The whole world is watching closely.
Everyone is alarmed at the newest health disease outbreak known as the Swine Influenza or Swine Flu virus.
Swine influenza, or “swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza.
Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which can allow the genes from these viruses to mix. This can result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources, called a "reassortant" virus. Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. (source: gmanews research)
The flu was believed to have originated from Mexico, and while there has yet to be a case report on the Philippines, the Department of Health is securing all measures to protect the people.
Click here for additional FAQs on Swine Flu Virus.
Isn't it just fit that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao should be quarantined and examined for a possible infection of the Swine Flu Virus?
The virus was believed to have originated from Mexico, home of Pacquiao's former foes Marquez, Barrera, Morales, Diaz, etc.
Seriously now.
The bets begin to escalate as the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout nears. The bout, entitled, The Battle of East and West, is scheduled on May 2, 2009 (May 3 in the Philippines) at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada. For now, the bettors in Las Vegas still favor Pacquiao over Hatton at 2-1.
Aside from the bloody fight, Siyetehan expects:
• Low, or even zero Crime rate in the country during the fight.
• A lot of congressmen, senators and other politicians flying to Las Vegas to watch it live.
• GMA Network to capitalize on advertising.
• ABS-CBN to spoil GMA by announcing the winner even before the fight is finished at GMA network.
• people will comment on how Martin Nievera sings the National Anthem.
• Movie houses and other establishments to earn a lot for their live telecast via pay per view.
• Gloria to wait for the time when she will call Pacquiao to greet him on the phone while inside the ring (if Pacquiao wins).
• Atienza to organize a welcome parade (if Pacquiao wins).
• Politicians to flock inside the ring for a photo opt with Pacquiao (if Pacquiao wins).
• Chavit to earn more, or lose more, depending if Pacquaio wins or loses.
• And for the whole Philippines to stop and let their eyes glued on their television set watching and hoping that the Pinoy will once again triumph and beat the odds.
Sabi sa Horoscope ng Libra kanginang umaga:
Bigyan ng atensiyon ang iyong kalusugan. Magpakonsulta sa doktor kung may nararamdaman.
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Naman! Kailangan mo pa ba naman ng horoscope para maintindihan ang mga ganitong bagay?
I have high hopes on Bob Ong's book 7.
Why? Because I was not satisfied with Book 6 (MAC ARTHUR).
At any rate, I am patiently waiting for the release of Book 7. Bob Ong's online shop (e-store) states that Book 7 will be released by May of 2009. The preview suggests that the book will be about a certain hero (Kapitan Sino?) like no other hero we've ever heard before.
Avid Bob Ong followers have long been waiting for the newest book, so I hope this is released on the appointed time.
For Book 7 previews, click on the below:
Mas Matibay pa sa Orig
Bob Ong Book 7: Kapitan Sino
Siguro kung ginugol ng mga rallyists ang mga oras nila sa pagtatrabaho eh kahit papaano ay may naiuwi silang pambili ng pagkain para sa kanilang mga pamilya. 
Matagal nang tsismisan ito sa political circle.
At nitong April 21, 2009, sa sesyon ng Senado, muling nabiglang kulay ang love story nina Senators Eduardo Angara at Loren Legarda.
Let's watch GMA 7's Saksi Exclusive.
Enjoy!
ABS CBN, GMA, and other Network's News Mobile Patrol Vehicles are encamped in front of the New Era General Hospital in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City as they await for further updates on the condition of Trinidad Arteche Etong, wife of ABS CBN Broadcaster Ted Failon (Ted Etong). Trinidad remains in critical condition following the shooting incident yesterday at their house in Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
Meanwhile, Ted Failon was held under police custody in Camp Karingal since yesterday for questioning. Failon maintained that his wife committed suicide due to some financial problems the family is experiencing. He further presented a suicide note, allegedly written by his wife on Tuesday night. Failon, however, admitted having a spat with his wife the 
night before the shooting incident happened.
The police, however, are still investigating on the possibility that there was foul play on the incident because they saw that there are inconsistencies on Failon's issued statements.
While Failon is still not held as a primary suspect, police authorities said that Failon may be charged for tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice because he did not immediately report the incident to the authorities. Police authorities also reported that Failon ordered that the bathroom where his wife was shot be cleaned.
News networks are expected to remain focused with Failon's case and will further await for any updates on the condition of Trinidad Etong who remains to be in comatose at the New Era General Hospital.
Inquirer.net reports that the police is now on the lookout for broadcaster Ted Failon who has been missing after bringing his wife, who had been shot, to a Quezon City hospital today, April 15, 2009. Failon's wife, Trinidad Arteche Etong, reportedly figured in a shooting incident in the family's home in Quezon City.
"We are looking for him," NCRPO Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said. "Reports said Failon has fled, iniwanan niya yung wife niya sa hospital."
Inquier.net further reports that Failon's wife is 'clinically dead'.
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In the most recent update, Police say that they are now questioning Failon (Ted Etong in real life) in his house in Tierra Pura Subdivision, Quezon City, to give light to the incident, which allegedly happened inside their house this afternoon.
It is confirmed! Beginning May 23, 2009, we'll get to see Bossing Vic Sotto on the other side of the fence- this time at TV 5, to host "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?".
The franchise game was originally popularized by Christopher De Leon in year 2000 via IBC 13.
Clearly, Erap is back on track.
Over the decade, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, in the eyes of the Filipino people, became prince, then pig, then prince again.
Flashback:
Erap became the 13th President of the Philippines from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001. He was peacefully overthrown by the Second People Power Revolution after his aborted impeachment trial in the Senate, where eleven Philippine senators refused to examine the second envelope of the Jose Velarde bank account that would supposedly prove acts of political corruption. On April 4, 2001, the trial of Estrada began as Ombudsman Aniano Desierto filed before the Sandiganbayan, a Philippine anti-graft court, a PHP 4-billion plunder suit and a minor perjury charge for falsely declaring his assets and illegally using the Jose Velarde alias. On September 12, 2007, he became the first Philippine President to be convicted of a crime after the Sandiganbayan found him guilty of plunder, which is punishable by reclusion perpetua. He was detained in his Tanay, Rizal resthouse but then pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 25, 2007.
Until today, Erap is actually a free man roaming around the country and undeniably a still strong opposition character.
But is he still a threat against the ruling administration party headed by incumbent president Gloria Arroyo?
His lawyers have repeatedly took their stand- Erap can still run for office. And Erap have always expressed that he will be forced to run if and when the opposition fail to unite and field a single candidate come 2010.
On Monday, April 13, following his repeated announcement to run for the Presidency, Erap has released a list of the opposition's (Partido ng Masang Pilipino) twelve senatoriables for the coming elections, namely:
1. Reelectionist Senator Juan Ponce Enrile (Isn't he a GMA ally now?)
2. Reelectionist Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago (another GMA ally? Or an opposition? Or.... ano ba talaga?)
3. Reelectionist Senator Jinggoy Estrada (In fairness, magaling si Jinggoy)
4. Former Sen. Sergio Osmeña III (I like this guy. Kahit kapatid pa niya si......)
5. Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez (aww, kaya pala nagyayaya ng suntukan: publicity pala iyon)
6. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño
7. United Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano (pwede! iboboto ito ng federacion!)
8. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (he should learn better this time. huwag na maulit ang nangyari dati)
9. Broadcast journalist Ted Failon (e di ba nga nag congressman na rin? me nagawa ba?)
10. Grace Poe (Grace who?!!! Aah, anak pala ni FPJ. Naalala ko tuloy nuong tumakbo si Sonia Roco-olats)
11. Brig. Gen. Danny Lim. (whatever happened to Sonny Trillanes? Edi pareho ring wala tayong mapapala kung mananalo si Danny Lim?)
12. Gina De Venecia (wife of ousted House Speaker JDV)
(Former Sen. Agapito “Butz” Aquino and Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay were listed as reserves, in case some of the first choices backed out)
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While Erap has repeatedly said that he will run for president in 2010, many analysts believe that he wouldn't, but instead, play the role of kingmaker in the coming elections. Thus, we can still expect lots of changes in the coming days as the deadline for submission of Certificate of Candidacy (in November ?) draws near.
And to me, the key really, is for the opposition to field a single candidate. Else, we end up having a GMA-FPJ story part 2.
"Anak, Itabi mo.... Ako na."
- sabi ni Mar Roxas sa latest Political Ad niya kung saan naging instant padyakero siya ng isang pedicab.
Mula sa pagiging Mr. Palengke eh naging Mr. Padyakero naman.
What's next, Senator Roxas?
Sabagay, good or bad publicity is still publicity.
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To relate, naalala ko tuloy yung naging isyu dati kay Manny Villar, kung saan nagbitiw siya ng statement, "If you can't raise P1 billion, why even run (for president)?", na tumanggap naman ng iba't ibang reaksiyon mula sa ibang politiko na inaasahan ring posibleng tumakbo sa 2010 presidential elections, including Mar Roxas.
Sabi ni Mar Roxas, "people would elect the next president for the candidate’s platform of government and track record".
Kung susuriing mabuti ang nagiging takbo ng pamumulitika at pangangampanya, mukhang tama nga yata si Villar. Elections is more than just track records, credibility and performance na ipinapahayag ni Roxas. Electoral campaigns will definitely need lots and lots of money.
Dahil mismong si Roxas, hindi pa man nag-uumpisa ang campaign period, gumagastos na nang Milyon- sa advertisement pa lang.
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Why Padyak when you can ride your BM?
Nabasa ko ang isang explanation sa 2010 presidentiables blog:
Mar Roxas has been led to this kind of ad for right reasons but its execution was flawed. they concocted this ad using the following key “crisis points”:
• the need to “soften” mar roxas’ brand image. they probably think mar roxas’ image has taken an “a-hole” image coming from his “senator PI” incident and the unabashed display of uncontrolled anger in many occassions. they probably wanted to show in this ad that Mar Roxas is cute, likeable and yes he has been through anger management therapy.
• this one is one of the mortal sins admen and clients seem to commit all the time - they fell madly in love with previous ads that worked. Roxas’ success into senatorial rock star status was his “mr. palengke” tv ad . they fell in love with that ad and they were obsessed with duplicating that success so they chose to graduate roxas from the palengke to the tricycle. this ad is still in the palengke area, he moved from inside the palengke to the outside, now riding a padyak. roxas wanted to replace the “mr. palengke” to “mr. padyak”.
• oh, and yes roxas has defined the advertising strategy for his campaign and they wanted to make sure that is also delivered.
We'll see whether this strategy could make Roxas padyak his way to the palace.
I have already stated my personal opinion on Bro. Eddie Villanueva running (again) for the Presidential race come 2010. Laying all personal political opinions aside, my view on him running again will boil down to one thing.
Nakakalungkot ang mga latest news na naririnig natin ngayong linggong ito.
Noong Lunes, April 6, niyanig ng 6.3 magnitude earthquake ang bansang Italy na ikinasawi ng himigit-kumulang sa 25o katao. Mabuti at walang pinoy na naiulat na namatay sa naturang insidente.
Kahapon, Martes, April 7, 12 katao ang kumpirmadong patay sa naganap na pagsabog sa isang factory ng styrofoam sa Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Ngayong Miyerkules, April 8, natagpuan na ang nawawalang Presidential Chopper sa kagubatan ng Ifugao. Tatlo ang kumpirmadong namatay habang hindi pa nakikita ang apat pa sa mga presidential staff at pilotong nakasakay sa chopper.
Biglaan ang mga insidente at hindi inaasahan ang mga nangyayari. Sa mga ganitong panahon ay dapat tayong mapaalalahanan na hindi natin hawak ang lahat ng nangyayari sa ating buhay.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die," sabi ng Bibliya sa Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.
Ang Diyos ang nagtatakda ng lahat ng bagay. Ang kailangan nating gawin ay maging handa sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Tanggapin si Hesus bilang Tagapagligtas at Panginoon ng ating buhay nang sa gayon ay makasiguro na tayo ay maligtas sa kamatayang dulot ng kasalanan.
Lahat naman ay magwawakas. Ngunit, Handa Ka Ba?
Inquirer.net reports that the BELL 412, the Presidential Chopper missing since Tuesday night (April 7), was already found in the forest of Ifugao.
BELL 412 Presidential Chopper went missing after taking off from Baguio City Tuesday afternoon with five Malacañang officials and two pilots onboard. The five officials were identified as Undersecretary Marilou Frostrom of the Presidential Management Staff, Undersecretary Jose Capadocia Jr. of the Office of the Press Secretary, Assistant Director Perlita Bandayanon of the PMS’ office of regional concerns, Brigadier General Carlos Clet, a member of the Presidential Security Group, and two pilots.
The Bell 412 presidential helicopter left the Loakan Airport in Baguio City at 4:20 p.m. on April 7, and was expected to reach Banaue, Ifugao, in less than an hour, where they were to visit the Bontoc (Mt. Province)-Banaue (Ifugao) phase of the Halsema Highway rehabilitation which the President was scheduled to inspect on Wednesday.
The chopper was found totally burned on Wednesday, April 8 in Barangay Eheb, Tinoc, Ifugao, and the report said that there were no survivors found.
For other updates, click >>>here.
President Gloria Arroyo has declared Black Saturday, April 11, as a Special Non-working Holiday.
The Declaration was by virtue of Proclamation No. 1752, which President Arroyo signed on April 8.
Relative sa mas nauna kong topic tungkol sa mga debotong katoliko na nagpepenitensiya sa pamamagitan ng paghataw ng mga matatalim na bagay sa kanilang likod at sa mga taong nagpapapako sa krus, binalaan ng Department of Health ang mga magpepenitensiya ngayong taong ito na isaalang-alang nila ang kanilang kaligtasan sa kanilang gagawing mga ritwal.
Ayon sa report ng Philstar, pinaalalahanan ni DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III na sinumang nais magpapako sa Krus ngayong Mahal na Araw ay dapat ding tiyakin na walang kalawang at may kaukulang sanitasyon ang gagamiting pako, maging ang blade na panghiwa sa katawan ng mga nagpepenitensiya upang maiwasang mailagay sa peligro ang buhay at mamatay kung maimpeksiyon ang sugat.
Gayundin sa mga nais bumabad sa matinding araw at magpapako sa sarili at magpepenetensiya, tiyakin na kaya ng kanilang katawan ang sakripisyo upang hindi mahilo o mawalan ng malay na maaring mauwi sa kamatayan.
Oo nga naman. Baka sa halip na maligtas sa kasalanan eh, madisgrasya pa.
The Philippines is once again at the centerstage as we approach the observance of Holy Week and remember Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection.
A lot of tourists, local and foreign, are expected to flock in San Fernando, Pampanga on Good Friday to witness real life crucifixion or nailing on the cross of several catholic devotees as a form of penance.
In the village of Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga, about ten (10) to fifteen (15) men are usually nailed on the cross every year.
(photo courtesy: flicker)
Early on, local authorities have already secured the areas, and prepared security measures as they expect about 80,000 people to witness the tradition.
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The bible says in Isaiah 53:5 that "he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
As we put into remembrance the Lord Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice at the cross of calvary, may we always remember that it is He who was made to suffer from our transgressions and iniquities. He paved the way for us to be saved, not by our own abilities, not by our own sacrifices, not by our good works, but by grace, through faith in Him.
Aside from the previously declared 2009 Holidays, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declares two (2) additional non-working holidays on November 27 & 28 (Friday & Saturday) in celebration of the "Feast of Sacrifice", or the "Eid’l Adha", the culmination of the Islamic world's Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Imeldific:
a term to describe excess and extravagance.
"She saw it as her duty to provide ‘some kind of light, a star’ for the impoverished Filipino people over whom her husband presided. So she took $5-million shopping sprees to New York and Rome, reportedly owned the world’s largest collections of gems and 3,000 pairs of shoes".
That was how Newsweek describes Imelda Marcos, who was included among Newsweek's "Greediest People of All Time" list.
Imelda is the 79 year-old widow of strongman former President Ferdinand Marcos.
note: I was actually searching for another filipino on the list but never found his name.
Lt. Gen Nelson Allaga, commander of the Western Mindanao Command confirmed just this night that Mary Jean Lacaba, the filipino Red Cross Volunteer held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf group about 70 days ago has been rescued in Indanan town in Sulu.
We do hope that the other two volunteers, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, will also be rescued ASAP.
We've so much been concerned about the national elections lately, particularly about the news that Among Ed is reportedly interested on joining the presidential race, and the resurrection of Bro. Eddie Villanueva and his possible team up with Bro. Mike Velarde.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Dante Tinga announced on Wednesday that the Supreme Court will announce the September 2008 Bar Exam Results at around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009 . The list of successful examinees will be posted in the Supreme Court Building at Ermita, Manila.
More than 6,000 law graduates took the Bar Exams on September 2008.
Results may also be viewed online via the Supreme Court's Official Website.
Congratulations to all the would-be Bar Passers!
Have you heard of the news that Transport Group ACTO (Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators) will conduct a transport strike this coming Friday, April 3, 2009?
Layunin daw ng ACTO na tutulan ang Implementing Order 2008-039 ng Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) na nagpapataw ng mataas na parusa sa mga driver na mahuhuling lalabag sa batas-trapiko.
ACTO, Over ka na, ha! Haller.... as in, whatever!
Kung ayaw ninyong mapatawan ng mataas na parusa, huwag kayong lumabag sa batas trapiko!
Kakalurkeeee......
“Because of his insult-to-intelligence definition of servant, thinking he could sweet talk us Pinoys, I am not accepting his apology and still would like one round, just one round in the ring with him. I will forget but will not forgive"
-Roilo Golez on Hong Kong Columnist Chip Tsao who made a "racist remark" against Filipinos in his article "War at Home".
Pihadong daig pa nito ang suntukan ni Pacquiao at Hatton sa May 2.
Go Go Golez!
