Ang Sa Wari Ko

Let’s Talk about HIV/AIDS issues on Feb 11 on Dialogues @ Starbucks

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:26:00 +0000

As of May 2009 the National Epidemiology Center reported that there is roughly estimation of 3,911 HIV+/AIDS reported cases as of May 2009, 55 % were males having sex with females and 45 % were males having sex with males. In the recent study conducted by Philippine General Hospital in PGH alone they have 528 cases in 2008 and it increases to 709 as of 2009 despite of the different campaigns done by Anti-AIDS/HIV advocates, cases of patients infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) increases rapidly. As the population of the infected cases increases so is the age range getting younger, based on the 2007 data of National Epidemiology Center, 89% of those infected with HIV/AIDS engaged with unsafe sex, 72% from it were males. The peek age bracket for males is 25-29 years old as first from the chart followed by 30-34 years old and 20-24 years old is ranked as third. The youth is becoming experimenting with their sexuality, freedom and easy access on the internet engaged themselves to unsafe sex and drugs, the two major ways of the transmission of the virus. We are aware on the current situation of AIDS in the Philippines and how it weakens our chance of fulfilling the United Nation Millennium Development Goal that is due on 2015. HIV/AIDS is ranked as number 6 in UN MDGs priority: Combat Aids, Malaria and other diseases.

On February 11, 6:30 PM Dialogues @ Starbucks presents a discussion on HIV/AIDS with two HIV positive advocates Wanggo Gallaga and Jerico Paterno at the Starbucks 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. With them are:

Dr. Susana Gregorio- Philippine National AIDS Council
Ms. Joan Corbe- Philippine National AIDS Council
Mr. Bong Yap- AIDS Society of the Philippines
Mr. Edgar Hilario - AIDS Society of the Philippines/ DOH Media
Ms. Diane Mendoza- AIDS Society of the Philippines
Dr. Edelina dela Paz- Health Action Information Network, Inc.
Ms. Emely Maghari- Health Action Information Network, Inc.

On Valentine’s Day let’s not just talk about love alone, but let’s include health and respect and learn the current situation of HIV/AIDS in our country and how we will prevent and act against it. The mini forum is open to all, fell free to join this brewing social concern. I’m not an HIV positive / or AIDS patient, but the issue concerns all and it does affects me and my family. Be there and take part of this global fight against the virus. Spread the awareness and not the virus!

To be updated on Dialogues @ Starbucks future events join the Facebook Group here.

Ellen DeGeneres joins the American Idol on the Hollywood Round

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:20:00 +0000

Starting on February 10 at the Hollywood Round, multi-awarded TV host Ellen DeGeneres joins the Americal Idol Season 9 judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest. DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul who left the show after season 8.

As the Hollywood Round begins this week until February 17, American Idol hopefuls around the nation will endure intense rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot among the Top 24. There will be solo performance and group numbers until the Top 24 semifinalist will be named on February 18.

Now the DeGeneres joining the group and I heard that see is strict like Simon but appreciative like Kara and Randy, Ellen will be a big contribution on judging and guiding the top 24 semi finalist of the American Idol Season 9 ; Feb 24 for the top 12 females and Feb 25 for the top 12 males.

Watch American Idol this Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. (with same day replay at 8 p.m. on Star World.

American Idol Season 9 is presented by Greenwich, Philippines’ favorite Pizza chain.

2010 Election Update: The 90 day campaign period begins on Feb 9

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:56:00 +0000

Simula ngayong February 9, 2010 12 midnight ay opisyal nang uumpisahan ang 90 day campaign period ng mga kakandidato para sa pagka-president, vice president, senator and partylist. Ito ang panahon na you can see the words; “vote for” and “for the position of” sa mga posters, billboards, television, radio and online advertisements nila hanggang sa araw ng May 10, 2010 Election.

The 90 day campaign period includes the guidelines presented by the Commission on Election that will restrict the politicians from posting their posters in areas not discuss on the common poster area. Sa kadahilanang iniiwas ng COMELEC ang pagpopost ng mga posters ng mga kandidato kung saan saan lang na karaniwang reklamo ng mga tao tuwing panahon ng election. The common poster area doesn’t include trees, buildings, and electric posts. Anyone who disobeys this rule will be subjected to consequences indicated in the Fair Election Practices Act which includes: 1-6 years of imprisonment and disqualification. COMELEC will give all the candidates to remove their posters placed outside the imposed common poster area.

In regards with the TV and Radio placement the guidelines indicate that each candidate will only have 120 minutes accumulated TV commercials in all TV networks combined for the whole campaign period. For Radio the candidates will have 180 minutes accumulated radio commercials in all radio stations combined for the whole campaign period.

Based from what we see on TV presidential candidate Manny Villar of Nacionalista Party dominates the airwaves followed by Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro of LAKAS KAMPI CMD, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of Liberal Party, Richard “Dick” Gordon, Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada and Bro Eddie Villanueva, while candidates JC delos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran, Nick Perlas, Vetallano Acosta and Jamby Madrigal haven’t release and TV commercials yet. Vice Presidential candidate Jejomar Binay, Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Loren Legarda and Bayani Fernando dominates the airwaves.

Manny Villar ranks number 14 from the top 20 advertisers of 2009 and also has a game segment on Eat Bulaga, a GMA 7’s noontime show. TV is the main vehicle for candidate to present themselves to the public, followed by radio, online and print ads.

Meet the Lola Gimekera on The Correspondents

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:08:00 +0000

Have you ever seen grandmothers working in graveyard shift?

Join Bernadette Sembrano as she enters the world of old women working at the unusual time of the day this Tuesday (Feb 9) on “The Correspondents” on ABS-CBN.

She sleeps in the morning and wakes up at night - she is Lola Gimikera. While every one of us is already dozing off, she lurks on the streets and pulls out her goods. This is what she does for a living, providing service at a cheaper price ranging from P100 to P200. But, what is the shocking thing that she sells at the midst of the night?

Visit http://thecorrespondents.multiply.com for other issues tackled in the program. Join Bernadette Sembrano as she tries to find out the reason behind the job of “Lola Gimikera” this Tuesday (Feb 9) on “The Correspondents,” after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN. You can also watch the Correspondents via online live stream on TFC Now (http://now.abs-cbn.com).

Download and beta test Microsoft Office 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:55:00 +0000

In line with the growing demands of companies and individuals in terms of business presentations and reports, Microsoft brings the latest version of its most popular software in cyberspace - Office 2010. With Office 2010 you can maximize the personalization and usability of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, two MS soft wares I commonly use in work and in blogging.

We all love adding visuals and effects on our PowerPoint presentations to impress our clients and business partners. The problem with PPT before is that it limits us to insert images and videos alone without any customization aside from resizing and borders. With Office 2010 it gives you the control on your images and videos like the screen caps below:

You can change the texture, put borders and even add 3-D effects on your images straight on your Power Point document.

You can load the full video on your Power Point and edit/trim it on the document where you will insert the file.

From the common fade, insert, push and checkered Power Point slide transition, Office 2010 gives you more options to choose like honeycomb, cube, vortex, glitters and many more. See the transition option screen cap below:

And what’s good with the new Office 2010’s Power Point, Word and Excel is that you have the option to compress big files to smaller files that can fit on your emails without deleting slides/pages and media files that you insert on your PPT presentation same with your Docs and Books.

Office 2010 is on Beta right now, for those who wanted to test this upgraded MS Office soft wares you can visit http://office.microsoft.com, the Office 2010 Beta Application contains Word, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, InfoPath, Excel, SharePoint Workspace, and OneNote. Microsoft is always a perfect partner in all business platforms and individual use. Microsoft Visio 2010 and Microsoft Project 2010 is also available for download for beta testers.

Indulge yourself with Red Ribbons’ Chocolate Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Aside from the Roses & Kisses that Red Ribbon launches for Valentine’s Day, the leading bakeshop introduces its latest cake that will be available starting February 7 in all Red Ribbon bakeshops nationwide. Chocolate Heaven is a cake that made of four kinds of chocolates: chocolate brownie, chocolate mousse, chocolate icing and chocolate curls. This is the answer to chocolate cravings of chocolate lovers out there.

Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Heaven will be out in all Red Ribbon Bakeshop starting February 7. The cake costs P560.00 for the regular and P335.00 for junior size. Chocolate Heaven is perfect treat for all occasions especially this Valentine’s Day.

Red Ribbon cakes and pastries are perfectly paired with Red Ribbon Hot Brews, coffees that are freshly brewed from 100% premium Arabica beans; Café Latte (P45), Americano (P40), Cappuccino (P45)and Café Mocha (P45).

Let Island Rose express your true feelings this Valentine’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Sometimes it is hard for us to express our feelings by finding the right word to compliment with it, and on Valentine’s Day we will be experiencing the dilemma of thinking what word to say aside from I love you and thank you. That’s why we end up giving gifts like roses, chocolates, teddy bears and cards to our special someone, but with people who have hectic schedules like me it is hard to buy from the mall and personalized it the way we wanted. I discovered IslandRose.net; it is a Flower Delivery to the Philippines website where you can buy roses that is 100% perfect to any occasions. Island Rose is partnered with LBC where you can send flowers to the Philippines and pay it online either on dollar or peso and with major credit cards. But what’s good with Island Rose is that you can send gifts to the Philippines aside from flowers that they sell on their website, they also offer chocolates, stuffed toys, and other gifts where you can also pay through their on ground partner which is MiniStop.

But aside from the several options that Island Rose offers this Valentine’s Day they will be giving 10% discount on their products you just need give this promo code “VDAY022010” upon purchasing online to avail their Valentine’s Day promo until February 20.

Island Rose also offers packages for weddings that is affordable and as much as 19, 000 pesos and can be as low as 11,000 pesos depending on the package you wanted to avail. Island Rose is operated and owned by Philippine Cut Flower Corporation, the largest rose grower. They grow roses inside specialized greenhouses with modern facilities to make all the roses perfectly bloomed and fresh like we wanted.

5 out of 50 Ballots rejected on the mock election in New Era Elementary School

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:59:00 +0000

February 6, New Era Elementary School, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, in line with the preparation for the May 10 Poll Automation, Commission on Election conducted mock election on nine selected areas with the country where New Era Elementary School which only has fifty mock election voters. The mock election begins at 8:00AM and ends at 10AM. From the fifty ballots only four were rejected, it should be five but the representative of the Smartmatic use the rejected ballot to discuss the importance of following the guidelines on voter’s education to fully shade the ovals in the ballots and avoid voting ambiguous markings where the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines sees it as error. Here is the video of Miguel Avila of Smartmatic explaining:

Aside from the ballots being rejected minor argument among the media and COMELEC officials became a problem during the mock election in New Era Elementary school. After the mock election Jose Rizal wins president in New Era Elementary School poll with 22 votes and Marcelo H. del Pillar as vice president with 12 votes. Present at the mock election in New Era were Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chairperson Ambassador Henrietta "Tita" de Villa and Automated Election System Watch (AES Watch convenor Alfredo Pascual to observe the event along with representatives from various groups like Bantay Daya 2010, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and other sectors. According to Ambassador de Villa that the COMELEC and teachers assigned on the election must remind the voters to follow the guidelines on the voter’s education to minimize the possibility of ballot rejections and they should re-check their ballots first if there are ambiguous markings, not fully shaded ovals and folds on their ballots that result machine rejections.

There are two rooms allotted for the mock election, the actual voting area and the holding area. In New Era Elementary School mock election voters were grouped into ten members per batch, it takes 5-10 minutes for a voter to finish casting his/her votes while others takes time to choose their candidates even the list is fictional. It takes only few minutes to transmit the results to the session hall of the Quezon City Hall. Here are some images from the mock election that happen in New Era Elementary School.

COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez says that the mock election that happens today is considered successful despite of the minor problems that polling precincts encountered. All the nine mock poll precincts (Gen. Ricardo Papa Memorial High School – Taguig City, Maharlika Elementary School – Taguig City, Pines City National High School - Baguio City, Community Youth Center - Baguio City, Mabini Elementary School -Cebu City, Bulacao Community School - Cebu City, Alejandra Navarro Elementary School - Davao City, Generoso Elementary School - Davao City, New Era Elementary School - Quezon City) transmitted the to the COMELEC office by 11:11AM. But one question remains unanswered if the PCOS machines can contain the votes coming from 76,000 clustered precincts on May 10, 2010. I hope that aside from the cities that COMELEC targeted on today’s mock election, COMELEC will have mock elections on provincial/rural areas to check the capacity of the machines, the voter’s behavior toward the new system and extending the voter’s education especially the teachers who will be working with the COMELEC on the 2010 election.

On my take and updates Philippine 2010 Election click here.

Bea and John Lloyd reunite on Miss You Like Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:57:00 +0000

The box office King and Queen of Philippine cinema on 2007, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo reunites on Star Cinema’s post Valentine movie offering entitled Miss You Like Crazy which will be showing in all cinemas nationwide beginning February 24. Watch the full trailer below:

Bea Alonzo plays Mia Samonte while John Lloyd Cruz plays Allan Alvarez the film is directed by Cathy Garcia Molina. Watch the music video below:

For more updates on the movie visit starcinema.multiply.com and starcinema.com.ph.

COMELEC holds mock up election on February 6

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:03:00 +0000

In line with the new system to be implemented on May 10 election, Commission on Election will be having nationwide mock up elections on February 6, in selected areas within the country to test how will the poll automation pushed through. The actual mock poll is scheduled from 7am until 6pm to see the behavior of the voters toward the new system and the actual function of the polling machines.

Here are the participating schools for the mock up election on February 6.
Gen. Ricardo Papa Memorial High School – Taguig City

Maharlika Elementary School – Taguig City
Pines City National High School - Baguio City
Community Youth Center - Baguio City
Mabini Elementary School -Cebu City
Bulacao Community School - Cebu City
Alejandra Navarro Elementary School - Davao City
Generoso Elementary School - Davao City
New Era Elementary School - Quezon City

The main objective of the mock poll is to see the over all function of the precinct count optical scan machines (PCOS) which includes the counting and transmission to the server.

Red Ribbon Roses & Kisses Cake: Something sweeter this Valentine’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0000

Red Ribbon gives a better reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their new cake perfect for the occasion. We always give or receive dozens of roses or boxes of chocolates every Valentine’s Day, but with Red Ribbon’s Roses & Kisses cake, you have more that bouquet roses and boxes of chocolates, it’s a cake that you and your special someone can share together on your sweetest moment with your special someone.

Roses & Kisses is a heart shaped chocolate pound cake with chocolate chips filling, and topped with sugar roses and creamy Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, a perfect Valentines gift your wife, mother, girlfriend or special someone on February 14. You can personalized your cake if you pre-ordered before February 9, you can place your name, name of your special someone or any message you wanted to put on the cake to make it more personalize and intimate, a perfect gift this V-day.

Roses & Kisses is only available for limited time (February 12-14) only for as much as P 330 (junior size only) in all Red Ribbon Bakeshops nationwide. Make your Valentine’s Day sweeter and memorable with Red Ribbon’s Roses & Kisses.

Because reason says you should watch Rent

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:23:00 +0000

9 Works Theatrical Production produces Jonathan Larson's Rent perfectly, something refreshing for the fans of the rock musical and new for the first timers of the play. Starting on Feb February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 (Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 3:30PM and 8:00PM & Sundays at 4:30PM and 8:00PM) at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Building, Makati City. For tickets and reservation please call TicketWorld at 891.9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For a Rent fan like me seeing the 9 Works Theatrical Productions version really gives me the impression that they really works hard to make the show more beautiful so that it will not be a "replay" of other prod performance of Rent. The way they add scenes and arranges the songs made the play flows smoothly and less complicated. I love the way they add more conversational scenes and songs it deepens the storyline.
Thanks to Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, I fell in love with Maureen; she owns the character especially during the part of Fly over the Moon and Take Me or Leave Me. She proves that the character truly fits her. OJ Mariano expands Tom's character and he shines more as theater performer during the reprise part, you can feel the pain and emotions of losing Angel played by Job Bautista. Call me bias but ever since I am in love with Angel’s character, and if you ask me Job impresses me with his performance on Today 4 U and I'll cover you. Honestly OJ and Job have chemistry on stage. Rent is the only musical play that gives its all members part of the presentation where they can shine and owns their song. Mark Tayag, Johann Dela Fuente, Peachy Atilano and Anna Santamaria wow the audience, same thing they did to me. Gian, Nicole and Fredison, proves that they have potentials on doing lead roles on theater I hope I'll be seeing them soon on 9 Works future projects.

During the post event interview, Carla confesses that she is pressured doing the Maureen role where there are already for Filipina performers did it and Monique Wilson is one of them. As for who are new in the theatrical production, Job; OJ, Nicole, Mark; Peachy, Jenny and Anna says it’s a dream come true to be part of the Rent Musical.

Summary

Rent is a rock musical play that takes place on Christmas Eve in an apartment rented by Mark, a independent film maker and Roger, a song writer and an HIV positive. Benny, their former roommate calls and asking for their rent dues despite of the promise he did that he will waive the rental fee on the apartment his former roommates is renting. Benny barters to Mark that he will continue making the rental fee free if he stops Maureen doing her protest. Mark refuses to stop her former girlfriend's event that is now having a relationship with her lesbian lawyer named Joanne. Angel, a drag queen and an AIDS patient sees Collin lying on the street after he was beaten by street dwellers who took his jacket. Angel helps Collin and automatically with Angel's charms Collin fell in love with him and brought him to Mark's apartment. Angel share's his story to Mark and Roger where he kills Evita, Benny's dog where he earns money for doing that. Angel and Collin confess their feelings for each other, while Roger meets Mimi who is an exotic dancer who is a drug addict and an HIV Positive. With Roger's mysterious attitude challenges at the same time makes him attracted to Mimi. Like other lovers who passes on misunderstanding and argument, Roger and Mimi, and Joanne and Maureen faces rocky stages on their relationship, than ends on separation. Angel dies after her long battle against AIDS, with this it reunites Roger, Mimi, Maureen, Joanne and Benny who still have something against to each other. Collin begs for consideration as he mourns to the death of his lover. One year after the death of Angel, Joanne and Maureen brought the feverish Mimi to Marks apartment where Rogers ask forgiveness to her. Mimi survives her illness and explains that she say Angel asking her to go back. Mark finishes his documentary film as people in the Alphabet city finally reunites and settled down as Benny joins them for another Christmas celebration like the old days.

Characters

• Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger's roommate
• Gian Madrigal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive
• OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS
• Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist
• Noel Rayos as Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III, the local landlord and a former room mate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen
• Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS
• Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen's partner
• Cara Barredo and Nicole Laurel Asensio, both will be doing Mimi Marquez an exotic dancer who has AIDS

Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag

La Vie Boheme!

Rent, the rock musical with music and lyrics of Jonathan Larson, is based from the novel of Giacomo Puccini's opera “La Bohème.” The play won prestigious awards like 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Awards (1996), New York Drama Critics Circle Award (1996), Drama Desk Awards (1996), Theatre World Awards (1996)and Obie Awards (1996). 9 Works Theatrical presents Rent production group is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Director Robbie Guevara, Production Manager Weng Lopez, Musical Director Ceejay Javier, Vocal Coach Onyl Torres, Vocal Consultant Lionel Guico, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Designer Rards Corpuz, PR / Publicity Director Toots O. Tolentino, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Cast Photography by Jojit Lorenzo, Production Photography by Sandee Guevara, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, and Stage Manager Jojo Amboy.

For tickets and reservations please call TicketWorld at 891.9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Join Earth Hour on March 27, 8:30 PM

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:28:00 +0000

Our fight against climate change doesn’t end in the Copenhagen Summit in Denmark last December 2009 where the outcome disappoints us. There is no concrete decision done in Copenhagen despite of the effects that all nations experience because of Climate Change including the Philippines. The issue on climate change falls on United Nation Millennium Development Goal’s # 6: Sustainable Environment. If we recall world leaders formulated and decided on the MDGs last 2000 and will last on 2015 the year that they proposed to be the deadline. Unfortunately we haven’t seen a solid stand on our leaders last December on the UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen.

Like what Lory Tan of WWF Philippines mention during our discussions about climate change he mention that Copenhagen is not the ending of our battle but it’s the beginning where people saw the effect and started to know their responsibility and take on this challenge.

On March 27, 8:30 PM we will give one hour of our lives for Mother Earth by switching off our lights the activity is called Earth Hour. This campaign started in Sydney Australia last 2007, by 2008 nations all over the world sees its worth and participate on this advocacy, and last 2009 the Philippines emerges as the most participating country on this project. Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, every establishments and every community though out the world. Turning our lights off on March 27, 8:30 PM (local time) shows our support in the celebration and contemplation to our planet. It is done to raise the awareness on the climate change issue. Beyond the switching off lights every year on Earth Hour has a deeper meaning and that is giving people a voice on the future our planet and working together to create a sustainable low carbon future for Mother Earth. Earth Hour is organized by WWF. Show your support now by visiting www.EarthHour.org.

More entries on Climate Change here.

HIV/AIDS patients in the Philippines increases

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:27:00 +0000

From the usual spread of (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) through sex workers and passing of syringe from a contaminated person to another, the spread of virus elevates to young professionals and youth who engage themselves to casual unsafe sex. As reported by the National Epidemiology Center that there are roughly estimation of 3,911 HIV+/AIDS reported cases as of May 2009, but as of this week in the case of Philippine General Hospital in Taft Manila the population of their HIV+ patients increases from 528 cases in 2008 it increases to 709 in 2009 based the records of PGH. Most of the patients having AIDS were sex workers, gays and sex workers, but now some members from the urban professionals sectors such as call centers were being treated. Based on the 2007 data of National Epidemiology Center, 89% of those affected with HIV/AIDS engaged with unsafe sex, 72% from it were males. The peek age bracket for males is 25-29 years old as first from the chart followed by 30-34 years old and 20-24 years old is ranked as third. 55 % from the male population having AIDS had sex with females, while 45% had sex with males. Involvement on unsafe casual sex is the primary reason of the transmission where most of the patients engage sex with persons whom they just met from social networks. The Catholic Church states that they agreed on the possible proposal on the censorship on the net but they also propose that the website should be selected to avoid the restrictions of press freedom. Right now HIV/AIDS patients are considered modern lepers several countries implemented HIV-related restriction, stay or residence. In the Philippines we have a law that will safeguard the rights of HIV/AIDS patients from any form of discrimination from workplace, schools, hospital, and other establishments, the law is known as Republic Act 8504 or The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (http://www.doh.gov.ph/ra/ra8504).

During our discussion on MOVE event in Greenbelt 5 last December, Teresita Bagasao, UNAIDS-Philippines Coordinator says that we are far behind from what is targeted on the United Nation Millennium Development Goals that was proposed last 2000 and should be accomplished on 2015, but she never stops working and coordinating on spreading the awareness to everyone which is the only way we can combat the spread of virus. AIDS falls on UN MGD # 6, combat AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. And with the alarming increase on HIV/AIDS cases in the country is slows the campaign but advocates for HIV/AIDS never cease this fight. I may not be an HIV positive but I care for the youth who are careless to commit sex and involve themselves to drugs, and for patients who were discriminated I have friends who has AIDS and I care for the so much.

Like we always say prevention is better than cure, the issue on HIV/AIDS is part of it. AIDS cannot be prevented from the use of condom alone or not involving on drugs, it’s more on being aware, spreading the information and being responsible. Let’s spread the awareness and not the virus. For more information on AIDS related topics visit http://www.unaids.org and http://www.positivism.ph. For those who want to undergo HIV testing you can visit the Social Hygiene Clinic - Manila Health Department, 2nd Floor of 208 Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, for inquiries contact for inquiries, call 711-6942 and look for Dra. Diana Mendoza or Ms. Malou Tan, Monday to Friday only from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On February 11 there will be a Starbucks Dialogue at the Starbucks 6750 Makati City, 630 PM speakers will be Jericho Paterno and Wanngo Gallaga, topic will be about AIDS. The event is free for all, join the discussion and be aware!

Princess and the Frog: A Twisted Classical Fairytale

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:42:00 +0000

Walt Disney Picture brings a classical fairytale love story with a twist beginning February 3 in all theaters nationwide. The Princess and the Frog is an animated family movie based from the novel of E.D. Baker’s The Fog Princess which inspired by the Grimm brother’s The Frog Prince. The animated film is directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, with music and scoring by Randy Newman and featuring the voices of Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Prince Naveen), Jennifer Cody (Charlotte), Oprah Winfrey (Eudore), Keith David (The Shadow Man), Jim Cummings (Ray), John Goodman (Eli), Jenifer Lewis (Mama Odie), Michael-Leon Wooley (Louis), Peter Bartlett (Lawrence) and Terrence Howard (James).
The film in about a woman named Tiana who aims to fulfill his father’s dream to have a restaurant of their own, but his father dies and she end up working just to save money for this. Her childhood friend names Charlotte who grew embracing Eudora’s (Tiana’s mother) fairytale stories invites her to join the ball that their family prepared for Prince Naveen. Prince Naveen with his valet Lawrence meets Dr. Facilier, a voodoo doctor and also known as The Shadow Man, he invited Prince Naveen and Lawrence in his emporium and convince them to make their dreams come true. The Shadow Man uses his magic and turned Prince Naveen to a frog and Lawrence to the looks of his prince. At the ball Tiana and the frog formed Prince Naveen, he convinced Tiana to kiss him like in the fairytale, but instead of him transforming back to human, it transform Tiana to a frog. The pair escaped and met Louis, trumpet-playing alligator who longs to be human, and Ray, a Cajun firefly who longs for a sparkling light he calls Evangeline and led them to Mama Odie. Unfortunately Mama Odie could not reverse the spell that The Shadow Man did to Prince Naveen and the only thing to break the spell is through the kiss of real princess.

Everyone knows the story of The Frog Prince, but still they need to see the Princess and the Frog, the adventure and fun that the film will give to its audience is something refreshing to child in us who once in our lives fell in love with fairytales.

Autism Hearts hosts first-ever International Autism Conference in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Around the world, the number of children identified with ASD has nearly reached epidemic proportions. In United States, the rate is now one in every 91 children and still rising, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the Philippines, it is estimated that about 500,000 people in the country have autism, with only 5%of them diagnosed and only 2% of them given appropriate care.

Autism Hearts Philippines will lead global efforts in the prevention and treatment of autism early next year by hosting the first-ever International Autism Conference (IAC) in Pasay City.

Medical experts around the world, as well as foreign dignitaries and advocacy groups dedicated to helping families and children afflicted with ASD are all invited to participate in the meaningful

event slated on February 3-5 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

“Concerned individuals including health practitioners and teachers from all over the world will find their participation greatly beneficial as the conference will also highlight the launching of Autism Institute of Asia, a locally based “one-stop-shop” for children with ASD and the New York-based autism advocacy group Autism Speaks’ Global Autism Public Health Initiative in the Philippines (GAPH), which is dedicated to service delivery and research collaboration on Autism,” said Christine Roa, executive director of Autism Hearts Philippines, Inc.

The conference will present the most current research, knowledge, information, diagnosis, assessment, treatments and policies surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in support of people under the spectrum and their families.

Among the presenters are leading experts from the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND), an international, multidisciplinary research organization based in Sacramento, California.

Roa said that through this initiative, the Philippines would also have the opportunity to tell the world about the initiatives being undertaken by both the government and the private sector. It would also help highlight the close-knit family values that Filipinos espouse.

“The conference would most importantly reinforce the thought that all of us, wherever we are in the world, can do our share in helping individuals with autism optimize their full potential and become productive members of the society,” added Roa.

Autism Hearts Philippines is the local affiliate of Autism Hearts Foundation, a US-based private group that funds organizations that provide direct services, family, support grants, education, research, treatment, advocacy, and recreational opportunities, sees the urgent need to reach out to international communities to promote awareness about and gather support for Autism.

Join the International Autism Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center on February 3-5, 2010. Please visit www.autismhearts.com for more information on the International Autism Conference.

Invictus: A movie of inspiration and success

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

I am glad that Warner Bros Pictures brings a movie that will inspire its viewers to be nationalistic and consider themselves playing a certain role for their country. Invictus is biographical drama film that is based on the life of Nelson Mandela on how he stirs the patriotism of his countrymen through the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and uniting the blacks and the whites to work as one. Starring Morgan Freeman as the South African President Mandela, and Matt Damon as François Pienaar, the South African team captain for the World Cup. The film is based from John Carlin’s Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation. The film is directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Anthony Peckham. Invictus will be shown in all cinemas here in the Philippines beginning February 17.

After the released from Robben Island Prison in 1990, Nelson Mandela works immediately on the end of the apartheid (racial segregation) on South Africa and initiates the full democratic elections where the black community can now vote. Mandela reaps his hardship when he became the president in 1994, with his challenge “balancing black aspirations with white fears”, we wanted to end racial discrimination in South Africa and unite his people as one country working together. Mandela sees color discrimination lingers when he attends the Springbok rugby game where blacks cheers against the home squad. He sees the opportunity on sportsmanship one year before the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he meets with the Springbok team captain François Pienaar and verbalizes his hopes and aspirations to unite all the blacks and whites in South Africa and cheers together as one country on the world cup. Mandela visualizes that through this game their country will be as one. With all the hardships of Pienaar and Mandela they won not only the 1995 World Cup, also the success of making their countrymen unite despite of what their skin dictates.

This movie is simple like The Blind Side, a film that is also distributed by Warner Bros Pictures, we need a film like this two that will inspire us, touches our hearts and make us feel good. The story of Mandela is everybody’s dream to see how their community or country work as one and be one. Invictus will be shown in all theaters nationwide beginning February 17 and please don’t miss this movie.

An extraordinary story of a king on Where the Wild Things Are

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:37:00 +0000

Warner Bros Pictures gives life to a book that touches the life of all the children in the world including ourselves. Spike Jonze a renowned director by his music videos and commercials now venturing to children fantasy movie based from the 1963 children’s book authored by Maurice Sendak entitled Where the Wild Things Are. The film is a combination of live action (as performers wears costumes), computer generated imagery and animatronics. The movie stars Max Records (Max), Catherine Keener (Connie) , and Pepita Emmerichs (Claire), with voices of Lauren Ambrose (KW), Chris Cooper (Douglas), Paul Dano (Alexander), James Gandolfini (Carol), Catherine O'Hara (Judith) and Forest Whitaker (Ira), Written by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers and showing on February 3 in all Ayala Cinemas only.

The film is about a 9 year old loner with an active imagination named Max who lacks from attention from his mother and sister. One day when his mom Connie invites his boyfriend Max tries to destruct her mother by throwing tantrums. He wears his wolf costume and bits his mother and runs away from home. At the pond he saw a boat that brought him to an island where he saw Carol throwing a destructive tantrums while Ira and Judith tries to stop him. Thinking that what he is seeing is fun, Max joins Carol in his mayhems, but soon finds himself facing the angry creatures whose home was destroyed by Carol. Max introduces himself as a powerful king with great powers which the wild things easy believe. Max discovers the different sides of the wild things especially Carol but his real identity as an ordinary kid reveals through Alexander. Scarred to be eaten, he wakes up in the middle of the night seeing Carol throwing tantrums again and ripped Douglas’s arm. Max runs in the forest and found KW and hides in her stomach to avoid Carol. He decided to return home and reveals his identity to all.

I grew with this book and seeing it on the movie brings out the Max in me, a child who has a big imagination which every child does on their younger age. Having an imaginary friend and creating a world where we became king or queen is easy for us when we are young. Warner Bros Pictures reminds us how to be young again, not physically but though our hearts and memories. Where The Wild Things is a simple story of child that encounters the wild things and rules them with his playful ideas, it’s not complicated like others but one thing I know with this movie is that it brings out the wild child in each one of us.

The Correspondents weighs in on obesity in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:38:00 +0000

Despite of the issue on poverty in the country, many Filipinos are gaining more weight they should be. Study shows that 85 percent of the Filipinos cannot even refuse an invitation to eat.

Like Noel (one of the guest in The Correspondents), with a weight of 371 lbs he considered to be obese. His normal life has now become abnormal as little things like climbing the stairs and putting his shoes on have become difficult to do. He said it’s harder to resist his hunger than to exercise.

Watch Abner Mercado will explore the different dining habits of Filipinos and see how some of them end up to become overweight and the health risk that obesity brings this Tuesday night (February 2) on The Correspondents.

For more updates on the updates and events of the show visit TheCorrespondents.multiply.com and watch the episodes of The Correspondents on TFC Now News on Demand, visit http://now.abs-cbn.com.

Judy Ann Santos returns as Jane Alcantara on Habang May Buhay

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:01:00 +0000

The Queen of Teleserye Judy Ann Santos returns on primetime as Jane Alcantara in Habang May Buhay, an ABS-CBN offering in line with the celebration of the 60 Years of Soap Opera in the Philippines. Habang May Buhay airs on primetime bida after Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo beginning February 1.

Aside from Judai returning to primetime, this is also the return of director Wenn Deramas to the evening television after Dyosa and Kokey. Judai also reunites with Derek Ramsay his leading man in Ysabella and Gladys Reyes the ultimate kontrabida (nemesis) in Mara Clara. Habang May Buhay also stars Gina Alajar, Rio Locsin, Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, Joem Bascon, and Will Devaughn.

Juday plays the role of Jane Alcantara, a daughter who fulfills the dream of her mother Rose (Alajar). ut fate will test her courage as her mother meets an accident caused by her two best friends Sam (Ramsay) and Nathan (Bascon). Because of the hardships and sufferings she faced, she vows to have a better life and seeks justice she and her mother deserve. Her aunt Cora (Locsin) will be her adviser and close friend who only has the best intentions for her.

As Jane fulfills her dream and became a nurse she will meet her childhood friend where she was separated for so many years; Sam who is now known as David (Ramsay), the arrogant heir of the hospital she works in, Nathan who is now known as Raon (Bascon), the man from the streets who becomes her rescuer and Nonoy (Will Devaughn), her childhood friend and protector. She will also meet Dr. Manuel Corpuz (John Arcilla), a general physician and husband of Ellen Corpuz (Tetchie Agbayani) and the woman who secretly pines for the love of David, Dra. Clarissa Briones (Gladys Reyes).

Also starring Melanie Marquez, Jeffrey Santos, Marc Abaya, Dominic Roque, RJ Ledesma, Jaymee Joaquin, Kian Kazemi, GeeAnn Abrahan, Rubi Rubi, Carizza Cortez, Ejay Falcon, Jobelle Salvador, Kathleen Hermosa, Mariel Pamintuan, John Manalo, Joshua Dionisio, Makisig Morales and with the special participation of Sid Lucero, Matet de leon, Ina Feleo, Bangs Garcia and Lloyd Samartino, don’t miss Habang May Buhay starting February 1 (Monday) on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates visit HabangMayBuhay.abs-cbn.com and http://hmbonline.multiply.com/

COMELEC is confident that the 2010 Poll Automation will pushed through

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:22:00 +0000

January 29, 2010, Dolphy Theater, ABS-CBN Compound, Quezon City – Commission on Election (COMELEC) and stakeholders takes the stage for the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs with DZMM officially launch its first E-Leksyon: The 2010 Voters Empowerment Series. Present are COMELEC Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, COMELEC Spokeperson James Jimenez, International Sales Director for Smartmatic Cesar Flores and former COMELEC Chairman Christian Monsod. The objective of the forum is to answer all the issues and concerns concerning the first poll automation that will happen on May 10, 2010.

In line with the several adjustments on the schedules on poll automation calendar which includes the major events like the delivery of machines, printing of ballots, teachers training and the deployment gives the perception to all that 2010 Election is not ready with the new system. With the recent incident in Taguig where testing of the machine happens, only 40 % of the ballots were read and transmitted, Flores mention that it is part of the process where they will check how machines work and from there they will work on improvement. Along with the improvement that Flores mention is the satellites, additional equipment that will help to transmit the data aside from the usual telecommunication networks which uses GPRS for the transmission. He also clarified that the satellites they’re producing is included on the 7.2 Billion budget. Flores strongly affirms that all the machines will be delivered on mid- April and will be deployed on the areas where election happens and will be tested and sealed three days before the actual election

Commissioner Larrazabal mention that the teachers’ education will happen soon and the poll automation will help to lessen the work of the teachers compares the manual election before. He also assure that the teachers will be compensated well in terms of the role they will be playing this election. In line with the doubts on the poll automation if in case that the machines broke down, Larrazabal affirms that manual counting will be the next step, and there will be no failure of election. He also mention that the role of poll watchers will not be obsolete with the new system he encourage all the political party to send their representative to monitor the printing, demos and event the checking of the names of their candidates on the ballots to assure transparency and credibility of the election.

In line with the security during the election, Military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. says that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is helping the Philippine National Police (PNP) and COMELEC on the implementation of total gun ban in the country as of January 29, there are already 508 arrested from bringing guns and 700 plus confiscated gun replicas. Brawner also mention that they will assist politicians who will ask for security help which serve as their body guards during the campaign and election, but it doesn’t mean that this bodyguards that they will deploy will have biases on the officials they are assigned to. They are just doing their work and that is by giving them security Brawner affirms to the public. He also says incase of failure of election that the military’s role is to secure and maintain peace and order in the public and will not take part on any military upheaval.

The new system will eliminates cheating including the cases of flying voter, Jimenez asserts during the last part of the forum. He also mention that COMELEC has guidelines and contingency plans incase there will be problem during the election. In case the machine broke down they will result to manual counting and that is why he never sees any possible of failure of election.

The machine according to Flores it is 95% safe from any environmental condition and ballots are vacuumed sealed to avoid any tampering or any damage man made or by nature. He also mention that the machine can read 30% of the shading or marks on the ballot, but he wanted to encourage the voters to fully shade the oval on the ballot to avoid any questions on the voter’s will and choice.

The question on whether the poll automation will be fully implemented and succeed this election lies on what will happen on the 2010 election. Issues arises and concerns increases in line with May 10 event and I firmly says that I am one of those who have questions concerning the poll automation, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like the new system. I like the system it will eliminates cheating and the likes of hello Garci, which we all know the issue dies on natural death. The reason why that concerns and issues is there is that we the voters wanted to polish the system properly and we wanted to eliminate errors which we don’t like to encounter on day of election. The forum was also attended by presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva, senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Automated Election System (AES) Watch Convenor Alfredo Pascual, UP Collage of Law Professor Raul Pangalangan, Information Technology Expert Drex Luggui, Jaime Garchitorena with Youth Vote Philippines, Antonio Tinio with Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and other sectors.

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards gives tribute Michael Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Watch the live telecast of the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards from the Staples Center in Los Angeles to be shown on Star World on February 1, 8PM Manila Time (Sunday, Jan. 31 USA Time).

Aside from the usual nomination and awarding the Grammy winners Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, and Usher will give tribute to the King of Pop Micheal Jackson who passed away last 2009.The special Grammy tribute includes the showing of the full 3-D mini-movie for "Earth Song" which was partially shown in the This Is It documentary and should be used on Michael Jackson’s concert tour. The Earth Song plays the important role on MJ’s singing career where he wanted to reach out to everyone through this song on how they can take care of the environment.

"It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes," said Ken Ehrlich, Grammy co-executive producer and long-time Jackson associate, who was also at the rehearsal that night. "This very special Grammy Moment will feature some of our most respected Grammy recipients, all of whom have a great love for Michael," added Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy. "This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year's show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the Grammy Awards have become renowned."

This GRAMMY tribute to Michael Jackson joins previously announced performances by nominees Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, the Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, P!nk, Taylor Swift, and the Zac Brown Band. Presenters include actress Kristen Bell, pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, actor Jeff Bridges, pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus, actor Josh Duhamel, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Norah Jones, pop singer/songwriter Ke$ha, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, GRAMMY winner and three-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Ricky Martin, 10-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Santana, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr.

Aside from the MJ Tribute performers like Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli will be performing together on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in support to help the victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Haiti. All the proceeds that the album they will be launching on the Grammy will go directly to Red Cross.

Kabataan’s Palatino, and Kapatiran’s Tamayo and David on the issue of Pork Barrel

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:53:00 +0000

January 23 2010, Bo’s Coffee in Glorrieta 5, Makati City – In the second part of Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD) and the Probe Foundation’s Mulat Pinoy Kapihan Series, Ang Kapatiran Senatorial candidates Lito David and Reginald Tamayo joins with Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino and Dr. Zelda Zablan, a woman and reproductive health advocate.

Government resources and population dynamics is the 2nd Kapihan topic. Based on the primer that Mulat Pinoy created, the policymakers and government officials need to keep track of the latest population statistics to ensure that the government is able to allocate sufficient resources and provide the necessary social services. This is where the topic of pork barrel comes in discussion. According to Dr. Zablan, the government must base the usage of pork barrel to supply the needs of people, but at the same time the government should also work to solve the issue of growing population and the problem of urbanization. Here is the highlight of Dr. Zablan’s statement in line with population and urbanization in line with government resources:

The pork barrel differs based on the hierarchy of a politician: PhP70 million for congressmen and PhP200 million for senators. Rep. Palatino talked about his point of view on pork barrel and how it should be properly managed. Watch the video below including Dr. Zablan’s comment on proper use of pork barrel:

David shared his point of view on the issue of pork barrel and shares how it became big right now. Watch the video below:

Since we’ve mentioned pork barrel, I raised a not so brainer question during the discussion: 1.) Do we have a government agency that will monitor the usage of pork barrel properly, and if yes do they address the issue of improper implementation and corruption?; 2.) Aside from the wall painting, basket ball court, and beauty pageants are there any guidelines to consider in spending the pork barrel? Palatino answers that we have Commission on Audit (COA) to monitor the use of pork barrel including the proposal, but they don’t have the power to investigate and reprimand politicians who are possibly engaged in corrupt activities. The only thing that COA can do is submit a proposal but it the end, the case dies of natural death and the politician runs with people’s money. It is clear that we do not have a strong government agency that would answer the issue of corruption. COA’s action is not enough to address the issue of corruption. Pork barrel is not an issue here but it is the proper use and the proper monitoring of the agency that would not only send reports, but would investigate and act against possibilities of corruption. As for project implementation, I am aware that most politicians enjoy projects that would let them display their pictures and claim that it’s their project—just a reminder the money that is use in those projects were people’s money not with the politicians. There are many priority things aside from the beauty contests, to basket ball courts and wall paintings—they need micro-financing for livelihood programs, medical projects for municipal and barangay health centers. We need a long-term development and not just those with faces on billboards and posters. If the presidential candidates are really going against corruption, as all of their political ads say, then they should establish an agency that would totally focus on pork barrel implementation.

On the 3rd Kapihan Series: the focus is on population and housing. How will our future leaders answer the issue of increasing population versus the problem on housing and urban-planning? All of the presidential candidates promise “pabahay,” but the question is: Do they have concrete plans regarding this one? Let’s get this straight on January 30 at Bo’s Coffee, Glorietta 5, Makati City, 2 in the afternoon, for the Mulat Pinoy’s Kapihan Series.

Youth Vote Philippines stages Flash Mob for Universal Primary Education

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0000

“It is essential that everyone must be aware of what is happening in the society now that election is near” this is the strong message that Jaime Gatchitorena, chair of Youth Vote Philippines wanted to communicate in their flash mob event at the Trinoma Activity Center last January 22. Themed as Makialam, Maki-alam, the flash mob emphasizes on the importance of reading and the value on why our presidential candidate should prioritize Universal Primary Education in their platform.

With the estimated 60 young public servants who participated in the flash mob, they dance the campaign through the tune of Black Eyed Peas’s I Got the Feeling the how their united aspirations on social awareness and the priority of education in the Philippines. “It is symbolic” as Jaime stated, he is hoping that the flash mob will get the peoples attention and get the message they wanted to commune with the event. Youth Vote Philippines will be doing more activities like this in the future and making the youth participate in all this activities. During the activity participants distributes flyers that contains MDGs and information about poll automation and the importance of voting on the 2010 election.

Right now the literacy rate of the country stands on 93.9 percent but only 70% of those who enrolled grade 1 reaches grade 5. Universal Primary Education may increase 7% with 20 years but on the way to 2015 as projected by world leaders during the development of Millennium Goals it is only half of what should be achieved. We should have stood on the issue of education not only those who sit on the position but it should start with us. And the choice begins on May 10, 2010 we should know who will lead us and help us solve this problem and we should continue our struggle. Join the fight against poverty, illiteracy and diseases, visit www.asiapacific.endpoverty2015.org/imdg.

President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address Video

noreply@blogger.com (Flow Galindez) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:16:00 +0000

When i run for president, I promise I would not just do what is popular. I would do what is necessary - Barack Obama

One year after the first black president assumes the most powerful position in the world and promises change not only to the citizens of the United States of the America but also to world who cheers for him and campaigns for him on the world wide web. It is time that Obama reports to the Americans and the world what happen on the first year of his term as president. Here is the video of his one hour and 11 minutes State of the Union Address for 2010.

Like what he promise during his race for presidency he pointed that change should be implemented and priority education and job to all. He is aware that disappointments lingers to the Americans as they put hope on him. He calls all members of democrats and republicans to work together to solve the problem that they are facing right now especially the issue of recession. He strongly says that he never stop hoping and he encourage the citizens not to give up on this fight that their country is facing especially the US economy.

Video courtesy of Citizentube