Web Blog Awards

Blog Herald Editor Abraham Olandres recently announced of an upcoming Weblog Awards. Now it made me think, now that’s a nice driving force for the growing number of bloggers around the world. I thought this would, somehow, promote better blogs on the blogosphere.

However, before I got news of Abe’s announcement, I also got to know about another weblog award. The Weblog Awards, which claims to be the largest blog competition, happens to include Pinoystupid as one of its top 10 Best Asian Blog. As the title implies it’s about stupidities of Pinoys. The Critic is presumably a Filipino/Filipina vent on denouncing Filipino as the stupidest human beings in the whole world.

He/she really knows his/her turf as he/she is a bit tech savvy in terms of identifying exactly detractors. Apparently, he/she wants to encourage Filipinos to think about the negative things that’s defining the race but as to what he want them to do about it—I’m not sure if he’s got the right motive. He/she claims that he/she wants Filipinos (apparently, if he/she IS a Filipino has already done this) to think about the negativity that uniquely defines Filipinos but apparently he’s referring to most people without access or even saw a computer. Anyway, I won’t elaborate on this as I know that Pinoystupid is an eloquent thinker and writer while he has some points majority and his/her main objective is way below the belt (and to single out Filipinos???). Ultimately I’m ambivalent about this blog.

His/her objective, as he/she claims, is to provoke the Filipino people into what?? I think intriguing people—to get good traffic—nice strategy to insinuate hate, anger. But I agree that there are things that Filipinos need to think about in order for the country to regain its glory.

Now with the weblog awards, (sorry got a bit sidetracked there) I say, there are really many weblog awards around but as to which one’s the most prestigious it’s still one’s choice. The weblog awards of Abe is about 6 years old while the weblog awards where Pinoystupid ranked as one of Asia’s best is about 3 but it boast of being unique than the former.

Now it’s up to you to vote the best at the forum of your choice. Vote at the bloggies until January 10, 2007 (apparently there’s an editorial glitch, it read 2005) or vote for the 2007 Weblog Awards from September to October 2007.

Gmail bug exposes your mail account to spammers – Engadget

Aside from the recent bombings here in Bangkok, which I recently blogged about, I was surprised to learn from Engadget of a Gmail bug which exposes my mail account to spammers–talking about new year’s present!

I tried to check my mails quickly and log-off before surfing the Net or my bank account online from then on! Tried to email Google too, no reply but I was glad to know recently that it was fixed sooner than expected. 😀

Now, this made me thinking about Google’s vulnerability. I mean glitches always happen to them. One time I typed Gmail.com on my browser and here comes the Yahoo! search engine giving out search results of Gmail.com! (wasn’t able to have a photo grab of that but had I knew that it was a technical issue (not too tech sensitive!) I would have taken the opportunity–as what a recent blog pointed out re Google being hacked!

Google is one of the most vulnerable companies on the web along with Microsoft, CIA among others. Being that big they should be proactive in this kind of issue, man they should know their turf!

The Subic Rape Case

Remember I blogged about the custody issue on convicted rapist Smith, a member of the American military. I said I’m not a lawyer but based on reading the Visiting Forces Agreement, I think that Smith should be under Philippine jurisdiction.

I said I’m no lawyer, but now, I found a lawyer pointing out that I’m right. An article by former Philippine Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani argued that there are 4 reasons why Smith should be in RP custody. She said that the issue is a matter of compliance to a treaty agreed by two sovereign countries. She pointed out on crystal clear provision of the VFA that Smith, the convicted rapist of a Filipina, should be held in a facility under Philippine jurisdiction. She also pointed out that the Philippines should be mindful of the other country’s duty in a any treaty that it enters (in this case, it was very concerned of its duty to the other country–talking about Filipino hospitality).

Now, should I say it this time–I TOLD YOU SO….

Happy New Year… Part 2

Today, my family and I just went to a friend’s house to celebrate the coming new year. The place was almost an hour away from our place. After spending almost the whole day in their place we headed back home at almost 5.30pm. I suggested that we take the bus to Victory Monument then take a taxi from there to our home in Dusit.

Well, the thought of the convenience of going home on a taxi (straight from our current location) prevailed, we arrived home at about past 6pm (I believe). We offered coffee to my wife’s brother-in-law and his friend. Then they left to go home and possibly go to Central World to join the countdown. My family and I are resting to prepare to go to a church in Sukhumvit 63 later that night to welcome the new year when a colleague called me to break the news, which I later read over Bangkok Post Breaking News. She said there were reports that seven bombs exploded almost simultaneously in several locations in Bangkok. We cancelled going out tonight.

 Aftermath of bombing at a bus stop at Victory Monument.

I then received an SMS from our personnel officer informing us about the bombings and warning against attending any gathering tonight, the UN security also sent a similar advice a few minutes later. My wife and I called relatives in the Philippines before they get wind of the news here to assure them that we are fine. As we followed the news, it got clearer how God moved to protect my family.

A bomb went off at about 5.30 to 6pm in Victory Monument, where we planned to get off. A grenade was allegedly thrown in Saphan Kwai, where the bus was supposed to pass by. We planned to go to a church in Sukhumvit 63, a bomb went off near Sukhumvit 62.

As the news develop, conflicting reports on the Thai government’s reaction to the bombings including details surrounding it came out. The first news was that the countdown celebrations will continue, however, this was later corrected to calls of cancellation–the countdown in Chiang Mai was also cancelled as a precaution. Thailand once again has to cancel one of its most awaited celebrations of the year, however due to a man-made incident (The first one was right after the Tsunami of December 2004, no new year celebration happened in Thailand as a sign of mourning).

 Emergency medical service staff at Rajchavithee Hospital tend to a wounded person following a bomb attack at nearby Victory Monument.

Further details about the bombing become clear, two people died, scores were hurt in 6 simultaneous bombing in Bangkok. No one has yet to claim responsibility for the bombing. Now, remember that I just blogged about having a more restrained new year in Bangkok?! I guess I spoke too soon.

We celebrated new year at the comfort of our home. However, some Thai people would never budge on the recent bombings (maybe a statement on their side that they will never be shaken) and went on welcoming the new year with their own festive fireworks (real fireworks, I mean). We also watched the fireworks from our apartment veranda.

For the collateral damage of this senseless violence, may God be with them.

(Just as I posted this entry, I received another SMS from the UN Security, “After the new year started, three more bombs exploded at Central World, Pratunam and Khao San Road. Situation still unclear. Previous SMS instruction remain in effect.”)

Smith returned to custody of US embassy – INQ7.net

Remember when I blogged about the case of an American soldier convicted of rape? I just read over Inquirer.net Smith returned to custody of US embassy.

Should I start saying… I told you so! who knows what will happen next–will I don’t need to expound or speculate for the obvious.

Happy New Year

  (Photo source: Inquirer.net photo by AFP/Joel Nito)

Every year, Philippine soldiers and police (well, those who are in the major cities) have their guns muzzled with masking tape. Their superiors then sign the masking tape to ensure that it would not be tampered. The reason for this is to ensure that they won’t be firing their guns this new year. 

People with guns in the Philippines would like to welcome the new year with a big bang thus indiscriminate firing, while authorities and some people would say isolated, happens. I remember celebrating new years as a married man in Manila I have to carry my baby with me or at least keep her mobile so as to avoid any stray bullets that might be falling on our house.

I remember a neighbor in Laguna, Philippines was literally an inch away from a stray bullet. He found a stray bullet in front of him. He looked up and found the entry hole of the bullet. They never got to know who fired the gun–if only they all come with signatures (they do but where would you start looking??). I also remember some grim memories of sleeping babies just bleeding in their beds because of a stray bullet.

At least here in Thailand, I’m not worried of any stray bullets coming from nowhere as celebrations here are more a bit more restrained. 😀

Happy New Year!! (2007AD;2550BE)

Boxing Day

As with other workers around the world, I went to work right after Christmas—as in plunge to serious work! It would have been a little bit different in the Philippines when the week between Christmas and New Year is virtually HOLIDAY for the employed (or underemployed for that matter)!

I remember when I was also in Australia they have a holiday called Boxing Day. Wow, now that’s a nice way to celebrate the sports! (stupid me!) As it turns out, Boxing Day was originally a day when people gives gifts to people in the service oriented industry, which is common in commonwealth countries like Australia.

Now, what did I do on Boxing day?—yes work.

Related links:

Wiki Boxing Day

Boxing Day according to Canadians

Kaboose Boxing Day info

Boxing Day according to English

Fact Monster Boxing Day

Christmas 2006

This is probably one of the best Christmases that my family ever had. First, our Christmas eve was a blast.

Our traditional noche buena or the Philippine tradition of celebrating the arrival of Christmas eve over sumptous dinner (well, simple would do) was merrier with family friends–it was our first time to have guests on this family Christmas tradition.

The kids enjoyed the night playing with their classmates and playmates while we had a nice fellowship with our friends.

Christmas Day

The plan was just to spend Christmas at the mall but as we stayed almost early morning for our noche buena, we were a bit behind schedule. Nevertheless, we were able to have a quick breakfast, clean the house and went to the mall so the kids could enjoy.

After a quick lunch at MBK, we were off to Siam Discovery and started our mall hopping! However, Dei and Nira had to dose off (they hadn’t had enough!) at Starbucks. So Nique, Nel and I ended up doing our mall routine of browsing books at Asian Bookstore (counterpart of Powerbooks in the Philippines).

When Nira and Dei woke up we raced to have our photos taken in Siam Paragon then to Central World at the largest Christmas Tree in Southeast Asia (well, so they say). The whole day was fine and the night was cool.

While the rest of Bangkok celebrated a Christian tradition, that some of them hardly know the reason–I am proud that my kids knew why we celebrate Christmas–Merry Christmas Tata! Merry Christmas Nana! Happy birthday Jesus!

Timex

It was the first time that my wife surprised me on Christmas eve–and I really appreciate it. She gave me a wristwatch as a Christmas gift!

It has been months since my “fancy” watch broke down. And during one of our regular shopping I used to “spot” this watch in the gallery and then leave it as I would say, “there’s more important to buy for now than this expensive watch.”

But I think my wife noted that I really like the watch and I do need a wristwatch (even though I already have a PDA phone to tell me time–well, if you’re in a hurry, a PDA would be cumbersome to tell time).

So, I tried in on–it looks good and I looked at my wife–looks better! I have the best of both worlds! the best gift and gift giver! Praise God!

US cancels military exercises with RP over rape case – INQ7.net

US cancels military exercises with RP over rape case – INQ7.net

Wow, I could certainly see what follows next.

The government pointing an accusing finger to Judge Pozon, “we told you so!” Supporters of Smith would definitely blame people for this development, well they might be close to blaming Nicole “well, it’s your fault you were raped!” Then in the end while the US might win this custody case, they might eventually have Smith go scott free for doing a crime as a US military.

This development is certainly saddening for the Philippines as it seem that any unfavourable development in sovereign Philippines would be met with harsh action. If the government, which they are already doing, move to please and lick ass the US then they only show that it is a beggar to the US.

There is an agreement, which is full of grey areas. As to what each section means, while some written in plain English, depends on who’s reading it or on the outcome of a deliberation–whether be it on the court or on the floor of the senate.

Many Filipinos are dreaming of their country becoming great, but most of them are still dreaming after four or five decades. Deep rooted corruption has certainly made sure that the poor population increases and the rich people become richer. This poverty has also been seen in most of the Philippine government institutions, including the military (although, they are pretty getting much higher now with Arroyo on the helm–feed the people who keeps you in power!).

The Philippine Military should not be begging for the US for this exercises, well they (US) need it more than we do. They would definitely learn much from the underfunded but qualified Philippine soldiers (battle tested with the various kinds of terrorist and separatist though not too good in ending battles like their US counterpart). I mean, who needs the exercise when the Philippines can do it with its neighboring countries. With regard to skills, the Philippine military has all the skills it has already what it needs is upgrading, aid, which the US gave to more well-off Thailand (well, it was suspended when the coup ‘de etat broke).

The US kept on insisting that, according to the article, a provision in the agreement says any accused American serviceman shall remain in US custody until all judicial proceedings are exhausted. Yes, they are right it is in the agreement.

As to the cancellation of the exercise, there’s no provision in the VFA that it could be cancelled unilaterally (I might miss on this as I’m not a lawyer) but hey this is plain and simple bullying.