Kamusta Pilipinas Blog

You can now subscribe on KamustaPH Blog

2009-01-14T14:40:00.003+08:00

You can now subscribe in the KamustaPH blog. Simply key in you email address on the submission form located below the About KamustaPH Blog column. A simpler way to get connected for the latest news in the Philippines. Cheers!

Pacquiao Goes to Hollywood with Stallone

2009-01-14T11:49:00.002+08:00

Manny Paquiao will not only be remembered as a legendary Filipino boxer but a Hollywood Star. With his upcoming match with Hatton, the Pacman will not only be training in the Wild Card Gym for the fight with Ricky Hatton but also to shoot a film with Silvester Stallone. According to Pacquiao's business manager Manny met with Stallone last Jan 6 in Los Angeles.

The two talked about the Stallone's movie plan. Stallone became popular for three decades as the famous Itallian Stallion in the Rocky Balboa series. According to Pineda, Pacman brought his two kids, Michael and Jimwell to the meeting. Stallone gave them a pair of boxing gloves which was signed by Tony Tarver (former world light heavyweight champion who played a role in six of the Rocky movie series. Everything is on the planning stage.

According to Pineda, the movie wont be a boxing movie. It would be similar to Rush Hour (the comedy hit by Chris Tucker and Jacky Chan.

My personal insights on the planned movie

I guess this would be very interesting.. :) If they are going for the Rush Hour type of flick then I would say Pacquiao would greatly excel on the action scenes. He'll be excellent in delivering knockout blows against the criminal antagonist. It would definitely be very funny especially on the dialogue scenes ( if Pacquiao hits knockout blows, his English is as lethal haha.. He would exceed the language barrier comedy as portrayed by Jacky Chan and Chris Tucker when they converse with each other on the movie. Imagine Paquiao speaking straight English with Stallone, Im grinning up to my chin right now while I'm imagining this. Bisdak kaayo man gud ika nga sa mga bisaya :). I am really thrilled what would be the synopsis of the story, will Pacquiao be a Philippines Interpol agent trying to break a terrorist or a criminal syndicate? How will Pacquiao and Stallone talk to one another with their accents? Will Paquiao thank GMA during the movie? haha. Please feel free to post any comments on this blog, I'd like to get your feedback on what would be the plot for the Stallone and Pacquaio flick, malay natin someone from Hollywood would be reading the comments and hire us as a script writer (libre lang mangarap- kamikaze :))). Cheers!

Gwapotel "The Worker's Hotel"

2009-01-09T11:22:00.014+08:00

One of the most innovative and out of this world ideas from Metro Manila Development Authority(MMDA). Gwapotel was implemented by Chairman Bayani Fernando and President Gloria Macapagal Aroyo. Based on the Metro Gwapo project by Chairman Fernando, for 25 Pesos workers can sleep on this compact rooms for 10 hours. They can also take bath and dine in on very affordable meals. The aim of this hotel is to encourage people who are stranded, workers who have low budget and squaters to live on this quarters. Its aim is to discourage people from sleeping on the streets (a total eyesore and a dangerous threat in Metro Manila security).

In Gwapotel, there are separate quarters for male and female. The hotel has double deck beds, a lounge, tv rooms and large bathrooms. For new sites of Gwaptoel, capsule beds are introduced. Here ar the locations of GT: Bonifacio Drive Port Area Manila and Emmanuel Hospital at Jose Abad Santos St.

The first patrons of the gwapotels are the employees of MMDA. Gwapotel is very helpful especially for our kababayans who have low budget. Commuting in Metro Manila costs around 100 PHP this excludes food. For people whose salary is about 500 PHP Gwapotel is very helpful on reducing cost and expenses on their way of living.

For weary travelers/workers especially those with very low budget you can check out this hotel. I give my thumbs up to Bayani Fernando and PGMA on this effort!:)

For more information for Gwapotel you can click this link video by GMATV news.

2008 Best Local Franchises (Low Cost) in the Philippines from EntreprenuerPH

2009-01-08T22:00:00.007+08:00

A good friend of mine who is currently working in Singapore was requesting if I could post in what are the best franchise/business opportunities in the Philippines. She was saving some money and she wanted to invest on franchising in our country. With this I checked my collection of Entrepreneur Philippines and saw a comprehensive list of the top franchise in Pinas.

Top 10 Best Low Cost Local Franchise (in alpabethical order)

Aquabest- Company: G.Q.W.E.S.T, Nature of the Company: Water refilling station franchise, Franchise Fee: Included on the investment cost, Total Investment: PHP 450,000, Estimated ROI: 8 months to 18 months, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: None/2,000, Contact Details: Jenny Velasco, marketing manager Tel: 412-9652, Email: gqwest_mktg@gmail.com, Website: http://www.aquabest.org/.
Candy Corner- Company: Candy Corner Philippines Inc, Nature of the Company: Retail and Wholesale of confectionary products, Franchise Fee: 130,000 , Total Investment: PHP 360,000-600,000, Estimated ROI: 1- 2 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 4%/1% of gross monthly sales, Contact Details: Jenny Salazar Tel: 632-7741, Email: info@candycorner.ph, Website: http://www.candycorner.ph/

Crystal Clear - Company: Solarez Water Technologies Inc, Nature of the Company: Sales and Franchising and management of water refilling stations, Franchise Fee: 450,000 , Total Investment: PHP 450,000, Estimated ROI: 6 mos to 1 year, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: PHP 1.50 per gallon, Contact Details: Cyd B Salazar, COO Tel: 642-4489, Email: cyd@solerex.com.ph, Website: http://www.crystalclear.com.ph/ , http://www.solerex.com.ph/.

Ink for Less - Company: ACA Franchise Group, Nature of the Company: Ink/toner refilling and related services, Franchise Fee: 200,000 , Total Investment: PHP 600,000 to 800,000, Estimated ROI: 1- 1.5 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 2%/8% of gross sales, Contact Details: Jenny Salazar Tel: 632-7741, Email: info@candycorner.ph, Website: http://www.candycorner.ph/

Lots' A Pizza -Company: Lots'A Pizza Franchise Systems Inc., Nature of the Company: Pizza carts, stalls, kiosk and full store outlets, Franchise Fee: 100,000 to 175,000, Total Investment: PHP 250,000-750,000, Estimated ROI: 1 -2 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee:None, Contact Details: Alexander A. Adan Tel: 873-8414, Email: lap_franchise@yahoo.com info@lotsapizza.com.ph , Website: http://www.lotsapizza.com.ph/

Monterey-Company: Monterey Food Corps, Nature of the Company: Fresh meats, timplados, complimentary products, Franchise Fee: 200,000 , Total Investment: PHP 2.7 million, Estimated ROI: 2.5 to 3 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 1%/2% of total purchases, Contact Details: Paul A. Perez, business development officer, Tel: 702-5569 702-5000, Email: monterey.marketing@smg.sanmiguel.com.ph

Mr. Quickie - Company: Mr Quickie Corp, Nature of the Company: Shoes and bags repari/ key duplication, Franchise Fee: 200,000 , Total Investment: PHP 1 million-1.3 million, Estimated ROI: 1- 3 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 4%/3%, Contact Details: Maricar A De Guzman,Tel: 671-9541 to 42, Email: mail@mrquickie.com, Website: http://www.mrquickie.com/

Netopia Internet Cafe - Company: Digital Paradise Inc,, Nature of the Company: Retail internet services and related applications, value added services such as desktop publishing applications and digital content distribution, Franchise Fee: 150,000 to 300,000 , Total Investment: PHP 1.8 to 2.6 million, Estimated ROI: 16 months- 2 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 4%/1% of gross sales, Contact Details: Jack Christian L. Coson Tel: 638-6742, Email: franchise@netopia.ph, Website: http://www.netopia.ph/

Reyes Haircutters - Company: Reyes Hair Company International Inc., Nature of the Company: Salon service and beauty product, Franchise Fee: 350,000 , Total Investment: PHP 1.4 to 2.4 million, Estimated ROI: 1 to 2 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: 5%/5% of gross sales on services, Contact Details: Jayson Vallejos, franchise sales supervisor Tel: 725-0584 to 18, Email: rhc_franchisedept@yahoo.com.ph thinktank@reyeshaircutters.com, Website: http://www.reyeshaircutters.com/

Seaoil - Company: SEALOIL Philippines Inc., Nature of the Company: Sells lubricant & fuels with ethanol, Franchise Fee: 350,000 , Total Investment: PHP 2 million minimum, Estimated ROI: 3 to 3.5 years, Royalty fee/Advertising fee: None, Contact Details: Archie Monasterial Tel: 723-5272, Email: franchising@seaoil.com.ph, Website: http://www.seaoil.com.ph/

According to EntrepreneurPH, recognition is given to Filipino owned franchises that have carved a significant niche and have become leaders in their respective industry sector due to their mastery of the market. This earned raninking based on integrity of their franchise system and on how effectively it was replicated in all their franchised units. The best homegrown franchises all have proven financial and franchise system track records and have also been able to establish a foothold in foreing markets.

Please take note that listed here are franchises that have low cost. I will be posting top "medium cost" franchising later on the blog. I highly recommend that you try to visit EntrepreneurPH website. There are many interesting business articles on the site. The Entrepreneur Philippines magazine is a treasure trove of information for those who wish to have their own business (yes free from the chains of the corporate world, financial freedom! :)). I highly recommend this magazine.

Top OPM songs for 2008 (Stats from MYX)

2009-01-06T21:06:00.008+08:00

Hi guys, I know all of you have been listening to rap music maybe from some Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, or listening to house, metal, rock and other foreign music lately. Have you wondered what are the top Original Pilipino Music for 2008? Well here are the top ten OPM songs from the MYX 2008 countdown, you can click on the links to view the Youtube videos for your appreciation. Cheers!)

#1. A Very Special Love by Sarah Geronimo - I'm not a fan of L-songs but this girl nailed it!
#2. Betamax by Sandwich - astig! nice, ok check nyo ;) good ol betamax
#3. Susundan by Callalily
#4. Pasubali by SpongeCola
#5. Ang Sarap Dito by Project 1 - Nice alternative rock song!
#6. Pitong Araw by Hale
#7. Procastinator by Sandwich
#8. Kailan by Bamboo
#9. Ang Pusa Mo by Pedicab - very funny video haha, nice concept, must check out :)
#10. Yugto by Rico Blanco - I think this song is being used for a popular news programme in ABS-CBN

PH TV Shows with Highest Rating for 2008

2009-01-05T10:23:00.003+08:00

Lately I was browsing blogs and I came across information on what are the TV shows that garnered the highest TV ratings for 2008. I found the information from showbiznest.blogspot.com and here are the partial results for 2008 (December NUTAM ratings are not yet released by AGB Nielsen Philippines):

NUTAM Top 10 - Daytime
1. Unfinished Business: Marquez-Pacquiao II (GMA 7) - 48.6%
2. Lethal Combination: Pacquiao vs. Diaz (GMA 7) - 46.0%
3. Paalam Daboy 1952-2008 (GMA 7) - 26%
4. Marimar Memories (GMA 7) - 25.9%
5. El Cuerpo del Deseo (July Episode, ABS-CBN) - 23.7%
6. El Cuerpo del Deseo (June Episode, ABS-CBN) - 23.6%
7. The Challenge: Casamayor Vs. Marquez (ABS-CBN) -23.4%
8. De La Hoya vs. Forbes: Homecoming (ABS-CBN) - 23.2%
9. Wowowee (April Episode, ABS-CBN) - 23%
10. Paalam Daboy (ABS-CBN) - 22.9%

NUTAM Top 10 - Primetime
1. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus: Big Night (ABS-CBN) - 42.4%
2. Pinoy Dream Academy Season II Grand Dream Nights (ABS-CBN) - 40.4%
3. Marimar (March Episode, GMA) - 38.1%
4. Pinoy Dream Academy Little Grand Dream Night (ABS-CBN) - 37.5%
5. Kung Fu Kids (January Episode, ABS-CBN) - 37.1%
6. Marimar (February Episode, GMA) - 36.9%
7. Lobo (January Episode, ABS-CBN) - 36.3%
8. Dyesebel (April Episode, GMA) - 35.7%
9. The Singing Be (September Episode, ABS-CBN) - 35.2%
10. Kung Fu Kids (February Episode - 34.1%)

MEGA MANILA TOP 10 - Daytime
1. Lethal Combination: Pacquiao vs. Diaz (June 29, GMA) - 63.8%
2. Unfinished Business: Marquez-Pacquiao II (March 16, GMA) - 48.5%
3. Lethal Combination: Primer (June 29, GMA) - 46.4%
4. The Dream Match: Pacquiao-De La Hoya (December 7, GMA) - 45.6%
5. Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (July 31, GMA) - 27.2%
6. Eat Bulaga! (Sept. 6, GMA) - 25.5%Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (Sept. 19, GMA) - 25.5%
7. Eat Bulaga! (August 2, GMA) - 25.2%
8. Pinoy Records (August 2, GMA) - 24.9%Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (Sept. 16, GMA) - 24.9%9. Magdusa Ka (August 15, GMA) - 24.7%
10. Una Kang Naging Akin (Sept. 19, GMA) - 24.6%

MEGA MANILA TOP 10 - Primetime
1. Marimar (March 14, GMA) - 52.6%
2. Marimar (March 7, GMA) - 47.9%
3. Marimar (Feb. 26, GMA) - 47.8%
4. Marimar (Feb. 13, GMA) - 46.7%
5. Marimar (Feb. 27, GMA) - 46.6%
6. Marimar (March 11, GMA) - 46.1%
7. Marimar (Feb. 28, GMA) - 46.0%Marimar (Feb. 15, GMA) - 46.0%
8. Marimar (March 12, GMA) - 45.9%Marimar (March 6, GMA) - 45.9%
9. Marimar (Feb. 7, GMA) - 45.4%
10. Marimar (Feb. 12, GMA) - 45.2%

Metro Manila Film Festival 2008 Results

2009-01-04T22:17:00.003+08:00

For the 34th Annual Metro Manila Film Festival(MMF 2008), the 1st place for the best picture award went to Viva Film's Baler. The second place went to Star Cinema's Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat and the third place went to Octoarts films Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After.

Here are the other awardees of the festival:
Best Actor: Christopher De Leon "Magkaibigan"
Best Actress: Anne Curtis "Baler"
Best Director: Mark Meily "Baler"
Best Supporting Actor: Philip Salvador "Baler"
Best Supporting Actress: Manilyn Reynes "One Night Only"
Best Screenplay: Roy Iglesias "Baler"
Best Story: Jose Javier Reyes "One Night Only"
Best Cinematography: Lee Meily "Baler"
Best Sound: Albert Idioma and Whannie Dellosa "Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia "
Best Visual Effects: Robert Quilao "Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia "
Best Production Design: Aped Santos "Baler "
Best Editing: Danny Anonuevo "Baler"
Best Make-Up: Noli Villalobos "Desperadas 2 "
Best Musical Score: Jessie Lazatin "Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia"
Best Theme Song: Lipad by Jessie Lasaten and Artemio Abad Jr., performed by Lea Salonga "Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia"
Best Child Performer: Robert "Buboy" Villar "Shake, Rattle & Roll X "

Special Awards Metro Manila Film Fest:
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: Baler
Most Gender Sensitive Film: Baler

Here are the synopsis and cast for the top 3 entries for the film fest:

Baler- Cast: Anne Curtis - Feliza Reyes, Jericho Rosales - Celso Ressurecion , Phillip Salvador - Nanding, Baron Geisler - Capt. Las Morenas, Ryan Eigenmann - Lt. Zayas , Niki Bacolod - Luming. Plot: This is a love story during the Spanish colonial (1898). A gorup of Spanish soldiers defended Baler (now the municipality of Aurora). For 337 days, the Spanish soliders defended the site. The is action packed, it revolves on the forbidden love between a Spanish Soldier (Jericho Rosales) and a Filipina (whose dad is a leader of the Filipino revolt, Anne Curtis).

Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat- Cast: Ai-Ai de las Alas - Ina, Eugene Domingo -Rowena,
Carlo Aquino -Dimitri/Tri, Alwyn Uytingco -Tirso/Pip, Shaina Magdayao - Severina/Seven, Serena Dalrymple - Cate. Plot: The movie is a sequel of the popular Ina series by Wenna Deremas ("Ang Cute ng Ina Mo", "Ang Tanging Ina"). In this movie, Ai Ai Delas Alas became the President of the Philippines (OMG! hahaha).

Iksul Bukol: 20 Years After - Cast: Tito Sotto - Tito Escalera , Vic Sotto - Vic Ungasis, Joey de Leon - Joey Escalera, Jimmy Santos - Big J, Mely Tagasa - Miss Tapia, Benjie Paras - Genie
Bianca King - Girlie, Carlene Aguilar - Alice John. Plot: this is the long awaited sequel of the original Iskul Bukol series (1977 Iskul Bukol the Movie and 1980's Iskul Bukol Freshmen). Vic Sotto, after 20 years became an archaelogist. He discovered a relic which is the Kali of Humabon and he searched for the two other valuable artifacts: Kampilan of Lapu-Lapu and the Peseta (one of the 30 silver coins of Judas Escariot). When he went back home he reunites with the Escalera brothers, who after 20 years became very successful real estate developers. The story revolves with the adventure of the trio (Tito, Vic and Joey) against a Yakuza that want to unite the three relics to gain power.

Here are links related to the MMF:

Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia - Synopsis and Cast
Desperadas 2- Synopsis and Cast
Shake, Rattle & Roll X - Synopsis and Cast
Iskul Bukol Trailer
Ang Tanging Ina Ninyo Lahat Trailer Baler Trailer

Ayala Greenbelt Makati

2009-01-03T21:06:00.006+08:00

Last Christmas 2008, I had the opportunity to visit Ayala Greenbelt. It's amazing how Greenbelt has evolved throughout the years. When I was still young (it was about year 2000), this used to be a very small mall that has a large pond, a church and a huge parking lot (reserve for Greenbelt, Glorietta and Landmark). The shops back then were not that sophisticated compared to Glorietta. But now it has completely changed. Greenbelt now has evolved to be a top-class mall in Makati. On my opinion it is at par with Rockwell and other high class malls in Metro Manila. Greenbelt otherwise known in the yuppie generation as "GB", boasts the best bars, fine dining restaurants, high-end fashion shops, nature park, Ayala Museum and of course the ol' GB church. Greenbelt is divided into 5 places. Namely Greenbelt 1 - 5. Here are the shops/ attractions found on each annex:

Greenbelt One- one of the original buildings of GB (annex that is facing AIM Asian Institute of Management), there are some old shops (based from changes since year 2000) that were still retained namely Jollibee, Via Mare, Wendy's, Rustan's Supermarket, National Bookstore, Ace Hardware, Automatic Centre, Filbar's . New shops are Starbucks, Terriyaki Boy, David's Salon, Apple Center, Blade (Auto Accessories Shop). The old movietheatre is still there however I believe one of the movie theatre is changed into an Onstage Theatre for plays and Cinemanila.
Greenbelt Two- also another of the one of the original buildings of the old GB(annex facing the PAL office and Rada street. Original shops that are still present are Deli France, Bacolod Chicken, Oddysey, the salons, Mercury Drug, Chili's, Dessert Cafe, Sarabia Optical, Max's Restaurant. New shops(based from changes since year 2000) that opened up are Yellow Cab, Netopia, Binalot. New restaurants and bars emerged like Masa's, Italiani's, Flap Jack's, Nuvo Restaurant.
Greenbelt Three- the new annex for GB.This replaced the area wherein the old Shakey's Greenbelt used to be (hay.. that good ol combo band days haha). Basically Greenbelt 3 is filled with top-designer shops and electronic shops, here are samples of these shops Anne Klein, Avid Sony Shop, Apple Center, Oddysey, Beauty Bar, Celio, Springfield, Calvin Klein, JAckSpeid, Nike Park.. High class restaurants has also emerged on this side of Greenbelt namely BubbaGump(Shrimp, shrimp, shrimp), Banana Leaf(Thai Cuisine), Recipes(Filipino cuisine), Fish n Co'y (as the name implies alot of fish), Ebun (Filipino cuisine), Big Buddha (Chinese cuisine), Good Earth (Chinese Cuisine), Haiku (Japanese Cuisine) and alot more. GB3 is also known for its nightlife, Family KTV such as Red Box, bars such as Absinth (modern bar ideal for teenagers and those yuppies who has it), Merks (old school Jazz bar ideal for the baby boomers out there).
Greenbelt Four- Another new annex of Greenbelt. It contains the improved Ayala Museum. GB 4 showcases very high end designer shops namely Luis Vuitton, BVlgari, Marc Jacobs, Philip Chariol, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and YSL. There is a bridgeway that connects Landmark and GB4. There are shops located on this bridgeway namely, Globe Telecom, Powerbooks, Nike (Women).
Greenbelt Five- GB 5 is the newest annex. It host many interesting shops that our kababayan's are crazy about. Here are the following shops: AC+ 632, Adora, All Flip Flops, Bally, Banana Republic, Crocs, Charles and Keith, Columbia, Chicco, DKNY, Escada, Gaupo, Gingersnaps, Hugo Boss, Myth, Levi's Premium, Zara and alot more

GB Trivia
* The old Shakey's Greenbelt does not exist anymore :'( . So long combo bands.
* The old tiangge from Greenbelt 1 does not exist anymore, it is now replaced with GB 5.
* The old KFC from GB 1 does not exist and also was replaced by GB 5
* The huge pond that used to cover the church has already been reclaimed and turned into GB3, GB4, GB5. The park was also changed but it has improved.
* The old GB Jollibee along the side of Pasay Road does not exist anymore it is being replaced by GB3 and Renaissance Hotel.
* The Greenbelt church is still there.

For more information on GB please visit the Ayala website:

Here are some updated pics of Greenbelt for your appreciation (please click on image for full viewing):

SM Mall of Asia

2009-01-01T13:56:00.025+08:00

SM Mall of Asia is the second biggest mall in the Philippines. It is located in the southernmost tip of Epifanio de los Santos Pasay City (near Diosdado Macapagal Highway). On my opinion, Mall of Asia is one of the best malls in the Philippines.

It showcases top shopsshops (fashion shops like Zara, Marks and Spencers, Bench.., tech shops for cellphones, computers, consoles, a whole lot of shops). MOA offers alot of attractions that are par with global standards, here are the following:

IMax Theater
SM Science Discovery Center- has its own planetarium and world class science and technology exhibit
SMX Convention Center- one of the largest convention centers in the Philippines, it is ideal for corporate events, exhibits, conference. It could cater to more than 1000 plus visitors.
Ice Skating Rink- way way bigger than those in SM Southmall and SM Megamall
San Miguel by the Bay- a series of restaurants that have excellent view of the Manila Bay. Most of the restaurants found in Bayview (Manila) and dampas from Paranaque has transferred on this area. The area is very clean, the view is excellent. I suggest when you come back in the Philippines, you should try dining at this place with your friends and family. Top restaurants that I know of would be President's Teahouse, Trinity (ihaw-ihaw), Berks, Padi's Point, many more.
One Ecom Center- this is the building beside MOA (opposite from the SMX Convention Center). It host alot of tech shops ranging from cellphones, computers and gadgets). This building also caters for Dell call centers.

Mall of Asia as I said is one of the best malls in the Philippines, if you come back in the country you'll be surprised how much the progress and development has been implemented throughout the years. What used to be the sea has now turned into a worlclass mall. Give 5 to 10 years, the area will be sprawling with apartments, condo, casino's, theme parks and other commercial centers.

Below are pictures that I have with MOA. Hopefully you'll better appreciate this ("as they say a picture paints a thousand words :) ")

Globe statue found at the end of Edsa and the entrance of MOA. It signifies the pinoy's global presence, Naks! :))

One Ecom Building, walking distance from Mall of Asia

San Miguel Bayview (Modern CCP)

Welcome to KamustaPH Blog "The online reminiscing site for the global Pinoy workforce"

2009-01-01T01:48:00.004+08:00

Welcome to KamustaPH Blog. This blog is a tribute to all the OFW kababayans. This site contains the latest information, pictures, multimedia, trends and happenings in the Philippines. Ever wonder what the Philippines now looks like? Ever wonder if the traffic in Manila is as heavy as hell or what are the new buildings, malls and pasyalan? Is your paboritong gimikan still there or is gone already? This blog is dedicated to provide you information on “Kamusta na Ba ang Pinas Ngayon?”. No matter wherever your assigned, this blog is aimed to update and make you reminisce our country. I wish you all a good luck on your endeavors, hope you enjoy reminiscing in the blog. Godspeed!

Here are some pics that I got this Christmas 2008

Streets between Glorieta 4, Hotel Intercontinental and SM Ayala

Christmas Decor in Glorieta Ayala

Before there was Glorieta 1, 2, 3, 4.. Now behold Glorieta 5..

SM Mall of Asia located in Diosdado Macapagal Highway in Pasay City.

If you were gone for 5 years or more you will be amazed with the development of this site

Everything is not what it seems already. MOA proved to one of the best Malls in Manila.

Baywalk near Mall of Asia. I love what MOA did with its seaside. All dampa from Paranaque transfered on the seaside of the mall. Its like your in Singapore, Manila Bay is way cleaner here than in CCP. If you get the chance you should dine here with your family.

Note: If there are things you would like me to blog about (news, places, events or anything you wish to get updates about regarding the Philippines), please do not hesitate to email me or contact me at bcristuta@gmail.com, you can also post your requests on the comments links. I’ll be more than happy to blog them for you and when available I’ll post pictures for your better appreciation and enjoyment. Cheers!