WHAT: Logos Hope. She took over what MV Doulos started in the past. Its mission is to bring vital knowledge and opportunities; to bring help and long term change; and to bring new purpose and hope to people and communities around the world.
WHERE: Manila including Cebu, Subic and Batangas (Philippines). She will also visit Singapore and Indonesia
WHEN: 16 Feb – 14 Mar 2012; 10 Jan – 14 Feb; 15 Mar – 04 Apr; 06 June – 25 June
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Another year passed and every one is busy thinking of what will be their fate this 2012, the year of water dragon. I have so much to think about but for sure the new year will bring more challenges especially at work. But at the end, Im very optimistic that these challenges will not hinder me to excel in my profession and achieve my ultimate goal - fulfilled and happy! Hello to my eWorld!
Well, this is not my first created blog but whatever journals written here will complement with my existing blogs powered by other free websites. Basically, this site will serve as the mother portal of all my personal accounts for easy management – updating, uploading and sharing.
My existing sites feature my interest in photography, travel, reading and writing or something worth 
exploring. In relation to photograhy, I included some of the images taken during my travels or just simply interesting places that capture my eyes through my digital camera.
In terms of moving around the globe, I joined several travel sites to share my experiences and provide assistance to other travellers making their future trips memorable and enjoyable, and be able to explore stunning places around the world. I also included my interest in writing reviews with my membership to ciao and dooyoo. Finally, my other accounts from free websites.
For quick links of these pages, just click the subheadings listed or the thumbnails images below:
My World : This section simply focuses on my fascination of Mother Earth – how we could protect and conserve its natural beauty for future generations. This also covers my academic world as an engineer, planner, manager and or an ordinary human being (social and spiritual being).
Travel Blog: Provides a list of my travel journals with images
Trivago: A travel site which I am getting extra income for posting of images, reviews and other travel info
Consumer site: Highlights my membership with dooyoo and ciao where I post reviews of products and services, anything that I want to share with the rest of the consumers worldwide
Atbp: Provides a space for my personal interests and hobbies, something worth exploring
Hope you enjoy reading my blog and please come again and I am happy to receive your comments. Again, click the photo thumbnails below for direct links to the rest of my blog pages. Best REYgards!
Second Blog Supporter Winner
My blog is chosen as the second best blog supporter in the recent PEBA awards ceremony held in Trinoma Mall (Quezon City, Philippines). My entry, I HAVE RETURNED… with new knowledge and expertise and with a renewed commitmentalso got the top spot for the best blog entry award for Metro Manila region.
It was frustrating that I did not make it in the event to receive the award. Due to my workload and traffic, I showed up in the venue three hours late! I tried my best but when I arrived, the organizer was already dismantling the stage decoration and majority of the attendees were gone! Anyway, I was able to grab my trophy from the organizer and took a picture of myself holding this precious plastic trophy when I got home. It was funny because when I approached the organizer and introduced myself, they could not find my trophy! It took a while for them to search it from the rest of other trophies that were individually packed in a small paper box.
That’s it… I got the recognition as a blogger and now the challenge for me is to improve my blogsite and able to update it regularly. Only weekends I can really sit down and do the updating. It is a pity because I have so much to share about my new life in the Philippines and my professional work bit a hindrance.
To all the readers out there, thank you so much for having time to browse my blogsite pages and the rest of my personal websites featuring my interest in travels, books, films and photography.
For additional information about the awards ceremony, CLICK HERE.
I GOT AN EMAIL from the organizer yesterday. I am expecting this announcement (an invitation) as the culminating event is approaching. As I mentioned before that I am a supporter of the annual competition when I was still in Northern Ireland. This is also my second participation as a nominee, not an OFW entry but a local supporter.
The email says: It
was a decisive month for our panel of judges as each nominees were subjected to long hours of tedious review process filled with patience and determination while PEBA Team spent hours of collaboration, systematically gathers the results as the finalists were revealed as PEBA 2011 awards recipients. And today, with great pride we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected by our panel of judges as PEBA 2011 Award Recipient to the prestigious PEBA 2011 Awards Night as you will take the center stage to be honored during the forthcoming PEBA 2011 gala awarding event.
What do you think? Did I make it to the top 10 local supporters honorroll? Or just a finalist or ultimately a winner? Regardless what will be the outcome of my entry, I am happy to be selected in this blog awards. Of course, as a winner is an honor and something that my blogging experience is being recognized, but on the other hand, it is not the ultimate measure of being a blogger – someone who wants to enjoy the art of sharing his/her interest in life! Just plainly ”telling my story…”
FINALLY, THANK YOU to my family and friends, not to ignore my anonymous readers who constantly visiting my blogsite. Your comments are very much appreciated! Thank you for being part of my life. Dont forget, to visit again and find out who will be the lucky winners of PEBA 2011 Blog Awards to be held on the 9th Dec at Trinoma Activity Center, QC (Philippines).
Click the photo to vote
UPDATES: 09/13/11. San Paolo.Brazil. Shamcey is 3rd runner-up Miss Universe 2011. After Venus Raj got the 4th place in last year’s beauty contest, Shamcey made it in the top 5. We are proud to be Pinoy!
Will you change your religious belief to marry the one you love? “If Im going to change my religious belief, I will not marry the person that I love because the first person I love is God who created me and I have my faith and principles and this what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me? He should love my God first.”
According to Oprah Winfrey via NBC News: “I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point.”
I DECIDED TO START THIS JOURNAL SERIES TO FEATURE SOME OF MY FAVOURITE BOOKS AND WRITERS. This is to augment of what I have written in my other blogsite dedicated to my passion for books – Book Aklat Libro!
I am honoured to have SAMANTHA SOTTO featured here in my blogsite. She is the author of Before Ever After who happened to be the first Filipino writer to publish a book by Crown Publishers/Random House (New York, USA). I had the chance to chat with the author during her online radio station interview with PinoyRadioUK. Samantha’s debut story was inspired by her travel experiences in Europe. Of course, I asked her to be featured in my blogsite and she answered some of the questions. She also maintains a blog for her fans to get more updates of her writings and travels, including promotional tours and signing engagements for her book.
HERE SOME OF THE RESPONSES FROM SAMANTHA…
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? When I typed “The End” after I wrote Before Ever After. I had written the book for fun, but the dream of publishing the book began only when I had finished it.
2. How long does it take you to write a book? About a year for writing and three months for editing. Time went by fast since I enjoyed the process.
3. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing? I try to write for two to three hours every morning on weekdays.I’m on mommy duty the rest of the day.
FOR THE FOURTH TIME, I AM ONE OF THE SUPPORTERS of Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA in promoting camaraderie among Pinoys working/living abroad through blogging. Even now that Im permanently residing in the Philippines, still I continue to uphold the objectives of PEBA since its establishment in 2008. My blog was also nominated in 2009, unfortunately I was not lucky to be chosen for the top 10. But for this year, I tried my luck again as a nominee for PEBA supporters. I submitted my entry entitled, I have returned…with new knowledge and expertise and with a renewed commitment.
As of today, there are 19 blogs nominated in different countries in Asia, America and Europe and various categories: personal, literary, family/inspirational, picture/photography, travel, gadget/technology, showbiz/sports, food, fun and entertainment, business, and wellness, including nominees for being local supporters to PEBA. To find out to more on how to join, please CLICK HERE or the image above.
GOD ALWAYS FIND WAYS TO TELL US SOMETHING TO REVIVE OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. I’m not a religious person but I do believe that HE existed to become part of our daily lives. It is a personal connection with HIM and everyone has his/her own way of maintaining this relationship alive and thriving.
Few weeks ago, my Aunt told me about this group, THE FEAST and she encouraged me attend a church service in Manila. She explained that she regularly attending in one of its services and tried to convince me to find out more about the group. I responded with less enthusiasm thinking that it will be another commitment and with my current workloads and tasks at the office, it seems that I dont have much time to involve myself.
GOD KNOWS that Im longing for a community where I could be of service to other people. He understands my spiritual longing and this is the right time to have more of fellowship considering that I already decided to settle permanently in the Philippines. He knows what my heart desires! This is the reason why He inspired a highschool batchmate to encourage me to join Bo Sanchez’s congregation. So a week ago, my batchmate sent me a message thru Facebook, inviting me to attend THE FEAST’s Sunday service at the PICC. Without a second thought, I said yes and I told her that hopefully I will be attending (together with my Aunt) in the following week (that was last Sunday, August 14).
Even we were late, the mass was still going on and Bo’s lecture followed next. Since it was full, we were advised to take the second level of the plenary hall and we finally found our seats and waited comfortably. But before we proceeded to the second floor, I bought the latest book of Bo entitled “5 Things You Need to Do Before You Die“ as a souvenir.
UNEXPECTEDLY, it was an uplifting lecture which Bo focused on the second topic of the series (The Real Score), ENVY. He focused on the roots of envy and how we can eliminate it in our lives! I will post a separate journal on this. After Bo’s preaching, new comers were asked to register and one of the church leaders spoke briefly about the group dedication and mission, including the 7 dreams (I claim in Jesus’ Name). What is THE FEAST? According to its website is a weekly worship celebration of the Light of Jesus Community with Mass, Worship and Talk and being conducted within Metro Manila and its provinces, including overseas. Overall, I was not disappointed on the sunday service and I think my presence could also inspire other people, including my family and friends!
Graduation is an important occasion – it is the culmination of all your hard work during your time at the University of Ulster. It marks the point at which you leave us to make your way in the world. Graduation is a proud day for you, your family and your friends. It is a chance to celebrate all that you have achieved throughout your university career and to look back at the years you have spent with us and above all we’re keen to make your day a special one. We’d like to congratulate everyone who is graduating at this summer’s ceremonies. We hope you enjoy your graduation day and that you have many happy memories of your time here. Congratulations! (full text was taken from the University of Ulster website). For the graduation souvenir program, click HERE. Click HERE for the Belfast Telegraph Special Edition issue which graduands are published.
Unfortunately, I did not able to wear my red toga and march to get my much-awaited certificate of graduation. Nevertheless, I am happy that my hardwork and patience paved the way to attain the highest educational degree! Thank God and to all the members of my family and friends who one way or another, helped, supported and comforted me during the toughest and challenging part of my postgraduate program at the University of Ulster (Northern Ireland, UK)… Sa inyong lahat… maraming salamat at para sa inyo ang aking tagumpay!”
About My PhD Thesis: Mixed-use development is not a new phenomenon in urban planning and real estate management. This development is currently promoted to revitalise inner towns and cities particularly utilising unproductive urban spaces being referred to as ‘brownfield’ and ‘greyfield’ (underutilised) land for social, economic and environmental benefits. Mixed-use development is also challenging various players (planners, policy makers, investors and developers) in terms of the diverse of uses, density of the scheme, inclusion of high quality urban form and design, and the delivery of optimum utilisation of the development scheme in terms of highest and best use.
This research explores the underlying factors in the promotion of mixed-use schemes (MUS) in response to the emerging challenges of urban regeneration agenda towards achieving sustainable communities. The study presents the findings from the case studies carried out in the UK and the Republic of Ireland using a set of variables identified from the literature towards establishing success indicators that have a strong contribution to the overall occupancy level of MUS against single-use or mono-use developments in the revitalisation of urban centres. Finally, the application of Multiple Regression Modelling proves that the component mix (number of uses), the balance of uses (space allocations), site condition and integration with the neighbouring uses which are essential elements in accomplishing the maximum potential for viability and success of mixed-use developments.
Certainly, these findings offered invaluable inputs in carrying out further investigations of various mixed-use schemes to fully understand the determining qualitative and quantitative factors in the feasibility and performance for this type of development in regeneration areas. The results from the MRA also present relevant judgments in assessing the optimal composition of the mix of uses which enhance the scheme promotion in regeneration areas which could leads to the potential optimising mixed-use and policy decision making.
To date I am working now in Manila Philippines since June 27, 2011…So far so good…working with one of the fastest top growing environmental consulting companies in the world. I love my work very much to be an instrument in protecting, conserving and preserving our Mother Earth! Well, Im not a Global Warming and Climate Change advocate, BUT I do believe that we contributed to the degradation of our natural resources, AND I do believe that we can make a big difference in our own simple and little way!
Justin and Jeremy are five-year old Filipino-American twins who love to sing and dance with Wii Sing in Wii Games. After Maria Aragon rendition of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way posted online, the kids became another Youtube sensation when their video was featured in Yahoo! few days ago. They are now receiving numerous commercial offers and tv programs guestings. This is another recognition for Pinoys which inspire more kids around the world to show their talents online!
FOR MORE Amazing Stories About Pinoy (ASAP), please click the following links: ASAP 601, ASAP 501, ASAP 401, ASAP 301, ASAP 201, ASAP 101. Enjoy and be inspired by their talents…To my readers, if you find stories and videos showcasing Filipino talents, please email me and I will feature them here in my blogsite!
ITS BEEN SO MANY YEARS THAT I’VE NOT SEEN MY FORMER HIGH SCHOOL BATCHMATES FROM RNVS (Romblon National Vocation School) now known as Sibuyan Polytechnic College (SPC) in San Fernando, Sibuyan, Romblon. Until last weekend, I finally met them in Taguig, Manila. It was fun chatting with them, despite that at first I could not recognize some of them! It was a group joke that the reason I could not recognize them anymore because they had severe physical deformations. Honestly, if ever I will meet them prior to meet-up, surely I will not greet them! Some of them actually were my former elementary (primary) classmates and neighbours! The group stayed overnight at our friend’s house and some did not sleep – just chatting and drinking! Unfortunately, my resistance to stay awake was very low, so I sneaked from the group and finally laid down in a thin mattress prepared by our host.
It was a wonderful moment with people who were used to be my highschool friends and now every one has their own families and busy to earn a living in Metro Manila. The host, Mafe B. is generous enough to offer her house as our venue for the group meet-up and she organized it while taking a holiday from her work in Indonesia. While writing this journal, she already returned to Indonesia and continue to inspire young minds.
TO ALL MY BATCHMATES, thank you for the friendship and kindness… thank you for keeping in touch and being reconnected again! Im sure, everyone is looking forward to meet again in December!
19 JUNE 2011, MANILA (PHILIPPINES). The 150th birthday anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose ’Pepe’ Rizal is one of the busiest celebrations this year. The Philippine government has organised several programs and events nationwide to commemorate the life of Pepe – his contributions in gaining independence during the Spanish regime. Rizal also wrote two controversial and influential books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which brought awareness among Filipinos on the abusive control of the Spanish friars (priests).
One of the highlights of the celebration, the Department of Tourism together other Inter-Agency Working groups came up with a worldwide competition to rediscover and visit the sites and attractions that played major roles in the life of Rizal. LAKBAY JOSE RIZAL 150 aims to encourage the public (both local and international tourists) to visit various featured sites in the Philippines and secure a “stamp” as proof of the visit.
The first 100 pilgrims to complete visiting all the 27 identified sites will receive a token and certificate. This pre-determined certificates and tokens are valid from June 19 2011 to June 19, 2012. While the rubber stamp will be available in the sites even after the promotional period for tourists. FOR DETAILS, CLICK HERE or the photo below.
Lolo Jose, ako na po ang hahawak ng bandila. Ako na rin po ang magpapatuloy ng inyong hadhikain sa ating bayang Pilipinas. Alam ko na dahil sa inyong pagmamahal sa bayan, hindi nyo po nasilayan ang tunay na kalayaan...
JUNE 19 IS ALSO A VERY SPECIAL DAY… it is FATHER’S DAY! To all the fathers around the world, including my humble and hardworking father, TATAY RUDY, enjoy your weekend with the family and friends. To Tatay Rudy, thank you for being my father who really provided us, his 10 children a good upbringing and able to get a higher education.
Be the first to discover and experience my new blogsite cover powered by Wix dot com. Welcome to the Year of the Golden Tiger with a big bang...
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"Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change)
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