve as an inspiration to all of us that poverty is never a hinder to finish school, and to help others as well.

And to all politicians and public officials, I am pleading to you not to use his name and popularity just to look good in the coming 2010 elections. Instead, I am requesting you to vote for him without mentioning it in public.

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President Arroyo approved Climate Change Act of 2009

Last Friday, Philippine President Arroyo approved the Climate Change Act of 2009. This is the answer of her administration to the need for a full-scale national plan to support the global warming activities and to reduce disaster losses. This Climate Change Act of 2009 or Republic Act No. 9729 that would boost the Philippines’ capacity to brave threats posed by climate change.

“The signing into law of the Climate Change Act of 2009 ushers in a new era in the way the Philippines will tackle climate change in both the short and long terms, for the benefit of Filipinos today and for Filipinos yet unborn,” she said.

The law, which was mainly authored by Senator Loren Legarda, provides the creation of the Climate Change Commission, which is an independent and autonomous policy-making body. The commission then will coordinate, monitor and evaluate programs and action plans to address climate change.

A total of 16 government agencies, local government units and representatives from the academe, business sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs) will compose the body’s advisory board to ensure accountability.

Legarda, who is also aspiring for the vice presidency in the 2010 election said in an interview that she was happy that the climate change law was signed. However, she was also saddened since the signing happened only after a series of typhoons wrought havoc to country’s infrastructures and rendered thousands of families displaced.

In my own opinion, this is a good start by the government as well all the concerned public officials to promote projects related to climate change. But then, I hope this will really materialize and be implemented accordingly. I also wish that the next administration will put more focus on the project, whoever he may be.

Lastly, I hope this is not just about politics but rather political will.

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Why you cannot Quit Smoking for Good

If you have been trying to quit smoking many times but still failed, then we share the same nightmare. I myself had tried three times, and doing my fourth one right now. I have done different quit smoking methods but still failed.

Some say it is just a mere commitment, while others say one must use some quit smoking products. However, I suppose I should know first why I cannot quit smoking for good. Is it because of the nicotine addiction, or is it because it is hard to change my daily habits? Here is what I found.

According to the related article by R. Michael Stone, cigarette smoking is a psychological addiction rather than a physical one. This means that it is the habit of cigarette smoking that is psychologically addictive, and that because of the physical addiction for cigarettes due to chemical substance called nicotine. He added that if cigarettes were physically addictive, the smoker would be adding more and more cigarettes to achieve whatever claimed benefit they provided which is not likely happening.

But here is what I found really interesting.

If a smoker stops for a long period of time, all the nicotine would be out of his system; which means that the addiction for nicotine was already broken. However, he may still go back to smoking anytime if we wishes to. Another clue that nicotine is not the motivator to smoke is the tendency for ex-smokers to resume smoking after a long period of time. Obviously, after an extended period of time, all the nicotine would be out of their system.

Therefore, the main reason why you and I cannot quit smoking for good is because of the Psychological Smoking Mechanism which is still alive inside the system of a former smoker. In that case, this is the one we should control.



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I want to quit smoking again

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Philippine Election 2010 Special Registration and How to Verify Online

Last week, I transfered my COMELEC Voter's registration here in Malvar, Batangas since we used to live in Cabuyao, Laguna and it will be difficult for us to travel that far.

My wife has a part time job so she will transfer hers on Saturday. We want to use our right to vote in the Philippine Election 2010, in which we believe every Filipino should do. Although some may find politics as a dirty game, I still hope to see a clean and honest election in 2010.

Anyway, COMELEC announced that there will be Special Registration especially in areas affected by the past typhoons.
Below is their official statement.

“To make up for the days wherein registration was suspended in the areas affected by the past two typhoons, the Commission deemed it necessary to conduct Sunday registration so as to give time for those who have not yet registered,” Jimenez said. “In regions not affected by the typhoon, registration is from Mondays to Saturdays”.

Therefore, Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, CAR and NCR shall be open for registration On October 18 and 25, 2009 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In line with this, the Commission authorized its field personnel in the said regions to render overtime services for the two remaining Sundays of October.

If you are not yet registered, you have only until October 31, 2009. I hope they will register earlier to avoid the rush.

If you have already registered and want to verify it, here is
How to Verify Online on the COMELEC's official website. I just checked mine but my precinct was still the old one. This is because the data submitted is only as June 17 2009. So if your data is incorrect, you can verify with the local COMELEC office where you are registered

Incidentally, I would like to thank Marhgil Macuha for unselfishly sharing this useful information.

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Erap for President in 2010 officially announced

Yesterday at the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church in Tondo, Manila and in front of around 10,000 people, Erap for President in 2010 was officially announced.

In the video speech below, the 72-year old Joseph Estrada insisted that he did not commit any wrongdoing during his stint as president from 1998 to 2001. "Kung ako ay may kasalanan ay hindi ko kayo matitingnan sa mata (If I committed any wrongdoing I would not be able to look at you straight in the eye)," the former president said.

"This will be the final, final performance of my life," Erap told The Associated Press in an earlier interview. "I should not fail the Filipino people in this next chapter."

It can be remembered former president Joseph Estrada was ousted in a popular revolt by People Power 2 back in 2001, and then convicted of plunder but was later pardoned by the now President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Up to this time, debates are still continuous as to whether the candidacy of Erap is legal or not.

University of the East College of Law Dean Amado D. Valdez said only two categories are banned from seeking reelection: incumbent presidents, and those who have finished the six-year term as prescribed in the 1987 Constitution.

He said Estrada does not fall into either category. “Hindi pinapayagan ang reelection (sa incumbent) sa pangambang magamit ang resources ng gobyerno, yan ang ayon sa drafters ng Constitution (The incumbent is not allowed to seek reelection, to avoid his misuse of government resources – that was the concern of the Constitution’s drafters)" Valdez said.

“Hindi yan applicable kay Pangulong Estrada (These are not applicable to President Estrada)," he added.



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Pacquiao-Cotto Face Off Interview with Max Kellerman

People around the world even those who are not really boxing fans are now very excited to witness the Pacquiao vs Cotto fight which will happen on November 14, 2009 at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada.

Miguel Cotto is the current WBO welterweight champion while Manny Pacquiao is the challenger who hopes to win his seventh World title belt. But on the very special video interview with Max Kellerman to both of them that you will see below, one will not need a high vision eyes to notice that Cotto is much bigger than Pacquiao.

Miguel Cotto however admits that Pacquiao is a very good boxer, and he deserves all the credit to be called one. On the other hand, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao also admits that Cotto is stronger than him.

During the interview, the two great boxers smile to each other a few times, but promised the world that they will do their best to win for their family and country.

Before and after the interview, they shook each others hand as a sign of sportsmanship.

Now, I am sure that this is really one hell of a good fight to watch out for.



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The Best Way to Quit Smoking: Gradual or Sudden?

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I want to quit smoking again. I already failed 3 times, and I don't want to fail again. However, I know that I already need help since it starts to drive me crazy. Some may say that quit smoking only requires self-discipline and full determination, and just stop right away. Well, I think it's more than that which is why I am searching for the best way to quit smoking. Is it gradual or sudden?

According to what I have read, gradual quit smoking is the best approach. This is because the addiction of nicotine is now in a smoker's body, and nicotine is the most addictive of all the addictive substances ever known. To quit smoking, the smoker should remove the excess amount of nicotine from his body and it is not easy to do that. Sometimes, that person may nicotine replacement therapies to prevent him from experiencing cravings once he quit smoking.

But of course, it is still possible to do a quit smoking all of a sudden . However, he needs to be prepared to handle severe withdrawal symptoms such as trembling when he sees someone smoking. He will need a lot of dedication and willpower to fight temptation. Otherwise, he will go back to smoking again and again. This is why it is also being advised to consult a doctor first so that he can guide you on how to quit smoking permanently.

In my case, I tried both gradual and sudden but still failed. But I think that gradual quit smoking is the best way. Unfortunately, I smoked again after less than 4 days of quitting. I must admit, I am still smoking on an average of 5 sticks a day, but I will try my best to gradually erase it from my system.

I will be very strict in counting the my daily consumed cigarettes, and will plan how to reduce them eventually to zero.



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Michael Jackson This Is it Official Movie Trailer

More than a week from now, the much awaited Michael Jackson This Is it Movie will be shown. Although it will run for only 2 weeks, it is expected to be phenomenal as it will be the last chance to see Michael Jackson very much alive.

This Is It will offer Michael Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena.

Below is the official Michael Jackson This Is it Movie trailer.

Kenny Ortega who is Michael's creative partner and director of the This Is It stage show is also one of the producers for Michael Jackson's This Is It movie. According to him, "This film is a gift to Michael's fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work."



Tickets started to sell worldwide on September 27, and still on going . For more information, you can visit the Michael Jackson This Is it official website.

Related posts:
This Is it: Michael Jackson New Song coming soon
Michael Jackson This Is it Movie: A Musical Mosaic?

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Pacquiao vs Cotto: 24/7 Teaser Preview

With less than a month from now, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao will face his latest challenge in his boxing career. Pacman hopes to make another boxing history to win his seventh world title in different weight class, as he face Miguel Cotto on November 18, 2009 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

Below is the 24/7 Teaser Preview for the Pacquiao vs Cotto fight.

“I am in great shape and almost ready for Cotto,” Pacquiao said in his latest Abante column. “I’m training very hard for this fight. I’m in great shape and doing quite well with by sparring partners,” Pacquiao added who is now sparring nine rounds with different spar-mates and hopes to log 12 rounds in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Miguel Cotto said from his Tampa, Florida training camp that “I am now in my best shape ever,” and added that his fight preparation are proceeding in without hitches.



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Pacquiao vs Cotto: Roach starts the Game Plan in Bagiuo City
Pacquiao-Cotto Face Off Interview with Max Kellerman

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Pacquiao vs Cotto: Pacman to get $20 million

Top Rank and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum was pleased to announced that Manny Pacquiao will get $20 million with his fight against Miguel Cotto this coming November 14, 2009. Astonishingly, the Pacquiao vs Cotto fight is considered as the richest fight of the year.

As described by Arum, Manny Pacquiao is a offensive machine and an explosive puncher. Cotto on the other hand has more power because he was a natural welterweight.

“Miguel is the bigger guy, and Manny might be vulnerable to Miguel’s left hand to the body and the head. It’s how Manny reacts to those left hands that will be the story of the fight.” Arum said. He added that the fight is expected to be a “very competitive fight with lots of action” that the fans would love.

Comparing their present training; Pacman seems to be playful in his training camp while Cotto trains with the concentration of Shaolin monk.

“Miguel is quite focused in training, especially for the big fights like this one,” according to his trainer Joe Santiago. After a month of training in Puerto Rico, Cotto will train a total of six more weeks in Tampa because it’s easy for him to concentrate.

Miguel Cotto, a record 34-1, and 27 by knockouts will bet his WBO welterweight championship belt, and will receive over $10 million in the said fight.

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My Life Story is now in an Inspirational Book

For the very first time, my life story is now in an Inspirational Book and it is truly my honor. Actually, the book is composed of 27 inspiring life stories of different bloggers around the world and was perfectly complied by Jenaisle who is also a fellow Filipino blogger.

Last year, I met her online and asked me if I want to share my life story which will be included in an inspirational book. Since I consider my childhood a very colorful one, I did not hesitate and readily share her the hardships during my childhood. After all, I really want to share it to everyone hoping that it can inspire others.
Nevertheless, my childhood is not really full of hardships as I also consider it as a miracle. I say this because there were people who came into my life when I needed them most, and when I did not even expected.

To give you an idea, I grew up with a broken family and started working at the age of 10 and lived where severe poverty is a common way of living. That time, anger has no place in my heart but rather the will to survive.

I knew that there will be time that I will be complete and my life will change, although I just don't know when and how. But I also knew I cannot accomplish my dreams by myself, and there will be someone who will support me in whatever I do and always believe in me. Although that someone is not a stranger to me, it took awhile before we really know each other completely.

If you're interested to know who that someone is, here is my life story as told by Jenaisle which she considered as An Angel in each One of us.

By the way, I am cordially inviting to buy a copy of the inspirational book entitled Inspirational Thoughts and Stories of Bloggers from all over the World at Ebay.

I am sure you will also be inspired by other stories of fellow bloggers.

Post update: December 21, 2009

If you like to buy the book from me, I am willing to give you a decent discount. Just send me an email to afvc_623[at]yahoo[dot]com, or leave a comment on this post.

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Global Recession: Work full time job but half the pay

It's been more than a year since I resigned from my last job, and I don't have a full time job now. However, I am trying different ways to make money. Actually, I accepted the the Early Retirement program offered by the company after serving them for almost 7 years as a manufacturing supervisor. At first, I was hesitant since I may not be able to look for a new job at once and it came true.

Nevertheless, I think I made a smart decision since I learned lately that the company is now under a new management. Unfortunately, most of those who were absorbed are now receiving a minimum wage only, and they are under an agency which means they have less benefits. Managers and supervisors were demoted, and most of them declined the offer. Majority of workers were not even called for an interview.

Well, I think the global recession is still here to stay. Recently, New York Times featured a story about an airline Captain who still work full time job but getting half his salary pay. Here is a short summary.

Bryan Lawlor who works at ExpressJet Airlines was promoted from first officer to captain last July 2007 who had an annual salary pay of $68,000, with the big chance of reaching $100,000. But with the fall of airline travel, he was among those 130 captains who had been demoted back to first officer. Eventually, his salary pay went down to $68,000 which is only 50% or half the pay.

To read the full story, you can visit the article by Louis Uchitelle at New York Times.

Let us hope that we will not be hearing similar stories again.

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Erap for President in 2010 confirmed

It is now official, Erap will run for President in 2010 as he confirmed it to local news last Tuesday. This is in spite of the fact that many are questioning its legality.

In addition, the former President has chosen Makati mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate, whom he feels is the best man for the job. According to Erap, Binay's wide experience in the local executive is good enough to prove himself.



In the history of Philippine politics, Former President Joseph Estrada is the only presidential candidate who had more than 10 million votes. It happened when he run in 1998 and eventually won by landslide with fellow candidates. But in 2001, he was overthrown by the so-called People Power 2 for the case of plunder and was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2007. Erap was replaced by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is now the seating president. The latter then granted him executive clemency, which also restored his political and civil rights. Erap became a free man in October of 2007.

As of this posting, there are already 11 prospective Senatorial candidates in his camp. Among them are Erap's son Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares who is the daughter of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr and was also a strong presidential candidate in the 2004 election, and Congressman Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. who is the only son of the late president Ferdinand Marcos.

The formal announcement of the Estrada-Binay tandem will be on October 21 at the Plaza Moriones in Tondo, Manila.

Last September 21, it was Senator Noynoy Aquino who announced his interest in running for president with fellow senator Mar Roxas as his running mate. Meanwhile, Senator Chiz Escudero may also announced his presidential bid later with Senator Loren Legarda as vice president.

While Erap says that “There’s no longer chance to unite the opposition", I think the more choices the better. Nevertheless, the election in 2010 will show if the Erap magic is still there.

Related posts:
Erap for President in 2010 officially announced

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Looking for a new job? Read this

Today, millions of people around the world are looking for a new job and still counting. But actually, they can be divided into two groups only; the ones who don't have a job right now and the ones who are are currently employed but not satisfied. Apparently, I now belong to the first group.

Nevertheless, I have been employed for more than 16 years in 9 different companies. I therefore think that I have many interesting things to share when it comes to looking for a new job.

Most jobless individuals today are getting frustrated to get a job. With this, some of them don't even think twice before accepting a job offer as long they feel that the salary is big enough especially if they have a family to feed. In fact, some of them don't consider their safety anymore and even work at places where the government don't allow them such as in Afghanistan. I don't blame them though especially if they think it's the only choice they have.

But come to think of it, there's always a better way. Here in the Philippines, a government agency called TESDA is teaching workers in different skills and even help them find a job afterward. Besides the free training, students are also earning allowances during the training period. These days, people should be flexible enough to learn new skills and search for another career.

For those who are currently employed but still looking for a new job, it is but natural to dream for a greener pasture. Some of them are even worried that they will be laid off soon since the worldwide economy is not yet that stable. However, they should not be blinded at once with the high salary offer. They should also know how stable that company is, especially during this recession period. Otherwise, they may end up looking for a new job again sooner than they expect.

In both cases, people should understand that having no job does not mean it's the end of the world for them. After all, having a job is not the only way to make money. There are times that you can even make more money if you don't have a job.

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I want to quit smoking again

Yes, I want to quit smoking again. Actually, this is my 4th attempt and the last one was 10 years ago. I am now 43, and I know it's time to be serious about it. If you have not yet tried smoking, it will be difficult for you to understand why it is hard to quit smoking. But if you have been smoking for years and you want to quit like me, then welcome to the club.

Anyway, I started to smoke cigarettes when I was 16. That time, I was a street vendor selling cigarettes. My father is a heavy smoker, and I am helping my family through cigarette selling. Although it was wrong, my father did not stop me from smoking cigarettes but gave me some advises especially the bad effects of smoking.

But since he is also smoking, it was hard for him to convince me to stop and just keep on reminding me all the hazards of smoking. That time, I remember I smoke around 5 sticks a day and this increased gradually. Although there were people who advised me to stop, I did not bother to listen.

The first time I had a quit smoking plan was in 1992. This was when I plan to review for the board exams, and I want to be physically fit during the entire review classes. I remember that I stopped smoking instantly even without telling anyone, as I was very inspired to pass the board exams. Unfortunately, the board exams did not pursue since I lacked some legal documents. When the the examination day came, I went back to smoking.

The second time I decided to quit smoking was when I got married. I realized I now have to be responsible and quitting cigarette smoking is a good trait. However, the temptation was very tough to resist since almost all my co-employees and bosses are smokers. But of course, I don't blame them. I know it is me who should be strong enough to avoid being tempted.

The third and last time was when I was hospitalized due to pneumonia. The doctor said that I have been smoking too long, and my body now is starting to feel the bad effects of smoking. But then, I think I am now addictive to smoking and to quit smoking will be a very hard task.

However, I tried to regulate it and have a limit to my bad habit. I buy a pack every other day and I try to finish it within 2 days. At first, I thought it was effective since I am closely monitoring how many sticks of cigarettes I am consuming. But then, I realized it makes me even harder since I always have a stock on my pocket.

This time, I know that I already need help. Although some may say that discipline is the key to quit smoking, I think it is the resistance to temptation that is the hardest part. This is now what I am working so hard.

Right now, I am just happy that it has been 72 hours since I last smoke. I know the battle has just began, but I know I should be strong enough since I really want to quit smoking for good.



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David Letterman apologizes to his Wife and staff

David Letterman apologizes to his wife Regina Lasko as well as to his staff on a taped episode of his late night show this Monday. This was after he publicly admitted in the same show that he had sexual affairs with his female staffers last Thursday.

According to Huffington Post, David was very sincere in apologizing as audience have observed. Although he had been joking about his previous affairs, he did not specified as to whom he had relationships with.

Watch the video at You Tube below.



"I’m terribly sorry that I put the staff in that position". David Letterman said. "Inadvertently, I just wasn’t thinking ahead'.

Letterman, 62, began dating Lasko in 1986, and they have a son, Harry, who was born in November 2003.

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Ondoy Donors: Beware of fake GMA Kapuso Foundation

Last night, I saw a very alarming episode at GMA 7 Imbestigator. According to the report, there are some opportunists who are taking advantage in the middle of the nation's recovery from Ondoy. It was known that there are people behind a fake GMA Kapuso Foundation who are asking donation from Ondoy donors.

Email is being sent to attract recipients to donate money to GMA Kapuso Foundation, but are not really members of the said organization. In the video below, you will watch the whole story.



Nevertheless, I would like to emphasize the names that were mentioned. A certain Percival Navoa is the one sending emails, and the bank account owner is Floriza Lucero. According to the email, donations will be sent at BPI Account of GMA Kapuso Foundation in which the real organization do not have.

If the allegations were true, then I think all of us should really be careful with our money. Before we send your donation, verify first if they are legitimate. Visit the original website or call to the given numbers.

If you are receiving such kind of mails, you can attached it to your email which you will send to the original organization's email address so that they can easily verify it.

But to those fake GMA Kapuso Foundation individuals or people using other certified organization just to fool people, here is my message.

You may escape from the authorities, but rest assured that someone very powerful above is watching you.

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David Letterman Scandal: CBS Producer pleaded Not Guilty

CBS producer Robert Joel Halderman pleaded not guilty in front of a Manhattan court room last Friday. This was after he was accused of trying to extort $2 million from David Letterman last month. Allegedly, he will disclose to the public the sexual relationships of Letterman with his show staffers if he will not get the money.

On his program last Thursday, the funnyman talk show host admitted on his show that had sex with female co-workers. Letterman also mentioned that he testified to the court and "tell them all the creepy things I have done."

Watch the video at You Tube below.



"I have had sex with women who work on this show," David Letterman said. "Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would, especially for the women."

This is not the first time David Letterman was on the spotlight. In the 1980s, he had a stalker a woman with schizophrenia who often broke into his home. In 2005, there was a plot to kidnap his then-toddler son. The culprit pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Meanwhile, Halderman has been charged of with first-degree attempted grand larceny, and could face five to 15 years in prison if convicted. He has been suspended from his CBS job as a producer.

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2016 Olympics finally at Rio De Janeiro

The 2016 Olympics will finally be held at Rio De Janeiro, as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva announced it with tears of joy. US President Obama and first lady Michelle had been charming the Olympic committee that the event should be held at Chicago, but they eventually failed. Chicago was even voted out only in the first round.

On the other hand, Tokyo which is another candidate place but was eliminated in the second round. Finally, it was Madrid and Rio to be choose from but the latter was already leading by 46 votes.

Together with Obama and Michelle is talk show host Oprah Winfrey, but it seems that it is now time for the Olympics to be held in a tropical country.

Meanwhile, around 500 people of Copacabana beach celebrated the night with a party.

For more details about the 2016 Olympics selection, you can read the The Huffington Post's blog post.

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Indonesia Earthquake death toll reached 1,100

A very powerful earthquake hits Pandang, Indonesia last Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. (1015 GMT, 6:15 a.m. EDT), with a magnitude of 7.6. A minimum of 500 buildings collapsed or were badly damaged, according to Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono.

As of this posting, the death toll reached 1,110 and is still expected to grow as rescue operation is being done. Reports said thousands are still buried down under the shattered buildings which includes two hospitals. The earthquake also caused some fires, and loss of power and communication.



The next day, another strong earthquake shook Indonesia on Sumatra island at 08:52 a.m. local time (0152GMT), with a magnitude of 6.9. This is around 180 miles (280 kilometers) from the epicenter of the previous one. At least 200 were found dead as thousands are still missing.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama vowed to support the victims. It is known that he spent a part of his childhood in Indonesia.

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Manny Pacquiao and Donaire to Donate P1M for Ondoy Victims

Manny Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king is still in Baguio City for his training to fight Miguel Cotto. It is known that he always dedicate his victory to his fellow countrymen, which is why the Filipinos love and support him so much. However this time, it is them who needs support from him.

And without any hesitance, Pacquiao is going to donate P1M for Ondoy Victims. This is through his MP Foundation, and it will be given to GMA Kapuso Foundation.

In addition, he will try to spend his Sunday day-off to go to Manila with the whole Team Pacquiao to give relief goods. He even advised the Filipino people to hold on to their faith, and that we can overcome this trial.

Nevertheless, the Pacquiao-Cotto fight is set to shake the world this coming November 14,2009.

Meanwhile, Nonito Donaire, Jr. who is also a Filipino boxer and the current world boxing super flyweight champion also vowed to donate P1M for Ondoy Victims. This is supposed to be his gift from President Arroyo for giving honor to our country, when he beat Panama’s Rafael Concepcion last August 15.




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PAGASA Alert: Pepeng is stronger than Ondoy

While there are still a lot of affected places in Luzon due to Ondoy that has not yet been reached by relief operation, another potential storm is coming and was named Pepeng. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (or PAGASA) learned that Pepeng may arrived in the towns of Aurora and Isabela by Saturday noon, and at Mt. Province by Saturday night.

But according to PAGASA Alert, Pepeng has now a maximum winds of 195 kph and may reach to 230 kph which is stronger than Ondoy. The Philippine government don't want to take chances and immediately placed 8 provinces and 2 islands under storm signal number 1. However, Catanduanes in the Bicol region is now under storm signal number 2.

With this, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr had meeting with local officials to warn the public of the possibilities of being evacuated and will explain the explain the consequences if they refuse to leave. However, children and minors who cannot decide for themselves will be forcibly taken for safety.

Here is the video from CNN report at You Tube.



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Union Bank ATM Offline every month end?

Today, I had another bad experience with Union Bank of the Philippines. I was trying to withdraw money from my Paypal since yesterday, which is the 3rd day of the processing time. I expected it to be there since it always took 3 days before I can withdraw my money from Paypal.

However, the BPI ATM displays that I should withdraw from my bank ATM which is Union Bank. I have been withdrawing money from that branch ever since, and it is the first time that my bank was not allowed. Since I am running out of money, I keep trying the whole day and but still getting the same display.

So this morning, I decided to go to Union Bank Lipa branch to check the problem which is the nearest branch from our place and cost me 20 pesos for fare. Unfortunately, their ATM is offline since yesterday which explains my problem. I waited the bank to open and asked assistance from them. A lady personnel then informed me that the bank is having a batching process which is why their ATM is offline, and had no idea when it will be resumed.

Surprisingly, she even told me that the Union Bank is really offline every end of the month which happens also to be the payday. I don't think it's logical though. Anyway, I requested the security guards to text me once their ATM will be online to avoid spending more money. But they refused to get my number and told me their cellphones has no load.

Luckily, I have a friend working nearby and was generous enough to lend me some money. I don't know the exact time their ATM was online, but I already withdrew my money around 5pm.

By the way, I mentioned earlier that this is not the first time I had a bad experience with Union bank. Well, the first one was I got my Unionbank EON Card after 48 Years of Waiting.

I just hope that the bank management will do something with regards to their customer service.

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