Are U-turns saving us money?
August 28, 2008
According to a recent study (reported here by the Philippine Daily Inquirer) by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), u-turn slots are helping us save quite a hefty sum. The study reports that the U-turns slots instilled by the MMDA generates Php 40 million to Php 50 million in savings for motorists each year since 2005. These savings are brought about by the increase in the average vehicular speed on major roads where 23 U-turn slots have been placed by the MMDA. According to the report, Php 2 billion are saved each year by motorists in terms of gains in productivity and opportunity alone. As for fuel savings, motorists are saving Php 42.84 million on nonwidened roads and Php 51.45 millon on widened roads.
I think most of you would be scratching your heads right now. Really? We’re saving that much? It doesn’t actually feel that way. U-turns have been, for the most part, hasseling most of us — often adding burden to an already congested road. I’m not even mentioning the hazard the concrete blockades brings at night. I do think that U-turns are saving us money in some way. However, let’s look at it from another perspective - costs.
Read the full article here
http://musingsofayoungeconomist.co.cc
Ticketworld outlets for Eraserheads Reunion Concert tickets
August 27, 2008
There were a buzz that the Eraserheads Reunion Concert has been push through on August 30 of this year. And the tickets are no longer free.
Now, here is the list of Ticketworld outlets where you can buy Eraserheads Reunion Concert tickets once they started selling it. continue reading
Tits for tat
August 27, 2008
Kosovo declared its independence early this year with the backing of the EU and the US to the objection and consternation of Serbia and Russia.
Yesterday, Russia supported the independence of not one but two breakaway regions of Georgia - Abkhazia and South Ossetia - to the objection and condemnation of the EU and US.
Russia had its tits for EU’s and US’s tat.
Senator Mar Roxas’ Privilege Speech on the GRP-MILF MoA
August 18, 2008
Here’s a summary of Senator Mar Roxas‘ privilege speech on the GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement provided by the Senator’s office.
Philippine Juicy Fruits
August 17, 2008
Fresh from his stint in Harvard, United States, where he was granted scholarship in Publc Finance Administration, Usec. Robert T. Rivera went straight to the set of his show: Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Barely days after he arrived in the country, Usec. Rivera hosted the launching of the Philippine Juicy Fruits of Bella Dimayuga. Bella Dimayuga, the very nationalistic President of Bellestar Promotions who conceptualized the idea that her talents be named after Philippine Fruits to promote our country abroad, with his husband Ed, took charge of the affair. The event was splendid! The crowds were so energetic! The voice of “Marvic” a.k.a. “Makopa”, as she dances with the Bellstar Dancers, was so powerful! Usec. Rivera at the set, was amazed. We taped the event from our own cameras we brought in with us and uploaded Marvic’s performance. It was really splendid! Amazing! Amusing! Watch it for yourself to witness:
Federal Philippines by the Senate in a Nutshell
August 13, 2008
The Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 is about making the Philippines into a Federal Republic. If you don’t like reading such documents or you just want a short and direct information about it, then this is for you. Read: SJR#10 in a Nutshell.
Join in Amazing Race Asia Promo Event
August 12, 2008
Ever wanted to try joining in Amazing Race? Well, here is your chance! Join in Amazing Race Asia Promo Event happening on September 6, 2008 at Trinoma Mall and get a chance to take home the grand prize (which isn’t posted but who cares right?) plus bragging rights! Register for FREE!
Some thoughts about the Eheads reunion concert
August 11, 2008
For one, you can’t blame the Eraserheads for accepting a sweet offer to the tune of a few million pesos. Well, technically, a million pesos is not really “few”, or little. They’ve been gone as a group, too, for quite a while now, and doing a reunion concert is only par for the course for a band that defined a generation. Two, you can’t blame the company working the reins behind the concert either. Or not that much. Continue reading
The Reality of Development Work
August 10, 2008
Some realities of development work in a developing country.
Read more from Thinking Aloud…
Wanted 8 votes
August 8, 2008
In the historic Senate vote on the US bases treaty, 12 senators voted for non-concurrence on September 16, 1991.
Once again, my hats off to the Magnificent 12 - Senators Jovito Salonga, Butz Aquino, Juan Ponce Enrile, Joseph Estrada, Tito Guingona, Sotero Laurel, Ernie Maceda, Orly Mercado, Nene Pimentel, Rene Saguisag, Bobby Tanada, and Victor Ziga.
Today, the country needs at least 8 senators to do the same to uphold our sovereignty and dignity and vote against JPEPA.
I’m pinning my hope on the following:
FREE Coffee Day at Bonifacio High St.
August 8, 2008
Good news for all you coffee enthusiasts! Get FREE Coffee on August 10 at Bonifacio High Street when you present a coupon found in Phil Star (not sure if there are in other broadsheets). Only the first 600 people to present the coupon will receive Gift Certificates from participating outlets.
The 41st ASEAN Anniversary - 8-8-8
August 8, 2008
I’m sure you are so excited today because it’s Beijing Olympics today! Yeah! But are you forgetting something today? Something much more important than the Beijing Olympics. Something that has more weight and will affect you and your descendants forever. It’s ASEAN Day today - August 8, 2008.
Do you know this year’s theme? I’ll tell you now: One ASEAN Identity, One ASEAN Community by 2015. ASEAN Community by 2015, do you know that it means integration of 10 South-East Asian countries? But haven’t you realized or even asked the question:
What is an ASEAN Identity? Come share your point-of-views before you glue your eyes and ears with the Olympics.
Backdoor Ventures’ 4th Arts and Music Festival in SM Megatrade Hall 3
August 7, 2008
okay, feelingera talaga ako. here i go again with teh artsy fartsy stuff. hindi ganun kalalim ang background ko sa arts and music. kumbaga grade 1 lang ang level ko dito pero i believe that art doesn’t know age and it is timeless. i thank you. gusto ko lang i-plug ang event na ito, dahil alam ko malakas sa publicity ang pagbloblog at sana makatulong tong entry ko pagpapalaganap ng mga events na kagaya nito. Spread teh lurve. Para din ito sa aking napakahusay na tatay-tatayan na si Jay Virina. (rock on ‘tay!)
2008 Arts and Music Festival
Happening on 29-31st of August at the SM Megatrade Hall 3
organized by BackDoor Ventures
Teatro Flamenco • Halili-Cruz Ballet • Philippine High School for the Arts • Denise Santos Huang • Miko Pepito • Carnival • Four Leaf Clover • The Dorques • Timog • Johnny Alegre Affinity • Freestyle • DJ Marula • Faultline • Insinara • Syalam • Check • Mayonnaise • Queso • Bembol Rockers • The Long Johns • Brigada • 18th Issue • FMD • Quadro • Drip • The Dawn • Romancing Venus • Urbandub • 524 • The Slave Drum • Ducklings • Eternal Now • Decay Transit • Pack of Wolvz • Sidewinder • Project Fusion • Anwind • Reklamo • Scarlet Tears • Matilda • The Chongkeys • Yosha • Joey Pepe Smith • Wally Gonzalez • RJ Jimenez • Tutti • Sing India • Nityalila • The Late Isabel • Alakpa • Olivia • Lala • Kenyo • Kjwan • Sinosikat • Bahag Hari • Skabeche • The Spaceflower Show • Cosmic Love • Project Ganymede • Kadangyan • DJ Crockan and many more.
Balkanization of Mindanao
August 6, 2008
I am not a war monger and not about to fan one.
Yet, the government’s deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to seek peace is ironically causing the drum beatings for war.
“War is coming.”
“Military, MILF rebels trade mortar fires in North Cotabato.”
“AFP prepared for untoward incidents in the south.”
That’s what this unpopular government reaped for sowing the seeds of secrecy.
Dark clouds over Mindanao
August 4, 2008
No, this is not about the bad weather. Yet the disturbance is as compelling.
The dark clouds hovering in Mindanao is ironically about peace.
The agreement on the contentious ancestral domain issue between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) set to be signed in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow is causing serious concerns in several key areas of the island, notably in North Cotabato, Iligan and Zamboanga.
The inclusion of parts of their territory - without prior consultation - is among the gusty winds heaping up various protests.
Unity; change
August 2, 2008
The latest Pulse Asia survey on the 2010 presidential derby once again highlighted the need for the opposition to unite and field a common candidate.
Of ten presidentiables included in the survey, 7 are identified with the opposition. Their combined preference rating is an overwhelming 71 percent.
Wear an Inno Sotto at your Wedding
August 1, 2008
Getting married this December or next year? Why not make your wedding dream come true by wearing a gown made by Inno Sotto! All you have to do is buy a Pond’s Flawless White Visible Lightening Day Cream and answer a simple question. And if you’re not getting married or have already tied the knot, spread the word to your friends!
Philippine Juicy Fruits
July 30, 2008
These four young, talented, bright and beautiful ladies are excellent singers who could also dance to the hilt was so lucky to have been discovered by Sister Bella Dimayuga. Their future in the entertainment industry is not only secured, but their well-being as a complete person, a Christian and their moral uprightness is assured as well. With them, the Philippines can be assured of ripping more honors abroad from these singing and dancing divas. They will be introduced fully into the entertainment industry here and ultimately, abroad: in the U.S. and all over the world !
Sister Bella, the President of the then world renowned Bellestar Promotions told us that she has something big in store for these young, beautiful and talented ladies in the United States where she now promotes our country and kababayans. It’s one thing we admire of this lady, she has a big heart not minding spending money to take care of her fellow Filipinos, developing their talents, nurturing their well-being, then sending them abroad for a brighter future is not an easy task.
Asus Eee PC’s HK Disneyland Promo
July 29, 2008
Ever wanted to buy that cute Asus Eee PC but you never did? Well, now is the time to buy that Eee PC you want so you could get a chance to be one of the eight (8) lucky winners to Hong Kong Disneyland Package. Tempting promo isn’t it? hehe
Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger interviewed by the Pakistani Spectator
July 18, 2008
First of all, I’m humbled to be interviewed by blogger Ghazala Khan of The Pakistani Spectator (TPS) in his aim of fostering peace, progress and harmony with passion in the blogosphere. TPS is a blog about politics and entertainment related to Pakistan. The blog is carrying out a new series of interviews with the notable and passionate bloggers, writers, and webmasters and I am glad to be one of those.
3rd Philippine Graphic Fiction Awards - Fully Booked
July 16, 2008
Are you a good storyteller? If you are then 3rd Philippine Graphic Fiction Awards by Fully Booked is just the contest for you. Tell your story in different mediums, may it be through comics, prose fiction or short film. Release the storyteller in you and your story might just get published by Fully Booked with a foreword by Neil Gaiman.
Finding the Balance
July 12, 2008
I came across two articles from the GMA news feed two days ago, both about the establishment of proposed renewable energy power plants and the opposition they presently face from local constituents. I quote them both at some length and say my two-cents’ worth here…










