Dyonisii.com: BLOG

facebook: see who viewed your profile

2011-04-27T19:57:00.004+08:00

every now and then, you might have seen a post inviting you to click on a link and execute some crazy and weird instructions saying you'd be able to view who viewed your profile.

but know this, facebook has said it that they would not implement that -- letting you know who viewed your profile.

here's what facebook has to say: "no, facebook does not provide the ability to track who is viewing your profile, or parts of your profile, such as your photos. applications by outside developers cannot provide this functionality, either. applications that claim to give you this ability will be removed from facebook for violating policy. you can report applications that provide untrustworthy experiences by clicking the "report application" at the bottom of the application’s about page, or by clicking "report" at the bottom of any canvas page within the application." (http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=840)

so some people devised something. they created some form of deception that claims to make you view who viewed your profile. turns out that this actually doesn't do what it claims to do. for how can it do such when only facebook has such data and they refuse to do the same?

after some research, here's what happens. they give you a site to visit which asks you to copy some weird javascript and asks you to paste it in the address bar of your browser. so what does it do? it only copies some data inside your computer (which facebook uses so it could validate who you are) and sends these data to their servers (not facebook's).

so what happens now? well, with that data, they can "clone" that validation code and pretend that they are you. so they now have access to your account.

"so what?" you say? well, if they have access to your account, they can do crazy stuff: they can post as you, add and delete your friends, and even change your password so you can't get in in your own account.

they can even start an argument with your best friend in such a way that your bestfriend could become your worst enemy. they could even spread the site they made by posting a link on your wall so your friends would think that you actually posted it. well, they actually use this method in order to spread the site.

why do they do this? some people pay facebook for a couple of reasons by using credit cards. and stealing information from computers is actually an easy way to get ahold of credit card information, which means, they could buy something online using credit cards they don't actually own.

another reason why people do this is to harvest email addresses. these email addresses may then be sold to spammers. so it ends up that these guys earned some money and you get spam in return.

so what do you do? disable the rogue application (if you have gone through a window asking you to give approval of an app to have access to your information) and change your password.

how do you disable the rogue application?
click on account.
click on privacy settings.
under apps and websites, click on edit your settings.
at the right of "apps you use", click on edit settings.
you now see all the apps you have given access to your account. check all the apps and weed out those you can't trust by clicking the x button (to the right of edit settings) and delete that app.
and lastly, did i say change your password?

help your friends from being a victim of this scam. share this note.

Who is Go Channel?

2009-10-31T19:21:00.006+08:00

I was just playing around with my DVB-H capable phone and was curious if I could get some free TV signal.

And yes I did!

And if you think I live in some first world country, then you are wrong! My current location is Makati, Philippines, a third world country! Signal in Pasay is also as good.

So going back...

The only channel I got is Go Channel. For most of the afternoon, I've been surfing the net in order to get some more information about Go Channel but to no avail.

Surfing the net for more information, I read that Smart and Destiny have DVB-H broadcast but for a fee. But not so for Go Channel, at least based on my experience because I had my phone on offline mode when I first tried it on my phone.

So if you are an owner of a DVB-H capable phone and are curious, then Go Channel is the way to go. At the very least, while we are living in a third world country, we are also at par when it comes to technology with the first world countries.

Tweet on Twitter using Sun Cellular

2009-08-03T23:25:00.004+08:00

Pinoys can actually post a tweet on Twitter using their Sun Cellular phones for just a Peso per post/send.

I read somewhere that this is possible and the steps are quite easy.

You need to register first:
Using your Sun Cellular mobile phone, text:

LOGIN [username] [password]

without the brackets and then send to 2555.

After the confirmation, you can start posting using your Sun Cellular phones by texting:

TW [message]

without the brackets and then send to 2555.

At first, I was kinda hesitant because I would be giving away my Twitter password. So I had to call Sun Cellular and confirm if 2555 is one of their service providers.

And yes, the Customer care representative confirmed that, again, yes, 2555 is one of their service providers.

It was not until I have posted a test post on Twitter that I have confirmed that 2555 is in fact a Sun Cellular/DMPI service provider named Sun Alertz, thus, assuring me that my account on Twitter will be secured. At the very least, they are not a fly by night service provider who might find it profitable to sell account names and passwords.

What's more, and this is a free plug already, (but I won't say NO if Sun Cellular would give me a TF for posting this) you can also receive alerts and enjoy unlimited use of the service by texting any of the following:

BUY 1, BUY 7, or BUY 30

and then sending it to 2555.

BUY 1 will be at PhP15 for a day.

BUY 7 will be for PhP50 for seven days.

BUY 30 will be for PhP150 for 30 days.

What a surprise!

2009-04-16T01:37:00.004+08:00

Less talk this time.

See and listen for yourselves. I promise you, you won't ever regret having spared a few minutes listening to Susan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

On Chip Tsao, Filipinos, and the Supposedly Intelligent

2009-04-01T21:47:00.002+08:00

For a few days already, Chip Tsao, author of the article "The War at Home," on the online edition of HK Magazine, has been a regular of local TV and broadsheets. Even on the net, he is famous. Filipinos here and abroad have lambasted him because of what he has written on the said article.

The first time I read the article was after he was on TV. Curious about the whole bruhaha, I decided to see for myself.

What I found was nothing but an article that basically hits on what may already be obvious, and adding a little exageration here and there.

I can actually understand the feelings of Filipinos who may have been hurt by what Chip has written. But to be bombarded by news about those who I was hoping to be intelligent enough to understand the difference between what was purely done just to insult and what was supposed to be plain satire makes me think that maybe this country's education system has actually going down the drain.

For sure, one may have heard already of a senator or a congressman with threats against Chip. Them who are in power are supposed to be intelligent. But the issue against Chip made me realize that while some or many of those who are in public office may have been to prestigious universities and colleges and even passed with flying colors, there is no guarantee that they could actually be intelligent enough to differentiate what is satirical and malice-intended.

For one, even if any whole nation agrees on something, that does not make it a fact.

Second, maybe Pinoys are too fond of jokes that we all hear and see on TV sitcoms and the like that we fail to realize that there are other ways in the telling of jokes.

Look, Chip is a whole lot different than Malou Fernandez. Malou was downright insulting.

But in fairness to us Filipinos, maybe Chip has forgotten that humor, too, aside from other things, is culture based, meaning, what others in another country may find to be funny can be received otherwise in another location.

This whole anti-Chip, anti-Filipino bruhaha made me remember what Qui Gon Jin once told the young Anakin Skywalker: it doesn't matter what others say about you, and whatever they say should not affect you, for what matters the most is the truth in your heart.

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-03-02T22:54:00.004+08:00

Just a common sight I get to see.

Now, don't blame me if I don't have any respect for the cops.

What's your telephone number? (Part 2)

2009-03-02T22:51:00.000+08:00

It was a couple of days ago that I updated my profile in Jobstreet that prompted me to do the articles on telephone numbers.

In the past article, landlines were discussed as to how they are supposed to be written.

In this article, we now tackle the correct way to write mobile telephone numbers, how they are supposed to be presented, and how to dial these numbers correctly.

Mobile telephone numbers are very similar to landlines. In the Philippines, mobile numbers are seven digits long prep ended by the mobile company code. For Globe Telecoms, these codes may be 915, 916, and 917. For Smart Telecommunications, these may be 910, 918, 919, or 920. Sun Cellular uses 922 and 923.

The difference between landlines and mobile numbers is the fact that mobile numbers are always dialed as long distance calls.

For example, assuming, if my mobile number is 555-8888 and I am using Sun Cellular, then my number may either be (922) 555-8888 or (923) 555-8888. But since calling someone on their mobile phones are always in a form of long distance (NDD), then we always begin by using the NDD access code which is zero (0). Thus, if you want to call my mobile phone that uses, let’s say 922 for its mobile code, you dial zero first (for NDD access), 922 (for the mobile code of Sun Cellular), and then my mobile number.

If you may have noticed, the area code used on landlines are replaced by mobile codes for mobile phone companies.

Thus, it is correct to write (922) 555-888.

Some folks though, even phone companies, and other Philippine based websites would present the same mobile number as 0922 555-8888. While it is easily understood by many Filipinos, it is still not advisable to include the NDD access code because it can create confusion when we present the mobile phone in international format.

We have mentioned before that the Philippines uses the country code 63. The question is, what then is the international format of my mobile number? Is it +63 (0922) 555-8888 or should it be +63 (922) 555-8888?

Jobstreet uses the former even when the latter is the correct form.

The plus sign (+) as we have mentioned in the previous article is used to replace the international access number of the country we are calling from and the IDD access code in the Philppines is 00.

While you can save my imaginary mobile number as 00 922 555-8888 on your mobile phone, and while you would be able to successfully get in touch with me using the said number when you are in the Philippines, you won’t be able to do so if you would go abroad. Let’s say you’d find yourself in the US. Remember that the IDD access code of the US is 011. So instead of changing IDD codes each time you go to any specific country, why not just replace it with the plus sign (+)? There is nothing to worry because most telephone systems replace the plus sign (+) with the corresponding IDD access code.

Now, going back to my imaginary mobile number again, the plus sign is used to dial the IDD access code, and then 63 for the country code.

Should we dial 0 next or go directly to the mobile code?

Since zero is the NDD access code, it is no longer needed. Thus, we go straight to the mobile code which is 922. After that you dial the actual number 555-8888.

In summary, the number then becomes +63 (922) 555-8888.

As we also have mentioned, there are no actual rules on how to write telephone number but I’d still suggest separating the mobile and/or area code using parenthesis so we would know how to properly read the numbers aside from the fact that it looks better than 09225558888.

So to sum it all up, mobile phones and landlines are divided into the following for international format:

1.IDD access which may be replaced by the plus sign (+).
2.Country code of the phone.
3.Area code for landlines and mobile phone code for mobile phones.
4.Telephone number.

For the local format:

1.NDD access code. This is zero (0) for the Philippines.
2.Area code for landlines and mobile phone code for mobile phones.
3.Telephone number.

And one last thing. While most telephone numbers in the Philippines are seven digits long, some telephone companies may actually have eight.

What's your telephone number? (Part 1)

2009-02-21T04:48:00.004+08:00

What's your telephone number?

The Philippines is thought to be the world’s texting capital. Yet businesses and individuals alike seem not to be too familiar with how telephone numbers should be written or even dialed. This article applies to both mobile phones and landlines.

Let’s start with landlines first.

Let’s also say that you have a friend who lives in Manila. His number is 878-8888.

Let’s also assume that you are from Manila, too.

How should you call your friend?

Let’s say one day, you needed to call your friend because you wanted him to know that you will be visiting your relatives in Baguio. Dialing 878-8888 would connect you to your friend. It’s that simple.

Let’s also say that when you got to Baguio, you wanted your friend to know what happened to you trip. So how do you call him?

You can no longer just dial 878-8888 because (a) you are no longer within the same area code as your friend, and (b) just dialing 878-8888 might connect you to someone who is in Baguio who has 878-8888 as his telephone number.

What do you do then? You need to know two things.

First, you need to know about a couple of things. You need first to know the National Direct Distance (NDD) access code. In the Philippines, the NDD access code is zero (0). This is applicable whichever part of the country you are in.

Next, you also need to know the area code of the telephone you wanted to connect to. Manila uses two (2).

Let’s dial now. Dial 0 (for the NDD code); 2 (for the area code); then the telephone number.

That’s it!

While this is in fact very simple, even PLDT is confused about area codes. Try calling their directory assistance by dialing 187 and ask for the telephone of a friend who lives in Manila. Their recorded telephone assistance would say, “The area code is zero-two...”

Woah! Zero is not part of the area code!

The area code for Manila is two (2)!

And may I add. PLDT also got confused with their NDD access code. Take a look at this link from their site. http://www.pldt.com.ph/prod-serv/customerserv/ndd.htm.

The NDD access code stated on their site is zero-zero (00). In fact, 00 is their International Direct Distance (IDD) access code.

Let’s move on.

Let’s also say that you won the lottery and you decided to visit some friends in the US. Of course, you can’t resist telling your friend in Manila about what you have been up to.

What are things to know so you can get in touch with your friend?

These are the things you need to know:

1.The International Direct Distance access code of the country you are calling from; and
2.The Country Code of the country you are calling to.

Each country uses a different IDD access code. You may visit this link for the List of International call Prefixes.

Going back to our example, you wanted to call your friend in Manila, Philippines who uses the number 878-8888.

So you dial 011 (for the IDD access code of the US); 63 (the country code of the Philippines); 2 (the area code of Manila); and your friend’s telephone number.

Now, this becomes difficult to write because as we have mentioned, each country uses a different IDD access code.

But there is a solution. The plus sign (+) is used to replace the IDD access code when writing telephone numbers in international format.

Thus, your friend’s telephone number becomes +6328788888. Now, that’s a long number to write, or even read.

While there is no written rule as to how telephone numbers should be written, at least here in the Philippines, what is suggested is to use the following format:

+country code (area code) telephone number

So your friend’s telephone number becomes +63 (2) 878-8888. Doesn’t that look better? The area code is placed inside the parenthesis so it can be differentiated from the country code and the actual telephone number.

And now to make things a little more confusing, your friend’s telephone number can now be written differently as:

878-8888
(2) 878-8888
63 (2) 878-8888
+63 (2) 878-8888

Others may also use dots and/or dashes.

Thus, the same telephone number may also appear as:

878.8888
(2) 878.8888
2.878.8888
63.2.878.8888
or even +63.2.878.8888

However, I’d still suggest that area codes be placed inside parenthesis to avoid confusion and to differentiate it from the rest of the numbers.

Moreover, if you will be using a mobile phone, dialing the plus sign (+) instead of the IDD access code will also connect you to your party.

Coming next: mobile telephone numbers.

Going further

2008-07-20T03:09:00.006+08:00

I wanted to stop talking already about the "war" between the pro-reproductive health lawmakers and the church but I can't help it.

I have to admit that I got engrossed with the topic so much so that I read more about it. I even tried checking House Bill 4110 and see if there was any sign that it was promoting abortion. I did not find anything. Perhaps anyone out there can point me to the section of House Bill 4110 or any other House Bill that promotes abortion.

And then I read a blog entitled "Bishops and Abortion." I can't help myself but ask "is it really about abortion? i thought all the while that it was just rerproductive health without even the mention of abortion."

The reply - "reproductive health" is code for abortion.

I can't believe this!

I had to wait for days to clear my mind. I don't want to write and be too emotional about the whole thing at the same time. I might write something I might want to take back later.

But even up to now, I just want to scream. And to think that the blog mentioned above is from a Catholic institution. I can't believe that they'd treat me as if I was just another blind follower. But still, probably, because of the Internet's anonymity, they probably might have surmised that I can't find my way through the net. Still, I had to remind myself to be more understanding than I usually am.

But going back to the threat that pro-reproductive bill lawmakers have received from the bishops, that they will be refused communion, maybe the bishops can go a bit further by excommunicating them. And while I am not a lawmaker myself, maybe, they can put my name first in the list.

Communion and Reproductive Health

2008-07-16T21:37:00.005+08:00

The "war" between the Catholic Church and the proponents of the Reproductive Health law in the Philippines has been in the news for days already.

Those who are for the reproductive health law want women to have a choice, between natural and artificial methods, without mention and/or inclusion of abortion as an option.

The Catholic Church on one hand does not accept any form of artificial method indicating that reproductive health is tantamount to having abortion as an option.

No one is talking about abortion. I do not approve of abortion. And please, do not put words into the mouths of those who are pro-choice.

However, talks of not allowing those who promote Reproductive Health to receive communion has been around as well.

Both methods' aim is to avoid pregnancy.

But to deprive its followers of communion when they are pro-choice may be considered as going too far, I believe.

While it is believed that the natural method works as much as the artificial method, the former entails more discipline as compared to the latter; and Pinoys are known to be an impatient lot as anyone could be.

My point to the matter is, let the women have a choice. There is no need for black mail. Let the government do its job. In the first place, I never believed that morality should even be considered by any government. Their job is to provide what may be best for the majority as long as it adheres to the basic law of the land.

On one hand, it is the job of the church to guide its followers. Guide and not coerce. Guide and not to divide. Guide and welcome, not drive away.

If the stories in the news are true that the church are contamplating that those who are pro-choice are not to be given communion, then this is what I have to say. The church may bless those who they want, but if God refuses to give his own blessings, then the church's blessings are for naught. The church may not bless anyone, but if God decides to give his blessings, then no church blessing is necessary.

The population in this country has been skyrocketing for years. There will come a time when there would be too many of us alive and there would be less resources for everyone. Let us not wait for that day to come because even these days, the hard earning daily wagers are already experiencing the difficulties in life. And with the number of children that they could not afford to send to school, we are increasing the population living below the poverty line.

Will the church send to school and feed these children? Will they provide shelter? Most likely not. But would be good enough if they could.

I still say, let the women have their choice. After all, if they really want to talk about morality, it is even morally wrong for parents to have too many children they could not feed, shelter, and send to school properly.

WRAP IT UP!

Let us also help lower the HIV infection and transmission in this country. Too many are already infected. And many of them do not even know that they are positive.

WRAP IT UP!

Let us all help save lives. The life you save may even be your own.

Sidewalk

2008-07-15T22:51:00.004+08:00

I needed to call a bank yesterday, Monday.

For quite a long time, I have noticed one bank along Vito Cruz in Pasay which would rather have the pedestrians use the main road instead of allowing them to use the sidewalk when their armored cars are positioned in front of their offices.

I mean, come on! The sidewalk is for the pedestrians and not a security area which they could consider as a "strictly for personnel only" area.

I called up the directory assistance of PLDT. They gave me the number of the bank, and connected me automatically (for PhP2.00). I tried calling over and over, but each time I'd get a "sorry, that extension is not available" when I press zero to be connected to the operator. That's what the prompt tells me anyways. "Press zero to reach the operator."

I got on the net and found that I needed to dial 222 in order to get to the customer service. I have to admit I had a hard time looking for the site of the bank. I even got the information on a Malaysian bank's site. There was no www.the-name-of-the-bank.com.ph or even www.the-name-of-the-bank.com!

I called once more, and dialled 222 for the extension.

Beng, the girl who got my call informed me that they don't have an operator. Uggghhh!

So anyways, the reason why I called was because of their armored car in front their office. No one could use the sidewalk because even their security personnel would point the pedestrians to the highway. I was one of them!

Beng informed me that she will elevate the concern and even admitted that they too have experienced the same - that they have to use the highway at times.

Oh well, let's see in two months if this topic is going to be re-discussed. Maybe by then, I will name what is the name of the bank.

McAfee and AVG Free

2008-07-15T22:35:00.007+08:00

So I thought I could have a good free anti virus application. It turns out that you can't really have your cake and eat it at the same time.

I have been using McAfee's VirusScan for years and years. Never had a problem with infection but it comes with a price. How I wish McAfee would try selling an unbundled VirusScan. I don't use the other applications anyway - just VirusScan.

AVG Free is known as one good free anti virus application. Since, it's free, I thought I could switch without too much problems.

Downloaded AVG Free. Installed it. Uninstalled McAfee VirusScan and everything that goes with it.

After scanning using AVG Free, four programs that I made myself were detected. False positive.

As a usual practice, I synchronized my laptop with my desktop once more - only the data files. AVG prompted me once more about the supposed suspected files. I then proceeded to include those four files in the PUP (potentially unwanted programs) exception list. Re-synched my laptop with the computer. Didn't work. It was a headache.

To make the long story short, I ended up uninstalling AVG Free and as of this writing, downloading and reinstalling McAfee VirusScan.

I think I learned my lesson. Why switch when there was no problem with McAfee in the first place.

Well, one problem I could consider is the cost. Prices of almost everything are going up these days. I am still planning to discontinue with my McAfee subscription (as I am for two years and have been buying CDs the previous years) and going back to buying the CDs. DataBlitz still seels the CDs lower as compared to my annual subscription fee.

Unending protests/The return

2008-07-14T21:44:00.000+08:00

Monday, July 14, 2008, marks the day when the minimum fare for jeepneys in Metro Manila is adjusted to PhP8.50 from PhP8.00. It was not too long ago also when the fare was just PhP7.50 or even PhP7.00. Today is the day when I am also back to writing my thoughts. The last time seemed to be too long ago, but I am back and hopefully, I could sustain it this time.

The fare increase is brought about by the constant price increases of oil in the local market.

Last week, students from different and known public universities held protests against the increase of oil prices.

But let's see, the prices of oil in the local market is not the root cause of everything.

For one, the prices of oil in the world market have increased to more than US$145.00.

Second, the value of peso has gone down again. One US Dollar is now at PhP45. It used to be around PhP41 earlier this year.

With these factors in mind, as the value of dollar goes up, everything imported would cost more peso units, thus the price of oil is expected to go up. Adding insult to injury, since the price of oil in the world market has increased, it would require more peso units even more.

The students from the different public universities are clamoring that the E-VAT be scrapped.

What I find funny though, is this. These students actually are scholars of the governement and the government needs funds for their schooling. Some students even have stipends.

But the government also needs funds for everything it spends for. There are infrastructures that need to be built and repaired. There are public school teachers that need to be paid. There are also many other public servants who need to be paid. There are public hospitals which need funding too, and doctors who already have sacrificed enough by not leaving the country for a more decent pay.

While it is true that the expanded VAT has increased prices of almost everything, this basically collects taxes from everyone, and not just the daily/monthly paid workers. If ever there is anyone who might want to do a protest, it should be us who pay taxes from our monthly salaries. Then we would have to do with the E-VAT. I do understand that it is also the responsibility of the ordinary Pinoy to pay taxes even when they don't have a TIN.

So to the students from these public universities, go ahead and protest. It may appear that you care for the wellfare of the less blessed Pinoys, but really, you are just making people laugh at you. You are just displaying the fact that you lack the intelligence of how things are. Perhaps some common sense would be a good starting point.

Another point worth noting is the demand of some protesters (who seem to do nothing but protest) that the oil deregulation law be repealed. I can still remember, not a hundred years ago, the prices of oil in the local market was controlled by the government. There even was the OPSF (Oil Price Stabilization Fund) that acted as a buffer so that even if the price of oil in the world market would increase, that would not be so in the local market.

The argument then was this: let the oil companies regulate their own prices because competition would force the prices to go down. Eventually, the oil deregulation law took effect and the players were given free hand (almost) when it comes to the prices.

Now, many of these protesters want the old system.

What do you really want guys? Can you make up your minds? Or am I correct in my impression that you just protest just for the sake of protesting (regardless if the arguments are logical or not) because you earn something from all of these?

Old Interface on IE7

2006-10-20T10:47:00.000+08:00

Finally, after quite some time, I am back. And I have something to write about.

A few hours ago, I realized that IE7 has finally come out. I was just waiting for it to be officially released before I would install it and now it is here.

The installation was flawless and I later loved the zoom option. IE7 has a phishing filter much like what Cloudmark has but I am not sure which one would work better. For the meantime, I'm sticking with Cloudmark as I have been using their service for quite some time already.

My only wish for IE7 is for me to have the old interface back. Yes, call me old fashioned, but I was more comfortable with the IE6 interface. You see, I have Cloudmark (to filter out phishing sites) and the Google toolbar (for the pop-up blocker). With the new interface, IE looks like a mess with the two add ons. But whatever, I just want the old interface back. I don't want to resort to using another browser because of this, but I might. I just might.

Luigi on DZRH

2006-07-15T21:47:00.000+08:00

On July 15, 2006, Luigi, 19, one of the youngest infected with HIV in the Philippines was interviewed on DZRH.

Listen to the interview.

Read also Luigi's story.

This requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or better. If you don't have WMP, you may download the latest version at the Microsoft site here.

Warrior is a Child

2006-07-03T16:17:00.000+08:00

In the hope that a small voice of a man be heard.

In the hope that this teen-ager's call be realized.

In the hope that a friend's sacrifice be a lesson learned.

Note: Clicking on the pics above will bring you to the story. Additional story: My classmate has AIDS!
Related Links: Luigi on DZRH.

dyonisii.com

2006-05-24T21:41:00.000+08:00

Any day in June 2006, my original domain name will be set aside and will have to give way to a new one, dyonisii.com.

This means that all email addresses with the old domain will also be changed. However, to make it simple, all you have to do is change the domain to the new one.

My site will just be redirected to the new domain, though I am thinking of having some changes. But that may come in a little later when I am less lazy. LOL!

Just an advanced info!

Cheers!

Top Arroyo aide wants ‘Da Vinci Code’ banned in RP

2006-05-11T01:23:00.000+08:00

Very early Thursday morning, I saw this headline on INQ7.net: Top Arroyo aide wants ‘Da Vinci Code’ banned in RP.

The story says:

CATHOLICS and other groups calling for a ban in local theaters of the Hollywood film "The Da Vinci Code" found an ally in Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

"I think we should do everything not to allow it to be shown," Ermita told reporters in a news briefing Wednesday.

Expressing his personal view on the movie, Ermita said the Philippine board of censors "should be able to take a look at their guidelines on whether such a movie with such a storyline should be allowed to be shown in the Philippines."

Ermita, a former member of the board of censors during the martial law period, said he has yet to read the book, but branded the movie as "blasphemous."

I never expected that someone in the government would want Da Vinci Code to be banned. But as I always say, anything is possible.

On the other hand, Mr Ermita should realize that not everyone in this country is Catholic. Further, he should not speak for the Catholic Church simply because he should not and he simply cannot label the movie is blasphemous because it goes otherwise on his beliefs. Plus, I don't believe that Mr Ermita has already watched the movie. He simply has shown that he already has made up his mind even before reading the book nor watching the film.

We are already on the 21st century yet many of us in this country think that we have the right to force what we believe in on other people. Many of us here think that it is proper to think for other people.

C'mon, guys, get real! I also have my right to watch what I want to watch as much as I can't force others to watch what they won't.

I suggest that government officials should rather focus on problems this country is facing such as population explosion, lack of basic services in government hospitals, graft in almost nook and crany of the country, bad roads, etc.

However, if Mr Ermita and other Catholic groups are so adamant in what they want, then this country is going nowhere, and surely, I'd rather not be Catholic if only to stay away from bigots.

NO to Human Mutilation!

2006-04-29T17:26:00.000+08:00

It is summertime once more and "operation tule" is "in" again. "Tule" is a Tagalog word for circumcision.

It is during this time when young boys go and see their local doctor and have their foreskin (prepuce) cut.

In the Philippines, it has already become a ritual and has gone to the point that children and adults would make fun of a child if he is known to be "supot" or uncircumcised.

Going straight to the point, I am against this practice.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nothing to fix here, ain't it? I mean, if there's nothing wrong with my penis, why mess with it?

Many of us in this country were never even given the chance to decide on this. And that we even had to undergo some form of pain so in order for society to accept us, lest we have to suffer and be ridiculed.

Thinking more about it, this is just another form of human mutilation. You can call it by any name, but for me, it's human mutilation and must be STOPPED plus the fact that I was robbed of my nerve endings when they cut a piece of my penis away.

If you are a parent, how do you feel subjecting your child to pain over something that is not even necessary? Think about it.

Sites to visit:

Pagtutuli - circumcision in the Philippines

Faces of Circumcision: Tuli Ritual of Filipino Boys

Mothers Against Circumcision

National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers

Congratulations, Keanna!

2006-04-02T00:17:00.000+08:00

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, ABS-CBN's version of Big Brother, hailed Keanna Reeves as the big winner.

With more than 571 thousand votes or 44.2% of the total votes, Keanna is the sure winner.

In fact, a lot of people have predicted Keanna to be the winner because of her winning qualities as a person.

To Keanna, congratulations!

Hindi nasayang ang boto ko sa 'yo.

Photo grab above is from ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition.

Hotmail attachment?

2006-01-14T01:08:00.000+08:00

What is happening to Hotmail?

It's been more than 12 hours already since I have encountered an error when opening an attachment on my Hotmail account.

Is this just a glitch on my account, or is this problem experienced by other users, too?

The thing is, Hotmail can send attachment to other accounts without a problem, but can't open attachments wherever the email comes from.

Sony-BMG, Symantec, who's next?

2006-01-13T09:42:00.000+08:00

Sony-BMG hit the tech news in November 2005 because of the rootkit technology that they employed in order to curb piracy. [story »]

Then here comes Symantec caught using rootkit technology. [story »] [story »]

Makes me now think that I need to reevaluate the companies that I trust in order to keep my machines secured.

Oh well, good thing I never had the chance to play any of Sony-BMG's "infected" CDs in my machine. And good thing, too, that both my machines don't have Symantec's products.

Perhaps I am just lucky!

Kapuso Bloggers

2006-01-10T21:12:00.001+08:00

It was a surprise when South Rock, got in touch with me and asked if I could agree that GMA would interview me for a story about the Kapuso bloggers.

I had to think and decide fast when I got that email because I was told that the story needed to be finished on that day as well.

Fortunately, Erick, my supervisor was very kind to allow me to be interviewed.

So anyways, to make the long story short, the intervew went well, and the story was aired on 24 Oras tonight.

However, please let it be known that I was just a part of a whole bunch of guys who blogged with me. There was Splash, Quill Driver, South Rock, and numerous others. You may visit the Mulawin Blog and Mulawin Network Blog for my contribution. South Rock's Channel is a site to behold and read, which I must say is really superb.

You may view the whole story by clicking on the pic above, or by right clicking and choosing Save As... if you want to download the story to your PC.

This requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or better. If you don't have WMP, you may download the latest version at the Microsoft site here. The TV clip is owned by GMA Network Inc. and is protected by their intellectual property rights.

Starting the year on time

2006-01-01T20:23:00.000+08:00

During the entry of the year 2006, both stations, ABS-CBN and GMA, had each their own specials.

Both, I must say, did a very good job.

However, what I am more glad to know is, at least this once, both TV networks have made it a point to flash the correct times on their screens. That is, the time that they used are quite accurate.

As you can see, both networks are in synch with the time flashed by time and date.com.

Hopefully, this will also signify that starting their programs on time, all the time, would actually prove beneficial to them. After all, how can they claim they are world-class when they can't even start their programs at their scheduled times.

MTRCB suspends cable channel

2005-12-18T01:44:00.000+08:00

It is no longer a surprise when I read this news article about MTRCB suspending cable channels.

It also was no surprise that MTRCB still exists when they should have been dissolved a long time ago.

Anyway, this issue stems from the airing of Sky Cable and Destiny Cable of the TVE Channel and some "objectionable trailers." In the same report, MTRCB has also suspended the airing of the Wowow channel earlier this year.

I agree that what needs to be shown on TV has to be at least classified as Parental Guidance since children may be watching television anytime of the day (or night). However, I do not agree that a government body should dictate what needs to be shown or not shown on TV. It is the job of parents and/or legal guardian of minors to supervise what children can watch or not watch.

In short, I do not at all agree to the existence of MTRCB or any sensors body. The Philippine Constitution specifically protects anyone's right to press freedom and of expression.

While it is far fetched to think that sooner or later, any government body can dictate what is to be shown only on TV, it is also possible if we can't even protect our rights from abuses right now. Come to think about it, the government can later on create a scenario which it could require all media entities to air. Something like a self serving situation. The government may not do this at all, but it is possible that they can. The MTRCB is already practicing what can not be shown.

On the other hand, let us also realize that any cable company can not monitor all the channels they air 24/7. Most of these channels are produced by other entities and are fed via satellite so it is generally impossible to pre-screen what the viewing public may see.

Further, I believe that any businessman who operates a cable company is careful of what they air considering that any backlash from their viewers may prove to be fatal to them if by any chance their advertisers would disapprove of their business practices.

In the end, this is all about our rights. The right to press freedom and of expression.

MTRCB has to go!

Today is World AIDS Day

2005-12-01T19:00:00.000+08:00

World AIDS Day

Million Dollar Baby DVD

2005-11-25T22:39:00.000+08:00

C Interactive did it again. Their logo appears once more on the Oscar Award Winning movie, "Million Dollar Baby" DVD.

The only thing is, I am not going to buy this DVD for the reason that C Interactive has used media which is crap.

Imagine, my "The Family Man" DVD, a title that has been reproduced and distributed by C Interactive is already undergoing disc rot, a deterioration of media which, after a while will prove the disc unusable.

Now, my question is, why do C Interactive get all the good titles?

In the end, it was the 3 disc set of "Titanic" that I got instead of "Million Dollar Baby."

No way C Interactive.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2005-11-16T22:06:00.000+08:00

Every Harry Potter fan would love to see this latest Harry Potter movie.

The World Cup was superb. Even the Tri Wizard Tournament was a sight to behold. And Hermione was just beautiful.

The two and a half hour run of the movie wasn't enough to actually paint what happened to Harry in his fourth year at Hogwarts. I guess there was just too many things happening and fitting them in such a short time may leave the viewers wanting for more.

One of my problems with this movie is its inability to, either, introduce a character or plot properly. Perhaps, it was expected that the movie going public has prior knowledge about Harry and his background. Perhaps, it was also expected that those who may want to watch the movie have read a book or two of the series.

But either which way, I suggest you don't read the book within a month or two before watching the movie or you end up comparing scenes and sequences from the movie and the book. May I even suggest that you read it six or more months earlier.

However, this movie has quite a few funny scenes. It sure was great to have a good laugh. And quite frankly, I admired Mike Newell for this. It somehow makes you forget that you are watching a dark movie.

Generally, this movie is worth watching especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. I will be waiting when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will be on DVD.

The coming of First Page 2006

2005-11-11T00:57:00.000+08:00

After years of waiting, and using 1st Page 2000, Evroft has announced that the beta for First Page 2006 is already available.

All the pages on my main site under the domain dennislazo.com is made using 1st Page 2000.

The catch is, the beta is going to expire on the 1st of December 2005.

Anyways, this is still beta, which means that a better product is eventually coming.

Further, here is to hoping that First Page 2006 will also be free for everyone to use, same as 1st Page 2000.

You may visit Evrsoft at their website at evrsoft.com. You may also download 1st Page 2000 and First Page 2006 at their download page.

Phantom of the Opera and other DVDs

2005-11-09T01:14:00.000+08:00

A week ago, I was at the video store for the Star Wars episode three DVD only to find out that the said DVD will be released here in the Philippines on the 9th.

Anyways, since I was already there, I decided to look around. What caught my eye was the Phantom of the Opera.

I might have already bought it until I found out that it was released locally by C Interactive. It was a great disappointment.

I already have The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni and the C Interactive DVD was crap! There are no special features, no subtitles, and the media itself is crap as well.

I have also seen another C Interactive DVD -- A Walk to Remember -- and it was crap, too.

After those two, I swore never to buy a C Interactive DVD anymore! C Interactive DVDs are almost at the same level as the PhP299.00 DVDs! These are crap and should not even be bought!

I can't believe these cheap DVDs are proliferating the market. And if I were to compare the contents of these cheap ones, the pirated copies have better content except for the video quality, the reason why I still opt for the original ones.

Good thing that Region 1 DVDs were available for the second and third Lord of the Rings installments. I got those. My first episode (extended version) was Region 1 as well. And I am waiting for my second and third extended versions to arrive.

Maybe in a few months, when I have saved some money again, I'll get my Phantom of the Opera from Amazon. Thank God for Amazon!

Internet Censorship in the Philippines

2005-11-02T01:29:00.000+08:00

Recently, a news item has been released saying that Netopia, an Internet cafe chain in the Philippines, has proposed for the creation of a censorship body which will operate similarly to the Movies Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

According also to the same news item, Netopia has presented several recommendations to Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Manuel Villar for the creation of regulations against online pornography.

Perhaps, Netopia and Senators Revilla and Villar should remember that the Philippine Constitution of 1987, Section 3(1) of the Bill of Rights, states that "The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise as prescribed by law."

Further, Section 4 states that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the Government for redress of grievances."

While it is understood that the objective of Netopia (or the proposed censorship body) is to protect minors from materials intended for adults, such censorship would, in my opinion be unconstitutional. It is virtually impossible to do so because Internet servers are scattered all over the world. Further, should there be a law to censor the Internet, the Philippines will then become another China that censors the Internet.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of parents to watch over the Internet access of their children, and as such, creating a body to censor the Internet for the interest of minors would violate the right of adults to access adult-related materials.

However, it is possible to restrict the access of minors to materials which may be harmful to them in the Internet. NetNanny and CyberPatrol are two of the many applications for this purpose. Microsoft also has published an article in order to protect children.

The same may also be used by Netopia to protect minors who access their computers.

On the other hand, the United States Supreme Court has already ruled that the Communications Decency Act, which prohibits communication "by computer in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, to any person the communicator believes has not attained the age of 18 years, any material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs," violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

While the Constitutions of both countries are independent of each other, both, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, however, specifically states that "no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech," and that "congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech," respectively.

WPA2 on Win XP SP2, WAP54G and WUSB54G

2005-10-30T00:39:00.000+08:00

I've been tweaking and playing with my access point (Linksys WAP54G v2) and wifi adapor (Linksys WUSB54G v4) for the past couple of days.

These are for the laptop that I should be getting if things go well, but for now, my desktop is going wireless!

Anyways, what interested me the most was security, and how to protect the data that runs to and fro between the two devices.

Enter WEP, WPA, and WPA2. These three are encryption methods used for data protection. WEP was the first generation encryption method. WPA was the second. However, these two were deemed to be insecure. Finally, on June 24, 2004, WPA2 was ratified.

I was curious as to how these two products would work with WPA2.

Out of the box, the access point and the wifi adaptor worked fine with WPA, but not WPA2.

The installation of the wifi adaptor was easy. After opening the box, I was surprised to see a small device wrapped in plastic. I was expecting it to be as big as the access point. On the plastic wrapper comes an instruction that I must install the software first before plugging in the device.

I did just that and everything was all okay and working fine but the software that comes along the wifi adaptor adds one more icon to the system tray. I was interested to get rid of that extra icon.

Eventually, I ended up uninstalling the application that goes with the wifi adaptor.

After plugging in the wifi adaptor, and as most USB devices, my Win XP SP2, asked for the driver. I just insterted the CD that came with the adaptor and Windows was able to look for the correct device driver.

Everything worked well again and without any problem.

However, I was really interested in WPA2 so my research on the net was endless.

The access point that I got was version two, with firmware 2.07. However, the official latest Linksys firmware is already 3.03. Eventually, I ended up upgrading the firmware using a wired connection. The upgrade was seamless and for the past three days, I didn't notice any problem.

After the upgrade, I noticed that the access point now supports WPA2. Good!

After setting the access point to use WPA2, I found out that the wifi adaptor won't connect.

Going back to research, I found out that Microsoft has supported WPA2 for Windows XP SP2 through KB893357.

After downloading and installing the hotfix, detection of WPA2 became possible, and starting from then, I have been on WPA2, and so far, I haven't noticed any problem and I hope it would continue this way.

The only thing I needed to wait for is that laptop! LOL!

How fast are you?

2005-09-05T23:40:00.000+08:00

Having had a DSL connection (256kbps) has been great as compared to my former dialup connection.

Maybe I am lucky enough because I was told that my DSL connection would be made after two weeks. But guess what? Three days after I made the phone call that I wanted a DSL connection with my phone company, here comes the phone guy who installed everything within less than 30 minutes. Good work, I must say.

Seems like the prices have started to go down in spite of the rising prices on other goods.

It has always been fun for me to check and find out about my download speed and I have been here and there on net checking out those Internet speed test sites.

Eventually I found one that has one of the best layouts, good presentation, and I must say, a real impressive speed test.

I am talking about Speakeasy's speed test. You may check how fast you are by clicking on the logo below. Good luck!

Run Spybot Search & Destroy Automatically

2005-08-17T17:18:00.001+08:00

In this age where spyware, adware, and malware are quite common and identity theft is a common threat, everyone connected to the Internet must take necessary precautions.

Enter Spybot Search & Destroy, a free application that can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot Search & Destroy has been rated by Tucows with five cows and CNet with five stars. I’d rate it with five stars, too, overall, for security protection.

It is easy to run Spybot Search & Destroy manually at least once every week. But it is always better to run it automatically. This way, you are sure that you won’t miss it working for you. This application can be run with parameters and then made as a scheduled task or a shortcut that would complete the whole process of checking for updates, checking for problems, fixing those problems found, and even closing it after everything.

I’d recommend anyone to create a shortcut and a Scheduled Task entry with the following entry (assuming that you installed Spybot Search & Destroy at its default folders):

"C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe" /autoupdate /autocheck /autofix /autoclose

This requires, though, that you are connected to the Internet so the updates can be downloaded.

So there! And good luck!

CSI: Philippines

2005-07-29T23:47:00.000+08:00

It is a welcome development that we see our own version of CSI learning something from the TV shows, CSI. Or so I believe

For one, our crime investigators are now using gloves. Even the investigator taking the pictures has gloves on her hand.

Evidence found are properly marked.

Investigators are now wearing gloves and a police line has been set to keep those who may have nothing to do with the investigation away. But does the guy wearing the orange jacket a member of the investigation team? Hopefully he is. And he should better wear his gloves if he intends to touch anything inside the police line. However, if he is a journalist, he should know better than that.

However, no one, and not even an investigator can or should move an evidence, especially when it is a body if and when there is no medical examiner present. A human body can be tampered with easily and can affect the outcome of the case. The two who are turning the body should be wearing gloves at this time.

Perhaps it would be too harsh to expect too much from our public servants. But common sense is always expected as the basis for them to be in public service and that crime investigator should know that a crime scene should be considered a "holy ground."

Maybe a few more CSI episodes can help teach our crime investigators the basics necessary so they can perform a better job.

The Peso dives down

2005-06-29T19:17:00.000+08:00

As was expected, the peso today plunged from PhP55.69 to PhP56.05 to a US dollar. That's 36 centavos in a single day!

I always wanted avoid politics here. It's the dirtiest game there is. But then, I can't help it. Whatever our politicians and would be politicians have in mind or would do, it affects us all.

As noted, the opposition has started to drum up their calls for the president to step down. On the other hand, those in the administration are imploring that the president be forgiven for her "lapse in judgement."

My countrymen, please remember that we are a third world country and that, everything we do would eventually affect our very volatile economy. For every centavo that the peso slides down, another family becomes hungry because of rising prices.

I once remember a grandfather telling me that if you have too many gripes over something, you might as well do it yourself. This is so true.

So is this the reason why the opposition wants the president to step down? Or does it have to do with the need to be in power?

Why can't the opposition support, inform, and help the president do her job in order for this country to improve instead of throwing mud at her and calling her names? Maybe they can do this now while there is someone sitting up there?

Perhaps, it is true that humans are easily corrupted by power, such that no one wants the opposing camp to sit down and work with them.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The people have the power to change a leader every time there is an election. But does it give them the power to change a leader at a whim? If so, then there is no use for the elections anymore. Maybe, the people who actually have the power have become corrupted themselves.

Hopefully, one day, all these turmoil will fade away. However, I don't see it in the near future. All I can hope now is for everything to get better for all of us, a little at a time, if possible.

For the meantime, whatever this country is facing now reminds me of a phrase in a song: "Politics: the art of the possible."

She spoke!

2005-06-28T00:32:00.000+08:00

Eventually, the president has decided to speak about the tape early Monday evening.

She eventually admitted on national TV and radio that she was the one on tape but did not categorically admit that it was Mr Garcillano she was talking with.

After the telecast, some may have started to assume that she indeed cheated during the last elections. But then, the president said in the same telecast that she merely was trying to protect her votes.

On the other hand, some said that the impeachment proceedings are immenent for it is not legal for a candidate to talk to any election officer during the time of the voting and even during the time of the counting. CNN, however reports that there is no law to stop candidates from talking to election officials. (CNN report)

While the president has already admitted that she was the person on tape, no evidence still has been presented as to substantiate the accusation that she cheated during the last elections. The tape still, to my belief, cannot be used in order to force the president to leave her office.

My only concern now is the possibility that the prices of basic goods will start to climb up when those who oppose the president will start to take the streets.

Many of the president's opposers claim to be working for the good of the people, yet, I still cannot connect that to ousting her. One major question: who is the best bet to take over her office?

Political instability is a major factor in order to lose investors' confidence. And when that happens, the peso would again slide down leading to higher prices of commodities. That is something very scary because, as I have mentioned on the previous post, it would mean that we would again tighten an already tightened belt.

Some also have argued that the president should have just denied that she was the one on tape because in a few month's time, everything would have been forgotten.

But then I believe that honesty made the president accept her faults. There are still people out there who would rather take the longer route for truth, rather than take the shorter route for a lie.

My hope for now, is that there will be no street protests as to this matter. Let the rule of law and justice take its course. If the president is found guilty of any crime, then by any means, let her pay the consequences. But if the reason for removing the president would be based on pure hearsay, then this country is already damned!

To speak or not to speak, and more

2005-06-27T01:28:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since the Gloriagate scandal has started.

Most, if not all, have already made up their minds as to who really was on the tape. Was it really the president, or was she not?

Now, many a lawmaker are asking the president to speak up. The president on the other hand has indicated that she would make a comment as regards the tape in due time.

But guess what? I don't think that it matters if the president should comment or not. After all, it's a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation for her.

Now that she is not saying anything, many are speculating that the reason why she is doing so is because she is guilty of the accusation that she was indeed the person on the tape. But on the other hand, some are also saying that there is no need to say anything because it wasn't her in the first place.

Now, let's say that she did comment on the tape, and she denies that she is the person on the tape. One side would say, that it was expected of her because she needs to deny it even if it was really her. The other side would also say, that it is was just obvious for her to deny because she is stating a fact.

It was just this friday when I mentioned on my radio show, Radio Talk with Corene, (Fridays starting at 4:30pm UTC+0800 on Radyo Natin) that oil prices have now surpassed the US$60 level. Its effect is global. All countries are going to be affected. The increase in local oil prices will be inevitable.

However, the Peso-Dollar rate is something we can control, even if just a bit.

With the latest scandal that the president is facing, it is expected that more street protests will be at hand. These protests, however, give the nation a negative image with many foreign investors. And as such, it is also going to be expected that the peso once more will become lower as compared to the US dollar.

We can always change a president every time that there is an election. However, once one has been named, we are needed to support whoever is sitting there. We don't need to love the president. We just need to accept whoever is there. Support the person there, if we must. But please, let's not wage any form of war against him or her.

Every time the US dollar value increases, the opposite happens to the Philippine peso and the common Filipino man becomes the victim of this. Prices of basic commodities go up, and we all once more have to tighten an already tightened belt.

There is no point to use the streets anymore. I totally disagree with this. If there is enough evidence, then let the impeachment proceedings begin. This is the proper forum. By attacking the president, we in the end are just digging holes for our own graves.

"The truth will always set you free." Let the truth come out. Let the evidence speak for itself.

Did it appear on the tape that the president, assuming it was her, ordered someone to cheat for her during the last elections? Assuming that there was fraud, how far was the extent of the cheating?

I know of a company who was betting for the other candidate. However, during and after the elections, information came about (from their own people) that it was the president who was leading and who eventually won.

This is not to defend the president, but to rather present a more intelligent approach into the situation. After all, whatever happens to this country, we all get affected by its trials and tribulations.

The streets are still scary

2005-06-18T00:08:00.000+08:00

I have been in staying in Manila, because of work, since the last quarter of 1998. But up to now, crossing the streets of Mega Manila is still scary.

Either, because I am a true blue promdi (promdi: colloquial for "from the province") (where crossing the streets are as easy as the ABCs because of the lack of traffic) or because the streets of Mega Manila are not really pedestrian-friendly.

Let's see. Here and there we see a pedestrian lane across a street. Has anyone noticed a car stopping before the lane when a person is trying to cross the street? In many places, especially the first world countries, motorists are required to stop before pedestrian lanes when a person is about to cross the street or even when that same person is still standing at the side walk and about to cross.

Pedestrian lanes take precedence over any traffic sign. This means that once a person is ready to cross the street using a pedestrian lane, all motorists are required to stop.

It is a big possibility that there are no laws in the Philippines that require motorists to stop.

There are also no laws also as to how accountants are supposed to account. There is, however, the generally accepted accounting principles.

Same goes for the use of pedestrian lanes. There has to be a generally accepted use of pedestrian lanes principle.

But let us not stop here. Pedestrian lanes are not supposed to be placed when a traffic light is available simply because the pedestrian lane takes precedence over all traffic signs. By placing a pedestrian in conjunction with a traffic light, the pedestrian lane, then, loses its purpose. What needs to be placed in places where traffic lights are available are solid lines, left and right, to where the pedestrians are supposed to cross. However, it is still common, even when there is a pedestrian lane, though wrongly placed, that motorists occupy this area as waiting points. Come to think of it, even the MMDA and traffic enforcers would ask motorists to occupy the said areas! Government vehicles, police cars, and even MMDA cars cross pedestrian lanes as if they own the whole highway.

While as mentioned that pedestrian lanes take precedence over all traffic signs, there are areas where pedestrian lanes are not to be placed. They are not to be placed in national roads. Precisely because national roads are so busy and traffic should be moving fast. In Mega Manila, the doon-po-ang-tawiran (the-crossing-area-is-over-there) sign is also common. However, when one goes to the crossing area, one would see a dangerous situation for one to cross the street: there are no traffic officers to control the traffic flow which would accomodate pedestrians to cross the street or there is a pedestrian lane but no motorist realizes its purpose.

The implementation of the pedestrian lane is actually simple. Apprehending motorists could be difficult. Most motorists, if not all, are ignorant of the use of the pedestrian lane. Traffic enforcers and the MMDA are ignorant of its use, too. Most probably, the Land Transportation Office is ignorant of this as well.

But come to think of it, those who are at the higher chain of command have at least been to a first world country once. They should have noticed the use of the pedestrian lanes there. But, with how things are in this country, I don't think they have noticed that either. Or are they ignorant too?

This country is beset by a lot of traffic problems. There are big problems and small problems. Why not start with the small ones? It has always been said that big things start small.

Education still holds our weakest link. And by proper and quality education only can we start to improve. Education that is worth our blood and sweat. Education that has a high value.

Thank you, Hotmail

2005-06-04T21:46:00.000+08:00

Finally, Microsoft has implemented what it announced last November, that free Hotmail accounts will no longer be supporting Outlook and Outlook Express.

And much to my dismay, I have decided to say "thank you, Hotmail."

Hotmail has always been good with me except for very rare instances when I am not able to access it. But other than that I was happy with Hotmail even when I only had 2 megs of storage.

Two megs was just enough for me. I actually used Outlook Express to access my Hotmail then.

But then Microsoft finally decided on the relationship between Hotmail and Outlook and Outlook Express.

So I had to say goodbye, and thank you. Inasmuch as I don't agree with Microsoft's decision, I guess I can't do anything about it. The Microsoft Philippines guys can only defend Microsoft when I had to discuss with them in their forums that there are alternative ways in order to curb spam and do away with the "divorce." But that was expected of them.

So again, thank you, Hotmail. You've been good with me then. I wish you well.

Angels in America

2005-05-08T03:16:00.000+08:00

It's already 3.16am and I've just finished watching Angels in America.

In this connection, and just a short note, I'd like to thank Tony Kushner for the wonderful play.

Thanks too, to HBO for coming up with the movie on DVD!

Thanks also to the stars, and the rest of the cast and crew, and to Mike Nichols.

Tourism and Monopoly

2005-05-03T23:20:00.000+08:00

On Tuesday, the Probe Team aired stories about tourism packages of different Asian nations and raised the problem of tourism in the Philippines.

The show presented what Singapore, Malaysia, Sabah, among others in Asia, offered to attract visitors and how these countries benefited from tourism.

The question now is, can the Philippines benefit also from tourism? And if so, how do we?

This is a long shot question, but why not? Tourism is an industry that earns millions, if not billions, and it could help this country recover from many of its problems.

However, so many things need to be addressed. We need education, discipline, and the desire to succeed. And by saying “we,” I do not mean “us,” the people. That includes the government, the very people who should be serving us.

Come to think of it, (and I know some of you would raise your eyebrows again) but we need a government who has the desire to actually help us.

Most of us have been to school. But what have learned? If we have learned anything, why not apply what we have learned. But one only needs to open his eyes and we see office people, and in their office uniforms, throwing candy wrappers away like the whole street is their own private trash can.

We see policemen allowing their neighbors to kill dogs so they could be eaten (and I thought it is now illegal for dogs to be made as pulutan).

We see government owned vehicles crossing red lines as if the world is going to end tomorrow, lawmakers’ cars sounding off that noisy sirens as if those who are inside are the most important people on earth who needs to be taken from Paris to Davao in two minutes flat, and licensed drivers crossing pedestrian lanes as if they don’t exist.

When these three, education, discipline, and desire, are addressed then I believe, we won’t have too much of a problem to attract visitors from around the world, and most important of all, attract our own countrymen to visit the next tourist destination at the next town.

But then perhaps, in spite of good education from well known universities and colleges in the country, not too many could survive the game of Monopoly from a first time AI buyer of the said game. And I'm talking about education, discipline, and desire.

Unnecessary Protest

2005-04-19T00:45:00.000+08:00

Each time that there is an oil price increase, the Filipino people are the ones who get affected the most and belts need to be tightened a little more.

Jeepney drivers get angry. And most likely than not, they blame the government for allowing the oil firms to increase the prices of oil.

The April 18, 2004, jeepney strike in the Philippines was understandable. It is always the case that once oil prices increase, the prices of basic commodities increase, too.

However, I will always oppose any form of protest once the leftists start to join any protest. These people have nothing to do other than fuel the anger of the people instead of finding a solution to the problem. Puro sila angal. Wala namang ginagawa. (They are all complains. They don’t offer any solution.)

If I am not mistaken, once there was the Oil Price Stabilization Fund or OPSF. Oil prices then were a little higher so the government could save for an oil price buffer. These protesters demanded that the OPSF be scrapped. Now, they are demanding that the oil price deregulation law be scrapped. Don’t they have anything better to do?

Surely, asking the government to stop any oil price increase is like asking for the sun not to set. The oil prices at the world market are increasing. Then, there is the devaluation of the peso against the US dollar. What do these protesters expect? Street protests and jeepney strikes always eventually hurt businesses. Who businessman in his right mind would want to invest in the Philippines, then, if this is a usual occurrence? And then the next thing they would protest about would be the failure of the government to create jobs. This is a vicious circle. You always could expect the leftists to protest and blame someone else for the problems of this country. However, they fail to realize that they are the once who add insult to an already injured economy.

In the end, the whole protest was unnecessary. The drivers lost a day’s wage. Businesses lost a day’s work. The common office worker lost a day’s leave if he was forced to stay at home. The children lost one day of learning in school.

The protest was understandable but unnecessary.

And by the way, do these leftists ever work? I seem to find them in almost every street protest. If so, how do they earn what they eat? How do they support their families? Where do they get the money they spend everyday?

IPU delegate in knife attack

2005-04-05T20:43:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Star reports that the secretary-general of Belgium's parliament, Georges Brion, was injured and robbed in a knife attack on Tuesday on the sidelines of the annual Inter-Parliamentary Union in the Philippines. (Read the story »)

Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco, head of a task force securing the event, believes that this is only an isolated incident.

Further, Manila police chief Avelino Razon says that Mr Brion should have told security where he was going. Razon further questions Mr Brion's reason that he was going to church.

The point is, whether Mr Brion was going to church or anywhere else, it is the PNP's responsibility to maintain peace and order. Does Mr Razon realize that it is their job to maintain peace and order? If he does, why did this "isolated case" happen? If not, why is Mr Razon still with the PNP?

Maybe this is another case of when-the-cat-is-away-the-rats-will-play syndrome within the PNP. But I don't wonder anyway. Mr Razon's statement as regards this case simply justifies my need and want to leave this country and live in a safe place where police officers are respectful of the hands that feed them.

The lights or the cops?

2005-04-05T02:44:00.000+08:00

The Inter-Parliamentary Union has started Monday but ever since Sunday, cops have been around the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex for the re-routing of traffic flow as well as making sure of the delegates' safety.

Since my office is within the CCP Complex, I need to cross Roxas Boulevard in order to travel from my house going to work and vice versa. Crossing Roxas Boulevard has never been difficult except when the traffic lights at the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Vito Cruz are not functioning properly.

I was expecting the same ease when crossing Roxas Boulevard until the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Philippine National Police took over the streets in order to direct the traffic flow.

You see, they all have forgotten that there are still pedestrians who need to cross the streets. They seemed to be so concerned too much with the dignitaries that they don't even bother to let the pedestrians cross the streets first before letting the flow of the traffic to continue (even as against what the traffic lights would indicate). What I mean is, if the MMDA and the PNP opt to use their officers to direct the traffic, then they should turn off the traffic lights and save some electricity; and if they would rather use the traffic lights, then make these officers respect the lights at the very least.

It is good that the delegates of the IPU be given high regard as they represent the leadership of other nations. However, it is not acceptable that the regard given them compromises the safety of any human being.

The MMDA and PNP should know this. But then again, I never expected them to know anything either. They wouldn't be doing what they are doing if they were intelligent anyway.

Airport Utility Worker returns money

2005-04-03T20:59:00.000+08:00

I once more take my hats off to these guys. They are those whom we need to be in the government!

According to news reports, Nita Ramos found a jewelry box with about PhP200 thousand worth of jewelry inside the lady's washroom at the Manila Domestic Airport terminal.

Without hesitation, Ms Ramos returned the jewelry box with all of its contents to the airport management with the hope that it will be returned to its rightful owner.

In another note, Romeo Pelaez, a utility from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport found and returned a wallet with three million Yen in it to the owner.

New Site

2005-04-03T20:19:00.000+08:00

After a few hours of thought, here I am.

My original site now includes this blog. If you have been to my original site, you may have found out that I do comment on everything and anything. However, comments were not available then.

But, this is Blogger and comments are welcome.

Thanks for dropping by!