My Tacloban

Tacloban's spider cab

2009-08-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

The spider cab is one of the means of transportation in Tacloban City. Unlike the traditional Motorcab for Hire (MCH) or popularly known as tricycle which follows a particular route, the spider cab can take you anywhere in the city.

You don't have to worry about the fare because this taxi is not metered like the ones in big urban areas. Like the jeepneys and tricycles, they follow a special fare metric issued by the LTFRB.

You can take spider from the airport and ask the driver to bring to your hotel.

Inday's book is now out in the market

2009-01-15T02:58:00.000-08:00

Do yo remember Inday, the extraordinary chambermaid? Her book is already out in the market. She will make you laugh to the maximum level with her nose-bleeding English lines.

Inday's humor originated from her blog where she gained recognition and compliments for her funny experiences. She's the maid with an extraordinary achievements and educational background. Yet, she remains a maid to the Montemayor family.

Inday has been the talk of the cyberworld and her blog has enjoyed free features and reviews from different bloggers.

Find out more about her at www.blogniinday.com or grab a copy of her book and laugh everywhere, anytime!

A cup of coffee, a newspaper and my notebook

2009-01-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

A cup of coffee at my favorite coffee shops. A copy of the latest newspaper or magazine. My notebook with Windows Live Writer. These are my tools in blogging. Without these things, no blog entry will be published.

I have been blogging for more than two years now. I manage five successful blogs with different niches. I owe it to a cup of coffee, a newspaper and my notebook.

Tacloban seminar features US veteran photographer

2009-01-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

A Digital Photography and Photoshop Seminar is scheduled to be conducted at the Asian Convention Center along Real St. Corner Avenida Veteranos in Tacloban City on January 26 - 27, 2009.

Mr. Orlando Uy, immediate past president of the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that this is a very rare opportunity as it is not often that such a seminar is offered in Tacloban City.

Moreso, Mr. Uy said that the participants will have the chance to learn from an expert as the resource speaker, Mr. Dave Fowler, is a veteran photographer from the United States holding degrees in Master of Photography and Master Craftsman.

In this seminar, Mr. Dave Fowler will share his favorite digital photography and Photoshop techniques. For each image he shows, he will offer a tip or a technique. The techniques the participants will learn will be worth more than the cost of the entire program.

Mr. Fowler has been in the photography business for over 30 years. He entered his first print competition in 1991 and earned his Master of Photography Degree in 1997 and his Master Craftsman Degree in 2001. With the exception of two "scenic" images, all of his print merits came from customer files. Fowler has had two Loan Prints, one EPCOT Center print and one of only 36 images accepted for display at the 1997 International Photokina Exhibit in Cologne, Germany.

Mr. Fowler started working with digital in 1997 scanning proofs and doing special effects for seniors. Since that time he has graduated to being a full digital studio. The studio does an average of 150 seniors per year …all digital.

The seminar will cover basic and advanced photography on Day 1. A workshop on Outdoor shoot will be conducted towards the end of the day, Mr. Uy said.

On the second day, the participants will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop for photo editing, Mr. Uy further said.

Every participant is required to pay the registration fee of P3,000.00 inclusive of lunch during the duration of the seminar.

The participants are also required to bring digital camera and jacket or raincoat for the photo shoot.(PIA 8)

Gloria Jean's Very Vanilla Chiller

2009-01-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite chillers of Gloria Jean's Coffees. I never miss to order for a cup of this one during hot seasons. Try it for yourself!

The photo was taken outside the coffee shop where tables are also available.

McDonald's Tacloban

2009-01-13T02:43:00.000-08:00

This world-famous fast-food chain is located at the heart of the city and accessible to all means of transportation-- water and land. McDonald's Tacloban opened some six years ago and still operating well.

This is the main restaurant located along Rizal Avenue and Quezon Boulevard and across Gaisano Capital. Another smaller branch is also open along P. Zamora Street in front of Dynasty Square.

Every Filipino has a role to play in making aspirations for the country come true

2009-01-06T22:23:00.001-08:00

Every Filipino share the same wish for the country to surmount the threats of global economic crunch and continue to tread the path to economic prosperity so that every Filipino family will be able to experience a better and peaceful life.

As the year 2009 is still new and New Year's resolutions are supposed to be made by every one, it is hope that each and every Filipino will write as one of their resolutions that of doing their part in the fulfillment of the common goal for the Philippines.

For the country to ward of the global economic threats and really continue its economic development, it is prayed that the detractors will include as one of their resolutions that of uniting with the Administration in matters affecting common good.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has always wished, and this is also the wish of every Filipino, for the economic reforms to redound to the economic upliftment of every Filipino – more food in every Filipino family's table, better access to quality education, more opportunities to good paying jobs, easier access to basic social services.

The President is wishing not only economic prosperity for each and every Filipino. She is entrusting the country under the care of the loving hands of God. She is hoping to give dignity to every peace-loving and patriotic Filipino.

It is only in unity that the country will be able to triumphantly ward off the global economic crunch that is threatening to affect the country in 2009.

It is only in unity that the government will be able to make good the programs and projects aimed at cushioning the impact of economic crisis and make people really feel the fruits of the economic growth that never before was made possible.

It is also in unity that the elusive peace the country and its people have been wishing for will be achieved.

This wish will only turn into reality if and when each and every Filipino will do his or her share in making this dream for the country come true.(PIA 8)

Ano Daw La? by Daryll Gariando

2009-01-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you this beautiful song sang by one of the most acclaimed Waray-waray singer in this generation, Daryll Gariando.

Daryll was a finalist and winner of the IDOL singing contest sponsored by the provincial government of Leyte. Her soothing and magical voice can even make her to the national music industry in the future.

Thank you for watching. Help me in promoting and keeping Waray-waray culture and heritage. This is my advocacy.

For most Filipinos, the Philippines is not a hopeless country

2008-12-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Aside from the fact that fewer Filipinos consider themselves as poor and food poor, majority of Filipinos see hope in the Philippines and would rather stay in the Philippines than to move to another country.

The latest Pulse Asia survey said that Filipinos have become hopeful of the Philippines this year and a majority of them would not migrate to another country despite the prevailing controversies in the country.

The number of Filipinos who disagree that the Philippines is a hopeless case have increased to 68 percent compared to the 2007 survey result of 54 percent. This sentiment is highly manifested in Mindanao with 75 percent to 79 percent; in urban Visayas with 77 percent; and among government and private sector employees with 75 percent.

What is more noteworthy is the fact that even the Filipino farmers and fishermen disagree that the Philippines is a hopeless country. When asked if the country is hopeless, 77 percent of them, answered no.

Furthermore, the latest survey showed that a majority of Filipinos would decline if given an opportunity to migrate to another country. About 54 percent would rather not leave if given a chance to migrate while only 20 percent said they will. Pulse Asia said that the desire to leave the country has significantly declined compared to the result of the October 2007 survey at 43 percent.

Pulse Asia noted that most people in Luzon and those in the rural areas of the country do not want to migrate.

The survey also noted that the people who are inclined to migrate to another country have college degrees.

This is a good manifestation that the value of patriotism or love of country has not been lost among Filipinos.(PIA 8)

Fruits of PGMA's anti-hunger, anti-poverty thrusts starting to be felt by the people

2008-12-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

The dramatic reduction of the number of Filipinos who consider themselves poor and food poor as reflected in the latest poll survey, is a manifestation that the government's anti poverty and hunger mitigation programs under the Administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are already starting to be felt by the people.

There is a reason for the President to be happy because the drop in the self-poverty rating of Filipino families from 59 percent to 52 percent is the lowest since the Marcos regime.

But the President, ever a team player, does not claim the credit all by herself saying that "this is the result of a mixed careful planning, economic reforms and the hard work of many people that enabled us to reduce the self-poverty rating."

Everybody knows however, that because of the President's political will, the implementation of harsh but necessary fiscal reforms as well as the intensified poverty alleviation and hunger mitigation program produced positive results for Filipino families despite the current world financial crisis.

The government has implemented tough economic reforms to raise revenues in order to generate additional resources and invest in human and physical infrastructure that will attract more investments.

The effect was that with the investments in infrastructure, more jobs were created which meant that more people are able to buy food for their families.

The investment in infrastructure stimulated the economy and provided a social safety net at a time when it is most needed.

The country is fortunate because it has a cushion in place to help the poor. As the President said, "all of these actions were taken before there was a hint of global crisis and they are serving us so well now." (PIA 8)

Tacloban is now a highly urbanized city

2008-12-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

Tacloban is now a Highly Urbanized City. The people of Tacloban have spoken. They are for Tacloban's conversion from a component city to highly urbanized city.

Last night, City Elections Officer Susan Collamar proclaimed Tacloban as already a Highly Urbanized City following her announcement of the official result of the plebiscite held on December 18 in the City of Tacloban.

In an interview with Atty. Collamar, she said that the Yes to HUC garnered about 36,352 votes while the NO to HUC got over 21,419 votes. So as of last night, Tacloban City is already a highly urbanized city, she added.

Atty. Collamar said that she has already sent the Department of Interior and Local Government a copy of the results of the plebiscite, so the DILG has been informed already.

The voters turn-out, about 57 percent, is encouraging, Atty. Collamar said. No untoward incidents were recorded in the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the plebiscite, she added.

There were complaints about their names not included in the voters list and the precincts were still closed, but these are common problems during the conduct of any elections, Atty Collamar said.

Meanwhile, DILG Region 8 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Aida Laruda said that the City DILG has already written the Regional Office informing about the result of the just-concluded plebiscite. The Regional Office in turn will communicate the matter to the DILG Central Office.

President Arroyo earlier, on October 4, 2008, proclaimed that Tacloban City has met all the qualifications of a Highly Urbanized City by virtue of Proclamation No. 1637 entitled Conversion of Tacloban City into a Highly Urbanized City.

The ultimate decision, however, was laid in the hands of the voters, whether they want Tacloban City to be converted into a highly urbanized city or not. Yesterday, they made their decision and it was for the affirmative. (PIA 8)

Region 8 cites best RDC members' websites

2008-12-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

The Search for the Best RDC Members' Websites 2008 is finally over. The winners in the three categories were announced and were cited during the Regional Development Council meeting on December 12 at Calbayog City.

RDC 8 Chairman and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento congratulated and awarded the citations to Philhealth Region 8, the Best RDC Website for Regional Line Agencies; the Province of Southern Leyte as the Best Local Government Unit Member Website; and Eastern Samar Social Development Organization, Inc. as the only Private Sector Representative Member with a Website.

The Search for the Best RDC Website is aimed at sustaining the gains of the Regional Development Council's EV Online Project which was conceptualized to make way for sharing of information about the Region in the world-wide web.

Another objective of the Search is to upgrade the status of the websites to world class quality and to encourage the RDC members to aim for the best in their websites.

NEDA Director Buenaventura Go-soco Jr., RDC 8 Vice Chair, informed that with the implementation of the EV Online Project in 2007, 38 RDC members' websites have been developed and 46 websites are now being hosted by EVISNet.

Although the websites were developed by a single web designer, the idea and concept of the website design came from the suggestion of the RDC/SecCom members. EV Online made suggestions on what data to put in their respective websites but several agencies provided data which were not included in the list.

The best websites conform with the criteria for world class quality websites, Director Go-soco informed. The Best RDC Websites got the highest point from a given set of criteria which includes functionality, design, content, originality, professionalism and effectiveness.

The Committee on Selection or Awards was composed of representatives from the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a representative from Student Councils and a Computer Science/ Information Technology Student.

It was noted that there are local government unit members and Regional Line Agency members that have good websites but which were not developed by EV Online. (PIA 8)

Campaign Period for Tacloban HUC Plebiscite Set November 25 to December 16

2008-12-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

Campaign period for the December 18 Plebiscite to ratify the conversion of Tacloban City from a component city to highly urbanized city pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1637, is November 25 to December 16, 2008.

December 5 is the last day of appointment of members of Plebiscite Committees and the City Plebiscite Board of Canvassers while the posting of the posted computerized voters list as of the October 29, 2007 Barangay and SK elections is December 15-18. The inspection of polling places is scheduled on December 16.

On December 17, the eve of Plebiscite day, the Comelec prohibits campaigning; giving, accepting free transportation, foods, drinks, and things of value; and the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor.

On Plebiscite Day, October 18, Comelec prohibits cockfighting and other forms of gambling, holding fairs, boxing, or any other similar sports.

Also prohibited is the giving or accepting free transportation, foods, drinks and other things of value.

The selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor; and the opening of booths or stalls for the sale of merchandise, refreshments, etc. with the distance of 30 meters from polling place, are also prohibited.

The Comelec also prohibits on the Plebiscite Day, campaigning, soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate or any political party with the polling place or within thirty (30) meters from the polling place.

Very much prohibited is voting more than once or in substitution of another, the Comelec Resolution No. 8515 promulgated on November 12, 2008 provided. (PIA 8)

Hello Tacloban!

2008-12-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Good day and welcome to My Tacloban!

This blog will be an avenue to tell the world about the city of Tacloban in the island of Leyte. This will also serve as a repository of all the news or happenings in the entire city. Reviews an commentaries from the author will also be an interesting stuff to read.

Though this blog is about mostly about Tacloban city, we cannot avoid to bring up some issues with regards to its neighboring towns and cities. Any relevant events from the other places will be brought up fairly.

Happy reading and support Tacloban City!