NEWS UPDATE: CLASS SUSPENSIONS FOR AUGUST 1, 2012, WEDNESDAY

Heavy rains and strong winds trigger class suspension today (August 1, 2012, Wednesday)

http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

According to PAGASA's (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration) latest Bulletin, At 6:00 a.m.. today, the center of Typhoon "GENER" was located based on satellite and surface data at 265 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.6°N, 123.6°E).  Maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is forecast to move North at 7 kph. Meanwhile, a low pressure area (LPA) was estimated at 270 km Northwest of Laoag City (20.4°N, 118.5°E).

PHOTO: Both lanes of Roxas Boulevard now flooded http://pic.twitter.com/XAdT40W1 | via @jacquemanabat

Classes are suspended in the following areas:

• Pasay City - preschool to higschool (public only)
• Quezon City - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Marikina - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Navotas City - preschool to higschool (public and private); Navotas Polytechnic College
• Mandaluyong - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• San Juan City - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Malabon - Dampalit Elementary School Main and Dampalit Elementary School 1
• Valenzuela
• Rincon Elementary School
• Pasolo Elementary School
• Isla Elementary School
• Tagalag Elementary School
• Coloong Elementary School
• Pio Valenzuela Elementary School
• Wawangpulo Elementary School
• A. Deato Elementary School
• P.R. San Diego Elementary School
• Polo National High School

Outside Metro Manila:

• Benguet - preschool to college (public and private)
• Rodriguez, Rizal - preschool to college (public and private)
• Obando, Bulacan - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Sta. Elena, Bulcan - preschool and elementary
• Imus City, Cavite - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Naic, Cavite - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Rosario, Cavite - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Tanza, Cavite - preschool to higschool (public and private)
• Ternate, Cavite - preschool to higschool (public and private)

Classes in the following schools and universities were also suspended:

• University of the East (Manila and Caloocan)
• Ateneo de Manila University - elementary and high school
• Casa de Soleil Child Develoment Center (Caloocan)
• Eastern Star Academy (San Mateo, Rizal)
• Great Redeemer Accelerated Christian Education College (Caloocan)
• Jeremiah Christian Academy (Valenzuela)
• Niog Elementary School (Bacoor, Cavite)
• Nuestra Senora De Guia Academy (Valenzuela)
• OB Montessori Center (all Metro Manila branches)
• Panapaan Elementary School (Bacoor, Cavite)
• PolyLove Academy (Valenzuela)
• San Diego Parochial School (Valenzuela)
• St. Catherine of Sienna Academy of Novaliches (Caloocan)
• St. James Academy (Malabon)
• Ubihan Elementary School (Meycauayan, Bulacan)
• Zamora Elementary School (Meycauayan, Bulacan)

you can check out ANC 24/7 on facebook for more updates

TECH-E: MAKATI FIRST WIFI CITY

"Ganito kami sa Makati!"


Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay is planning on making the CBD as the first city in the Philippines to have access to wireless fidelity.

“We are planning to pursue citywide wi-fi connectivity, and City Hall is a good place to start. Then we will select two pilot barangays first before gradually covering the entire city,” Binay said.

"Wireless Hotspots" have been insalled on selected floors of the City Hall, making it the first LGU (Local Government Unit) in the Country to make its City Hall a "Wifi zone".

In partnership with PLDT, the City is planning on transforming Makati as the nation's first "wifi city". Binay gratefully acknowledged PLDT for its support to the project through the free use of its PLDT WiFi Zone powered by a premium broadband connection using a dedicated line.

“We thank our private sector partner, PLDT, for helping us take this first step towards becoming the country’s first WiFi City, which will significantly speed up the delivery of services and benefits to our constituents and stakeholders,” he said.

Officially launched yesterday (July 12, 2012), and in time for the Mayor's 35th Birthday Celebration, The installation marked as a kick-off for the project.

The mayor said internet connectivity will ease communication and collaboration between the city government and the barangays, the private sector, and other concerned sectors. Students of both public and private schools will also gain immense benefits when they have free access to internet, he said.

(SOURCE)

TECH-E: TORCH BROWSER

In previous years, I was trying to look for a fast, secured and a one-stop-shop browser that would fit my needs. Right now I'm using Rockmelt, A social Browser with basic browser features. After months of testing, Chromium based browser are the fastest, lightest browser I've used. 

I was browsing the net when i saw this cool logo with the label, download now! When I've clicked it, i was redirected to their page asking me to download a browser. So far, I'm contented with what I'm using-- but what the heck, I'll download it anyway. While waiting for the download to complete, I've checked out their video introduction and saw a potential for this kind of browser. It has cool features like an automatic sharing button for facebook, a torrent downloader built-in to the browser , and a cool video downloader!

WHAT IS TORCH?

Torch is a free and unique software that offers you powerful browsing together with built-in media downloading and sharing features.

Torch Browser is based on the Chromium technology platform, giving it fast browsing capabilities. With Torch, you can share sites you like, download torrents, accelerate downloads and grab videos - all directly from the browser. Everything you need is a just click away with Torch, so you don't have to use or download additional programs and tools.

UNIQUE FEATURES... 

Built-in Torrent Downloader

Many of us have separate programs for torrent downloads (limewire, vuze, utorrent, etc.). but with torch, you don't need to leave your browser and open an additional program to download stuff.

Video Grabber

Torch lets you easily save web videos from virtually any site you go to. Torch's video grabber is integrated into the browser and supports a broad range of file types, so once you find a web video you want to save, you can easily grab and save it without having to use external programs, converters or extensions. I use Internet download manager and other online sites (Keepvid , File2HD etc.) to download flv or embedded videos. The problem with those tools are their limitations. Online video grabbing sites supports major video sharing webpage (Youtube, Myspace, Dailymotion) but not regular websites with videos. I've tested TORCH and was able to capture the video and download it when no other sites or tool can.

Easy Sharing 

Share sites, videos, songs and search results with your friends on Facebook.

Just like Rockmelt, Torch browser includes a built-in button to easily share on social networks the websites you like and the articles you find interesting.

Download Accelerator


Speed up the download rate of your media files with a powerful download accelerator that is integrated into Torch browser. Torch browser's accelerator downloads your files in optimal speed and works directly from your browser so you don't have to download external software

Overall, Torch Browser is worth a try. The feature-rich browser offers speed, efficiency and functionality that no other browser can offer. In a competitive world of web browsers, Torch Browser proves that it's not your ordinary browser!

FOODIE: HID BURGER

HID Burgers

Healthy. Irresistible. Delicious. Three words that best describes HID Burgers in Cainta. (Oppsss! that is where they derive their name)

After a hard day's work, i usually look for a place to unwind and chillax! yeahhh!!! I saw HID Burgers from their billboards across imelda ave. in cainta. curious on what they offer, my friends and i went their to get a fix.

They have several tables and chairs on an open-type/ outdoor sitting casual resto. We immediately rush toward the cashier to order from their huge menu board. looking at their prices may seem a little pricey than the regular Jolibee Yum Burger but it's actually cheaper that those of Stackers, Brothers Burger,Johnny Rockets etc. You have to wait for at least 10 minutes before your food to be served because they prepare it real time.



WHAT THEY OFFER?

a wide variety of grilled gourmet burgers, chicken tenders, potato wedges, chon wings (korean style fried chicken) and Hungarian sausage

my fourth time eating on this joint when I've noticed something on the wall.

"All burgers are freshly made from 100% Chicken. No extenders."

It was a shocker because i thought i was eating 100% pure beef the whole time. Oh well, that's the beauty of it--- HEALTHEY!.

Since they've opened, prices had become a bit higher. i remember when we started going there last year, the cheapest burger cost Php 105 and the more expensive sicilian and cheese bomb costs Php 125

just ride beside HID is Boozers, a liquor store. from the name itself, they sell alcoholic drinks plus some bottled water, soft drinks and cigars.

WITWIT? (where in the world is this?)

• Location: Phoenix Gas Station, Imelda Avenue Cainta, Rizal
• Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00am - 2:00am
• Email: hidburgers@gmail.com
• Phone: 217 8086

I'M LOST!

From CUBAO

• Ride a Jeep bound to Cainta, Taytay, Angono/ Binangonan Hi-way and ask the driver to Drop you off at Vista Verde Gate 2 or Phoenix Gasoline station.
• If you're riding the Best LRT in Town! (Line 2), just get off Santolan station (well, you have no other choice since this is the last station), Ride the FX to Vista Verde and just walk from Vista Verde gate 1 to Phoenix Gas station

From ORTIGAS

• Just ride any Bus going to Cainta or Taytay (Green Liner/ RRCG) and ask the Man in white ("the konduktor") to drop you off at the Junction in Cainta. then ride a jeep to Sta. Lucia Mall. Phoenix Gas Station is on your left and just say "PARA!" if you spot it!

By the way, if you're living the the cainta area, they also have delivery services


https://www.facebook.com/hidburgers

THINGk!: SUGAR CAN HEAL WOUNDS FASTER

According to a study done by Moses Murandu, sprinkling granulated sugar can kill bacteria that inhibits healing and causes pain. In the six-month study on 21 patients, Murandu used the sugar on bedsores, leg ulcers, and amputations when wounds didn’t respond to conventional treatments.

This treatment was originally used in traditional African medicine. it works when sugar is sprinkled on a wound, it draws out the water that allows bacteria growth in the wound. It's not painful, but actually reduces pain greatly. It’s also much cheaper than medicines and does the same thing. Mr. Murandu was give a grant to continue using sugar as a remedy on 100 more patients. He is very excited to bring relief to so many patients who have been suffering from chronic pain.

(Source)

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. Passed away at 83

The King of Comedy, Dolphy Died Tuesday night (July 10, 2012) at 8:45 pm due to Multiple Organ Failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Acute Renal Failure.

Report from ABS-CBNNEWS

MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) – Dolphy, dubbed the country’s “King of Comedy,”whose body of work on stage, movies and television mirrors the history of Philippine entertainment, died on Tuesday night. He was 83.

With his lean physique and humble demeanor, Dolphy’s memorable characters, notably as the down-on-his-luck family man John Puruntong in the long-running sitcom “John and Marsha,” effectively captured the travails of the common Filipino who is able to find humor even in the direst situations.

Dolphy died after a five-year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to his long-time partner, actress and singer Zsa Zsa Padilla.

"We would like to inform the public that Mr. Rodolfo 'Dolphy' Quizon, passed away today, at 8:34 p.m. due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure," the Makati Medical Center said in a statement.

"We join the entire Filipino Community in praying for the soul of Mr. Quizon and his dearly beloved family and friends. To the Quizon Family, we extend our deepest condolences," the hospital said.

CONTINURE READING...

GET LOST: CORONizing Palawan: The Arrival/ Mt. Tapyas

What makes a good trip a truly memorable one? Is it the the people you're with? is it the food? or is it the place itself?


It was 6 months ago when the backpackers planned their trip to puerto princesa, palawan. everyhting is set and had our flight booked , hotel reserved and our activities plotted. but a week before our trip, 5 backpackers backed out and i was the only one eager for our trip.

luckily, my officemate juyjuy invited me to join her in her coron, palawan trip. her friends backed out on their trip as well....

enough of the melodramatic intro...

a day before our palawan trip, i'm still having second thoughts of joining juyjuy...i have an early shift the day of our trip and i haven't asked my boss' permission. but everything seem to fall exactly on the right place, at the right time...i managed to tell my boss about my flight and he agreed to let me go...

5:00 am...
i was bombarded with a lot of text messages from juyjuy. she kept on reminding me that our flight is @ 7:10 am

onboard airphilippines express bound to coron, palawan 

I started packing my stuff around 5.30... left our house in cainta at 6:10 am... rode a cab for a good 30 mins for Php 210 [around US$5-6]... i arrived at NAIA [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] around 6:40... i immediately texted juyjuy and started looking for her... around 6:50, we went to the check in counter of Airphil Express [PALexpress] and was shocked to realize that our flight was rescheduled... we have to wait until 9:30 am before we can board the plane...




I was anxious to know that we'll be riding a Dash 8-300 airplane with the propellers on both sides... we left manila at exactly 10:00 am and arrived at Bosuanga airport 40 minutes later. the view from the plane was absolutely breath-taking... we manage to see a couple of islands because of the clear weather...

coron's incredible landscape

one of coron's majestic island

Shuttle Ride: JOHNVIC:: 0921-2727862 

First thing we've noticed after landing at Francisco Reyes Airport [Bosuanga, Coron, Palawan Airport], was the warm smiles and very accommodating people of the province. we've waited 15 mins for the shuttle to be filled with locals and tourists. thanks to the Local Government of Palawan, the 1 hour 30 mins. travel time was now lessened and you can reach Coron town proper for 30 to 45 mins. max. It'll cost you Php 150 [$ 3.50-$4.00]/ person. the side scenery was none the less amazing and you cant help but admire mother nature's beauty...


Since we arrived almost 3 hours late, we missed the tour that we're supposed to be joining and decided to think of another plan to spend the day... we're not wasting a whole day just because of a delayed flight..

We went to one of Coron's first and original floating hotel.... Krystal Lodge. 

KRYSTAL LODGE:Krystal Langit:: 09493330429/ 09267231212 

The Shuttle Driver aka kuya johnvic dropped us in an esquinita . It was scary at first, but after a few steps, we were greeted by mangroves and a long and narrow wooden bridge. I was trying to scare juyjuy by jumping up and down to shake the bridge when suddenly--i stopped... Not because the bridge has fallen down but because i was mesmerize with what i saw. For the first time in my life, i saw houses on stilts. It was like on TV. We were greeted by ate Mylene-- "The Care taker". Finding great deals was Juyjuys forte. she managed to get a room for the 2 of us for only Php 600.00 ($14-15) a night.

wooden bridge to krystal lodge

what's in store for a 600 peso room? Everything!

• >unlimited wifi access (smartbro) 
• unlimited coffee refills 
• great view of the sea 
• clean, relaxing, comfortable and well-ventilated rooms 
• free choclate bars from nanay cely! (seasonal :D)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRYSTAL LODGE 

If you want to get away from the buzzing sound of the bars, i would definitely recommend this place. plus,  a great view of the sunset and the stars at night will sure come a long way. Aling Cely "the owner yeah!" just arrived few days ago from N.Y and started telling us stories on how the Krystal Lodge started. (She gave us free chocolates by the way... "bribe?" --- nahhhh!) Established in 1994 with just a simple Hut, Aling Cely "the owner" and her Husband "the other owner :p " decided to stay in coron after an engineering project. Many Tourists , both foreign and local, enjoyed visiting their house on stilts and requested the Langit's if the could spend the night over and just pay for the rent. Seeing the potential, the family secured necessary permits from the local Government and the DENR, and decided to open an Inn.

The Boulevard

After unpacking our stuff, Juyjuy and i decided to eat Lunch. We left the lodge and went to the public market to look for an Eatery. You can get one full meal for less than Php. 50.00 ($1-1.50). After Lunch, we head on to the Boulevard to check out the blue waters of Coron. 

 We decided to Brave Coron's tallest spot! Hello! Mt. Tapyas. A clear view from Krystal Lodge, it's more of a Hill than a Mountain. Ate Mai told us that the best time to climb Mt. Tapyas was around 4 pm. Just a Quick 10-minute walk, we we're greeted by Locals on the foot of the mountain. a staggering 700-step climb awaits us. For the "Not-into-mountain-climbing" peeps like me, there are waiting shed every 100 steps so you can take a breather. It took us almost 2 hours to reach the view deck and just in time for the sunset. The view from the top was absolutely breath-taking.

* TOP 3 MUST HAVES...

• WATER.... I MEAN PLENTY OF WATER! 100 GALLONS 
• TOWEL.... TO WIPE YOUR FACE SO THAT YOU WONT LOOK OILY ON ANY OF YOUR PHOTOS 
• CAMERA... FORGET THIS AND YOU WONT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE! 

* WHERE TO START?

• TRICYCLE... COST PhP 8.00 (c .25) FOR LAZY PEOPLE 
• WALK... WALK... WALK... AROUND 10 MINUTES FROM THE MAIN ROAD/ MARKET 

GET LOST: TAGAYTAYkada

jae, karl, aeia,kim, jake and me!

 We went to tagaytay a month ago... we spent the night at a vacant lot drinking... eating and enjoying the laughs. we left manila at around 10 pm and took us an hour to get there. the first thing you need to do if you're going to tagaytay or if you happen to pass through it, is you need to stop by 7-11 on the junction... btw, the cost of the gasoline from manila to tagaytay and back is Php. 600 [that how much gasoline we have on the tank and we were able to get back to manila-- i think that's enough]

We took the Roxas Boulevard - Baclaran -Coastal Road route... then we pass through the towns of Bacoor, Imus and Dasmarinas, Cavite via Aguinaldo Highway. you know you're heading the right way if you pass by SM Dasmarinas and Robinsons Palapala. At the end of Aguinaldo Highway is the Tagaytay Rotonda (roundabout) where a statue of Ninoy Aquino, a BPI with ATM, Days Inn, Max's Restaurant and 7-11 store as landmarks.

other ways of getting to tagaytay?

Option 1: via SLEX Sta. Rosa Exit, the most popular and easiest, is a straight drive all the way to Tagaytay Public Market (and right smack into Tagaytay Econo Inn) where you turn right going to Tagaytay city proper and Nasugbu/Balayan/Lemery Batangas or left going to People's Park in the Sky. Usual travel time from Makati CBD is 1.5 hours.

Option 2: SLEX Greenfields Exit, an alternate route to Tagaytay that pass by Pramana, Nuvali, Eton City and Paseo de Sta. Rosa, ideal to avoid traffic buildup on Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Road on Saturday mornings thus making it the fastest route to Tagaytay on weekends.

Option 3: SLEX Southwoods exit then Governor's Drive in Carmona going to Dasmarinas. Turn left on Maguyam Road just before the Shell Station to your left.

Option 4: Another route for the adventurous to Tagaytay is via Daang Hari that passes by Molino, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang. It bypasses the traffic chokepoint of Bacoor rotonda but not SM Dasma and Robinsons.

Option 5: From Sto. Tomas, Batangas via StarToll in going to Lipa City, take Sambat exit and follow the national road to Talisay then go up Ligaya Drive, the zigzag road to Tagaytay (sometimes called Bitukang Manok, not for the faint of heart and newbie drivers)

you can also take the bus along EDSA for only Php. 150 ++ and get off at the tagaytay rotonda...

you can buy your supplies of booze and food at 7-11 before looking somewhere to spend the night..

if you have a car and on a tight budget, you can just park at the vacant lot near PAGCOR for no extra cost... the vacant lot is being used for biking and horse back riding and has a clear view of the taal volcano during daytime...you can also stay at Amora's Home near the picnic grove for as low as Php. 1200 or if you want to have a clear view of the lake and the volcano, starflower tourist lodge will be a good choice. room rates starts at Php. 1800

After spending the night drinking, eating and laughing, we went to the palace in the sky [it was supposed to be pres. ferdinand marcos' unfinished rest house] at the break of dawn... entance cost Php. 15 i believe... we saw a weird looking insect and named it after our friend maki [he wasn't able to join us because his mom was sick] 

i remember going to the palace i n the sky when i was in grade school during fieldtrips alongside the coca-cola factory and rizal's house in laguna.

well, it doesn't look nor feel and definitely doesn't smell like a palace anymore... the local government [if they are the one who's running it] is not making a good job in maintaining the place... tsk..tsk..tsk...

we got this shirt from one of the shops in the palace in the sky for Php. 120... there are a lot of novelty items and pasalubong in those shops. 

after taking some pictures, we went to the famous Mushroomburger in Aguinaldo Highway... we chomp on mushroom burger [cost: php. 45 - 100 ++] for breakfast and ate at mc donald's for brunch before going home...