Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Raw Statement of BCDA About Camp John Hay Issue

         The Bases Conversion Development Corp. (BCDA) headed by Arnel Casanova had made a press released that they will be taking charge of Camp John Hay in Baguio because the Court of Appeals in Baguio already made a decision favored with them. They also issued a notice to CJH Development Corp. to inform them about that decision. It means that sooner or later, they will leave Camp John Hay, they like it or not.

            CJH DevCo head Robert Sobrepeña didn’t took seriously the notice letter of BCDA. Their group firmly believed that the battle between them and the government is not yet finished. For them, this is just a dirty tactics and it is very farm from reality or just a wishful thinking of their opponent. BCDA should remember that their arbitration case in Singapore is not yet over. So, they should not make any conclusion that they already won. But whatever will be the result of the decision of the court, the CHJ DevCo is ready to accept it. As of now, they will not give it back the operation of Camp John Hay. For they already invested a lot of money to develop it. It is only natural that they will fight their rights until the end. They will just continue their job and that is to maintain their beautification project of Camp John Hay to attract more tourist. It is the problem of BCDA if they are not cooperating with them. As what the CJH DevCo knew, they contributes to the society aside from developing Camp John Hay, they are also giving a livelihood to the people of Baguio.

            The problem with our government, they are attracting investors to invest on their properties. After they get the trust of the investors, they are not giving the proper support to the private companies. This is also what happening in MRTC regarding to the MRT issues. Business partnership is a matter of give and take, but the government just want to earn money without giving consideration to the investors. Hmm, the public is wondering, do they have a personal grudge to Sobrepeña which is also a former head of MRTC? Hmm, just asking...





A Glimpse at Marikina Shoe Museum


               Every town in the country has their own landmarks like in Marikina City, one of their landmarks is the Marikina Shoe Museum that you will find in Brgy. San Roque, near in Kapitan Moy. The city is very popular with their shoe industry from now and then. As a recognition and fervent support of their local government, they established this museum in 1998.

                Marikina Shoe Museum has a small or limited space, but it has a second floor and it is full of memorabilias of famous personalities in the Philippines from the former president, vice President, government officials, celebrities, businessman and a lot more. Most of the shoes here are made of leathers but it has also a rubber shoes owned by the comedian Ariel Villasanta who is also a resident of Marikina. Of course, every shoe here has different sizes; it depends of the heights and body conformations of the personalities.  And for what I saw, the businessman tycoon John Gokongwei has a big foot.Hmm, why actress Mahal doesn’t donate her shoes? So, the museum will display it also. It could be the smallest shoes of an adult person. Joke only!

                Here in the museum, you will also see the different styles of shoes. It is not your typical shoes that you can wear from day to day basis. Maybe you can use it in any special occasion like fashion shows. The masterpieces have their own names like Sarimanok, etc. The design of a shoe designer Brian Tenorio is very unique because of its size and looks as well. If you wear this you should be careful if you don’t want to stumble while walking.

                Just a reminder, the caretakers of the museum are allowing visitors to take pictures except the shoe collection of Madame Imelda Marcos. The former first lady has more than 3,000 pair of shoes and 800 of them are becoming a display in the museum. You will be amazed with her shoes because it looks elegant. Madame Imelda was really a tall lady because the size of her shoe is 8 ½. Inside of the showcases of the shoes, Madame Imelda also have pictures with famous leaders in the world like Fidel Castro, Mao Tse Tong, Ronald Raegan, Robert Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, etc. It only shows how she was very powerful and influential lady during the regime of his husband.

                The items at the museum not only limited to shoes. They have also paintings, sofa curved like a shoe and even the statue of shoe makers. It only tells how rich the shoe industry of Marikina City.

Ongpin St.: A Business District in China Town


Binondo, Manila is the commercial center of some Filipino Chinese. They are many businesses that you can find here. You will see the rich culture of Tsinoy from foods, clothes and much more items. The most popular street is the Ongpin St.   
But not only with the Chinese blood are the costumers of Ongpin St. But also those people who want to experience the Chinese culture. This place is one of the best destination in Manila. Although the streets are not too wide and there’s always a heavy traffic.
While roaming at Ongpin Street, you will see a lot of Chinese restaurants that will fit to any budget you have. You may try how to use chopsticks when you’re eating. One of the best restaurant here is the President’s Restaurant. Their best selling products are shrimp dumplings. Sipao asado and many more. Besides restaurants, of course you can buy here original hopia where the ingredients come from China. You will also see many diffirent statues in Ongpin and one them is the dragon that symbolized about prosperity.
Ongpin is also known because there are many gold vendors here that selling pure gold. Most of their buyers are men who want to give special jewelry to their love ones. But of course, Chinese people love herbal medicines that’s why these are also available. If you want, you may find lizard powder. They said it is a medicine for those people who have asthma. But please, if there’s someone offering fake medicines. Don’t buy it because it is dangerous to our health.
Every Sunday evening, Ongpin will become a happier place because it seems there is always a party. The busy street becomes crowded. They are conducting a firework display; it seems that every Sunday is a new year.
Based on history, Ongpin St. Was named after by Don Roman Ongpin, a Chinese businessman who became an avid supporter of the guerilla group Katipunan during the Spanish revolution in 1896. He supported the group by giving financial assistant. There was also a story that he burned his own house and he gave the insurance proceeds to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Even during American occupation Don Ongpin continued his advocacy which is to support the revolution. Because of his martyrdom, they made a statue of him that you can find besides Binondo Church.

Sa Ngalan ng Sindikato

     Iba-iba ang tawag sa mga sindikato na nag-uoperate sa bansa. Halimbawa, kapag ang modus ay may ipinapainom sa biktima ay natutulog ito at ninanakawan tinatawag itong ‘Atiban Gang.’ Kadalasan itong nangyayari sa mga motel. Ang atiban ay isang uri ng gamot na pampatulog kaya tinawag itong ganito. Pero paano kung ibang gamot naman ang ginamit?

                Martilyo Gang naman ang tawag kapag ang modus ay manghuholdup tapos pupukpukin ng martilyo ng mga kriminal ang eskparate ng kanilang mga biktima. Pangit naman kasi kung Pokpok Gang ang itawag sa ganito dahil alam naman natin na iba na ang magiging kahulugan nito. Karaniwang isinasagawa sa mga tindahan ng alahas. Mabilis nga naman nilang maisasagawa ang kanilang pakay. Kapag sa mall ang operasyon ay dun na lang sila bibili ng martilyo. Kapag malalaking tipak ng bato ang ipapasok nila sa mall malamang na hindi sila papapasukin ng guwardiya.


                Laglag Barya Gang naman ang tawag kapag ang modus ay may nilalag na barya para makuha ang iyong atensyon. Siyempre, likas na sa atin ang pagiging mabait kaya sasabihin natin ito sa nalalaglagan ng barya, “Boss, piso mo nahulog.” Pero di nito alam na may nandurukot na sa kanya. Hindi naman sila puwedeng tawagin na ‘Jose Rizal Gang’, ‘Emilio Aguinaldo Gang’ o Mabini Gang’. Unang-una, iba-ibang barya ang ginagamit nila. Maaaring ito ay piso, limampiso o sampung piso. Saka kapag ipinangalan pa sa partikular na bayani ay magiging kabastusan ito sa ating ating soberenya? Bakit kaya barya ang inihuhulog at hindi papel. Hindi kasi ito kumakalansing kaya’t di agad makakakuha ng atensyon. Ows, sige subukan mong maghulog ng isang libong piso ewan ko na lang kung may magtuturo pa rin. Baka imbes na makadale ay mawawalan pa sila.

            Ang salisi Gang naman, obvious sa pangalan pa lang alam mo na agad kung ano ang modus nila. Para silang mga palekero at palekera na malingat ka lang ay may kababalaghan nang ginagawa. Tamang-tama pala ang salisi dahil katunog ng kulasisi.

            Tinatawag namang Gapos Gang kapag ang modus ay nanggagapos ng kanilang mga biktima matapos nilang holdapin o nakawan. Pangit naman kung ang itatawag sa kanila ay Lubid Gang dahil para silang magbibigti o magsasampay lang. Palagay ko, ang kamag-anak nila ang mga Akyat-Bahay Gang na ang trip ay pumasok sa bahay ng may bahay. Kaya siguro tinawag na Akyat-Bahay ay dahil sa bintana sila dumadaan o kaya sa may hagdan. Paano kung wala namang hagdan dahil walang second floor ang bahay? Hindi rin sa bintana dumaan kundi sa mismong pintuan. Akma pa rin ba ang tawag sa kanila? Bakit hindi na langPasok-Bahay Gang o Limas-Bahay Gang dahil nanlilimas sila ng gamit nang may gamit. Pero mukha rin pangit kapag Limas Gang dahil para lang silang maglilimas ng tubig-baha.

                ‘Yung Dugu-Dugo Gang naman kaya tinawag na ganun ay dahil tumatawag sila sa mga naiwan na bahay at saka ibabalita nito na nabunggo raw si ganito. Nasa ospital daw ang kasama at kailangang maoperahan at kailangan ng pambayad. Ang tinawagan naman ay naniniwala kaya ang gagawin nga ay makikipagkita sa tumawag saka ibibigay nito ang pera. Pero okay kaya ang tawag sa kanila na Dugu-Dugo? Para lang kasi silang nagtitinda ng dinuguan o inihaw na dugo ng baboy. Dapat sa mga Dugu-dugo Gang ay pinapadugo ang ilong, eh. Mga loko kasi. Ano kaya ang masasabi ng Red Cross sa mga ito? Imbes kasi na magsipag-donate ng dugo ay ginagamit pa ang dugo para makapambiktima. Tsk, tsk.

                Buti pa ang mga Budul-Budol Gang medyo naiiba ang pangalan. Ano pa nga ba, sila ‘yung mga manloloko na papahawakin ka kunwari ng makapal na pera kapalit ng mahalagang bagay na nasa iyo. Para magtiwala ka ay ibibigay sa iyo kunwari ang tumpok ng tae, salapi pala. Sabay sisibat na lang bigla saka mo malalaman na naguyo ka pala. Ayan kasi nasilaw sa malaking pera kuno. Hmm, budul-budol, katunog ng bundol, lindol at saka ‘yung mabahong tubol.
               
                Ngayon, marami pang sindikato ang naglilitawan. Kung walang pangalan ang kanilang grupo malamang na may ibabansag sa kanila ang mga pulis at ang mga kagawa ng media. Siyempre, ibabase nila ito kung ano ang kanilang modus operandi. Kaya sa mga sindikato, sana naman kung mambibiktima kayo ay magpakilala naman kayo para may trademark. Hindi ‘yung kung anu-ano na lang ang ibabansag sa grupo n’yo. Ayaw n’yo ‘yun sisikat pa ang grupo n’yo? Iniisip pa tuloy ng iba na pare-pareho lang kayo ng grupo kahit iba-iba naman ang tumira.

I Love You, Idol!

  Idol. Maraming mga tao ang gumagamit na nito. Sa mga talent show na nga lang, may American Idol at kung anu-ano pang idol. Sa mga pulitiko, laging isinusunod ang kanilang mga pangalan sa salitang ito. Bukod sa kanila ay marami pa ang gustong maging idol.

    Bakit nga ba natin iniidolo ang isang tao gayung kauri lang din naman natin sila? Pare-pareho lang tayong nabubuhay at mamamatay. Pare-pareho lang ding dumudumi at iisa ang amoy ng utot, ‘íka nga ng ilan. Wala namang masama sa pag-idolo basta huwag lang sobra dahil nagmimistula na ito’ng isang panatismo. Lalabas na dios-diosan na ang  turing sa iyong kapwa tao dahil parang sinasamba mo na.


    Maaring iniidolo natin sila dahil mas matalino, mas talentado o mas mayaman sila sa atin. Sa maikling salita, mas superior sila kaysa sa atin. At ang mga nasa baba nila ay inferior. WTF! Paano kung ang lahat ng tao ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na umasenso o maging mayaman? Malamang wala ring tumitingila sa kapwa nila mayaman. Maliban na lang kung mas mayaman sila. Pero tandaang hindi naman porke’t mayaman ay idolo na ang magiging turing sa iyo. Maaaring magkaroon ka ng pakiramdam na mas nakahihigit ka sa iba. Pero hindi nangangahulugan na igagagalang ka na ng lahat. Maaaring igalang ka kapag kaharap ka nila pero pagtalikod mo ay minumura-mura ka lang ng iba. Ang pagiging kupal at hindi kupal na rin ang magdi-determina kung karapat-dapat ka nga ba sa paghanga ng iba. Baka yumaman lang dahil sa galing magmonopolyo at hindi dahil sa kahanga-hangang paraan. 
  
    Kung talino naman ang pag-uusapan, nakakabilib talaga ang mga taong may taglay na katalinuhan. Pero hindi lahat ng katalinuhan ay mabuti dahil merong din talinong ginagamit sa katarantaduhan. Katulad ng ilang pulitiko natin na ang talino ay ginagamit sa korapsyon. Pero huwag masyadong pakabilib sa matatalino dahil maaari nila tayong maisahan. Hindi lahat ng pagpapasya ay dapat na iasa sa kanila. Dahil naniniwala ako na lahat tayo ay may kakayahang mag-isip para sa sarili natin. Ang buhay sa mundo naman ay hindi pataasan ng IQ at paramihan ng nalalaman. Dahil wala namang tao sa mundo na nalalaman ang lahat ng bagay. Kanya-kanya lamang tayo ng espelisasyon. May alam ako na hindi mo alam o alam mo na hindi ko alam. Ano ba ‘yun?
                        
                             Philippine Idol April Boy Regino

    Siyempre, hindi mawawala na kaya tayo humahanga sa kapwa tao natin ay dahil sa mas maganda o guwapo sila sa atin. Natural na lang ito dahil iba talaga ang pang-halina ng mga may kaayang-ayang hitsura kaysa wala. Pero sabi nga, lahat naman ng tao ay may hitsura. Ýung iba nga lang ay ‘di mo maintindihan ang hitsura. Pero para sa mga nanay, walang pangit na anak lahat ‘yan ay guwapo at magaganda. Kapag nagsabi kasi ng pangit e ‘di parang pinintasan na rin nila ang kanilang mga sarili. Mas prayoridad ng lipunan ang may hitsura. Mas madaling matanggap sa trabaho ang may hitsura. Mas madaling makagaanan ng loob ang may hitsura. Mas madaling makakuha ng mangingibig ang may hitsura. At ang walang hitsura ay madalas na ma-itsapuwera!
  Kaya naman ang iba sa atin ay nagkandarapa sa pagsunod sa idolo nilang artista. Kulang na lang manghalik ng puwet dahil sa sobrang paghanga. Lahat ng palabas ng mga artista, mapa-pelikula man o telebisyon ay talaga namang tinututukan. Pasalamat na lang ang mga artista dahil mayroong mga tagahangang kagaya nila dahil kung hindi ay wala rin silang hanapbuhay. Kay sarap namang trabaho kumikita ka na tapos bidang-bida ka pa.

     Ayos lang siguro ‎‎yun dahil may pakinabang naman sila. Ang magbigay-aliw sa mga tao. Lalo na ngayon na samu’t sari ang ating mga problema. Panoorin lang natin sila ay malilibang na tayo. Kaya dapat pala paramihin pang lalo ang mga programa sa telebisyon na nagtatatampok ng mga artistang kumakanta at sumasayaw. Para naman magising tayo isang umaga na wala na tayong problema. Dahil lahat ng ating atensyon ay nasa kanila na. Pero tandaan na bawas-bawasan ang pag-idolo sa mga celebrity dahil baka mauwi pa ito sa obsesyon. Maging stalker ka pa ng wala sa oras. Kung hindi naman ay sumunod ka sa kasabihang ‘Kill your idol’. Katulad ng ginawa ng isang tagahanga ni John Lennon na binaril siya dahil sa sobrang paghanga.

    Paano kung ang lahat ng tao ay ipinanganak na pare-parehong maganda ? May pangit pa ba na hahanga sa mga may magagandang mukha ? Gayung hindi naman kayo nagkakalayo ng hitsura. Ang itinuturing nating namumukod-tangi ay magiging pangkaraniwan na lang. Hindi na attractive sa atin ang may mapuputing kulay gaya ng mga kaibigan nating mga Amerikano, Briton at iba pa. Karaniwan lang sila sa bansa nila pero pagdating dito sa atin ang iba ay nagiging modelo at artista pa. Malakas din ang dating sa atin ng mga may halong dugo. Half Pinoy/half Pinay? Hindi na rin mabibighani ang puti sa mga Pinay na may kayumangging kulay. Hay, natural alng yata sa atin na kung ano ang wala ay  ‘yun ang hinahanap o inaasam natin.

    Mabuti pa siguro na ang sarili na lang natin mismo ang maging idol. Tutal naman marami ang mga taong bilib na bilib sa sarili. Paano mga idol, babayu!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Tips on How to Become a Travel Blogger


 Are you dreaming to become a travel blogger? Because you think it is cool and a lot of fun. But it is not just easy to that; you have to consider some things before you fulfil that dream. Of course, you should ask yourself first if you’re already ready to travel to the places that you never see before. You should also know that you have a passion for travel. If yes, this will help you to ignite your desire. It is hard to do something if you don’t love it.


You don’t need expensive gadgets to become a travel blogger. Even camera cellphones could be use in your travel. Just make sure that it has a clear shot or else you’re just wasting your time. It is better if you bring lap top while you’re travelling. So, you can write faster what’s in your head.  Like what’s your first impression about the place. You could also make a research about the historical background of the place. Know why is it became a tourist attraction.

Of course, before you travel know the exact location of your destination. Not only that, know also where do you stay. If possible, choose the affordable hotel or just rent a transient house to save some money. If you have an extra budget, you could hire a tour guide. But if you don’t have excess money; just ask the locals there what are their beautiful places and how to go there.

When you’re mingle to the local, you should always be kind and respectful to get their cooperation. You should also know about their tradition like what kind of clothes they are wearing; what food they are eating and do they have a festivity? Like in Bacolod they have a Maskarra Festival. In terms of food; they are very popular because of their chicken inasal or roosted chicken.

Being a travel blogger has also a prize if you’re become a successful in this field. Not only because you will enjoy from travelling, but you would also earn some money from the advertisement in your blog. But of course, it depends to the volume of your traffic or if you have sponsors who are willing to pay you. There are times that you could stay at hotel for free and they would also shoulder expense your travel expenses. I knew also a travel blogger who had given a chance to travel in abroad because of his blog.
   

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Burnham Park: A Great Place in Baguio City


              Burnham Park also known as "the mother of all parks" and one of the best parks in the Philippines. It has it's own mark and identity. Tourist love this park because of it's beautiful landscape and cold weather. Of course, you will find it in Baguio City that’s why the weather is really cool. That’s the difference of Burnham Park to the other parks.

            This is not just a typical park because it has a man made lagoon. You can rent a boat here for 100 pesos per hour. It's okay for them even if you’ll exceed for a few minutes. You can choose what kind of boat and designs that you want. While boating, it is good to feel the breeze of the wind. For sure, you’ll be relaxed with the atmosphere of the river. Don’t worry, it is easy to use the paddle of the boat. You don’t need a lot of effort when you use it.  

            Aside from boating, you can also have a picnic here. You can buy foods from the food stalls or to the vendor here. Name what you want and you will get it. You can also buy pasalubong for your friends and family. Either it is delicacies and souvenir items like the famous barrel man. If you have kids, they can also play kites here. The park will serve them as a playground. You just need to look after your child all the time if you don’t want them to lose or might confront an accident. We knew that children are so naughty.

            There's also a bike rental here. It is open for children and even to adults. All you have to do is to choose between single bike or a bike with sidecar. You can rent it for 50 pesos per hour.

           Of course, Burnham Park is also a perfect place for a romantic date. You don’t need to expense a big amount of money just to make your partner to be happy. We knew that park is a great place for lovebirds because aside from it is relaxing; you can also feel freedom from within. If you already went here, you know what I mean. But if you haven't been in here and have a plan to go in Baguio, don’t forget to visit Burnham Park to see one of the best place in Baguio City!