Every Month of 2008

January

Crude oil prices surge past US$100 per barrel. Benazir Bhutto is assassinated. 6.5 earthquake hits Greece. Hillary Clinton wins first US primaries held in New Hampshire. Sun Microsystems acquires MySQL AB. Millions are stranded ahead of Chinese New Year. Neil & Moanna tie the knot. Actor Heath Ledger dies of medication overdose. Novak Djokovic wins maiden grand slam at Melbourne as Maria Sharapova bags 3rd distinct major title.


February

New York Giants upset New England Patriots 17-14 in Superbowl XLII. UP Fair stages Loverage 2. Blu-ray replaces HD-DVD. Kosovo declares independence from Serbia. Egypt wins Africa Cup of Nations over Cameroon 1-0. Fidel Castro retires and resigns as Cuban president and is succeeded by his brother Raul. Academy honors No Country For Old Men as best motion picture and the Coen Brothers as best in directing. Leap year day is observed.


March

Forbes names Warren Buffet as world's richest man. Wales achieves Grand Slam by defeating France 29-12 in their Rugby Union RBS Six Nations match. Tibetans claim 80 people killed in the continuing unrest. Manny Pacquiao scores a split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super featherweight crown. Corazon Aquino is diagnosed with colon cancer. Liechtenstein, Norway and South Korea recognize Kosovo as a nation.


April

Protesters confront Olympic torch in Paris. I celebrate my first year anniversary in HP and as an electronics engineer. Trevor Immelman wins The Masters ahead of second-place Tiger Woods. Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win in IndyCar's 2008 Indy Japan 300. Joe Calzaghe earns a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins for The Ring light heavyweight belt. HP Labs announces the creation of the memristor - the fourth basic electronic element.


May

George Bush calls for US$700m relief aid for global food crisis. Cyclone Nargis devastates Myanmar. Dmitry Medvedev assumes Russian presidency. Olympic torch reaches peak of Everest. Over 70,000 killed by 7.9 quake in China's Sichuan province. Nel & OJ tie the knot. HP buys EDS for US$13.9b. Bloodiest bank robbery in the Philippines claims 10 lives. David Cook wins Idol. ManU pulls a 1-1 (6-5 p.s.o) victory over Chelsea to grab UEFA trophy.


June

Barack Obama wins Democratic nomination. Ana Ivanovic secures first major as Rafael Nadal earns 4th Roland Garros. Limping Tiger Woods ends season prematurely after US Open triumph. Boston Celtics defeats old rivals Los Angeles Lakers for their 17th NBA ring. UP@100. Typhoon Fengshen leaves 155 dead in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao KO's David Diaz to become the first Asian 4-division titlist. Spain beats Germany 1-0 in Euro 2008 final.


July

Inquest on the MV Princess of the Stars disaster continues in the Philippines. Venus Williams thrashes sister Serena for her 5th Wimbledon crown while Rafael Nadal dismisses Roger Federer in the longest men's final in The Championship's' history 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. Pope Benedict XVI celebrates World Youth Day in Sydney. Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela is Miss Universe 2008. Carlos Sastre of Spain wins Tour de France.


August

Magnitude 6.0 tremor once again strikes Sichuan. Conflict in South Ossetia worsens. The Bird's Nest hosts the start of the Summer Olympics on 08-08-08. ARMM holds first electronic voting in the Philippines. Michael Phelps sets 7 world records and bags 8 gold medals in swimming as Usain Bolt goes 3-for-3 in athletics in Beijing. Rafael Nadal supplants Roger Federer as world number 1 tennis player after triumphs in Toronto Masters and the Olympics.


September

Serena Williams wins her 9th slam; Roger Federer salvages year with 5th straight US Open. I celebrate my 24th birthday. Civil war erupts in Bolivia; power-sharing pact in Zimbabwe calms the situations. World remembers 9/11. Russia claims Fed Cup. Sebastian Vettel becomes youngest F1 grand prix winner after topping the Italian GP. Milk scandal further intensifies China's bad year. USA wins Ryder Cup. Mortgage crisis triggers US recession snowball.


October

Dow Jones records biggest intraday drop finishing below the 10,000-point mark. European markets fall steeply while Asian stock exchanges tumble. Nobel Prizes are awarded to the discoverers of papilloma and HIV viruses, among others. Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Portugal and UAE recognize Kosovo. Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother are murdered. Philadelphia Phillies edges Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in 2008 World Series.


November

Lewis Hamilton edges Felipe Massa 98 to 97 becoming the youngest F1 Drivers' Champion. Sebastien Loeb wins WRC for fifth consecutive time. Barack Obama is USA's first African-American president. Chrysler, Ford and GM testify before US Congress for bailout package. Peru hosts APEC Summit amidst global financial crisis. Protesters lock up Bangkok airports. Spain wins Davis Cup. Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams prevail in yearend championships.


December

Zimbabwe cholera outbreak claims 425 lives. Micronesia recognizes Kosovo. Manny Pacquiao ends season as Fighter of the Year with 3 victories in 3 weight classes after a lopsided win over Oscar Dela Hoya. Toyota announces first operating loss in 70 years. Israel launches offensive strikes against Palestine in Gaza Strip in the middle of holiday season. Glenn and May tie the knot. CKT01 reunites. Eustaquio Family welcomes 2009 together.

Pacman will soon be nowhere in boxing, but everywhere in politics...

Pacquiao retiring next year; to run in 2010

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Monday said he is retiring from the ring next year and will be running again for public office in the 2010 elections.

“Sigurado na, na tatakbo ako [It is sure, I am running],” said Pacquiao at Camp Crame, headquarters of the Philippine National Police, where he was sworn in as member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi, Partner of the Free Filipino), by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also president of the party founded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Pacquiao, who said he is retiring August next year, made boxing history in June when he became the first Asian and first Filipino to win four world titles by knocking out David Diaz to take the WBC lightweight belt.

He is scheduled to fight Oscar “The Golden Boy” De la Hoya December 6 in Las Vegas and will be flying to the United States on September 14 to prepare for the bout.

“Isang malaking karangalan talaga na makalaban ko si Oscar. Hindi ko akalaing makasasagupa ko siya, [It is a great honor to fight Oscar. I never imagined I would go up against him,” Pacquiao said, adding that he would fight, at most, two more time before hanging up his gloves for good.

Pacquiao said his parents want the De La Hoya fight to be his last. The two will slug it out at the 147-pound welterweight division.

“My parents wanted me to retire after the De La Hoya fight. But I feel I can still fight two more fights,” Pacquiao said.

Puno said although there is no decision yet on what position Pacquiao will run for, “malaki ang maitutulong niya kung tatakbo siya bilang [he will be a great help if he runs for] congressman or as a local government official.”

In the May 2007 elections, Pacquiao contested the congressional seat of the first district of South Cotabato but lost by a landslide to Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Puno said the one year lull between boxing and the elections should not be a disadvantage for Pacquiao.

“Magpapahinga siya, maglalaan ng isang taon para maghanda sa halalan. Siguro naman hindi siya makakalimutan ng tao sa loob ng isang taon. Baka sa isang dekada pa [He will rest [and] will have a year to prepare for the elections. Surely, people will not forget him in just one year. It might take a decade for them to do that],” Puno said.

Alcuin Papa, Phil Daily Inquirer

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Source:
http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080901-158009/UPDATE-Pacquiao-retiring-next-year-to-run-in-2010

Collectibles Here, There, Everywhere

It was few days before I graduated from UP, I recall myself withdrawing my remaining DOST stipend from the PNB ATM terminal inside the campus and, as luck struck me, the machine dispensed a dozen of the infamous ARROVO BANK NOTES (100-peso legal tender). I was with my thesis partner Ivy at that moment and she asked me to sell to her half of the collectors' item bills that I got, so only 6 stayed with me. Then my uncle bought another one of the remaining six for 200-pesos. As of the moment, 5 ARROVO BILLS are in my possession and these 5 are marked with consecutive serial numbers (AM461894 to 98).

Then, this evening, after hitting the gym, I decided to withdraw some cash from a BPI terminal at Robinson's Corporate Buiding in Ortigas. And... surprise! Ten University of the Philippines Centennial commemorative bills (100-peso legal tender) appeared in front of me. I was tempted to withdraw more cash to see how many of those collectibles were inside of the machine but I knew I would just drain my funds empty if I did that. So, I just pressed for another 2000-pesos to cover me for at least a week - and, the machine gave out 4 500-peso bills this time. By the way, these bills also have successive serial numbers (ET366161 to 70).

I am trying my best to keep them in good condition - no crease, no dog-ears - and hopefully, I will be able to sell them at higher value in the future. If you are interested or you know someone who collects rare (well, I think, they aren't that rare yet) items like these bills, just tell me - we can negotiate the price. Bwahaha.

Where art thou, Liberty?

Are we really free?

Are we enjoying genuine independence?

Liberty, where art thou?

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Things may be uncertain, things may not go our way, but let's enjoy the moment, let's celebrate a century and half a score of our so-called "Independence".

Holiday Confusions Everywhere

After declaring February 25 as a working holiday of observance, Malacañang Palace recalled its previous press release and made Monday next week a special non-working holiday. This is in line with the 22nd Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted former President Ferdinand Marcos and installed the country's first ever woman president Corazon Aquino.

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Malacañang has declared February 25, the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power uprising that restored democracy in the country, as a non-working holiday.

President Arroyo, in signing Proclamation No. 1462, said the entire nation should be given the opportunity to observe the “milestone" in the country's history, which has a theme this year of “Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kaunlaran."

“The historic event, which restored and ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the
country, serves as an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere as we contnnue to chart our collective
course as a nation and as a people," the president said.

President Arroyo also signed Proclamation No. 1463, which lists the regular holidays and special non-working days for year 2008.

The order is in compliance with Republic Act 9492, which rationalizes the celebration of national holidays. The law provides that holidays, except those that are religious, would have to be move to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by a law or presidential order.

Under Proclamation No. 1463, the regular holidays are: Maundy Thursday (March 20); Good Friday (March 21); Araw ng Kagitingan (April 7, which is the nearest Monday to April 9); Labor Day (May 1); Independence Day (June 9, the nearest Monday to June 12); National Heroes Day (August 25, last Monday of August); Bonifacio Day (December 1, nearest Monday to Nov. 30); Christmas Day (Dec. 25); and Rizal Day (Dec. 30).

President Arroyo said Labor Day would still be celebrated on May 1 because it has been a “long cherished tradition of workers...which trade unions fought very hard for to institutionalize in the country and an international event that workers want to celebrate on the exact date."

She also said the special non-working holidays are: Ninoy Aquino Day (August 18, the nearest Monday to Aug. 21); All Saints Day (Nov. 1); Dec. 26 and 29, as special non-working days; and Dec. 31, because it is the last day of the year.

President Arroyo said Dec. 26 and 29 were declared as “additional special non-working days" so that Filipinos would have a “more meaningful observance of Christmas and New Year to strengthen their ties with one another."

She said the observance of Eid Il Fitr, which is the end of Ramadan, would be declared upon the recommendation of the Office of Muslim Affairs based on the Islamic calendar or Hijra.
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Read the whole article discussing this declaration at gmanews.tv.

Bands Here, There, Everywhere

(Copied from Cholle's blog entry)

MONDAY - LOVERAGE 2: OUTLOUD! (Adelfe Enu Crea Sorority and Pan Xenia Fraternity)
Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, 6Cyclemind, MYMP, UPdharmadown, Itchyworms, Kitchie Nadal, Imago, Chicosci, Stonefree, Moonstar88, Silent Sanctuary, Mayonnaise, Soapdish, Shamrock, Gloc 9, Cookie Chua, Queso, Treadstone, Blue Ketchup, Protein Shake, Ciudad, Fuse, Paraluman, Manibela, Chubibo, Tha-R, Zelle, and many more...

TUESDAY - RAKESTRA 2008: LOST IN OBLIVION (Beta Epsilon Fraternity)
Sandwich, Urbandub w/ Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, 6Cycle Mind, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Moonstar88, Chicosci, Silent Sanctuary, Callalily, Hale, Imago, Mojofly, Rocksteddy, Mayonnaise, The Dawn, Slapshock, Radioactive Sago Project, Kiko Machine, Pedicab, Hilera, Pinup Girls, Ciudad, Chilitees, Taken by Cars, Cambio, Manibela, Zelle, Boy Elroy, Oi Wag D2, Bembol Rockers, The Dorques, Angulo, Too Late The Hero, Duster, Aizo, Bagetsafonik, The Ronnies, Concrete Sam, El Mercurio, Peryodiko and many more...

WEDNESDAY - ROCK-LOVE-AN: SANDAAN: KAMI N'APO ULIT (Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity)
Sugarfree, Spongecola, Typecast, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary, Urbandub, Barbie Almalbis, Imago, 6cyclemind, Itchyworms, Hale, Greyhoundz, Proteinshake, Pedicab, Kjwan, Soapdish, Stonefree, Mayonnaise, Fuse, Mojofly, RockSteddy, ChicoSci, Check, Melanie, Hilera, VinceNoir, Paraluman, Manibela, Ciudad, Blue Ketchup, and many more…

THURSDAY - SISFIRE 6 (Sigma Beta Sorority)
Kamikazee, Urbandub, Rivermaya, Sugarfree, Chicosci, Imago, Stonefree, Up dharma Down, Mojofly, Radioactive Sago Project, Silent Sanctuary, Juana, Giniling Festival, Moonstar 88, Chubibo, Session Road, Purplechickens, Pumping Pluto, and many more...

FRIDAY - (University Student Council)

SATURDAY - EUFAIRIA: 100 YEARS AT THE EDGE OF SANITY (Delta Pi Omicron Sorority)
Urbandub, The Dawn, Pupil, Slapshock, Kjwan, Queso, Greyhoundz, Chicosci, Kiko Machine, Stonefree, Acel, Sugarfree, Moonstar 88, Mojofly, Paramita, Hilera, Cambio, Chubibo, Giniling Festival, Datu's Tribe, The Wudz, The Jerks, Radioactive Sago Project, Aizo, Cathexis, Sunflower Day Camp, Threadstone, Fuse, Ursaminor, Nickty Nasty, Kampai, and many more...

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"Many more..." is very much in demand. Haha. I wonder how great a performer he is.

Survey Here, There, Everywhere

1. Student number?
01-26719

2. College?
Engineering

3. Course?
BS Electronics and Communications Engineering

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
Neither.

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
Palma Hall aka AS

6. Favorite GE subject?
Kasaysayan 2

7. Favorite PE?
Camping

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot chick sa UP?
BA or Tourism

9. Favorite prof(s)
Ma’am Orillos (Kas 2), Dean Gev (EEE 35, DSP Founder), Sir Templo (ES 21)

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
STS, okay sana yung subject kaso terror yung prof haha.

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
Yup, usually PE and/or ROTC saka nung graduating year ko – EEE 190/198.

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
Hindi yata… Na-cancel yung Corregidor namin eh.

Considered field trip daw yung Company Tours sa Globe, Canon, at ASTEC.

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
Oo naman. Haha. First and last semesters. :P

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
SAVER, Circuit, FORCE, etc.

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
Circuit Tambayan and DSP Lab

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
Own house

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun?
ECE or Civil Engg.

18. Sino ang mga pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
Jen Regua and Ralph Miranda – both HS classmates and former EEE colleagues; Ghe del Rosario, Marien Dy, Larisse Garcia, Glenn Kilayko, May Que, Liz Sagucio – EEE Berks; and UP SAVER Bloc Handlers

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
Nalimutan ko title eh, basta sa Guererro Theatre sa AS ko siya napanood noong first year with May.

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP
OBEM, JMA, CE, IE Club, Circuit

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
Circuit, IE Club, APO, Tau Alpha, Beta Epsilon

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
Nag-alok, yes.

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
CS Canteen or pa-deliver sa DSP Lab.

24. Masaya ba sa UP?
Syempre.

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
Nope. Call me apathetic…

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council
Almost every year naman yata… Though, mas madalas yata sa ESC kaysa sa USC.

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP
LFS at Stand-UP lang naaalala ko eh. Saka subjective yung leftist, mas okay yata kung idealist. :)

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
Of course.

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
Pinaka-patay na patay? Wala naman…

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
Baka hindi na lang ako nag-aral haha. Kasi sa UP lang ako nag college entrance exam eh. Ika nga natin, “The two top universities in the Philippines are UP and others.” Hahahahaha. :D

Honor Here, There, Everywhere

UP LAW BAGS

INTERNATIONAL TILT

Proving once again that the UP College of Law is one of the country’s best, a team composed of its students bested other law schools in Asia at the recently concluded 2007 Asia Cup International Law Moot Court Competition held in Tokyo, Japan last August 20­–21.

The team, composed of Janice C. Lee, Anya M. Palileo, Anna Lorem R. Ramos, and Maricel R. Seno, bested nine other law schools from all over the continent in their mastery of public international law, humanitarian law, and human rights and refugee law.

The UP team faced Chulalongkorn University of Thailand in the final round, with Lee and Ramos delivering the oral pleadings to a panel of judges composed of Ambassador Chusei Yamada of the UN International Law Commission, Dr. Umesh Kadam of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Kuala Lumpur, and Dr. Jean-Marie Henckaerts of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva.

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Chulalongkorn is Thailand's top university and one of Asia's best. My thesis adviser, Engr. Rhandley Cajote is currently taking up his doctorate degree here.

Rain Rain Go Away... Oh, No! Don't.

At last, Metro Manila is now experiencing frequent rainfall and now, at least, our water reservoirs may reach their normal levels.

The personal trade-off is my and my friend Judith's weekly tennis lessons at Ascott Hotel Makati. Due to afternoon rains, our game-cum-class has been suspended for the second straight week. As far as I know, our session next week will be 15-20 minutes as agreed by us, our respective coaches and the fitness centre's management.

Hopefully next Saturday, it will be a fine day for tennis.

One Vote = My Voice

Exercising the right to vote is our only way to speak out our grievances against or admiration towards the current Philippine government. Yesterday, about 45 million Filipinos were given this chance to practice suffrage; according to the Commission on Elections, about 70-85% went out and casted their ballots.

As for me, I voted for 7 GO, 3 TU and 2 Independent senatoriables. I also elected Kabataan in the party-list polls. I hope you have done the same way, I mean, choosing the candidates your mind suggests and your heart dictates.

This is our right, enjoy it while it still lasts...