Zamboanga conflict: The real story

Everyone is cursing the MILF, Nur Misuari, and praising the military for the conflict in Zamboanga. The media is also covering the conflict on both sides and also recording images of helpless civilians who are affected by this war. Yes it is a war - a war of misleading proportions.

First, it has mislead us from the true criminals, the Philippine politicians. Who are continuously stealing from the Filipinos hard earned money. Just imagine, before they get hold of their full salary, there are some deductions already. And those deductions are as below:

SSS - you will get this money if you retire or turned 60, but if your dead before you reach that age, the money where does it go? to them of course.

Philhealth - this is also misleading as hospitals still charge you for something, so much for affordable healthcare. And we are mature enough not to get sick always right?

BIR / Taxes - you want to know where your salary goes? to the squatters who dont have homes, and the government built them a home from your goddamn money that you earned from your blood, sweat, and tears! Maybe we should become a squatter too, so that we can get free housing. Ask those staff or employees from Makati if they have their own houses. A lot of them are just renting or staying with relatives! Isn't it unfair? And the bad thing, the taxes goes to public officials, who are lazy, incompetent, or just downright sleazy and criminals who steal money.

And what does my salary have to do with Zamboanga conflict? it is because your salary is also funding the war! This is just to remove our attention to the pork barrel scam. And to make both sides richer by getting publicity. All are just coordinated entertainment.

People from Zamboanga are the real victims here. Not just from the war, but in many years to come. It has been known that the government is trying to encroach on them, stealing their homes and livelihood. Zamboanga and other parts of Mindanao is well known as the food basket of the Philippines. And everybody wants a piece of it. Small tribes are really against it, and some hard-line Muslim clerics.
That is why they curse the politicians, who are mostly Christians, who came from well off educated families, who does not have any decency, humanity, or respect always goes to Mindanao making businesses, therefore ruining farms and livelihood.

Now, who is the real criminal? Who is the real cause of the conflict?

I think I have to blame myself for this, as I let it happen anyway.

Philippine traffic problem cannot be solved

I really hate to be such a critic, but let us be realistic. The traffic problem in the Philippines has been a nightmare since the late 1970's, how come the government didn't see it coming in the first place? Or, should we blame the government in the first place? What can we do about it? To avoid complications, especially on my health, I learned to accept that the problem with Philippine traffic cannot be solved in any means possible. Below are some of the reasons why:

1. There is no political will. Politicians are good in 'politcking' and not solving problems. Just good in talking without doing anything. All comfortable inside their SUV's without breaking a sweat while commuting. Worse, they use hired motorcycle riders that blurt out loud sirens.

2. Rich Filipinos (as well as other Asian people) are financially wealthy but lack intelligence and sense of compassion. To beat the odd-even vehicular reduction scheme by the MMDA, they buy 3-4 cars just to drive a car in every day of the week. We all know the logic why there is bad traffic, it is because there are lots of vehicles on the road.

Whatever happened to carpooling? A rich person who drives a large SUV does not give a ride to a mother with a newborn child who is waiting for a ride on a rainy day is certainly mind boggling (maybe they are afraid of the car-napping syndicates) Money seem to change the person throwing out morality and compassion down the drain.

3. There are no more innovators who are willing to spend time, money, or even professional advice to the traffic situation in the Philippines. Why would they bother anyway? What's in it for them? And if they really want to help, it goes back to number 1 where politicians don't have any political will to do it. Same old same old thing.

4. The Filipino driver also is to blame. They do not follow traffic rules and regulations, and the sad part of this, majority of these people are professional drivers, who always use the roads to their benefit. And some private drivers are just crazy on the wheel, worse, some of them are drunk while driving.

5. Pedestrians are also to blame. Some of them just walk like they are on the moon. Worse, they do not walk on prescribed pedestrian lanes, overpasses, underpasses, and sidewalks. And if they were hit, the driver is at fault. Why?

Overall, its in the culture. Since the economy of the Philippines is growing little by little, the traffic situation has been left behind. Everyone didn't mind it and don't want to prescribe something new.
Filipinos are not good innovators or inventors, they are know to just copy everything and check if it is right for the Philippine scenario.

The slow flow of traffic is already normal. I accepted that fact as we are a fledgling nation trying to keep up with the big leagues. Similar situation applies to countries who are in the same GDP as ours.

As for me. I already did my part. I sold all my cars and started commuting. I don't get stressed out anymore, I just relax and sleep while going to work. No more parking fees and annoying registration payments. I just ride and get off.

Sometimes simple solutions solve complex problems.

New Pope will reform the Vatican but will take time

As a Catholic myself, I welcome Pope Francis I on being the new Pope for 1.2 Billion Catholics. I do believe in every organization, there must be a good leader, that is wise and will guide everyone to do good too for the benefit of everyone.

I am a proud Catholic, although I admit I don't pray that much often. Times have changed, every second counts, even Sunday is considered a workday for me, a potential income earner. We have 24 hours in a day,  if we segregate it, 8 + 8 + 8. Let's remove the first 8 hours as it is for our sleep. Another 8 hours for our work. So what we'll do for another 8 hours? Time is not enough if we do our present activities. And the Vatican seem not to notice this as they are stuck with their old principles on this 21st century.

So I think, the new pope can reform the Vatican, but it will take time. We can't see any quick changes, but for sure he may start something.

Life is full of promise, everything has a beginning and an end. We may choose to end it too if we want to. And accepting it to end is another thing.

After every ending, there is a new beginning.

Pacquiao's Loss is another one's Gain

Manny Pacquiao was lost, defeated, a loser.

Filipinos were really shocked to see MP, on laid flat on the canvas 'almost slept for 2 minutes' against Juan Manuel Marquez on their 12 round Welterweight non titled fight (whew!) but the knock-out was, as sports commentators and journalists called 'picture perfect.'

Now the rant begins, here are the reasons why Manny Pacquiao lost the fight. From the logical, to the absurd, and outright crazy. Here it is below, and tell me which one it is the true reason why Pacman lost:

1. Pacquiao was overconfident (he said it himself), didn't check the time, and just jabbed all his way inside without thinking the JMM is a counter-puncher (that is someone punches him first then he punches back). As a champion, he must learn to exercise restraint and build up power, after all, he is leading from the last 6 rounds. He forgot to protect his chin also - which is a big no-no.

2. JMM was lucky. He was at the right moment and position. A true sign of a good boxer that every opportunity must be taken quickly. Even boxing analysts and the foreign press thinks the same way. 

3. MP changed religions. He was Catholic before and became a born-again Protestant pastor. This was told by Pacman's mother. Because of continuous bible studies even at night by the pastors of his new religion, his health was not in tip-top shape and lost.

4. MP did not wear the rosary he used to wear on his previous fights. And he did not perform the sign of the cross.

5. JMM stepped on his foot again. Causing Pacquiao to look down and therefore giving the knock out punch.

6. JMM was under the influence of PED (Performance Enhancing Drugs) and JMM's coach has been notorious for this and used it against other athletes.

7. MP concentration with boxing was disrupted because of his other activities. He is also known as a pastor, game show host,  politician,  product endorser, a businessman,  a father, and possibly more. 

So that's what I could think of. If you have more, please post it on the comments below.

On this fight, Pacquaio's loss is another one's gain. Maybe a little bit for JMM, but to the people of the whole world and to the Philippines. Pacquiao did a great job on bringing honor to Filipinos - WIN OR LOSE.

Eric Bristow suggests new Darts Practice Rings

Eric Bristow has been a legend when it comes to darts. We used to play it when I was a young teen. My mom is quite angry because we were very rowdy. There is this new innovation: Darts Practice Rings  and it will surely help on improving your game. These are composed of rings that you put on the dart board. There are big rings, medium, and small ones. These rings are good as it psychologically triggers your aim to put the dart pins inside the ring. The rings are in bright neon colors.

Try it and buy so that you will be good like Eric Bristow!

Greed is the weakness of the Filipino (History of Pyramid scam)

You have seen the news already that a lot of people were scammed by Aman Futures. P12 billion pesos worth of money were all taken by a single or group of persons. These people, who are just mere janitors or drivers have duped educated people of their hard earned money.

How did pyramiding start anyway?

Okay now I will explain this in my own words. I did not consult Wikipedia here, just based on my own words and personal experience.

It maybe started during the early days of Christianity, and the inception of taxes. Just imagine, things that we have for free like land, housing, water, food, just living your life, you must pay to someone. And who is that you might ask? - The Government. That government can be a King, a religious sect (priests, bishops), your dictator, whatever. You are paying them to be accepted in a society. And that money is supposed to be 'helping' everyone around you. Build infrastructures, improving security, blah blah.

But it is not accomplished properly. There are still crime, there is still food shortage, bridges are not built quickly, where is the money that you have paid for? There seems to be no auditing. No transparency where have your money has gone.

The only time that your taxes work for you is through wars. Where the government builds military equipment.

After the war, there were a lot of poor people who were affected by it. And some bastard (he or she is also poor) thought of an idea on how to get rich easily, and that will succeed with the help of an investor. That person is a good speaker, where he or she can entice people to invest on whatever they have, clothes, jewelry, farm animals, and they will replace it with something less. I don't know, it can be a small portion of special bread, or just entry to a foreign land (which is not sure if they would reach it). This has continued until the person who enticed the people and its investor leaves in the blink of an eye taking the hard earned money or assets of the poor hapless people.

Now same thing goes on, and this time using money. Money is given and you're expecting to get something big in return.

Call it greediness - yes. But this happens when there is poor people around. And since 70% of citizens in the Philippines are poor, they succumb to this scams proliferated by greedy people as well.

If everyone has been informed and been well off - good career with good pay, secure environment, less stress on the environment, who will be able to invest on this kind of scam? That is why majority of the victims are from Visayas and Mindanao, I will be frank here, these areas in the Philippines are forgotten by the government. Only powerful bureaucrats and tribes are taking charge. Only few people are victimized in Luzon.

I was a victim also. And sadly, the person can your trusted colleague, a friend, or a classmate (relatives are excluded, as it is your relative anyway). Anyone right now can be a scammer or will you dupe you of your hard earned money.

So that is it. Let us charge this to experience and move on. Failures like this can bring success afterwards.


 

Why do we have to work?

So that we can have money, to spend and give to your family...
So that we can have a good career...
So that we can be respected...

Whatever your answer is, you still have to work. It has become human kind's main source of acceptance in society. If you have work, you are well received.

Or is it?

In the early days, man used to hunt. They used everything to catch animals from the forest and took care of livestock. That's it. They did not worry about the things in the future, they just prepared for it. You know when summer and winter is coming, just prepare for it and that's it.

Nowadays it has become more complex, and then our society became quite useless.

Before you do something, you got to get the consensus of your parents, people, and even the government. What is wrong in letting you prepare for the future? Following are some examples:

1. Instead of buying gas, why don't you buy other alternatives? the question is, why is it expensive and the government is not doing its best to lower gas prices and support new innovations?

2. Crime is still there, is there something that you can prevent it? Some take guns, or stun guns, or even get additional insurance, but how come it is hard to get these? We cannot rely on the government always right?

3. We always buy our food from the market. Isn't it time that we grow our own food? We always complain on the rising food prices, but have we heard the farmers and livestock breeders, shepherds, complain on their work? Yes. And if they stopped working, we will stop eating.

These are some of my wild card points. I am sure there are some out there. Why the present society has continued to alienate us from the real problems at hand.

I think we must follow the simple rule of every living organism as below:

Get some food, do not become food, reproduce...

Online advertisement is more effective than traditional ads

With so many people accessing the internet everyday, online advertisement has become an effective medium for online entrpreneurs.

One cool site I have seen is www.onbip.com.

This is a UK based online free ads website but it is more easier to navigate than other ad sites today.
Lots of people are posting their ads for free. Which in turn can gain more exposure to their products and services.

Onbip.com is just a new site right now, but soon it will grow more diverse than Craigslist or any other online ad sites out there. You can post your ads and select your country of choice, then that's it!

Go ahead and post your advertisement for free. Be a netrepreneur today!

RA 10175 Cybercrime Law - It's not fun in the Phils.

The fish rots starting from the head onward.

A lot of people are posting black images at Facebook and other social media sites. That is because of the RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Problem is, this law has a lot of loopholes. You can't express yourself freely anymore online.

The notorious hacker group Anonymous with its branch Anonymous Philippines has hacked/defaced various government websites already in protest.
So why in the hell the Philippine Government passed this into a law? There are lots of important laws and concerns to be addressed as below:
1. RH Bill, it has been debated for quite sometime. How come it has died down? or simply, they want future Filipinos to die down with the bill
2. Socialized Healthcare services for the poor - There is none at the moment. The poor are not given proper health care, let alone educating them on their health issues. case and point - Philippine hospitals wont release the newborn child if the parents did not pay the fees (that is what happened before, and it will happen again).
3. Anti-Epal bill - this law must be passed immediately. Politicians are using taxpayers money and claiming it as their own.
4. Cyber businesses will flop - There is this pathetic rule of Dept. of Tourism that foreigners are allowed to stay longer provided they will do business in the Philippines. The real quick and easy business to put up by foreigners that has high revenue is... (think women, computer, and a webcam). Now, foreigners will not come anymore because of that blasted cybercrime law.
5. People cannot get reliable sources of info - Information is now limited and the government will put their own 'messages' to the people. They will brainwash them same as what they do in North Korea and China. Censorship for various websites will be implemented and  the people will suffer on lack of knowledge. Major decisions are put on hold, businesses will be slow, and progress for the Philippines will be slow as hell.
My fellow citizens, due to this law, the Philippines has become part of People's Republic of China. Such game they play to make them stay.
N*y, I hope you are happy with this sh*t. We are now stuck watching your sister on national television who is a complete w***e.
Troubling times for the Philippines indeed.

God Bless the Philippines

Try to watch the movie ‘god bless america’, (the small letters are done on purpose). And you will see how bad the world has become.

Everybody is mean, angry, and stupid enough to pull their fellow men or women down the drain. Why is that?

I think it is in our nature to be this way, to hurt each other, physically and mentally. Animals and insects know better. They support each other, build colonies, and rear their children properly until they become independent on their own. And the cycle continues. For us it’s the opposite. We destroy each other. And because of the explosion of media, we believe in everything they say. In tv, radio, newspapers, internet - we are not talking to real persons anymore.

If you have seen the movie, I just want to do the same. Pick up a gun and kill those people who deserve to die. And there is a lot on my list, especially in the Philippines. Of course I can’t do it. I am a kind person ‘til the day I die. But at that moment, when my sanity is affected by the bastards who interfere with my life with no shame or decency, I hope they will have a bullet in the head.

Wishful thinking, if I have a gun, I will kill these people outright below instantly, and let them do their bad activities to hell:

·         Corrupt politicians, government employees, and police force

·         People who smoke at public utility vehicles / not smoking areas

·         People who throw trash anywhere

·         Greedy employers and store owners

·         Backstabbing / gossiping employees

·         Drivers who are not following traffic rules

For now, this is my list. I am sure, if these people are killed. Philippines will be a nice place to stay.

If you have more to add on this list, please do and I do welcome your suggestions.

Peoples Republic of the 'Chippines'

It has been a continuous debate from the streets and ordinary workers of how the Chinese are so greedy, they claiming all the islands for themselves. First is the Scarborough Shoal, which is very near to the Philippines, then they are also claiming some of the islands of Japan. When does the greediness end?

In the early stages of Asian economy, the Chinese has been highly influential. Setting up trading routes to its Asian neighbors. They always want something for themselves, something unique, something useful, it's in their culture.

The First Quarter storm in the Philippines has been troublesome, as the Philippines has been undergoing some drastic changes from its government. While Filipinos are killing each other, the Chinese has set up its territory, putting up businesses and taking up shares. The Marcoses don't like it actually, so they tried to take the money also to themselves, which they can share it with other Filipinos in need.

When Ninoy challenged the Marcoses, he was assassinated. We do not know who it was, but the end says it all - China has invaded the Philippines permanently. Because Cory became president, and she was Chinese. If you do not believe me, here are some points for you to ponder:

* The contractualization of employees is the idea of Chinese businessmen. They recruit young new graduates, use them and 'suck' them out dry, then throw them out after six months.

* Large companies like SM, San Miguel, Major Banks, broadcasting corporations, communications, even transportation (buses) are all owned and controlled by the Chinese. Maybe the air we breathe is the only thing not made in China.

* Chinatown has been established in Manila for a very very long time. Although it commemorates the good relations between the Philippines and China, it served as a disguise for pirated/counterfeit goods, harboring illegal Chinese immigrants, prostitution, gambling, and illegal drug trade.

* Even majority of our politicians are Chinese. Even P-Noy himself has Chinese blood.

* Majority of the products coming in the Philippines are from China. Something is totally wrong as our customs are very incompetent, all these cheap substandard products come to our country. All these garbage hurt our own economy, and our environment. But there is nothing we can do about it as customs officials are full of 'grease money' inside their mouths.

Now, let us contemplate our future. Filipinos are now leaving the country to look for work in abroad. Those  weak souls who are left behind cannot think for themselves and blinded by money given to them by the Chinese, who is 'managing' a 'puppet Philippine Government.'

So are you still angry that China is stealing our islands? The Chinese already took the Philippines long time ago!

Blue Collar Jobs are the future

Many thanks to Ariel Famitangco for showing me the different tools and equipment used in HVACR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The problem with Filipino culture is that they are in favor of white collar jobs instead of blue collar ones.
If they have children, they let them take courses that let them sit on the desk and file documents and so forth.

Such a boring and and dead end job.

They do not recommend them to take technical or vocational courses as they think it is dirty. But now this is changing. Young adults are into electrical, automotive, refrigeration and air-conditioning, drafting, and other skilled courses. These courses will place into good paying jobs which can support their families in the future.

Let us promote the value of hard-work. Promote blue collared jobs as this makes the world go 'round.

Aftermath of continuous monsoon rains in Manila

My heart goes to the people of the Philippines who are struggling out there. Be safe, be healthy, and do your best to move on. Good times are ahead. 
----------------------------------------------------------
Ever since typhoon Ondoy struck in Manila on 2009, everybody has this 'rainophobia' where a lot of people are afraid of continuous rain. Now, the first week of August 2012, history repeats itself. Actually it is making history as it surpasses Ondoy, and this is only a monsoon rain, not a typhoon!

The usual happened, rescue workers are there saving stranded victims, relief goods are given, and so forth. This is the norm now. Actually, we are not alone. India recently suffered severe flooding also, Japan, which is an industrialized country, was also affected by monsoon rain. The USA is now suffering from heatwave, and now, one big hurricane will strike Mexico, and I am still monitoring about it in the news and satellite images.

I think we must prepare ourselves now. We must go to higher ground. Government and private institutions must work on something tangible, where they must do something for everyone

Every country right now is one big 'Titanic'. It may sink soon. It is inevitable. The sad thing is, maybe the rich and powerful people will be saved first. The poor people will die for not bringing any money to save themselves. For the rich people out there, if you die, can you take that money with you?

Let us be frank here, these rich people are the ones to blame actually. They are the ones who pay people and contractors who cut trees and build factories, mines and other structures by denuding forests and other land.
They are the ones who bribe crooked government officials who let them cut trees during the night. And when you wake up you can see the forest was already gone.

Let us see the big picture here. The problem is already at our noses. And yet, everybody was silent, not hearing, or not looking, if money was put down over or under the table. Again, that money cannot be brought to the afterlife.

Real estate is a very valuable commodity. When you purchase land, the land itself together what is under or above it is already your property. If your land has oil or water under it, you hit the jackpot.

Greed is the most number one enemy of man right now. Everybody wants a piece of everything. This is the same greed that triggered all the financial recessions suffered by the financial markets, the same greed that led to the suffering of many people on this Earth.

Since people are now 'raping' the Earth for its natural resources. Mother Nature can be greedy too, by unleashing its power by way of typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and many other natural calamities. She can take back Mother Earth, the same she did to the dinosaurs.

I HOPE EVERYONE WILL AVOID GREED. Everyone will die soon. But will you die as a good person or a bad person, it is your choice.

2012 London Olympics: Philippine Team = 0

I never watched the 2012 London Olympic Games. Aside from the fact that I do not have a television set, I am also living in a middle of the jungle, where there is no signal. And my internet connection has limited bandwidth, so I am stuck just seeing the news in text and some photos.

As usual, Philippines has no gold medals. This goes to show that the Philippine government does not care for its athletes anymore. Because of greed and corruption, they want to build shopping malls first instead of buying good athletic equipment and facilities for Filipino sportsmen.

Even Philippine broadcasting has been hypocrites ast they are cheering for other competitors who have any trace of Filipino blood in their veins and claim that they are Filipino who was born or lived in the Philippines (even for 1 second), but represent another country. And our own athletes? No exposure whatsoever. They will not make money our own athletes anyway so why bother right? So let's go and find Filipinos who represent the USA, UK, and other rich countries as they have a big chance on winning medals.

Let the government save more money by removing the dysfunctional Philippine Sports Commission. Let Manny Pacquiao make a new sports organization that will help train a new breed of athletes. Let us just focus on what we do best. And that new organization must not send anyone to the Olympics without winning some sort of internationally recognized competition. Because the present problem is, most of the competitors sent by the government are also their relatives or someone who has deep pockets but with no talent. They are just there for shopping and doing PR. Absolute hypocrisy.

I am much more a fan of Paralympics which will start on August 24 after the Summer Olympics. The competitors are disabled children who are given a chance to compete at each other in an international level.
Everybody has a chance to win here, and their struggles are more real and inspiring.

Be a Hero within: Let us go to Eclipse

People nowadays are cowards. They always turn a blind eye on every bad thing that they see. Are there no more heroes or kind souls who can help us?

There is this new world called Eclipse. In there, you can be a hero and save humanity. You can have amazing powers and join others to fight evil doers.

There are friendly people in the game and they can assist you if you have any queries online and even offline.

So what are you waiting for, JOIN NOW. If you have any questions about the game, check the URL below:

Game Location: http://eclipse913.proboards.com

Rules:

http://eclipse913.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rules&action=display&thread=7149

List of Taken and Available Powers/Abilities:

http://eclipse913.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=registration&action=display&thread=6963

Celebrity Claim (for character looks/images):

http://eclipse913.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=registration&action=display&thread=6969

Advertising/Affiliating On Eclipse:

http://eclipse913.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ana

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eclipse.rpg

On Tumblr: http://eclipseheroesrpg.tumblr.com/

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/eclipseheroesrp

Simple things to do for every Filipino to be happy and contented

Some people say I always (not always) write about negative or bad things in the Philippines. Yes I write it so that everyone will be informed about it and to give them a chance to correct their own mistakes.

I made up some simple 'to do' list for Pinoys out there, who are totally confused on what to do everyday.
There are times that they do not do anything at all - another big mistake. So what can a simple Pinoy do to be happy and contented?

1. Avoid envy - this is one of the most pathetic Filipino trait ever. If someone has it, they must have it. Avoid this and look straight to your goals.

2. Save money - This is hard I am sure. I talked to every employee in the Philippines and they can't seem to save money. The bills are high, housing, food, taxes, everything. I think a radical step in saving must be done. That is by removing all unnecessary things you are spending, if possible do not use electricity. Meralco is our number one enemy right now. Avoid taxes as much as possible or make it to a minimum (let the rich people pay more). But try to pay social security as that will secure your future. If you can save at least P100 - P500 a month, that will be a miracle.

3. Love your parents - they are your emotional savior when times are bad. You can also go to your relatives, anyone that is blood related, go to them and seek advice if your are stuck somewhere.

4. Do something worthwhile - engage in business by selling stuff, or do some small services like cleaning, washing clothes, etc. You will earn some money, time will be faster, and it will surely avoid procrastination. Some people look down at these kind of jobs, but these jobs are the ones that pays a lot in abroad. So practice now.

5. Help yourself first - the problem with most Filipinos is that they are too kind. They must save their compassion to take care of themselves first before they can help others. Even your own family. You already lost your own dignity if you keep begging. If we can still work, let us enjoy it while it lasts.

Just imagine, if inventors, scientists, famous people, and athletes thought negatively, what kind of a world we live in today? Life is both positive and negative. But how do we want our relatives and friends know us when we die? Of course in a positive light.

Hacking: More Fun in the Philippines

There was a news report recently that some South Koreans are caught and sent to jail together with their, I don't know, entourage of cute ladies.

But their motive is clear, they are hacking Globe (one of the mobile carriers in the Philippines) networks communication infrastructure. Its purpose, to get access to cheap calls. But they are nabbed by authorities.

A true sign of corporate greed in lurking around here.

There are some rumors maybe the technology they have used is VoIP, which uses the Internet to make long distance and local calls much cheaper. It is being used predominantly in India, Europe, and even in the USA.
You know Skype right? And so is Magic Jack, Nimbuzz, Fring, Truphone, and a whole lot more. When I was in abroad, I can see some expatriates talk long hours on their relatives in their home country (mostly India). And when I ask them how much is the rate in Philippines, they are telling that it is more expensive or the call quality is poor. And yes it is true. I have tried one myself and the delay is so long. Quality is also poor. In short, telcos in the Philippines do not support this kind of technology. They want you to buy everything from them.

Why is that technology is prohibited in the Philippines while it is available elsewhere?
They cannot make money. As simple as that.

To the mobile networks and communication providers in the Philippines, give us a break. Make this technology available to everyone so that we can enjoy communicating each other cheaply. Maybe that is the reason why Globe was hacked because they are greedy sons of bitches, and have poor signal outside Makati Area. Have you noticed that? Smart's signal is more prominent in the provinces than Globe. But there is another problem with Smart, poor customer service and high bill rates.

By the way, there are reports of a 'hackathon' to be held in some private islands of the Philippines. It is a secret by the way. Where all the hackers from all over the world will come and code. and at the same time enjoy the beautiful sights of the Philippines. To all the hackers out there, go ahead - it is more fun to hack in the Philippines.

Did you remember the 'I Love You' Virus which caused downtime to lots of computers around the world?
Yes, two Filipinos did it, named Reomel Ramores and Onel de Guzman. In year 2000, the damages were estimated up to $5.5 billion worldwide.

But there is another side to the story, Onel did make a virus to present it as his thesis to his university (AMA Computer College). The virus is in a form of a program, where everyone can have free internet access. The university rejected the idea (why would they reject something like that?). Onel became upset and he dropped out. Depressed and upset, he released the uncontrolled form of the program - which is a virus, and has affected billions of computer users around the world.

He is still lucky though, as there are no 'anti-hacking' laws in the Philippines that time. He was set free.

I do believe that the Internet is for everyone. Information must be free and we must use it to create innovations that will benefit everyone. If it is enjoyed by greedy corporations only, progress will be slow and highly depressing.

Would you still give alms to the poor?

Would you still give alms to the poor?

It is a question that we always ask every time we see the poor, especially children, knocking on our windshield of our cars or displaying their palms in front of us.

When I was young, I used to fight for the poor people. Lambasting the government's inability to provide basic services for them. That is why we pay taxes right? But why does the poor exist and why does rich people become richer anyway? 

Greed has something to do with it. 

In our days while we are learning at school. We already learned the gift of sharing. That is good, if you are still young and single. But when you have a family, paying for kid's tuition fees and allowances, paying the rent, electricity, water, etc. Every dollar or cent is important. Are you being greedy? My firm answer, No. You are doing it for your own family's survival.

But there are some rich people. Who are wasting their money by gambling. Worse, if they lose, the government bails them out. Some say that only few people in this world have the wealth of the whole population. I just hope they can bring this wealth to their graves.

Gone are the days of philanthropists. Who are giving their money to charity. There is no such news like that anymore. Where CEO's are donating money to charity. Even building churches or places of worship. It is money they are worshiping right here, right now.

So, will you still give alms for the poor? It is your choice.

Being cranky: One of Filipino culture's negative traits

Did you encounter someone, a Filipino, who got mad at you for nothing?

That is no surprise. Even myself I got mad or my blood pressure rises over small trivial things. And yes, I do have a high blood pressure. I always get this 140 / 90 or 100. Doctors and nurses told I have to reduce eating and salt intake.

My friends mostly foreigners are asking me the same thing. Why do Filipino culture incorporate snobbish and 'cranky' attitude towards other people?

Maybe because of the stress in their work. Most Filipinos are workaholics. They dive immediately and immerse on the work without minding others. I am a victim too, and sometimes, I do not smile anymore to other people. I feel guilty about it sometime, and apologize to them. Now, I am suffering. Because of this hypertension problem of mine, everybody is now laughing at my condition.

We should laugh more when we have the chance.

I am now working on my attitude. I smile always, and don't stress myself at work anymore. I learn to laugh and listen to other people's success and failures. With that, I become a wise person. And able to do good judgement with my own life.

Social media sites are being used to screen job applicants

Just imagine, you are a job applicant, and want to apply on a big corporation called ABC. You answered all the interviews, topped all the exams given, passed the medical tests, but in the end, you are not hired. Why?
Because the HR manager has seen your photo, drunk and looked like s*#%$% on Facebook.

During my time while I am applying for a job, yes I do accept that some people out there are more smarter and more talented than I am. But there is another thing that applicants should bear in mind now, it is responsible use of social media.

There are some corporations now in the USA that asks for your Facebook password. Since I do not use FB that much, it is okay for me. But for others, that will be a big NO. Why should they check your Facebook and log in into it? It is invasion of privacy.

Another check, type your name in Google, and check how many links that appears on top of the search engine . Mine appears to be on top, as my name is not that common and I have written some blogs like this one. So right now, companies can check my profile, as well as my blogs. Actually, some applicants are not accepted as they have poor grammar skills online!

Although businesses encounter a lot of 'noise' while checking on the applicant's profile online, they must know how to filter and absorb only important information. There are some applicants that make dummy accounts also and they must distinguish the truth from the lies.

But honestly, social media sites will gain popularity on accepting job applications. Right now, I will update my Linkedin profile. As Linkedin is connected to large corporations around the world.

I still believe that nothing beats a good resume. Online media is just a tool, but not a complete solution.