Cebu Bloggers Society for Blogger’s Choice - PBA 2009 Special Awards

As one of the members of Cebu Bloggers Society, am proudly showing my allegiance and support through my humble vote for the PBA’s Bloggers’ Choice Special Award ’09 in the Visayas.

We are group of bloggers aiming for a cause of promoting Cebu and the events happening in its portal. Though we may sometimes differ in each other's view when forming a judgment but the camaraderie and the oneness in purpose wrapped us to be a united Cebu Bloggers Society giving public awareness inside and outside Cebu. The harmony among the members made the group developed, increased in size and progressed to a leading group of bloggers in Central Visayas and eventually soon nationwide. Abante Bisaya!

Mandaue - Lapu Lapu Bridges

Mandaue-Mactan Bridge. The 846-meter long and 9-meter wide box truss bridge was constructed during the term of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. The construction began in 1970, a year after the declaration of Mandaue as a chartered city. It was inaugurated in July 4, 1971. Finished in 1972 at a cost of 65 million pesos. The bridge was designed and created wholly by Filipino engineers.

Carries: 2 lanes of vehicular traffic; Pedestrian sidewalks
Crosses: MactanChannel
Locale: Metro Cebu
Maintained by Department of Public Works and Highways
Design: Truss Bridge
Total length: 864 meters
Width: 9 meters
AADT: Two-way
Beginning date of construction: 1970
Completion date: 1972
Opening date: 1972


Marcelo Fernan Bridge is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island.
Marcelo Fernan Bridge was opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. The bridge has a total length of 1237 meters (4058.40 feet) with a center span of 185 meters (606.96 feet). The bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines. The bridge was constructed with the help of the Japanese Government.It was named after Senator Marcelo Fernan, a political figure from Cebu City.
Carries 4 lanes of vehicular traffic; pedestrian sidewalks

Crosses: Mactan Channel
Locale: Metro Cebu
Maintained by Department of Public Works and Highways
Design: Cable-stayed bridge
Total length: 1237 meters (4058 feet)
Longest span: 185 meters (607 feet)
Opening date: August 1999
*wikipedia

Asus P55 Motherboard Launch - P7P55D

ASUS Introduces Xtreme Design Hybrid Motherboards that Deliver Fast Performance and Uncompromising Stability

The ASUS P7P55D Series Features the Latest Intel Chipset, 48 Hybrid Phase Power, and SATA 6Gbps Connectivity for the Ultimate in Performance

Manila, Philippines, September 17, 2009 – ASUS, the leading innovator of advanced motherboard solutions, today launched the ASUS P7P55D Series motherboards in the Philippines. Featuring the Intel® P55 Express chipset, the P7P55D Series supports the latest LGA 1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7/Core™ i5 Processors for maximum performance. The P7P55 Series is based on groundbreaking "Xtreme Design", a winning design formula drawn from many years of engineering innovation, to optimize overall system performance and hardware reliability. It also includes the latest Hybrid Technology—Hybrid Processor, Hybrid Phase, and Hybrid OS—to give users intelligent performance enhancement, active cooling, and rapid online access.

Achieving 6Gbps Storage Bandwidth with Exclusive Expansion Bridge

Equipped with a specially-designed onboard chip, the P7P55D Premium is the first motherboard to natively support 6Gbps data transfer bandwidth with the latest SATA storage interface. With this expansion bridge, the P7P55D Premium unleashes the performance potential of the latest hard disk drives, achieving almost double the throughput from existing SATA compatible drives. By eliminating any transmission bottlenecks, the expansion bridge enables 50% faster reading and writing of disk data. For other P7P55D Series models, ASUS also provides an expansion card to achieve the same results.

Optimizing Efficiency with Revolutionary Hybrid Phase Power Delivery

Users can expect maximum power efficiency, extremely cool operations, and enhanced component longevity from the P7P55D Series. With its Hybrid Phase Technology—combining ASUS Xtreme Phase with ASUS T.Probe—the series delivers maximum efficiency and extremely stable power. P7P55D Premium's 48 Hybrid Phase technology is the most power-efficient design in the industry, surpassing other 48-phase prototype motherboards. ASUS T.Probe is the world's first active cooling technology that detects and balances power phase loadings and temperatures in real time—especially around the active CPU. A new frequency conversion technology further improves efficiency by maximizing energy utility. High-grade materials also help enhance component longevity and further minimize power loss. Additionally, the P7P55D Premium includes Stack Cool 3+, and is the world's first motherboard with four layers of 2Oz copper in an 8-layer PCB design. This delivers ultra-cool performance even under extreme overclocking conditions.

Enhancing Performance with Intelligent Hybrid Processor

With its new Hybrid Processor, the P7P55D Series lets users achieve superior overclocking performance with the latest Intel CPU and the ASUS TurboV EVO, which functions like a second microprocessor. Both novice and hardcore overclockers can easily boost system performance with TurboV EVO's intuitive interface. Additionally, overclocking is simplified by onboard tools including Auto Tuning which automatically overclocks the system to an extreme yet stable state; ASUS OC Profile which offers the best overclocking settings for different scenarios; ASUS Turbo Key which creates more physical overclocking buttons on the keyboard for instantaneous overclocking; and ASUS TurboV Remote* which allows users to overclock from a convenient controller.

Hybrid OS Delivers Express Gate and Windows 7 Benefits

Hybrid OS integrates Windows® and ASUS Express Gate onto the ASUS P7P55D Series for more flexibility. Users can upgrade to Windows® 7 and have better security and faster performance, while Express Gate delivers rapid access to online applications—within five seconds.


About ASUS:

ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than ten thousand and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s revenue for 2008 was 8.1 billion U.S. dollars. ASUS ranks among the top 10 IT companies in BusinessWeek’s “InfoTech 100”, and has been on the listing for 11 consecutive years.

Media Contacts:

Jaime Ysrael
ASUS Philippines
+632-631-4715
+632-634-0309
Jaime_Ysrael@asus.com.tv

Angie Limbaco
First Tier Branding Solutions Inc.
+632-812-5764
info@firsttierbrands.com

Hilongos Wildcats Team

Hilongos Wildcats Team

Hilongos Wildcats Team initiated a friendly game among its members last Sunday, August 30 at the back of V-Hire terminal near the Caltex gasoline station along the highway. Airsoft enthusiasts from Baybay, Hindang and Hilongos gathered past 10 am. Though some members didn’t make it due their hectic scheds, we started the routine.

Gearing up protective suits and readying for close quarter battle, everyone seemed to be excited. Shields or obstacles were added in the game site just in case a lot of airsofters will join and the kill house was added as well. Eventually the teams made it even in share of comrades 7–7.

Initially, the objective style skirmish has been played economizing the bb pellets usage. Both teams were trying to capture the “flag” located at the center of the game site and we made 4 battles with that scene. In order for us to be fully entertained, someone suggested to have a head-to-head scenario specifically the front line airsoft skirmish, an assault of trying to eliminate each other’s team and made 6 encounters. The scene made my AEG run out of battery and we ended our friendly game leaving red rashes in my legs and chest. Ok lang sa chest pero sa tiil, midugo gyud…tsk tsk.

Cebu's Landmark

The Cross of Magellan

From the time immemorial this spot has been set aside to commemorate the erection of a cross in Cebu by the expedition of Magellan. When King Humabon of Cebu and his queen, son and daughters, together with some 800 of their subjects were baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama. This hallowed site was improved in 1735 by Rev. Juan Albarran, prior of San Agustin and in 1834 by Rt. Rev. Santos Gomez Marañon, bishop of Cebu. The image of Sto. Niño found by the expedition of Legaspi in a house near the present site of the Cathedral of Cebu is venerated by the faithful in the nearby Church of San Agustin.

The original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on April 21, 1521 is now encased of Tindalo wood.

Fuente Osmeña Park

Cebu’s premiere park that was built in honor of Cebu’s “Grand Old Man” President Sergio S. Osmeña Sr., who serve as the second President of the Philippine Commonwealth. It’s name literally means “Osmeña’s fountain”.

Throughout the history, the Fuente Osmeña Park has served as witness to many of Cebu’s significant gatherings, including the grand and colorful Sinulog festival that is held annually. The circle is a centerpiece landmark of the city and the site of numerous festivals and rallies.


In recognition of its legacy, the Fuente Osmeña Park is immortalized in the Philippine fifty peso bill. This landmark is indeed a source of pride for every Cebuano located along Jones Ave. and General Maxilom Ave. This was built during the founding of Cebu City's water system.

Cory Aquino - Democracy Icon

I was in Leyte when I saw the news in the television and read the header “Paalam Cory Aquino” before the tribute news “Salamat Cory” of GMA and “Salamat Presidente Cory” of ABS-CBN. I arrive in our house at 2:20am an hour earlier before our first lady president died on 3:18am at Makati Medical Center. It shocked and saddened me knowing that before her passing, the latest updates in her situation was that she responded positively from the treatment. This made me realized that true to her situation, they were just assuring the public’s calmness and steadfast support through prayers and the healing masses and that her family had decided to cease chemotherapy and other medical interventions.

She was born Corazon Cojuangco, an heiress to one of the great fortunes in the Philippines. In 1954, she married Benigno Aquino, one of the most ambitious and promising politicians in the country. Before they met, however, Benigno had dated a young beauty queen named Imelda Romualdez. Years later, his political career would turn him into the political nemesis of the man Imelda married, Ferdinand Marcos, who was elected president in 1965.

She was catapulted into politics following the murder of her husband, the prominent Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who had been preparing to run for president. By the "People Power" uprising against the dictatorship of Marcos 1986, she became the Asia's first female president. In her term as president, she battled several coup attempts and protected the country's fledgling democracy and freed political prisoners.

TIME chose Corazon Aquino as its Person of the Year for 1986, recognizing her central role in one of the most compelling dramas in recent history — the widowed housewife who avenges her husband's death by overthrowing the regime widely blamed for his murder. She was the first woman to be designated TIME's Person of the Year since Queen Elizabeth II for 1952.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer on March 24, 2008 as publicly announced by her family member drawing supports through prayer nationwide. Mrs Aquino had been suffering from stage 4 colon when she died aged 76 on August 1, 2009 due to cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer.

She left a big imprint on our history. She is the Icon of Democracy throughout the world. She is a great leader who set a shining example of peaceful transition to democracy in our country. Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in our nation.

Thank you so much Cory!
Blogging can never be this free.

Jing Gong M4-F Carbine

My first EAG!

We were canvassing for an EAG or Electric Air Gun in Blutac located near the entrance of the Century Plaza and in the QBC at the Cebu City Capitol last saturday. Actually I like to have the MP5 unit but finally decided in buying the new Jing Gong M4-F Carbine Electric Air Gun in QBC (P5,800) as advised by the gunsmith. A unit easy to upgrade with a durable inner parts. This 1:1 scale rifle comes with a high quality metal gear box, a metal barrel, a full metal stock slide, and an adjustable front and rear sight.

SPECS:

Name • M4-F Electric Air Gun
Overall Size • 855mm / 595mm (when stock is fold)
Weight • 3190g (battery included)
Barrel Length • 364mm
Magazine Capacity • 300 rounds
Bullet • 6mm BB Bullets
Initial Bullet Speed • 330 FPS (using 0.2g bullet)
Full Auto Shooting Speed • 500 – 1000 rounds/min

Also features:

• High-Cap Magazine
• Adjustable Hop-up System
• Full Metal Stock Slide
• Semi and Full Automatic Mode
• Folding Stock
• Metal Barrel
• Adjustable Front and Rear Sight

Michael Jackson Rest In Peace

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist and entertainer. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, four of his solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995), while his 1982 Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time.

In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African-American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and Thriller—credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists.

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era. Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades. Michael Jackson died of a suspected cardiac arrest or heart attack, although the cause of dead is still unknown, on June 25, 2009, aged 50. Wikipedia

Rainy Season

As the nimbus started to gather vaporized water from the earth, I felt that its grayish color means only a heavy rain will poured as soon as it can’t hold water’s relative mass.

It’s rainy season once again. City streets will experience one of its worst problem – flooding. I noticed that an average rainfall in an hour or more easily flooded the street just right across our office located at A. S. Fotuna St., Mandaue City. This causes heavy traffic of the public utility jeeps en route to Talamban from the highway. Others may say jokingly that it's time to see the Fortuna River. Flood shut some PUJ dead since the water level reaches the engine compartment. This the situation where the drivers feared most, stranded in the middle of the flood in a stationary vehicle with some passengers outburst in anger.

Public should always be reminded the usefulness of proper garbage disposal. Canals and drainages always overflow every rain because of the trash blockade of waterways in the system. So everytime we see a flooding street, don’t just blame it solely to the poor drainage system but inculcate also in mind that this is also a part of our negligence.

ASMSI-CEBU Sportsfest Opening 2009

Opening of the Fr. Al’s Cup and the ASMSI – Cebu Sportsfest 2009.

June 14, 2009. I arrived as early as 7:00 am. Registration in-charges were ready for the arrival of the alumni. I proceeded to the canteen for my breakfast just to find out that the kettle for rice was used by our officers the day before the event. So I just have my breakfast of bingka, biko, cup of bulalo and a fried fish.

Past 8:00am, I can see alumni’s presence starting to fill the designated benches in the gymnasium and started to group themselves by batches. I’ve met some of the chatters as they made their way to the gym. Officers were so busy making sure of the activities’ success. All hail to them! The event made its distinction with the partnership of the media specifically the 94.7 Energy FM and SMART telecommunications.

The mass started with a procession for the feast of Corpus Christi or the commemoration of the institution of Eucharist which is also literally means ‘Body of Christ’. So as to have some blessing and will to lead the organization, a formal introduction to the new set of officers was done after the Holy Mass.

We felt uneasy especially our dear alumni president since alumni were already looking for the food. Some even sent me some messages if where the food was being served. We brought again the attention to our coop president Gilbert Nagaño about the food since it was a time for lunch. He called the caterer if they’re arriving in time and with the service malfunction, lunch was served past 1:oo pm. In times like this, you need juicy fruit gum. LOL. In a large crowd where food is to be served, it should always be ready ahead of time and 10:00 am will be a perfect for that. We’re so sorry for the untimely incident that has not been anticipated and so thankful for the alumni who did understand the situation though some have lost their temper. In behalf of the alumni cooperative, my deepest apology for the untoward situation it had caused. Let us unite and do what is best for the organization although shortcomings may arise. We didn't mean it that way and who would? After all, it was a lesson learned.

As the competing team per batches gathered inside the gym, crowd’s uproar made the ambiance so energetic and lively when the presentation of the muses began. Crowd’s favorite 14th batch snatched the Miss Energetic and Best in Production Number, 3rd batch as the Killer Smile and 13th batch as Miss Photogenic. My bet didn’t win, hmmm…zakaat. *rolling eyes. A beautiful acoustic intermission was rendered by Ray Cabasa aka hardwired and Zoraida Tablingon aka Gelin. Good job guys! Certificates were given to different batches as an appreciation for the unceasing support for the alumni organization and a special awards for the 94.7 Energy FM, EDM disco mobile and SMART communications for the partnership of the event.

Fireworks display ignited past 4:00 pm after the celebration that made the guard wondered what’s the thunderous bang about.

We departed 5:00 pm and took a ride in a KMK bus. Feeling exhausted, I found myself asleep on our way to SM. We took our dinner at Andoks Mabolo with sinigang and fried chicken in satisfying our craving stomach.

Our sincere appreciation to the alumni who rendered their support for the event and our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors 94.7 Energy FM, SMART, Dunkin Donuts, Coca Cola, and Nature Spring who made this successful. To those who were there, DAGHANG SALAMAT and let us continue to serve the Lord with joy!