Monday, June 30, 2014

Ramadan 2014 Started Already

  1. Ramadan started already on 28 June 2014.
  2. For 29 to 30 days, all Muslims perform the Sawm, or fasting or consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.
  3. All Muslims fast and practice abstinence from dawn until sunset and breaking the fast at about 6 p.m. 
  4. Muslims break their fast with a light meal called Iftar.
  5. Sawm or fasting is considered as one of the “Five Pillars of Islam"
  6. Ramadan marks the anniversary of the Quran, the Muslim’s Holy Book being revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
  7. Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new moon. It starts at sunset, or “rukya,” when the moon is spotted, and goes on until the next new moon appears.
  8. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Hijra or the Islamic calendar.
  9. Ramadan starts with the celebration called Hilal consisting of feasting and prayer.
  10. A typical Ramadan day of a Muslim would start very early in the morning at around 3:00am to eat Suhoor (also called Shuhur) or the pre-dawn meal consumed before the Fajr (dawn) prayer.
  11. The Holy month or Ramadan ends with the three-day (3-day) Eid’l Fitr or Eid al-Fitr Festival, which is sometimes abbreviated as Eid and marks the beginning of the month Shawwal. Salatul Eid is a special prayer done on the day of the Eid al-Fitr.
  12. Hariraya Puwasa or Hari Raya Puasa or the end of Ramadan will be on 28 July 2014.
Image from http://www.coolfreeimages.net/ramdan.php

References:
 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

12 Benefits of Air Humidifier

Humidity refers to the amount of atmospheric water vapor, and humidifiers are devices that increase it. Indoor humidity levels should ideally remain between 30 and 50 percent. Levels can be monitored with a device called a hygrometer, and many humidifiers have them built in.

  1. Maintain Health - Maintaining an ideal humidity level in the home can be a preventative measure against getting sick because dry air is the perfect breeding ground for many viruses that cause flu and cold symptoms.
  2. Relieve Sinusitis - Sinuses cannot dry out and function properly if the air is too dry.
  3. Aids Faster Healing - The humidifier keeps your nasal passage lubricated which aids the healing of diseases like cold, asthma or allergies.
  4. Stops Nasal Bleeding - Keeping your nasal canal lubricated and moist is essential to stop bleeding from your nose because excess dry weather can sometimes result in nose bleeding.
  5. Prevents Snoring - The moisture of the humidifier prevents drying of the throat which causes snoring
  6. Takes Care of Your Skin - A humidifier can keep our skin moist and smooth because our skin suffers from lack of moisture due to the dry condition of the weather which results to formation of cracks.
  7. Protects your Furniture - An air humidifier resists excess drying of furniture that protects them from cracking and peeling.
  8. Reduces Heating Bills - An air humidifier makes your body feel warmer and more comfortable which in turn reduces your heating bills.
  9. Prevents Static Shock - A humidifier protects you from static shock by minimizing static electricity in your home.
  10. Healthy Environment for Indoor Plants – Many indoor plants require humidity to survive, or else their leaves will dry out and turn brown. Watering indoor plants more often is not the answer and may cause root rot and plant death. The best solution is to moisten the air around the plants with a humidifier.
  11. Sooths the Throat and Nose – Moist air can keep mucus membranes from drying out, which is a primary cause of a stuffy nose and sore throat.
  12. Helps Babies Sleep and Feel Better – Properly humidified air reduces dust and the drying of air passages, which impact breathing and sleep. A baby tends to be more comfortable and sleep better in a humidified environment, which provides a restful night for everyone in the house.
References:

The Benefits of an Air Humidifier
Humidifiers: Your Skin’s Best Friend
Humidifiers can help stop snoring and 9 other benefits of humidifying your home
8 Must Know Benefits of an Air Humidifier

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Ekstra

Ekstra
  1. Also known as The Bit Player
  2. A socio-realist drama-comedy film that pays tribute to all bit players or "extras".
  3. The protagonist "bit player", Loida Malabanan, is played by none other than Vilma Santos who is one of the most prominent actresses in the Philippines for decades already.
  4. The film follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra. As the shoot goes on, we get a glimpse of the truth in the ruling system of the production as well as the exploitation of the marginalized laborers like her.
  5. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian.
  6. Director Jeffrey Jeturian's 9th full-length film and his second for Cinemalaya’s Directors Showcase.
  7. Had its international premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, set from September 5 to 15, under Contemporary World Cinema section.
  8. Jeffrey Jeturian, a solid "Vilmanian", graduated from the broadcast communication program of UP Diliman in 1983 and it took him almost 30 years to realized his dream of directing Vilma Santos.
  9. The film was somehow autobiographical in nature to the life of the director, Jeffrey Jeturian, who also patiently swallow his pride just to earn a pittance to support his family and also had difficulties making ends' meet in the early days of his career. Jeturian was a production assistant, script continuity, art director, production designer, and eventually assistant director before he became what he is now, a celebrated director.
  10. 13th Dhaka International Film Festival awardee for Best Actress, Vilma Santos
  11. Gawad Tanglaw Awards 2014 awardee for Best Actress, Vilma Santos
  12. 2013 Cinemalaya Film Festival, Directors Showcase, awardee for:
    • Special Jury Prize
    • Audience Choice
    • NETPAC Award
    • Best Actress – Vilma Santos
    • Best Supporting Actress – Ruby Ruiz
    • Best Screenplay
    • Nominated–Best Film


References:

The Bit Player
Movie Review: Ekstra (The Bit Player)
Movie review: 'Ekstra' exalts the lowly bit players, raps 'studio system'
Ekstra
Ekstra (2013)
Ekstra (2013) IMDB

Friday, June 27, 2014

Network Connection Configuration

Today was supposed to be the last day of waiting before my Computer Hardware Servicing NC II examination. Then, I received a text message informing me that the said exam was rescheduled to 4 July 2014. It was half-relief for me because I will still have enough time to review for another week. It was half-eagerness for me too because I already want to finish it and relax but maybe it was my destiny to review more. I also have to file for another leave because it was scheduled on a Friday which is still a working day.

Anyway, this is part of my review on how to configure network connection in Windows XP.
  1. Click on the Start menu. 
  2. Click on Control Panel. 
  3. When the Control Panel window opens, you will see items in either Category View (continue with step #3) or Classic View (skip to item #4).
  4. Find and double-click on the Network and Internet connection icon. 
  5. Next, find and double-click on the Network Connections icon, a window will open with all network connections available on the computer (wired and wireless). 
  6. Find the network connection you want to manually configure, right-click on it and select Properties from the pop-up menu. 
  7. In the Connection Properties window, under the section labeled This connection uses the following items: find the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item and double-click it. 
  8. A new window will open, select the second radio button which is labeled Use the following IP address.
  9. Enter the appropriate IP address (192.168.0.1); subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0); and gateway (the router or proxy server address).
  10. The next part of the windows will now have a radio button selected which is labeled Use the following DNS server addresses
  11. If you need to access the Internet, enter the DNS addresses provided by your ISP; if you do not have that information you can use the OpenDNS server. Their DNS addresses are: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 
  12. After entering the required information, click the OK button twice and close the Control Panel window.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

12 Basic Mobo Parts

Two days before my TESDA Computer Hardware Servicing (National Certificate) NC II examination. This is part of my review for the said assessment.

12 Basic Parts of a Mobo (slang for Motherboard):
  1. I/O ports - this is located in the rear panel of the CPU. This is use to connect the outside hardware or peripherals of the computer.
  2. ATX Power Connectors:
    1. ATX Power connector (4 pin) - this is use to connect the 4 pin of the power supply unit (PSU) .This is separate of the 20 or 24 pin of ATX power supply to provide DC voltage of computer processor.
    2. ATX Power connector (24 or 28 pin)- a group of connector of the MOBO, This is separate of the 4 pin power assignments. Its provide a DC power output to the system board(SB)from the output of the Power Supply Unit.
  3. Processor’s ZIF Socket - part of MOBO which is use to hold the processor or CPU chip (Zero Insertion Force). The compatibility of the socket depends on the computer processor type such as the AM2 socket of the AMD and the socket 775 of the Intel company.
  4. Memory slot (DIMM) - this is called Dual Inline Memory Module which is the computer's memory slot or what we call RAM. The memory slot depends on the type of the memory such as the PC 133 SDRAM and PC 400 SDRAM-DDR 1.
  5. CMOS/BIOS jumper - this is use to disable the BIOS default setup such as disabling the supervisor password of the BIOS.
  6. IDE connector (Integrated Drive Electronics) - this is use to connect the IDE cable of the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or CD/DVD ROM to the motherboard IDE.
  7. SATA connector - this is Serial Advance Technology Attachment. The new standard of the IDE connection array of the computer HDD (SATA HDD) to the motherboard system.
  8. FDD connector - the connector of the FDD cable through the system board. Normally there are 34 pins out of it to connect the 3.5” 1.44mb Floppy Disk Drive.
  9. Front panel connectors (F-Panel) - this is use to connect the Power LED, HDD LED, Power Switch and Reset switch of the computer system unit(CPU).
  10. PCI slots - part of the computer motherboard that is use to connect the I/O cards of the computer such as LAN card, WIFI card, USB expansion card and sound card.
  11. PCI express slot - part of the computer that holds the computer video card (VGA), the PCIe card. The latest card used which is most compatible with 3D and 4G gaming of the computer. (The old video card type is the AGP or Accelerated Graphic Ports.
  12. Controller Hubs:
    1. North Bridge IC - another name of the north bridge is Memory Controller Hub (MCH) which is assigned to manage and control the computer memory before the processing of the CPU chip.
    2. South Bridge IC - another name of the south bridge is I/O Controller Hub (ICH) which is a microchip tasked to control all the input and output devices of the computer such as the keyboard and mouse, the monitor screen of the computer, that is commonly found at the back of the CPU or system unit.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

12 OHS Procedures for Computer Hardware Servicing NC II

Three days before my examination in Computer Hardware Servicing NC II at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Saturday, 28 June 2014. This post is part of my review for the said assessment.

OHS or Occupational Health and Safety refers to the legislation, policies, procedures and activities that aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of all people at the workplace.

  1. Do not work alone so that there's someone who can take care of you in case of emergency.
  2. Always power off the computer and unplug the computer before working on it.
  3. Take away any liquid near your working area to avoid getting electrocuted or accidentally damaging computer parts.
  4. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
  5. Always ground or discharge yourself before touching any part of the computer.
  6. Do not use excessive force if things don't quite slip into place.
  7. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain sanitation and prevent accidents.
  8. Hold the components on the edges and do not touch the Integrated Circuit (IC) parts.
  9. Always wear personal protective equipments (PPE) in accordance with the organization's OHS procedures and practices.
  10. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when connecting a cable connector.
  11. Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized.
  12. Use brush, compressed air or blower in cleaning the computer system.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Manila 443rd Anniversary

It is holiday in the City of Manila today. A special non-working holiday based on Proclamanation No. 766 to commemorate the city's 443rd founding anniversary.

Below are Manila's ten-point agenda, vision and mission curated from the city's official website.

  • 1st Agenda: Job Creation and Livelihood Opportunities - additional work and employment.
  • 2nd Agenda: Peace and Order - programs against criminal activities.
  • 3rd Agenda: Education - widening and development of educational programs.
  • 4th Agenda: Economy - Markets, Seaport and Tourism - strengthening of business in the market, port area and tourism industry.
  • 5th Agenda: Housing and Settlement - develop housing programs in Manila.
  • 6th Agenda: Women and Child Protection; Special Program for Senior Citizens - programs for women, children and senior citizens.
  • 7th Agenda - Transparent Tax Collection and Public Expenditure - public awareness regarding tax collection and the city's expenses.
  • 8th Agenda - Health - Stop HIV/AIDS and TB - prevention and stoppage in the spread of human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and tuberculosis.
  • 9th Agenda - Environment - Clean and Green Spaces/Solid Waste Management - programs for a clean and green environment.
  • 10th Agenda - Disaster Risk Reduction Management - Emergency Response Action Program (Erap) for floods, typhoons, fires and earthquakes.
  • Vision - We see Manila as the premier city of the Philippines, mindful of its glorious past and conscious of its exciting future.
  • Mission - Our mission is to raise the bar on good government, set the pace in social services, empower the poor, forment discipline and order, invite investments, embark on relevant climate change adaptation programs, and in every respect foster an environment fertile for human and institutional development.
References:

TEN POINT AGENDA

Monday, June 23, 2014

DPWH 116th Anniversary

Today, 23 June 2014, is the celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways or Kagawaran ng mga Pagawain at Lansangang Pambayan.

Below are the 12 Historical Facts of DPWH based on the DPWH website:
  1. 1898 -  In 1896, after four (4) centuries of Spanish colonization, our Filipino forebears started the revolutionary movement and the struggle to gain freedom began.  On June 12, 1898, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.  The Organic Decree of the Philippine Revolutionary Government on June 23, 1898 issued by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo provided for the creation of four (4) Departments in the government, one of which was the DEPARTMENT OF WAR AND PUBLIC WORKS.
              Though once included in the Department of War, now Department of National Defense, its functions as builder and maintainer of roads, bridges and other public works structures are inherent in the present Department.  The inclusion of public works in the War and Department can be explained by the exigencies of the revolutionary period.  The construction of fortifications and trenches was needed in the cause for freedom which our heroes had fought for.
  2. 1902 -   When Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898, the public works and activities were placed under the U.S. Army engineers.  By virtue of Act No. 83 passed by the Philippine Commission on February 6, 1901, public works and projects were placed under the “Provincial Supervisions”.  In 1902, the Philippine Commission passed Act Nos. 222 and 268 creating the Department of Commerce and Police which gave birth to the Bureau of Engineering and Construction of public works and the Bureau of Architecture and Construction of public buildings.
  3. 1905 - Act No. 1401 of the Philippine Commission passed on October 4, 1905, abolished engineering districts and positions of district engineers.  On October 26 of the same year, however, by virtue of a Reorganization Act, the Bureau of Public Works was created and placed under the Department of Commerce and Police. Along with the economic growth of the country was the need for a more extensive road network that would penetrate the rural areas.  In order to achieve that end, provincial boards were created in 1907 with authority to collect double cedula taxes to finance the construction of provincial roads and bridges.  In addition, the national government appropriated P1,700,000 as aid to such constructions. 
  4. 1916 - A significant headway in the growth of the DPWH was the first appearance of motor vehicles in the Philippine highways in 1910.  Roads and bridges had to be kept in good condition at all times.  Naturally, there was a need for funds to keep the roads passable the whole year round.  To raise such needed funds, motor vehicles and drivers plying the highways were required to register with fee in 1921.  To keep pace with further development in transportation and communications, the Department of Commerce and Police was transformed into the Department of Commerce and Communications under Reorganization Act No. 2666 of 1916. 
  5. 1931 -   More development for the Department took place in 1931 when the Philippine Legislature passed on May 1 of that year Act No. 4007, renaming the Department of Commerce and Communications as Department of Public Works and Communications.  This Act, however, did not state the proper composition and functions of the DPWC.
               During the inauguration of the Commonwealth Government on November 15, 1935, a reorganization of the DPWC was undertaken.  Under the set up, it was composed of the Bureau of Public Works, Ports, Aeronautics, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Metropolitan Water District Division of Marine, Railway and Repair Shop, National Radio Broadcasting, Irrigation Council and Board of Examiners for Civil, Mechanical, Chemical and Mining Engineers.
              In 1941, outbreak of World War II, the DPWC and other government offices were practically abolished due to dislocation of manpower, lack of funds, materials and equipment, installation of enemy administration and the setting up of resistance movement.
                Resuming its operation in 1946, the DPWC started with limited human resources, funds, materials and equipment.  An office of the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads was set up to cooperate with the Philippine Bureau of Public Works in implementing the highway program as authorized by the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.
  6. 1951 -  The authority of the Department was further expanded when, in 1947, the Motor Vehicles Office was placed under its direct supervision.
                Under Executive Order No. 392 in 1951, the DPWC was again reconstituted to Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications (DPWTC) to include the Bureaus of Public Works, Posts, Telecommunications, Motor Vehicles Office, Irrigation Council, Flood Control Commission, Radio Control Board, National Transportation Board and Government Quarters Committee.
                Taking cognizance of the social impact of the road network to national growth, the Philippine Highway Act of 1953 or Republic Act No. 917 providing for an effective highway administration, modified apportionment of highway funds and gave aid to provinces and cities for the improvement and maintenance of roads and bridges.
  7. 1954 -  In relation to road and bridge construction and maintenance, the Bureau of Public Highways was created in 1954 by virtue of the Republic Act No. 1192 and placed under the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications.  This Act provided for a more effective management of the Philippine Highways under a Commissioner.  Active plans & programs were formulated & implemented.
                Upon the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, the Administration implemented the Integrated Reorganization Plan No. 1 on September 24, placing all the infrastructure functions of Bureaus and Offices under the DPWTC for simplicity and economy of operations.
  8. 1974 - The former Bureau of Public Highways was expanded and restructured into the Department of Public Highways (DPH) for a more effective administration of the country’s highway system through Administrative Order No. 2, dated July 1, 1974.
  9. 1976 -  With the shift in the form of government, national agencies were renamed from Departments to Ministries.  In 1976, DPWTC became Ministry of Public Works, Transportation and Communications (MPWTC) & DPH as Ministry of Public Highways (MPH).
  10. 1979 - On July 23, 1979 under Executive Order No. 546, MPWTC was again restructured into two (2) Ministries – the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), integrating all bureaus and offices concerned with public works functions and activities under the Ministry of Public Works.  The same went true with all offices involved in transportation and communications which were placed under the supervision and administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
  11. 1981 -  Under Executive Order No. 710 dated July 27, 1981, the Ministries of Public Works and Public Highways were merged for a more effective and sustained implementation of infrastructure projects.  Under the restructured set-up, the agency was known as the Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) with 14 regional offices, 94 districts and 60 city engineering offices, five (5) bureaus and six (6) service offices, in addition to corporations and councils attached to the Ministry for administrative supervision.
  12. 1987 -  Finally, by virtue of Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30, 1987, the agency is now known as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with five (5) bureaus, six (6) services, 16 regional offices, 24 project management offices, 16 regional equipment services and 118 district engineering offices.
                As the primary engineering and construction arm of the government, the DPWH is responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of infrastructures such as roads and bridges, flood control systems, water resource development projects and other public works in accordance with national objectives.
DPWH LOGO

DPWH CENTRAL OFFICE
References:
About Us Brief History 
Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

12 New Game Of Thrones Season 5 Characters


  1. Prince Doran Martell
  2. Obara Sand
  3. Nymeria Sand
  4. Tyene Sand
  5. Prince Trystane Martell
  6. Areo Hotah
  7. High Sparrow
  8. Septa Unella
  9. Maggy The Frog
  10. Lollys Stokeworth
  11. Yezzan
  12. The Waif
Reference:

Saturday, June 21, 2014

12 Ways To Win People

How To Win People

  1. The only way to get the best out of an argument is to avoid it.
  2. Never tell a man he is wrong, even if he is.
  3. Admit your own mistakes.
  4. Being in a friendly way.
  5. Get the other person to say yes immediately.
  6. Let the other man do the talking.
  7. Let the other feel that the idea is his.
  8. Try see things from the other person's view.
  9. Be sympathetic.
  10. Appeal to the nobler motive.
  11. Dramatize your ideas.
  12. Throw down a challenge.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Administrative Officer Exam of DOH

I took the Administrative Officer exam at DOH and these are some of the items I remembered during the untimed exam. I only remembered keywords and I believe you are either a former Administrative Officer with sufficient development trainings or an "insider" who knows the ins and outs of the agency in order to pass with flying colors.

I do not have any idea if these are the same set of questions given before for previous applicants but this is an essay-type of written exam with 18 items of different points for a total of 100 points as perfect score.
  • Part I
  1. Vision and Mission
  2. What is "Kalusugan Pangkalahatan" and its goals
  3. What can you contribute for the thrust, goals and objectives
  4. Government employees' values adopted by Department of Health
  5. How can you apply customer focus as an Administrative Officer IV?
  6. Value of professionalism
  7. E-government and examples
  8. Matching type, 5 items but I only remembered RA 7305 and RA 6713
  • Part II
  1. What is Office Administration? What is an Administrative Officer? Functions of Administrative Officer IV? Customers of Administrative Officer IV in the Department of Health?
  2. Explain PDCA Cycle of Management and Management Tools for planning, implementation & monitoring. No Gantt Chart to be use.
  3. Examples of grave offenses and less grave offenses
  4. Processes of Management Support Division

Thursday, June 19, 2014

12 Women In Rizal's Life Before Bracken

For some historians, there were only 9 women who were known to have a love affair with our national hero whose birthday we celebrate today 19 June. But, there are other historians and sources that indicates more than 9 women. Based on historical documents, these are the 12 "known" women in the life of José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda better known as Jose Rizal, national hero of the Philippines.
  1. JULIA - met at a river in Dampalit, Los Baños, Laguna; first woman to catch Rizal's eyes.
  2. SEGUNDA KATIGBAK - At 16, first love of Jose Rizal from Lipa, Batangas; sister of Rizal's friend, Mariano Katigbak; close friend of Olympia, Rizal's sister; already engaged to Manuel Luz; considered puppy love of Jose Rizal.
  3. MISS L - (some sources: MARGARITA ALMEDA GOMEZ and some sources: JACINTA (some sources, VICENTA) YBARDALOZA - From Pakil, Laguna; after several visits, Jose Rizal stopped pursuing her because of Segunda's sweet memories and his father was against her family.
  4. LEONOR VALENZUELAaka Orang. As a sophomore student at the University of Santo Tomas, Jose Rizal sent love letters in invisible ink made from a mixture of water and table salt that can be read by heating over a lamp or a candle to allow the words to surface; neighbor of Jose Rizal in Intramuros; daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela; an elegant and graceful, tall girl from Pagsanjan, Laguna.
  5. LEONOR RIVERA - aka Taimis. As a third year student at the University of Santo Tomas; longest love for 11 years although others say 8; Rizal's cousin from Camiling, Tarlac; Leonor's mother disapproved Rizal who was known to be a filibustero and kept all of Rizal's letters for Leonor while he was away, and was persuaded to marry the English Engineer, Charles Henry Kipping; Leonor Rivera was the inspiration for the Maria Clara character in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. 
  6. CONSUELO ORTIGA Y REY (some sources: Y PEREZ) - As a student at the Universidad Central de Madrid in 1882; daughter of former Civil Governor (City Mayor) of Manila, Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey; Jose Rizal did not pursue for two reasons because he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at that time and he did not want to ruin his friendship with Eduardo de Lete who also had an affection with the girl.
  7. O-SEI SAN KIYO - aka Seiko Usui. At Azabu district, Tokyo, Japan in 1888; ; a Japanese samurai’s daughter; Jose Rizal was her first love; taught Jose Rizal the Japanese art of painting "Su-mie"; also helped in improving his language.
  8. GERTRUDE BECKETT - aka Gettie. At London, Paris in May 1888; eldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Beckett; a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair; fell in love with Rizal; he gave her a carving which he made in memory of their short relationship.
  9. ADELINA BOUSTEAD - As a guest in Villa Eliada, winter residence of Boustead family in Biarritz in 1891; sister of Nellie Boustead, daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead in Biarritz.
  10. NELLIE (some sources: NELLY) BOUSTEAD -  the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead; Rizal's marriage proposal failed because he did not want to convert to Protestantism and Nelly's mother did not approve of Rizal, as she had no desire to entrust her daughter to a man who was wanting in wealth and  persecuted in his own country.
  11. SUZANNE JACOBY (some sources: SUSANNE JACOBE) - At Brussels, Belgium in January 1888; niece of his landlord; fell in love with Rizal and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890.
  12. PASTORA NECESARIO CARREON - aka Inday Torak. At Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte where Jose Rizal was exiled.
After these 12 women, JOSEPHINE LEOPOLDINE BRACKEN - last love of Jose Rizal; adopted daughter of George Taufer from HongKong, married to Jose Rizal (disputed by most historians).  Lived together and in early 1896 they were expecting a baby.  Unfortunately, Josephine had to go into premature labor after Rizal played a prank and frightened her. (?) A little boy of eight months was born, who lived for only three hours. Rizal named him Francisco in honor of his father, and buried the child in Dapitan.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Jose_rizal_01.jpg

References:

José Rizal
Rizal had 14 ‘queridas’ — historian Ocampo
13 women in the life of Jose Rizal
Demythologizing Rizal
8 Mind-Boggling Myths About Jose Rizal
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jose Rizal
Girlfriends of Rizal
Queridas ni Rizal
Queridas ni Rizal: the Ambeth Ocampo lecture
Talambuhay ni Dr.Jose P. Rizal
Mga Kababaihan ni Rizal
Pag- ibig ni Jose Rizal (Final!!!)
Just About Jose Rizal
Dr. Jose Rizal, the symbol of ideal leadership today
Ambeth Ocampo: Breathing life into the past
Happy Birthday, Gat Jose Rizal!
get in touch with NHI Chair Ambeth Ocampo on Jose Rizal’s house painted green
Why Rizal’s house turned green
25 Extremely Interesting Facts About Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Who are the many girlfriends of Jose Rizal?
Recto’s Rizal Bill
Rizal Sired Hitler
Rizal Without the Overcoat by Ambeth Ocampo
152nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Love that kills

This. Is. Not. A. Blog. (But Ambeth Rocks)
Ambeth Ocampo's "Queridas ni Rizal" Lecture at the Ayala Musem
Rizal: Celebrity forgotten
Rizal’s most anti-clerical work
Chapter 11: El Filibusterismo (The Revolutionist)
Rizal In Life... In Love
Rizal's Romances
Mga pag ibig ni dr jose rizal
CC MF Ang Mga Babae Sa Buhay Ni Rizal
ladies of Rizal documentary
Women in Rizal's Life (Short Documentary)
The Women of Jose Rizal

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

12 List On K12

  1. K–12 (spoken as "k twelve", "k through twelve", or "k to twelve") is a designation for the sum of primary and secondary education and is an expression which is a shortening of kindergarten (K) for 4- to 6-year-olds through twelfth grade (12) for 17- to 19-year-olds.
  2. Republic Act No. 10533
    • Short Title: Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013
    • Long Title: AN ACT ENHANCING THE PHILIPPINE BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM BY STRENGTHENING ITS CURRICULUM AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR BASIC EDUCATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
  3. RA 10533 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3286 and House Bill No. 6643 passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on January 30, 2013.
  4. Passed into law on 15 MAY 2013 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.
  5. The roll-out periods for the different levels are as follows:
    • Universal Kindergarten began in School Year 2011-–2012;
    • Grade 1 and Grade 7 (1st Year Junior High School) was rolled in School Year 2012–-2013;
    • Grade 11 will be introduced in School Year 2016-–2017; and
    • Grade 12 will be rolled out in School Year 2017-–2018.
  6. The first batch of high school students to go through K to 12 will graduate in March 2018. The country’s first batch of graduates of the Senior High School Program came from the University of Makati (UMak) on 12 April 2014.
  7. The main purpose of K-12 is to enhance the basic education curriculum.
  8. The idea of adding years is not new because there are records that will show that as early as 1925, there were already efforts to improve the basic education curriculum and recommendations but were never push through.
  9. K-12 simply means extending basic education by two years wherein a high school student will graduate at 16 (years old), we will have high schoolers graduating at 18.”
  10. The addition of two (2) years will be called Senior High School and is a specialized upper secondary education. The subjects for these years are divided into two:
    1. CORE CURRICULUM - Composed of six (6) subjects:
      • Humanities
      • Languages (English and/or Filipino)
      • Math
      • Philosophy
      • Science
      • Social Sciences
    2. CAREER PATHWAYS - Choice of five (5) tracks:
      • Business and Entrepreneurship
      • Humanities and Social Sciences
      • Science, Technology, and Engineering
      • Sports
      • Technical-Vocational
  11. The benefits of the K-12 program are:
    • improve kindergartners’ readiness for primary grades;
    • decongest the country’s 10-year curriculum cycle;
    • equip high school students for college/university education
    • prepare high school graduates for the world  of work after graduation; and
    • give Filipino professionals better recognition internationally because it is also a standard for recognition of students and/or professionals abroad (i.e., the Bologna Process (http://www.ehea.info/) for the European Union and the Washington Accord (http://www.washingtonaccord.org/) for the United States).
  12. The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide (the other two being Angola and Djibouti) with a 10-year pre-university cycle.
Implementation of The K to 12 Basic Education Program. Photo from Official Gazette


References:

What is the K to 12 Program?
A Look At The Education System In Two Different Countries
University of Makati produces PHL’s first batch of K-12 graduates
A Primer on the New K-12 Philippine Education Curriculum
Miriam College is K-12 Ready
Why does the Philippines Need the K-12 Education System?
THE K TO 12 BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM
DepEd seeks specialized high school programs under K-12
PNoy signs Ehnanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (RA 10533)

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Graphic Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs

Graphic Health Warning Bill

Legislative status: Passed by Both Houses on 11 June 2014
  1. Senator Pia Cayetano's Senate Bill No. 27 
  2. THE PICTURE-BASED HEALTH WARNING LAW
  3. Filed on July 1, 2013 by Cayetano, Pia S., Drilon, Franklin M., Aquino IV, Paolo Benigno "Bam"
  4. Long title: AN ACT TO EFFECTIVELY INSTILL HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH PICTURE-BASED WARNINGS ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS
  5. The measure that will complement the Sin Tax Reform Act (Republic Act 10351), which Cayetano and Drilon helped pass in the 15th Congress, requires cigarette companies to put picture-based warnings on cigarette packs.
  6. Former health secretary, Esperanza Cabral, issued an administrative order in 2010 to make the graphic warnings possible in the absence of a law but the government got a slew of court cases filed by the tobacco companies.
  7. Senator Pia Cayetano said she sponsored two versions of the measure in the 14th and 15th Congress, but these failed to pass because of strong opposition from the tobacco industry and the House of Representatives also killed the bill in 2008.
  8. The Philippines is a signatory to the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which requires the implementation of "large, rotating health warnings on all tobacco product packaging and labeling" and the Philippines committed to pass a graphic health warning law by 2008.
  9. Australia, another FCTC party, was able to pass the law, and even added another requirement: to make all tobacco products have plain, unattractive dark olive green packaging.
  10. The Senate approved on Monday, 9 June 2014, Senate Bill 27 on the third and final reading, which is a landmark legislation, with 18 affirmative votes, no abstentions and no negative votes, while the House of Representatives passed House Bill 4590 with 210 affirmative votes, no abstentions and no negative votes.
  11. The reconciled version of the Senate and the House of Representatives requires cigarette manufacturers to have graphic health warning printed on 50 percent of the cigarette package display.
  12. The ratified bicameral version entitled "The Graphic Health Warning Law" will become a law once President Benigno Aquino III’s sign it.
References:

Cigarette graphic warning bill bitter-sweet - health advocates
Sen. Pia presses new fight for the Graphic Health Warning Bill
Senate passes graphic health warning bill

Senate ratifies bicam report on graphic health warning bill
Look, mate, scary cigarette packs!
Smoking kills: Senators want to show you how

Congress ratifies graphic health warning bill
Senate ratifies Graphic Health Warning bill
Graphic health warning bill passes final reading in Congress
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
THE PICTURE-BASED HEALTH WARNING LAW

Monday, June 16, 2014

1st Update: 12-Year Old Baguio Woodpusher

(15th ASEAN Age Group Chess Result)

Here is the result of the recently concluded 15th ASEAN Age Group Chess which was held for the first time in Sands Cotai Central, Macau which is outside the original ASEAN countries.

Overall Medal Standings 2014 ASEAN Age Group Chess
http://macau2014.blogspot.com/2014/06/standings-closing-ceremony.html

Bea Mendoza Final Result 2014 ASEAN Age Group Chess
http://chess-results.com/tnr136247.aspx?lan=1&art=72&fedb=PHI&fed=PHI&flag=30&wi=821
  • Bea Mendoza won 2 Silvers and 1 Bronze in the age-14 category.
  • An outstanding feat since she competed against girls two years older than her.
Final Ranking 14-Under Category 2014 ASEAN Age Group Chess
http://chess-results.com/tnr136247.aspx?lan=1&art=4&fedb=PHI&flag=30&wi=821

References:

ASEAN Chess
15th Asean+ Age Group Chess Championships 2014 Facebook Page
Koko praises Filipino age-group chess players for winning 95 medals in Macau
Chess Results G-14 Standard 
Chess Results Final Ranking crosstable after 9 Rounds
Overall Medal Standings

Sunday, June 15, 2014

The 12 Children of Erap

Joseph Ejercito Estrada or more popularly known as "Erap", the former 13th President of the Philippines and 3rd President of the 5th Republic of the Philippines (30 June 1998 – 20 January 2001) and 11th Vice-President of the Philippine (30 June 1992 – 30 June 30) of the Philippines is a father of 12 siblings born out of several relationships.

Below are the names of his 12 children.

  1. José "Jinggoy" Ejército, Jr,
    • With former First Lady-turned-senator Dr. Luísa "Loi" Pimentel, whom he met while she was working at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City
    • Mayor of City of San Juan, Metro Manila from 1992–2001
    • Senator of the Philippines from 2004–present
    • Married to Precy Vitug
  2. Jackie Ejército
    • With former First Lady-turned-senator Dr. Luísa "Loi" Pimentel, whom he met while she was working at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City
    • Married to Beaver López, son of Meralco chairman Manuel López
  3. Jude Ejército
    • With former First Lady-turned-senator Dr. Luísa "Loi" Pimentel, whom he met while she was working at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in Mandaluyong City
    • Married to Rowena Ocampo
  4. Joel Eduardo "Jojo" Ejército 
    • With former actress Peachy Osorio
  5. Teresita "Tetchie" Ejército
    • With former actress Peachy Osorio
  6. Joseph Victor Ejército
    • With incumbent San Juan City Mayor Guia Gómez
    • Mayor of San Juan (2001–2010)
    • Representative of San Juan City (2010–2013)
    • Senator (2013-present)
    • Married to Cindy Lotuaco
  7. Joan Ejército
    • With former actress Mary Ann Murphy
  8. Jason Ejército
    • With a former air hostess who is publicly known only by the name "Larena"
  9. Jerika Ejército 
    • With former actress Laarni Enriquez:
  10. Juan Emilio "Jake" Ejército
    • With former actress Laarni Enriquez:
  11. Jacob Ejército
    • With former actress Laarni Enriquez:
  12. Joma Ejército
    • With former air hostess Joy Melendrez. 

Photo from Official Gazette
Google's Doodle of 2014 Father's Day coinciding with the current 2014 World Cup

References:

Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada Biography
Erap and Families
Joseph Estrada: The Philippine politician who can't stop apologising
Erap vows to clean up city hall
Love consultant Erap offers services to Noy
Personal Life
Joseph Estrada

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Pre-Qualifying Exam of DILG

This is not a post that shows sample tests about the DILG Pre-Qualifying Exam but rather a post of my experiences when I took the exam and twelve things to know about the DILG PQE.

I took the Pre-Qualifying Exam (PQE) today at the Baguio City National High School Library. I counted a total of 61 examinees, including me, who bravely took it unaware of its contents.

I only remembered the number of items and corresponding minutes and not a specific question of the exam inasmuch as I wanted to remember.
 
What is the Pre-Qualifying Exam or the DILG PQE?

  1. It was (and is) a gruelling exam that will really exhausts you, the applicant/examinee.
  2. It was (and is) a time-pressured exam which will rattle you once the proctor announce the remaining time during the examination.
  3. It is the national qualifying exam of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
  4. It is a battery of tests aimed for applicants who wants to join and become part of DILG.
  5. It is a continuous exam with a duration of two to three hours.
  6. It consists of four parts, namely:
    • Logical Reasoning Tests -
      • 55 minutes for 100 items.
    • Language Tests - 
      • 3 parts. 
      • Part 1, PD (Paragraph Development), 7 minutes for 10 items; 
      • Part 2, RC (Reading Comprehension), 13 minutes for 22 items; and
      • Part 3, LT (Language Test), 10 minutes for 20 items.
    • Verbal Tests - 
      • 3 parts. 
      • Part 1, (Analogy), 6 minutes for 20 items; 
      • Part 2, (Analogy, requires 2 answers), 6 minutes for 20 items; and 
      • Part 3, (Mathematical Test, no choices, input your answer after solving using provided scratch paper), 10 minutes for 20 items.
    • Non-Verbal Tests - 
      • 3 parts.
      • Abstract part.
      • Part 1, 3 minutes for 16 items; 
      • Part 2, 3 minutes for 16 items; and 
      • Part 3, 4 minutes for 18 items.
  7. It is usually administered every last Friday of the month in the DILG Central Office located in Quezon City but in our case, it was scheduled in Baguio City and a representative from DILG Central Office officiated the examination.
  8. In the case of my application, I had to write a request for endorsement to take the PQE and also indicating that it is a prerequisite for non-DILG applicants.
  9. Passing the exam does not mean you are hired already. According to the DILG employee, there may be another exam to be taken depending on the position applied for. It also depends on the assessment of the regional or district office.
  10. You must be prepared to read fast and analyze quickly for the logical reasoning test.
  11. Mathematics is still a part of this exam and you need to know how to compute because guessing will definitely not help you on this part of the exam because you need to write an answer and there are no choices to select from.
  12. Common sense and stock knowledge will help you plus lots of prayers to survive this challenging examination.
Pray. It helps.

Friday, June 13, 2014

2014 FIFA World Cup 12 Venues

Screenshot from 2014 FIFA website
  1. Mineirão
    • officially Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto (Governor Magalhães Pinto Stadium)
    • Full name is Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto
    • In footballing circles it is almost universally known as the Mineirão Stadium or simply Mineirão
    • Location Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
    • Opened on 5 September 1965
    • Renovated on 21 December 21 2012 
    • Address: Av. Antônio Abrahão Caram 1001, São Luiz, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte
    • Year constructed: 1965
    • Overall capacity: 58,259
    • Owner: Minas Gerais state government
    • Surface: Grass
    • Field size: 105 x 68 m
  2. Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha 
    • A multi-purpose stadium in Brasília, Brazil which is also known as Estádio Nacional de Brasília Mané Garrincha
    • Location SRPN Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha
      Brasília, DF, Brazil
    • Opened on 10 March 1974
    • Renovated on 15 June 2013
    • Address: Srpn Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha s/n, Brasília – DF, 70070-701
    • Founded on carbon neutrality, recycling and complete access via public transport, this environmentally friendly construction project consolidates Brasilia’s status as a world leader in sustainable urban planning, creating a valuable legacy for other sectors of the local economy.
    • The stadium will be Brasilia’s third, along with the Serejao, the home of Brasiliense, and the Bezerrao, which was recently refurbished and reopened in 2008.
    • It is named after famed Brazilian footballer Mané Garrincha, who won the 1958 and 1962 World Cup with the Brazil national team..
    • Year constructed: 2012 
    • Overall capacity: 69,432 
    • Owner: TERRACAP - Agência de Desenvolvimento do Distrito Federal or Department of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation of Distrito Federal.
    • Surface: Grass
  3. Arena Pantanal
    • Also called The Multipurpose Arena – Governor José Fragelli
    • Simply called Pantanal Arena
    • Location Cuiabá, Brazil
    • It is a new multi-use stadium in Cuiabá, Brazil. 
    • It was completed on April 26, 2014
    • It replaced the old Estádio José Fragelli (Verdão), which used to be the principal football stadium of the city of Cuiabá.
    • The architects of the stadium, GCP Arquitetos, have focused strongly on sustainability and one of the stadium’s noticeable features are the plants and trees that will fill the four corner areas.
    • Address: Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
    • Full name is Arena Multiuso Governador José Fragelli
    • The site’s air and soil quality is also constantly monitored, all of which means the stadium’s nickname of ‘O Verdão’ (The Big Green).
    • Year constructed: 2014 
    • Overall capacity: 39,859
  4. Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães
    • Commonly referred to as Arena da Baixada or better known as the Arena da Baixada Stadium
    • Full name is Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães 
    • Location Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
    • The stadium was built at the previous location of a Brazilian Army powder depot.
    • In 1934, the stadium was renamed Estádio Joaquim Américo Guimarães.
    • In 2005, the stadium was renamed Kyocera Arena, after the Japanese company Kyocera purchased the naming rights. The contract with Kyocera that gave the company naming rights expired in early 2008. It was not renewed, and no new partnership was announced. The stadium went back to its old name, Arena da Baixada.
    • Owner: Clube Atlético Paranaense
    • Year constructed: 1914
    • Opened: 24 June 1999
    • Renovated: 2009, 2012–2014
    • Surface: Bermuda Tifway 419
    • Capacity: 38,533
  5. Estádio Plácido Aderaldo Castelo
    • Also known as the Castelão
    • Also known as Gigante da Boa Vista
    • Officially known as the Estadio Governador Placido Castelo
    • Full name is Estádio Plácido Aderaldo Castelo
    • Its formal name honors Plácido Aderaldo Castelo, who served as the Governor of Ceará from September 12, 1966 to March 15, 1971, and was a leader in getting the stadium built.
    • Location: Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
    • Opened on 11 November 1973
    • Renovated: 2002 - 2012
    • Surface: Grass
    • Owner: State of Ceará or Ceará state Government
    • Year constructed: 1973 
    • Overall capacity: 60,348

  6. Arena da Amazônia
    • The city is situated at the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
    • Formerly the Estadio Vivaldao
    • The refurbished stadium is enclosed by a metal structure designed to resemble a straw basket which is a product the region is famous for.
    • The Arena da Amazônia was designed by German architecture firm gmp Architekten, also responsible for Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Arena and Warsaw’s Stadion Narodowy. 
    • Location: Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
    • Address: Arena da Amazônia, Flores, Manaus
    • Built: 2011 - 2014
    • Opened on 9 March 2014
    • Owner: Governo do Estado do Amazonas
    • Surface: Grass
    • Year constructed: 2013
    • Overall capacity: 39,118
  7. Arena das Dunas
    • Full name is Arena das Dunas
    • Also known as Estadio Joao Claudio de Vasconcelos Machado
    • Better known as the Machadão
    • It replaced the old Machadão stadium, which got demolished in October 2011.
    • The design of the football stadium by leading sports architect, Christopher Lee of the firm Populous is inspired by Natal’s famous sand dunes.
    • It is described by Mr. Lee as "... the most perfect stadium in South America."
    • Location: Centro Administrativo Rio Grande do Norte, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Brazil
    • Address: Arena das Dunas, Lagoa Nova, Natal
    • Built: 2011 - 2014
    • Opened on 26 January 2014
    • Year constructed: 1972 
    • Overall capacity: 38,958
  8. Estádio José Pinheiro Borda
    • Better known as Estádio Beira-Rio or Riverside Stadium due to its location beside the Guaíba River
    • Estádio Beira-Rio replaced Internacional's previous stadium, the Estádio dos Eucaliptos.
    • Full name is Estádio José Pinheiro Borda
    • Location: Av. Padre Cacique, 621-1571, Praia de Belas, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
    • Opened on 6 April 1969
    • Renovated Fall 2013
    • Owner: Sport Club Internacional
    • During the 1960s, Estádio Beira-Rio was ironically called "Bóia Cativa", since it seemed that never it would be concluded, especially since those were difficult times for Internacional on the field.
    • Beira-Rio is the second biggest stadium in the Rio Grande do Sul state and also South Brazil.
    • Surface: TifGrand (2013-present) Bermuda Green (1980-2013)
    • Year constructed: 1969
    • Overall capacity: 42,991
  9. Itaipava Arena Pernambuco
    • Simply known as Arena Pernambuco
    • It is known as Itaipava Arena Pernambuco due to sponsorship reasons of the beer brewer Itaipava who got the naming rights.
    • Financed by a public-private partnership between the state of Pernambuco and a consortium led by construction firm Odebrecht including event management firm AEG.
    • Location São Lourenço da Mata, Pernambuco, Brazil
    • Address: Arena Pernambuco, São Lourenço da Mata
    • A new multi-use stadium in the Western suburbs of the Recife metropolitan area, in São Lourenço da Mata, Brazil.
    • Recife, a city whose passion for the beautiful game is without question, is home to three historic Brazilian clubs in the shape of Nautico, Santa Cruz and Sport.
    • The Arena Pernambuco is featured on "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee", the sixteenth episode of the 25th season of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons, and the 546th episode of the series.
    • Built from October 2010 to April 2013
    • Opened on 22 May 2013
    • Year constructed: 2014
    • Overall capacity: 42,583
  10. Estádio do Maracanã  
    • Officially known as Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho or better known as the Maracana
    • Rio’s second most popular tourist attraction, the Maracana
    • It was the flagship venue for the 1950 World Cup. 
    • It was meant to become the biggest football stadium in the world. 
    • Owner: State of Rio de Janeiro
    • Location Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • Address: Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, s/nº, portão 18, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
    • Opened on 16 June 1950
    • Renovated 2000, 2006, 2013
    • Surface: Grass
    • Year constructed: 1950
    • Overall capacity: 74,689
  11. Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova
    • Also known as Complexo Esportivo Cultural Professor Octávio Mangabeir
    • Full name Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova
    • Officially known as the Estadio Octavio Mangabeira and was closed in November 2007 and subsequently demolished three years later.
    • The stadium that has risen in its place, the Arena Fonte Nova, has been modelled on its predecessor and is covered by a lightweight, metal roof.
    • From 2013, the brewery Itaipava from Grupo Petropolis, will sign the naming rights of the new arena "Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova" under a sponsorship agreement until the year 2023, amounting to $ 100 million. This was the first naming rights agreement signed to 2014 World Cup stadiums.
    • Address: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Bahia
    • Location R. Lions Club, 217-547, Nazaré, Salvador, Brazil
    • Opened on 7 April 2013
    • Owner Bahia State Government
    • Surface: Grass
    • Year constructed: 1951 
    • Overall capacity: 51,708
  12. Arena Corinthians 
    1. Full name Arena Corinthians
    2. Also referred to as Arena de Itaquera and during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the stadium will be referred to as Arena de São Paulo
    3. It is the stadium of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
    4. It is the fifth-largest stadium on the top tier of the Brazilian League 
    5. It is the eleventh-largest stadium in Brazil.
    6. Location Av. Miguel Inácio Curi, 111 São Paulo, Brazil 
    7. Address: Av. Miguel Inácio Curi 111, 08295-005 Itaquera, São Paulo
    8. Built 30 May 2011 - 15 April 2014 
    9. Opened on 10 May 2014
    10. Surface Perennial Ryegrass with Artificial Fibres (Desso GrassMaster)
    11. Year constructed: 2014    
    12. Overall capacity: 61,606 
Screenshot of the 12 Venues for the 2014 FIFA World Cup from Wikipedia

Screenshot of Google's Doodle for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

References:

Thursday, June 12, 2014

116th Philippine Independence Day

Theme: “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago” (Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos, Towards Widespread and Lasting Change)
  1. Philippine Independence Day is also known as "Araw ng Kasarinlan", "Araw ng Kalayaan", and "Day of Freedom".
  2. The currently celebrated Philippine Independence is actually a declaration of Independence from Spain which was declared between four and five in the afternoon on 12 June 1898 from the window of Emilio Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite which was not recognized by the US, Spain and any other country in the world during that time.
  3. The Act of the Declaration of Independence on 1898 was prepared, written, and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish.
  4. The Philippine Declaration was signed by 98 persons including an American army officer named L.M. Johnson, Colonel of Artillery, who also witnessed the proclamation.
  5. The current Philippine National Flag which was made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal’s niece Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, and completed in five days was unveiled on that day.
  6. Their was also the performance of the Marcha Filipina Magdalo, which is  now known as Lupang Hinirang, composed by Julián Felipe and first played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band on that day.
  7. The Declaration is currently housed in the National Library of the Philippines and is not on public display but can be viewed with permission like any other document held by the National Library. It was reportedly stolen in the 1980s or 1990s but was returned to the National Library in 1994 by University of the Philippines professor Milagros Guerrero.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Philippine_independence.jpg
  8. The United States granted independence on 4 July 1946 through the Treaty of Manila coinciding with their Independence Day celebration and was observed in the Philippines until 1962.
  9. On May 12, 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28, which declared June 12 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence."
  10. On 4 August 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed June 12 as "Philippine Independence Day", and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe the latter with befitting rites. Prior to 1964, June 12 had been observed as Flag Day, which was moved to 28 May (the date the Philippine Flag was first flown in battle in Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898).
  11. Historically, there were already 6 declarations of Philippine Independence between 1895 and 1946. These dates were: April 12, 1895; August 23, 1896; October 31, 1896; June 12, 1898; October 14, 1943; and July 4, 1946. We can also include a 7th declaration, symbolically, on September 16, 1991 when the Philippine Senate refused to extend the U.S. lease of the Subic Bay Naval Station.
  12. The following concluding words in the 1898 Declaration of Independence is historically debated because it describes the current Philippine flag as a commemoration of the flag of the United States of America.
    “It was resolved unanimously that this Nation, already free and independent as of this day, must use the same flag which up to now is being used, whose design and colors are found described in the attached drawing, the white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of the Katipunan which by means of its blood compact inspired the masses to rise in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal Islands of this Archipelago—Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay where this revolutionary movement started; the sun representing the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and Civilization; the eight rays, signifying the eight provinces—Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas—which declared themselves in a state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated; and the colors  Blue, Red, and White, commemorating the flag of the United States of North America, in manifestation of our profound gratitude towards this Great Nation for its disinterested protection which it lent us and continues lending us.”
    You decide.
Screenshot of Google's Doodle for the 116th Philippine Independence Day


References:

Independence Day (Philippines)
Kalayaan 2014: A lineup of events commemorating the country’s independence Independence Day 2014
DSWD supports 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration
Group wants August 23 as new Independence Day
Philippine Independence Day Foundation
July 4, 1946: True Philippine Independence Day
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962
15 Bicolano martyrs given honors in June 12 rites in Naga City
America in our Declaration of Independence
True independence
Philippine Trivia: Nice To Know!
Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
The Proclamation of Philippine Independence
PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY TRIVIA
Independence Day in Philippines
Philippine Declaration of Independence
The First Unfurling of the Philippine National Flag
SurSur DILG reminds LGUs to celebrate 116th Philippine Independence Day
City Celebrates 116th Independence Day with Rep. Paduano as guest of honor
Philippine Independence Day Foundation
Singapore PM defends Philippine Independence rites