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…
THIS IS A LONG OVERDUE REGISTRATION. It started in the early 90s to become one of the first few registered Environmental Planners in the Philippines. Unfortunately, due to workloads and consultancy commitments, I was not able to comply with the non-exam requirements set by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). At that time, there was no examination given to be recognised as an Environmental Planner. The basis for registration were only proofs of professional experience and educational attainment in Urban and Regional Planning/Town and Country Planning.
I am a registered Civil Engineer but I did not follow the traditional path of practising my profession in the field of construction. I chose to become a planner cum manager (teacher at the same time). I was fortunate to be educated overseas and decided to return back to our beloved country to serve which is the very essence of receiving grants/scholarships; though that I worked hard for these grants – it was my own efforts, not from any organization or firms that I worked with. I do believe that pursuing higher education is one of the key factors that will improve our way of living + thinking.
The result of the recent licensure examination given last June 5-6 was only to mark my years of environmental practice and it is a self-worth accomplishment. Maybe I was really destined to take this examination considering that twice I was reminded by former senior colleagues to submit the necessary credentials in those early years of registration, and becoming an EnP was in vain!
But until 2019, it was ruled that allied courses (with planning experience) will be allowed to take for the last chance. Despite my current job in a university, I decided to have it a go! Thankfully, with stock knowledge, experience, positive attitude and having strong faith in God paved the way for me to passed the EnP licensure exam last June. Questions were difficult but easy to answer (always D if not sure of the answer…hahaha). I even questioned those questions given!
One of the other reasons of my readiness to take the board examination is that I am one of the moderators in a Facebook Group Chat dedicated for those who plan to take the exam. It helped a lot in my journey to become a full-fledged EnP of the country. My work as a moderator of this Group Chat provided me the opportunity to have a daily self review as I also shared to the group the knowledge I gained from years of experience. Eventually, it somehow helps others to learn in preparation for the said board examination. As I posted in the Group Chat, I reminded those who passed or failed.
For those who successfully passed, this is the opportunity to help our country, particularly our own community to be safer, healthier, and liveable place to live; and for those who did not make it, do not be dismayed, not having a PRC registration will not hinder you to help our country manage our natural resources. We can work together, big or small projects can truly bring positive impacts to our people. For the coming years, I will continue to share relevant reading materials and links to continue and sustain our life-long learning.
Having the licensure examination is not only marking my practise in environmental planning, but it is a continuing challenge to be an instrument towards improving our surroundings – how we manage our natural resources to making our communities liveable, healthier and safer to live.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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!
(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.
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).
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.
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!
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..
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.
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!
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).
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!
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do what you can, do it with others, and do it with passion – Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-WaterEvery 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 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).
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.
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.
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.
“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.
HON. PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was the guest speaker of the 30th 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.
23 April 2015 United Kingdom
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150th Birthday Anniversary of the Philippine National Hero
