Marlet Badeo

Online Auction: A Crowded Competition But Fewer Audience

2011-08-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

While the Philippines continues to have new start-ups in the online auction industry, the competition has become less and less, not because of the dominance of a certain site but due to fewer audiences- few participants, bidders and auctioneers.

Currently, the Philippines has about 10 sites competing for a few customers. The list is as follows:
1. Sulit.com
2. eBay Philippines
3. Bidshot
4. AyosDito
5. Pisobid
6. Buy & Sell
7. Auction.ph
8. OLX
9. Foreclosure Philippines
10. Top Gear

The last catering only to the property and gadgets respectively. Sulit has overtaken eBay Philippines in the race while Bidshot is catching up to make the triumvirate. The popularity of online auction business model is having competition in the form of group buying- commonly called daily deals in layman's term. The Philippines has 54 deal sites as of last count. More sites are still coming.

On The Campaign Trail

2010-02-22T19:53:00.001-08:00

Hitting the trail at the PMP proclamation rally of Joseph Estrada at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila February 9, 2010.

My next assignment was Central Visayas - Bohol and Cebu for the NP sorties. Since my boss is a guest candidate of many parties, campaign staffers have to be divided to attend their motorcades and rallies. The Bohol and Cebu sorties are very exhausting considering the distance that we have to travel between the two provinces.

But it was thrilling to see the beautiful spots of Bohol where we had lunch at the Loboc river cruise. With no rest, we hit the road again to the upland towns leading us to Carmen town where the majestic Chocolate Hills are found. We climbed up the highest viewing spot on top of a hill, the view was really amazing.

The next day we have to go back to Cebu to prepare for the 2-day motorcade and the grand rally on the last day.

A Letter to OAM Blogger

2009-11-09T21:08:00.001-08:00

Hi!

With a population nearing the 100 million mark, the Philippines would still be competitive in terms of manpower source - more than 1/3 of the U.S. and almost 1/7 of Europe.

Our success will depend on our ability to teach correctly our school age children in elementary and high school in English communication arts and other major languages and how our college students become proficient speakers in every language.

The contact center basically depends on communication in which language is a great barrier. Language proficiency and skills in technical support should be our main concern to sustain our advantage. Plus, we have to increase knowledge workers in graphic arts, medical and legal transcription, engineering and accounting as an added features for our supremacy in customer care.

Cooperation of LGUs should also be given importance. We should look at them as partners in developing regional outsourcing hubs in the 17 regions. Graduates of local universities should be given the chance of training in contact centers in the hubs. The hub administration should connect with DepEd's division offices to scout for potential trainees starting at the elementary level to high school. In this way, we will have steady pool of talents in the outsourcing industry. Therefore, sustaining our top position in the global scene.

Thanks. More power to you.

2009-09-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

Plurk Updates

2009-09-10T23:38:00.001-07:00

Plurk.com

Jamie Magazine

2009-08-17T07:55:00.001-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More jamie oliver

Aceh

2009-04-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Aceh (Nanggröe Aceh Darussalam)

Capital: Banda Aceh

Regencies:

· Aceh Besar

· Aceh Jaya

· Bireuen

· East Aceh

· Gayo Lues

· Nagan Raya

· North Aceh

· Pidie

· Pidie Jaya

· Simeulue

· South Aceh

· Southeast Aceh

· Southwest Aceh

· West Aceh

Cities:

· Banda Aceh

· Langsa

· Lhokseumawe

· Sabang

· Subulussalam

Regions of Sumatra Island

2009-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

North Sumatra (Sumatera Utara)

Capital: Medan

Regencies:
• Asahan
• Batubara
• Dairi
• Deli Serdang
• Humbang Hasundutan
• Karo
• Labuhan Batu
• South Labuhan Batu
• North Labuhan Batu
• Langkat
• Mandailing Natal
• Nias
• West Nias
• South Nias
• North Nias
• Padang Lawas
• North Padang Lawas
• Pakpak Bharat
• Samosir
• Serdang Bedagai
• Simalungun
• South Tapanuli
• Central Tapanuli
• North Tapanuli
• Toba Samosir

Cities:
• Binjai
• Gunung Sitoli
• Medan
• Padang Sidempuan
• Pematangsiantar
• Sibolga
• Tanjung Balai
• Tebing Tinggi

Concept of Government in the Republic of Indonesia

2009-04-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

First Level: Regencies & Cities

Second Level: District

Third Level: Kampung

Kampung or called by any other name is the legal community unit which has the authority to organize and manage the interests of the local community based on the local origin and customs acknowledged in the national administration system and is located within the Regency/City Area;

Kampung Consultative Body or called by any other name is a group of people forming one unit comprising various elements within the Kamung and elected and acknowledged by the local people to give suggestions and consideration to Kampung Govenment;

B. The Distribution of Powers

This section looks at the distribution of powers between the central

and local governments. First, I will describe the different levels of

governments the law recognises. I will, then, look at the distribution of

powers itself. Next, I will look at the impact of the lack of a

comprehensive mode of conflict resolution. Finally, I will look at other

shortcomings of the Regional Autonomy Law.

1. The different levels of government

The hierarchy of authorities or governments in Indonesia is very

complex. The good thing for those who are familiar with the present

hierarchy is that the new laws bring no fundamental change in the

hierarchy itself. The basic hierarchical structure remains the same, with

only one institution changing its name. For the benefit of those not

familiar with the Indonesian hierarchy, let me briefly introduce it.

At the top is the Central Government, which the law simply refers

to as the Government.32 Every other level of government is referred to as

a regional government (pemerintah daerah). There are many levels, but

the only important ones for our purposes are the Provinces (Propinsi or

Provinsi),33 headed by a governor; and one level below them,34 either the

regency (kabupaten),35 in rural areas, headed by the regent (bupati) or the

city (kota)36, in urban areas, headed by a mayor (walikota).37 In fact, as

we have seen, these are the only levels of regional government that are

constitutionalised by the recent amendment to the Constitution.38 Then, at

the very local level in rural areas are the villages (desa).39 For our

purposes, we need not describe the other levels of government between the

regency and the village.40

It should also be noted that the province, in addition to being an

autonomous region, is also an administrative territory for the Central

Government.41 This means that the governor is both the head of an

Airline Losses

2009-04-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

2009 First Quarter Losses of Airlines

American Airlines
$375M

Delta Airlines
$794M

Air France-KLM
$687

Factors That Affect Local Tourism

2009-02-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

While the Philippines is considered having unlimited tourist destinations compared to its counterparts in the ASEAN Region, we lagged behind in terms of tourism arrival as compared to such small city-state as Singapore and now beaten by Vietnam.

Here are some of the limiting factors that contribute to this dismal performance:

inadequacy of hotel accommodation
lack of flights into the country
lack of information abroad about the country
negative perception about the Philippines abroad
limited number of developed tourism destinations
poor infrastructure and connectivity in local travel

The government is doing nothing to solve these problems.

Job Losses in the Aviation Industry

2009-02-21T00:11:00.000-08:00

Airbus
Toulouse-based Airbus planned a 10,000 job cuts across its plants in Europe with 4,300 already done in France, 3,700 in Germany, 1,600 in Britain and 400 in Spain. Half of the cuts will come from within the 56,000-strong Airbus work force.

Thomas Enders - CEO

Beechcraft Corporation
The maker of King Air aircraft has cut 2,300 workers last year and some 500 this year due slowdown in the economy.

Jim Schuster - CEO

Boeing
The Chicago-based Boeing Company is cutting some 10,000 jobs due to economic downturn.

W. James McNerney, Jr. - CEO

Bombardier Aerospace
Canadian Bombardier Aerospace is expected to shed off 1,360 employees, equivalent to 4.5% of its workforce 28,104 employees

Guy Hachey - President & CEO

Cessna Aircraft
Wichita, Kansas-based Cessna Aircraft Company laid-off 4,600 workers from its global workforce of 15,000.

Jack J. Pelton - CEO

Embraer
Brazil's Embraer is cutting jobs by 20% of its workforce from its more or less 23,800 employees, roughly equivalent to 4,760 individuals to loose their jobs at the planemaking company.

Frederico Fleury Curado - President & CEO

Dog Fights in the Air

2009-02-20T22:49:00.001-08:00

The current turbulence in the airline industry worldwide is like a whirlwind spinning around and hitting everything on its path. Lucky for those airlines not on its way, and bad for those that stood its path.

Some airlines are closing shops, other entrants are trying out a fight, but still few others survive in the dog fight.

While western airlines are going into bankruptcy, amazingly some Asian airlines are in expansion mood especially Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian airlines. In Middle East, Gulf Air, Ethihad Airways, Qatar Airlines and many others have gone shopping spree for new aircrafts to add on to its fleet. In South East Asia, our own Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are also on expansion mood with new orders. This is indicative that the future of travel industry and even economic upswing, is in Asia. In the next decades, economic development will be centered in Asia - from Middle East countries to South Asia, onto Southeast Asia and East Asia. The future may belong to us in Asia.

Economies of these countries are getting stronger that even developing nations have bright prospects in the future. Since people is a factor in the travel and airline industry, the combined population of these regions is equivalent to about 80% of the world's population.

Think of China (East Asia), India (South Asia), Indonesia (Southeast Asia) and Iran (Middle East). These are countries with high population and they are future customers for travel and airline companies. Europe's and U.S.'s market population could not even match China's market population. Their low birth rate is something that airline companies have to look into the future of their business. They may seem to be of high income but recession like this have immediate impact on their travel appetite. No wonder, recession has affected greatly airlines worldwide.

But looking at a country's own market population, some airlines such as Singapore Airlines is now downsizing in capacity due to lack of passengers coming from let's say, U.S., Canada, Australia and U.K. which has been traditionally its bases of foreign market (travellers) to Asia. Since Singapore have no market population to support its own and to offset the losses in traffic from abroad, Singapore Airlines is now experiencing a turbulence and is cutting capacity. Singapore's open-skies policy with its many air agreements in many countries did not help the state airline.

The airline depended only on foreign tourists to the city-state and other transit passengers coming and going to Asia from America, Australia and New Zealand and Europe. Badly enough, with the new ASEAN Single Aviation Market, it is heading for another competition. This time, fighting a dog fight in the ASEAN airlanes with low-cost giant carriers such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Singapore's very Tiger Airways.

With the advent of low-cost airlines and the people's taste to fly cheap, some premium airlines are doomed to fold in the future if they will not recreate themselves.

Cutting Capacity Strategy
Some airlines are now leasing and selling their planes to cut capacity. This measure is a painful one not only to the airlines but to its workers as well - as massive lay-offs will be the result. Halting already established routes can be considered a wastage of the resources employed during its development.

Codeshare
One of the options to cutting capacity should be code-sharing with the losing airline giving in more to the profitable partner or partners through sharing of the operation of planes and of profits. Never mind the image at stake if you are aiming to survive in the competition.

Wet Lease
Another option is wet-leasing the aircraft to a would-be partner airline in countries where domestic market is raw or developed especially those with high-density population. The Philippines domestic air travel is increasing but our domestic airlines have fewer aircrafts to serve the high volume of travel especially during peak season. Losing airlines should partner with Cebu Pacific by offering their aircrafts for wet-lease and sharing the profits too, while Cebu Pacific waits for its orders to come. Maybe Cebu Pacific should try this option too to meet domestic demand. This will be a win-win solution for losing airlines. They should not allow their aircrafts to stay idle amid increasing traffic in countries where demand for travel is high.

The Demand
Last December for example, I was booking a flight from Manila to Tacloban on the 23rd of December. The nearest open date on that day was 28th which means that all flights of Cebu Pacific were fully-booked and there were so many passengers anxious to get a seat. Cebu Pacific should have arranged an extra plane from other airlines to meet customers' demand. I'm pretty sure that this summer will be another queing event in all ticket counters of all airlines with so many passengers turning back sorry. The Philippines domestic travelers are estimated at 50 million annually with island travel to be between 30-40 million.

Archipelagic countries such as Indonesia and Philippines are good destinations to operate airlines because people have to hop island to island to get to their city destinations. This is the reason why Cebu Pacific has been successful on its operation of low-cost business model. The hybrid carriers that operated in Indonesia was not as successful though. Adam Air folded because of its hybrid strategy (low-cost/economy/De Luxe) seats. The other is Lions Air and still operating but losing. AirAsia Indonesia has tried its luck and it's profitable with low-cost fare offering. Malaysia-based Air Asia is operating the Air Asia brand in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia with destinations all over Southeast Asia. This is the model that Cebu Pacific is probably emulating except for brand distribution.

Cebu Pacific

2009-02-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Cebu Pacific, the challenger of Philippine Airlines is gaining foothold in the Philippine domestic market chopping a market share of 45.6% in 2008 - up 2.6% from last year. It has flown in 2008 some 5.4 million passengers, half a million more than PAL and PAL Express combined. PAL flew a total of 4.9 million only. PAL sister Air Philippines carried 913,570 passengers. Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit) shared the market with 374,145 passengers while Seair flew 217,885 passengers.

By this year, Cebu Pacific is hoping to fly some 9 million passengers with new deliveries of fresh-from-the-plant aircraft from Airbus and ATR and mounting flights to new domestic and international destinations, in additional to more frequencies of its domestic routes.

I am exciting about this massive build-up of Cebu Pacific's fleet that will match PAL's dominance in the local airline industry. PAL has been slow in opening new missionary routes while Cebu Pacific has been aggressive in trying out new local destinations. Cebu Pacific is leader in developing the local market through its low fare strategy. This is actually benefitting other airlines because Pinoys are now realizing that air travel is no longer the domain of the rich - as the catchy motto of Cebu Pacific says: Now every Juan can fly!

Imagine an air fare that is even lower than bus fare! Filipinos is used to travelling by bus as the whole archipelago is interconnected through the so-called nautical highways, the oldest being in the eastern seaboard from Luzon to the Samar-Leyte connection onto Mindanao. But the lowering of ticket price has made Filipinos think of flying and travelling.

In my workplace alone, where everybody get to have an annual vacation (actually in group), we benefit from the low prices of Cebu Pacific. And as I or we wait for the opening of Manila-Basco fligh, we wonder why is it so very expensive to fly to Batanes. The other airlines are not dropping their fare not only to afford travellers to fly but to help domestic tourism of Batanes. If more people could afford a Manila-Basco air travel, more tourism will visit Batanes and that something for the local economy.

If Cebu Pacific will mount a flight, surely, we will be the first to fall in line. In fact, I have been calling their office - as they have announced in print that they will serve Basco, to inquire when they will mount such flight. We have already a picture of Batanes as featured in movies and in newspapers but as the saying goes: To see is to believe.

So, I am waiting till then.

ASEAN Travel and Tourism Competition

2008-09-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

If we are to catch Thailand in tourism, we have to get to work seriously in many different fronts - from tri-media campaigns to online and multimedia campaigns, from luring high-end investors overseas to caring for our local investors in tourism estates, from looking at local aviation policies to

News for a price

2008-06-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

The latest kidnapping drama that has happened in Indanan, Sulu has unleashed some realities in both political and economic life in this part of the country – that of an extreme economic deprivation of peoples on the island and the unwillingness of our public officials to resolve with dispatch this armed conflict and disarm kidnap-for-ransom groups in some parts of Mindanao.

Foremost, we have to distinguish what is a legitimate demand from an illegal extortion. The movement to establish an Islamic State is a legitimate demand while asking money for the freedom of kidnapped victims is an illegal extortion activity. When kidnap-for-ransom is the activity, that is plain banditry which should be banished on the face of the earth. But when the demand is a legitimate one, to establish an Islamic State, we should listen seriously and find solutions. I suggest federalism.

But we have to uphold the Constitution and both Christians and Muslims have the duty protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is only one Republic and that is the Republic of the Philippines and no other. Armed groups seeking for independence are hoping that someday they will have their homeland.

Of course, they have it now! They are autonomous in terms of running their own government in the Autonomous Government of Muslims in Mindanao commonly known as ARMM region. In fact, they are so special unlike their counterparts in other regions of the country.

One problem is that some of their elected leaders do not know how to run properly their government or improve good governance in their respective LGU. From the Public Administration point of view, some local government officials are incapable of running their government because if they do, then they are as much as prosperous as any other LGUs elsewhere in the country. There is correlation between good governance, peace and order, investment, economic development and progress. In the absence of these factors, poverty will become the resultant effect and that is a vicious cycle.

We have been told stories about massive poverty in Mindanao based on some media accounts. During presscon upon arrival at the airport, from the very mouth of the victim Ces Drilon, we can see that lack of economic opportunities such as jobs, livelihood or capital are some reasons why these people resort to kidnapping to earn a living. The other reason we can discern from her statement is surely lack of education. But what is our National Government or Regional Government is doing as far as economic opportunities and education is concerned? We see very little.

The National Government has never given much attention to these areas because it is more focused on some “exclusive areas” such as economic zones, freeport zones, export processing zones, and etcetera for its development programme. There is much bias when it comes to Mindanao especially in the Muslim dominated areas. We have no concrete nationally initiated development program for let’s say, Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi area.

For me, these areas have the potential to become an economic powerhouse considering its proximity to the Borneo island which is a big export market for products and services. This is not to mention tourism potential of these islands which can actually produce thousands of jobs for its people. But first, they have to be peaceful and kidnapping-free to earn the confidence and trust of local and foreign tourists. I for one, is much fascinated about visiting these islands in the Sulu Archipelago but I cannot compromise my safety versus my itchiness to travel or engage in political campaign works.

Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi can be converted into a Islamic financial center of the Philippines and Southeast Asia with Sulu playing as the hub to even the spill over effect of development. Being majority Muslim, the region can take advantage of investments or capital from the Middle East and other Arab countries to pour into the region and use it for development. Tawi-tawi should be made to become an industrial center for consumer products that will be exported to Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak states of Malaysia, and East, South, West and North Kalimantan provinces of Indonesia.

Until this is done, because words are easier than done, people in Basilan, Sulu or Tawi-tawi will have to endure the crippling poverty and joblessness – and maybe at some point resort to kidnapping (Allah forbids!) But if there is political will on the part of our leaders from the government both at the national and local level, this idea is not a hard-to-sell proposition and far fetch.

Coalition for a Citizens' Constitution

2008-05-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

A Citizens' Constitution?

Yes, it's a dream for the ordinary folks!

Why a citizens' constitution? Because the current constitution contains elitist provisions and it does not mirror of what the real Philippines is and neither provides flexibility to adopt current situations.

A citizen's constitution is one that can be relevant and have the ability to suit the need of time.

The Coalition for a Citizens' Constitution has come to the rescue - leading the way in reformulating the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Graft and Corruption

2007-07-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Graft – in government, the act of an elective or appointive public official, an officer or employee, in demanding or accepting cash or anything of monetary value, from a person or entity, the end result of which causes in the corruption of government laws, rules and regulations, policies or corruption of normal systems and procedures in a government office and institution.

Corruption – in government, it is the effect of systemic disruption and the alteration of the normal operation of a public office or institution due to the occurrence or influence of authority or power that results in the violation of governmental laws, rules and regulations or policies thereby inducting other elective or appointive public official, an officer or employee to commit graft.

2001 Senatorial Election

2007-05-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

2001 Senatorial Election

Noli De Castro [1] 16,237,386
Juan Flavier 11,735,897
Sergio Osmeña III 11,593,389
Franklin Drilon 11,301,700
Joker Arroyo 11,262,402
Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. 11,250,677
Manuel Villar 11,187,375
Francis Pangilinan 10,971,896
Edgardo Angara 10,805,177
Panfilo Lacson 10,535,559
Luisa Ejercito-Estrada 10,524,130
Ralph Recto 10,480,940
Gregorio Honasan [2] 10,454,527
Juan Ponce Enrile 9,677,209
Miriam Defensor-Santiago 9,622,742
Ricardo Puno 8,701,205
Wigberto Tañada 8,159,836
Orlando Mercado 7,395,092
Roberto Pagdanganan 7,185,415
Ernesto Herrera 6,801,861
Solita Monsod 6,728,728
Santanina Rasul 5,222,490
Jamby Madrigal 5,043,043
Liwayway Vinzons-Chato 4,831,501
Perfecto Yasay 4,557,364
Ombra Tamano 3,548,480
Reuben Canoy 3,542,460
Homobono Adaza 770,647

1995 Senatorial Election

2007-05-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

1995 Senatorial Election

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 5,745,741
Raul Roco 12,509,736
Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. 11,862,458
Franklin Drilon 11,032,476
Juan Flavier 10,748,528
Miriam Defensor-Santiago 9,497,231
Sergio Osmeña III 9,390,935
Francisco Tatad 9,146,951
Gregorio Honasan [1] 8,968,616
Marcelo Fernan 8,762,235
Juan Ponce Enrile 8,701,191
Anna Dominique Coseteng 8,700,278
Ramon Mitra 8,650,618
Rodolfo Biazon 8,587,338
Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. 8,522,148
Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. 8,168,768
Arturo Tolentino 7,726,006
Ramon Fernandez 3,572,604
Rosemarie Arenas 3,178,837
Manuel C. Roxas 2,455,764

१९९८ सेनातोरिअल Election

2007-05-04T01:24:00.000-07:00

1998 Senatorial Election

Loren Legarda 14,933,965
Renato Cayetano 13,177,584
Vicente Sotto III 11,520,678
Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. 10,227,765
Robert Barbers 9,768,045
Rodolfo Biazon 9,352,964
Blas Ople 9,278,448
John Henry Osmeña 9,242,652
Robert Jaworski 8,968,616
Ramon Revilla 8,683,500
Teofisto Guingona 7,325,343
Teresa Aquino-Oreta 7,238,086
Roberto Pagdanganan 6,938,178
Ruben Torres 6,923,821
Edcel Lagman 6,831,441
Santanina Rasul 6,695,955
Rolando Andaya 5,722,871
Roberto F. de Ocampo 5,663,401
Haydee Yorac 4,618,565
Lisandro Abadia 5,426,378
Ricardo Gloria 4,589,190
Ramon Bagatsing Jr. 4,540,475
Freddie Webb 4,514,475
Hernando Perez 4,336,969
Reynante Langit 3,930,085
Raul Daza 2,995,851
Miguel Luis Romero 2,781,973
Charito Plaza 2,433,272
Roy Señeres 1,165,455
Adolfo Geronimo 871,518
Hadja Putri Zorayda Tamano 855,738
Roberto Sebastian 721,824
Jose Villegas 608,186
Renato Garcia 554,818
David Castro 436,779
Ludovico Badoy 388,465
Oliver Lozano 352,037
Abraham Iribani 319,410
Eduardo Bondoc 202,217
Fred Henry Marallag 106,496

Philippine Regions

2007-04-02T02:47:00.001-07:00

CAR - Cordillera Autonomous Region
Abra
Apayao
Benguet
Ifugao
Kalinga
Mountain Province

Region I - Ilocos Region
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
La Union
Pangasinan

Region II - Cagayan Valley Region
Batanes
Cagayan
Isablea
Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino

Region III - Central Luzon Region
Aurora
Bataan
Bulacan
Nueva Ecija
Pampanga
Tarlac
Zambales

Region IV A - Calabarzon Region
Batangas
Cavite
Laguna
Quezon
Rizal

Region IV B - Mimaropa Region
Marinduque
Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro
Palawan
Romblon

Region V - Bicol Region
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Catanduanes
Masbate
Masbate
Sorsogon

Region VI - Western Visayas Region
Aklan
Antique
Capiz
Guimaras
Iloilo
Occidental Mindoro

Region VII - Central Visayas Region
Bohol
Cebu
Oriental Mindoro
Siquijor

Region VIII - Eastern Visayas Region
Biliran
Eastern Visayas
Leyte
Northern Samar
Samar
Southern Leyte

Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula Region
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga Sibugay

Region X - Northern Mindanao Region
Bukidnon
Camiguin
Lanao del Norte
Misamis Occidental
Misamis Oriental

Region XI - Southern Mindanao Region
Compostela Valley
Davao del Norte
Davao del Sur
Davao Oriental

Region XII - Socsksargen Region
North Cotabato
Sarangani
South Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat

Caraga
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Dinagat Islands
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur

ARMM
Basilan
Lanao del Sur
Maguindanao
Shariff Kabunsuan
Sulu
Tawi-tawi

2007 Panagbenga Festival

2007-02-27T01:55:00.000-08:00

This year's Panagbenga flower festival lacks the luster the previous ones had.

Though, there were some 37 floats parading on the second day, politicians spoiled the event which was not in the first place aimed at showcasing clowns and jogglers but an event that's supposed to depict the cultures and traditions of the Cordillerans like the Igorots. The float parade was ruined with the participation of some politicians as they disrupted the flow of the participating entries parading their well conceptualized floats. Some rode their own floats while some on horses.

Another thing is, the organizers should have made the street dancing and float parade more authintic by sticking to original concept depicting their mode of clothing, dancing movement and more likely their kind of people that they are. Not the fair skinned ones with their spaghetti strapped western-style gowns and skimpy dresses waving to the crowds. The street dancing and float parade should not be made like a pageant-type presentation. They should stick to what is Cordillera, the people, the culture and their way of life!

I understand, that this basic dance of Cordillera people has a variety of movements of the hand depending on the kind of tribe. A Kankana-ey friend from Mankayan, Benguet has explained to me that the movement of hand differs from tribe to tribe. The Kankana-eys has different hand movement than their fellow Ibalois. This is what the organizers should present to the tourists for them to appreciate and learn the dance movement and for them to understand what they see. They should not adulterate the culture with modern and western style of dancing. That is not what I intend to see when I go up to Baguio every year since 2000. The organizers should take pains in letting the audience or crowd of tourists understand what is being presented to them.

The traditional way of their clothing should not also be mixed with modern clothing. It should be authintic as it is. I think the organizers should hire creative artists who have extinsive knowledge about the local traditions and cultures of the Cordillera tribes.

2004 Senatorial Election

2007-02-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

Candidates Total
Roxas, Mar 19,372,888
Revilla, Bong, Jr. 15,801,531
Pimentel, Aquilino Jr. 13,519,998
Madrigal, Jamby A.S. 13,253,692
Gordon, Richard J. 12,707,151
Cayetano, Pia S. 12,542,054
Defensor-Santiago, Miriam 12,187,401
Lim, Alfredo S. 11,286,428
Enrile, Juan P. 11,191,162
Estrada, Jinggoy E. 11,094,120
Lapid, Lito M. 10,970,941
Biazon, Rodolfo G. 10,635,270
Barbers, Robert Z. 10,624,585
Maceda, Ernesto M. 9,944,328
Osmeña, John R. 9,914,179
Mercado, Orlando S. 8,295,024
Jaworski, Robert S. 6,921,425
Anson-Roa, Boots C. 5,873,845
Tatad, Francisco F. 5,718,740
Alvarez, Heherson T. 4,791,085
Herrera, Ernesto F. 4,612,036
Yasay, Perfecto Jr. R. 4,408,808
Chavez, Frank I. 4,286,838
Padilla, Carlos M. 3,863,693
Escudero, Salvador III H. 3,780,469
Rasul, Amina T. 3,456,480
Sonza, Jay Y. 2,839,442
Hussin, Parouk S. 2,821,522
Dilangalen, Didagen P. 2,222,069
Mauricio, Melanio Jr. L. 1,144,279
Pilapil, Pilar V. 692,137
Joson, Eduardo Nonato N. 631,041
Ilarde, Edgar U. 527,865
Gatmaytan, Nicanor Jr. B. 453,693
Coo, Olivia G. 338,846
Lozano, Oliver O. 238,272
Almirante, Alvin Alvincent G. 206,097
Montaño , Ramon E. 159,735
Usop, Matuan A. 137,376
Rosario, Angel C. 98,932
Aparri, Ismael D. 97,430
Nueva, Norma C. 96,129
Borja, Carmen X. 95,755
Decampong, Pendatun M. 94,713
Del Mundo, Gerardo A. 88,962
Fajardo, El Cid C. 79,471
Pagunuran, Iderlina P. 59,712
Estuita, Arturo V. 39,094

Saturday Night Out

2007-02-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

It's a boring night!

Oh, but thanks to my new friends. Actually, some great guys - Mike and Rboy. Mike's Anthony's friend and Rboy's Mike's friend. This guy Rboy plays great in billiard, like a future champion to be. You know Filipinos are great on this game, the likes of Bata Reyes and others.

So we went to Uncle Tats, because it bores me anymore and Anthony at Sarah's. The ever, gosh they don't have cold beer. Again? Don't ask that question anymore. Sarah's would never be Sarah's if it change its policy not to offer "ice." How much that cost huh?

Anyway, after a single round, off we went to Uncle Tats - my second. I couldn't remember anymore when was the last time I went here. 'Twas when I was still working at the Quezon City City Hall. This place is just a stone's throw from the city hall. We went here after a busy day in the office one night with some friends.

Revelation, but Jboy plays great in billiard. We were in fact taunting him, especially me, the usually skeptic kind of person that I am. Anthony was telling me actually that he plays good in billiard. You know all that compliment he would tell me about Jboy and Mike. They are two buddies who are billiard addict I guess. I don't know. But the way they play, they are good players - but Jboy is exceptional.

We actually got into challenge while at Sarah's, with me and Jboy going to be partner and Anthony and Mike on the opposite. The first game, was Anthony and Mike winning. Second game finished....... Me and Jboy won.

On to the third game. I am by the way not into playing billiard because it's not my sport. I'm into athletics and volleyball, always joining the Senate olympics. I have already 1 silver, 2 bronzes and 2 golds courtesy of walkathon, relay and volleyball, respectively.

So we won the third game again. That's Jboy always pushing the play at angles he likes to. He coaches me the proper way of hitting the mother ball (I don't know how they call it - the white ball) and the right angle to hit the balls. So I was learning anyway. Thanks Jboy! I wouldn't forget this evening.

So until I had enough of the game, we were winning every set. Of course, this was coupled with San Mig light. Hmmmnnnnn... I never thought it to be enjoying playing billiard.

That's my Saturday evening.

Malayang Trillanes

2007-02-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

My reaction to the editorial of Malaya today......

The www.blogger.com which powers the blogspot.com sites is a foreign, privately-owned blogging site and therefore is not bounded by our laws. The Magdalo blog is not a website but a webpage. The difference and distinction of the two is that, a website needs to have a registered domain name while a "blogsite" is just a webpage that is part of the blogger.com website. Going back to blogspot, before a user is able to use the site, he/she has to become a member first by agreeing to the user's agreement - which is ordinarily a "contract" executed between the website owner and the user and this most common to public-users site, prior to posting or creating blogs. No one can edit, remove or shut down a blogspot site without the authority of the website master and the blog owner. However, the site can be filtered by local authorities just like what they do in China which recently made an international furor by shutting down or filtering legitimate sites the likes of Yahoo.com and others for what the Chinese authorities believed was threat to national security. National security? Government authorities who still have this kind of thinking must be confined to techshop for upgrade on their obsolete mindset. Gone are the days of national security paranoia with the advent of internet technology for everyone can now use the internet to express their freedom of expression as long as they do it responsibly. "Free speech" is a constitutionally guaranteed right. Expressing it through any kind of medium such as the world wide web or internet does not make it unlawful as long as it is not libelous or subersive. The contract between the owner of the Magdalo blogspot and Blogger.com is a private international contract, which is therefore outside of the AFP jurisdiction.

On the left leaning party-list joining the political arena and electoral contest, I predict that one day we will wake in surprise with the "communist" or "socialist" - whatever we call them, running the government. I don't care if that happens. What I care most and that my biggest concer is if that communist or socialist leader is just like the present crop of democrat leaders - corrupt. My analysis is that there are two strategies now being employed by the left, through the underground movement which is armed struggle and aboveground political action under our democratic system, to achieve socialist goal. Again, I don't whether we are socialist or democratic, although I prefer for the latter, because there is nothing significant that distinguishes one from the other but leadership, honesty and competence in serving the public.

Above ground, left leaning organizations are enjoying successes in three successive electoral contests, winning seats in congress, enjoying the "porks" for their constituents which in effect helps increase their grassroots membership thru their party-list organization. I wouldn't be surprise if one day, this party-lists will become influential political parties giving the likes of Lakas or NPC a run for their money. If these progressive party-lists will be able to organize 70% of the entire population, that's going to be a headache for mainstream politicians. This is what I believe is the military's nightmare in the making. Probably, military strategists are having increasing concerns over this thing and this is evident on direct pronouncement from the top brass urging the electorate not to vote for left leaning party-lists. The AFP should not be going to this extent lest they be accused of "electioneering." The Comelec should be the one responsible for this because they are the one responsible for churning out rules. Let's say, some party-lists are engaging in vandalism which is punishable by our laws. You can see their graffiti on walls, posts, bridges or anything they can write on or posters. Yet, come election time, they are allowed by Comelec to just get away from this offense. This maybe is one opportunity the AFP can capitalize rather than engaging itself in electioneering which is likewise an offense under our election laws and they also get away with it. Meanwhile, party-lists may continue increasing their ranks instead of doing vandals and continue their rants against shenanigans of sitting administration but it should be for the right reason. Don't just oppose the Government for the sake of opposition but rather offer alternatives for the benefit better policy-making.

For the Magdalo group and Trillanes, it is an indeed an uphill battle going against the mighty and powerful. Joining the election is one strategy to pursue your reformist idealogy and that is the freest expression. Winning is a bonus! Mabuhay!

The Manila Times Internet Edition | REGIONS > Tacloban Airport rehab delayed two more years

2007-01-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Manila Times Internet Edition REGIONS > Tacloban Airport rehab delayed two more years

2001 Senatorial Election

2006-10-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

Candidates	Total
De Castro, Noli L.	15,481,428
Flavier, Juan M.	11,079,085
Osmeña, Sergio dR.	10,928,651
Drilon, Frankling M.	10,692,011
Arroyo, Joker P.	10,643,383
Magsaysay, Ramon Jr. B.	10,605,657
Villar, Manuel B.	10,573,748
Angara, Edgardo J.	10,451,366
Pangilinan, Francis N.	10,357,610
Lacson, Panfilo M.	10,129,575
Ejercito-Estrada, Luisa	9,990,209
Honasan, Gregorio B.	9,914,345
Recto, Ralph G.	9,913,336
Enrile, Juan P.	9,184,213
Defensor-Santiago, Miriam	9,154,709
Puno, Ricardo Jr. V.	8,264,556
Tañada, Wigberto E.	7,672,595
Mercado, Orlando S.	7,029,500
Pagdanganan, Roberto M.	6,745,784
Herrera, Ernest F.	6,354,906
Monsod, Solita C.	6,274,407
Madrigal, Ma. Ana Consuelo A.S.	4,779,891
Rasul, Santanina T.	4,586,889
Chato, Liwayway V.	4,499,341
Yasay, Perfecto Jr. R.	4,349,049
Canoy, Reuben R.	3,299,926
Tamano, Ombra A.	3,115,170
Adaza, Homobono A.	723,953
Navarro, Rod B.	621,749
Morato, Manuel L.	594,087
Lozano, Oliver O.	443,887
Bajunaid, Moner M.	250,814
Chavez, Melchor G.	229,180
Sabio, Camilo L.	218,852
Nueva, Norma C.	78,531
Casil, Juan M.	67,592
Gil, Eddie	15,063

Election Modernization in the Philippines

2006-10-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

To modernize election system in the

Philippines

, the effort should be done in phases, in 2007 midterm election and in 2010 regular election. The modernization program should be implemented in two stages such as:

· First, Modernize Canvassing System in 2007

The current canvassing system and methodology in use is very archaic. As an initial step, the modernization of canvassing system shall start with the restructuring of polling and canvassing centers all over the country. This should be coupled with the incorporation of technology in the canvassing of votes and transmission of data from the polling and canvassing centers to the central hub in Manila.

Creation of Polling Center and Canvassing Center Secretariats

To modernize polling and canvassing centers, this will involve the establishment of Polling or Canvassing Center Secretariats in very polling center at the barangay level and canvassing centers at the municipal or city level, to provincial level up to national canvassing center. The goal is to centralize data and information distribution to interested parties. This method will help political parties and candidates to minimize their expense on poll watchers. Consolidation of precinct results at Polling Centers shall be summarized on barangay to barangay basis because this is much easier based on the identification of precinct numbers assigned to each barangay.

For instance, if Barangay A has five precincts numbered 1, 1-A, 2, 2-B up to 3 and Barangay B has 10 precincts numbered 4, 4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 5, 6, 6-A, 6-B, 7 up to 7-A, the results of the five precincts in Barangay A should be consolidated in summary total under Barangay A while that of the ten precincts in Barangay B should be totaled in summary under Barangay B. The results for Barangay A and B should be posted at their respective Barangay Halls in the duration of 30 days so that people will have access to this information and preempt any attempt by politicians and Comelec unscrupulous personnel to manipulate election data. Canvassing of votes at the municipal level will now be based on the summary for each barangay rather than results of individual precincts. This will make canvassing in towns and cities faster just like in the canvassing at the provincial level where the basis is based on the consolidated result in the municipal and city canvasses.

The distribution of information or data result becomes easier, since the Secretariat can provide updates and latest results from the source even before official canvass is made. Political parties will be more interested in getting unofficial result issued by Secretariat rather than wait for official data from the canvass. This will help in easing canvassing due to protests from lawyers of political parties and candidates. The only time the protest is lodged is when figures do not tally with the unofficial result secured by party watchers. Only double-checking of figures is done rather than lodging protest which is more time consuming during canvassing. This will also help preempt manipulation in the canvass result. The old method will now become modernized even without a computerized voting.

This system should be tested in the 2007 mid-term.

Provision of Computers in Polling and Canvassing Secretariat

The manual archaic system of canvassing must be aided with the use of computers to digitize election results from data storage to distribution of canvass results, to transmission of canvass results from polling centers to municipal canvass boards to provincial canvass boards up to national canvassing center and headquarters of political parties and candidates. The various stage of canvassing that is done with human intervention can be double-checked and compared with the result via electronic data transmitted since this is faster depending on the capabilities of interested political parties and candidates.

The benefits on this system are digitizing the data at source so that electronic transmission is made possible thru the internet or other means, digitized data storage can be distributed in any type of medium and modes, data comparison and correction is much easier and paper trail is easier to track than in the paper-based system only. So, even in using both the manual paper-based data and in computerized electronic data, canvassing is more modernized than in using a paper-based canvassing only. The dual system can be run and operated alongside or in parallel. It is highly probable that using both is a counter solution in case computerized system bogs down since availability of paper-based data is always possible when necessary.

In opting to provide computers in polling centers rather than choosing an automated voting and counting, still the government can modernize under this method and save a lot. This method or system should be tested in the 2007 election to prove its viability.

Security of Data and Other Electronic Media

It is much easier to transport digital files than in paper files of election results. This will enable the government to save a lot in terms of transport costs for these election paraphernalia because the government can either transport the result or transmit via electronic means. The viability of data transmission can be possible on various options under different legal environment depending on the prevailing law on data transmission.

Data security is much easier done than in the paper-based data. Transmission is secured because password control can be programmed to enable different parties to log and use their own passwords. Paper trail is possible printing a digitized file unlike in paper-based where photocopying can be done without trace. Data leakage should not be the main concern for data security but rather the protection of authentic and correct electronic data. However, this can always be counter-checked using the paper-based file. Therefore, the paper-based file is the best security protection of the election result. Manipulation of results is highly unlikely for it will involve the operation of not just one medium but two unlike in the present system where Certificate of Canvasses are easily and more vulnerable to human fraud.

· Second, Automate the Voting and Counting of Votes and Canvassing in 2010

It can be assumed that with the partial modernization initiated thru the use of computers in data storage and transmission of results, the final phase of modernization will now be done fully automated and electronically. With the first system tested, the holes found on the loop could have now been plugged and corrected.

Automated Voting and Counting of Votes

To fully automate the system, it is suggested that by 2010, the Comelec shall have been able to connect all its regional centers via a well secured network connected to the internet. The network should be capable of accepting data resources in different modes of transmission such as; thru mobile data transmission using cellular phones and mobile and manual data transmission using UHF radios.

With this system in placed in 2010, it is likely that election result nationwide can be done completely in a week or less. Thus, avoiding fraud and cheating in the conduct of canvassing and less controversies and election protests.

Savings for the Government

An automated voting and counting, saves the government in huge amount of money, in terms of fewer use of or the total absence of paper-based data and shorter canvassing time which will translate into lesser expenses. The country will then be at par with the U.S. and India in terms of modernity in conducting electoral exercise.

The Business of Arms Sales

2006-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Arms sale creates more conflict and war than it can prevent.

War is not just the presence of conflict by leaders, terrorists and other activist organizations, in-country, cross-country and a multi-nation aggression. It is likewise generated by sheer corporate greed as well by those business whose means of earning profit is nothing but sell arms to those who needs it. Never mind if kills humanity as long as it earns profit.

Conflict and wars are or can be instigated by countries whose national economic policy includes creating an industry that depends on killing humanity because they believe that conflict and war creates economic opportunities.

Arms sales worldwide is a whopping $29.16 billion dollar industry in 2003 alone or about P1.5 trillion pesos - bigger than national budget of the Philippines. That’s how big this industry is. The United States lead in the arms sales with $14.5 billion dollars in 2003 followed by the Russia with $5.9 billion and Germany with $1.4 billion. The rest comes from other arms exporting countries in ranking order such as France, Italy, China and Great Britain among others.

Armament exports includes military aircrafts, naval ships and seacrafts, missiles, tanks, rifles, military gadgets including communications equipments. Nuclear weapons and technology is prohibited for export. The limit on export of the nuclear technology forced so many countries to develop their own. This worries much the superpowers such the United States. Among developing countries which are now capable of producing nuclear arms are Pakistan and China.

In addition to arms sales, developed nations also provide export for spare parts, ammunitions, ordnance, training and support services.

Developing nations in Asia are relatively making increases in arms purchases. Asian countries such as United Arab Emirates lead among importing countries which made purchases from 1996-2003 a whopping total of $15.7 billion. This is followed by China with $13.6, Israel with $9.9 billion, Saudi Arabia with $9.4, South Korea with $8.8 billion, Malaysia with $5 billion and Pakistan with 3.8 billion.

Only South Africa entered in the column of big importing mostly Asian countries with $5.3 billion dollars in arms purchases.

It is believed that countries in the Middle East are among the biggest spender for arms stockpile. Endless border conflict is the major cause for armament stockpile preparing each country for war while terroristic and activist organizations have made their own arms stockpiles even with complicity of their own government and foreign superpowers.

In the rest of Asia such the Philippines, rebel groups have made their arms acquisitions uncontrolled despite government effort. It is widely believed that rebel groups may have acquired these arms through the back doors in Mindanao involving a third country as a shipment point.

Real Social Justice

2006-08-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it requires the presence of justice!

Where there is poverty and hunger, justice would remain elusive, mainly because of the glaring inequality of life caused by the continously widening gap between the rich and the poor. To achieve a genuinely lasting peace, at the very least, this gap should be narrowed and the poorest among us should simply live in modest life.

For me, poverty is more than the statistics of economics but a problem of relationships where members of our society need to see the importance of relating one another. That the affluent members of our society have to feel and demonstrate charity and for our policymakers to think with common sense the real needs of our people and communities.

Out of this genuine concern for the needy, it would spare them the indignity of having to beg for help, or worse, turn to crime. On a more realistic approach, churning out practical national policies to better the lives in the rural areas that would lead to improving the delivery of basic services would mean a lot of things.

In reaching out, we need to strive to provide not just money but the principle of teaching a man how to catch fish through programs and projects that would empower them economically. Therefore, we must not encourage dole-outs as it will encourage laziness and further diminish the self-worth of individuals.

Summer Vacation 2006

2006-05-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Killjoy talaga si Caloy!

Bakit naman dumating pa s'ya eh summer na summer. Ayon di ko tuloy, namin pala, na enjoy summer outing ko sa Boracay. Buti na lang kahit bitin, na extend pa rin. Hindi dahil gusto namin ma extend kundi dahil stranded kami. Doon kami inabutan ni Caloy sa pagbisita nya.

Malakas talaga instinct ko. Pag di ko feel ang trip meron talaga di maganda. Dahil barko kami pa uwi di na ako tumuloy kasi di ko type ma ulit 'yong dati. Ano 'yong dati? Dinuduyan lang naman kami ng mga waves na kasing taas ng barko. Kahit sanay ako sumakay ng bapor natakot talaga ako noong tumagilid yong barko while nagbre breakfast kami at laglag lahat halos ng mga goblets sa table. Sus, sabi ko di na ito mauulit.

Kaya kahit return trip namin eh barko (kasi nagtitipid) di na talaga ako sumabay sa ibang mga kasama who braved the risk to be able to get home. Buti na lang. I was having second thought pa naman na sumama when they were about to leave in the middle of the night going to the jettyport. Grabe pala ang biyahe nila from the island to Caticlan that evening. Medyo masama pa kasi ang panahon. Umalis ng umuulan. Sinundo sila ng ferry, di naman makalapit sa beach dahil sasadsad. Pagdating sa kabilang side, kailangan nila sumakay sa barge na may kargang bato to be able to pass from the ferry to the beach.

Pagdating naman sa jettyport, kailangan naman nila maghintay hanggang umaga dahil wala pang bapor. Sus, grabe talaga na kalbaryo nila.

Luckily, I decided not to go that evening and instead opted to ride a plane. Ok naman biyahe namin. Thanks God!

Boracay Again!

2006-05-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Boracay again? Hmnnnn... I'm just not excited on this trip.

I was more excited going to Panglao but some of our new officemates haven't gone to Boracay yet, so off we went. The old bunch of us were really batting for Panglao because we want to see the island.

I am writing this blog while waiting for the departure. I am just whiling my time. Gosh, the others have not yet arrived. The usual thing in this office. Late, late and late.

Oh God, please guide us your angel on our way. Amen!

2005... The Year That Was

2005-12-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hi! It's about the year coming to an end. Hmmmm.... what a wonderful year 2005 was!

I'm looking forward to 2006 and all the great things in store for me.

Happy New Year to all!

General Education Curriculum Approach

2005-10-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

What is a general education curriculum approach?

General education curriculum approach is a subject-based study system where each student learning online or thru correspondence courses makes an extensive research on the subject being studied as part of the course curriculum. This broader approach in subject study is much better if not the best to way to equip students with knowledge of the varying subject that matters on his chosen course. This will exploit the wide array of information available online, thus allowing students to attain high level of critical thinking.

For example, if a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration incorporates such subjects as Management, Marketing, Accounting, Sociology, Economics and etc., the student may take the initiative of concentrating first on an extensive research of information on sociology as part of the course requirements.

The course facilitator will have to test the degree of knowledge the student has at various level of study. For instance, Sociology 1, then Sociology 2 and so on until the student has mastered the study of the subject. After finishing the extensive subject study, a student maybe granted an Associate Degree in General Education which could be a stepping stone to earn a bachelors degree.

At this point, the student may either proceed to continue with the other subjects under the chosen course or shifts from his or her chosen course and proceed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. This approach is to determine whether the student is actually interested to pursue a degree in business course or that her passion is on the field of sociology.

Students in this kind of approach will be much more knowledgeable and are much more skilled than students of the present system of college learning program because they are more focused and are researched-extensive based. The present system of “labo-labo” college course curriculum is not focused and are very highly diversified.

Another thing is, presently we have a very slow paced system of learning. I made an analysis and this system is archaic. With the advent of modern technologies such as computers, internet and multi-media, these technologies are at our disposal in aiding us achieve a fast paced learning system. Why is it necessary to attend a class lecture on a daily basis for four years, when you can gain same amount of knowledge in less than a year through the use of technology.

This system and approach which was instituted centuries ago was based on the premise that then there was less sources of learning like books because there were very writers of research thesis and that students then were lead to doing experiments at that time to extract knowledge and information. The result of this experiments which was translated into thesis and authoritative books has accumulated over time and became textbooks or references and their authors are now regarded as experts or scientists. So, all these information are actually being recycled again and again except for some field of study where there is a continuing research or innovations and other discoveries.

My thesis is that, why don’t we shorten the time of college study through the use of technology so that college degrees will be given out at the very least expensive way. A wide array of information is available on the internet, so why not exploit it. Experimenting a new and radical approach such as this wouldn’t become realistic if our present obsolete-minded education officials, school officials, professors and deans sit there in the hierarchy. For the professors, that threatens their profession.

I'm Online

2005-03-22T02:32:00.000-08:00

Hmmm......

Thanks God!

Starting today, I will be online! Hey, friends buzz me up as often as you like for that very important messages you want to reach me.

So, i'm gonna wait for that! K............?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2004-12-28T03:22:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIENDS!

Hello, peeps out there! How was your christmas guys? Mine, was fine. I celebrated it in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga where my sister lives.

After noche buena, I went around and drink with my friends there.

That was it.... my christmas.

How 'bout yours?

My First Time

2004-12-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hello! Anybody home!

It's my first time in the blogworld. Hmmn, I wonder what's in store for me in this corner. Another addition to my ever growing constillation of cyber accounts making my cyberspace so constantly changing and expanding.

Anyway, just like an ordinary first time visitor, I still wander in the corners of this world of bloggers. I just hope I won't get lost on the journey. Something which I shall treasure if I like the stay.

This is my blog! Knock! Knock!

Hello! Hmnnn, I've got someone here.....

Marlet Badeo