My Train Advantage

Naisip ko magsulat tungkol sa pag-cocommute ko dahil sa naranasan at nabasa ko ngayong araw na ‘to. Sa hinaba-habang panahon kong mag-MRT, mabilis ang dating ng tren kaninang rush hour sa Shaw blvd. Wala pa atang 2 minuto may kasunod na, ika nga, international standard ang train arrival time ng MRT kanina. At take note, umulan pa ng malakas yun. Iniisip ko, improving. Sana nga. Tapos naririnig ko si Pacquiao, nag-MRT. Tapos nakita ko picture ni Kris Aquino, sumakay rin, ayaw padaig. Inisip ko na lang, sana madevelop pa ng husto ang rail system natin tulad ng mga kapit-bahay natin na Singapore, Hongkong atbp.

Na-realize ko, 15 years na pala akong nag-cocommute ng tren. Laking train ika nga. Since Grade 4, nag-cocommute na ako. Grade school to College, LRT 1. Nung nagtrabaho na, MRT naman. Eh bilang walkable distance lang ako sa LRT (Baclaran) at MRT (Taft) – parehas dulo. Kaya naman laging nakakaupo!

Kapag tinatanong nila ako, saan ka nakatira? Sabi ko Pasay. Reaction nila, layo naman. Natatawa na lang ako. Kung alam niyo lang, wala pang 20mins ang biyahe ko mula amin hanggang LRT Central. 25 minutes naman mula MRT Taft hanggang MRT Quezon Ave. Tapos, aircon pa, nakaupo pa. Konting lakad na lang pagbaba ng tren. Kapag naglalakad nga ako, iniisip ko, ilang calories din ito! Haha.

Masaya mag-commute sa tren lalo na kapag hindi rush hour. Ramdam ko ang laya ko sa paglalakad, ang laya ko mag-isip habang nakadungaw lang. Saulado ko na nga ata lahat ng makikita kapag nakadungaw sa tren. Hindi sa pagmamayabang, kalkulado ko na rin lahat ng biyahe sa LRT at MRT (except LRT2), pati mga pautot ng mga train driver na “hindi magsasakay yang train na yan” pero skip train pala, magbubukas sa susunod na istasyon. Ang hindi ko na nga lang naeexperience eh yung masiraan ang train sa gitna ng railway, tapos maglalakad lahat sa pinakamalapit na station. Saya di ba! J

Minsan nga kapag pumasok ako sa turnstile sa MRT Taft station, tapos nakita ko umaakyat pa lang yung mga tao na lumabas sa loob ng train, tapos ung mga kasabayan kong pumasok dali-dali naman bumaba sa train platform para makasakay na akala mo aalis agad yung tren, natatawa na lang ako. Sa isip-isip ko, 3-4 mins pa yan bago umalis kaya kalma lang. Siyempre, lalabas lahat ng pasahero kasi nga last station, maglalakad pa yung driver para pumunta sa kabilang dulo, kakalikot pa sa driver' seat ng kung ano-ano, etc. Magmadali ka kapag bukas na ang ilaw sa pinto at mas lalo kang magmadali kapag binuksan na ang aircon sa loob dahil kulang-kulang sampung segundo na lang mag-wawarning buzzer na yan para magsara ng pinto.

Madalas ako makakita ng mga post na nagrereklamo dahil sa traffic, iniisip ko buti na lang I have my “Train Advantage”. Kaya hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin priority ang magka-sasakyan. Hindi ko nakikitang convenient ang pagkakaroon ng sasakyan sa ngayon. Dagdag alagain para sa akin. Hahanapan mo pa ng parking (lalo na’t walang parking sa amin. Haha). Tapos dagdag expenses pa dahil sa maintenance. At feeling ko, karamihan puro yabang lang, kaya ayun di magkaugaga sa kakatrabaho mabayaran lang ang sasakyan. Haha. Convenient pa talaga sa akin ang mag-commute. Minsan, kapag maisip mong sumaglit sa isang mall, baba ka na lang sa station. J

Sabi ko nga wala pang malaking pangangailangan sa akin. Accessible pa naman ako sa mga train stations. Pati maiksi kasi ang pasensiya ko, ayoko na-tatraffic,  ayoko nasasayang oras ko. Dahil nga siguro kalkulado ko na ang mga biyahe ng tren, kalkulado ko na rin ang magiging itinerary ko buong araw. Sanay na ako sa biyaheng tren at ayoko ng mga hassle sa kalsada.

Sa sobrang gusto kong kalkulado biyahe ko, minsan kapag kailangan mag-taxi, i-gogoogle map ko pa yung destination ko para alamin ang magandang daan na hindi traffic. Laki kasi akong puro mapa ang hawak ko dahil binibigay ng tatay kong seaman dati.

Siguro, kung magkakaroon ako ng sasakyan, bihirang ako magddrive, kailangan may driver. Isa sa mga “thinking time” ko rin kasi ang biyahe. Dungaw doon, dungaw kung saan-saan madaan. Mahirap na mag-isip ng kung ano-ano habang nag-ddrive di ba?

Kaya nga sa dami ng naisip ko, nangangarap ako na magkaroon ng iba pang train lines sa Metro Manila tulad ng mga ito, ang iba pa nga nasa papel na, meaning plano na:

*MRT mula North Edsa hanggang San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, ang daan sa Commonweatlh.

*LRT Extension Baclaran hanggang Cavite, daan sa Coastal at Aguinaldo Highway.

*Monorail para sa mga turista at businessman mula NAIA daan ng Coastal, Entertaiment City, MOA Complex, Macapagal Blvd, saka lang mag-Roxas Blvd hanggang sa Intramuros, Manila.

*MRT mula Katipunan area, daan ng C5 tapos isang station sa BGC, patuloy hanggang makarating ng Alabang.

*Monorail along Sucat Ave mula SLEX hanggang Airport o Roxas Blvd

*Monorail mula España UST hanggang sa QC Circle, connecting to MRT station na papuntang San Jose Del Monte Bulacan.

I can just imagine the efficiency of our transport system. Libre mangarap. J

After all, thankful ako sa aking "Train Advantage"
And I will always be a proud commuter.

Kung ako si PNoy...

1. I-aabolish ko ang Pork Barrel. Tatanggalin ko ang lahat ng “development assistance” ng lahat ng indibidwal na opisyal ng pamahalaan. Leave it to proper agencies.

2. Pero tataasan ko ng 30% ang suweldo ng lahat ng government officials and employees.

3. I-aallocate ko ang pondo ng PDAF at ng mga kauring “development assistance” sa dalawa, unang 50% nito sa Executive Department, para:

• Bawat barangay may pre-school at health center, bawat lungsod at bayan sa buong Pilipinas ay may public hospital, public elementary, high school at college.
• Maisakatuparan ang national ID system para sa lahat ng Pilipino.
• Makagawa ng sariling sasakyan ang Pilipinas at mabawasan ang import ng sasakyan.
• Makabili ng mga warship at submarine.
• Bawat barangay may pulis station.
• Ma-explore na ang Benham Rise.
• Mapaghusayan ang paghahanda sa mga kalamidad.
• Maka-imbento ng mga tanim na kayang mabuhay sa kalamidad.
• Makagawa ng mga tourist attraction kung saan lahat ng tourist attractions na meron sa buong mundo nasa isang theme park sa isang island.
• Unti-unting paghandaan ang space exploration.

4. I-aallocate ko rin ang natitirang 50% sa Local Government Units, para:

• Hindi na pag-aagagawan masyado ng mga pulitiko ang mga national position, sa local level na lang sila magpapatayan kasi nandun ang budget. (yun lang, ok lang mas malakas na puwersa ng kapulisan)
• Hindi na magsisiksikan lahat sa NCR kasi may mga job and business opportunities na sa kanilang mga bayan at lungsod. Para sa gayon din madali nang made-decongest ang Metro Manila at maaayos na ang baha. (yahoo!)
• Magkakaroon ng paligsahan bawat rehiyon/probinsya/lungsod sa bansa. Ang may pinakamataas na kalidad ng pagasenso ay magkakaroon ng incentive at mas mataas na pondo sa susunod na taon.
• At para mas makapaglaan ng pondo ang mga LGU sa paghahanda sa kalamidad.

5. Lahat ng programa at proyekto ng Executive department dapat tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng LGU, ganun din ang LGU dapat nakalinya sa vision ng Executive department. Ika nga, in partnership lagi. Bawal mag-solo ng proyekto. Signatory ang department secretary at punong lungsod/munisipyo kung saan gagawin ang  lahat ng proyekto. Ang mga senador at kongresista, gagawa lang ng batas.

6. Magkakaroon ng bagong pamantayan sa eleksyon.

• Para makatakbo bilang presidente at bise presidente, dapat senador ka.
• Para makatakbo bilang senador dapat kongresista ka.
• Para makatakbo bilang kongresista dapat nakatapos ka ng isang termino sa LGU maliban sa barangay level o naging department secretary sa loob ng tatlong taon.
• Bubuwagin ko ang Sangguniang Kabataan pero palalakasin ang community involvement ng kabataan sa pamamagitan ng mga paaralan.

Sarap mangarap.

Easier said than done.

Hahaha.

Palarong Pambata

Whenever there's a Palarong Pambansa, NCR always bag the over-all champ compared to other regions. And recently, NCR did it again for the nth time, as in "ninth" time.

Then, here comes Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) or ASIAN Games where Thailand and China always dominate the event, respectively. We expect the PHL to compete well and top the event. 

But the question is, where is the support? Where is the funding?

Going back to Palarong Pambansa, I am sure NCR has the overflowing support that's why they are consistent. Everything's important are in NCR, thus funding to it is widespread.  It's a manifestation of government' allocation of subsidy which is unequal. If we cannot allocate enough funding to other region, for instance in sports development, how can you expect them to compete well. Palarong Pambansa is a waste of time. It is like showcasing NCR domination, not empowering sports development from the grass roots of the country.

Just like in the case of the PHL, if we cannot support and fund well the country to competition abroad, do not expect a competitive delegation. There's no sense of competing at all, such a waste of money. Pakitang tao lang, makasali lang.

Like Palarong Pambansa, pakitang tao lang, makapagpalaro lang sa bansa wala naman quality output of athletes.

It's (really) More Fun in the PHILIPPINES

It's (really) More Fun in the PHILIPPINES

Official Video

What are MORE FUN in the PHILIPPINES?

Sleepless Nights

Parking

Moving House

Lovers

Staring Contests

SHARE YOUR MORE FUN MOMENTS!

October 1st

I will never forget this day, I walked almost 2 kilometers to deliver our Super Tuyo product. And just when I stepped out from the building (where I earned), a woman interrupted me and asked for my moment. I let her talk, saying all about the children of today and what's happening now and what's their need, and etc. Upon seeing the effort to explain (and convince me), needless to say the name of their organization, I cut her off and wholeheartedly asked, "So you're asking for a donation?". She affirms. Soon enough I am signing a receipt confirming my donation.

I realized though that I almost gave the whole amount I just collected but felt completely fine. Actually, overwhelmed and inspired.

This day made me believe to trust life.


Here's a gift from the girl.

The Philippines

We're a country named after a Spanish King to which an American General vowed to return

We have the most species in the least space of anywhere in the planet.

The Filipino word for 'Hello' is "Have you eaten?"

People say we're the warmest place on Earth because everyone, absolutely everyone knows how to smile and have fun.

Truly, It's More Fun in the Philippines

Visit: It's More Fun in the Philippines website

Wish upon the stars

WRITTEN OCTOBER 2011

After all the exodus of Lopez and Gozon’s stars to MVP’s galaxy of stars, we still can’t help but wish that some stars should have stayed or transfer from one network to another.

Here’s a list of some Kapuso celebrities that I wish were or still in Kapamilya network.

RICHARD GUTIERREZ

Richard should be in ABS-CBN because Raymond is in GMA. And the gay and overweight “Gutierrez” is not helping Richard’s career.

Primetime is his comfort zone. Let’s give him the best concept, co-actors and directors in Kapamilya network. Female rivalries are common, how about male rivalry- John Lloyd Cruz and Richard Gutierrez perhaps.

If he agrees, an afternoon special for the station’s dying afternoon block.

But a MMK launching is a must. Bring back the tandem first with Angel Locsin, or Anne Curtis instead.

Versatility is the key. We want Richard on ASAP!

Richard Gutierrez and Toni Gonzaga as PBB hosts? Looks good. Eh Pilipinas Got Talent host? Better, his own reality show.

Who won’t be excited for a Star Cinema movie? Co-stars? Let’s pick among Sharon Cuneta (as mother), Bea Alonzo or Sarah Geronimo (team-up), or Gerald Anderson (as brother).

But if he is popular for fantaserye on TV, why not make a fantasy movie? MMFF is a good play date.

G RECOMMENDS: It is never too late to re-define Richard’s career. TFC subscribers would love to meet him as much as they did with Angel Locsin.

REGINE VELASQUEZ

Imagine a songbird belting it out in ASAP. How about a Regine-Angeline-Sarah production number every Sunday?

Her MMK stint was the all-time highest rated episode. She deserves a Primetime Bida spotlight.

No more flopped musical-serye because she can give justice to any piece.

A weekend nightly musical-talk show is recommendable. Remember Celebrity Turns with Micahel V. and Lani Misalucha? Something like that.

Who doesn’t want a Showtime Sample from a Songbird? Let’s build a Regine-Vice tandem from there.

Then a Vice Ganda-Regine musical-comedy movie. Of course, it’s a Star Cinema and Viva co-prod. 

I would love her to host Pinoy Dream Academy.

Star Records will do its best to pirate her from Viva Records to complete the Kapamilya deal.

And I am sure; TFC subscribers would love to see her. What’s next? US concert tours.

G RECOMMENDS: I hope we have Regine before everything 5 years ago when we’re wishing these. I think the best idea for Regine’s comeback after giving birth is a concert entitled, REGINE: The Belting & Breastfeeding Concert. Expect a concert gap dedicated for breastfeeding. LOL. Btw, Mrs. Recto and Viva movie with Aga is a priority!

VIC SOTTO

Bossing is the bossing for all season.

Eat Bulaga is Vic Sotto. So, EB will be in Kapamilya noontime again. Or better, let’s extend EB in the afternoon to salvage the dying block.

Let’s give Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to TV5, let’s bring back Pinoy-made game shows again, with Bossing.

I would love to see him as judge in PGT. Or how about a Showtime stint? That’s wow!

Sitcoms are old-fashion, who wants a gag show for Bossing? Kill Bubble Gang! LOL. Wazzup-wazzup style with a touch of comedy bar suddenly interests me.

Vic Sotto in MMK? Best idea!

Star Cinema will be the first one to rejoice with Bossing’s transfer. More bossing, more movies… and more umay!

Ever thought of a triple V movie treat: Vic-Vice-Vilma? End of the world na.

Bossing will complete every TFC subscribers’ viewing experience. Now, it really feels home, suddenly it’s nostalgic. 

G RECOMMENDS: Let’s make all of these a reality before Bossing becomes “obsolete” and see him inside an air-conditioned room in his MMFF float like Dolphy.

G POINT: At the end of the day, these are all dreams we wish we enjoy in our television. Ikaw ba, sinong gusto mong mapanood?

HK Travel Tips (plus Macau)

Here are my 10-point tips for first time travelers esp. Pinoys in Hong kong with additional tips for Macau

1. Do not be surprised if 7 eleven stores do not automatically pack your items in a plastic bag. Plastic bag costs 0.50 cents (roughly 3 pesos). Ask it when necessary.

2. Octopus card is very convenient unless you want to purchase every single train/ferry ticket. Or you are willing enough to drop exact coins in every bus/tram trip. Ask your friends who have one.

3. Cigarettes are expensive. A pack costs HKD50 (around 270 pesos). Bring your own. I heard that the allowable cigarette pack to bring in Hong kong is 3.

4. When riding a bus, do not forget to push the “stop button” if the next bus stop is your stop. Drivers who have not seen any passenger in a bus stop will proceed right away to the next stop unless you signal them in advance to stop by pressing the button.

5. HK Disneyland checklist: Umbrella (than hat), bring your own umbrella, items inside are expensive. Fan while queuing up a line, heat is everywhere. Bottled water or a jug for convenience, water refilling stations can be found near washrooms.

6. When you return downtown to the tram station from the Peak, ride bus 15C bound to ferry station in Central. It has an open upper deck. The best way to enjoy the city view.

7. If you are in Hong kong and plan to go to Macau, save your peso (or dollar). Macau has higher exchange rate than in Hong kong. The two countries share the same currency anyway. I heard Worldwide House building in Central MTR (where many Filipinos flock) also give reasonable rate.

8. Macau has no train system. If you want a real adventure, ride a bus. HK’s octopus card cannot be used, so save a lot of coins for your bus rides – its 3.2 dollars/ride, exact fare only, no change.

9. Places for free Wi-Fi in Hong kong: Central MTR Station, The Peak, IFC Mall (HK Island), Harbour Mall (Kowloon Island), and of course at the airport. Also, in Macau tower.

10. Three important M’s when traveling in a new territory: Map, Mattress and Money. But don’t forget your passport (and visas).

VIRAL: It's More Fun in the Philippines

 Viral Videos of It's More Fun in the Philippines Tourism Campaign

Staring Contest.

International Campaign - Memes

It's More Fun in the Province of CEBU, Philippines
(INTERNATIONAL Tourism Ad)

It's More Fun in the Province of CEBU, Philippines

(DOMESTIC Tourism Ad)

It's More Fun in DAVAO Region, Philippines

(DOMESTIC Tourism Ad)

Music: Barbra Streisand

Popularized by: Duck Sauce

Performed by: Apl de ap

Jennifer Holliday to Jessica Sanchez: "And I Am Telling You"

 AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 11 FINALE PERFORMANCE

 

4 Reasons Why I Like & Dislike Metro Manila

Does Metro Manila make the Philippines “More Fun”?

Accessible Chaos

From where you are, I am sure you’re near to anything you need.

Short-term buys? Check out a “sari-sari” store.

Cheap meals? Dine in a “carinderia” for a dollar.

Snacking? Go to a sidewalk and find a local dish.

Thirsty? “Palamig” in every street, “Gulaman” in every train station

Long taxi trip?  Buy cold C2 green tea over your window.

Boring bus? Nomadic vendors serve hot “mani”.

Looking for convenience? 7-eleven, Mini Stop or 24/7 Mercury Drug store.

More convenience? Pick among huge malls around.

Because everything is near and everyone is everywhere. The end result: Chaos.

Anyone can set-up their own mini businesses. So you can’t pass a single sidewalk without any struggle. Hence, unmanageable waste can be found anywhere. 

MMDA will clear the sidewalks and arrest illegal vendors today, tomorrow everyone resumes.

  

Inconvenient Variety

The Philippines has the most variety of modes of transportation which makes everything seems reachable. From trains, buses to the lightest vehicle like pedicabs.

Trains assume the speed and accuracy.

Taxis and Motorcycles are the most flexi ones.

Buses take the main roads for specific drop off points.

Jeepneys drive on both major and minor roads for more specific routes.

Tricycles and Pedicabs take the tightest streets.

While Bicycles for convenience and short-distance travel.

However, this variety generally makes road trips inconvenient.

Today, passengers outnumber trains and stations capacity.

Choosy and unsated taxi drivers are at large.

Rude bus drivers who knows no bus stops and speed limit.

Overpopulated Jeepneys stop anywhere making every road a little hell.

Tricycles and Pedicabs more often block everything.

Stubborn Motorcycle drivers add on to street stressors.

The end result: Heavy traffic! But don’t forget the air and noise pollution it creates.

Divided Region

Undoubtedly, The Philippines is an English-speaking nation. Wherever you go, there’s a Filipino who are willing to converse efficiently. Signs around the metro are also written in English. So there’s no hard time staying in the Philippines.

However, Metro Manila lacks the reliability of information, mainly because of the division of cities and municipality. Indeed, local government has the authority over its territory to the extent that it makes Metro Manila divided and disorganized.

For instance, Manila has its green-colored street signs. Quezon City made it blue. Pasay City used to apply orange in various street posts but because it has new government, it changed to green. Pasig City’s blue-and-yellow traffic enforcers are different to Makati City. Mandaluyong City makes its own traffic announcements and rules, as well as in Parañaque and Las Piñas City.

I respect their jurisdiction but I don’t think it is necessary to enforce different versions of information and the like. It is a bit confusing. Driving around the metro will confuse motorists and tourists. You think it’s appealing? No. "Payabangan lang". It just makes Metro Manila uglier.

If they want to distinguish a city from another, a simple border markers will do.

Generally, Metro Manila is perceives as the over-all capital of the Philippines that's why it is the National Capital Region, not Manila alone. I believe that standardization of information in the region will improve Metro Manila. How about a United Capital Region?

Wrong Pride

Currently, there are five major business districts in Metropolitan Manila with two under development: Makati, Ortigas, Taguig (Bonifacio Global City), Pasay-Parañaque (MOA-Coastal Area) and the soon to be QC-CBD called Triangle Park.

These produce high-rising and structurally promising architectures. Beautiful skylines comparable elsewhere. Huge malls with two makes it to World’s Largest 10. High-end complexes for highbrow demands.

Just enough to cater the need to modernity. Truly, a Filipino pride to be.

However, where’s the Filipino feel among it? Everything seems to be modern and western. One attraction that I can think of very Pinoy is the walled-city of Intramuros, nothing more. Luneta? Sounds not appealing anymore.

Where’s the real Filipino pride? Invest on Filipino-inspired attractions that will secure our identity more than anything else.

G POINT:

Metro Manila is a representation of the Philippines. It’s the model city. Whatever happens here will soon happen to the rest of the country.

But does Metro Manila make the Philippines “More Fun”? Maybe yes, maybe no but “Fun” is the shallowest we can offer. Saying "more fun" means you are doing "more" on what is already fun. What are these? Anything foreign. Something that can be done anywhere but can also be done here in the Philippines it is just its "more fun". For me, it is not very Filipino. We are not offering what and who we are – and it is a problem.

DIGGING DEEP:

In spite the development, Metro Manila lacks a certain feel and look of its culture. Colonized minds are so evident. And it makes a gap between rich and poor. Being rich is so foreign (and cool) and being poor is so Filipino. Agree?

We support “not ours” because we think it’s superior and cool to be like them (other culture). But sometimes, we tried to support “our own” but we end up being envious because we want to be more superior and cool (crab mentality).

We, Filipinos are bunch of parasites (to other cultures) who cannot survive on our own. We please and take for granted other cultures, and then we call ourselves “hospitable”? We easily ignore and disbelieve our own culture. The end result? A confused and nonprogressive Philippines.

Sadly, culture is not our priority at all. Our mindset is about how to make money (and be cool) and how to eat three times a day even it damages our identity.

G RECOMMEND:

Continue to build a genuine confidence as a nation and the rest will follow. I believe we just started.