Twilight Community in the Philippines
Are you a fan of this young adult vampire/romance novel written by author Stephenie Meyer —Twilight. A few of my office mates are, and in fact they’ve been asking me to blog about it also. Well I think I can do more than just blogging. Why not create a community of “twilighters” here in the Philippines — Twilight fansite? I know this is a good story and for sure more and more young adult will love to have one community here in Philippines —- I just hope I’m right.
Read more here..
Markets retreat on Veterans Day
Wall Street once again closed in negative territory to begin the trading week with two days of consecutive sell off. At the back of the Veterans Day celebrations in the United States, the Dow Jones Industrials fell 177 points with 29 of its 30 listed companies all ended up in the red. Negative news coming from the corporate side continue to cripple stocks in almost all sectors.
Troubled auto maker General Motors, which was downgraded by Deutsche Bank and Barclays earlier in the week, has began talks with Democratic leaders in Congress concerning a proposed Federal government bailout for the auto industry. The issue was even reportedly discussed by President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama during their meeting on Monday at the White House.
The continuing free fall of crude prices is another indicator that the markets are keenly anticipating. New York crude prices touched below $60 for the first time in 19 months indicating slow demand especially in the United States, which is the world’s biggest oil consumer. Some states in the midwest are already selling gas less than two bucks per gallon. What is good for consumers, though, is bad for business.
Monday’s $600 billion economic stimulus plan by China, which accounts for a little less than 10 percent of their GDP, was quickly shelved by investors into the background and was overwhelmed by the rush of negative corporate results by American companies.
Nathan Andrada
nathanandrada.wordpress.com
Dissecting the Dream (Mis)Match: Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
As controversial as the “Dream Match” between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao is, even the most doubtful skeptics can’t help but hide their anticipation of what might be the year’s greatest sports spectacle not named the Olympics. After all, here’s one golden opportunity to see if it’s true that “a good big man beats up a good small man.”
Now, the quotation from the late Martin Luther King, Jr. might seem awkward when used in a sports article, but I think it’s relevant to both fighters. Pacquiao will defy the odds and the weighing scale to fight a much bigger and stronger man. On the other hand, De La Hoya will defy public opinion and make people realize that this fight is much more competitive than the mismatch some critics think it is. Whether or not Pacquiao or De La Hoya can overcome these challenges will have a telling effect on their respective careers and reputations.
The Great Economic Stimulus of China
Tag price, US$ 586 billion. That is the amount the People’s Republic of China is willing to shed off its coffers in order to stimulate their economy, which now stands the fifth biggest in the world, back into position of strength once more. Despite growing 9 percent in GDP last quarter, which is incidentally the slowest in five years, the Chinese government is taking no chances.
The move resulted to a buying frenzy in Asia-Pacific and European stocks yesterday and even the Philippine Stock Exchange joined the fray rising by over 70 points. This translated to upside movements in Wall Street earlier in the session last night Manila time before eventually succumbing to negative territory on overwhelming negative reports on corporate troubles such as the GM downgrade and the Circuit City bankruptcy.
Nevertheless, the move is seen to pump up the Chinese economy by inducing domestic consumption. Although the stimulus package is spread through a number of years, it is seen to bolster infrastructure spending and social welfare projects. This means more jobs for construction especially in the rural part of China. This is also a good measure since it would partially ease the migration of rural folks to the urban centers, which has brought tremendous pressure on resources in the likes of Shanghai and Beijing.
The Philippines is expected to keenly watch how this would turn out for the Chinese economy. The Philippines and China have forged several infrastructure projects in the past and others are even still in the pipeline. Since this would mean China will focus on spending domestically, will their projects in the Philippines be put on hold? Interestingly, a similar policy could be in the offing with the upcoming Democrat administration in Washington. President-elect Barack Obama, during his campaign, focused on a much more internal spending policy as a promise to get the US economy back on track.
Nathan Andrada
nathanandrada.wordpress.com
Keane’s double sparks Liverpool’s 3-0 romp of West Brom
Pundits on the ESPN Star coverage panel believed it was Robbie Keane’s best game so far as a Liverpool player. I agree as well. No question that Keane provided the threat for Liverpool against a much overwhelmed West Bromwich Albion defense. Liverpool went on to an impressive 3-0 victory at Anfield.
Before the game, Keane did score a couple of goals for the Reds but all in European competition. With Fernando Torres continues to be not yet in game fit, it was certainly time for Keane to deliver the needed boost as the results of the last two games were definitely unimpressive by manager Rafa Benitez’s standards. And deliver he did last Saturday which moved them again at the top of the Barclays Premier League table with 29 points before Chelsea tied them up the next day with their own thrashing of Blackburn Rovers.
It was also a timely lift of confidence for a Liverpool side that seems to have lost a step after their conquest of Chelsea a fortnight ago. It was evident in the early goings of the first half wherein West Brom managed to create a few chances before Liverpool took control of the midfield which brought an impression that it would only take a matter of time before they scored their first goal. Keane has eager to oblige in the 34th as well as the second goal which resulted from another Liverpool’s pesky defense at midfield. Arbeloa provided the finishing touch with a third goal in the second half. Liverpool will meet Bolton Wanderers in the weekend.
Nathan Andrada
nathanandrada.wordpress.com
DiningCebu features Sizzlin Pepper Steak at The Terraces Ayala
The whole Cebu was wowed as Ayala Center Cebu unveiled to the public “The Terraces” last October 30, 2008. The Terraces offers a new malling and dining experience in Cebu and hopes to boost Cebu’s tourism industry.
The Pakalistas visited the Terraces and enjoyed a unique Western and Japanese experience at Sizzlin Pepper Steak.
Come visit and join the Pakalistas as we discover Cebu Restaurants, Cebu Food, and Cebu Delicacies One Bite at a Time!
I Love to Daydream
O Great Lights and Divine Spirits,
Today I understand why ever since I was a child, I love to daydream. It’s because (day)dreaming is a way for us to remember our higher calling. Yes, I know this statement has a lot of presuppositions and implications. But I simply surrender to it.
And now here I am, at a point which I will remember for the rest of my life. I’m at a crossroads and I have asked for… Click to continue reading
Help Me Win the Wordpress Coolest Blog Competition!
I love contests. I join all types of contests, online and offline, ranging from essay writing to lotteries. No contest is too big nor too small for me, as long as it promises a significant reward that could be fame or fortune,or both.
So when I read that WP Webhost is organizing a contest for the Coolest Wordpress Blog, I decided to try my puny luck and hope that destiny will see it fit to reward my audacity. Imagine, I’ve just been blogging for less than a month, and now I’m competing for $2,000 worth of prizes that are enough to make my head spin. Sure, 2,000 bucks is chump change for my idol Bill Gates, but that might be enough for me to jumpstart my fledgling Internet career and make me a future billionaire. That is, if you cooperate with me.
Yamaha Scratch & Win
If you are planning on purchasing a motorcycle, you might want to consider a Yamaha. Now I don’t know much about motorcycles but I do know that Yamaha currently has a Scratch & Win Promo where you could Win Toyota Cars, TVs, Apple products, Bora trips and lots MORE! Imagine, turning your brand new motorcycle into a brand new Toyota! Tempting isn’t it?
Moving Stills Photo Contest
Calling all pro and amateur photographers! Join in Moving Stills Photo Contest and you could Win Php25,000 Cash and be featured in a coffee table book. The theme: “The Filipino Worker” which includes vocations and professions. Simply print an 8 x 10 in. IslandPhoto print and submit in any of their branches. Easy to do!
