A blog by my dearest, and me too was unaware of the event when he told me that a Solar Eclipse have occurred today. I only witness a solar eclipse in the 90′s way, way back then and wanted to see such astronomical event.

We used film strips plus sunglasses so we can look at the moon covering the sun. Too bad I missed one of the longest solar eclipse in our time.

Ryan Cayabyab is one of the Philippines’ finest musician and artist, who adviced Martin Nievera to sing the National Anthem in its correct way. Ryan Cayabyab said that if he didn’t, you’ll be crucifed (metaphorically speaking) when you get back.

Ryan Cayabyab comment’s that it not a solo performance. Filipino supporters in Las Vegas MGM Gran

Now Martin Nievera has been criticized (even charged of violence of Republic Act (RA) 8491 by a congressman). With the NHI or National Historical Institute who was the first to point out Martin’s doing, this may really come to conclusion of Martin Nievera facing the court.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao defends Martin Nievera, he said to let him be and forget the matter.

When Martin Nievera was asked to do the task of singing the Philippine National Anthemin the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. NHI or the National Historical Institute once again critical and furious of how the way it was sang in international events that were aired in TV and radio.

NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo said that despite repeated reminders, some singers continue to make adjustments to the anthem which is not an ordinary piece of music open to free interpretation. NHI also criticized the renditions of singers Kyla, Lani Misalucha, Sarah Geronimo  and Bituin Escalante in the past.

Martin Nievera refuses to say sorry on the idea of he can’t apologize to something that he was not sorry for.

Well, for me aren’t NHI being hypocrite? I mean, c’mon guys its been ages already that our culture is nothing more than stories for academic historical books. Even the government itself doesn’t really bother about it. I’m not siding with Martin Nievera, I think he sucked when he sang it. All other countries, in my opinion already have made changes of the way their national anthem is sang. From my point of view before you (NHI) make this kind of “hustle”, why not focus on what really “is happening”. Even in schools you can’t see the “Filipino culture” anymore. We have too many cultures and too many differences to make it stay in our hearts.

A documentary by Howie Severino “Lukayo: Hindi ito bastos” (Lukayo: This is not obscene) who was suspended by making the said documentary for its obscene content because this Filipino folk culture involves making wooden penises and women imatating to masterbate it. The concept of this folk culture is that “Lukayo”, descendants of the ancient “babaylanes” (priestesses), who bless newlyweds with a fertile union by dancing around them, singing bawdy songs and brandishing wooden phalluses (penis, dick what ever you call them).

Howie Severino was suspended by MTRCB Chair Marissa Laguardia chided “I-Witness” for showing exaggerated large phalluses/penis and masturbation which (in her opinion) do not fall within G and PG classification.

Its a big WTF for me, kids get to see almost naked girls every afternoon in Wowowie, even Willie Revillame got a hard on dick as far as I remember in Calendar Girl. Yet no suspension for the said show?

It was recently reported that no new confirmed cases of swine flu since Sunday, it may be an indication of the virus’s slowly spreading. On the other hand, 350 people are still in quarantine in a downtown Hong Kong hotel as a precaution.

Mexico, where the disease first originated indicates that the epidemic was easing too, still we can’t let our guard down and be very careful. Its because the virus has killed 19 people already in Mexico and 1 in America, and there are still hundreds sickened by the virus.

Now, there is a new issue regarding H1N1 (swine) flu, In San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines – it’s the pigs’ turn to be protected from humans and the virus itself. As a precaution, for not to spread the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the country.

‘Keep the infected human away from the pigs’

I couldn’t agree well, Pampanga is well known for its pig meat products like Mekeni and Pampanga’s Best. I savor tocino, longganisa and all those tasty Pampanga pork products.

Chief of the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Dr. Romeo Manalili in Central Luzon said yesterday that local officials to quarantine humans with flu symptoms from backyard pigpens and commercial hog farms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday that 20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico, still suffering from the said plague (popularly known as swine flu) has reported 590 laboratory-confirmed human cases of infection, this includes 25 deaths already.

The United States with its 226 laboratory report, officially confirmed human cases, with one death.

“Mexico’s fatal flu is in human, not in swine” said Manalili which is actually true contradicting the belief that it came from swine. This is mainly because of the popular name of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, the “swine flu”. Again, this virus is actually consist of the 3 virus strain of the human, swine, and bird flu virus.

“So we have to protect our pigs,” said Manalili.

In Pandi, Bulacan few months ago, at least 6,000 pigs that were infected with the Ebola reston virus were killed and cremated.

At least 6,000 pigs that were infected with the Ebola reston virus were killed and cremated in Pandi, Bulacan a few months ago. The pigs in the Pandi farm were initially quarantined to prevent their contact with humans as well as other pigs before authorities decided to destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.

On the other hand, filipinos aren’t scared to eat Lechon Baboy (Roast Pig on a bamboo stick). Lydia De Roca, 62 years of age and owner of Lydia’s Lechon said that they are not affected by H1N1 flu because they know that it is not related at all with eating with their product.

Influenza A (H1N1) virus, the so-called “swine” flu will not go down without a fight against Manny Pacquiao’s recent fame. Hahaha!

President Gloria Macapacal Arroyo and Boxing Legend “Undisputed Pound-for-Pound King” Manny Pacquiao to undergo H1N1 flu screening. Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they will be all scanned for the deadly virus.

The virus has so far killed 23 in Mexico and the US, and sickened 1,000 already worldwide.

Mrs. Arroyo is due to return on Tuesday, from official visits to Egypt and Syria.

No one is exempted said Duque, well its all because for the safety of the country.

Even the so-called VIPs, Malanñang added there will be no exemption from N1H1 screening upon their arrival in the Philippines.

Anthony Golez Jr., current Deputy Presidential Spokesman said the government will be strict in enforcing N1H1 screening measures, to prevent the plague from infecting the country.
Well, we already have full in our hands to deal with.

It was advised to Filipina overseas workers that are about to be deployed aboard to have no sexual activity at least two months prior to their departure, or face the consequence of being sent back home upon arrival in the Middle East if found to be pregnant in their destination countries.

According to a recent meeting with a group of agencies sending OFWs to the Middle East. Dr. Rodolfo Punzalan, president of GCC Accredited Medical Clinics Association Center or GAMCA said cases of repatriated female OFWs are now in the top list of repatriated workers due to illness, diseases and pregnancies.

What happened to the steps of undergoing medical checkup to acquire medical certificates?

Dr. Punzalan requested the agencies sending female workers to take all necessary steps and precautions, also to give warning to the female applicants/workers to not to engage in any sexual congress, they have to sacrifice romantic interludes with their husbands or boyfriends to avoid “unwanted” pregnancies.

“If sexual activity cannot be restrained then safe sex should be practiced with the use of condoms or during the infertile or safe periods. This is no guarantee of course however the chances of pregnancies is diminished with the use of a condom,” Punzalan said in a statement.

Then how about the religious sector’s fight against condoms

With the current rising number of cases of female workers being sent back is a cause for alarm for the GAMCA clinics. The GCC Health Ministries has imposed US$2,000 fine for GAMCA clinics members for every repatriated Pinoy OFW due to negligence on their part in the medical examination for the OFW.

Wow, two grand, I hope this is not less for if this will not be implemented properly. This will be another source of corruption and all those under-the-table-payups bs will soon arise. For this will really alarm OFW female workers.

Punzalan said that, however, in all cases of pregnant workers repatriated they will be investagation. The agency involved to ferret out the truth on when and where the worker had any sexual activity before departure.

Dr. Punzalan said that some workers even on the day of departure cannot control themselves and initiate sex with their partners.

Pregnancies cannot be detected by a mere blood or urine test one or two days before departure, so its hard to make necessary precaution like a pre-departure exam for the female workers. The pregnancy will only be verified within five weeks and this is the time wherein physical and emotional signs arise start for the pregnant woman.

So Dr. Punzalan advised “The final word is control yourself or return to the Philippines pregnant ripped with the idea of giving your family a good opportunity in life. Remember to celibate so that you can reap your rewards afterwards”

Not only the world gazed and anticipated “The Battle of East and West” Manny Pacquiao Versus Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena, but the Philippines have lowered crime incidents. I guess for the cure of H1N1 for a short time is Manny Pacquiao’s fights eh?

No one dares to miss the historical event. Even with the irritating (way too much) commercial breaks. Those who can’t afford to watch it on cable or in the malls, patiently waits in local national television. GMA 7 in partnership with Solar Sports for the coverage (in which Manny Pacquiao got conflict with the contract a.k.a. the scandal for ABS-CBN)

One article I’ve read from UK yahoo sport describes “the streets of the Philippines could resemble a ghost town for a few hours on Sunday morning as everyone from taxi drivers to petty thieves makes time to watch Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Britain’s Ricky Hatton.” This is very much true, all you can here across the streets and inside every home are either commercial of the bout or the bout itself. The fight aired in GMA Channel 7 at 10am but with all those annoying commercials the fight was seen at pass 2pm.

“In terms of sports events, every Pacquiao fight is the Philippines’ Super Bowl,” said Carlito Claudio, vice president for systems operations at the National Grid Corp of the Philippines.

Power demand normally rises by two per cent, or around 140 megawatts, whenever Pacquiao fights and this Sunday is likely to be no different, Claudio said.

This is like, wow, ain’t it? Indeed, Manny’s fight nowadays resembles’ Super Bowl Football.

…and here’s another wow…

“We have historical and statistical data to show that there’s always zero crime during Pacquiao’s actual match,” said Nicanor Bartolome, national police spokesman.

In the southern Mindanao island, government soldiers will set up a giant screen in a former camp of the militant rebel group Abu Sayyaf to watch the match, according to a local radio report.

Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has also distracted politicians.

Congress adjourned its session early this week so about 50 lawmakers, including the speaker of the House of Representatives, could fly to Las Vegas for the fight.

I even saw Pichay if I’m not mistaken, Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr. in that fight after Manny Pacquiao won. Ok, that’s a little bit of not wow for me. I mean, c’mon with the current situation of calamity in different provinces. You’ll dare to spend great money leave the country and watch the fight? Instead of helping our countrymen?

Oh well, atleast Manny Pacquiao manages to make the Philippines in peace, even for a couple of minutes. Next time Manny, make it to atleast the later rounds. So the Philippines can be at peace a little bit longer.

Rumor has it that he’ll be running for congress, a fighting congress he say. But I say go for presidency and have boxing fights every hour so the Philippines can be at peace.

Ok, I’m exagerrating too much. Don’t do it, just box. Not even for the congress. If you gonna do it, then stay away from those damn dirty politicians.

An article I read in the newspaper today in Philippine Star titled “VCO could strengthen immune system” by Jess Diaz states that the Virgin coconut oil or VCO could be the country’s weapon against the deadly H1N1 flu virus according to a new party-list representative yesterday. According to the former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor:

“This crisis can be turned into a big opportunity for our coconut farmers and processors. The high lauric content of virgin coconut oil is known to strengthen the human immune system against microbes and viruses”

“Research and development on the possible use of VCO against (the H1N1) flu should be accelerated,” he added.

Montemayor, being one of the 25 new party-list representatives sworn in by Speaker Prospero Nograles on Tuesday. He represent ABA-AKO that made up of farmers fishermen.

Montemayor serves the table for the House with Resolution 1121 to immediately inquire that the government should have prepareness of H1N1 flu. As of now, the said flu caused 150 deaths already in Mexico and has been reported to have infected United States, Britain, Canada, Spain, Israel and New Zealand.

Aside from Mr. Montemayor, there are others who are advocating the use of VCO as an antidote to H1N1 flu. These are:

* Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine vice chancellor for research and former health secretary

* Dr. Fabian Dayrit, dean of the School of Science and Engineering and chemistry professor at Ateneo de Manila University

* Cory Quirino, health and wellness advocate

* Danilo Coronacion, president and chief executive officer of teh Coconut Industry Investment Fund-Oil Mills Group and also a former administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority

* Tess Santos, president of the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers and Traders Association Inc.

* Cesar Villariba, executive director of the Katipunan ng Katutubong Kalakalan ng Quezon

* Gerardo Natividad, vice president for operations of the Maria Makiling Coconut Resources Corporation

* Maria Socorro Hernandez, managing director of ICONS management Consultancy Services

* Len Ang-Isleta, general manager of MARICOR Ads Inc

* Bayani Nito of A-Curve Alternative Advocacy.

Montemayor says that “Congress should also inquire if local governments and defense authorities are prepared to meet local outbreaks and If H1N1 flu should infect residents of a community, how will govermenet stop its spread to other area?”

Nicely done Montemayor but is this true to the heart. While our country is already struggling with the current climate change and floods from different provinces. The government is already lacking actions, or ..could it be that its only commercial propaganda to promote Virgin Coconut Oil?

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced in Malañang on Sunday, assuming leadership of the National Disaster Coordinating Council or NDCC. Reports of the H1N1 (swine flu) had currently reached Asia and now Philippine Government will to put on high health alert.

Influenza A (h1N1) virus outbreak is a serious matter my folks.

Dr. Eric Tayag, the government’s chief epidemiologist said that we should now be in emergency mode. He wants to gather health officials of the private hospitals for more coordinated response to tackle the case of teh virus if it arrives in the Philippines.

There would be a sperate meeting with representatives of various businesses for “risk assessment” so that they can determine how they could help the government.

Ilagan, Philippines Region 2 will be having a Jobpalooza for the commemoration of the Labor Day tomorrow May 1, 2009.  Thousands of unemployed in region 2 will be more than lucky enough because the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, in partnership with duly regisered recruitment agencies will be conducting simultaneous job interviews tomorrow on Labor Day.

“Tayo na, Trabaho na” is part of the goverment’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Assistance or CLEEP. DOLE officials have announced that local and foreign recruitment agencies will be in Cauayan City. Of course, you need to pass their qualifications to be hired. So Isabela residents will be having many chances of employment here and abroad.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA, also the Professional Regulation Commission or PRC have joined forces and will be cooperating with DOLE to help with the applications to be processed accurately, in conformity of jobseeker’s skills

Cagayan provincial and labor officials will also be opening employment booths in Tuguegarao City to help jobseekers in the said province.

80,000 job hunters nationwide are expected/estimated by DOLE to be employed this year.

So be advised to prepare your application letters, resumes, diplomas and transcrip of records. For those who are aiming to work in abroad, bring your passports and school credentials.

This is a great deal, really. This will help our economy, and lessen the bystanders and bums

But of course, to be employed will only depend on your will, determination and skills.