Angelo Reyes Is Dead

This came as a total shock, I had to stop and say to myself, what in the world happened?

Early this morning, I received a text message from a colleague who told me Former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and National Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes died (or rather, committed suicide) at the Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina City.

Angelo Reyes had a gunshot wound in his chest and was proclaimed dead on arrival at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center. He was 65 years old.

Earlier, his name is included as one of those who have allegedly misused the funds of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with former Major General Carlos Garcia.

Military Plane Crash In Cotabato

A Military plane crash in Cotabato City leaves 8 people dead, according to news reports.

The plane came from Cotabato City and was supposed to be headed to Zamboanga City when the plane encountered trouble and flew in zigzag mode before it crashed a few minutes after take-off near the Urban Poor Housing Subdivision in Cotabato City.

The team of military officials killed on the crash was headed by Lieutenant General Mario Butch Lacson of the 3rd Air Division.

Breaking Even

It's a pity when your 15th and 30th salaries just come and go at the top of your palm. Better than broke, I daresay.

However, the thought of "just breaking even", without having to save for the future, should make every person uncomfortable, especially at a time when we hear that the economic recession is finally affecting the Philippines.

I am reposting a good article c/o Inquirer and Citibank, which gives us good practical points on how to save some out of our salaries:


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Q: I just turned 30 years old and realized I have been working for almost a decade and have little to show for it. I'm ashamed to say that I don't have much savings. Although I work, there doesn't seem to be enough left to set aside. What should I do?

A: Instead of waiting until there is money left after paying your bills and other expenses, do it the other way: Save first before spending a single peso from your take-home pay. This is what financial experts mean when they say “Pay yourself first.” It means treating savings as a bill which you have to prioritize over any other bill or expense. By doing this, you will be able to stash away money for your savings which would otherwise have been spent on something you think you need but actually can live without.

You may think it's easy to say but hard to do. The truth is, saving can be done by anyone. Here are five easy steps on how to build up your savings easily:

1. As soon as you receive your salary, take out a certain percentage, start with 5%, and put this in an envelope you will mark “Savings.” Live on what is left of your salary.

2. Do not touch your savings if funds are running low a few days before your next payday. Instead, adjust your spending so that your funds will be enough until payday.

3. Open a separate savings account in the bank and deposit the funds you have set aside in your “Savings” envelope.

4. Deposit to your savings account every payday to ensure that the money earmarked for your savings will not be spent.

5. Once you have built up your savings a little bit, transfer some of it to a time deposit so it can earn a higher rate of interest. Later on, you can also move some of your funds to a mutual fund or unit investment trust fund so it can possibly earn even more interest. These investments have a risk attached to them, so discuss first with the bank or financial advisor if these are right for you.

One other important thing to do is to make a budget or spending plan. Write your projected income and expenses and see where you can cut down on spending. For instance, look at how you spend for your lunch every day. If you regularly buy food, think of bringing baon lunch to work. The excess funds freed (maybe about P500 a month) may then be added to your savings.

What can you use your savings for? It can be money for your retirement. You might think that at 30, retirement is so far away. However, saving for it now can make your money grow faster for you even if you put in only a small amount of money regularly. It is due to compound interest, which lets your money earn interest on top of money that has already earned interest.

Your savings can also be your emergency fund. This should be equal to three to six months' (even more) worth of expenses, which should be helpful when sudden unforeseen events occur: a job loss, an illness, etcetera.

Savings is doable. Start today and keep at it for a long long time.

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Bike Lane

Relative to my previous article in Inquirer about motorcycles, regulations and motorcycle accidents frequently happening in the busy streets of Metro Manila, I am very glad to know that the Quezon City council, thru the initiative of Councilor Bernadette Herrera-Dy, has urged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to provide a bake lane along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

This initiative could help ensure the safety of our motorists.

Kudos to the QC Council and may the MMDA adhere to this very important matter.

Cha cha cha!

Eksklusibo!

Dalawang headlines na talaga namang magpapaindak sa iyo to the tune of CHA-CHA-CHA!

Charter Change Only 20 Votes Shy
Ito ang pahayag ni Senador Manny Villar kahapon, March 25, 2009. Sinabi rin niya na ang mga anak ni Gloria na sina Mikey at Datu ang nagsusulong nito sa kongreso.

Arroyo Behind Charter Change
Ito naman ang pahayag ni dating House Speaker Joe De Venecia ngayon para sabihing si Gloria Arroyo ang talagang utak ng Charter Change. Inamin din niya na nilapitan siya ni Mikey para hikayatin siyang sumuporta sa pangangalap ng additional votes para maisulong ang cha-cha kapalit ng pag-restore ng posisyon niya bilang House Speaker.

Cha-cha-cha!

-bow-

Simply Irresistable!

The speculation is over.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, that he has already set an agreement with Network giant ABS-CBN to telecast his upcoming fights, beginning with his May 2, 2009 fight with Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao has announced:

“Nilapitan ko po ang ABS-CBN at nagpasiyang gusto ko sila ulit maging partner. Asahan nyo po na patuloy akong magbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan."

Pacquiao's fights were previously aired by rival network GMA and Solar Sports. Moreover, Pacquiao still has to deal with Solar Sports, as he has preterminated his until 2012 contract with Solar.

The details with Pacquiao's contract with ABS CBN, however, is still kept secret, but Inquirer.net has reported that the deal could amount to 120 to 180 M per fight.

Moreover, there is another interesting clause in the contract:

The network is said to have offered Manny full media support in the next election to ensure victory in the next year’s congressional elections.

Bayanihan At Work

In a nation where most of the news we hear everyday implicate corruption, poverty, graft, and disagreements, it is very refreshing to hear and learn that Good Things still exist.

Such as the case in Sitio Dumaliguia, Quezon, Nueva Viscaya, where the project, Rangtay Pagbiagan, is initiated.

Residents of Sitio Dumaliguia, an agricultural village, have started contributing P5 monthly to the community’s treasury to pool funds for the repair of their hanging bridges under the project “Rangtay Pagbiagan” (Bridge of Life).

The hanging bridges, approximately 100 meters long, were destroyed during recent typhoons that hit the area.

Out of the 114 families contributing since September 2008, the project has already raised more than P2,000. In addition, the Local Government and personnel of FMC Mining Corp., provides labor in order to build at least two hanging bridges.

The hanging bridges serve as the sitio's link to the markets, where their products, like rice and banana are being sold.

Also, the bridges are being used by children when coming to schools. In previous times, when bridges were destroyed, children were forced to drop out of school, that's why the dropout rate is so high.

Indeed, Bayanihan is still alive in our culture. And I do hope that as other people are able to read and learn about this worthwhile activity, may they be encouraged and continue to believe that something good still exists in this country.

Mabuhay po kayo, mga kababayang ilokano, at pagpalain nawa ng Panginoon ang inyong proyekto.

In The News

1 pang talunang kandidato sa 2007 polls nabigyan ng pwesto


Tessie Aquino-Oreta becomes head of the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD).


Ngayon lang? Matagal nang hinihintay itong appointment na ito ah?

(Music Select: We're All In This Together ng High School Musical sabay sasalitan ng You Are The Dancing Queen.......)






Kongresistang pabor sa ‘Cha-cha’ marami na - Rep. Mikey Arroyo

Eh........ naka-Magkano na?

(Music Select: Money money money..... All the things I could do If I had a little money It's a rich man's world.....)

Ramos hits Arroyo no-show at EDSA

Tinatablan pa ba?

(Music Select: Hit Me Baby, One More Time!)

Hector Is On Inquirer Blog

Finally, finally, finally.

Thanks, Leo Magno, for the opportunity.

Inquirer.net features:

Roadtrip>> Of Bike Riders, Roads and Regulations

Talk About Being Dumb

It's one of those dead freaking days when I just don't know what to do in the office (or is it much proper to say- I just don't know what to do other than working these papers out of my sight).

I've been clicking and visiting almost all the 'regular' sites and found nothing worth reading. Inquirer doesn't have any new hot news, as well as GMA; so I'm thinking of one dumb thing to do to pass the hour waiting until 6 so I can hurry off and leave the office. So I said to mayself- why not blog, instead? (Certainly not a good equation; blogging=dumb thing).

Anyway, I have settled to blog about being dumb. Wikipedia defines being dumb as:

"Stupidity, the lack of intelligence. "

I'm gonna need to borrow a few from the list found on Chico Garcia's site to enforce my 'dumb' blog, but of course, I'll have to butt in some of my 'dumb' ideas along the way:



List of the Dumbest Thing You’ve Ever Heard Anyone Say:

(Note: If somehow you've been bored by some, I hope you'll try and reach the last on the list-you'll know why when you get there)

1. - An Eat Bulaga contestant was asked by Joey and Vic: “Ano sa Tagalog ang grasshopper?” Contestant: “Ahmm. . .Huling Hapunan?”
Mycomment: Lipat tayo sa Wowoweeeeeee..........

2. - While watching the news yesterday about a kid killed by a bulldozer, our maid commented: “Kaya ayoko mag-alaga ng aso eh…”
Mycomment: Who let the dogs out???? Who Who Who Who Who????

3. - My cousin at a DRIVE-THRU: “Miss, puwedeng take out?”

4. - Nadia Montenegro promoting her movie: “Please watch ‘The Life Story of Julie Vega’, opening na po on the twenty-twoth of November.”
Mycomment: Paging Cristy Fermin

5. - I was making cookies at home when I ran out of cookie sheets, so I called our maid and said: “Manang bili ka nga ng cookie sheet.” And she replied: “Ano po, solo o litro?” (coke is it)

6. - While watching “Apollo 13″, after she heard the line: “Houston, we have a problem.” My ex-girlfriend asked: “Sino si Houston?”

7. - My aunt was going to the US for the 1st time. She told us: “Nagpapabili ang tita niyo ng ‘autistic’ guitar. Saan ba nakakabili nun?”

8. - In a gameshow. Host: “Ano sa Tagalog ang ‘teeth’?” Contestant: “Utong!”
Mycomment: Two Thumbs up!!!

9. - I had a customer on the line who had a password on his account. I asked for the password but he forgot. I gave him a clue: “It’s a 4-digit number.” He answered, “Uhm…’ROCKY’?”

10. - I overheard a lady place an order at Starbucks: “One cup of chino please.”
Mycomment: Make it two cup of chinos!

11. - I had a meeting with a friend and I noticed that both of us were wearing stripes. He suddenly blurted out: “Uy, stripes din! It’s the color of the day!”
Mycomment: A huh.

12. - My sister said of our neighbor who was our arch enemy: “Mamatay na sana kapitbahay natin!” I told her not to say that, coz it might bounce back to us. Then she said, “Ah ganun ba yun? In that case, mamatay na sana tayo!”
Mycomment: Condolence

13. - When I saw that I got a missed call, I said, “Hey, I got a missed call!” My friend said, “Anong sabi?”
Mycomment: Sikwet....

14. - From the gameshow “The Weakest Link”. Host Edu Manzano asked: “Anong ‘T’ ang ibinibigay ng konduktor pag nagbayad ka ng pamasahe sa bus?” Ian Veneracion answered: “TUKLI!”
Mycomment: Thank you card?

15. - We were reviewing for an exam and we were already dead tired. A classmate said, “Hala, brownout!” Pagtingin namin, nakapikit pala siya.
Mycomment: Kuyuginnnnnnn!!!!!

16. - A call center agent told a foreign customer regarding the changing of the due date of her credit card: “Ma’am, I already changed your monthly period.”
Mycomment: Sisante

And finally, you've reached the last:

17- During a shower party for my friend, the married women were giving tips on the do’s & dont’s of sexual intercourse, when the bride asked: “Hindi ba kasama yung betlog sa pinapasok?”
Mycomment: Three, no, four thumbs up! By now I think she knows.

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Be Careful in Making Promises

Grace Padaca has been the governor of Isabela since 2004 when she won over a long-entrenched dynasty under the battle cry "Free Isabela."

She received the 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service on Aug. 31 for empowering voters to reclaim their democratic right toelect leaders of their own choosing.

Be careful in making promises
By Grace Padaca
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: August 28, 2008
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Upon becoming a governor after years of being a broadcaster—switchingfrom being an observer to being the one observed—one of the first things I learned was why people in government were often accused ofmaking a lot of promises and not keeping them.

One possible reason is the sheer number of people who come to you, needing various things, often seeing you as their last and only hope. In my case, I was the answer that finally came to Isabela, afterhearing almost nothing from those who came before me.We have so many needy people in our country, and when they get thechance to talk to a mayor or governor any place, they will not let theopportunity pass.

One time, a lady who had just received Holy Communion saw me as shewas returning to her seat. With the holy host still in her mouth, shestopped to tell me of a need in their barangay. I told her, "Manang,bumalik ka muna sa upuan mo at tapusin ang iyong dasal. (Older sister,return to your seat first and finish your prayer.)"

Our poor people hang on to every little hope for their big needs. Ihave learned to be sparing of my gestures and expressions because eventhe slightest of smiles or a nod or two, as you listen to them, may betaken as approval of their requests, raising their hopes.

With the very limited resources of government, not every clamor can begranted. And even if one is able to grant a hundred requests, thereare still a thousand waiting for a "promise" to be fulfilled.

Urgent needs

When the request is not delivered when it is needed (and it is alwaysneeded right away!) a promise is once again broken by a politician.

One reason I ran for government office (even if I can hardly walk) wasthe way many of our people had become constituents of "BarangayVeinte": Give them P20 and they are fine. Give them free medicines andthey are okay even if you do not address the problem of why so many ofthem are getting sick in the first place. Build them schools and bighospitals, as is SOP. Allow them to sleep, dream and wake up to bet onjueteng three times a day for a little chance to have a better life.

This was the recipe for perpetual poverty.

Having been physically handicapped since I was three, I have learnedthat life is not worth living if you are dependent on others. I havelearned that despite tremendous limitations, physical or otherwise, noone is ever too inadequate to cope, to adjust and even to shine.

The lessons I have learned, I am now teaching to my apo Isabelinos. Itell them, "Use me as your visual aid." Perhaps the Lord gave Isabelaa governor who is physically weaker than most of her constituents sothat, when they see her, they will realize that one can rise aboveone's difficulties as long as one chooses to do something about thesituation.

I have to tell our people constantly that the battle is not yet over.We may have defeated the dynasty but there are other things we have tofight. We also have to free ourselves from our own wrong attitudes,our misplaced values, our bad habits.

After four years as governor, thankfully I have learned not to say yesmindlessly to the droves of people who come to me for the things they need.

We have devised systems like my weekly People's Day or Ugnayang Bayanthat gives me the chance to listen to them patiently and assess theirsituation objectively. I explain to them the need to prioritizebecause of the limited resources of government, especially if theycontinue to have big families by failing to practice responsibleparenthood.

More importantly, I always remind them, challenge them: Mas masaraptulungan ang mga taong marunong tumulong sa kanilang mga sarili. (It'sa greater pleasure to help people who know how to help themselves.)

I know that our poor people, including the jueteng kobrador(collector) and illegal logging bogador (laborers), know how to helpthemselves. But what they are doing to support their families is not easy.

It is the duty of leaders to direct their energies, their devotion totheir families and all their sacrifices towards what is right,sustainable and dignified.

Those of us in government should learn to be careful in makingpromises and deciding what to keep. We should also remember that thereis, in every Filipino, the promise of becoming an honorable,self-reliant citizen if given the chance, as well as the respect,he/she deserves.
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