My inspiration in life…

Senior Executive Seminar, 5th Philippine ESRI Education Conference, 29 May 2019, Shang-rila

The participants in this special session was by invitation. Together with one of my officemates, we were able to be invited to attend. One of the highlights of the session was the presentation from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – how the national agency used GIS to deliver its services and provide updated information to participating agencies nationwide in time of disasters and calamities.

 

5th Philippine ESRI Education GIS Conference, 28-29 May 2019, Shang-rila

Philippines: National Museum

 

Blog My Town 2019: Province of Romblon – the destination of choice

A special episode of GMA’s Kapuso Ko: Jessica Soho on the recent discovery of bones of early human inhabitants in the Province of Romblon. It also features some historic events in the discovery of shipwrecks found in Sibuyan Sea, including some of the beautiful white sand bars of Cresta de Gallo and Bonbon Beach.

Exploring Carabao (Hambil), Romblon, Philippines Part Two

Exploring Carabao (Hambil) in Romblon, Philippines, Part One

Up to 70% Booksale at National-Cubao

47th Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) General Board Meeting, Indonesia

Sharing my artwork on Valentine’s day

IT IS A WORTHWHILE INITIATIVE to share or give the outcome of our skills and talents to others. Lately, I decided to give-out two of my latest artwork – a coloring piece designed by a British artist/illustrator, Johanna Basford. During our faculty night on valentine’s day, I proudly introduced this artwork and by raffle draw, I handed over two to lucky winners.

Cepsiela at Poksie: Walang 4ever

Mahigit kumulang dalawang dekada, di ko kayo nakasama muli,
Bagamat nakikita ko kayo lagi sa bawat handaa’t kasiyahan;
Piyesta at palaro sa aming nayong minamahal,
Lalu’t-lalo na lagi kayong modelo, sa karinderya ng lola’t lolo ng kaibigan ko.

*  * * * * 

Pananabik ang nararamdaman ko sa bawat sulyap ng inyong kinalalagyan
Pinagmamasdan lamang kayo, tuwa’t galak tanging regalo ninyo,
Pagka-uhaw ng bawat bibig, sakto kayong dalawa, ang katapat at hanap;
Minsan sa panaginip na lamang kayo, aki’y nilalasap-lasap!

* * * * *

Pinilit kong tanggapin, sa kabila ng hapdi na dulot ninyo,
Pikit-mata ko’y nilunok ang tamis ng bawat dighay,
Cepsiela – ang sabi nila, ikaw ay totoong-totoo (the real thing) at pang dugtong ng buhay (adds life); 
At ikaw naman Poksie – mainam sa bagong henerasyon (the choice of new generation),
Subalit sa mga nagdaang mga taon, ang panlasa’t pagnanasa ko’y nawalan ng saysay.

Welcome to my eWorld…

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 photography, 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…

       

       

Bb Pilipinas – Miss Universe 2018

“I worked a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila; and the life there is very… it’s poor, and it’s very sad. And I always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty of the faces of the children; and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with the silver lining. And to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I could teach also people to be grateful we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face.” Catriona Gray – Miss Universe 2018

Miss Universe 2018, Bangkok, Thailand – 17 December (local time)

Pasig River receives the Inaugural AsiaPrize Award 2018 sponsored by International River Foundation

Officers and staff of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission during 2018 Asia Riverprize Gala Dinner Awards Night in Sydney, Australia, 16 October 2018.  Ilog Pasig was proclaimed the winner of the inaugural Asia Riverprize award organized by the International River Foundation based in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo Credit: PRRC FB page) .  I worked with PRRC as Planning Officer and Head of the Planning Office for almost 3 years. It was my inspiration to bring Pasig River to the international scene and this was the reason why I attended and presented a paper in 2015 International River Symposium held in Brisbane, Australia. You can check the program and the paper itself: http://riversymposium.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Rey_Ramos.pdf.  After my presentation, the moderator of the program approached me and encouraged to apply for the annual competition. Well, I left PRRC on the same year but my inspiration for Ilog Pasig is carried over until now with the new leadership/administration of the agency. This burning desire to bring river systems of the country to the international scene is still here in my heart .  With the newest achievement of Ilog Pasig, it brings more flames to my desire to do the same in my home province – Romblon. Someday, one of these river systems in Tablas and Sibuyan will also be presented and admired and become our legacy in protecting our Mother Earth’s resource – water!

 

 

 

More actions at ETD2018 Taiwan, Taipei

Photos: Courtesy of the National Central Library (Taiwan)

 

44th Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Annual Convention, 29-31 October 2018

SEARCA Photo Contest 2018

ADB Water Forum 2018, 2-5 October, Philippines

(Source: ADB Website) The forthcoming Asia Water Forum 2018 focuses on the theme of “Information, Innovation, and Technology”. Underpinned by the need for sustainable water management, reliable water services, and water security, participants from the various sectors will expect high-level plenary sessions and parallel break-out sessions on the five major activities under the One ADB Water Approach: (i) supplying water; (ii) sanitation and water quality; (iii) water for food; (iv) water for energy; and (v) water resources management.  Specifically, topics cover the themes on inclusiveness; finance and transactions; governance and sustainability; disaster and resilience; and water–food–energy security nexus, efficiency, and performance.

39th Manila International BookFair 2018

Pasig River gets recognition from the River International Foundation (Australia)

FOR THE SECOND TIME AROUND, Pasig River is one of the Asia finalists for the Riverprize award.  As recently announced by the River International Foundation, Pasig River is recognized by the Foundation in terms of having significant results on-ground in the area of river restoration.

The grand winner will be announced during the 21st Riversymposium in Sydney, Australia on 14-17 October 2018.

(Click the photo above to be directed in the official press release of the International River Foundation (IRD). The photo was taken from the official website of IRF).

PASUC holds the 1st Philippines-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum

THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in cooperation with the Taiwan Education Center (TEC)-Philippines organized the very first 2018 Philippines-Taiwan University Presidents’Forum last 23-24 August at Wack-wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City.

Primarily with the theme: “Bridging higher education institutions for Asian inclusive development,” the forum aimed to stimulate discussions on topics related to global education, innovative industry-city-university entrepreneurship (ICUE) partnership, internalization and regional development, and Philippine-Taiwan higher education collaborations. Presidents and representatives from the 111-members SUCs and guests from the Ministry of Education (Taiwan) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office attended the event.

One of the highlights of the forum was the Mayor’s Night – Dinner Fellowship hosted by the Mayor of Mandaluyong, Hon Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos.  Ex-mayor of Mandaluyong, Benhur Abalos, Jr was also invited and he spoke on how Mandaluyong city became one of the best performing LGUs in the country in terms of good governance and nutrition.

11 years with WordPress…still blogging

This is my simple gesture of appreciation to WordPress in providing a platform that allows me to share my passion and interest in life. I am very grateful to reach this stage of blogging and able to reach out to other people who have the same interest and motivation to enjoy life to the fullest.

Through the years, my blog powered by WordPress serves as a sanctuary for me to celebrate God’s gift of living and serves as an inspiration to others.  From my passion in books, travel, and photography, this website, My world is getting smaller every day becomes part of my existence and being that will always be instrumental to get motivated to write. Indeed, it is a struggle when too much office works and no connection at all with internet, I could not even write any thing in this blog. More than a decade of dedication and perseverance to keep this blog going and I will continue to write as long as WordPress allows us to exist in this worldwide web, free of charge! Again, from the bottom of my heart,  thank you WordPress for providing us a virtual place where we can freely express ourselves in this technology-driven world of blogging. All the best!

 

Suspense is missing in “The President is Missing” by Patterson & Clinton

It is a long story because it contains situations that should not be written elaborately.

James Patterson normally writes fast-paced thriller and suspense stories, but here it seems that Bill Clinton was the main contributor of the story. There was nothing new about the plot – majority of the events were based on current situations on how the US influence other countries and its allies.

The social and political issues being tackled in the story were the same issues that we are facing right now. Everyone knows it – not a secret. Bit disappointed in the sense that I expect some extraordinary issues that are not obvious and that will bring excitement to the readers. Sadly, at some point in the story, I already guessed who was the traitor among the President’s staff.

But on the positive note, the story brings the power of women, how they play their part in the men-dominated world of politics. Finally, this is a nice presence to our President, DU30 just to remind him of the roles of women in the society – to be treated equally with men..

MIMAROPA Tourism Investment Forum, 26 July 2018, Palawan Philippines

The forum aims to identify investment opportunities in tourism for private and public sectors in MIMAROPA region. Specifically, the gathering intends to: assess the tourism sector at the local level; identify issues and concerns (governance, products and services, investment promotions, and infrastructure support); to recommend strategies, activities and other measures to enhance tourism activity in the region; and to strengthen the partnership among private and public sectors through a declaration of common vision for MIMAROPA Tourism sector.

A Nation to Build

Here we are, leading the way

Bridging the gaps, committed to build

With strong roads, towards better future

For our regeneration – our children’s hope!

Here we are, civil engineers’ promise

Bring the best, yes we can

With talents to share, let’s collaborate

We stand tall, our nation cheers…forever!

PASUC collaborates with UNDP on provincial roads quality assurance engineers orientation 2018

Twenty-four SUCs presidents attended the MOU signing event on July 16, 2018, and more than 60 registered civil engineers were selected to participate in this 3-day collaborative effort between PASUC, DILG and UNDP.
This joint initiative was spearheaded by PASUC/Batangas State University President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo as part of the association’s extension program that engages members in extending technical expertise to the public and private organizations in the field of civil engineering.
The training program provided attendees a better appreciation of the CMGP/Roads2SDGs Project in coming-up with a work plan for the quality assurance inspection of piloted provincial roads in selected regions of the country. Delegates from RSU were Engr. Jason F. Rufon, Engr. Raymond Jay G. Severo, and Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, PhD from the faculty of Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology (CET).
 

Book Sale at the World Trade Center Manila, 16-25 Feb 2018, opens 24 hrs

Click the photo for an article from a customer who visited the book sale. The author mentioned basic tips to enjoy and feel comfortable in buying/sorting favorite books at the World Trade Center. Again, it opens 24 hours so nothing to worry about traffic and parking space in the area. As the author’s advice, maybe you can bring a “maleta” or a big travelling bag to put your purchased books. Check it out!

Book Faces 2018: More interesting reads

NEWLY ACQUIRED BOOKS! Books by my favourite writers… inspiring me to appreciate life, friendship,and nature. Sharing them to you might also ignite your interest in reading and writing your stories as well. For more book collection, visit this link: https://bookaklatlibro.blogspot.com/

Short visit toVietnam 2017 Part 1

 

MiMaRoPa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan)…The destination of Choice

Pasig River: Finalist – 2017 Thiess International Riverprize Award

PASIG RIVER IN THE PHILIPPINES is among the top finalists in the 2017 Thiess International Riverprize Award. Spearheaded by the International River Foundation, this prestigious award is given annually during the International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia. The award is the world’s foremost award in river basin management which recognises and rewards organisations making waves in the sustainable management of the world’s rivers, whether at the grassroots or transboundary level. In addition, the award acknowledges inspiring initiatives that demonstrate Integrated River Basin Management to restore and protect rivers, wetlands, lakes and estuaries.

(The succeeding texts were extracted from the website of the International River Foundation). The Pasig River in the Philippines connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, bisecting the capital city of Manila. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), established in 1999, is constantly conducting clean ups along the Pasig River system. In 2016 alone, PRRC collected 4,793,262.8 kilograms of solid waste from different locations along the river system. To date, PRRC has resettled 17,561 informal settler families living along the river system into decent socialized housing units in several relocation sites. Environmental Preservation Areas (EPAs) within the 10 and three meter wide public easement spaces along the banks of the river system are established. These currently developed EPAs serve as buffer zones between the river system and its adjoining areas. Dredging and desilting works are conducted to gather contaminated sediments and to maintain the navigability for ships and other watercraft. Bank riprapping and slope protection to prevent scouring and soil erosion are also implemented. The PRRC monitors water and sediment quality gathering data to assess the impact of various rehabilitation efforts and initiatives. The PRRC also identifies and conducts pilot studies and interventions that aim to improve the water quality of the Pasig River system. Most importantly, PRRC was able to recover, rehabilitate and develop 15 out of the 47 identified tributaries as of 2016. In 2017, PRRC is gearing to inaugurate at least three more project sites.

DENR-EMB hosts Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Training Workshop

This four-day (16-19 August 2017) event held at Greenhills Elan Modern Hotel sponsored by DENR-EMB Climate Change Division focused on Ecosystem-based Adaptation Mainstream in Development Planning/Sustainable Area Development. The course envisioned to enable/capacitate the regional and local level of DENR, including couterparts from the academe, NGOs and local government units in Luzon area.

AACCUP Mid-year Accreditors’ Conference 2017

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) will hold its Mid-year Accreditors’ Confrence at Century Park Hotel,Manila on 24-26 July 2017. This year’s theme: “Progress and challenges in the implementation of the outcomes-based quality assurance system,” the conference will tackle pressing issues on program accreditation, accreditors’ capacity-enhancement and development of the Internal Quality Assurance capability among SUCs.

The delegation from the Romblon State University while Dr Mallari (President of TSU) handed-over the certificate of participation.

Participants from the various SUCs

During the workshop…

PASUC @ 50: Congratulations!

High ranking officials from the national government like Foreign Secretary Cayetano, Senator Legarda, and Senator Escudero were the key guest speakers of the 3-day event at the Century Park Hotel, Manila. The event was attended by more than 500 faculty from the various state colleges and universities in the country.

MIMAROPA holds Environmental Summit 2017 at Ramada Hotel, 4-5 July

The event is organized by DENR-MIMAROPA Region to provide updates on the status in the compliance of RA 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 among the local government units (LGUs) in the region, particularly on the provision of the establishment of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) as stipulated in Section 37 of the law.

As of 2016, out of 73 cities/municipalities, almost 60-percent (44) do segregation at source, 106 established MRF in the region, and 61 submitted the 10-year SWM Plan. In particular, all municipalities in Romblon submitted their SWM Plans, with seven (7) existing MRFs; however only one (1) municipality (Concepcion) got approval from DENR. Sadly, Romblon does not have approved sanitary lanfill or controlled  dumpsites.

A nationwide search for “Model Barangay” for Eco-waste Management system on best practices in segregation at source (SA),  segregated collection (SC) and MRF operation to be launched in August as spearheaded by EMB-SWMD. The winning barangays (champions) in all categories (depending on the classes of cities/municipalities) will receive Php1 million, while best MRF and SAS, will get Ph500,000 each.

Thank you… academic recognitions

This is a memorable achievement to receive the “Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Best Paper Award 2016.” Why – because it was the first time that PICE included a technical session on academic researches during its annual convention. It means that I got the first ever best technical paper. Participated by other state universities and colleges (SUCS) and private schools in the country, the event was held in Davao City in November 2016 during the 42nd PICE national convention. Unfortunately, this recognition was not given during the event but nevertheless, PICE did not fail its promise. Indeed, it was a long overdue (almost 5 months) but it was worth of waiting!

My technical paper is part of my dissertation conducted during my PhD program in Northern Ireland, UK. It is entitled, “Performance Indicators of Mixed-Use Scheme Towards Sustainable Built Environment: International Development Perspective.” The paper focused on how to assess the success of mixed-use development projects in Belfast, Dublin and London.

Blog My Town 2017: Sibuyan Island, Province of Romblon

Discover the hidden wealth of the “Galapagos of Asia” – Sibuyan Island in the Province of Romblon. Aside from its natural resource of “marble”, Romblon offers stunning tourist attractions and found in Sibuyan. You can explore the crystal clear blue seawater of Cresta de Gallo, and other beautiful falls and rivers in the main island, including its majestic mountain, Mount Guiting-guiting.

The video below was shown in “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Channel 7-GMA last May 14, 2017.

For additional information about my hometown, click my previous article at Boracay Sun.

Three-Minute-Thesis (3MT) developed by Uni of Queensland (Australia)

2016 Asia-Pacific 3MT Winner – Joshua Chu-Tan “Targeting the Root of Vision Loss” from Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) on Vimeo.

World Water Day 2017

Do what you can, do it with others, and do it with passion – Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-Water

Every year on March 22, we celebrate the World Water Day. According to WorldWaterDayOrg “it is about taking action to tackle the water crisis.” Based on statistics, 1.8 billion people today are using a contaminated source of drinking water, putting them at risk of water-borne diseases. Click HERE for unwater.org official website.

Anthology: Architecture+Design, 31 March-01 April 2017

Anthology Architecture and Design Festival 2017 is a three-day celebration of architecture and design to be held on March 31 to April 2, 2017 at the Puerta del Parian in the historic walled city of Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. Having the theme “Content and Intent,” the festival aims to increase awareness about architecture and design and how it matters in our daily lives, and to provide a place for sharing of ideas and experiences. The event will feature guest speakers, dialogue panels, designer interviews, and the eponymous exhibit as well as various competitions and activities for all the participants. (Click the image above for details).

ETD Symposium 2017 – Exploring Global Connections, 7-9 August

This 20th international symposium on electronic theses and dissertations is set on 7-9 August 2017 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Washington, D.C. The event will be hosted by George Mason University with additional support from Washington Research Library Consortium members in cooperation with the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) and the United States Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Association (USETDA).

ETD2017 will provide excellent educational opportunities for professionals and others who work with electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), institutional repositories/archiving, graduate students, and scholarly communications. Moreover, it will offer relevant, practice-oriented content to support ETD productivity improvement, ETD professionals, advance ETD operations and encourage the formation of regional ETD associations and networking communities. Finally, it will promote open access in scholarly communications as well as to provide useful and innovative resources, standards, and technology for the development and support of ETD programs.

First publication using ISSUU…

My work entails publication of reports for easy printing and online sharing. ISSUU provides a platform to make documents look better and enhance good reading. The above report was my first online publication. It is an Annual Report of my former office as the Planning Head. The preparation of this report somehow led me to wear eye glasses! It really made my eyesight turned bad. Despite of this health concern, the report seemed worth sharing.

Australia Awards 2018 – study grants for Filipinos

WHAT YOU NEED to submit on or before the deadline (30 April 2017) of the application for 2018 intake are as follows: fully accomplished application form, Curriculum Vitae, Transcript of Records, Certificate of GWA/GPA, and Reentry Action Plan (REAP). CHECK IT OUT MORE FOR DETAILS or click the photo.

The annual study grants are offered to qualified and deserving Filipinos by the Australian Government which  mainly aim to train Filipinos to become competitive global leaders. This opportunity will allow the recipients to develop their skills and knowledge that will drive change, consequently help build enduring people-to-people networks with the donor country, Australia.

Passion for Fashion 101: Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) – Made for my style of clothing

“We design our clothes to fit you and your life. The things you do. The places you go. We hit the streets and found actual folks to try on the new A&F. They liked the clothes so much, they wanted to keep them. Because these are clothes for real people…just like you.” – A&F

This is the first reason why I love to shop in the US or UK. Not because I am rich, but A&F’s merchandise is worth to wear it! You may think that this is for the elite or fashionistas, but believe me everyone can wear it. It is just having a perfect timing when to shop at A&F. I rarely buy the regular price, except for the cologne which the store does not offer discounts. But for the rest of the clothing, you can grab at a discounted tag price.

My cousin’s family was surprised that instead of shopping at GAP or American Eagle, I insisted and persuaded  them to try A&F. With posh entrances and interiors, you feel that this place is not for “masa” because the ambiance (even the smell inside the store) is quite different from the normal ones. It was funny because when we presented our selected items in the counter for payment, it turned out that my cousin and her kids have brought many items than what I have! They loved it! Since then, they are now frequent visitors of A&F.

SUCs Filipino Researchers: DOST-PCIEERD Call for proposal 2018

AACCUP 30th Annual National Convention 2017 (15-17 Feb)

HON. PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was the guest speaker of the 30^th AACCUP Annual National Conference at Century Park Hotel (Manila). She emphasized the relationship between quality and internalization in higher education. She cited examples of CHED programs and projects on quality assurance towards excellence in the delivery of higher education in the Philippines. She also mentioned two CMOs that identify the policy framework, strategies and initiatives in the internalization of Philippine HE which also in lined with globalization and ASEAN integration. Some of the initiatives are ASEAN mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs), bilateral agreements and student/faculty mobility.

 

DBM conducts seminar on RA9184 Revised IRR 2016

13-14 FEB 2017. ICON HOTEL (Quezon City). The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) MIMAROPA Region conducted a seminar on the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9184, commonly known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. The seminar covers general overview of the Act and its revised IRR 2016, competitive bidding procedure for procurement of goods and infrastructure projects, contract implementation guidelines, and consolidated guidelines for the alternative methods of procurement.

For the IRR 2016, visit this link: Revised IRR 2016. For updated version of the Philippine Bidding Documents (5th Edition), visit GPPB website. 

Lea Salonga’s Songs from the Stage (17-18 Feb 2017: PICC, Philippines)

20th International River Symposium (18-20 Sep 2017) Brisbane, Australia

IN SEPTEMBER 2015, I was one of the presenters of this international conference held in Brisbane, Australia. My paper entitled “Rehabilitating Pasig River and its Tributaries: Strategies and Challenges” is accessible at http://riversymposium.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Rey_Ramos.pdf.

As stated in the official website, this event  “brings together river managers, policy developers, scientists, consultants, students, NGOs, indigenous and community organisations and business and industry representatives from around the world to share their knowledge, learn from others and collaborate on innovative ideas to improve the sustainable management of river basins.”

The benefits of being a participant/presenter are graphically presented below.