Bangkok’s transport system
August 26, 2008
The sky train and subway systems in Bangkok are recent additions to ease traffic congestion in the city. It helps some, I suppose. But the routes are limited to just within the city. It would be nice to have it extended towards major highways near the residential areas. Manila was way ahead with our LRT and MRT in the 80s. And more people are using the system there in Manila, it is indeed a real public transport. Here in Bangkok it is still quite limited to those who can afford. Anyway read more about my experience and thoughts about this here …
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:
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.
The Right Footwear
August 7, 2008
OK, yes, so we became well-known around the world as people, esp women who just love to have so many shoes! That’s why I had this problem when I did not bring the right kind of shoes to roam the wonderful streets of Singapore last July.
Davao-Bangkok airlink
July 29, 2008
The timing is bad given the dim prospects of the travel industry due to rising cost of fuel.
However, I believe local tourism industry players should strike the iron while it is hot.
Please continue here …
Panic Attack?
July 22, 2008
Have you ever had a panic attack? What was it like? What was going on in your mind when it happened? What did you do? I felt something like it the other day but I wasn’t really sure if it was it.
I was walking the other day in Bangkok (Silom-Surawong area) under the mighty heat of the sun, when suddenly I felt something like a “panic attack”. I was not afraid or anything like that, it was just some kind of feeling which I could not control. You see, I have been walking for quite a distance looking for an address and, because I have not been in the area for a loooong time, I sort of underestimated the distance from the Chong Nonsi BTS station to the Mahesak-Surawong road.
Homeward Bound to an Avenue of Rich Culture and Excellence
June 2, 2008
Philippine Independence Parade Madison Avenue, New York
On the 6 train, I was deep in my thoughts on what I should capture in the Philippines’ Independence celebration. I was contemplating on what is essential to me as a Filipino who chose to work in the Big Apple. Do I deserve to make a video about it knowing I have been out of touch with my culture for a long time? Would I sound credible to talk about Filipino customs that I do not observe regularly? Why do I have doubts that I feel like a lost “Pinay”; stranger to the heritage I was born and raised with when I decided to live in another country?
I was at Madison Avenue with my reliable director. While he was recording parts of the parade of Filipinos proudly waving the flag, I was at the back too shy to even talk to my fellow countrymen. I heard them speak in my native tongue which was an irony to my lips laden already with the New York “Twalk”. It was indicative that the day would be hopeless for me. Suddenly, my Hispanic Director called me to go in front to catch a better view of the parade. In truth, I was …..to continue reading, visit www.filteany.com
How It Was
May 19, 2008
02/10/99 After more than 10 hours flight, I finally landed in Bahrain. That was already 1am. Ate Bing from the Agency informed me that there will be someone to fetch me up at the airport holding a placard with my name on it. I looked around. No one was there. Until one guy approached me “Michelle?” I was afraid. I simply checked his uniform, when I saw the company’s logo, I was relieved. He took my bag and brought me to the parking lot. However, there’s still this feeling that what if he’s not the one? Hehehe! I was totally relieved when I finally saw that placard that he was supposed to be carrying with him. It was inside the van. He must have left it there. I was just quiet…. Not even a single word came from my mouth. I was new, what do you expect. Then he started, “here’s your photo, that’s how I recognized you”. Continue reading here
Airport Drama
May 17, 2008
The day had come for me to leave. It was on October 1, 1999. We didn’t have money to rent a van. We didn’t even have something to spend for our snacks while traveling from Olongapo to Manila. I only had one small traveling bag with me. I didn’t have anything with me. The money that we spent that day was the last money that I had received from my boss. We commuted. Victory Liner. My parents dropped me at the airport. But before that, I paid respect and said goodbye to my relatives next street. Four of them sent their packages. Small ones but made me weep. There were notes in front of the envelope “ate, buksan mo ito pag nakasakay ka na”. They were all sealed… Fast forward to the Airport scenes…..
The last words that my mom said “o yang katarayan mo iwan mo muna dito, at baka mapano ka dun…. Mag-iingat ka, wala ka ng mommy dun”.
As usual my dad, a man of few words said “ingat ka, tumawag ka kaagad pagdating mo dun”.
I don’t remember saying anything to them. I was weeping, literally just weeping…. But… I had to pause for a while… the drama and all. I had to check my baggages in. First time you know… I managed anyhow.
Inside the lane, while waiting to take off. I opened the envelopes one by one.
I opened the big one. It was from my lola. It was a big tube of Colgate. Continue reading here.
Opportunity Knocked Once
May 16, 2008
Working away from home was one of the loneliest yet productive in terms of moolah moments I’ve ever had in my life. And we’re not talking about 1 year here but more than 8 years. I feel for those who are in this situation right now.
Mine wasn’t planned. It just happened. All because of love for my family. All because of money. I remember telling my mom, I will never leave home. I know how it feels being away from daddy for so many years. I won’t. Ever. But I had to. I really had too. I had no choice. I couldn’t keep up with our bills. I couldn’t afford watching myself entering a pawnshop every now and then. I couldn’t take all those things until I was given an opportunity to work abroad. Unexpectedly.
I was working in Makati as an Exec. Sec to the GM then. We recruit staff through an agency. They happened to be the recruiting agent of an employer in Bahrain. Once in a while, my boss sends me to their office in Mabini to collect CVs. One day it just came to my mind and told their Secretary “is it okay if I leave my CV here the next time I come by?” And she said of course, all smiled. She even added “actually you can fax it later”. I did. Secretly. I already had my passport ready at that time. But I never planned of working abroad. I just went with the flow when my barkada applied for their passports. I didn’t want my boss to know and find out about my application abroad. So I gave my Olongapo home number instead. Continue reading here.
US Immigration: USCIS Issues Revised Guidance on Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
May 10, 2008
Good news for “aged out” filipinos who still want to join with their parents in America…
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today May 6,2008 issued guidance that will modify its earlier interpretation of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) which permits applicants for certain immigration benefits to retain classification as a child even if he or she has reached the age of 21.
.The guidance, effective today May 6,2008, changes how USCIS interprets the applicability of the CSPA to aliens who had aged out prior to the enactment of the CSPA on August 6, 2002.
.
Under prior policy guidance, USCIS considered an alien beneficiary of a visa petition that was approved before August 6, 2002 to be covered by the CSPA only if the beneficiary had filed an application for permanent residence (either adjustment of status or an immigrant visa) on or before August 6, 2002, and no final determination had been made on that application prior to August 6, 2002. This new policy extends CSPA coverage to aliens who had an approved visa petition prior to the enactment of CSPA but who did not have a pending application for permanent residence on the date of enactment of the CSPA..
Aliens who were ineligible under the prior policy and who subsequent to the enactment of the CSPA never filed an application for permanent residence may file an application for permanent residence to take advantage of this new interpretation. Aliens who filed an application for permanent residence after the enactment of the CSPA and who were denied solely because they had aged out may file motions to reopen or reconsider without a filing fee.
Source: USCIS Issues Revised Guidance on Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
Related files:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/CSPA_30Apr08.pdf
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/CSPA_update_050608.pdf
Supermaids: The Greatest Domestic Helpers from the Philippines
April 30, 2008
No less than the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, brands domestic helpers from the Philippines as supermaids, a term, they, indeed, so richly deserve. These domestic helpers have, for years, endured the loneliness and pain of being far away from home in order to be able to give their families a better life. Because of this, they have been well appreciated and admired by people all over the world. CONTINUE
Free Software to Increase Traffic to Your Blog
April 27, 2008
Here’s a free software for you guys (download link below) who would like help boost traffic to your blogs. It practically enables you to search a keyword and the blogs that are related to that keyword you typed in. You will be able to quickly find the blogs that are “up there” in the ranks and you can start putting comments to their blogs to increase your own blog’s exposure. As illustrated below -
1. type a keyword related to your blog. i.e. “pinoy”
2. type in your domain name (this is related to point #4)
3. PR stands for “page rank”
4. if you typed your domain name in point #2, it will show if that domain name has links with the top blogs. In this case www.i-filipino.com doesn’t have any links with the top blogs
5. you can see the highest ranking blog related to the keyword “pinoy” - in this case it is “sunstar.com.ph/specials/election” (the lower the number, the higher the ranking)
Skype Offers Unlimited International Calling Plan
April 22, 2008
Skype today announced that the company has started offering unlimited overseas calling to selected countries. The new Unlimited World Plan gives you Unlimited calls to landlines in 34 countries worldwide for $12.95 per month while the Unlimited Country Plan allows you to have unlimited calls to landlines in the country of your choice in 34 destination countries worldwide for $5.95 per month.
We Filipinos Always Manage to be in the Headlines in Canada
April 20, 2008
We described the side comment from the Desperate Housewives about Filipino doctors as degrading, right? Now, I could not, in my simple little mind figure out why someone would upload a confidential operation on Youtube. I am talking about that “Vicente Sotto Medical Center Scandal.” I’ve seen it. Although it was taken down from Youtube, you could still find the link where you can download it - for $1.00. Talk about enterpreneurship………. Well, i’ve downloaded it for free…
I came across it last week but I just shook my head. I didn’t dwell on it. But today while reading news from the CBC website (Canadian Broadcasting Centre), the VSMCC Scandal was one of the headlines. Of course it doesn’t say VMSCC scandal but “Doctors face dismissal after surgery posted on Youtube.” Here’s the link, read it for yourself - Doctors face dismissal after surgery posted on Youtube . At the bottom of that article, you can see different reactions from Canadians.
“ All Rice “
April 20, 2008
(This is a write-up from my guest blogger, Eygee who currently lives in the Philippines. I live in Canada now and have trained myself not to eat rice everyday lol! 
It’s hard to believe that there is a shortage of rice in the Philippines. It’s sad. - Ate G.)
Before anyone reacts, yes ,you read it right it’s not a typo..my topic is about rice…all about rice….the most important food product… a major staple food in the Philippines…a part in every Filipino’s grocery list….”the Rice”.
By this time, it’s already in the news, the soaring rice price hits the Philippines…the shortage of rice supply…the hoarding of supply…the long lines for rice subsidy….the announcement from the government that Filipinos should now eat and cook only half of the rice that they’re used to eat…people panicking for their supply of their beloved rice…but how can that be?
On Top of Canada
April 17, 2008
During my first few months in Canada, that was in April 2004, I noticed that when saying goodbye (i.e., after a days’ work) a Canadian would say “enjoy the sunshine!” My answer would be, “oh we get a lot of sunshine in the Philippines and it’s too hot there so I really don’t mind the hovering clouds.” Later on I realized that Vancouver and the surrounding areas get so gloomy. And it is such a welcome treat for them to see the sun out. What I am trying to say is that in the Philippines, most Filipinas would run to be under the shade ‘coz they don’t want to get dark skin, right? Filipinas want their skin to be lighter. Hence, the multimillion peso skin bleaching business i.e., hydroquinone, bleaching soap, skin whiteners….glutathion. Tongue out But here in Canada, you would see Canadians eating lunch under the sun. They want their tan. You won’t see skin lighteners in the supermarket. You will see tanning lotions. And of course, tanning salons.
please go to www.i-filipino.com for the rest of the story plus pictures.
O’ Canada What is It About Canada? - Part 2
April 14, 2008
So, okay…in short, I left Philippines because I just wanted a change of phase. I was tired of the rat race. Canada seemed like a good place to start over. Yup! I left my managerial job in Canada to be a student again in Canada…didn’t mind taking the bus again. Hey, I had to sell my car so I would have enough money to go to Canada…pay the agency, etc. I had to stay up late nights again to study in preparation for my licensure exam. I had to eat chicken wings and Spam because the place that I was staying in Vancouver only allowed a microwave in the room.
I still didn’t answer the question “what is it about Canada,” right? I’ll answer that on Part 3. Well, did you have a similar experience? Let me know. Please feel free to leave your comments.
For the meantime let me give you a peek of Vancouver and Victoria and Tofino in British Columbia, a video posted by SenhordoBonfim in Youtube. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/v/Tm05r2Bq7P0
300 Nurses to Saskatchewan, Canada
April 14, 2008
It’s for real. Saskatchewan has been having a shortage of nurses. Mainly because of lots of retirees. The baby boomers. Another reason is because of the nurses who left Saskatchewan for another province. Guess what? They are coming back now. It could be because of the new government headed by Premier Brad Wall but Saskatchewan is just booming. People from Alberta who were originally from Saskatchewan are coming back. The new government promised 800 nurses. 300 of them coming from the Philippines. About 90 plus nurses were recruited sometime in November. The second recruitment was done in March for another 295. All I can say is to my kababayans, “Welcome to Saskatchewan!!!…nothing is easy. Adjustment takes time. And..there’s a reason for everything…” Hope your stay in Saskatchewan and Canada becomes a gateway for you to start your successful lives.
Here’s the article from CBC.CA - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2008/02/21/nurses-philippines.html
Feel free to leave your comments below. Till next. 
Latest Update on POEA Memorandum Circular No.4
February 14, 2008
From Inquirer.Net:
POEA suspends memo on employers’ $5,000 repatriation bond (by Veronica Uy)
Good News daw ito! But let’s not be fooled! Huwag po tayong magpaloko. Suspended lang ang memorandum at baka mabago ito sa darating na Lunes. Balak daw nilang dagdagdan ang mga exemptions.
Hindi po exemptions and hinihingi namin, kundi cancellation! We have to continue our protest until they scrap this memorandum.
Mag-ingat po tayo sa kanilang “divide and conquer†tactic. Mr Brion at Mrs Baldoz, style niyo bulok! You already cancelled the memorandum in countries where OFW’s made a lot of noise (Italy, Hong Kong, etc.). Now you are saying that you will review the memorandum to exempt professionals and more countries.
Mr Brion at Mrs Baldoz, mapa-teacher, nurse, doktor, engineer, domestic helper, at kahit ano pang trabaho namin, lahat po kami professionals! Iisa lang ang hinihingi namin! Scrap MC-04!!!
Mga kababayan, magkaisa tayo at huwag tayong magpadala sa kanilang mga “exemptionsâ€.
G Brion at Gng Baldoz, mag-resign na kayo! Wala kayong galang sa ‘ming mga OFW! Lahat kami professional!
Mabuhay ang Samahan Laban sa Katiwalian ng mga Recruitment Agencies at Patakarang MC-04 (SKRAP-MC 4)!
Ituloy po natin ang laban!
Â
Sincerely,
Lester Cavestany
http://www.lestercavestany.com
Â
Worse Than the Malu Fernandez Controversy
February 8, 2008
Mas Malala Pa Sa Malu Fernandez Controversy
February 8, 2008
Malinaw po na ang kawawa ay ang ating mga kababayang OFW at isa na rin po ako rito. Tiyak na mahihirapan po kaming makahanap ng mga employer na magtitiyagang sumunod sa Memorandum No.4.
Kawawa din ang mga pamilya ng mga mawawalan ng trabaho na OFW. Marami sa mga OFW ang inaasahan ng kani-kanilang pamilya. Marami sa mga OFW ay may mga pinapakain at pinapatulog sa kanilang mga tahanan sa Pilipinas. Marami sa mga OFW ang tumutulong magpaaral sa kanilang mga kapatid. Click dito at ituloy ang pagbabasa…
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