Hospitalization Kept Me From Blogging

I was confined last Jan.27 and still recovering from my illness this time. Its not easy missing my blogs. I do hope you bear with my blog.

I have splenomegaly with multiple cysts in it. Currently taking medications for the Spleen to grow smaller. Some test where sent to NKI in Manila, hopefully will have the results this week.

Its not easy to be absent from work and online...

PGMA Visits CDO Today

Yes I can hear helicopters in the air, often happens when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visits our city. PGMA is here in Cagayan de Oro City today to distribute relief goods to the flood victims as well as give the calamity fund to the city government.

PGMA went to Mt. Carmel church here in Carmen straight from the airport at 10AM. Then proceed to meet with DILG and some of the city officials. Reports from the City and Regional Disaster Councel about the places affected by the flood will be aired to the president as well as the report for the City Mayor Jaraula. Some places experienced landslide also brought by the flood aside from damages in agriculture and enfastructure due to the calamity.

The itenerary of PGMA will also include visiting neighboring municipalities of this city which also experienced the calamity. She will travel as far as Surigao City today.



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About Dinara's Bad Start

Today, I am glad to see an on-going game where Dinara is playing. However I was shocked with how bad she started the game. Although she showed she is playing hard to her opponent,Ekaterina Makarova. The first round was an advantage to her oppponent 6-7.

After the first round, Dinara was well warmed up. She was able to score and minimized faults. She won 6-3, and dominated the third round with a 6-0.

I know Dinara one of the top players. I think she was just adjusting with the opponent's style of playing. But later in that game, I can sense that she still have that drive to play up to the finals.

Pictures of the Flood

I resently checked my friendster and was glad to see someone uploaded some pictures of the flood. Yes our house is near the highway but it is elevated. So our house was not floating in waters first and second week of this year.

In Kauswagan Highway, nearest our house, the water from canals and creeks overflowed. Roads look like rivers instead. Pictures below are taken near the highway of one of the oldest subdivision in the city, RER Subdivision. Since it is an old subdivision, the level of the road now higher by several feet. Take a look at this pictures from Elaine's album in friendster.

...Elaine salamat sa pictures...

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2009 Tennis Australian Open

Today, the opening of 2009 Australian Open excites me. I learn some players were injured and some were eager to win. I am a fan of Ivanovic and Federer inside the hard courts. I do wish them well.

I am also excited because the games are near asia, means each game are played by the time I am awake. I mean most of the games are in western countries and I have a heard time coping with excitement while the game is on.

My heart will probably beat more faster than ever before special during semis and finals. I do believe that players who have prepared well will do well here.

Here's the link for live scores, the one I open online: http://www.tennis.com/livescores/index.html



...enjoy tennis (The 2009 Australian Open will run from Jan.19 to Feb.1)!



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Prayer for Abundance

I think I often pray for this in the morning, but I am glad someone online forwarded an email today. We know we have a God who can provide us with abundance. Let's keep the faith and pray.

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you Abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a Family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You. GOD, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything.! I thank you in Advance for your blessings. God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that you have given me GOD, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come, because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name Amen.

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Cagayan de Oro Calamity Aftermaths

What the calamity left our city? I just listed some here:

1. Mud - brought my the flood of course. Along with the undesirable odor that stick with the dirty water with dissolved mud and dirts.

2. Garbage - some caused the flood. Some entered houses and some were scattered on the roads.

3. Damaged Creeks - old creeks made the flood worst when it started to give up. After each creeks were damages, the water run wildly destroying for properties.

4. Damaged Bridges - due to high volume of running water, some old and new bridges were damaged. This caused from passengers to be stranded in Cagayan de Oro and in some municipalities.

5. Canceled Flights - no air traffic was available in the city due to heavy clouds surrounding the airport area. This caused some of the members of PSG to be stranded.

6. Damaged Houses - some were even gone. Both the flood and the tidal waves caused some houses to break.

7. Damaged Farms - some rice fields which have rice ready for harvest were all washed out.

8. Damaged Economy - some livelihoods were damaged, some failed to report for work, some failed to operated. Like Gaisano in Carmen, the store was closed for a day because it was flooded. Some lost their farms and live stocks.

9. Relief Goods - still keep on coming. It is positive to count this as a blessing.

10. Calamity Funds - I learn that those who experience the calamity, they can file a calamity loan and the president offered to pay for it. Another blessing for those who badly need it.

Not bad, after all 2 out of 10 were a blessing. Let's thank for the blessing of realization also and the blessing to be of help. My list might be short or you can add your list too, just don't mind telling me.


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Back In Academe Again

After 5 months of being away from the academe, I am once again back to the world of teaching. I have in me the desires to teach, subconsciously and consciously. I love teaching, for me it is very fulfilling.

Five months ago, I handled subjects for engineering technology. I have to make several preparations. I teach two subjects daily, while working in the corporate as well. I was actually given the chance to do full time teaching, since the instructors of that college were scholars of DOST and were enrolled to finish a masteral degree.

While I was substituting as an instructor, full time in both the academe and the corporate, I realize several things. I learn to value my time and my responsibilities. I needed to choose between the two to have focus.

I decided to continue my corporate job while leaving my academe dreams. I know at that time, academe world was a dream come true, but I need to focus on my priorities. At that time, my priority leads me to go on with the corporate world.

Luckily, before the end of year 2008, I was offered to be part of the academe again. This time, it is part-time, still a substitute, but I don't need to give up my corporate job. This time, I will have to have one subject, and I will have more time to focus on it. I am now part of the IT part time instructors.

Being back in the academe, is another dream come true. Not only focusing on programming this time, but also focusing on going full time with the academe. I hope and pray this year, all my other dreams can come true.


..."To dream the impossible!" *smile*

PLDT Owns Philcom Corporation

From: http://businessmirror.com.ph/

PLDT expands in South with Philcom

Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter

Wednesday, 07 January 2009 22:44

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) now owns Philcom Corp., a local exchange carrier with operations in southern Philippines.

First, PLDT had to buy all of Philcom Corp.’s liabilities from PremierGlobal Resources Corp. (PGRC) for P340 million. PGR is a separate company that held all of Philcom Corp.’s debts.

A debt-assignment agreement was signed on Friday last week between PLDT and PGRC, in which the latter sold to the phone giant the outstanding obligations owed by Philcom Corp. to suppliers, banks and other financial institutions.

To complete the transaction in owning 100-percent of Philcom Corp., PLDT had to ink a share-assignment agreement with Philcom Corp.’s parent firm Philippine Global Communications Inc. (PGCI).

Under the deal signed on January 3, PGCI agreed to sell, transfer and convey in favor of PLDT its rights, title and interest in and to all of its shares of common stock in Philcom Corp. for P75 million.

“The result of the two transactions ends up [with] PLDT owning 100 percent of Philcom Corp.,” said PLDT spokesperson Mon Isberto in an interview.

The acquisition will allow the PLDT group to broaden its presence in Mindanao, where it already has operations carried out under PLDT-Maratel Inc. and Smart Broadband Inc. “This expanded presence is expected to benefit not only the existing subscribers in the area, but provides the communities in the area an opportunity to access improved telecommunications facilities,” said PLDT.

The parties would still have to seek approvals of the transaction from the National Telecommunications Commission.

Since January 2004, PLDT has been managing the fixed-line facilities of Philcom Corp., pursuant to an advisory and management-services agreement with PGCI to help improve the operations of the company.

PLDT has been in discussions with the shareholders and creditors of Philcom Corp. to restructure its debts and improve its financial condition since 2007. Philcom Corp. owed PLDT approximately P2.2 billion since December 31, 2001.

Philcom operates in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Basilan, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. It also has 16 local exchanges in Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, Panabo and Butuan City.

Among its other services, Philcom also offers Voice Connect Direct Access, which is dedicated to private telephone lines, a service that provides connection for large volume of domestic and international long-distance traffic; and Internet access, providing customers with the required bandwidth to connect to the Internet utilizing any form of last-mile facility from domestic private line to wireless connection.

Philcom has 26 interconnection agreements and more than 16 overseas correspondent relationships. They include PLDT, Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications Inc., Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Eastern Telecommunication Philippines Inc., Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., Bell Telecoms, Next Mobile and Express Telecom. Philcom also has tie-ups with Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

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Mindanao Polytechnic State College In Cagayan De Oro City Now A University

From: http://www.gov.ph/news/

Mindanao Polytechnic State College in Cagayan De Oro City now a university
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009 | EDUCATION


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today signed into law a bill that will convert the Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC) here into a state university.

The conversion of the MPSC into the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) under the newly-signed Republic Act No. 9519 is intended to raise the school’s level of excellence in science and technology geared towards the socio-economic development of the entire Mindanao region.

The new law was principally authored in the Senate by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and in the House of Representatives by Cagayan de Oror City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

The simple signing ceremony was held at the MPSC gymnasium in Barangay Lapasan here and witnessed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Representatives Rodriguez, Bambi Emano, Rolando Uy, Antonio Lagdameo and Candido Pancrudo, Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula.

“I am very happy. It is really about time that this state college be converted into state university. This is the best center of excellence not only in Region 10 but also in whole Mindanao,” the President told Zubiri, who was also one of the authors of the senate version of the bill.

The new law mandates the university to primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and advanced instruction on mathematics, science, technology, engineering and advanced research and extension work in human resource development in critical skills and competencies required for global competitiveness.

To be able to cope with rigid competition in the wake of globalization, the Arroyo administration is investing heavily on the competitiveness of the country’s human capital through the enhancement of science and technology.

Mayor Jaraula, for his part, said the conversion of the MPSC into a university is timely as it will match the demand for high-level manpower in Science and Technology needed by industries and business establishments in the region.

Prior to its transformation into a state university, MPSC already operated like a university. Its main campus is located in this city with satellite campuses in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; Alubijid, Misamis Oriental; Panaon, Misamis Occidental; and Oroquita City, also in Misamis Occidental.

It is certified by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) as Category A under Program Category of SUCs with distinctive competence in the area of Science and Technology, Advance Studies, Engineering Technology and Teacher Education.

It is also among the 14 out of 110 SUCs in the country which qualify as a Level IV SUC through the joint evaluation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Aside from the Level IV classification, MPSC was awarded Top 1 performing school in the country, with 100 percent passing rate of the BS Architecture graduates in 2005 and 2006. Equivalent merit was awarded to the BSEE graduates in the year 2006.

It also serves as a CHED Zonal Research Center in Region X and CARAGA areas wherein it assists the commission in the effective and efficient management of research activities for other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

MPSC, which is also a Regional Node for Computerization program, is a recipient of funding from the Swedish International Development Assistance (SIDA) for IT equipment.

Other subsequent categories of MPSC include being a CISCO Training Provider and a Continuing Professional Education source.

Non-Stop Rain in Cagayan de Oro City

PAG-ASA said, Cagayan de Oro is experiencing the "Tail-end of Cold Front" thus rain and strong winds are present. Last night, I have been monitoring the rain since I came from work. At 8PM, commercial power went off. And rain this time was harder than in that morning.

At 10PM, commercial power went back. We turned our radio on, and listened to the reports. Some areas of the city were warned to vacate their homes because it was forcasted that water will rise high due to heavy rain fall.

At 1AM, an officemate texted that part of Macanhan started to have flood. In the radio, some areas at the coastal areas were forced to vacate their place. Specially in Macabalan area where the waves destroyed some of the houses already. The waves were stonger and the level of water went high.

One of the barangay capitan recalled that the same level of water was experienced last Jan.3. This government official is the Capitan of Barangay Macasandig, he was awake and was with the evacuees at the covered court.

The City Disasters Coordinating Operations Group were also present in the City Hall ground. They were the ones responsible rescueing and coordinating with government officials and civic groups. They were also monitoring reports from radio stations, special DXCC or the RMN - Radio Mindano Network broadcasting 24 hours.

At 2AM some residents of Ilaya, Carmen asked for help. The houses near the bridge have water levels up to the ceiling. Some of the villagers are now on top of their houses.

The broadcaster of the radio was able to contact Msgr. Elmer Abacahin. The said priest was interviewed and then later was asked to lead a community prayer. At 3AM this prayer was broadcasted live thru RMN.

A former city counselor was also monitoring the said radio station program. She is Ms. Sabanal, who insisted on calling the attentions of the provincial and city leaders to address help to Bill Gates' Foundation.

It was my first time to learn about this foundation. I also learn that the said foundation have been helping worldwide. I do hope that this blog can also gain attetion from this foundation, to help the victims as well as the city and the province to recover from this calamity.

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What is Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
1. In Wikipedia
2. About the foundation


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Community Service

The Human Resource Department of Philcom Corporation, announces today its community service in response to the calamity that hit our city. They encourage, us, their employees to give in cash or kind for the victims of the said calamity.

Inside Philcom Corporation, our office, are situated boxes with label "community box". It is where everyone can place their donation like used clothing, medicines, kitchen utensils, blankets, mat/banig, etc. Also for those who wanted to donate cash, Angel Balili is in-charged to receive the amount.

As per email, receieved from HR, all collected items and cash will be forwarded to ABS-CBN and part of it will also be imparted to the employees who were also victims of the calamity.

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Update on Pangandaman versus Dela Paz

This is an update about the Dela Paz and Pangandaman case from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143663/Valley-Golf-verdict-Dela-Paz-expelled-DAR-chief-suspended

Valley Golf expels De la Paz for causing brawl

SOPHIA DEDACE, GMANews.TV

01/11/2009 | 01:16 PM

(Update) MANILA, Philippines - Valley Golf Course and Country Club officials on Sunday expelled Delfin de la Paz from its roster of members and suspended Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. in connection with their scuffle at the club's last month.

In a two-page resolution, the golf course’s board of directors sanctioned De la Paz for “disorderly behavior" when he instigated the brawl with Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu in Lanao del Sur, his brother Mohammed Hussein, and their bodyguards.

The Valley Golf officials "banned for life" nonmembers Nasser Jr. and Hussein for "unruly behavior" at the golf course.

Pangandaman Sr., a member of the golf club, was held "vicariously liable" for the actions of his two sons who were his guests.

"The board unanimously resolves that Mr. Delfin de la Paz be expelled as a member of the club for disorderly conduct in instigating the brawl that occurred. As to Secretary Nasser Pangadaman Sr., the board unanimously resolves that he be suspended for a period of two years because of the disorderly conduct of his guests," Valley Golf spokesman Teofilo Abejo said.

He said the decision was based on the accounts of marshals, caddies, three house attendants of the executive’s course’s hole No. 5, and the statements from both parties.

The board added that De la Paz and Pangandaman's dependents will also be banned from the premises of the club for the duration imposed upon them.

The recommended penalties will also take effect immediately, but the involved parties can appeal the sanctions after a year.

The resolution was signed by all nine members of the board.

Jose Ferlu Sudario, one of the directors of the golf club, said he was happy with the board’s decision.

"Hopefully, on hindsight, tama ang naging decision namin. Natutuwa naman ako na nag-desisyon ng board [ng] unanimous. Kapag ang member ay nagkakamali, dapat patawan ng parusa. And that’s exactly what we did," he said in an interview with reporters.

["Hopefully, on hindsight, our decision would prove to be right. I'm happy that the board decision was unanimous. Whenever a member does something wrong, he should be punished. And that's exactly what we did."]

However, he said that the children of De la Paz – Maria Bhel (Bambee) and Lorenzo (Bino) – should be spared.

He said they might appeal the decision as Bambee and Bino are both promising golfers.

Abejo clarified that their investigation was only internal, and it should be separated from the probe of the National Bureau of Investigation.

In the resolution, the board also resolved that the Valley Golf management “strictly enforce" the rules against bringing of bodyguards within the club’s premises, saying that some politician-members still enter the club premises and the golf course with their bodyguards.

Abejo said Valley Golf strongly condemns the incident. - GMANews.TV

Cagayan de Oro City : Flooded Again

Yesterday, most of us, residents of Cagayan de Oro City were stranded. The rain poured out hard since it started as early as 12midnight. I know in my heart, I am worried for another flood, the rain can make the waters rise again.

As early as 5am, I turned the radio, and listened to the news. The radio station was monitoring all the barangay situations, specially those near the river and the bay area. Some barangay officials deligated volunteers to specific areas for possible rescue operations.

Commercial power was off by 6AM, due to the request of some residents, whose houses were flooded up to the ceilings. Brown-out occured all over the City for safety purposes. To listen to the the radio, I used my mobile phone. Just in time, before my phone battery drained, the power was back at 12noon.

We learned from the new that Buses going to Butuan City were stranded because Gingoog City, a city next to Cagayan de Oro, was not passable because of flood. At west bound terminal the road was also filled with waters. The highway of Kauswagan were filled with water higher than the knees.

Some roads in the city, specially in Carmen were not passable also. Gaisano Grocery store in Carmen was also flooded, where in the water was knee high also. In SSS, the water level was as high as the waist line. No vehicles were able to pass this area.

In Alubijid, the buses from Iligan City were also stranded when the water in the rice field area along the road over flows like a river across the road. Also the bridges of the municipality of Opol were all destroyed by the flood. Thus making most of the vehicles stranded.

Some rescue treams were from the rafters group. Some uniform personel from Air Force, PA and Air Borne and different government offices also went for rescue and operated to monitor the said calalmity.

It is sad to know also that classes were posponed today because of the flood...


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PC Crushed!

My PC crushed, in my monitoring memory usage is high. I tried to reformat, thinking a virus or ware causing ports opened.

Unfortunately my installation can't get thru. The CPU temperature, in BIOS, is monitored as high as 60 degrees even if it is just turned on. I found this similar a PC problem encountered by my cousin.

The previous PC of my cousin was diagnosed to have a defective mother board. I am using asrock board for a pinless processor. Now I see that this kind of boards don't last that long specially if used more than 8 hours a days.

I will miss being online for some time at home. I wish I could buy a new laptop soon...or someone please donate!!! Hehehe...

...Thanks for donating...lol.



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