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Noel
Member Since: 10/22/2006 8:34:11 AMLast Seen: 9/19/2009 12:25:12 AM
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Posted 11/30/2006 6:13:14 PM
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Posted 11/30/2006 6:13:56 AM
‘Don’t be complacent, please,’ PAGASA urges  (10TH UPDATE) SUPER typhoon "Reming" (international codename: Durian) has changed course and will no longer hit Metro Manila directly, the chief state weather forecaster said Friday. Instead, the storm, with winds of 190 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 225 kilometers per hour, will hit provinces south of the capital, according to Nathaniel Cruz in a phone interview. "There was a big change in direction. Metro Manila will no longer be a direct hit," Cruz said. The change in its course was caused was by an intensified high pressure area over the South China Sea, he said. But Cruz said Metro Manila residents should still brace for heavy rains and strong winds. "Metro Manila is still in peril. We should not relax," he said in a news conference aired live on GMA Network radio dzBB. "We should not be complacent, Metro Manila please," chief weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz later told ABS-CBN television. "The eye of the typhoon will not hit Metro Manila but definitely we will feel the effect of this super typhoon although the eye is quite far from us." “Reming” was supposed to have to hit Metro Manila between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday, prompting officials to suspend classes this Thursday. The Manila airport authority was also considering diverting all incoming flights to Hong Kong, radio reports said. Officials suspended classes in Manila and nearby areas and placed more than 25 northern provinces under storm alerts. All local governments and agencies were alerted to the possibility of landslides and flash floods. In the same news conference, Cruz said “Reming” was expected to strengthen when it makes landfall in Batangas, Mindoro and Marinduque, and roar through the Panay Gulf after passing through the Ragay Gulf. "This means the storm could remain as strong or grow stronger," Cruz said. Public Storm signal number 4 has been raised in Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines provinces, southern Quezon, Marinduque, and Burias Island; signal number 3 in Sorsogon, Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, including Polillo Island. Signal number 2 has been raised in Metro Manila, Aurora, Masbate, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bataan, Bulacan, and Northern Samar. Signal number 1 was raised in Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Isabela, the rest of Samar, Calamian group of islands, Biliran, Aklan, and Capiz. The howler made landfall in Catanduanes province in the Bicol region on Thursday morning, stranding thousands of passengers and downing power lines. There were no immediate reports of casualties. At least 166 families have been evacuated -- 140 in Legazpi City, Albay province, 23 in Virac, Catanduanes, and three in Libmanan, Camarines Sur, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said. An undetermined number of evacuees in the Catanduanes provincial capital of Virac are staying in their relatives' houses, it said. Residents said the winds were so strong it felt like an earthquake, according to a report on radio dzBB earlier in the day. There were no immediate reports of casualties in Catanduanes, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) east of Manila, after authorities ordered the evacuation of coastal areas, said Office of Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Arthur Golez. Catanduanes officials were difficult to contact apparently because of downed communication lines but in Naga city in nearby Camarines Sur province, where the typhoon passed in the afternoon, officials said they received reports of small houses being blown away by the wind. Rescuers struggled against dangerously strong winds to rescue several residents whose roofs were blown off, exposing them to rain and flying metal sheets and other debris, Naga Mayor Jessie Robredo told The Associated Press by cell phone. About 1,500 residents were evacuated to emergency shelters ahead of the typhoon in Naga, about 270 kilometers southeast of Manila, mostly mountain dwellers fearing possible landslides, he said. Many residents whose houses were damaged by winds sought help from authorities by sending cell phone text messages, due to downed telephone lines, he said. "I've received [text] messages of 10 small houses being blown away by the wind and many others getting damaged," Robredo said. "The wind was very strong and I expect heavy damage to properties and public facilities." Many people went to relatives' houses on higher ground and about 120 sought shelter at the provincial capital, he said. Quoting reports from the National Transmission Corp. (Transco), the NDCC said electricity was cut off in the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and parts of Quezon province. Land and sea travel have been suspended in areas of the Bicol region affected by the storm, Cruz said. The NDCC said 3,349 people and 167 vehicles have been stranded in seaports in the Bicol region and Southern Luzon. In the Matnog port in Sorsogon alone, 1,444 were stranded while 1,000 were stranded in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. The NDCC said flood advisories have been sent out in the Bicol region and in the Samar and Leyte provinces in the eastern Visayas, which could be hit by rains. Coast guard commandant Rear Admiral Damian Carlos placed all units on the highest alert. The “super typhoon” is the fourth to hit the Philippines in as many months. Radio reports said electricity was cut off to thousands of people in Bicol, while more than 3,300 ferry passengers were stranded after the coast guard grounded all vessels. Coast guard commandant Rear Adm. Damian Carlos placed all units on the highest alert. In late September, Typhoon Xangsane (Philippine codename: Milenyo) left 230 people dead and missing in and around Manila. Typhoon Cimaron (Philippine codename: Paeng) killed 19 people and injured 58 others last month, and earlier this month, Chebi (Philippine codename: Queenie) sliced through the central Luzon region, killing one. About 20 typhoons and tropical storms hit the Philippines each year.
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Posted 11/29/2006 4:02:03 PM
‘Reming’ hits Luzon; no classes in M. Manila  TROPICAL STORM “REMING” (international code name: Durian) yesterday became a “supertyphoon” as it approached the eastern part of Luzon with winds stronger than those of Typhoon “Milenyo,” which slammed into Metro Manila and Luzon in late September. Milenyo (international codename: Xangsane) left 230 people dead or missing and cut off power to several provinces for weeks. Weather officials said Reming was capable of uprooting trees and blowing away houses made of light materials. As of 11 p.m. yesterday, the supertyphoon was spotted 190 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 km per hour and gusts of up to 230 kph. It is expected to make landfall in Catanduanes this morning and unleash “strong rain and winds and possible storm surges,” the weather bureau said. This afternoon, Reming is expected to be over Sipocot in Camarines Sur. Moving west northwest at 17 kph, Metro Manila or the region just south of it could be battered by the supertyphoon Friday morning. More than 25 provinces and Metro Manila are under storm alerts. Classes are suspended today at all levels in Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal and Laguna, and were suspended yesterday in Catanduanes, Sorsogon and other provinces where at least Signal No. 3 had been hoisted. Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said Malacañang would decide by 11 last night whether to suspend work in government and private offices. The storm signal in Metro Manila was upgraded to No. 2 last night as Reming drew near. Citing the destruction wrought by Milenyo, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. asked advertisers to pull down their billboards before Reming hits. Milenyo toppled billboards in Metro Manila, killing one person and injuring several others. Property was also damaged by the collapse of the outdoor ads. In its 5 p.m. bulletin yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised storm Signal No. 4 over Catanduanes, Albay and Camarines provinces, and Signal No. 3 (100-185 kph winds) over Sorsogon, Burias Island, Quezon, Polillo Island and Marinduque. “This is enough to blow away a house,” PAGASA weather branch chief Nathaniel Cruz said. Reming is also expected to wreak havoc on Metro Manila and nearby provinces as well as large parts of Luzon, the bureau said. Bureau forecaster Bobby Rivera said the typhoon had increased its threat to Central Luzon. At a briefing in Malacañang, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered all provincial disaster coordinating councils and all local government officials in cities and towns on the path of Reming to take all necessary precautions. Flood and landslide alerts have already been issued in central and northern Luzon. Places where Signal No. 4 have been raised will experience winds of more than 185 kph and may experience extreme damage to coconut plantations, uproot trees, severe losses to rice and corn fields, and severe damage to residential and even industrial buildings. Electrical power distribution and communication services may also be disrupted. Sorsogon, Quezon and Marinduque, where Signal No. 3 was raised, are expected to suffer heavy damage to agriculture, uprooted large trees, unroofed nipa and cogon houses, and disruption of electric power supply. Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds) was hoisted over Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila and Northern Samar. Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds)) was raised over Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Isabela, Biliran Island and the rest of Samar. Change in direction Reming was earlier forecast to hit Metro Manila directly Friday but a weakening of the high pressure area over northern Luzon caused it to change direction on Tuesday afternoon when it was forecast to directly bear down on Central Luzon. Cruz said the high pressure area, however, reintensified, pushing the weather disturbance toward the south to take a direction that will make it hit Bicol directly. It was also first forecast to make landfall by Friday but changes in its velocity caused it to make landfall a day early in Catanduanes, Cruz said. Because the Department of Public Works and Highways could not finish dismantling all billboards before Reming hits, Ebdane said he had asked the director of the National Building Code Development Office, Emmanuel Cuntapay, to order billboard owners and advertisers to remove the billboards themselves. The DPWH, in compliance with an administrative order from the President, has been removing outdoor advertisements that pose a risk to public safety, violate existing rules and regulations, are located on the road right of way and are not covered with the proper permits. It is, however, prohibited from dismantling certain billboards by court orders obtained by their owners. Cut branches The public works secretary also advised the public, especially those in areas expected to be hit by Reming, to remove the big branches of trees in their areas so that these would not cause damage to power lines or to property. “But don’t cut down the tree, just remove the branch,” he said. The Philippine Coast Guard suspended all trips of sea vessels out of Catanduanes after Signal No. 3 was raised over the province. In a travel advisory, it said vessels weighing 2,000 gross tons and below were barred from leaving Albay, the Camarines provinces and Polillo. The PCG reported that 382 passengers were stranded in Bicol as of 11 a.m. yesterday. Most of them were in Tabaco (288), followed by Pilar (77), Bulan (10), Virac (5) and Pasacao (2). A total of six buses, nine cars and six trucks were stranded in the ports of Tabaco, Virac, Pasacao, Pilar and Bulan. Radio reports said some stranded passengers at the Tabaco port were willing to pay fishing vessels more just to take them to Catanduanes. Cedric Daep, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), said Gov. Fernando Gonzales advised people living in coastal areas and in houses made of light materials to evacuate not later than 12 last night. The PDCC has designated schools, government facilities and certain private houses as evacuation centers. In Legazpi City, Mayor Noel Rosal spoke on local radio and advised villagers living in coastal areas to evacuate before the storm hits Albay. In Sorsogon City, residents in coastal barangays yesterday started moving to evacuation centers as they anxiously anticipated Reming’s landfall. Residents of Barangay Balogo, Sirangan, Talisay and Bitan-o, which were hardest hit by Milenyo, were hauling personal belongings to the evacuation centers, said provincial disaster council action officer Noel Pura. Evelyn Jerusalem, public information officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol, said the agency had activated its Quick Response Team and readied a stockpile of goods. With reports from Alcuin Papa, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr. and Leila B. Salaverria in Manila; Bobby Labalan, Ephraim Aguilar and Delma Peyra, Inquirer Southern Luzon, and Agence France-Presse
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Posted 11/25/2006 7:46:35 PM
By JOE MILICIA, Associated Press Writer CLEVELAND - Ralphie Parker and Brian Jones know what it's like to want something. For Ralphie, the object of desire was an official Red Ryder, carbine-action, 200-shot, range model air rifle. (Go ahead, say it, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid.") For Jones, the gotta-have-it item was Ralphie's house — the one in "A Christmas Story," the quirky film that's found a niche alongside holiday classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street." Jones has restored the three-story, wood-frame house to its appearance in the movie and will open it for tours beginning Saturday. His hope is that it will become a tourist stop alongside the city's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other destinations. He's unsure whether he'll make enough money to cover his $500,000 investment, but as sure as a kid's tongue will stick to a frozen flag pole, he's committed to the project. "I just want people to come and enjoy it as I have," said Jones, a 30-year-old former Navy lieutenant. "A Christmas Story" wasn't a big hit when released in 1983 but repeat TV airings and, in recent years, a 24-hour run on TBS starting Christmas Eve have made its story of boy's quest to get a BB gun for Christmas as infectious as the bespectacled Ralphie's eager grin. "It just kind of sets the mood. In the Jones household, it's on all day once the marathon comes on," said Jones, who's married with an 8-month-old daughter. Jones first saw the movie in the late 1980s and he and his parents became fans. When the San Diego resident's dream of a becoming a Navy pilot like his father was denied because of his eyesight, his parents sent him a package to lift his spirits. Marked "FRAGILE" on the outside, it contained a leg lamp his parents built to look just like the one received by Ralphie's father, who proudly displayed it in the living room window, boasting, "It's a major award!" Jones' mom noted that he could probably make a business out of selling them. In 2003, he started doing just that. "I tooled together 500 lamps in my 1,000-square-foot condo in San Diego and sold them all in the first year," Jones said. And he's still making and selling them — $129.99 for the 45-inch model, $159.99 for the 53-inch "deluxe full size" leg lamp. When the house from the film was put up for sale on eBay in December 2004, it seemed like destiny to Jones. "I said, `Ooh, I gotta have that.'" The auction price got up to $115,000. Jones, who shares Ralphie's unflinching enthusiasm, less than 20/20 eyesight and ability to speak at a breakneck pace, said he'd pay $150,000 if the owner stopped the bidding. "It was mine. I sent him a deposit and flew out two days after Christmas just to make sure it wasn't a falling-down shack," Jones said. He put in new windows and replaced the 111-year-old house's gray aluminum siding with mustard yellow painted wood and green trim that perfectly matches Ralphie's house. Although only a couple interior shots were filmed there, Jones has recreated the '40s feel of Ralphie's home with a brown-and-white tile kitchen floor, a wide cast-iron sink in the kitchen, a claw-foot bathtub and, of course, a leg lamp in the window. He also bought the house across the street — Ralphie runs past it in the film's opening scene — to serve as a museum and gift shop. Several original items from the film are on display, including the infamous snowsuit ("I can't put my arms down!") worn by Ralphie's brother, Randy. The house is located in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood, just a few minutes from downtown where the exterior department store shots were filmed at the former Higbee's. The cooperation of the department store is what brought the filmmakers to Cleveland for the film based on author Jean Shepherd's stories of his upbringing in Hammond, Ind. The house is well known in the neighborhood and neighbors like Marlene Childers have watched the house change owners and go through ups and downs over the years. She's excited about Jones' tribute — even if it means more cars and traffic. "I love that story," she said. Jones knows the feeling. And he says stepping onto Ralphie's old street makes him feel like he's in the movie. Standing in front of the house holding a replica Red Ryder rifle, he discusses his future plans — which could include a nearby bed and breakfast — when, seemingly on a director's cue, a motorist passes, stops his car, rolls down the window and shouts, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"
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Posted 11/25/2006 6:10:39 PM
Drawing on newly discovered Nostradamus manuscripts, a startling new view of the world is revealed. If you agree that signs like widespread terrorism, a volatile Middle East, and China's military build-up could lead to World War III - then you will find this book truly eye-opening. With a total of eight chapters, The Nostradamus Code: World War III opens with an overview of the bewildering events currently unfolding on the world stage. You will find out why they are happening, and what you can do about them to protect yourself. Next, the years 2007 through 2012 are explained in precise detail. Referred to by Nostradamus as the Time of Troubles, this period is full of war, despair, and evil, but also of hope and promise. Use this book to enlighten yourself, your loved ones, your world, and your future.
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Posted 11/25/2006 6:05:35 PM
LOS ANGELES -- The notorious Los Angeles district of Compton is offering to exchange guns for gift vouchers as part of efforts to stamp out violent crime in the neighborhood, police said Friday. Police in Compton -- ranked the fourth most dangerous district in the US in a recent survey, with a murder rate several times above the national average -- will offer $50 gift vouchers for every gun deposited. The vouchers can be used at designated electrical goods stores, supermarkets and toy-shops, organizers of the gun amnesty said. Police said people taking part in the scheme would have total anonymity. "The largest challenge to this program is to ensure that the local residents understand that this is a completely anonymous process, where we will ask no questions of the person surrendering the firearm," a police official said. A similar program last year netted around 400 weapons, police added. Compton had the worst homicide rate in Los Angeles last year with 67 deaths. This year has seen a drastic reduction -- with 35 reported so far -- a decline attributed to aggressive law enforcement practices.
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Posted 11/25/2006 5:54:44 PM
SAO PAULO -- Programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are blossoming in Brazil, with the "carbon credit" system winning interest from companies in industrialized countries. Brazil ranks second among developing countries, behind India and ahead of Mexico and China, in the number of these investments, though under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change it is not required to cut emissions of its greenhouse gases. "Developing countries are committed to introducing clean techniques but they do not have quantitative targets," as highly industrialized countries bear most of the responsibility for curbing these emissions, said Luiz Fernandes, the science and technology ministry's executive secretary. In total, 102 projects have been approved so far in Brazil. Fifty-eight more are under review as part of the clean development mechanism. These projects represent an overall reduction of 189 million tons of CO2, or 18 percent of Brazil's emissions in 1994, ministry data show. Under the Kyoto Protocol, highly industrialized countries obliged to reduce greenhouse gases can invest in emissions reducing projects in developing countries as an alternative to carrying out costly changes in their own countries. Known as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the reductions generated in the developing countries can help meet emissions targets for industrialized nations, according to the UN, under which the Kyoto Protocol operates. "It works," says Fernandes, who believes Brazil offers important potential for CDM projects. And Brazil already has been in the forefront on energy policy. More than 80 percent of its power is generated in hydraulic plants, and Brazil has been on the cutting edge of biofuel use. It has invested in and embraced ethanol use in its vehicles, while deforestation in the Amazon has dropped 52 percent in two years, said Fernandes. Almost a third of the CDM projects involve power generation with biomass, from such sources as sugar cane crop waste. Others involve recovering gas from garbage dumps, small water-powered generators and even pig waste. Among countries leading in the trading are Britain, with 26 projects, the Netherlands, with 18, and Japan with eight. Brazil also is the first developing country to plan a carbon credit trading market. Launched in 2005, the project is in an initial phase with emissions-reducing proposals due to be approved by government agencies. Officials with the Brazilian stock exchange hope the carbon credit market will offer its first auctions in early in 2007.
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Posted 11/25/2006 5:47:33 PM
Communications infrastructure firm Alcatel may be a strong player in the IP (Internet protocol) business in the Philippines but it is approaching the call center industry carefully amid the presence of strong competitors such as Cisco and Avaya in the IP telephony space. The company, which recently introduced several new products related to enterprise IP telecommunications, is still confident that it would remain strong in other vertical industries, such as finance, banking, manufacturing, hotels, education and government. Alcatel Philippines Country Manager for Enterprise Solutions Goulds Castillo Jr. said the company is hoping to gain only a small fraction in the contact center business in the Philippines despite the tremendous growth in this sector. Citing surveys, Castillo said that the “addressable” IP telephony market in the Philippine call center industry is about 45 million US dollars a year and that Alcatel is only gunning for just five percent of that figure. Castillo explained that since the start of the call center industry boom in 2002, many of their competitors have taken hold of much of this sector. “Our targets are the startup call center operators who are looking for unified messaging systems,” Castillo explained, adding that Genesys, Alcatel’s division targeting call centers, would aim for startup firms. Despite their relatively small market share expectations in the call center business, Castillo said Alcatel is optimistic that the growing demand for IP telephony requirements would drive the company’s business in the enterprise space. For the coming months, Castillo said they are expecting new partnerships related to managed services, an IT sector wherein enterprise equipment are not directly acquired by companies but are instead “leased” based on a company’s usage.
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Posted 11/25/2006 5:40:06 PM
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Posted 11/24/2006 7:36:59 AM
This story is dedicated to u all... A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls,career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future,and nothing could stop him. Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days."Jack, did you hear me?" "Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It' s been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said."Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him. "I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said."You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said."He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... .Jack stopped suddenly."What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. "The box is gone," he said."What box?" Mom asked."There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was the thing I value most," Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said."I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack disc overed a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett.It's the thing I valued most in my life."A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes,! Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser." "The thing he valued most ...was ... my time."Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked."I need some time to spend with my son," he said."Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time!" "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away," Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much that they would die for you.2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.5. You mean the world to someone.6. If not for you, someone may not be living.7. You are special and unique.8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want,you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it. 10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look; you most likely turned your back on the world.11. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great. If you send this letter to all the people you care about, you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life... for the better.To everyone I sent this: "Thank you for your time." Love you all
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Posted 11/22/2006 6:35:25 AM
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Posted 11/21/2006 8:41:22 AM
GENEVA -- HIV/AIDS tightened its deadly grip on the world in 2006 with 11,000 new infections every day and women increasingly at risk, the UN agency leading the global campaign against the disease said Tuesday. Some 4.3 million people around the globe were newly infected in 2006, bringing the number living with the HIV virus to 39.5 million, an increase of 2.6 million from 2004, UNAIDS said in its annual epidemic update. "This year's report gives us real cause for concern since the evidence shows that the global epidemic is growing in all areas," Peter Piot, the agency's executive director, told reporters The daily rate of new infections worldwide stood at 11,000 -- 40 percent of which were in the 15-24 age group -- and the report noted a disturbing rise in the number of female victims. "Globally, and in every region, more adult women than ever before are now living with HIV," the report said. The 17.7 million women living with HIV in 2006 represented an increase of more than one million compared with 2004. Regionally, the sharpest increases in infection rates were in the former Soviet bloc, and South and South East Asia. But the report sounded the alarm over a resurgence of infection rates in areas which had developed extensive prevention measures, care or treatment. "What is perhaps of even greater concern to me is the fact that some countries that initially had real results in the fight against AIDS, such as Uganda, and western countries, we see an increase in infection rates," Piot said. "This really has to make us think how to sustain a response to the AIDS epidemic in the long term," he added. Piot said that the extensive use of life-prolonging anti-retroviral drugs had a negative impact on sexual behavior in western Europe and the US. "The evidence is clear that in western countries the introduction of treatment has led to complacency," he warned. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where the virus is mainly transmitted through intravenous drug use, the number of cases shot by up 70 percent to 270,000, UNAIDS reported. For South and South East Asia, where prostitution is the biggest cause of infection, the number of new cases rose 15 percent to 860,000. Infections climbed by 12 percent in the Middle East and North Africa, and seven percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, while new infections in other geographical areas remained relatively stable against 2004 levels, the report said. Despite the increase, UNAIDS noted that since 2000/2001, HIV prevalence among young people had declined in eight of 11 countries with sufficient data to analyze recent trends, mainly in Africa and the Caribbean. Piot said that trend underlined the value of prevention. "I think it also gives us some real hope, that we are starting to see a return on the investment." The report said: "The future course of the world's HIV epidemics hinges in many respects on the behaviors young people adopt or maintain." Sub-Saharan Africa continued to bear the brunt of the epidemic, with two-thirds of all global cases. The report cautioned that despite some declines in national HIV prevalence in the region, "such trends are currently neither strong nor widespread enough to diminish the epidemics' overall impact in this region." The region far outstrips the rest of the world in terms of infection, with 5.9 percent of the adult population (between the ages of 15-49) living with the virus -- virtually unchanged from the six percent recorded in 2004. The global average remains at one percent. Access to treatment has markedly improved in recent years. UNAIDS calculated that some two million life years were gained since 2002 in low- and middle-income countries thanks to the expanded provision of antiretroviral treatment. UNAIDS has said recently that the epidemic as a whole in the world was slowing down globally following a peak in the infection rate in 1990. However, the total number of HIV cases and new infections is growing due to faster population growth and the life-enhancing impact of antiretrovirals, and the epidemic is spreading into new regions, officials explained.
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Posted 11/20/2006 7:59:17 AM
Managing people WHY EMPLOYEES LEAVE ORGANISATIONS? - Azim Premji, Wipro Every company faces the problem of people leaving the company for better pay or profile. Early this year, Arun, a senior software designer, got an offer from a prestigious international firm to work in its India operations developing specialized software. He was thrilled by the offer. He had heard a lot about the CEO. The salary was great. The company had all the right systems in place employee-friendly human resources (HR) policies, a spanking new office, and the very best technology,even a canteen that served superb food. Twice Arun was sent abroad for training. "My learning curve is the sharpest it's ever been," he said soon after he joined. Last week, less than eight months after he joined, Arun walked out of the job. Why did this talented employee leave ? Arun quit for the same reason that drives many good people away. The answer lies in one of the largest studies undertaken by the Gallup Organization. The study surveyed over a million employees and 80,000 managers and was published in a book called "First Break All The Rules". It came up with this surprising finding: If you're losing good people, look to their immediate boss. Immediate boss is the reason people stay and thrive in an organization. And he*s the reason why people leave. When people leave they take knowledge,experienc e and contacts with them, straight to the competition. "People leave managers not companies," write the authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. Mostly manager drives people away? HR experts say that of all the abuses, employees find humiliation the most intolerable. The first time, an employee may not leave, but a thought has been planted. The second time that thought gets strengthened. The third time, he looks for another job. When people cannot retort openly in anger, they do so by passive aggression. By digging their heels in and slowing down. By doing only what they are told to do and no more. By omitting to give the boss crucial information. Dev says: "If you work for a jerk, you basically want to get him into trouble. You don 't have your heart and soul in the job." Different managers can stress out employees in different ways - by being too controlling, too suspicious, too pushy, too critical, too cold but they forget that employees are not fixed assets, they are free agents. When this goes on too long, an employee will quit - often over a trivial issue. Talented Men leave. Dead Wood stay back. " Jack Welch of GE once said. A company's value lies " between the ears of its employees".
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Posted 11/19/2006 3:24:36 PM
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Posted 11/19/2006 12:57:12 AM
National fist too much for Mexican  Agence France-Presse, Inquirer, Associated Press Last updated 02:12pm (Mla time) 11/19/2006 LAS VEGAS--(3RD UPDATE) Filipino Manny Pacquiao lived up to his famous monickers "The Pacman" and "Pambansang Kamao" (National Fist) when he knocked out Mexico’s Erik Morales in the third round of their final rivalry at the Thomas and Mack Center here. It was a quick and brutal end for Mexico’s El Terrible after Pacquiao stopped him two minutes and 57 seconds into the third round, leaving the three-time world champion seated on the canvas and shaking his head, saying he did not want to continue. Pacquiao and Morales started slugging it out at the Thomas and Mack Center here with "The Pacman" Pacquiao persistently aiming for the body of "El Terrible" Morales. Pacquiao landed more punches than Morales in the first round. Morales tried to corner Pacquiao in the second round but staggered after being hit by Pacquiao’s left fist. Morales, clearly in the defensive, hit the floor twice in the third round after Pacquiao unleashed a series of punishing blows. After falling for the last time, Morales went to his corner and signaled he was giving up the fight. "I did my best. I had all the training. I did everything I could do. Manny was just too good for me," Morales said. "I looked to my corner. They encouraged me to get up but I said no. It was to no avail. There are times you are a beaten man. I was a beaten man tonight." Morales was knocked down as many times in the fight, three, as he had been in his entire prior career and spoke like a man who had fought his last bout when asked about his future. "I have to think a lot about it. It was a night that just wasn't for me," Morales said. "I've had a long, illustrious career. I've done it all... It's fine if they want to promote me. But it might not be the best thing." Pacquiao improved to 43-3 with two drawn by taking his 34th triumph inside the distance. Morales lost for the fourth time in his past five fights, falling to 48-5. The Filipino powerhouse left no doubt about who was the better fighter. Pacquiao lost a 12-round decision to Morales last year, but avenged that defeat by stopping the Mexican in the 10th round of a rematch last January. "He didn't respect my right hook. He was surprised by my right hook," Pacquiao said. "That was my big difference over him." Thousands of Filipino fans at the sold-out Thomas and Mack Center chanted Pacquiao's name, worshipping their native megastar of film, music and endorsements--and don't forget boxing, where he belongs among the world's top handful of pound-for-pound fighters. The fighters split their first two meetings in the previous two years, with Morales winning a unanimous decision and Pacquiao replying with a TKO victory over "El Terrible" last March. Their rivalry became one of boxing's better trilogies in recent years, with both punch-addicted brawlers dazzling casual fans and building rabid followings in their native lands. Morales' career could be in trouble after four losses in five fights, including consecutive setbacks against Pacquiao. He also lost two of three fights in his previous trilogy against Marco Antonio Barrera. While Pacquiao is a ferocious, straight-ahead puncher who's usually loathe to change his bombardment tactics for any opponent, Morales altered his training strategy and re-hired his trainer-father, Jose, for the third fight after firing him following a recent loss. Though both fighters have only middling profiles in the United States, each of their three pairings has been an international incident. Television sets from Manila to Mexico City were tuned in to the pay-per-view telecast of a fight pitting perhaps the Philippines' most famous person against one of the toughest fighters in Mexico's long line of famed brawlers. Thousands of Filipino fans traveled halfway across the world to Las Vegas for the fight, while thousands more came up from Mexico and Southern California to support Morales.
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Posted 11/18/2006 9:35:54 AM
 
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Posted 11/18/2006 9:18:30 AM
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Posted 11/17/2006 9:06:22 AM
She awakes in the morning nuzzling her face in the sheets Then stretches and rises to meet the day I breathe in her soft scent where she laid her head I share her with the bed She stoops low in the garden How softly she cups the colors of bloom Fragile masterpieces of Mother Nature's powers I share her with the flowers She laughs and plays and tickles her children As they giggle and smile and tumble about For a moment she lets them dwell in a time of make-believe and maybes I share her with the babies She looks up and kisses to the clouds and the sun The angels bow down in adoring affection And then ever brighter the open heavens rise I share her with the skies She wades in the warmth of the shallows Sending out from her tiny ripples to far away shores Wantingly the waves try to hold and hug her knees I share her with the seas She climbs way up rugged slopes with seldom a faltering The lush valleys see her and whimper quiet sighs Even the wind hushes and stills I share her with the hills She goes to the market to look about and shop As she smartly purchases the items in need She pauses to smile and greet so many out loud I share her with a crowd She sits at the window and stares at the rain Her thoughts far off beyond the senses To a world that could be hers by a simple command I share her with dreamland But far into the night when the world around slumbers I kiss her tender cheek as she squeezes my hand and snuggles so close to me Oh, that heartbeating time when our nightshirts are all undone I'm blessed to share her with no one
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Posted 11/17/2006 8:53:46 AM
 A comic penciler/ inker friend of mine, told me that GMA 7’s Captain Barbell is a ripoff of smallville. Actually, the whole Captain Barbell story was changed & eerily resembles the storyline of a 2001 modern superman TV series “Smallville”. Whilce has seen the 1986 Captain Barbell movie where its casts include Herbert Bautista (as Tengteng) & Edu Manzano (as Captain Barbell), and says Tengteng was a normal kid working as a “magbobote” (scrap buyer) who accidentally found a rusty magic barbell from a dumpsite. Unlike Gma’s version where tengteng was found emerging from a spaceship/ time machine bla..bla..bla..bla… lifted a pickuptruck… hmm Hay, I’m no Smallville/ Capt. Barbell fan but I do remember the Superman Movies. Looks like our local TV writers can’t come up with an original content. Mapa-ABS at mapa-GMA kung hindi gagayahin, galing sa ibang bansa (yung mga telenovela na hindi sumasabay ang bibig sa sinasabi?) Nyehehe. Sana may magcomment who watches GMA-7’s shows, para malaman naman natin kung totoo nga ang issue.
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Posted 11/15/2006 6:40:54 AM
One day a guy dies and finds himself in hell. As he is wallowing in despair he has his first meeting with a demon... Demon: Why so glum chum? Guy: What do you think? I'm in hell. Demon: Hell's not so bad. We actually have a lot of fun down here...you a drinkin' man? Guy: Sure, I love to drink. Love the drinks. Demon: Well you're gonna love Mondays then. On Mondays that's all we do is drink. Whiskey, tequila, Guinness, wine coolers, diet tab, and fresca...we drink till we throw up and then we drink some more! Guy: Gee that sounds great. Demon: You a smoker? Guy: You better believe it! Love the smoking. Demon: Alright! You're gonna love Tuesdays. We get the finest cigars from all over the world and smoke our lungs out. If you get cancer - no biggie - you're already dead remember? Guy: Wow...that's...awesome! Demon: I bet you like to gamble. Guy: Why yes as a matter of fact I do. Love the gambling. Demon: Cause Wednesday you can gamble all you want. Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Slots, whatever... If you go Bankrupt...well you're dead anyhow. Demon: You into drugs? Guy: Are you kidding? Love drugs! You don't mean... Demon: That's right! Thursday is drug day. Help yourself to a great big bowl of crack. or smack. Smoke a doobie the size of a submarine. You can do all the drugs you want and if ya overdose - that's right - you're dead - who cares! O.D.!! Guy: Yowza! I never realized Hell was such a swingin' place!! Demon: You gay? Guy: Uh no. Demon: Ooooh (grimaces) you're really gonna hate Fridays.
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Posted 11/15/2006 6:36:54 AM
The college professor had just finished explaining an important research project to his class. He emphasized that this paper was an absolute requirement for passing his class, and that there would be only two acceptable excuses for being late. Those were a medically certifiable illness or a death in the student's immediate family. A smart ass student in the back of the classroom waved his hand and spoke up. "But what about extreme sexual exhaustion, professor?" As you would expect, the class exploded in laughter. When the students had finally settled down, the professor froze the young man with a glaring look. "Well," he responded, "I guess you'll just have to learn to write with your other hand."
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Posted 11/15/2006 6:35:50 AM
Every night, Frank would go down to the liquor store, get a six pack, bring it home, and drink it while he watched TV. One night, as he finished his last beer, the doorbell rang. He stumbled to the door and found a six-foot cockroach standing there. The bug grabbed him by the collar and threw him across the room, then left. The next night, after he finished his 4th beer, the doorbell rang. He walked slowly to the door and found the same six-foot cockroach standing there. The big bug punched him in the stomach, then left. The next night, after he finished his 1st beer, the doorbell rang again. The same six-foot cockroach was standing there. This time he was kneed in the groin and hit behind the ear as he doubled over in pain. Then the big bug left. The fourth night Frank didn't drink at all. The doorbell rang. The cockroach was standing there. The bug beat the snot out of Frank and left him in a heap on the living room floor. The following day, Frank went to see his doctor. He explained events of the preceding four nights. "What can I do?" he pleaded. "Not much" the doctor replied. "There's just a nasty bug going around."
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Posted 11/15/2006 6:35:14 AM
These 4 gents go out to play golf one sunny morning. One is detained in the clubhouse, and the other three are discussing their children while walking to the first tee. "My son Kent," says one, "has made quite a name for himself in the home-building industry. He began as a carpenter, but now owns his own design and construction firm. He's so successful in fact, in the last year he was able to give a good friend a brand new home as a gift." The second man, no to be out done, tells how his son began his career as a car salesman, but now owns a multi-line dealership. "Norm's so successful, in fact, in the last six months he gave his friend two brand new cars as a gift." The third man's son, Greg, has worked his way up through a stock brokerage, and in the last few weeks has given a good friend a large stock portfolio as a gift. As the fourth man arrives at the tee, another tells him that they have been discussing their progeny and asks what line his son is in. "To tell the truth, I'm not very pleased with how my son turned out," he replies. "For 15 years, Chico's been a hairdresser, and I've just recently discovered he's gay. However, on the bright side, he must be good at what he does because his last three boyfriends have given him a brand new house, two cars, and a big pile of stock certificates."
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Posted 11/14/2006 7:13:15 AM
Eyes of frosty glaze and beauty, Ears that now hear words of truth. Trust, no longer all in vain, Thoughts of thee, my glimmer of hope. A touch that holds so much distant Yet, is present within my heart. Do I pray a prayer that now holds an answer? I say I do... and believe it to be true. I long so for physical contact And hang like a scared cat Upon a tree- These eyes speak with liberty, they long so to create a storm within your soul... To visit the day when feverfew Is no longer searched for. The frosty glaze has turned To beautiful blown glass- To be admired and untouched by hand But by a tender heart such as thine. The sand within my heart holds abrasives no more, but now, an Archangel, with wings of soft cotton, a halo, the colors of the rainbow, a heart filled with the warm oils of love. And... the smell of a fresh meadow that sings to thee a song of my desire!
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Posted 11/13/2006 8:54:17 AM
   
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Posted 11/12/2006 5:53:16 AM
 
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Posted 11/11/2006 8:21:21 PM
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Posted 11/11/2006 5:42:08 AM
The sky is empty tonight. As it always is for me. Only one star is shining bright. That's the only star I want to see. It seems that star is always there, No matter how it is outside. That star never goes anywhere, It never runs from me or hides. I think it's not what it seems, But it's an Angel in disguise. How can a star always gleam, And have a passion that never dies. I hope that star never leaves, It now means so, so much. My heart, it learned to read. I long for that star's wonderful touch. I think that star must be from Heaven, That's the only solution there can be. That's the only answer to my question, Of how a star can fall in love with me.
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Posted 11/11/2006 5:24:28 AM
Once... Your words held all of the answers Their wisdom filled the empty chasm in my soul Their strength bound together the very web of my existence Now... I don't know what to say Your words no longer comfort me They make me feel like a lost, beaten child Their once admirable strength now slaps me into submission What happened to the beautiful words of wisdom You used to heap upon me? Have they fluttered away like all the beautiful spring butterflies? Or do they lay dormant, waiting for a "better" me? Will you tell me, if you can? Where has all the wisdom of your words gone?
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Posted 11/11/2006 1:25:15 AM
Air Force One crashed in the middle of rural America. Panic stricken, the Secret Service mobilized and descended on the farm in force. When they got there, the wreckage was clear. The aircraft was totally destroyed, with only a burned hulk left smoldering in a tree line that bordered a farm. Secret Service descended upon the smoking hulk but could find no remains of the crew or the President's staff. To their amazement, a lone farmer was plowing a field not too far away as if nothing at all happened. They hurried over to surround the man's actor. "Sir," the senior Secret Service agent asked, panting and out of breath. "Did you see this terrible accident happen?" "Yep. Sure did." The man muttered unconcernedly. "Do you realize that is the President of the United States' airplane?" "Yep." "Were there any survivors?" the agent gasped. "Nope. They's all kilt straight out." The farmer sighed cutting of his tractor motor. "I done buried them all myself. Took most of the morning." "The President of the United States is DEAD?" The agent gulped in disbelief. "Yep, he kept a-saying he wasn't ... but you know what a liar he is!"
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Posted 11/11/2006 1:17:35 AM
If I were to fall in love, It would have to be with you. Your eyes, your smile, The way you laugh, The things you say and do. Take me to the places, My heart never knew. So, if I were to fall in love, It would have to be with you. If I were to give my heart, It would have to be to you, For you bring things into my life, So beautiful and new. Love, so soft and warm beside me, That I know it’s true, If I were to give my heart, It would have to be to you. I was looking for an answer. I was looking for a way. To keep the magic that you bring, To each and every day. To live our lives together, As only lovers do. It started with a feeling, And every day it grew, So, when I knew I was in love, It had to be with you.
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Posted 11/11/2006 12:22:15 AM
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Posted 11/11/2006 12:07:30 AM
Your eyes shine a rainbow Into my torment Your eyes shine a rainbow Pacifying me Into oblivion Your eyes shine a rainbow Green, gold, and maroon My blues vanish Into the wilderness Your eyes shine a rainbow Temporarily healing My wounded spirit Your prism is dancing and glancing Into the naked rhythm of my heart Your eyes shine a rainbow Waking me with their starlight My soul has been elevated From the dark cave In which I was a trapped slave Into your eyes--I ran away A rainbow shines from your eyes An arc of love I'm traveling Your eyes are guiding me Through the thunderstorm I'm flying Into your iridescent heaven Now I see the world with new eyes Your eyes
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Posted 11/10/2006 11:46:21 PM
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Posted 11/10/2006 7:26:07 PM
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Posted 11/10/2006 6:25:47 PM
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Posted 11/10/2006 6:06:40 PM
I close my eyes- (inside, my heartbeat bawls,) this sound- a surprise so soft, so sweet- sweet stranger, you must be an angel. When you speak and when you breathe I picture your lips softly touching me, letting my soul dance, holding my eyes to see love- not at first glance. How beautiful- it carries such sweet harmony in itself- it carries through the air, arrives to my heart- your lips, your voice I'll keep it there.
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Posted 11/10/2006 5:53:43 PM
For three years, the young attorney had been taking his brief vacations at this country inn. The last time he'd finally managed an affair with the innkeeper's daughter. Looking forward to an exciting few days, he dragged his suitcase up the stairs of the inn, then stopped short. There sat his lover with an infant on her lap! "Helen, why didn't you write when you learned you were pregnant?" he cried. "I would have rushed up here, we could have gotten married, and the baby would have my name!" "Well," she said, "when my folks found out about my condition, we sat up all night talkin' and talkin' and decided it would be better to have a ------- in the family than a lawyer."
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Posted 11/10/2006 5:49:55 PM
As time goes by i find now, i know why why i love you so much ...That special touch The Feeling i have for you the feeling i know is true I close my eyes so tight and wake up with you in my sight When i am with you It's like a dream come true If this love would ever pass by without you, i would die life without you is a life without love like looking up at night and seeing no stars above Your sweet lips, your special touch makes me love you so much Within all those words i'm trying to say is that i love you in everyway My love for you has been with you since the start nothing could ever do us part There is so much more to say but all i can do is write this poem and stay with you forever you and me... together I Love You and Always will
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Posted 11/10/2006 9:21:44 AM
 
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Posted 11/9/2006 10:03:09 AM
  
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Posted 11/9/2006 7:51:09 AM
 Almost everyone would agree that the 7,107 islands that make up the Republic of the Philippines is a true tropical paradise, and what else could it be lying just north of the equator in the South China Sea? With its palm-fringed, sandy beaches; rainforest-covered mountains; sapphire-clear seas and hospitable, fun-loving people, some say the Philippines is Asia's best kept secret, but it has taken a long time for this exciting country to arrive at the doorstep of the twenty-first century as a flourishing and independent nation. After four centuries under colonial rule, the Philippines finally achieved its ultimate goal- independence, yet it has only been during the past six years of President Fidel Ramos' government that the country has established reform and found true economic success. Under his able, stable and progressive government, this island nation has turned the critical corner and is reaching out to become another Asian success story. This year, the Philippines celebrates its centennial Independence Day, and we hope this book will provide the temptation for both investors and travelers to get acquainted with Asia's first democracy, its fascinating culture and its gracious people
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Posted 11/9/2006 7:40:47 AM
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Posted 11/8/2006 4:25:32 PM
The largest eagle in the world The Haring Ibon tops in 5 of the 7 external measurements, namely, total length, bill gape, culmen, bill height and tarsus. The Harpy tops in 1 out of 7 measurements, namely the talon. In the wing measurement or wing chord, Haring Ibon is only second but Harpy Eagle is fifth.   Calayan Rail: New bird discovered in Babuyan Islands - A new bird species, believed to be found nowhere else in the world, has been discovered on the remote island of Calayan, 70 km north of Luzon. The bird will be named the ‘Calayan Rail’ (Gallirallus calayanensis), after the island on which it was found. Calayan is the largest island in the Babuyan Island group that lies between Batanes and Luzon.   Flying Foxes of the Philippines The Mindoro Pallid Flying Fox (Pteropus sp. A) is yet undescribed, but it could possibly be the smallest flying fox in the Philippines. It has been found in Mindoro, in the Anahawin River in Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, and also in the lowland forest of Tandakan, Mt. Siburan in Sablayan, an area made up of drastic and gradual slopes with riverines in between, near a kaingin area, and in bamboo vegetation. All areas were predominated by trees of the family Dipterocapaceae  
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Posted 11/8/2006 9:48:13 AM
 Coconut leaves are strong yet flexible. The leaves are actually fronds composed of numerous leaflets, which have a a flat part and a thin midrib. Fresh, each frond can make an excellent sail for a makeshift raft. One leaflet can also be used to make a pouch in which to cook and carry rice for the midday meal. Each frond can be woven into a mat and used as walls and roofs on nipa huts, perfect for cooling off on hot humid days. They make great privacy fences too. 
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Posted 11/8/2006 9:25:44 AM
 Mayohan sa Tayabas is the yearly program of the municipal government to foster solidarity and community. Through a nine-day celebration, which takes place on May 11-18, the Tayabasin honors the glory as well as blesses the wounds and sacrifices of the past. Mayohan is a season to converge in Tayabas as the mother navel of the province of Quezon. From the linang, or countryside, the rural folk gather at the town proper. Those who study and work in Manila and other places return home. Mayohan opened May 11 with the Parada ng Baliskog, the Tayabas arch of welcome. Thirty-three barangays and various organizations of government and civil society exhibit their baliskog, all brightly decorated with Tayabas indigenous materials such as buli, rattan, dried flowers, kiping and tistis. On May 15, Mayohan gives tribute to San Isidro with a procession reminiscent of the yearly Quiapo devotion to Jesus Nazareno. From many towns of Quezon, multitudes of peasants and workers—predominantly male—flock to Tayabas. They clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength, and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in Hagisan ng Suman, believing that the bounty gathered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year. Suman is the ritual gift of Hagisan. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay. Pabitin is actually an installation art that is not simply exhibited. As soon as the image of San Isidro passes by, pabitin must be emptied of its colorful array of abundance, which aside from suman, includes banana, mango, buko, pineapple, and other summer fruits.
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Posted 11/8/2006 9:22:52 AM
KADAYAWAN SA DAVAO FESTIVAL This internationally renowned festival is a weeklong celebration and thanksgiving for nature’s bountiful harvest. Kadayawan Festival is being celebrated every 3rd Week of August.  A celebration of the bountiful harvests of fruits and orchids during the season. Activities include fruit and flower show, trade fair, tribal/civic/military parade, traditional sports activities, horsefight, Search for B'yaneng Kadayawan and street dancing.  The activity coincides with the harvest time of Davao’s exotic fruits and the blooming of the waling-waling (vanda sanderana). The festival culminates with its most famous and much-awaited grand floral parade (where one can see countless and breathtaking mobile floats full of real and fresh flowers) and the dancing in the streets.  A wide array of fruits, variety of flowers, this is just a symbolism that Kadayawan already fills the air of Davao… Kadayawan is not a yearly festival but an annual expression of the people of Davao of their heartfelt thanksgiving for another year of bounty, peace and blessing.  Kadayawan is not just for myth but most of all, this festival is for our Almighty God who gave all these absolute Blessings possible in every individual. That because of faith and strength, in unity, people can surpass all obstacles and failures in their daily lives. Kadayawan is a thanksgiving to its bountiful and lavish blessings. 
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Posted 11/8/2006 9:17:08 AM
Ati-atihan Festival January 12 to 18 Kalibo, Aklan  A week long festival in the Province of Aklan is the highlight of events in the province during the month of January, it is known throughout the world as the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival and to give you a glimpse of the history and origin, this traditional fiesta is dedicated to the celebration of the Feast of the Santo Niño or the Holy Infant Jesus. This began as a feast of reconciliation between the immigrant Malays from Borneo and the resident Ati until the Spanish injected some Catholic elements into it It is a three day colorful tribal feast events. It is a gigantic dance and masked ball, in which all inhibitions are thrown to the winds. "Puera pasma! Hala Bira! Viva Santo Nino!". The rousing cries echo through the little town of Kalibo, until the drums fall silent and everyone collapses exhausted. The Ati-Atihan, held every third Sunday of January in the town of Kalibo in the province of Aklan on the island of Panay, is the wildest among Philippine fiestas. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival. The Ati-Atihan, a feast in honor of the Santo Niño, is celebrated on the second Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking. The Santo Niño has long been the favorite of Filipinos and devotion to it has been intense ever since an image was first presented to Juana, Queen of Cebu, in 1521. Although the Ati-Atihan seems to show only revelry, a closer look shows that it has historic origins. A celebration honoring the Sto.Niño, a harvest thanksgiving, and a 13th-century friendship pact between the native aetas and the Malays. It can be considered the Mardi Gras of the Philippines: a weekend of uninhibited merriment, of endless parades and processions of grouped revelers, soothed and intricately costumed, marching an endless loop of streets, dancing to the continuous, rhythmic and hypnotic beating of drums, while countless Sto. Niño statues are carried by or hoisted over the parading crowds or pushed through small make-do floats. It is a non-stop hyperkinetic street celebration, from morning until dusk, gradually building to a maddening merging of dance, drumbeats and bacchanalia. The famous ati-atihan festival however, having become a hodge-podge of Catholic ritual, social activity, indigenous drama, and a tourist attraction, the celebration now stretches over several days. Days before the festival itself, the people attend novena masses for the Holy Child or Santo Niño and benefit dances sponsored by civic organizations. The formal opening mass emphasizes the festival’s religious intent. The start of the revelry is signaled by rhythmic, insistent, intoxicating drumbeats, as the streets explode with the tumult of dancing people. The second day begins at dawn with a rosary procession, which ends with a community mass. The merrymaking is then resumed. The highlight of the festival occurs on the last day, when groups representing different tribes compete. Costumes, including the headdress, are made of abaca fibers, shells, feathers, bamboo, plant leaves, cogon, sugar cane flowers, beads, trinkets and an assortment of pieces of glass, metals and plastics. The day ends with a procession of parishioners carrying bamboo torches and different images of the Santo Niño. The contest winners are announced at a masquerade ball that officially ends the festival.
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Posted 11/8/2006 8:19:26 AM
 the kalinga trip The adventure began on the night of December 26, 2003 with a 12-hour bus ride from Espana, Manila to Tabuk, Kalinga Province. Departing Manila at 10:15pm, Roger Alcantara, a Manila Times photo journalist, and I reached Tabuk at 9:45 the next morning. I slept on the bus. I figured that since there was nothing interesting to see as we drove in the darkness, I might as well sleep to preserve my energy for the river trek. The thrill of it all gave me a smile as I closed my eyes. When we arrived at Tabuk’s Davidson Hotel, I learned that there were twenty other rafters having breakfast. After we deposited our things in our room and freshened up, Roger and I had breakfast while we waited for our host, Naty Sugguiayao. After we exchanged pleasantries, Naty led us to Lawagan Resort to link up with other rafters that Lito Beltran had gathered. Lito is a popular photography instructor of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. the rafting adventure The day was overcast and the temperature was cold when we began our trek. As we drove through the rough roads, we had a breathtaking view of the world-famous rice terraces. There were also waterfalls along the way. Kalingans walking along the road greeted us “Umali Kayo!” — Welcome, as we passed by. Such friendliness, so rare in the city, warmed our hearts.  At Lubuagan, the “start off point,” lead rafter Danny Bravo gave a rafting safety seminar. He tipped us on how to “read the river,” taught us the different paddling moves and most importantly, led us through the survival guide. If anybody falls from the raft, just go with the flow and don't let go of the paddle. If you are in a shallow rapic, use your feet to push against the rocks until the guides throw you a safety rope and bang! You're back to the adventure!" whitewater rafting in chico river Danny kept repeating, “If anybody falls from the raft, just go with the flow and don’t let go of the paddle. If you are in a shallow rapid, use your feet to push against the rocks until the guides throw you a safety rope and bang! You’re back to the adventure!” We learned that the vital paddle commands are, “forward,” “backward,” “left back” and “right back.” Then, after Danny reminded us to check our life jackets, to buckle our head gear, to secure our grips on our paddles, to properly position our feet and to put our cameras in sealed pelican boxes, the handlers pushed our rafts off their moorings. Rapids, here we come! The river journey started with a tame rapid and progressed to a series of heart stopping ones. It was like riding a wild horse bucking in the river. The calm sections of the river served as our respite from the nerve-wracking intensity of the rapids. Our raft was named “Allasiw” — meaning an exchange of four peace tokens among the head hunter tribes of Kalinga. We conquered our fears and became bolder as the ride progressed. Each time that we survived a rapid or skirted a rock formation, we shouted and greeted one another with “High Fives.” As we paddled on calm waters, Danny identified the popular Chico River spots such as Angel’s Nightmare, God’s Playground, Dead Carabao, Piggybank, Danny’s Drop (where Danny slammed into a rock and broke his tooth) and Dragon’s Tail. Each had a unique characteristic and I leave it to you find out and to enjoy. The ride took almost three hours. We made a stopover near a breathtaking waterfall. We marveled at its beauty while we ate our snacks. We then continued our way until we reached “Malaking Bato” — the drop off point. Though a bountiful lunch was prepared, we could not eat. We were still excited. Once everybody had settled down, we then proceeded to the eating spot beside the river and enjoyed the meal. What a trip!  history in the making Whitewater rafting is the newest sports adventure to invade the Philippines. While adventure-seeking travelers craving for more whitewater rafting spots beyond Central America and Africa flocked for decades to the rivers of Brazil and Borneo, the raging rivers of the Philippines remained undiscovered. It was Ned Sickles, together with other Oregonians, Gary Fondren and Dr. Bob Anderson who discovered the potential of the Chico River to become a world-class whitewater rafting destination. After spotting it in 1997 via satellite mapping, the three Oregonians traveled from the United States to visit the Cordilleras. Naty Sugguiyao’s eldest daughter, Mae Shiu, who was then with the UP Mountaineers and Elmer Cabotaje, now a trustee of the Philippine Airlines Mountaineering Club, joined the Americans on their first exploratory run. The exploration lasted for four days. The Americans were impressed with the awesome scenery and the diverse levels of the rapids. Since that first trip in 1997, Ned and his friends have been coming back to enjoy the river and to train the Kalingans to become proficient river guides. During each trip, the group brought the latest rafting equipment. Ned is now considered as the father of Chico River whitewater rafting. The months of July to January are the prime whitewater rafting months. These months have the most rainfall, the highest water levels and as a result, the most exciting rapids. Chico River Quest Inc (CRQI), managed and operated by Kalingans led by Naty Sugguiyao, is the biggest whitewater rafting tour operator in Kalinga Province. The Kalinga Raft Guides Association provides CRQI with guides who know the river well and were trained by professional whitewater guides from the US. back to manila The euphoria of the Chico River rafting lingered for several days. Having survived three hours on the Chico, I now consider myself as the newest river warrior and I made a promise to myself to go back. Face your fear and see you in the rapids.
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Posted 11/8/2006 8:15:42 AM
 VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR – Aside from protecting their historic Antillan ancestral houses, Viganos struggle to preserve the traditional way of making burnay (unglazed earthen jars), an industry that literally came from earth. The burnay is made of clay mashed by carabaos and mixed with sand. The more convenient electric kilns are however displacing the dragon kilns where the burnay jars are baked, leading to the slow demise of a centuries-old tradition and way of life.
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Posted 11/8/2006 5:18:22 AM
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Posted 11/8/2006 4:30:23 AM
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:59:56 PM
 Unfold one of the Philippines’ best kept secret, Palawan’s Calamian group of islands where in the midst lies Coron. Discover pristine coves with limestone cliffs, teeming with swallows and palawan red hornbills. Snorkel in its marine rich coral reefs with unbelievable underwater visibility. The quality of the sea water in this part of the Philippine archipelago is believed to be most ideal for cultured south sea pearls. Pearl farms are in the vicinity but their location are strictly classified. Experience a safari in the middle of a tropical setting. Witness giraffes, zebras and gazelles running freely in the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary. Trapped in time? These animals were brought to this island courtesy of the Marcos family in the early ‘80’s. After a long day of sea and sand frolic, you can treat yourself to a hot spa courtesy of mother nature, the Makinit Hot springs. Free-flowing hot mineral rich salt water trapped in a man-made pool will surely soothe your weary bones. A dip in this pool will relax tense and soothe aching muscles. Rejuvenated , one is ready for another day of adventure in Coron. There are many secrets awaiting to be disclosed.    
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Posted 11/7/2006 8:11:24 AM
   
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Posted 11/7/2006 8:01:47 AM
Background The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed down its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power." In January 2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.  THE PHILIPPINES stands at the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, stretching more than 1,840 kilometers. Composed of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is readily accessible to the different capitals of the world. Its three main islands are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The South China Sea washes its western shores. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern neighbors and further north is Japan. To the west lie Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia. Its unique location has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.  Provinces and Cities 73 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur  Economy In 1998 the Philippine economy - a mixture of agriculture, light industry, and supporting services - deteriorated as a result of spillover from the Asian financial crisis and poor weather conditions. Growth fell to about -0.5% in 1998 from 5% in 1997, but recovered to about 3% in 1999 and 3.6% in 2000. The government has promised to continue its economic reforms to help the Philippines match the pace of development in the newly industrialized countries of East Asia. The strategy includes improving infrastructure, overhauling the tax system to bolster government revenues, moving toward further deregulation and privatization of the economy, and increasing trade integration with the region.  Climate March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22° to 32°C. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool; temperatures range from 22° to 28°C. Average humidity year-round is 77%.  Ethnic Groups 91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay ,1.5% Chinese and 3% other.  Languages The national language is Pilipino, which is based on the language of Tagalog, although there are at least one or two dialects spoken in every region. English is both spoken and understood throughout the country, especially in business negotiations and in the government. Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken by older members of the Filipino-Chinese community.  Religion 83% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist and other.  The Philippines in the World THE PHILIPPINES is readily accessible from the travel capitals of the world. Traveling time to Manila from Hong Kong is an hour and 50 minutes; Singapore, 3 hours and 10 minutes; Bangkok, 3 hours and 50 minutes; Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes; Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurt, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 16 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours and 20 minutes; and New York, 25 hours and 20 minutes.  Wealth of Wonders The Worlds Smallest Monkey The Worlds Smallest Banana The Worlds Best Beaches The Banaue Rice Terraces The Worlds Smallest Bat The Worlds Best Diving Destinations    
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Posted 11/7/2006 6:47:45 AM
It's Christmas time once again and Scott Calvin juggles a full house of family and the mischievous Jack Frost, who is trying to take over the "big guy's" holiday. At the risk of giving away the secret location of the North Pole, Scott invites his in-laws to share in the holiday festivities, and upcoming birth of baby Claus with expectant wife, Carol. Along for the adventure are Scott's extended family, son Charlie, ex-wife Laura Miller, her husband, Neil Miller and their daughter, Lucy who, together with head elf Curtis, foil Jack Frost's crafty scheme to control the North Pole. Also Known As: Santa Clause 3 Santa Clause III Production Status: Released Logline: Santa struggles to keep his new family happy while battling Jack Frost, who is trying to take over Christmas. Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Holiday and Sequel Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min. Release Date: November 3rd, 2006 (wide) MPAA Rating: G for General Audiences. Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution Production Co.: Outlaw Productions, Boxing Cat Productions Studios: Walt Disney Pictures Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California USA Produced in: United States  
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Posted 11/7/2006 6:42:17 AM
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Posted 11/7/2006 6:14:25 AM
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:24:20 AM
Baguio is located about 250 kilometers north of Manila in a region called the Northern Philippines or the Cordillera. It is no wonder about it being the highest city in the country since it is located right atop the Cordillera Mountains in the province of Benguet with an elevation of at least 1,500 meters above sea level! It is about 5 to 6-hour drive via the zigzag routes of Kennon Road, Marcos Highway or Naguilian Road, or a 45-minute flight from Manila to the City's Loakan Airport.  BAGUIO - Situated amid pine-covered hills, with its cool climate, it is the Philippines' summer capital. This city lies within Benguet Province and is about 45 minutes flight from Manila or six (6 hours) by land. It is a major tourist destination and the nearest thing to a mountain retreat this tropical, humid country possesses. The city market is one of the country's best, overflowing with handicrafts, strawberries and vegetables from the surrounding highlands. Tourists can visit the many beautiful spots in Baguio City starting with Burnham Park and Wright Park. Baguio is also home to the Philippine Military Academy, the "West Point" of the country.  Shopping is another favorite activity in Baguio. Mines View Park, St. Louis School, Narda’s Handicrafts, Baguio City Market and the Good Shepherd Convent sell souvenir items from wood carvings to fruit preserves.  Camp John Hay , formerly the rest and recreation station of U.S. military troops, maintains the best recreational facilities in Baguio. An 18-hole golf course, one of the most challenging in the country, is the Camp’s pride and joy.
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:20:08 AM
 Over one-third of the provinces land area consists of mountains. a mountain range flanks the entire length of Aklan´s western border with Antique. The rest is a narrow strip of lowland that starts from the coast and extended into valleys far inland to the foothills. There are five major rivers, the largest ones of which are the Aklan and Ibajay Rivers. Lake Lapu Lapu is located in Malay town. The province has two areas of somewhat varying climates depending on the amount and schedule of rainfall, but temperatures remain almost constant throughout the year.  Aklan, including what is now Capiz, was organised as "Minuro it Aklan" by settlers from Borneo in 1213. It was one of three political units, sakops, into which Panay was divided, the other two being Hamitc (now Antique) and Irong-Irong (now Iloilo) The firs ruler of Aklan was named Datu Bangkaya. Under Datu Dinagandan, the present site of Batan was made its capital towards the end of the 1400-century. In 1433, Datu Bendahara of the earliest written body of laws. When Datu Manduyog became ruler in 1437, he moved the capital to Bakan (the ancient name of Banga). When Legazpi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabayag was ruling Aklan from what is now Libacao. When the Spaniards settled in the area, they changed its name to Capiz, much to the dimay of the Aklanons. The Aklanons agitated for their separation from Capiz throughout the American period. Aklan finally became a separate province in 1956. An early Aklanon settlement called Madyanos, near the town of Nemancia, later became Kalibo.  The "Aklanons" are closely related to the Ilonggos but they speak a distinct dialect, also called Aklanon. The dialect is said to be traceable to an old datu´s defective manner of speaking that everyone imitated.The ponu-an, a customary gathering of elders, is still practised in the barangays.  Boracay Island - A little over one hour flying time from Manila is the fabled island of Boracay. This island paradise is only 7 km long but attracts many visitors with its 32 magnificent powdery white sand beaches and majestic tropical palms. Located in the province of Aklan north of Panay Island, it has often been voted "one of the best beaches in the world." Boracay is an all year round destination. The holiday season starts early November and finishes around May. June to October season provides a pleasant alternative when resort and restaurant prices are lower and the island is at a more leisurely pace. Kalibo Ati-Atihan - was held every third week of January in Kalibo, Aklan. A celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Marked by a frenzied merriment on the streets. Revelers in colorful costumes and bodies painted black and their faces made up grotesquely, dance uninhibitedly to drumbeats.
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:14:56 AM
 January 09 / Quiapo, Manila Millions of the Black Nazarene devotees joined the procession during the Quiapo fiesta. Devotees came from different parts of the country as they believe that by continuing with the yearly family vow or "panata", they will find peace and good health for their families; ask for deliverance from all kinds of calamities,natural and man made; for better health,prosperity and for the stability of our country and world peace. Millions of the Black Nazarene devotees joined the procession during the Quiapo fiesta. Devotees came from different parts of the country as they believe that by continuing with the yearly family vow or "panata", they will find peace and good health for their families; ask for deliverance from all kinds of calamities,natural and man made; for better health,prosperity and for the stability of our country and world peace. Devotees pulled ropes attached to the carriage of the Black Nazarene and His cross. Traditionally, only barefooted are allowed to join the procession. T'was a cacophony of people's faces and voices. Devotees were stubborn reminders of people on the loose,bound perhaps by the single resolve to touch the image of the mystical Black Nazarene. Most tried to carry it on their shoulders. The procession usually lasts for six hours. Several multi-colored brass bands marched for the occasion and followed by early morning masses. Traffic enforces closed the Quiapo district to vehicular traffic from early morning, forcing motorists to take alternate routes to reach their places of works and keep their appointments
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:11:25 AM
“Face the fear! Get ready! Now forward, hard forward! HARDER!” Danny Bravo, the head rafter, shouted above the roar of the mighty Chico River. The five intrepid and very wet thrill seekers in the rubber raft gamely followed Danny’s orders. As the adrenaline rushed inside my body, I felt the proverbial rush as the raft swiftly went up, down and sideways. I was speechless and all that I can think was … WOW!
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Posted 11/7/2006 4:06:52 AM
Pahiyas is the harvest festival and is observed in the towns of Lucban, Candelaria, Tayabas, Sariaya, Tiaong and Lucena City in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Considered one the Philippines’ biggest harvest festivals, it is deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests.  The Pahiyas Festival started as a gift-giving ritual by the natives of Lucban to the Franciscan missionaries who were responsible for bringing Catholicism to Quezon in 1583. When Fr. Juan de Placencia took over as the town’s first church administrator, he continued the practice of offering the years harvest to the Spanish friars as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. The ritual was carried on by the next parish priest, Fr. Diego de Oropesa, until it became a tradition for the Lucbanins.  In 1595, the town’s first parish priest, Fr. Miguel de Talavera who was instrumental in the construction of a wooden church in Barrio Kulapi had the farmers bring all their harvests to the church for blessing. The farmers believed that this rite was necessary because they were convinced that failure to observe it could mean drought, famine, and bad luck for the farmers in Lucban. As the farmers were showered with more blessings and the harvests increased, the wooden church became a place where the annual pahiyas. was held. Later on to keep the tradition alive the townsfolk agreed to display their harvest in front of their homes where the parish priest would come to bless the harvest.  However, to keep the solemnity of the festival, a procession of the image of San Isidro Labrador in whose honor the festival is held, was added to the celebration. The houses along the procession route are the best dressed, decked with the choices fruits and vegetables. The route is changed every year to give all residents a chance to take part in the celebration. Lucbanins also believe the houses along the procession route are twice blessed during the year. During the Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, each household tries to outdo each other in terms of creativity. Farmers show off their best produce of fruits and vegetables such as chayote and rice. There are miniature fruits and vegetables strung together in the most original fashion. The most traditional and certainly the most attractive décor comes in the form of kiping which are strung together in all shapes from arangya (chandelier) to huge flowers. When kiping catches the light of the sun it turns into a veritable cascades of color.
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Posted 11/7/2006 3:24:24 AM
Jan 13 - 19 | Cebu City  Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Niño. The dance moves two steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums. This movement resembles the current (Sulog) of what was known as Cebu's Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it's Sinulog.  Cebu's "Sinulog" is a cornucopia of movement, sound, color, and pageantry. This festival traces its roots to a fervent attachment to the image by many of Cebu's inhabitants; the ritual dance evolved from the elders' rhytmic movements while praying at the image's sanctuary, a beautiful church edifice near Cebu's waterfront.  The merrymaking draws believers and unbelievers alike. Thus, there is something for everyone: a pilgrimmage that is joined by thousands of faithful, and earthly entertainment for many more. Perhaps the outpouring of humanity will convince doubters and the fencesitters to see the light. On the other hand, the most ardent of believers can abandon the faith: the crass commercialism, the reckless abandon, and acts of vandalism.  The sinulog is the most visible and most attended of the fiesta performing expressions. This street drama performance showcases in dance and mime the battle between San Miguel and Lusbel (Lucifer), as narrated in catechetical legend.  The sinulog is performed along the overcrowded avenues and side-streets of Iligan andin all sense presents the triumph of the good over evil.  Sinulog dance is based on the movement of the river current, hence the dancers move with wave-like movement. People converge along the route of a grand procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a Mardi Gras parade and immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums to the yells of "Pit Senor!" In 1981, when the Sinulog Project was started by the Cebu City government, the sinulog dance became the pervading theme of teh cultural celebration and has remained so to this day. The preparations for the Sinulog have spawned other activities which in themselves have become yearly events. An example of this is the putting up of decors on the faacades of stores and buildings where the parade passes by and has become a symbol of the advent feast.
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Posted 11/7/2006 3:16:16 AM
 Every year during the months of April and may, the people of Pakil, in the province of Laguna celebrates the Turumba Festival. It commemorates the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is held 7 times each year between the months of April and May. The first is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday and the last falls on Pentecost Sunday.  Held in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Turumba dates back to 1640 when a fisherman floating in the Laguna Lake found the statuette of Our Lady of Sorrows. Legend tells that he brought it to Pakil and left it in his boat while he sold his catch in town. Meanwhile, a housewife saw the image where it was. She notified the parish priest, and soon afterwards a crowd started to gather around the banca. A farmer carried the statuette to the church and on his way the people following him started to sing and dance. This was the first Turumba procession. The word “Turumba” has no real Filipino or Spanish meaning. But according to the legend, “Turumba” was the sound of the drumbeats during the procession.  Today, Pakil is known for the Turumba Festival. The image of the Virgin is borne on the shoulders of the devotees and brought to the seashore and back to the church is a festive grand procession. The Turumba is the longest celebrated festival in the country covering seven months. The first celebration is held a week before Holy Week and then every ninth of the month hence for seven months.  The Turumba festivities, popularly known as "Pistang Lupi", become one of the main tourist attraction in our town. The "Pistang Lupi" fiestas for the Blessed Mother of Turumba consists of seven novenas corresponding to the seven sorrows of the Blessed Mother. A Turumba procession follows right after each novena. This religious celebration is known as the largest ang longest of its kind in the country. During "Pistang Lupi" season, tens of thousand devotees from nearby town and provinces (particularly from the province of Quezon) join altogether to participate in the festivity. Origin of the word "Turumba": From what I have read, the word "Turumba" might have ome from two words; One is "turo", which means to point, the other one being "umbay", which is the dirge sung by the invalids or sick. But this is just a theory of Alejandro Roces.1 The truth about the Turumba will be known when the facts about the ritual comes out from the Franciscan Ibero- Oriental Archives in Madrid, Spain. ~~~ AWIT NG TURUMBA ~~~ Turumba, Turumba Mariangga Matuwa tayo't magsaya Sumayaw ng Tu-Turumba Puri sa Birhen Maria, Sa Birhen! Turumba, Turumba sa Birhen Matuwa tayo't mag-aliw Turumba'y ating sayawin Puri sa Mahal na Birhen, Sa Birhen! Biyernes ng makita Ka Linggo ng i-ahon Ka Sumayaw ng Tu-Turumba Puri sa Birhen Maria, Sa Birhen (2x) Turumba, Turumba sa Birhen Turumba, Turumba sa Birhen Turumba'y ating sayawin Puri sa Mahal na Birhen (Repeat Over)
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Posted 11/6/2006 4:36:53 PM
 Bacolod’s most popular fiesta, is celebrated on the third weekend of October closest to October 19, the city’s charter day anniversary. Festivities kick off with food fairs, mask-making contests, brass band competitions, beauty and talent pageants, a windsurfing regatta, drinking and eating contests, trade fairs and exhibits.  The climax is a mardi-gras parade where revellers don elaborate mask and costumes and dance to Latin rhythms Rio de Janiero style. Bacolod City is known as the the "City of Smiles". The Bacolod, as they are called, are proud of their culture as being strong willed with a warm heart. Bacolod also boasts of antique houses, old churches that dates back during the Spanish time, and other cultural sites.  
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Posted 11/6/2006 11:36:00 AM
Celebrated every 4th weekend of January in Iloilo City. Spectacle characterized by frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.  Today, Dinagyang is associated with the annual, socio-cultural-religious festival of Iloilo City in January. Dinagyang was coined by an old-time Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster, the late Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario, who first used the word to name the festival when it was launched in 1977.  Iloilo City's Dinagyang had its beginnings in 1968 when Fr. Sulpicio Ebderes, OSA brought a replica of the image of the Sr. Santo Ni�o from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish church with a delegation of Cofradia Del Sto. Ni�o Cebu members.  The image was brought to San Jose Parish church and has been enshrined there since then where a novena in His honor is held every Friday. The first parish feast of Se�or Santo Ni�o was celebrated in 1969, a year after His arrival in Iloilo City. The culmination of the nine-day novena was the fluvial procession.  From 1969, the celebration was casually called "Iloilo Ati-Atihan" to differentiate it from that more famous Mardi-Gras -- like revelry of Kalibo, Aklan.  Through the years, however, the Dinagyang festival has not only meant fun and laughter for the Ilonggos. It has also become a period of thanksgiving and offering for all the blessings received. Hala Bira!
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Posted 11/6/2006 11:27:22 AM
Baguio City: February 1- February 29 It's flower season at the City of Pines -- perfect timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio folks take a break on these days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of their city. Multi-hued costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes). There's also the half-dozen or so flower beds-- disguised, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats.  t all began in 1995 when lawyer; Damaso E. Bangaoet, Jr., John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation (JPDC) Managing Director for Camp John Hay, presented to the Board of Directors of JPDC the idea of spearheading the holding of a flower festival in Baguio City. The Board, then led by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Victor A. Lim and JPDC President Rogelio L. Singson, approved the project immediately. It was also decided that the Festival be held every February. From the very start, JPDC saw itself as the initiator, not the producer of the Festival.  Consequently, its strategy was to present the idea to the various sectors of the community: government, education, business, media and civic organizations. This was not only to solicit their support, but also to gather their suggestions and ideas. Their response was generally warm and immediate, except for a few doubting Thomases. Nevertheless, the idea had fallen on fertile ground. It grew as a wellspring of community support fed resources into the project. The Baguio Flower Festival was an idea on its way to becoming a reality.  Making the idea a reality fell into the hands of the BFF Secretariat which was chaired by Attorney Bangaoet and manned by JPDC staff and volunteers led by Eric Jonathan Picart. In Addition, an advisory group of flower enthusiasts like Rebecca Domogan, Gloria Vergara, Julie Cabato, Willie Magtibay and Efren Chat was formed. They began by creating an identity for the Festival, one that would reflect the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. In October 1995, the Baguio Flower Festival acquired face. Its official logo was chosen from entries to the Annual Camp John Hay Art Contest. The competition was open to elementary, high school and college students of Baguio. Its theme revolved around preserving the environment with a special emphasis on the flowers of the Cordillera. The 18th Kadayawan Festival was well participated, particularly the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan participated in by local government units, including those outside the Davao region. A huge crowd trooped to city thoroughfares Saturday to witness the street dancing competition. Instead of a complete painting, the distinguished board of judges led by well-known artist BenCab chose a spray of sunflowers on the corner of the entry submitted by Trisha Tabangin, a student of the Baguio City National High School.  Shortly thereafter, a Festival hymn was composed by Professor Macario Fronda of Saint Louis University. To this music was added the rhythm and movements of the Bendian dance, an Ibaloi dance of celebration. The Bendian dance's circular movements speak of unity and harmony among members of the tribe - themes that foreshadowed the coming toogether of the various sectors of the community to bring the Baguio Flower Festival to life.  How to Get There From Manila, Baguio is accessible by air and land transportation. Asian Spirits Airline maintains a daily schedule of flights from Manila to Baguio and back to Manila. Various bus companies, garage cars, and tours operators supplement the transportation requirements of tourists and visitors. Local transportation is abundant � taxis at 20 pesos flagdown, jeepneys at minimum 4 pesos and 25 centavos, and car hires at reasonable rates. 
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Posted 11/6/2006 11:09:51 AM
 The Lanzones fruit is a major source of the Camiguin Islands' livelihood and it is for the annual harvest that they celebrate this thanksgiving day. Houses, carriages, street poles and even people are decorated with lanzones and lanzones leaves. townsfolk dance in joy abandon in commemoration of the legend that a beautiful, unknown maiden took from the its former bitter flavor to leave only its luscious, sweet taste. Camiguin, which came from the word �Kamagong,� the name of a tree in the ebony family, is a pear-shaped volcanic island lying in the Bohol Sea some 54 kilometers southeast of Chocolate Hills and 10 kilometers north of Misamis Oriental. Camiguin have five municipalities -- Mambajao (capital), Catarman, Sagay, Guinsiliban and Mahinog -- and measures approximately 29,000 hectares with a circumferential road measuring 64 kms. Old Spanish documents indicate that the great explorers, Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, landed in Camiguin in 1521 and 1565, respectively. But it was not until 1598 when the Spanish settlement was established in what later came to be the Guinsiliban town. The first major settlement of the Spanish era was Catarman in 1679. This grew and prospered to what is now known as Bonbon. The 1871 Mt. Vulcan Daan eruption destroyed these towns, the remains of which are the ancient Spanish church and convent to the present center town of Catarman. Among the tourist attractions of Camiguin are the White Island, Mantigue Island, Katibawasan Falls, Sto. Ni�o Cold Spring, Hibok-Hibok Crater, Ardent Hot Spring, Tangub Hot Spring and a number of beautiful private beach resorts. But the island�s main come-on to tourists is the Lanzones Festival, normally held every third week of October. It is a four-day grand festival of the island�s agriculture and tourism industries highlighted by a tableau of local culture and a grand parade of lanzones, the golden sweet fruit found abundantly in the entire province. It is Camiguin�s contribution to Mindanao as a cultural destination. The Lanzones festival is the residents� way of giving thanks to a bountiful harvest not only for lanzones but other agricultural products. How to Get There There are three ports operating in the province of Camiguin. The main port of entry is in Benoni, with minor ports at Balbagon and Guinsiliban. Balbagon Port links Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, Benoni Port links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro, and Guinsiliban Port which also has a roro landing facility links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro. Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan. Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys. The six photographs portrayed below should give an idea about the Port at Balingoan and one of the ferryboats that regularly plies the Balingoan-Benoni route. A new terminal building has recently been constructed and when the planned improvements are completed, 737 jet planes will be able to land in Camiguin linking major destinations as Manila, Cebu and Davao. Camiguin is only 35 minutes by airplane from Mactan (Cebu) International Airport. SEAIR is now serving the Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu route every Monday and Saturday.  
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Posted 11/6/2006 10:59:58 AM
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Posted 11/6/2006 10:56:52 AM
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Posted 11/6/2006 10:54:04 AM
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Posted 11/6/2006 9:36:02 AM
It hit me today, about ten minutes ago. I'm excited to go north. I'm really frickin' excited to go north. It might come and go in waves, and I might change my attitude shortly, but right now I'm ready for a vacation. I'm ready for a vacation, and warm sunshine, and trees. I'm ready for the distant sounds of children and insects and birds in a park. Ready to do my own gig. To have a backpack on my back, and to travel. To eat fresh, raw carrots. (I realized that two days ago.) I'm reaching the point in the season that I'm supposed to reach; the point at which I'm about to go north, and the point at which I therefore want to go north. The season's winding down. I'm tired. I still love this place, but I'm tired, and I want to go north. And I want to be on vacation. This is a good thing. I usually have just enough field work to keep me engaged, to keep me interested and focused, to keep me feeling as if I've been on a trip, taken a break, been on an adventure which is almost the same thing as vacation anyway, if the adventure is fun. But I haven't been out in the field lately, and things here are starting to wear on me a bit, and all this is good because I want to want to go north. Unfortunately, I have two days of field work left, just before I leave, which may just make my last days feel hectic and may make me want to stay on. But I don't want to want to stay on. I want to want to leave. The wallpaper on my computer screen is no longer of an Antarctic theme. Today, it is Mayon Volcano, a volcano I had the good fortune of working on in the Philippines. It's beautiful, it's hot, it's sunny. It looks like this: 
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Posted 11/6/2006 9:01:27 AM
The first group of people in line arrived from Los Angeles early Saturday morning. "We're neurotic," they said, in what could be the understatement of the year. Courtney Love, 42, wasn't scheduled to arrive at Book Passage in Corte Madera until 2 p.m. to sign copies of her new memoir, "Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love," one of three Bay Area stops on a swift promotional tour that started Friday night at Borders in San Francisco's Mission Bay. By the time the appointed hour rolled around, however, Love was nowhere to be found. The line stretched out the door while Hole's breakthrough 1994 album, "Live Through This," blasted over the urbane brown-shingled store's stereo system. Half an hour later, as the orderly queue of about 100 started to disintegrate and people stood on tiptoes to peer out over the bookshelves in anticipation of Love's arrival, an announcement was made: "It's going to be another 15 minutes." The signing table was next to the reference section, stacked floor to ceiling with tools Love clearly did not need to employ while putting together "Dirty Blonde": dictionaries, thesauri and writing manuals. The book itself is an indiscriminate scrapbook of handwritten journal entries, school report cards, family snapshots, juvenile hall records and, best of all, a 1976 rejection letter from the Mickey Mouse Club. It reveals as much as it hides. "You can either look at it as dense or you can look at it as a visual treat," Love said later, chain-smoking the Camel Lights her assistant kept lighting for her inside the store's small back office. "You don't often get food stamp cards contrasted with pictures of someone comparing diamonds with Liz Taylor in one lifetime." She had a point. Love may have made her name as a rock star, actress and widow of Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, but above anything else, she is most famous for her contradictions. The people who had turned up and bought the $35 book were equally interested in the arrests, rehab clinics and custody battles. What better celebrity is there than an unhinged one? Meanwhile, the in-store CD player, on its third run through the same album, eventually gave up and started skipping before surrendering to the serene hum of the overhead fluorescent lights. By 3 p.m. there was still no sign of Love. Then word got out that she was out back, taking a last cigarette break before facing her public. A few more tense minutes passed until she appeared in a blast of flowery perfume and bright blond hair. She looked as if she had dressed for a funeral, wearing a tight black top with sheer puffy sleeves and a Fendi tag sticking out behind her neck, sunglasses, thick black nylons and skinny heels that wobbled under every step. "So sorry I'm late!" Love announced to her fans, her husky voice instantly recognizable across the room. "I had something in my eye." Taking her position behind the table, she pulled a CD-R out of her brown crocodile Chloé bag before taking her seat. "Do you guys want to hear a new song?" she asked. She stood there for several minutes reconsidering her offer. "OK," she ultimately decided. "But it's not mixed." Love handed the disc over to a store employee and once again addressed her fans: "You can't f -- tape this. I'll get in trouble." Finally, she sat down, knees apart. An assistant in flip-flops stood behind her, a security guard at the side of the table. "Turn it up!" Love yelled as the mid-tempo ballad started up with the lyrics, "You just don't love me / And I just don't care." She quickly signed a handful of books for a decidedly random procession of fans of every age and background, scrawling her name in large letters across the opening page and offering a brief, "Thank you." But mostly she looked distracted. When the song ended, she said, "Good, right?" Then she offered to play two more new tracks -- "Sunset Marquis" and "Nobody's Daughter" -- from her forthcoming Linda Perry-produced solo album, "How Dirty Girls Get Clean," due sometime next year. "It's not mixed!" Love kept shouting. After each track ended, she said the same thing: "Did you like that? Because I f -- like that one." She signed more books, tapping her press-on nails on the table between customers. "It's not mixed!" she shouted again, airing a few more tracks. "Don't put it on the Internet!" Within 20 or so minutes she had gotten through the entire line of fans, so she stood back up and announced, "I want some books!" Love inadvertently headed for the Women's Issues section, enthusiastically grabbing titles off the shelves like, "History of the Breast" and "A Woman's Addiction Workbook." "I just read that plastic surgery book," she said, pointing to one paperback. "Scarily, I know more about plastic surgery than she does." She moved down the aisle. "Any good sex books?" Love asked, pulling down in quick succession, "Why Men Marry Bitches," "The Female Brain" and "The Drama of the Gifted Child." "Jim Carrey gave me this book," she said, examining the latter. "I lost it." It had been a rough week for Love, and not just because she spent Halloween making an appearance on "The View." Several comments she had made in the press while promoting "Dirty Blonde" had been blown out of proportion. The first credited Mel Gibson for helping her get sober. In another, she lamented letting ex-boyfriend Edward Norton slip away. And, more worrisome, there was one quote in which she claimed that taking LSD at age 4 "freed" her mind. She wanted to set the record straight. So while signing another stack of books in the office, Love gamely offered to answer some questions. Instead, she used it as an opportunity to amusingly rant about everything from recently witnessing Christina Aguilera jump onstage with the Rolling Stones ("Dark days!") to the music industry bidding war brewing around her new material ("People are calling my home number!") to a particularly stinging live review that appeared in The Chronicle two years ago by some, er, unidentified writer. "This was some unnecessary s -- ," she spat, picking up the phone receiver and slamming it down when the store intercom unexpectedly went off. "Yes, I was fat. Yes, my band did suck. Yes, the album was badly produced. But this was the worst review I had ever seen. It was truly jaw-dropping." The topic was changed quickly to the nude photograph on the cover of "Dirty Blonde" taken by Cobain. Love's mood brightened immediately, as she stubbed out an unlit cigarette in the ashtray. "I got to say, I'm 42 now, I look in the mirror and that's not happening now," she said, holding up the early '90s picture and smiling widely. "I didn't know how great it was." Love had another book-signing session to get to at Cody's in Berkeley, but she seemed hesitant to leave. Unprovoked, she talked in detail about unfairly getting shipped off to Bellevue Hospital, her financial disarray and countless famous friends. It was almost better than the actual book. "Ask another question!" she demanded, even though she had talked nonstop for nearly an hour. "Ask another question!" OK, OK. Why did she think so many people were still interested in Courtney Love? For the first time, she seemed at a loss for words. "I don't know," she said, exhaling a plume of smoke. "I don't know."
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Posted 11/6/2006 5:29:53 AM
attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. The pain in the jaw happened to me and woke me from a sound sleep. I was one of the fortunate ones. Trust me when I tell you its pain unlike anything you've ever experienced before. Given a choice between natural child birth and a heart attack, pain-wise, it's much easier to have a baby. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survived... A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this... It could save your life!! Let's say it's 6.15 pm and you're driving home (alone of course), after an unusually hard day on the job. You're tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself. "HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE": Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!! " **PLEASE BE A "TRUE" FRIEND AND SEND THIS ARTICLE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS YOU CARE ABOUT
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Posted 11/5/2006 4:20:41 PM
 Surfers walk past work titled 'Pedestrian Portait' by Australian artist Jennifer Cochrane, as part of the annual of the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Sydney's Tamarama Beach, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006. Over 100 sculptors participated in the tenth year of one of the world's largest outdoor art exhibitions.  A woman walks past a work titled 'archi tekton' by Australian artist Daniela Turrin at Sydney's Mark's Park November 1, 2006, as part of the annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibition that runs along the foreshore from Bondi Beach to Tamarrama. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)  A man takes a photo of a work titled 'after athena' by Australian artist Robert Hague at Sydney's Mark's Park November 1, 2006.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Posted 11/5/2006 4:15:17 PM
 Chinese President Hu Jintao gives a speech at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 4, 2006.  The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 4, 2006. Leaders or representatives of China, 48 African countries and the African Union Commission attended the two-day summit, focusing on "friendship, peace, cooperation and development".
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