Merry Christmas every one!

SOME OF THE IMAGES TAKEN ON XMAS DAY! A frosty and chilly day in Belfast but it was a wonderful celebration together with Filipino families. Majority of the photos are posted in my facebook account.

 

  

  

 

 

Newsbits and Updates

It is indeed a white Xmas in Northern Ireland, unfortunately, I don’t have time to build my Irish snowman! Read more… I got my pre Xmas gift from Nokia… Click here to find out!  Finally, I’m sharing my ten birthday wishes and I’m very determine to achieve them in two years time…Read more about it!  Updates on the 2-weeks UN Climate Change conference in Denmark, Click here.

By the way, don’t forget to watch the film, AVATAR - one of the best movies of the year! Personally, it really touched my heart – reminding me of what little contributions I could share to save my beautiful hometown, Sibuyan Island (Romblon) for any future mining and industrial activities. You can READ MORE stories about Sibuyan Island – where the sun, sand and fresh air meet every day!

Im sharing my personal views on undertaking postgrad studies (higher education) overseas. It is indeed a long bumpy and winding road but there is always a rewarding and fulfilling life ahead after finishing it. CLICK HERE to get extra tips in securing scholarships/funding.

Another Philippine presidential election is coming up in 2010! Is the ousted 13th President, Erap Estrada legitimate to run? Find out more and you decide, CLICK HERE.

Being a nominee of the 2009 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog awards is something to look forward at the end of this year as the awarding ceremony culminates on the 27th December 2009 at Philamlife Theater, Malate, Manila City, Philippines. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this event, however, I will ask my sister and aunt to be there and who knows Im lucky enough to be chosen in the top ten over-powering Filipino bloggers. For more updates of my top 12 personal pick from the 37 nominees, CLICK HERE.

BOOK WATCH: If you want to know more about my favourite books and authors, then try a look and maybe we have the same interest. I already finished reading Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol, including Mary Higgins Clark’s novel, I heard that Song Before, including a book written by a Thai writer (Chai Pinit), “Bangkok Boy“.  I have to continue reading, “The Time Traveller’s Wife” which was shown in cinema few months ago . CLICK HERE for more fascinating characters and stories.

For FILM fanatics, I really enjoyed watching 2012 – the futuristic Noah’s Arc. I was not impressed with the paranormal  movie, The Fourth Kind (Abduction) based from the true life story of a psychologist who experienced the kidnapping of her daughter and murder of her husband by aliens! But if you like to exercise your heart, then grab a DVD copy of The Last House on the Left. More updates of movies to catch up, CLICK HERE.

PIC A BOO…Another scene to enjoy! This shot was taken during my 2008 visit to Florence. Street painting is a popular activity along the busiest streets in the shopping district of Michelangelo’s hometown. The painters’ talent is acknowledged by dropping some coins in the bucket/can beside them. For more stories, CLICK HERE.

On the other hand, Im sharing my views concerning the art of travelling. Why not take the opportunity of exploring the world while working and studying at the same time? Being a Filipino, I love to experience different places, culture and way of living… sharing this somehow provides a window to other people who could not afford or do not have time to travel or visit other towns and cities; and through my photographs I could bring these places to them as they were there when I took these images and took the journey with me as well! Find out more, CLICK HERE.

Welcome to my eWorld…

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE…BE MY GUEST!

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!

Other recommended interesting sites that inspired me to enjoy life and inspired other people to do the same…Watch out for these useful links!

I am also featuring some of my favourite films, musicals and other events…  Im a film and musical fanatic, and Im sure you will be excited to find out more of these fascinating productions. Well, I have dedicated blog links on these categories to explore and be my guest.

Heroes is an awesome TV series and I do watch it regularly. I have the complete season’s DVD copies, including magazines relating to this phenominal production. I love the characters, including the actors/actresses that portrayed their roles! I will provide a special blog just for this TV series in the near future. Watch out for this!

Launching my new blogsite cover…

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER IT…BE MY GUEST

Making a difference and seeing new ways in saving Mother Nature

THIS IS IT! An environmental movie of the 21st century… Very timely to watch this film after the debates of our political leaders in the 2-weeks UN Climate Change Conference in Denmark. This is one of the most heart-moving films I’ve ever seen and I personally recommend to every Filipino and to all the people around the world who care for our forests and natural resources to watch it!  Be inspired to share your little help and be more vigilant to save our Mother Nature from future destructions.

We care about the life of our indegenous people…we dont want to relocate them and deprive to live on their own lands – inherited from their ancestors! We embrace progress and economic development but not in expense of our fragile natural environment.

James Cameron (director of Titanic and Terminator series)’s vision is real and it is happening in our present world! The film somehow reminded me of the story about my hometown, Sibuyan Island (Romblon). If you are interested to find more about it, check here:  Part One, Part Two, Part Three.

Best ever snowy touch of Xmas in Northern Ireland

THIS IS THE BEST EVER SNOWY SHOTS OF BELFAST! For the past 4 years living in the northside of  the Irish isle, only this year that Belfast is perfectly covered with snow. This is not my first experience of snowy Xmas, but it is more memorable now considering that my high expectation during the past  to have a perfect white holiday in Northern Ireland became a reality. Some of the images just taken few minutes ago in front and back of the house. (More photos to be posted here very soon)

 

The first few hours of snow is fine, however as it continues to pour  it becomes slippery, dirty and it affects the traffic condition both land and air. It turns horrible for people travelling - struggling to move around! Im desperate to build my second snow man, but Im working today… so maybe if the snow continues, expect to see my Irish snowman here very soon!

  

Environmental tweets for our world leaders at UN Climate Change Conference

This is a simple way to be heard by our world leaders. Send your messages while they are still listening on the final day of the Climate Change conference  in Copenhagen (Denmark). Click the image/photo above to be directed straight to the site. CCCC is an ongoing two-weeks event where leaders from 192 countries convene to discuss on an overrated environmental problem, Climate Change.

Climate change is a 100-year problem we should not try to fix it in 10 years. (Cool it, Bjorn Lomborg, Denmark)

Leaders of the world, there is so much time to do in so little time, so when you make this choice think about the world and how it should end. (Marcos Fernandez, Brazil)

Please expose the false science of global warming that was uncovered via emails sent by the scientists from the University of Anglia (Carlos A. USA)

Climate change is not an opportunity for profit. It is a call for developed nations to pay their historical ecologic debt. (Elysian Bukid, Philippines)

80% of global warming comes from animal farming. Get the bottom of the truth. Educate all. The future of our planet is in your hands (Gurdev Kaur, Singapore)
 

I do hope that the developing countries will get the fair financial deals in reducing the catastrophic effects of global warming (if this is really happening or this is a politically-created crisis). Truly, Im very skeptical about this environmental issue, but having this gathering might increase the awareness of the people to think about saving our Mother Earth’s resources for the future’s generations.

My Birthday Wish List

THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LIST of my bday wish. These 10 wishes are my primary targets for me to achieve in the next 2 years (until 2011). With the guidance of the Almighty, Im very determine to work on the list; however there might be changes due to unavoidable circumstances (health, finances, commitments, etc.). I will do an update on this towards the end of 2010 and 2011.

1. Immediate conferment of my doctoral degree in the Built Environment. Im on the process of finalizing the copies of my thesis based on the examiners comments after my oral defense/viva in October 2009. I have a maximum of 6 months to do it; otherwise my other plans will be delayed.

2. To write one or two journal papers for publication or present international/local conference papers in relation to my research projects on Mixed-use development in urban regeneration areas.

3. To work in an international consulting firm which allows me to travel in Asia, UK/Europe and the US. And at the same time, to have a part-time teaching job in the university.

4. To apply for residency in Australia. I prefer to live in Brisbane. I had the opportunity to work and study in Brisbane for 2 years and I love to go back there!

5. To build a community mini-library/information resource center in my hometown (Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines). I have already collected hundreds of books and it is still growing!

6. To serve as a UN Volunteer or any Philippine voluntary/humanitarian work on environment. I did my first voluntary work as an Urban Planner (for 3 months) 15 years ago when I joined the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in the rehabilitation of the former American base in Olongapo City.

7. To take a one/2-weeks Caribbean or Black Sea cruise holiday package. Im really desperate to travel on a passenger ship. I did apply before as a Deck Secretary for Caribbean cruises; unfortunately after my seafarers training with Magsaysay,  my assignment was not approved due to 911 bombing. Im a little curious on the waste management (particularly on disposal) inside the luxury ships.

8. To visit the African region, meeting with old friends residing in Ghana and Kenya.

9. To buy an apartment/studio unit in the Philippines, maybe in Makati, Quezon City or Mandaluyong areas. Until now, I’m a certified NPA – new permanent address!

10. To travel locally in the Philippines, including a climb/trek to Mt Guiting-guiting (Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines) and snorkeling in the underground river of Palawan. I want to bring my Irish friends to the exotic islands of the Philippines.

A preXmas/bday gift from Nokia

IT ARRIVED LAST WEEK! I was working when it was delivered to the house and nobody was there to receive it. The DHL delivery man left a notice card for me to arrange for re-delivery. My housemate was surprised that I have a package from Finland! I told him that it was a Xmas/bday gift from Santa Claus! But later on, I confessed to him that it was my prize from winning second place in NOKIA Historical Ovi Tweet  contest organised by PEBA (Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards) .

I also received a note from Niini (contact person from Ovi.com) saying that: “Here’s your T-shirt fresh from the print, I’ hoping you’ll like it as much as we loved your historial ovi tweet. Thanks for being a fan!”

Yes… I L-ovi-d it and thank you very much for sending this T-shirt. This is a very special and memorable for me as a perfect birthday/preXmas present. It is timely to wear this shirt in line with the on-going UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (Denmark).

@AL_GORE Hey look at me this is the real (in)convenient truth of Global Warming. Im expecting the modelling contract from Nokia’s Green Explorer thru Ovi files. Contact Micheangelo’s ASAP for details… 08 Sep 1504 Florence

 For additional information about this Historical Ovi tweet as a regular feature of my blog, CLICK HERE.

A tribute to my parents

I AM VERY PROUD FOR HAVING FILIPINO PARENTS! Every day I wish my parents are beside me as they also having a wishful thinking that Im back in the Philippines with the family. Im happy that they are still “alive and kicking” enjoying the life with their 10 children and 24 grandkids (one is coming very soon). Most of the time, they are complaining why I dont bother to contact them, but honestly, even though I dont call often, it does not mean that Im ignoring them!

My parents and the family are the reason

why Im always away from home!

Today is not a special day to express my love and affection to the people who worked hard just to give me and my other siblings a brighter future. Every single moment of the day is a special moment to show my appreciation and acknowledgment for my parents’ unconditional love!  Im very lucky to be loved …

The video (courtesy of youtube) is a simple way of expressing my desire for my parents to travel abroad and be with me… giving them the chance to know me as an adult; and giving myself the chance to share my world to them as they first shared their world to me, 44 years ago and until now!

Maraming salamat sa kalinga at pag-aruga… dahil sa inyong walang sawang pagmamahal sa ‘kin at sa aking mga kapatid, ang aming kinabukasan ay puno ng pag-asa!