February 27, 2006

Amazing Race Asia

by , in
Dear Me,

I was browsing
AXN Asia and I got pretty excited. Finally, Asia has its own version of Amazing Race! Now, I am really raring to know who will represent the Philippines! *overjoyed*

Watching AR really gives me this kind of high. I guess everyone does, too. :)




The Amazing Race wants you!

Your chance to be a part of the biggest, boldest adventure of a lifetime – THE AMAZING RACE ASIA!

Singapore, 13 February 2006 – Ever wonder what it would be like to race against time across countries with only a backpack to your name? Does the thought of journeying through uncharted territory send a shiver of excitement down your spine? How about negotiating a taxi ride using sign language just because the driver doesn't speak your language? If you’ve answered yes to the above, The Amazing Race Asia wants you!

From 15 February 2006 to 15 March 2006, AXN is on the lookout for participants to join The Amazing Race Asia, the very first “made in Asia for Asia” version of the hugely popular globetrotting reality series, The Amazing Race. Fulfilling the aspirations of millions of die-hard Asian fans, a total of 10-12 teams will be selected to participate in the race (to be produced in a series of 13 episodes) – right on our very doorsteps! Each team will comprise two people with a pre-existing relationship, and the participants must be living or working in Asia (excluding Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Middle East). All contestants are required to be 21 years and above; must be able to speak English, as well as possess both a valid driving licence and international passport. The first pair across the finishing line will be awarded US$100,000 in prize money.

With a total reach of over 77 million homes across Asia, The Amazing Race has become a signature series on AXN with millions of viewers tuning in to each episode. Many have become such ardent fans that they have sent in numerous requests to AXN, expressing their desire to be a part of the phenomenal show.

That chance has finally arrived. Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks - Asia, explains, "The Amazing Race Asia fulfils the aspirations of millions of die-hard Asian fans, offering viewers in Asia the chance of a lifetime to be a part of the Race. The series is AXN’s biggest original production initiative to date and will span the width of our footprint in Asia not only in terms of production efforts, but also in terms of the level of participation by Asians, the overall sales and marketing, advertising and promotion campaign for this show. I am proud to say that The Amazing Race Asia will truly be a production made in Asia for Asians."

For more information, please visit this link: http://www.axn-asia.com/buzzsites/the_amazing_race_asia/
February 27, 2006

Book List Update (February) - i

by , in
Dear Me,

I am keeping up with my promise to finish reading my piled-up-high books. Anyway, I got an update. =)




February 2006
. 4th of July by James Patterson
. 3rd Degree by James Patterson

January 2006
. Still Waters by Tami Hoag




. Vixen 03 by Clive Cussler
. The Secret Language of Girlfriends by Karen Neuburger




Book Synopsis

4th of July by James Patterson

Bright, tough SFPD Lt. Lindsay Boxer is battling police brutality charges while chasing down a clan of murderers. When a botched police arrest of two gun-toting minors expands from a shaky preliminary hearing to what promises to be a nerve-rattling jury trial of Lindsay, she flees the pre-trial media frenzy for the serene
haven of sister Cat's house in Half Moon Bay. But instead of finding relaxation and romance with her Homeland Security beau, Lindsay becomes embroiled in the ruthless crimes of a troika of killers who've been slashing and flogging victims all over town.

With surprisingly little aid from the Murder Club, Lindsay performs her detective handiwork (and steps on the toes of Half Moon's police chief). As more bodies surface, sketchy suspects like a smitten grease monkey and a slimy porn star emerge, then the murderous threesome set their sights on Lindsay.

3rd Degree by James Patterson

While jogging with her dog, Lindsay witnesses a bomb explosion that levels a house and kills several people inside. A group calling itself "August Spies" takes credit for the blast.

Lindsay learns the August Spies have a horrifying agenda, using gruesome homicidal acts to target corporate greed. They must be stopped before the world’s high-profile economic leaders meet in San Francisco for the G-8 conference.

Still Waters by Tami Hoag
The deepest waters hide the darkest secrets.
Life's a bitch and then you die.

When Elizabeth Stuart starts looking for a new home for herself and her son, somewhere she can recover from a particularly bruising divorce, Still Creek seems the answer to her dreams. Hidden in the lush Amish farmlands of Minnesota, Still Creek offers a sanctuary to the splintered family who look forward to settling down there. But on their arrival the locals are distinctly cool to the newcomers. And when Elizabeth becomes involved in a murder case, she realises that there is a lot more to life in Still Creek than meets the eye.
February 27, 2006

Lucky

by , in
Dear Me,

I felt lucky. Who wouldn't? I got most of these stuff for free.



The Secret Language of Girlfriends from FullyBooked


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory notebook & VCD,
Rumor Has It Vanity Kit from PX
February 27, 2006

Phone Calls

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Dear Me,

While I was in Iligan for business, I got two unexpected calls: WORK. I was due for an exam and an interview, respectively. Unfortunately, I begged off because I would still be in Iligan then. Anyway, I don't actually regret it because I know they will call again. :) They're persistent. Hehehe.

I can face all these job requirements by next week. I will be free from work demands, I guess.

Oops, I need to visit
UP soon. I have to acquire that application form.

Also, I need to brush up my basic math skills: percentage, fraction, decimals, etc. I am slated for an exam which I can schedule depending on my availability. I can do the basic but I'm not so sure now. Hehehe.

I hope my life gets back on track.
February 24, 2006

Going Home

by , in
Dear Me,

I'm flying back to Manila tomorrow, from Iligan! =)
February 18, 2006

Nice Reads About Mountaineering/Climbing

by , in
Dear Me,

Either I was supposed to be out of the house today to take that qualifying exam or stay in the house to clean my ultra-mega messy room and do the laundry; but I am just here at the house - right in front of my computer. Doing what? Surfing, reading other people's lives penned in their blogs, playing Zuma, cleaning my
yahoo inbox and blogging.

Anyway, I was surfing about mountaineering and I thought of sharing these nice reads.
February 18, 2006

5th BE Renter

by , in
Dear Me,

It's time to say hullo to my new
BE renter of the week, Life As Lou.

The owner of the blog is a woman of many things. Lou weaves interesting tales of her life as a mom to 2 adorable kids and a wife to an Air Force man; a woman of many things.

Wanna know her more? Gear that mouse at the topmost part of the right sidebar of this blog, then click it. =)
February 16, 2006

Tips For Happiness

by , in
Dear Me,

I was browsing through this online magazine and came across this article. What do you say? Some tips for happiness.
  1. Make mistakes. If you don't make mistakes, you're not really doing your best.
  2. Do your best.
  3. Tell your parents and children at least once a year what you really think.
  4. One evening a week unplug everything and turn off the phone. Light candles, drink wine and eat nuts.
  5. Buy two hammocks: one for the garden and one for (inside your) house.
  6. Every so often when you're out walking, put some change in a parking metre that's nearly empty.
  7. Think about how you want to live on in the memories of family and friends. Try to find ways to live up to that image.
  8. Let the phone ring a couple of times before answering.
  9. Dance in the elevator when you're alone.
  10. Don't be fanatic about anything.
My version of #9 in the elevator is this --->
February 16, 2006

Not A Freebie Anymore

by , in
Dear Me,

I was reading the technews and came across this article. I'm a very active user of
Yahoo and I really like its features, better than Gmail. But I guess, there will always be a trade-off. Who knows? Gmail will be grand someday.
Yahoo and AOL to Charge for Emails
Yahoo and AOL is reportedly implementing a new system that will charge its users for using their email service. The decision is to carve out spams, scams and other unwanted emails. Non-paying senders will still be accepted but paying users will be given first priority. Analysts are quick to say that the decision might disappoint current users of Yahoo and AOL. Once users failed to receive their emails, there is a big possibility that users will transfer to other free web-based email like Gmail.
February 16, 2006

DoT's Road Trips

by , in
Dear Me,

I am really beginning to love the administration of
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. The guy is aggressive and pro-active, very dedicated to his work. Keep it up, Sir. =)
The Department of Tourism has this new thing for promoting backpacker type road trips. This was based on a study that showed that most yuppies today would rather spend their weekends in the mall or indoors, mainly due to the lack of information on how to...take a road trip.

So now, DOT has scheduled 3 Road Trips, the project called ROAD TO ADVENTURE '06. Each trip different from the other, each one with a certain rush, each one making the most of what the outdoors has to offer.

Who can join? Anyone interested in tasting a bit of the outdoor life :) How much to join? The basics, transportation, resort entrance (for areas with resorts), local guide fees. Roughly 500 to 800 per weekend, depending on the location.

How to join? If you are familiar with the road trip, or area, just show up on the dates :) If not, come over to Power Up Pasig for the pre-event briefing. To be given out there: Tips on what to bring, road maps and directions, what to expect, etc.

What to expect? At the pre-event briefings and at the various event sites, there will be guides and experienced outdoors people who will handle your queries on how to enjoy life in the outdoors. From catching a wave, to taking a s***t in the mountain. :)

As for the socials? Music is an integral part of our lifestyle. Definitely...there will be music. :)

SO WHAT ARE THE TRIPS?

Feb 25-26. Surf to Freedom. Crystal Beach, San Narciso, Zambales
Pre-event briefing: Feb 22

April 1-2. Turo turo sa Montalban II. Wawa, Montalban
Pre-event briefing: March 29

May 6-7. Manalmon Bouldering. Madlum Cave Area, San Miguel Bulacan
Pre-event briefing: May 3

For any questions, call Clariezl of Power Up QC at 02-9327273 or Paul of Power UP Pasig at 02-6314675.
February 16, 2006

I Flopped

by , in
Dear Me,

I thought I was ready for the new shift. Guess not. I didn't even do my best nor make an effort to do so. I failed my first take in job application. I failed my simulation exam at
Convergys two Saturdays ago. I was sloppy with time. I even dared to take a few minutes out of my restricted time just to pee. Who can blame me? I really need to pee. But I should have done it before the exam, knowing I had to later on. But I didn't.

Last Monday, I took this exam at
AMN. This girl whom I had been corresponding with provided the batch I was with some great tips on how to answer the exam. And oh boy, I thought I'll pass it with flying colors. I didn't. I still don't have the results but I kow I failed. Not that I am being pessimistic but just realistic. To pass, I need 6 correct answers and I only answered 3. Sure, they were hard but if only I did my best...I knew I didn't.

Convergys asked me to re-take the exam the following Saturday but I didn't show up. Guess it was my pride; embarassed to admit that I will be taking the simulation exam for the second time. But you know what, I got thrilled in taking the exam. It was something new. I still have this curiosity about working my butt off at call centers. After all, I'm game in having a career shift, ain't I? :)

Oops, someone I know from college got in. He passed the simulation and had the interview. He signed the contract this afternoon. Hmm. I wish him well.

Yesterday afternoon, I got a call from
ePERFORMAX. My goodness. I was at the office and I got panicky. A phone interview within earshot of my bosses? I left my work station and went to the library, which at that time was empty of 'eavesdroppers'. Hehehe. The phone interview went well and it was sort of funny, I think. :) I was given a schedule for exam but the date was impossible. I was told to contact him soon as I'm able to.

Another thing was I sent an application to
HSBC. I got a quick reply via email and was instructed to email back with my preferred schedule of exam at their offices, either in Makati or Alabang. I haven't replied yet since I will be out of the office for the next two weeks due to my projects.

There are just some things I have to put on hold at the moment. And let my career life sucks.
February 15, 2006

Love Quotes For Me

by , in
Dear Me,

I couldn't help but smile. This lady from a lively yahoogroup has been very nice with me; thoughtful in fact. She knew more about me than I did about her. All I know is that she used to live in Baguio but now resides in the US. Aside from that, she has children of her own. Anyway, she addressed this to me:
Love is knowing you will spend every day, of every week, of every month, of every year for the rest of your life with this person, and thinking, "This is exactly what I want."
Isn't she sweet? =)
February 14, 2006

Book List Update (February)

by , in
Dear Me,

Having this list pressures me to read more and be focused on it. Anyway, I got an update. =)




February 2006
. 3rd Degree by James Patterson

January 2006
. Still Waters by Tami Hoag




. 4th of July by James Patterson
. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy




Book Synopsis

3rd Degree by James Patterson

While jogging with her dog, Lindsay witnesses a bomb explosion that levels a house and kills several people inside. A group calling itself "August Spies" takes credit for the blast.

Lindsay learns the August Spies have a horrifying agenda, using gruesome homicidal acts to target corporate greed. They must be stopped before the world’s high-profile economic leaders meet in San Francisco for the G-8 conference.

Still Waters by Tami Hoag
The deepest waters hide the darkest secrets.
Life's a bitch and then you die.

When Elizabeth Stuart starts looking for a new home for herself and her son, somewhere she can recover from a particularly bruising divorce, Still Creek seems the answer to her dreams. Hidden in the lush Amish farmlands of Minnesota, Still Creek offers a sanctuary to the splintered family who look forward to settling down there. But on their arrival the locals are distinctly cool to the newcomers. And when Elizabeth becomes involved in a murder case, she realises that there is a lot more to life in Still Creek than meets the eye.
February 14, 2006

Of Hearts, Love, Flowers

by , in
Dear Me,

Not that I am celebrating this so-called Hearts' Day that makes Hallmark and these chocolate shops richer, but I love the idea. It brings out the sweeter side of everyone. :)

Coinciding this day, I put up new quotes about
love in my right sidebar.

I was also reading through and I came across some cute, touching lines.
I love the way you touch me
so soft and sensuously.
It makes me tingle all over.

I love the way you kiss me.
It starts a fire deep down inside of me
and makes me yearn for you even more.

I love the way you look at me.
It makes me feel beautiful and treasured.
Most of all I love the way you love me.

When you walk in my whole day gets better.
And even when you're not with me
you're in my thoughts always.

It doesn't matter what we don't have or what we do have.
The most important thing is we have each other
and no one can take that away.

I am the luckiest woman in the world
and I don't need or want anything
but you beside me loving me to the end of our days.

A Love Like No Other

I never felt a love
Like this before
It's a love like no other
Something I have always hoped for

A love with friendship
Humour and heart
A bond so strong
It would never part

A love that makes you smile
From ear to ear
A love that is joyful
Without any fear

A love that is beautiful
From the inside out
A love with no tears,
Pain, or doubt

A love with soul
So tender and true
A love that I have found
Only in you...



All I ever wanted was to be part of your heart,
And for us to be together, to never be apart.

No one else in the world can even compare,
You're perfect and so is this love that we share.

We have so much more than I ever thought we would,
I love you more than I ever thought I could.

I promise to give you all I have to give,
I'll do anything for you as long as I live.

In your eyes I see our present, our future and past,
By the way you look at me I know we will last.

I hope that one day you'll come to realize,
How perfect you are when seen through my eyes.
And this one is my favorite, composed by a poet I truly admire, Helen Steiner Rice.
Love is like magic
And it always will be.
For love still remains
Life's sweet mystery!!
Love works in ways
That are wondrous and strange
And there's nothing in life
That love cannot change!!
Love can transform
The most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor
And sweetness and grace.
Love is unselfish,
Understanding and kind,
For it sees with its heart
And not with its mind!!
Love is the answer
That everyone seeks...
Love is the language,
That every heart speaks.
Love can't be bought,
It is priceless and free,
Love, like pure magic,
Is life's sweet mystery!
To my dear papi, I thank God for having you. Love you and thanks for the flowers. :)
February 13, 2006

4th BE Renter

by , in
Dear Me,

I know that her stay here is almost over but I subscribe to the saying, "better late than never." So, let me welcome my
BE renter of the week, The Rock Bitch.

At first, I was hesitant to let her in but I decided to read on what she usually bitches about. In totality, I find them fun and shocking, too liberated but real. Mind you, she does her bitching with style. =)

Click that small red box at the topmost portion of the right sidebar; click not if you can't stand some profanities. Tell her that I sent you. :)
February 07, 2006

Cute Babies

by , in
Dear Me,

I can't help myself. Everytime I see these wacky photos, I can't suppress myself from laughing out loud. Goodness. My boss has been wanting to ask me, I guess. I can see him from behind through my mirror.



hmmmm. bagay ba?


huhuhu! Ginawan ko na nga kayo ng target...pati ako tinira nyo!


eh sa feel ko na dito ako si-sexy eh.


haayyyyyy!!! Kaya pala panay punta ni papa sa sauna...


waahhhhhh! Sabi nyo pusa yan!


This is my most favorite photo.


Ano bah! Kulit mo ah! Sabi nang wag gagalawin ang buhok ko eh!
February 07, 2006

Blog Review

by , in
Dear Me,

I was so surprised. Somebody reviewed my blog. Though the review wasn't that great, still somebody took a time off to browse the nonsense blah-blah I wrote here.

I just wonder why they posted a photo depicting the carved stone image of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. By the way, this stone image is located along Marcos Highway leading to Baguio City and was blasted to destruction a few years ago.
February 07, 2006

Handwriting

by , in
Dear Me,

I came across this thing from somewhere. Check it out.


Handwriting Analysis

You plan ahead and are interested in beauty, design,
outward appearance and symmetry.
You are a social person who likes to talk and meet others.
You are affectionate, passionate, expressive and future-oriented.
You are a talkative person, maybe even a busybody!
You enjoy life in your own way and
do not depend on the opinions of others.

What does your handwriting say about YOU?
February 07, 2006

Live Your Life

by , in
Dear Me,

This article just came from my inbox. I thought it would be nice to post it here so people who pass by might be interested to read it.
Commencement speech made by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen at Villanova University:

I'm a novelist. My work is human nature. Real life is all I know. Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work. You will walk out of here this afternoon with only one thing that no one else has. There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree; there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living. But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life. Your particular life. Your entire life. Not just your life at a desk, or your life on a bus, or in a car, or at the computer. Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your heart. Not just your bank account but your soul. People don't talk about the soul very much anymore. It's so much easier to write a resume than to craft a spirit. But a resume is cold comfort on a winter night, or when you're sad, or broke, or lonely, or when you've gotten back the test results and they're not so good.

Here is my resume: I am a good mother to three children. I have tried never to let my profession stand in the way of being a good parent. I no longer consider myself the center of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make my marriage vows mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends, and they to me. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today, because I would be a cardboard cutout. But I call them on the phone, and I meet them for lunch. I would be rotten, or at best mediocre at my job, if those other things were not true. You cannot be really first rate at your work if your work is all you are. So here's what I wanted to tell you today:

Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger pay-check, the larger house. Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your breast? Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over Seaside Heights, a life in which you stop and watch how a red tailed hawk circles over the water or the way a baby scowls with concentration when she tries to pick up a Cheerio with her thumb and first finger. Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you.

And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter. Get a life in which you are generous. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beers and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough. It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, our minutes. It is so easy to take for granted the color of our kids' eyes, the way the melody in a symphony rises and falls and disappears and rises again. It is so easy to exist instead of to live. I learned to live many years ago. I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get. I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and utterly. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned. By telling them this: Consider the lilies of the field. Look at the fuzz on a baby's ear. Read in the backyard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and
passion as it ought to be lived.
February 03, 2006

Book List

by , in
Dear Me,

I am making an archive...of books that I have read and will be reading thereafter. Beginning this year, of course; meaning discounting the books I have read before.

So, why am I doing this?
  • I keep on buying books even though I still have stacks to read.
  • To re-instill the discipline that I once had (I mean, enjoying a book for only 2 days.
  • I want to make a list. Period.

The list will be divided into 2 categories: (1) Books That I've Read and (2) Books Lined-up For Reading. There will be no book reviews but synopses of the books read will be provided.

Hehehe. Toxic, no? =)




January 2006
. Still Waters by Tami Hoag




. 3rd Degree by James Patterson
. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy




Book Synopsis

Still Waters by Tami Hoag
The deepest waters hide the darkest secrets.
Life's a bitch and then you die.

When Elizabeth Stuart starts looking for a new home for herself and her son, somewhere she can recover from a particularly bruising divorce, Still Creek seems the answer to her dreams. Hidden in the lush Amish farmlands of Minnesota, Still Creek offers a sanctuary to the splintered family who look forward to settling down there. But on their arrival the locals are distinctly cool to the newcomers. And when Elizabeth becomes involved in a murder case, she realises that there is a lot more to life in Still Creek than meets the eye.
February 02, 2006

Sidebar Update

by , in
Dear Me,

It's time to update some portions of my sidebar.
  • Be Inspired ---> I got an idea last night. Instead of posting various quotes at a time, I decided to focus on a certain theme everytime I update this part. For this week, HAPPINESS is my theme. Hopefully, I can update this on a weekly basis.

  • Listening To ---> From Avril Lavigne's I'm With You, I am shifting to Josh Groban's soulful To Where You Are. I've been hearing this song for quite a time and I really didn't know its title nor the person who sang it then. Goodness. The song gives me goosebumps of some kind. The lyrics cuts through my inner being, stirring inside the depths of my soul. So powerful and moving... I love this part:

    And I believe
    That angels breathe
    And that love will live on and never leave

    Fly me up
    To where you are
    Beyond the distant star
    I wish upon tonight
    To see you smile
    If only for awhile
    To know you're there
    A breath away's not far
    To where you are

    And when I die, I want this song in my funeral march's repertoire of songs.

  • Watching DVD/VCD ---> Already finished the Season 1 of House. I'm now shifting to movies. I still have lots to watch; old ones, that is. Here are the line-ups:
    Catch That Kid (2004)
    How High (2001)
    Big Fish (2004)

  • Book Corner ---> Due to my busy sched, reading a book almost takes me a week to finish. And finally, I am now able to put down Tami Hoag's Still Waters. At the moment, I am reading 3rd Degree by James Patterson. From hereon, I am planning to have a list of books that I have read. Meantime, I don't think I can outrightly provide a book review. Just a list first.
February 02, 2006

Weird

by , in
Dear Me,

I was busy munching this orange jelly candy when the phone rang. It kept on ringing and when I checked, everyone had a piece in their ears. There was no choice for me but to swallow that candy (much to my disappointment) and picked up that phone.

Me: thank you for calling ____. Good afternoon.
caller: hello. this is from _______.
Me: (didn't actually understand where he was from) Yes? How may I help you, sir?
caller: who's on the line, please?
Me: (brows frowning, I gave him my name). Sir....?
caller: "line went dead."

I really wondered why he called. Hmm. It was a nonsense call and I gave up my yummy orange jelly candy for that.
February 01, 2006

Random Musings

by , in
Dear Me,

So I was instructed to stay at my little, messy corner here at work. Despite having two ongoing projects, I am letting my a** rest for a while. The field work is taking its toll on me. I think I am getting older each day. Yesterday, I had to be in Subic so early in the morning and had to come back at the office by 5pm. Goodness.

Of course, I am working today. I have to pay attention in preparing for three more projects slated by mid-February. Aside from that, I have to clean up the clutter on my desk, check and reply to my corporate email messages, etc.

I just can't wait till the time comes that I will be lying down my back to sleep. Hehehe. I miss sleeping.





Since I have been very busy lately and always out of the office, the daily news update had flooded my inbox. For today, the news about the implementation of the 12% evat and its effects hounds every broadsheet in the country.
12% VAT now in effect
A 12% value added tax (VAT) takes effect today after President Arroyo yesterday ordered a two-percentage point increase in the tax rate. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita informed Finance Secretary Margarito Teves through a January 31 memorandum that the latter's recommendation to raise the VAT rate to 12% from 10% was approved by Mrs. Arroyo.

And the forecast for the economy;
Economy likely to slow down this quarter
Economic activity is likely to slow down this quarter, as consumers and businesses wait to see the impact of the two-percentage point hike in value-added tax (VAT) that takes effect today, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said in a statement yesterday.

And the reaction and effect.
Oil, power, fare rates up
Effective today, the prices of diesel and gasoline will go up by 60 to 70 centavos a liter and power rates in the franchise area of Manila Electric Co. by an average of 10 centavos per kilowatt-hour because of the increase in the rate of the expanded value-added tax (VAT) from 10 percent to 12 percent. Albay Representative Joey Salceda, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's economic adviser, described the 12-percent VAT rate as a short-term pain for long-term growth to address poverty.
With the onset of the implementation of e-vat of 12% from 10%, it's 100% guarantee that everything we purchase from hereon will be higher than before.

Eh, ang sweldo kaya natin? *hmm* *Asa ka pa.*

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