Updated MMDA Color/Number Coding and Window Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MMDA The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Color/Number Coding Scheme Guidelines Updated December 20, 2010

UVVRP General Rule:
   - Private and Public Utility Vehicles cannot roam the streets on weekdays from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
   - Window Hours for Private Vehicles are observed from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
   - Number coding is not implemented weekends and holidays.
   - Plate ending 1 and 2      Monday
   - Plate ending 3 and 4     Tuesday
   - Plate ending 5 and 6     Wednesday
   - Plate ending 7 and 8     Thursday
   - Plate ending 9 and 0     Friday

UVVRP Guidelines and Conditions:

-Only Makati City and Las Piñas City are the only cities that implements the7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. color/number coding scheme without the window hours.

-Marikina City, Muntinlupa City, and Parañaque City do not implement the number coding. 

-Taguig City also does not implement the Number Coding scheme, but the number coding is enforced on the National Roads within the city. Examples are C5, East Service Road and Manuel L. Quezon.

-Pasig City implements the7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. color/number coding scheme but observes window hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

-Pasay City implements the number coding but with exceptions with the following roads: Ninoy Aquino Avenue, MIA Road, Domestic Road, Airport Road, Sales Road, and portions of Buendia.

-The number coding scheme is in effect in the following cities: Caloocan City, Mandaluyong City, Manila City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Pateros City, Parts of Pasay City, Quezon City, San Juan City, and Valenzuela City. The window hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is observed.

-The following Roads implements the Number Coding but observes window hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m regardless of the city: Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Circumferential Road 5 (C5), Diosdado Macapagal Avenue, and Roxas Boulevard

All Public Utility Buses (City and Provincial) are now covered under the Number Coding Scheme, with no Window Hours. 

Motorcycles are exempted from the number coding scheme.

Penalty: Confiscation of driver's license or given a ticket with a fine of P300.00. The penalty will depend on what city you are in.

For more information regarding this matter please call MMDA Metrobase at 882-4151 to 77 local 213 and 255 or the MMDA hotline 136.

Source: mmda.gov.ph

Satellite Images of Parts of Japan Affected by the Tsunami and Earthquake

Kesennuma Miyagi prefecture satellite image

After seeing the images and videos on international news network I still can't grasp how big is the damage in eastern Japan. These new satellite images will help you realize the extent of the damages caused by the massive tsunami and maginitude 9.0 earthquake that happened on Friday. 

Natori satellite images. Notice the smoke even taking these pictures days after the tsunami.

The satellite images from Google, NASA, German Aerospace Center and Taiwan's National Space Organization shows how far inland the sea water traveled and the destruction it caused. You will notice the green fields becoming black and buildings being wiped from the map.  

Nasa satellite images of Eastern Japan. Notice the coastline and how far inland the water went.

NASA’s Terra satellite's images of northeastern Japan. The right image was taken March 12, 2011 about 10:30a.m. and the  left images was taken on February 26, 2011. 

More images below. You can see buildings and even towns being wiped out by the tsunami.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk ; www.nasa.gov

Radiation Effects in the Philippines from Japan's Nuclear Powerplant

 

 

Many Filipinos are following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplant situation and there have been numerous text messages saying that people in the Philippines should avoid the rain and stay indoors. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) chief Mario Montejo cleared this issue and said that the level of radiation in the Philippines is still normal and that the chances of the radiation hitting the

Philippines is very remote. But even if the possibility is very remote, the DOST is still closely monitoring the situation with

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

The country's weather bureau further eases fears and said that the radiation will be carried away by the northeast monsoon (amihan) away from the country.

Should the radiation reach the Philippines, the law states that we can avail assistance from IAEA and the other states. You can follow the latest updates on the situation in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplant on BBC's website   

Update: ABS-CBN news network said that the text messages regarding the radiation from Japan's nuclear powerplant will reach the Philippines is a hoax. Some text even stated that the announcement was from BBC. BBC did not issue any announcements regarding the radiation hitting the Philippines. People should rely on TV and radio only and avoid forwarding such malicious messages.

Source: www.philstar.com ; www.bbc.co.uk

Countries Affected by Radiation Caused by Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplant

A US-NRC map circulating on the Internet is showing a very disturbing images on what countries will be affected by the radiation from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Powerplant. It shows forecasts of a nuclear fallout and spreading the radiation to the west coast of United States (USA) within 48 hours or two days. 

The validity of this map is still uncertain. Some say it's a hoax and is most likely is.

People staying in the possible affected areas should watch the news and take necessary precautions in the coming days.

Radiation Effects in the Philippines from Japan's Nuclear Powerplant

Update: This US-NRC map is a hoax. Please make sure to watch the news or listen to the radio for announcements on radiation dangers in your area. As of now, there is still no eminent danger.


Update March 31, 2011: Japan has Lost the Battle in Containing Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Reactors and is planning to entombed the nuclear powerplant with tonnes of concrete to seal the reactors and its nuclear fuel rods.

Source: Image Source is unknown

Japan is Hit by Massive Tsunami and Strong Earthquakes

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake has hit the northeast of Japan causing a huge tsunami. Japan's Public broadcaster NHK showed live images of the tsunami. It showed cars, ships and even small buildings being dragged by 6m (20ft) high tsunami waves in Fukushima prefecture.

The U.S. Geological Survey said that the earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 at a depth of 15.1 miles and located the quake 130 kilometers east of Sendai, Honshu; 178 km east of Yamagata, Honshu; 178 km east-northeast of Fukushima, Honshu; or 373 km northeast of Tokyo.

Shown in the image is the countries that are most likely to be affected by the tsunami predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Philippine authorities has issued a warning to coastal areas in the northern part of the Philippines. These areas includes the following: Batanes Island, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Quezon, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur.

Source: www.gmanews.tv, www.bbc.co.uk

Another Filipino YouTube Sensation Singing Lady Gaga's Born This Way

Another young Filipina becomes a YouTube sensation. 10-year-old Maria Aragon lives in Winnipeg, Canada becomes an overnight hit when his brother uploaded her rendition ng "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga herself saw the video and tweeted the video on her Twitter account with 8 million followers, saying "she is the future".

Maria had been uploading her renditions on YouTube for 3 years now and dreams of being a guest on the talk show, Ellen Degeneres in the US. 

(view full article for the video)

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com ; www.youtube.com

LRT Train Accidental Collision in Quezon City

Two coaches of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 have collided Friday Morning. The accident happened near Roosevelt Station on the new extension of the LRT in EDSA, Quezon City near SM City Annex. The collision caused the Monumento-bound train to be derailed. LRT Authority Spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said on its twitter account that both trains had no passengers at that time and that

"the incident happened on the reversing track."

Initial investigation showed that one of the train coaches was going in reverse to change tracks when it collided with the second train. LRT officials are investigating whether the incident was due to driver's error or technical malfunction. LRT Authority said it may take more than a week before the Roosevelt Station will resume its operations and will likely cause P300,000 in lost revenue.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com ; www.spot.ph

Former Armed Forces Chief Angelo Reyes Commits Suicide

Former Armed Forces Chief and Defense Secretary Angelo Tomas Reyes committed suicide on Tuesday morning in front of the grave of his mother in Loyola Memorial Park. The former AFP chief was rushed to the Quirino Hospital at about 7:45 a.m., upon arriving at the hospital, he was without pulse and is no longer breathing. Doctors tried to resuscitate him, but after 45 minutes, about 8:32 a.m. he was proclaimed dead. He had a gunshot wound to the heart and an external wound to the back.

Reyes in one of the personalities under the congressional investigations on the alleged AFP financial irregularities, said he could not take anymore the smear campaign against his name and his family.

Reyes is married to Teresita P. Reyes with five sons, Pablo, Angelito, Marc, Carlo and Judd. He was 65 (March 17, 1945 – February 8, 2011). 

Angelo Reyes was AFP chief under President Joseph Estrada. During the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo he was the secretary of defense, interior and local government, and energy. 

Reyes, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class ’66 and was one of the top graduates of PMA. He went on to obtain Masters in Business Administration from Asian Institute of Management in 1973 and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1991. He also took up International Defense Management Course in Monterey, California in 1983.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

EDSA Buendia Bus Bombing

A bomb caused an explosion of a passenger bus along Buendia and EDSA on Tuesday. The blast killed at 3 people and injured 14 others. The explosion occurred around 2 p.m. while the Newman Gold Liner with plate number TXJ 710 bus was just about to approach the loading bay near the MRT Buendia station on Edsa's northbound lane. 

The blast destroyed the vehicle's front and side windshields. The explosive could have been placed in the middle of the bus based on the vehicle's damage. said Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome. Victims were taken to the Ospital ng Makati and St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Bonifacio Global City.

“Isang malaking bomba yung sumabog pero inaalam pa kung anong klase [It was a big bomb that exploded but we’re still determining what kind],” said Senior Superintendent Froilan Bonifacio, chief of police of Makati.

Ayala to Buendia has been closed off from traffic as investigators and bomb squads check the area. Motorists are directed to take McKinley or Buendia or C5 or the South Luzon Expressway. Heavy traffic is to be expected.

Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son Mayor Junjun Binay rushed to the area of incident.

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Starbucks New Logo

The Seattle-based coffee chain, Starbucks Corp. just debuted a new logo last Wednesday that remove the words "Starbucks Coffee." The change is said to be for its 40th anniversary this year. They have only changed their logo 4 times since they started.

Just few hours after the debut, there were backlashes against the change on Starbucks' website and other social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

"Throughout the last four decades, the Siren has been there through it all, Now, we've given her a small but meaningful update to ensure that the Starbucks brand continues to embrace our heritage and also ensure we remain relevant and poised for future growth," Howard Shultz, Starbucks' president and CEO, said on the company's website.

Starbucks' logo change is similar to the move made last year by Gap Inc, the number 1 clothing chain. It changed its iconic blue-box logo encasing the word "GAP." Many fans rejected the new logo and Gap quickly reverted back to its old logo a week later. 

Its too early to see if the Starbucks facelift will have the same results. The new logo will rollout beginning in March. What do you think of the new Starbucks Logo?

Source: money.cnn.com

Announcement of Regular and Special Holidays for 2011

Proclamation 84 by the President of the Philippines states that 

R.A. 9492 - ALL holidays except those are religiuos in nature will be moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law.

R.A. 9849 - Eidul Adha is celebrated as a national holiday.

Section 1 - The following Regular and special holidays for the year 2011 shall be observed in the country:

Regular Holidays:

New Year's Day - January 1 (Saturday)
Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Saturday)

Maundy Thursday - April 21

Good Friday - April 22

Labor Day - May 1 (Sunday)

Independence Day - June 12 (Sunday)

National Heroes Day - Last Monday of August

Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Wednesday)

Christmas Day - December 25 (Sunday)

Rizal Day - December 30 (Friday)

Special Non-working Holidays:

Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Sunday)

All Saints Day - November 1 (Tuesday)

Last day of the Year - December 31 (Saturday)

Special Holiday (for all Schools):

EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Friday)

Section 2 - The proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic Calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient. The National Commission on Mislim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall.

Philippine Peso Bill's New Design with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas New Logo

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) or Philippine Central Bank has unveiled the new designs of the peso bill from P20 to P1,000. BSP says that they would be releasing the new designed bills tomorrow. We can still use the old currency / bills / money for the next 3 years. After that, the notes will become useless. The BSP said the new bills have improved security features, which will make them harder to counterfeit.

Here are the changes for the Philippine Money / Currency / Bill

20 Pesos: A younger Manuel Quezon is seen in the new P20 bill, with the Banaue rice terraces seen at the back instead of the Malacañang.

50 Pesos: Sergio Osmeña as is on the P50 bill, with the Taal Lake and the Maliputo fish at the back instead of the National Museum.

100 Pesos: Manual Roxas  as is on the P100 bill, with the Mayon Volcano and the Butinding of Sorsogon at the back instead of the Central Bank Building. 

200 Pesos: Diosdado Macapagal, the father of former President Gloria Arroyo, is on the P200 bill, with the Chocolate Hills and tarsier at the back.

500 Pesos: The new P500 bill shows both former Senator Ninoy and former President Corazon Aquino. It is the first time a bill showed both parents of a sitting president, whose signature is also on the bill. At the back of the P500 bill is the underground river in Palawan and the blue-naped parrot.

1,000 Pesos: Josefa Llanes Escoda, Jose Abad Santos and Vicente Lim are still on the P1,000 bill, but at the back are the Tubbataha Reef and the South Sea Pearl.

The new banknotes will have the new BSP Logo unveiled last June. The following description for the logo comes from the bank’s website:

The new BSP logo is a perfect round shape in blue that features three gold stars and a stylized Philippine eagle rendered in white strokes. These main elements are framed on the left side with the text inscription “Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas” underscored by a gold line drawn in half circle. The right side remains open, signifying freedom, openness, and readiness of the BSP, as represented by the Philippine eagle, to soar and fly toward its goal. Putting all these elements together is a solid blue background to signify stability.

Principal Elements:

1. The Philippine Eagle, our national bird, is the world’s largest eagle and is a symbol of strength, clear vision and freedom, the qualities we aspire for as a central bank.

2. The three stars represent the three pillars of central banking: price stability, stable banking system, and a safe and reliable payments system. It may also be interpreted as a geographical representation of BSP’s equal concern for the impact of its policies and programs on all Filipinos, whether they are in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao.

Colors
1. The blue background signifies stability.
2. The stars are rendered in gold to symbolize wisdom, wealth, idealism, and high quality.
3. The white color of the eagle and the text for BSP represents purity, neutrality, and mental clarity.

Font or Type Face
Non-serif, bold for “BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS” to suggest solidity, strength, and stability. The use of non-serif fonts characterized by clean lines portrays the no-nonsense professional manner of doing business at the BSP.

Shape
Round shape to symbolize the continuing and unending quest to become an excellent monetary authority committed to improve the quality of life of Filipinos. This round shape is also evocative of our coins, the basic units of our currency.


Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com ; www.bsp.gov.ph

Hubert Webb and 6 Others in Vizconde Massacre Case Acquitted

In a vote 7-4-4 earlier by the Supreme Court, acquitted Hubert Jeffrey Webb, Antonio Lejano, Michael Gatchalian, Hospicio Fernandez, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada and Gerardo Biong in the Vizconde massacre case in 1991.

A supreme court spokesman and Court Adminisrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez said that the Court acquitted the seven accused as the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The Paranaque Regional Trial Court Branch 274 convicted Webb and others for killing three members of the Vizconde family in January of 2000. After five years the Court of Appeals upheld the conviction. Then Webb brought the case to the Supreme Court. He asked that the semen found on Carmela Vizconde's body be tested. It was found that the semen sample was lost. Webb's party insists that the semen sample would have proven Webb's innocence.

The basis for the acquittal was said to be the following:

- The Court took into consideration the inconsistencies in the testimony of Jessica Alfaro, who was an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), but she was not an eyewitness.

- The SC also took into consideration the argument of Webb that he was in the United States during the commission of the crime.
-The SC did not take into consideration the DNA test.

Those who voted for the acquittal of the 7 suspects:

Associate Justices Roberto Abad, Conchita Carpio-Morales, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez, Jose Catral Mendoza and Maria Lourdes Sereno. 

Those who Dissented:

Chief Justice Renato Corona, and Associate Justices Martin Villarama, Jr.; Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Arturo Brion.

Those who did not participate in the voting:

Associate Justices Antonio Carpio (he testified during the trial of the cas)

Antonio Eduardo Nachura (he was the Solicitor General at the time of the commission of the crime)

Mariano del Castillo (one of the accused is a client of the law firm of his wife)

Presbitero Velasco, Jr. (close relationship to a party in the case)

Source: www.spot.ph ; www.mb.com.ph

Kuliglig or Motorized Pedicabs Banned in Main Roads

Mayor Alfredo Lim banned the "kuligligs" (motorized pedicabs/tricycle) from major streets. These "kuligligs" has been a traffic problem of Manila since they began building them. Drivers of these vehicles do not have licenses, insurance or driving etiquette. 

Some say why not register it in the LTO just like with the Jeepneys. These kind of vehicle is not recognized by the Land Transportation Office. They refuse to register the kuliglig because it uses a boat motor and is against the provision of the Clean Air Act.

This is a brave move by Mayor Lim. The number of kuligligs on streets is rising and now around

10,000. They violate traffic rules by resorting to counterflows and bullying other motorists. But this is not the root of the problem. This happened because traffic officials in the MMDA or PNP do not strictly implement the traffic rules. They are bias to private vehicles. If they see a "kuliglig", pedicab, tricycle or jeepneys making counterflows, not following road signs and stop lights, they look the other way around. Some say they are paid "kotong" and some say they are scared of the drivers. In any case, the traffic officials are at fault and should change.

Traffic officials  should be PRO-ACTIVE. Even the slightest traffic violation should be corrected no matter how poor or how small the violator is. If they do this, that's when people learn to follow the traffic rules.

The kuliglig drivers rallied in Manila on Wednesday and resulted to violence. Here's what Mayor Lim has to say about the incident.

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net, www.mb.com.ph

Image by Candice L. Reyes

Number Coding Causes Bus Strike

Local bus operators made good on their threat to keep their buses from plying their regular routes to protest the implementation of the number coding scheme for all passenger buses, including provincial buses.

Under the number coding scheme, buses are banned on EDSA that have license plates ending in 1 and 2 on Mondays; 3 and 4  on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8  on Thursdays, and, 9 and 0 on Fridays.The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said around 13,000 provincial and city buses will be affected by the scheme, 1,000 of them on a daily basis.

President Homer Mercado of the South Luzon Bus Operators Association said the MMDA should just issue special cards that would cut by 20% the number of buses plying EDSA. As if that would work? Special cards are prone to corruptions. Unlike Number coding which can be monitored not only by the police and MMDA but also by the public. 

I hope that the government would not give in to this strike and continue to put the public's safety first. Most bus drivers in EDSA are reckless and careless about the safety of us commuters. Yes less bus means less space, but less bus also means faster transportation and less traffic. Less time for buses to return to terminals. If you think about it, number coding on buses makes sense right?

Why Bus Number Coding is being re-implemented?

Soruce: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Image: article.wn.com

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Dominated Antonio Margarito

The people's champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has done it again. Dominating his 12-round fight against Mexican “Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito. Pacquiao, dubbed the “Fighter of the Decade” wins his 8th world crown, the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight title at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas with a unanimous decision  scoring 120-108, 118-110 and 119-109.

“He’s strong. I never expected him to be as strong as he was. He’s a very tough fighter. I can’t believe he took all those punches,” Pacquiao said in a Reuters report.

Margarito suffered severe cuts on his eyes early in the match, giving more advantage to the already leading Manny Pacquiao. The people's champ felt for the mexican and was trying to motion to call for a doctor to take a look at Margarito’s cuts. “There were really bad cuts in the eyes,” Pacquiao said. “Boxing is not for killing each other, you know.” Freddy Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer,  wished that the fight was halted. “We didn’t lose a round,” said Freddie Roach. “I wish they had stopped the fight. They probably ruined his (Margarito’s) career by not stopping the fight.”

Where are you Floyd Mayweather, Jr.? Why don't you fight Manny Pacquiao? The world needs this fight!

Manny Paquiao's 8 world titles in 8 weight classes:
WBC super welterweight crown

WBC flyweight title

International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight title

Linear featherweight title

WBC junior lightweight title

WBC lightweight title

International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior welterweight title

World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title

Pacquiao now has 52 wins (with 38 KOs), 3 losses and 2 draws.

Have you seen  Young Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao as a Teenager?
CLICK ME: Young Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao as a Teenager

Source: Reuters

Young Manny Pacman Pacquiao as a Teenager

Saw these young and skinny Manny Pacman Pacquiao pictures by Gerhard Joren. He was said to be just 17 years old in these pictures. Like most unfortunate people in Philippine provinces, Manny went to Manila at the age of 14 to escape poverty and help his mother with 6 siblings in General Santos City, Mindanao.

There have been rumors that he started out as a "Panadero" or Baker or Pandesal Maker or Pandesal seller. Then became a boxer just like that. That's not true. Filipinos know so little about the history of Pacquiao. He started working different jobs, one of them is
construction. But even as a child Pacquiao loved boxing. So he later found himself training and boxing at LM Gym in Manila. He was said to turned pro when he was 16 around 1995, a light flyweight at just 106 lbs. Yes, at that age! Now you won't wonder why he's so strong in the ring.


Manny Pacquiao deserves every bit of what he has now. He has put so much hard-work and time to make his dreams into reality. Not like most people in poverty, who do not push themselves as hard as he did. Mabuhay ka Manny!

You can view more of young Manny Pacquiao's photos over at  Gerhard Joren's website.

CLICK ME: Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Dominated Antonio Margarito

Manny Pacman Pacquiao Sings 'Imagine' on Jimmy Kimmel Show

Manny Pacquiao made his third appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! late night show. Pacman along with comedian/actor Will Ferrell sings "Imagine" on Tuesday (Monday in USA).

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said that Manny Pacquiao originally did not want to sing and the song choice. But after meeting Will Ferrell, and rehearsing it, he changed his mind.

Pacquiao’s appearances on the show have been said to be like a good luck charm. Filipinos do tend to believe on such signs. He first appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in November 2009, before the fight with Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto as World Boxing Organization king. Later again appeared in March 2010, winning to Ghana’s Joshua Clottey.

Manny Pacquiao’s next  fight is with
Mexico’s Antonio Margarito at the Cowboys Statdium in Texas this November 13.

Manny Pacquiao Sings "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" 

Will Ferrell and Manny Pacquiao Sing "Imagine"

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

Photo grabbed from Jimmy Kimmel Live's Youtube channel

Actor Killed by Barangay Tanod While Filming

Kirk Abella, an actor and full-time waiter was shot last Saturday night while filming in Barangay Parian, Cebu City. The Barangay Tanod Edgardo Cuizon, mistook him for a real criminal and shot him in the back. Abella was 32 and left behind an eight-year-old son with his former girlfriend.

The attack happened in the fifth take of a scene of a documentary film, “Going Somewhere.” In which Abella and his partner dramatized the drive-by shootings that hit the city a few years back. They rode a motorcycle and wore black masks and jackets. Abella was the back rider.

Cuizon then was resting in his home when a neighbor woke him and told him that there were armed persons in the neighborhood. He immediately went to the are where Abella and the crew is filming.  

"He reportedly approached the motorcycle, held on to its rear and introduced himself as a barangay enforcer. But the motorcycle allegedly sped off. Cuizon was dragged and wounded on his knees. When he saw the back rider, Abella, draw out a gun, he also pulled out an unlicensed .357 revolver. He shot Abella, hitting him in the back. Abella was rushed to the Perpetual Succour Hospital, where he later died." [http://www.sunstar.com.ph]

That's the problem with most tanods in our barangays. They lack education and are trying too hard to be police officers. MAYABANG is the word for most of them. Look at Edgardo Cuizon, he owns an unlicensed gun and even if it is licensed, he does not have the right to shoot. If someone tells you there's armed men, you should investigate and call the police if necessary. I hope he goes to jail to teach all barangay tanods to be responsible and teach civilians to assign their tanods carefully. Barangay Tanods are helpful when you put the right people. How about your Barangay? do you have MAYABANG tanods or any barangay officials?

Pinoys Are Social Network Addicts

The Philippines ranks at fifth as the "most engaged social networking audience" in the world, according to the latest study on global social network usage by Internet marketing research firm ComScore.com.

The study covered the usage habits of various countries and encompassed a broad range of social networking sites. According to the study, Filipinos are the fifth heaviest users of social neworks in the world, with Pinoys spending an average of 6.2 hours logged in. In contrast, the worldwide average is just 4.5 hours. These figures might be higher considering that the study did not include Internet cafes and mobile phones.

According to the study, the top Ten social network users are the following:

Russia (with an average of 9.8 hours per person)

Israel (9.2 hours)

Turkey (7.6 hours)

United Kingdom (7.3 hours).

Philippines (6.2 hours)
Canada (5.8 hours)

Indonesia (5.3 hours)

Finland (5 hours)

Spain (5 hours)

Puerto Rico (4.9 hours).

The study reinforces findings reported by ComScore earlier this year, which indicate that the Philippines has the highest social media engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. [GMANews.TV]

Know more about Facebook visit this post mark-zuckerbergs-take-on-social-network (Click this link for full article).