Bahay Kubo or nipa hut is said to be an indigenous dwelling in the Philippines which the conventional Philippine history said that it was the dwelling of one of the first races in the Philippines. Thus Bahay Kubo is recognized as the “Pambansang Bahay”(Philippine National dwelling) of the Philippines.

Typical Bahay Kubo

But what is interesting with this bahay kubo is not the house itself neither its origin but the way some Filipinos adulate it, like the recent report that the senior engineering students of the University of the Philippines Diliman branch, proudly announced that they have designed a nipa hut or bahay kubo that could withstand typhoons and earthquake. Yes, you heard it right, a nipa hut that is stronger than your concrete modern house which could easily be toppled down with strong earthquake and typhoons.

Sounds funny, but they proudly said this nipa hut or bahay kubo they have designed have an octagonal design or form that is anchored on a central pole, which I suspect they design it against the wind forces coming sideways; moreover, they also use “kawayan” or bamboo materials for the construction of their version of nipa hut, wherein I also suspect why they use bamboo as the construction material because of the notion that bamboos never get toppled down by strong winds but only sway and follow.

Usual location of Pinoy Bahay Kubo

With these ideas and concepts, thus they dubbed their nipa hut or bahay kubo version to be “typhoon-resistant”. But is it, if these ideas of them as well as their nipa hut version were not yet tested and proven by an actual very strong typhoon like Ondoy? It seems, it is too early to said that what they have designed is “typhoon-resistant”, unless it already tested and proven, but it is not yet tested and proven, is not it?

Furthermore, I find their octagonal design suspended with a central pole a little bit funny because as if they have design a “trumpo” that could be spin around the central pole when strong winds of a strong typhoon will blow sideways the nipa hut or bahay kubo, unless the foundation of their nipa hut is attached 1000 meters deep in the ground.

Perhaps, they should already erect an actual now and test and prove that what they have conceived and perceived about it is definitely right, not just another theory only and miniature model.

But what about the earthquake-resistant? They have no say about it, perhaps the report only means “typhoon-resistant”.

Sketch of a Typical Bahay Kubo

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Who says beautiful and rare clothing apparel, furnitures, etc. cannot be afford by the financially less fortunate ones and only the rich and famous could afford it? This is the wonder of Ukay Ukay : beautiful and rare stuffs on less and affordable prize. You don’t have to be financially rich to look expensive and georgeous, all you need is a makeover with the help of Ukay Ukay.

It is inexcusable that if you are living in the Philippines, you cannot find any Ukay Ukay store in your area, unless you are a foreigner who does not know what Ukay Ukay is? Don’t you?

If you do, let, me give you a lecture. Ukay Ukay is a Filipino term that refers largely to used clothing and clothing apparels being sold at the very lowest cost. Take for example, if you buy a brand new shirt from a standard clothing store, approximately between 150 pesos to 1000 pesos will be cut off from your money in your wallet, but in Ukay Ukay store, you got a whooping 5 pesos to 50 pesos only for a single shirt.

Simple Ukay Ukay Store along the road

But that Ukay Ukay shirt is not a “shit”, unless the one who wears it before have pneumonia, COPD, or cancer. However, you would not know it even though you insist to ask the Ukay Ukay sellers; but that is the favorite doubts of those Ukay Ukay despisers and detractors.

Yes, you heard it right, Ukay Ukay are somewhat perceived by others as a very dirty clothing which can be worn by those who already pass away in this life or have worn by those who have a terminal illness, sell by the Ukay Ukay sellers where the Ukay Ukay sellers do not have time to clean or wash these used clothings before they sell them.

Ukay UKay Stores

However, not at all, for some Ukay Ukay stuff are clean and smells good for some comes from a surplus in a factory or from used and old clothings of the well hygiene individuals who do not have not yet pass away of course neither have terminal illness but only want to discard their old stuffs in exchange for money.

Thus, in buying Ukay Ukay stuff, you should be very extra careful in choosing, lest you wear a dead man’s clothing!

Ukay Ukay Stuffs

So, is Ukay, okey? Well, it’s up to the Ukay Ukay Stuff you have bought if they are okey. Actually, there is a favorite Ukay Ukay store in the Philippines which many Filipinos loves to shop this kind of stuff – the Divisoria. The Ukay Ukay stores in Divisoria have fine and okey Ukay Ukay stuffs and some are distinctively rare and cute.

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Marikina city is known in the Philippines and even also outside the Philippines as the Philippines’ Shoe Capital and the pioneer of the Marikina Shoe Industry, Laureano M. Guevara or so-called “Kapitan Moy”, as the “Father of the Shoe industry” in the Philippines. However, because of tight competition with cheap China shoes, the Marikina Shoe Industry have slow down and somewhat going down. The problem is, Marikina shoes may have been cheap in price but the designs of the shoes being produce is somewhat “cheap” in the sense that the design is already obsolete and the China shoes design are more trendy, upgraded and creative; and this is the edge of the cheap China shoes against cheap Marikina Shoes. Some shoe buyers would prefer not only cheap in price but also the design of the shoes, as well. From the design category, Marikina shoe falls and continue going down, unless those who are concerned about it will do something and would not let the Marikina shoe industry succumb to death.

Marikina Shoemakers

However, some supporters of the Marikina shoe industry clarifies that it was not yet too late because the Marikina shoes may not have the designs which the modern masses looks for but it has the high-quality that could save shoe buyers money from buying another pair of shoes because of defective quality. For the Marikina shoes are carefully handcrafted, thus, any shoe buyers could be assured that what he or she bought is high-quality shoe though its designs are not kind of trendy compare to China shoes which are manufactured on machine that have a probability of less quality made.

Thus, the high-quality of the Marikina shoes could still be the best bet to compete and will save the Marikina shoe industry from collapsing into bankruptcy.

Marikina's Largest Shoes in the world

The designs could be upgraded anyway, if Marikina shoe supporter are willing to pay the price of improvement and upgrading and if the Marikina shoemakers are willing to cooperate for the upgrading and improvement of the livelihood which gave them income.

However, the local government of Marikina city is really doing their best to keep the legacy of Marikina shoes alive by creating a Sapatos Festival and crafting the world’s largest shoes, particularly the biggest pair of men’s shoes.

Moreover, a Shoe Museum is also erected to display the legacy of it and be the first and unique Museum in the world today.

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If you are living in a fully urbanized community whether in the Philippines or not, the fast and the furious modern lifestyle will cover your nostrils with smogs and smokes everywhere due to largely by continuing combusting of carbon dioxide of motorized vehicles, like your BMW, Ford, Honda or whatever you drive along the road. And due to this, the motor association of the Philippines has set a drive to drive green.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. ( CAMPI) is the one who set a green carpet to this green drive to promote and advocate clean and green driving in the Philippines through using alternative fuels for vehicles, like electricity, diesel, hybrid combination of recycled and bio materials that burns cleanly on the vehicle engines; fuel-efficiency that cut off extra cost for refueling your vehicles; and eco-driving tips like : 1.) regular car maintenance that use right specification of oil engine for one’s type of vehicle. 2.) Making a necessary adjustments for your driving needs, that is if your vehicle is not designed for heavy load driving, don’t stuff it with much unnecessary load because the additional weight could flat your wheels; and other adjustments like mapping ahead your road plans to avoid unnecessary stop-over. 3.) Don’t drive fast and reckless.4.) Know one’s limits. 5. Minimize the air-conditioning of your car and vehicle.

CAMPI

Actually the Chamber of Automotive Manufactures of the Philippine Inc (CAMPI) has set a 3^rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) having the motto: Drive the Green Road.

If you are interested in their advocates and wanted to know more you can get a copy of their “Green Motoring Guide” guide book at their office, since the motor show, I think, already ended.

CAMPI Drive Campaign

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Reality Shows have also creep into the Philippine television wherein back then there was none, and if there is, it is not that such a big hit and it is an imported foreign show, like the Wheel of Fortune, If the Price is Right, etc, which is of course yes a Game show; a game show is categorized as a reality show then, but now on our modern times, the working definition of reality show is quite different. It refers now to the actual human activity or human reactions that are not scripted however caught secretly on cameras; or it an extreme game show that showcases real-life stunts, exhibitions, flops, and even angst and anger of the participants. The most recent reality show which showcase extreme games as I mentioned, is the Philippine Franchise  foreign reality show “Survivor” which becomes a phenomenal hit on the Philippine television during its first season, likewise also the Philippine Franchise foreign reality show “Big Brother” when it airs its very first season in the Philippines.

Survivor Philippines

These top two phenomenal franchise reality shows that hits the Philippine television is given a Pinoy touch in order Filipinos could relate to the foreign show, with Filipinos are the main contestant of the show. Though the two top phenomenal franchise reality shows are already familiar in other countries, the Philippines top TV networks took a risk to adopt it on the Pinoy television. Of course, if these reality shows clicks abroad, it could also click on Filipinos, thus giving profits for the TV stations.

Pinoy Big Brother

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If you happen to visit the Philippines and a night life lover, then you should have this list of 24/7 and Night shift stores and food chains in the Philippines in order to enjoy your night life in the Philippines.

1. 7 Eleven store – anywhere in the Philippines, this mini mart is always dependable whenever you need something at any hours and at any day. It is a 24/7 store.

2. Mini Stop – it is quite similar to 7 Eleven but is just a small one. It is also 24/7 store.

3. Jollibee – a Pinoy food chain which is open 24/7 on selected places.

4. McDonald –an International food chain which is open 24/7 on selected areas.

5. Wendy’s – also an international food chain which is open 24/7 on selected areas.

6. Shakey’s Pizza – a 24/7 Pizza chain on selected location in the Philippines, like Katipunan and Makati Avenue.

7. Uncle Moe’s – a 24/7 restaurant on Metro Manila Philippines.

8. Whistestop – it is a 24/7 restaurant.

Whistlestop Restaurant

9.  Burger Machine – it is 24/7 burger chain on selected places in the Philippines.

10. Yellow Cab – it is also a 24/7 pizza chain like Shakey’s Pizza.

11. Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro – it is also a restaurant but only opens between 11 a.m. and 5 a.m.

12. Route 196 – a resto music bar for those who want to chill with soothing and rock musics. It opens from 6 p.m. until 3 a. m.

There are still stores, chains and other establishments in the Philippines which is open either 24/7 or night shift only which I no longer include in my handful list because of some change of schedules.

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Not all highways and expressways in the Philippines are owned wholly by the Philippine government just like not all facilities and establishments erected were owned by the Philippine government though these were on the Philippine ground and utilize within the Philippine domains. Thus, for this reason, a tax exist on those private own properties in payment for using the privileges and land property of the Philippine government they use and access. This relationship does not only exist in the Philippines but also on every countries of the world. But sometimes, it does not go well on this kind of relationship because of conflict of interests of both parties wherein the innocent customers/people are the ones who suffers a lot.

Take for example, if the Philippine government tax greatly a private company, like the private roads in the Philippines (North Luzon Expressway[NLEx],South Luzon Expressway[SLEx],Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Coastal Road, and the Skyway) which the present administration (the Aquino Administration) have planned to do but was blocked by the Supreme Court of the Philippines – the private owners will transfer the burden of the government tax to the innocent civilian Filipinos by increasing the cost of their service, like the toll rates on private roads. Thus, the civilian Filipinos are the always innocent victims.

North Luzon Expressway

It seems, the Aquino administration have made mistake again in their plans to levied a 12 % VAT (value added tax) on private roads because it was blocked by the Supreme Court and some Filipino people wants the TRO (temporary restraining order) to be permanent, else the innocent motorists will suffer the increase toll rates.

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Every country in the world is not being spare by earthquakes including the Philippines. Like no other countries the Philippines has been struck and rock by both minor and major earth tremors or earthquakes, but recently, the southern part of the Philippines is struck again by another earthquake but this time it has a very interesting reason for the quake.

Earthquake Casualty

The southern part of the Philippines that has been struck by an earthquake is the part that is near the Kawio Islands, wherein the suspected culprit for the quake is an undersea volcano much taller than Philippines’s mt. Apo (the tallest mountain in the Philippines) and mt. Mayon and Indonesia’s taller mountains which lies beneath the Sulawesi Islands. The Sulawesi islands is said to be less than 500 kilometers away from Sarangani province in the Philippines, thus, affecting the southern part of the Philippines an earth tremors or earthquakes.

So what is this undersea volcano had to do with the earthquake? As it was reported, this undersea volcano is slowly rising up thus affecting the continents or land mass surrounding it which causes an earthquake on the land surface. This is really very interesting and mysterious natural phenomenon – a rising undersea volcano?

Computer Simulation Of the Undersea Volcano

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The increasing rate of young HIV-positive diagnosed people in the Philippines at the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, have compelled the Department of Health and the Department of Education to held a campaign to use condoms during a sexual acts and to include sex education on the curriculums of public elementary schools in the Philippines, respectively to avoid future outbreaks of AIDS among young Filipinos in the Philippines.

Sex Education Protest

However, these plans of the two major government departments of the Philippines has been again sharply opposed by the great hypocritical meddler and charlatan of the Philippine Republic – the CBCP (Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines; the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines) –wherein the republic of the Philippines cannot meddle in their affairs vice versa because they excuse that they are “servants of God” and the republic of the Philippines will be guilty of instigating a “servant of God”. Actually, the roman Catholic Church have no any right to dictate on the affairs of the state since it is just a mere religion like the other religions in the Philippines, and should not act as if she is the only one who knows what is right and wrong for a state or country.

CBCP Office

Anyway, sex education or teaching the basic of sex and its complications and consequences when done early in life to young minds, scientifically and not vulgarly of course, is not harmful and will not let them go maniac toward sex contrary to the malicious minds of the CBCP that according to them, it will only lead young Filipinos to engage more maniacally on sex, which is of course not true because the CBCP was ignorant to the fact that sex education is being push through on the curriculums of the public elementary school in the Philippines because the young Filipinos are engaged maniacally on sex already without any right education about it, that is why there is an increase of young Filipinos being infected by HIV or sexually transmitted disease due to lack of knowledge regarding the consequences of it.

Moreover, of course the Department of Health and the Department of Education will not teach sex education in a more vulgar way contrary to the narrow-minded Catholic Bishops of the CBCP who are thinking malicious thoughts regarding the plan for sex education.

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TV viewing in the Philippines is never free of corruption and moral hypocrisy creeping into the unsuspecting minds of ordinary Pilipino viewers. Media is really a powerful medium that could either give right information or false information to the viewing public, thus because of this capability, the two giant TV networks in the Philippines took advantage and exploit this medium when they incessantly maligning each other through their respective networks ad their fight to be the number One TV network in the Philippines; it just only mellow this year 2010.These two giant TV networks in the Philippines that dominates the percentage of TV viewership in the Philippines are ABS-CBN Channel 2 (the so-called “Kapamilya Network” and GMA Channel 7 ( the so-called “Kapuso Network”).

Their more recent fight as I remember it is somewhere 2004-2009 (early 2009).These years were their intense fight. Of course, because at year 2004,GMA Channel 7 has finally or have snatched the No.1 slot on TV ratings from decades of  ABS-CBN Channel 2 on the No.1 slot; when GMA Channel  7 “copies” the so-called “fantaseryes” or mini-fantasy drama series of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Both TV networks then accused one another of cheating the TV ratings by inserting an electronic gadget on every household when both do promotional caravans that influence the viewership on a specific house. Moreover, both also accused one another of bribing money in their respective promotional caravans to influence the people in specific barangay to change the channel they are watching.

Furthermore, they also file lawsuits against one another, yet they hypocritically promote brotherly love and what they so-called “of the Truth, for the Truth” in their respective TV shows and programs.

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