World War II Veterans Apply for Equity Benefits

Over 26,000 World War II Veterans applied for equity benefits which was passed by Barrack Obama together with the stimulus package. He has pronounced that this should never be delayed because they are some who are sick and dying. From what I have heard this will amount to about 9,000 dollars or about 432,000 pesos so this is a huge payment for those who almost lost their lives in that fight. That amount is only for those who are in the Philippines. For those who are in the US, I think I heard that it would amount to about 15,000 dollars... which I hope I am not mistaken.

My Grandpa is also one of those who will get benefits since he served that war and got POW'd even. I just hope they pay what is due them. Good thing Obama knows his priorities and these veterans have paid enough I think. Giving them this is actually a little too late but its good at least that they gave it... confusing as that may sound its just good...

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said that this number will increase in the coming days. I like this US Ambassador because she is so down to earth. Today,they are continually processing the papers of these veterans and I hope it would all be given soon.

My Own Pepsi Break this Summer!

I was not in the mood earlier this evening and I had to take a break. I dropped 5 peso coins in our office vending machine and bought a can of Pepsi MAX. Good thing this makes me smile every once in a while. Talk about zero sugar, maximum taste and compatible with my gym regimen. Hey! I have to work out a couple of hours from now so that's not going to make me feel full.

With the several on line games I've featured here in the past, there are some which I would like you to try. Since I am drinking Pepsi a lot these days, there is a Footvolley game on their international site that you should try. Some of you may not have heard of that sport but it is just the beach version of football. This of course is perfect for the summer season so make sure you grab your gear for it. The current version is only 5 players strong and all of them are in legendary status. Graphics are nice and it looks as if you are playing 3D cardboard equivalents of the real one.

I'm a Torres fan but I hope they also include in future versions the Amazon or Gladiator figures of Britney, Pink and BEYONCE, much like in the commercials. I hope I get to have my own break this summer. That would be just fun!

Holy Week in the Philippines 2009

It's holy week again in the Philippines and that long week where most people have no work means almost nothing to me.... because I have to work at these times. It's okay though because after 5 years of having no absences at work, I pretty much am used to it.

People from the metro will flock back to their own provinces and security is tight in almost all ports. The new National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Roberto Rosales has even ordered the few thousand policemen to watch over people at these times. Which would mean no holiday for them too... I hope they really keep peace and order like what they are supposed to do. I heard over the radio,that Rosales tasked his District Director to assure that there will be visible police men on public terminals, ports, airports, malls, and vital installations. There should be no NIGAS COGON on visibility because as usual, they'll probably be there only when there are events like these. I hope they keep it that way so there would be lower crime rates.
They should also be working with local security groups and local barangay officials because most people would be leaving their houses. A neighborhood watch perhaps? That would be a miracle if that happened.

Although there are no security threats by unscrupulous groups, they should never let their guard down because it is highly possible that these extremists may get the chance and blow up people and places. I wouldn't wanna fall trapped with that.

I hope I can visit Pampanga and watch people crucified... or maybe just watch them from afar. I don't like blood baths anyway, it gives me the creeps. The picture above is just a normal march at these times... imagine after that, they will get crucified too. That would just hurt looking at it but hey it's a cultural thing so we don't have to be too freaky all year hehe.

Have a blessed holy week everyone!

The Financial Crisis: Free Credit Report Solutions

The financial crisis is not over yet but the G20 already agreed upon some measures to put a halt in the drowning structure of economies around the world. They black listed countries who still employ banking secrecy laws and that includes the Philippines. How worried we should be is going to be a different story. I am optimistic that this will work because with the months of preparation and disagreements that came in the way, the 20 countries already started to work together despite their differences. I'm worried though that this has been hurried a lot and may not be thought about too much which may result in outrageous decisions that some countries may neglect and put everything at risk.

Westerners have faced credit problems head on and slowly making recovery as seen in the latest market reports. Even Asian stock had gains this week which is evident that it is working. Reports say that the appearance of the US President had a lot to do with it. I guess they were merely inspired by him which a huge American population experienced when they voted last year. Today, it is tantamount to fix credit problems of the average earner. I really am so happy that they are starting to help each other because there is a new place where you can get a freecreditreport. Times like these need everyone to chip in, because the time to take action is now. There are some government incentives given to those who filed bankruptcy but they are working on getting a permanent fix. They have to start evaluating the credit report which contains their current financial standing. They need to earn a little more than what they spend so it means making an effort to live within their means is important. After which, the government should stay monitoring your credit as well to prevent this from happening. We all know how people spend a lot if they have "plastic" to use. Sometimes it is out of control so we should put a stop to that now.