Singapore 10th Expensive City in the World

I saw this news the other day on Straits Times and I was surprised that Singapore was actually one of the most expensive cities in the world.  From number 15 last year, it climbed to the number 10 spot.  Also climbing to the ranking is Tokyo, from number 6 it is now the most expensive city in the world. According to reports, the reason to is because of the Euro's plunge in value.  Basis of the ranking is determined by local prices and exchange rates.

Here is the complete ranking of the most expensive cities in the world (Rank six months ago):

1. Tokyo (6)
2. Osaka (8)
3. Paris (2)
4. Copenhagen (3)
5. Oslo (1)
6. Zurich (7)
7. Frankfurt (4)
7. Helsinki (4)
9. Geneva (12)
10. Singapore (15)
11. Hong Kong (28)
12. Vienna (10)
13. Dublin (11)
14. Brussels (12)
14. Milan (12)
16. Munich (16)
17. Berlin (17)
18. Barcelona (19)
18. Noumea, New Caledonia (20)
20. Madrid (20)
21. Caracas (35)
21. Lyon (24)
23. New York (39)
23. Chicago (39)
23. Los Angeles (39)
23. Hamburg (26)
27. London (8)
27. Amsterdam (27)

If Singapore is top 10 in the list then for sure I can survive in London and New York.

Photo from dia.org.au

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Philippine Presidential Election Video

I was browsing blogs when I saw this video that says it all when it comes to the Presidential candidates and the elections. The video is straight to the point and should be a wake up call to all of us. We should not rely on just the TV ads but on their candidates capabilities and track record. There should be a Pinoy Obama that can be a hope to the Filipinos. I hope so.



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Cory Says Sorry To Erap

While I was preparing my dinner and my ham and egg sandwich for tomorrow, I saw this news from TV Patrol World with Cory Aquino apologizing to former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada. I was really having this disapproval face when she blurted out this on stage. Corazon Aquino is apologizing for supporting the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada during Edsa II on January 2001.

The former lady President looked thin and frail but somehow lost her sense of dignity when she apologized to Erap Estrada during the book launch of former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. today at the Podium, Ortigas.

What is the apology for anyway? It just make my face look sour every time I saw these political figures suddenly becoming friends. It will really make me mad when in the next month she will say sorry to the family of Ferdinand Marcos.

Former President Joseph Estrada was guilty of PLUNDER. Let's just make that clear.

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Paula Abdul Stalker in American Idol

The American Idol fever is back with a new controversy from the American Idol judge, Paula Abdul. Last month, a stalker of Paula Abdul for 17 years committed suicide in front of the singer's house. Paula Goodspeed, 30, was found on her car near Paula Abdul's house last November 11, 2008. I have more information about Goodspeed and Abdul on my Entertainment blog.

For the mean time, here is the audition clip of Paula Goodspeed in American Idol season 5.


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Tina Fey Funny Impersonation Of Sarah Palin

I was searching about Sarah Palin on YouTube yesterday morning when I saw this video clip from Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey impersonates Sarah Palin impressively. On the other frame, Hillary Clinton is impersonated by fellow SNL star Amy Poehler.

These two actresses are really hillarious and they really knows comedy. Tina Fey really looked like Sarah Palin. Are they twin sisters? Kidding! Here is the YouTube clip of Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin.


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Only You Can Silence Yourself Photos

Hollywood celebrities like Jessica Alba, Andre 3000, Christina Aguilera, LaToya Londo and Jonathan Bennet posed for Declare Yourself. According to their website, "Declare Yourself is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign to empower and encourage every eligible 18-year-old in America to register and vote in the presidential primaries and 2008 presidential election. Using the power of strategic media partnerships, celebrity spokespeople, the sports arena, and most importantly, mobile and Internet technology, Declare Yourself's campaign blankets the landscape of popular culture, as well as universities and high schools, with a simple, clear message: REGISTER and VOTE!"

My favorite is Jessica Alba's "Only You Can Silence Yourself" picture. The picture is very realistic and shows what will happen to you if you will not vote. Here are some of the new photos for Declare Yourself.



If you are in America, visit the Declare Yourself website.

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Hari Raya Puasa

Yesterday, we have finally moved in to our new house. Thanks by the way to my roommate’s lorry driver, which was very helpful to us. Since the lorry can only occupy one person on the front seat, my other roommate and I were seated on the back seat with our things. The only consolation that I had was that I was seated on the carton with our pillows and quilt. I even covered my head with my bath towel since it was hot and very windy. I was having problems with my hair and I don’t want that to contribute to my hair trouble.

Anyway, yesterday was also a holiday here in Singapore and in the Philippines. Muslims celebrated their version of Christmas, which is called “Hari Raya Puasa.” They celebrate it after the end of Ramadan. On the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, I even heard them singing on the ground floor of our HDB in Punggol. They even have this superstition that they should replace old things with new ones. My former housemates were fortunate to pick some furniture since the Muslim people leave their old stuffs at the ground floor of the HDB.

According to the National Library Board Singapore, “Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. Prayers followed by a thanks-giving feasts are held in mosques on the morning of the occasion. It is a time of forgiveness within the Muslim community and a time for strengthening of bonds amongst relatives and friends. New clothes, decorated houses and exchange of invitations between friends and relatives commemorate Hari Raya Puasa. Children salam (greet) their parents on the morning of Hari Raya Puasa and ask for forgiveness and blessings.”

Hari Raya Puasa is also known in Arabic as Edil Fitri. Puasa is Malay for "fasting.”

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Bayani Fernando Early Campaigning

I received a comment from an anonymous reader today. He sent a link to the supposed picture of the campaigning of Bayani Fernando in Leyte. What are the troops of the MMDA and the Marikina government doing there? Hello to the Office of the Ombudsman or to ABS-CBN and GMA. Please check this matter. I am fed up with Bayani Fernando's use of public funds.

And I heard from a friend that he is a contestant in GMA 7's celebrity duets. Whatever!

Here is the picture of Bayani Fernando's early campaigning.


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Angelina Jolie Presidential Candidate

If Oprah Winfrey gave a boost of 1 million votes to Barack Obama from her endorsement, the humanitarian and celebrity Angelina Jolie is still waiting for the right Presidential candidate. According to her, she is still waiting for commitments the Presidential candidates will make to issues like international justice, refugees and how to address the needs of the children in crisis around the world.

Angelina Jolie recently gave birth to twins with partner Bradd Pitt. First photos of the twins amounted to more than $10 million. After giving birth and apopting children around the world, did you know that couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is planning to adopt again a child? They were thinking of visiting Zimbabwe or Myanmar.

How about adopting me Brangelina instead!

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.

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Sunscreen For Fruits and Vegetables

If we humans damage our skin from the sun's rays, fruits also suffer the same thing. Farmers in Fresno, California are now applying sunscreen to their crops to prevent skin blistering, heat stress and blemishes. Climate change and drought are some of the problems farmers are facing nowadays. With the introduction of sunscreen for agriculture, production of crops increased. Not to mention that it valued more since it is of good quality.

For years, liquefied clay has been used by farmers but now in California, SPF 45 sunscreen which is made of multicrystaline calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals have been engineered to specifically deflect ultraviolet rays and infrared lights from crops and fruits which have been sprayed with this formula. The good thing with this fruit sunscreen is that it lets the good light in to promote photosynthesis.

This fruit sunscreen has been tested in Australia and Chile. I just hope this new technology for fruits and crops will somehow help the food crisis of the world.

Picture courtesy of ag-network-chile.net

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Ralph Recto Is The New NEDA Chief

Yesterday morning, I was watching TV Patrol World episode for Wednesday night. I was able to download Wednesday’s newscast last Thursday night while I was dropping Entrecards. Anyway, after the former NEDA chief Romulo Neri was appointed as the new Department of Education Secretary. It received many criticisms since that appointment means that Romulo Neri is still under the executive department. In short, he is still under Executive privilege and he cannot talk about the ZTE issue. That was a very smart move for the Arroyo administration.

Anyway, after the one year ban of appointing lost election candidates, Ralph Recto was the third candidate from Team Unity to be appointed in the Arroyo cabinet. Ralph Recto was appointed as the new NEDA chief raising criticisms from the Makati Business District. Mike Defensor and Vicente Sotto III were recently appointed as Head of Task Force NAIA 3 and Chairman of Dangerous Drugs Board respectively.

I think there is nothing wrong in appointing those candidates. If they were qualified for the post then there shouldn’t be a problem. I just hope appointments should be verified first with the Commission of Appointments.

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.

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iPhone 3G

People in the US are now cramming to get the new version of iPhone 3G. I think it was yesterday (July 11) that iPhone 3G was released. iPhone 3G starts at around $199. Apple’s new iPhone 3G has thinner edges, has full plastic back, flush headphone jack and its firmware is already version 2.0. Just like the criticism Apple received from its first version, Apple this time was flooded with complaints. Techie aficionado’s complained about the weak 3G signal and some compatibility issues. Some were happy that they finally have a hold to the new version of iPhone.

According to Apple Website, iPhone 3G has “fast 3G wireless technology, GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more features at your fingertips. And like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser. iPhone 3G. It redefines what a mobile phone can do — again.”

So what’s new with iPhone 3G? You can now surf the web with fast 3G cellular networks. Aside from that it is now equipped with Maps using GPS, cool huh! Here are some of the new features: App Store, Microsoft Exchange, better email management, contacts search, views more attachments and has a scientific calculator.

For me, I better save my money for rainy days than to be in fashion.

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World Population Day, July 11

Today is World Population Day. With the continuous rise of basic commodities such as food and fuel, I think we have to review our population to see that it is the root of our problem. Having a big demand for food and fuel, naturally the price of commodities would continue to rise. I was shocked to hear that this week, food prices in the Philippines rose to more than 50%. I am concerned if my family in the Philippines is doing well with the high inflation.

Here are some of the prices that are shocking:

-a kilo of NFA now costs 27 pesos from the former 18 pesos.
-a kilo of sugar now costs 50 pesos

Back to the World Population Day, with the help of the World Fact Book 2007-08 and the US Census Bureau, I will show in graph the world population in 2008, 6.7 billion in exact. It was expected that by 2050, world population would be 9.5 billion.

Top 10 countries with the largest population (millions)
1. China (1,330.0)
2. India (1,148.0)
3. U.S. (303.8)
4. Indonesia (237.5)
5. Brazil (191.9)
6. Pakistan (167.8)
7. Bangladesh (153.5)
8. Nigeria (146.3)
9. Russia (140.7)
10. Japan (127.3)

Top 10 most crowded countries and territories (humans/sq km)
1. Monaco (16,818)
2. Macau (16,341)
3. Singapore (6,652)
4. Hong Kong (6,427)
5. Gibraltar (4,308)
6. Vatican City (1,873)
7. Malta (1,277)
8. Maldives (1,264)
9. Bermuda (1,248)
10. Bahrain (1,080)

2008 World Population by Continent
1. Oceania - 33 million
2. North America – 337 million
3. South America and the Caribbean – 575 million
4. Europe – 729 million
5. Africa – 954 million
6. Asia – 4 billion

World Population Facts:
- 6 out of 10 people in the world are Asians
- 369,755 people are born in one day
- 150,835 people dies in a day
- 218,920 people are added in the global population daily

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Latest on Zimbabwe’s Political Crisis

South African President Thabo Mbeki proposed a peace plan for Zimbabwe to end the political crisis there. According to the peace plan, Robert Mugabe would remain Zimbabwe’s President but hand in the real power to the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister. Morgan Tsvangirai was Robert Mugabe’s rival in the recent Presidential elections. He backed out from the campaign after some of the members of the opposition were killed and threatened. Robert Mugabe won in the recent elections with an allegation of massive cheating.

Back to the proposed peace plan, Robert Mugabe would stay as President until the new Constitution is chartered followed by a new election. Robert Mugabe on the other hand is open to peace talks on the agreement that he is recognized as the President of Zimbabwe.

Robert Mugabe I think is now feeling the pressure from the international community. I just hope Robert Mugabe will realize that his political regime is near its end. The people of Zimbabwe deserve change and freedom. The only way Zimbabwe can progress is for Robert Mugabe to step down. Freedom for Zimbabwe!

Picture courtesy of http://tvnz.co.nz

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Mugabe Wins Re-election

I was watching Channel News Asia's morning show this morning. I was surprised to read on their running headlines that incumbent Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe wins re-election. This happened after his opponent Morgan Tsvangirai back down his Presidential candidacy to prevent more violence and killings targeted to his supporters and political party.

Many were dismayed when he handed the victory to Robert Mugabe including the international observers. It's just frustrating on my part that they were very helpless. What will happen to Zimbabwe if the regime of Mugabe will continue?

Robert Mugabe's regime started after the British colony to Zimbabwe ended. He stayed in power for more than two decades already. I think the solution to this military regime is People Power Revolution.

Freedom for Zimbabwe!

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Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, Angelo Valderama and ABS-CBN Statement

Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo are finally all free. We cannot wait to bring them home to our families and to ABS-CBN. We are thankful that our prayers have been answered and our efforts rewarded.

We thank everyone who helped secure the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo. We received a great outpouring of support from people all over the world who care for freedom. Their words of comfort and prayers guided and strengthened us throughout this ordeal.

There are people who gave us timely and valuable advice as we grappled with ways to secure the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo. They wish to remain anonymous, but they know how eternally grateful we are to all of them.

Above all, the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo could not have been possible without the help of Senator Loren Legarda and the cooperation of the people of Sulu and their local government namely Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidullah. We thank them and share their hope for enduring peace in Mindanao.

For their invaluable assistance, we thank Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno; National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr.; officials of the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) led by Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina and Senior Supt. Edgardo Iglesia and the PNP Intelligence Group led by Chief Supt. Rolando Anonuevo and Supt. Winnie Quidato; the Marines based in Sulu led Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban.

It is for the people of Sulu and Mindanao and Filipinos worldwide that we at ABS-CBN continue to deliver the news.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=122089

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Ces Drilon Free At Last

Last night, I was checking the latest development of the Sulu Crisis on different media websites. I was happy to read that the release of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon and company was on its course. Just this morning, I was happy to check on ABS-CBN news website that Ces Drilon and company were freed last night around 11 P.M. Her release was through the efforts of Senator Loren Legarda, Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, Governor Lady Ann Sahidullah, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr and other police and marine officials.

I’m glad our prayers were answered that the three weren’t harmed and they are healthy. I just hope the rumors I keep on hearing that Ces Drilon was raped by her captors aren’t true. According to some, most of the women captives were raped such as Arlyn Dela Cruz, Gracia Burnham and even Susan Enriquez. Is that true?

The families of Ces Drilon and Jimmy Encarnacion reunited two hours after they boarded the military chopper to Zamboanga City. Ces Drilon and Jimmy Encarnacion will return to Manila today.

Watch this video courtesy of GMA's Unang Hirit.



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Free Ces Drilon

Last week, June 10, I was surprised to receive a YM message from a friend saying that Ces Drilon, well-known ABS-CBN journalist was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu. Aside from Ces Drilon, her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion, assistant cameraman Angelo Valderama and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo were also abducted by the group. Three days after the abduction, Angelo Valderama was released after paying a certain ransom. I’m just not sure how much it is. There are 2 million and 100,000 pesos figures from different sources.

Anyway, as of yesterday the group has asked for 15 million ransom for Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Octavio Dinampo. The ransom was dropped to 15 million from the original 20 million. The group has given a deadline until noon today or else the three will stay in captive. The only light of this scenario was the group hasn’t suggested that they will kill the three.

Both the Philippine government and the ABS-CBN management remained firmed with their “no ransom policy.” I just hope Ces Drilon and company will be free as soon as possible. I feel for Ces Drilon. She’s a very professional journalist and she doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. Let us all pray that this crisis will be resolved soon and the three will be freed alive.

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Pacquiao Wins Again

I have read a post from Joan Joyce about the latest win of people’s champ Manny Pacquiao. According to FightFan.com, “With Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s announced retirement, FightFan.com has elevated former no. 2 ranked Manny Pacquiao to the number one pound-for-pound fighter in all of boxing.” Isn’t that great? Manny Pacquiao’s hardwork brought him success and lots of money. I hope he could give me a million. Hahaha.

Anyway, here’s FightFan.com’s Pound-for-Pound rankings:

1. Manny Pacquiao (46-3-2, 35 KO)
2. Joe Calzaghe (45-0, 32 KO)
3. Juan Manuel Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KO)
4. Israel Vasquez (42-4, 31 KO)
5. Miguel Cotto (32-0, 26 KO)
6. Ivan Calderon (31-0, 6 KO)
7. Bernard Hopkins (48-5-1, 32 KO)
8. Kelly Pavlik (34-0, 30 KO)
9. Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25 KO)
10. Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KO)

Let us support Manny Pacquiao in his upcoming match called Lethal Combination Manny Pacquiao vs David Diaz this 28th of June 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. Go Manny!

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Government Take Over Of MERALCO

Waah! I already sold my television last Saturday night. I will miss watching my favorite TV shows like Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy. I am also outdated with the current local and international news. Would you believe that I only get my news from the television from the bus on my way home?

The latest news is about the high electricity rates and the government takeover of Lopez’s MERALCO. MERALCO yesterday held their annual stockholders meeting at the MERALCO Theater. Some stockholders were dismayed that they didn’t make it to the registration and didn’t have the chance to vote for the new set of Board members. Protestors pro and anti MERALCO also flocked the vicinity of MERALCO. I was enjoying the scene when GSIS President Winston Garcia received many boos from the crowd. According to him there were even attempts to punch him and even stab him with a knife. I don’t like to be Winston Garcia.

The election of the Board members of MERALCO pushed through even there is a temporary restraining order from the Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC that proxy votes will not be allowed to be counted.

I just hope the issues between Winston Garcia and Manolo Lopez (MERALCO Chairman and CEO) will be resolved soon. Shares of MERALCO already fell 10 pesos from last week due to the controversy. I believe that the Lopez’s should still manage MERALCO. Anyway, it’s their company in the first place. If I am in their position, I will definitely fight for my company. The issue here is how we can lower the electricity price and not about Winston Garcia and Manolo Lopez. The government once again is diverting the issue so we can forget about the ZTE issue.

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