Saturday, October 3, 2009

Burj Dubai

Burj Dubai, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesImage by uniquebuildings via Flickr
After suffering a hard blow from the economic crisis, Dubai is trying to revive itself by continuing projects that can boost the country's tourism and finance industry.

First, the city launched the Dubai Metro with a slogan 'My City, My Metro'. Second, they are now trying to complete another historical landmark that will definitely bring more revenue for the country - BURJ DUBAI.

According to the Arabianbusiness.com, the exterior of Burj Dubai is coming together as the contractor will now be installing the final sets of the cladding and glass panel to complete the exterior of the Burj.

Having stayed in Dubai for a long period of time, I have seen the start and (hopefully) the completion of the Burj and the development around it.

I know this will cause great pride to Sheikh Maktoum and to the Emiratis as well.

There were news reports early July 2009, that the Burj was suppose to be completed at the same time the metro was opened but as Emaar Properties said, they cannot afford to let any important detail / information slide which can cause for this great achievement to be put into waste.

I agree.

Currently, the expected completion date for the Burj is on December 2009 - all set for the celebration of the New Year.


All we can do is wait and see.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Dubai Metro opens on 09.09.09 at 9PM in 9 stations

Are you ready?

It was just a dream before… however through the persistence of one man, the dream became a reality.

Today is a remarkable day for the Emiratis and for Sheikh Mohammad, a well-deserved pat on the back, as the Dubai Metro opens its doors.


Dubai Metro 2Image by DubaiFM via Flickr

Dubai, being the tourism and business hub of the UAE, was becoming too congested and thus the plan of having a metro rail system.

This idea caused a stir. Others welcomed the metro because most of the time, they get stuck in traffic after spending most of their day in the office. Others say, this will just remain as a dream.

Construction started in January 2005. The contractors involved in building the metro need not only think of completing the project on time but also the traffic management in the whole of Dubai. They had to make sure that the motorists are given alternate routes so that there will not be a bumper-to-bumper traffic taking place.

Managers, engineers and labourers work day and night. I remember seeing people still working whenever I pass by Burjuman Area (or what is known as the Khalid Bin Waleed Station).

It was then announced that the metro will open on 09.09.09. Others laughed it off and concluded that it will not open on that day – well, Road & Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai government used this as a motivation to complete it!

The stations were like caterpillars turning into butterflies! A complete transformation!


Ongoing construction of the metro station

Almost complete!

Check out this link that shows the metro's destinations!

The metro will be operating in five zones. The initial fare (3 kms) is Dhs. 2.50. This is equivalent to the bus fare which is also being operated by the RTA. The next rate is for Dhs. 4.50 if you are crossing two zones and Dhs. 6.50 if you are crossing more than two zones.

Aside from being ‘just a station’, it will also have food and shop establishments that will suit the needs of its everyday commuters.

This is just the beginning for the Dubai Metro. There will be more to come!

(images courtesy of constructionweekonline.com)

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Sunday, July 19, 2009

Stumbled Upon...


Imagine having this office cubicle for your new job or let's say there was a total re-hash of the company's open office policy... would you consider this?

Now that telecommuting is becoming a trend in most offices (so that people save on gas and electricity since you are doing your work at home) this will definitely be an ideal workplace.

What do you think?

*Images taken from Arabianbusinessnews.com

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Introducing Google.com.ph!!!

June 12

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day.

And I guess Google wanted to celebrate with us by launching


Now isn't that great?

Happy Independence Day!!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Do You Have a Hidden (Hayden) Video?


Philippine showbiz is one colorful coloring book. There will never be a 'black & white' situation, there is always a splash of color. It could be green for envy or money, yellow for 'good news', red for love and more.

Recently, both the Philippine showbiz and politics were rattled by a 'leakage'. This 'leak' was not really that of interest to anybody until the video was released via the internet.

If you are a Filipino or you know a Filipino, the name 'Hayden' will ring a bell. After mentioning his name, you will either snicker, think of an appropriate adjective to describe him or maybe well, the most common reaction, laugh.

The distribution of this video can be compared to the forestfires experienced by the Americans. People downloaded, uploaded and shared these videos now known as 'The Hayden Kho Video Scandal'. There was no intention to make the videos public. According to Hayden in the Senate enquiry, it was just for him, his own private collection.

The bravest of them all
The girls in the video were made known to the public and only one of them emerged and said 'Foul' - Katrina Halili.

Katrina and Hayden had a relationship two years ago and the so-called sex videos were taken during that time. Four videos in total.

Katrina admitted that in those three videos, she was aware that Hayden was filming their intimate moment. However for the fourth one, she did not have a clue that they were being filmed.

Concerned Politicians
Senator Bong Revilla Jr. described Hayden as a pervert. After Senator Revilla Jr., the other senators took the lead and called Hayden many names.

Due to this, a Senate enquiry had to happen to resolve this issue. The first enquiry was held wherein every Filipino who knew about the issue, watched how Afuang poured water on Hayden Kho... how Katrina glared at Hayden... how Hayden explained his sexual disorder.

What's Next?
I do not know why but I feel sorry for Hayden.

I do not understand why this issue has to be publicised. Everyone agreed that it is a sensitive matter and it being one, why are they allowing Katrina and Hayden discuss in detail what has happen in national TV?

Aren't the videos enough proof that women's rights were violated? That the whole incident is very sensitive and should be discussed behind close doors?

Many can argue about openness and transparency but I guess this particular case is an exception.

I do not feel any anger towards him because of what he has done but I do think he is one disturbed individual and I feel sorry for him.


Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Best Job in the World!!

A lot of people received an email about the 'Best Job in The World'.

Some thought it was a spam and immediately deleted it from their inbox, some thought about it then said 'Nah, not for me' while others took it seriously and applied for the job.

I was one of those people who thought about it and said 'Nah, not for me'.

Who would not want to stay and live happily in paradise? Not alone, of course :)

However, Ben Southall (from Britain) was declared the winner of the 'Best Job In The World' competition on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands on May 6, 2009.



Congratulations Ben! Enjoy the island!

*Photo from Arabianbusiness.com*

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Another Bright Idea!

Summer is fast approaching and people here in Dubai are now wondering how to beat the heat. I would say from the five years I have been here, people frequent the malls a lot... I think this is for them to save money while doing some of their errands - like window shopping, dinner with the family, etc.

To help out in getting to the mall, most of the people use public transportation.

Why?

There is no hassle of going round and round the parking lot and well, not a lot of people have their own means of transportation (unless of course you have friends who are also going to the same direction).

Now, this routine might change.

In a news report from Arabianbusiness.com (this is really my favorite news website), there will be an increase on the taxi's flag down rate. From AED4, it will now be AED 10! What a jump I should say!!

Imagine.... your journey starts at AED10 and every 5km (I think) another .50 fils is being added up. Cannot believe it.

True, riding in a taxi is definitely better because you don't have to go through a lot of stops and the convenience it brings (especially if you shop for groceries, etc).

There will be mixed reactions when this gets implemented.

I, for one, would think twice. I would probably ride a taxi if a) I'm in a hurry and b) if it's an emergency.

I just feel bad about this. At this time when people are really scrimping their money because of the financial crisis, we now hear news about the government wanting more from its consumers.

I wonder what's next?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Nicole - What have you done?

When I was still in the Philippines, my weekends would usually be having dinner with friends, probably watch a movie with them or sometimes, we would go and hang out in a bar.

In all honesty, I never liked entering bars especially if the party has already started.

Why?

Well, the place will be filled up. For you to enter, you need to bump into lots and lots of people... some would bump you intentionally and try to take advantage of the situation.

I also don't like the idea of meeting guys in the bar and end up going home with them - like what happened to 'Nicole' (Sorry if I might offend someone here but of course, this is just my personal point of view).

An adventure that turned into a terrible, terrible nightmare (see articles about it here)!

Lance Cpl Daniel Smith is now being detained in the US Embassy and Nicole has left the country to start a new life.

When we all thought that the case is now put to rest and justice has been served, Nicole has sent a statement recanting her testimony stating that she was just scared on how her mom and her boyfriend would react if they find out what happen to her.

This statement has caused another media frenzy and a lot of women groups were stunned with this new development.

I feel sad because once again, we have tarnished our image. I don't know if it was because a settlement was made between Nicole and whoever. It just sends a wrong message about us, Filipinas.

Living here in a different country, we struggle to keep our heads high. This kind of 'news' does not help us at all.

I hope that Nicole will re-think the decision she has made. As this does not only reflect on her but also to all the Filipinas as well.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

When should laws be changed? or modified?

My room mate and I were watching Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN) two days ago and we had to stop what we were doing to listen to what Claudine Barretto-Santiago and Raymart Santiago have to say about what happen to their baby, Sabina Santiago (read more from here and here).

We cannot believe our ears when we heard that the fan will not be charged of anything because she did not touch Sabina or did not have Sabina for a day!!!

Now what does that mean?

Sabina had to be with this lady for a day or two before the police can file a case? Is the intention not clear? How can the person who did it understand that what she had done was wrong? How can we set an example for others who are planning to do it as well. What kind of message are we sending to tourists? foreign artists? It's okay?

I think our lawmakers should start doing something about this.

We are talking about the safety of our children and the people who are visiting our country. We cannot just shrug our shoulders and say 'Well, that's what the law states' and we forget about it as if it did not happen.

On the other hand, I commend Sabina's yaya as she remained alert and did her job well because she immediately called the couple and confirmed if the information is correct or not.

I hope the Santiagos have rewarded their helper for being alert in these kind of situations.

I am not rich and maybe there will not a 'fan' stalking me... but it is good to know that our lawmakers will take note of this issue and try to modify the law. It would not hurt, right?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

How to get more readers for my blog?

I have maintained this blog since July 2008 but never got any consistent number of viewers.

I know part of it is my fault because I am not updating this blog as frequently as I could.

I just want to know how else can I increase my hits? or make people leave comments on this blog. Sometimes, I wonder if my blog is even interesting for the readers.

  • Do they think my blog is informative?
  • Does it relate to their lives (at times)?
  • What do they think about my blog, in total?
So, can anybody out there help?



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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Mohammed Alshaya Plans to Open Office Depot and Express

I have been browsing over the internet and saw this post from Arabianbusiness.com.

Back in the Philippines, my trip to the mall would not be complete if I do not stroll inside National Bookstore. Inside, you would see piles and piles of notebooks, pad papers (long pad, intermediate pad, 1/2 pad and 1/4 pad), staplers, fasteners, binder notebooks and so much more.

Aside from that, they also have books from Tagalog romance to International best sellers.

I would spend hours inside the bookstore that my mom had to drag me out or would at times threaten not to give us a snack if I do not leave NB.

When I came to Dubai, I decided to document my stay here cause maybe I could write a book about it (still have that notebook!). Imagine my dismay when I could not find a stationary shop here in Dubai - the place that has almost everything!

This news about Mohammed Alshaya opening US store, Office Depot and Express is something that I will definitely look forward to.

Yes, Magrudy's, Borders and other bookstores are available but it's still not the same as National Bookstore.

I know the store says Office Depot but I'm expecting a lot of writing pads, notebooks, school supplies and more will be available in this store.

I feel this would allow the kids to be more creative - in paper. For them to write about their thoughts or draw whatever they want.

Sure am expecting this store!!! :)


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Friday, March 6, 2009

Change in Layout

Hey there my readers!!

As the first quarter of 2009 comes to an end, I have decided to change my blog layout too.

I think with this 'new' image, I am able to bring you more stories, news, reviews and opinions about what's happening with the world.

I know I have not been posting lately (bad! bad!) however, I will make sure that this blog will be filled with information!!! about celebrities, political figures and social events that has captured the eye of an 'observer'.

I hope I can still count on you to be a part of this journey with me.

-Editor-

Remit... Remit... Remit...

I have been living in Dubai for the past five years and I cannot remember a day when I did not send any money to the Philippines!

Being an Overseas Filipino Worker a.k.a. OFW, our most important duty for our families and our country is to send remittances.

If sending remittances was a fad then the Philippines will never be out of fashion.

According to the ArabianBusiness.com, the remittances we are sending out is very important to our country's economy and the massive lay-offs is not helping the situation.

Since more people are out of work, the monthly remittance will also decrease.

There are even talks that the Philippines will suffer the blow of recession this year... now my friend back home begs to disagree.

According to her, the word recession is not necessarily applicable to the Philippines. The spending habits of Filipinos have not changed, she says.

People still go to malls and buy stuff... watch movies and eat out. There might have been a marginal decline but compared to Dubai wherein even during lunch breaks and rush hours, the restaurants do not have that much patrons and well, the roads is not congested anymore.

I still believe the Philippines can make it... as we Filipinos always find a way. We always survive because we know we can.

Now isn't that great? :)





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