The Presidential Chopper Crash

I am shocked about this news I heard about premier government officials who was initially reported lost with a chopper off Benguet province but are now being declared dead by the hour since it was reported to have crashed along the mountains yesterday afternoon. The cause was bad weather and initially they were only doing ocular inspection of a project that was meant to be seen the day after by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They were supposed to be the head party but after this particular incident, I guess there would not be anymore flights soon.

Now there are 8 recovered bodies from the crash site. Ifugao Governor Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. said that this is the death toll confirmed and according to Tinoc, Ifugao Mayor Lopez Tugong.

Baguilat said that there are no details where specifically their bodies were found as the Bell 412 wreckage was seen in his municipality. He added that tommorrow they would be able to identify the victims with the help of forensic experts. Search operations will still continue until the last one is found. They are still trying to see if there are going to be survivors but chances seem a little low now since they found the bodies. Because it is already hard to go in that location and it is already night time the priority is to at least get the bodies transported to the municipal and have them examined. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. This is just really sad news.

These are high ranking officials from Malacanang and it is sad that this had to happen. It was about 4PM when they left Loakan Airport in Baguio. I have a question though, how air worthy are our aircrafts? What if Arroyo was the one in the chopper? That would just be really dangerous! The last time there was contact with the chopper was around 5 PM where the crew reported zero visibility in their area. Oh my, let's pray for them!

Play All You Want!

There have been obvious need for safeguarding the copyrights of artists all over the world and this includes our country the Philippines. Billions worth of pirated software, audio and video pilfered the streets of Manila and that does not discount those who are also in the malls. The favorite past time of everyone at this side of the world is window shopping. It even coined a term "MALLING" which we treat as an adjective for going to malls, stores and establishments. That is one unique culture trait as you may know but if they continue to be the number one consumer of these illegally produced DVD and Cd's then the need to put a stop to it is vital so the music and movie industry would not get hurt in the long run. They would not be able to get a single centavo off honorariums which they earn off.

Good thing there are web sites and companies like Kerchoonz that we can go to if we want our works of art be given recognition. They pay the actual artist even if we listen to their music free. That in my dictionary is better that going the hard way, piracy is a perennial problem in this side of the world. If I remember it correctly, there were about 3 buy bust operations that was held in provinces a few minutes outside Manila and the actual value of the machines were 3 million each. This does not include the raw material for the DVD and CD which costs around 2 million dollars. This may have destroyed the hopes of artists to earn their living and a lot of people from the film industry may lose their jobs if that continued operation. I might sign up our band in this site too so we can get the ball rolling with our music. This is just great because they pay their dues to artists and it would really be a big help to a so called dying industry. It is in Beta right now, but it would be great if everyone checked it out!

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!