tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79411742038046466382024-03-14T03:27:04.254+08:00Reyjr.comReyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-77987647066456042532017-08-31T21:57:00.000+08:002017-08-31T21:57:43.328+08:00Building a House: Settlement on the land has come throughA couple of weeks have passed since my first post about our house build, and the big news is that our land purchase has now been finalised.<br />
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<b>Financing a House Build</b><br />
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One of the drivers for deciding to build a house this year was because of the condition of the market; interest rates are down to less than 4%! We were also in a good place with some money saved to cover the cost of the deposits and our 20% contribution.<br />
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We were lucky to get great support from our broker, Warrick of Aussie, and conveyancing from Alicia of Spirit Settlements. They were easy to speak to and patiently answered all our "first timer" questions. We chose Bankwest for our loan.<br />
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You'll be able to find all sorts of tips on how to choose your broker and your settlement agent on the internet, but my tip is to find someone who you are comfortable with and build mutual trust.<br />
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<b>Pre-Construction Site Survey</b><br />
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A couple of weeks now since we paid our deposit to Celebration Homes. Since then they've been working in the background preparing for the Site Survey, soil testing, etc.<br />
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Spoke to Jason of Celebration Homes today and he said our soil is Class A which means it is stable and non-reactive - which is a good thing!<br />
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Now, a few more weeks of waiting before we get to see the drafts of our new home, which means it might be a while before you hear from me again.<br />
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<b>Alab says "I did it!"</b><br />
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My son today said "I did it!" after successfully closing the seat belt on his high chair by himself. We are constantly amazed by all the things he can now do - reciting the alphabet, singing the do-re-mi scale up and down, counting in English and Filipino, plus he's learned how to jump.<br />
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By this time next year, he'll be almost three, running around the new house and maybe playing with his friends. Haha.<br />
<br />Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-28976127661740139822017-08-18T00:35:00.000+08:002017-08-18T20:45:39.685+08:00We are building a house!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNKcf4I_Jtk/WZXFh5GtE6I/AAAAAAAACOE/WZ8y4sKVRrcmTVa2PXBRUFE-9yXhAyckACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNKcf4I_Jtk/WZXFh5GtE6I/AAAAAAAACOE/WZ8y4sKVRrcmTVa2PXBRUFE-9yXhAyckACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_3130.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>t's been five years since we <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2012/01/change-my-world.html#more" target="_blank">moved to Perth</a>, and we've finally decided to put down roots and build a house.<br />
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So here we are. After a bit of prompting from my wife, Liz, I've gone and revived this long forgotten blog, dusted off the keyboard, and cleaned off some cobwebs (in my head) to share this journey with you. Perhaps you have some tips to share, or your own build story, or maybe you too will learn something along the way.<br />
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<b>Land Ho!</b><br />
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After missing out on a piece of cleared block in the suburb of Willetton, we got lucky the second time 'round and our offer was accepted for a property in the breezy, coastal suburb of Hillarys in the City of Joondalup.<br />
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At the end of quiet cul de sac, we found a good sized block at a reasonable price; it was an opportunity to live near the ocean, far enough from the city to be away, but close enough to the train station to be practical.<br />
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In about a week's time, our settlement on the land will be done and dusted, and we can focus on the house build.<br />
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<b>Celebration Homes</b><br />
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We've selected Celebration Homes of the Dale Alcock Group as our builder after a long deliberation. Our property will be custom-designed because of the odd shape of the block, and so we needed to be sure we were happy with the layout before we decided.<br />
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We went through over a dozen iterations of the design with several builders, and by the end of that mentally exhausting process, proceeded to try and compare inclusions. We gave each builder the other's inclusions and tried to understand the cost difference between them.<br />
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It came down to the better house design layout, and assurance that Celebration Homes will give us a good quality home build given their well established reputation. We hope we made the right decision! (Well, watch this space!)<br />
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<br />Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-3369092088319836772017-06-15T17:02:00.000+08:002017-06-15T23:27:04.851+08:00Travel Blogs Directory<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/1982/01/reyjr-travel-blog-log.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="470">
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<strong>Welcome to my Travel Blog</strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">=========</span><span class="Apple-style-span">=======================</span>=</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">=======================</span>=</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">====================</span></div>
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<i>Hello and welcome to my Travel Blog Log! This page contains a links list to all my Travel Posts. Please do share your own travel experiences here, it would be awesome to share travel stories with you all.</i><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">EXPLORING THE 7,107 PHILIPPINE ISLANDS</span></span></b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/S3wX4GmeYdI/AAAAAAAAA1g/qvDMvgYUYlI/s1600/Hot+Air+Balloon+Festival+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/S3wX4GmeYdI/AAAAAAAAA1g/qvDMvgYUYlI/s400/Hot+Air+Balloon+Festival+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark Air Base, Pampanga</td></tr>
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<li>Aklan </li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2007/11/boracay-2007.html" target="_blank">Boracay (Nov 2007)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/11/parasailing-in-boracay.html" target="_blank">Parasailing in Boracay</a></li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Albay </li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/12/mayon-volcano-legazpi-city-albay.html" target="_blank">Mayon Volcano, Legazpi City</a> </li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: small;">Benguet </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/05/choco-late-de-batirol-in-baguio-is.html">Choco-late de Batirol, Camp John Hay, Baguio City</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/04/travel-blog-baguio.html" target="_blank">Hello Baguio!</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><view><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/1982/03/directions-driving-to-baguio.html" target="_blank">Directions for Driving to From Manila to Baguio City</a></view></span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bohol </span></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2008/10/bohol-bohol.html" target="_blank">Bohol Bohol (Oct 2008) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/12/i-am-cutest-baby-tarsier-in-bohol.html" target="_blank">I am the cutest baby Tarsier in Bohol!</a></li>
</ul>
<li>Batangas </li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/06/tali-beach-nasugbu-batangas.html" target="_blank">Tali Beach, Nasugbu (Jun 2009)</a></li>
<li>Mt. Malarayat Country Club (Aug 2008)</li>
<li>Verde Island (Mar 2008) </li>
</ul>
<li>Cagayan </li>
<ul>
<li>Cagayan River</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cavite </li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/06/88-balai-indang-hideaway.html" target="_blank">Balay Indang (May 2009) </a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://reyjr11.multiply.com/photos/album/14/Tagaytay_for_Valentines_Day" target="_blank">Tagaytay Nurture Spa (Feb 2009)</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Corregidor </li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Davao </li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2005/11/davao-in-snapshots.html" target="_blank">Davao in Snaphots, Davao City (Nov 2005)</a></li>
</ul>
<li>Ilocos Norte</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/01/pagudpud-and-other-related-adventures.html" target="_blank">Pagudpud, Bangui Wind Farm (Dec 2008)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/01/magnificent-paoay-church-ilocos-norte.html" target="_blank">The Magnificent Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte</a> </li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Manila</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/02/theme-thursday-fish.html" target="_blank">Talking Fish at the Manila Ocean Park (Nov 2008)</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/12/fish-spa-at-manila-ocean-park.html" target="_blank">Fish Spa (Nov 2008) </a></li>
</ul>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/04/my-visita-iglesia.html" target="_blank">Visita Iglesia - Manila Cathedral (Oct 2008)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/03/bloggers-invade-velocity-bar-marriott.html" target="_blank">Marriott Hotel (Mar 2010)</a> </li>
</ul>
<li>Mindoro </li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/05/finally-off-to-beach.html" target="_blank">Puerto Galera Part 1 - Finally Off to the Beach (May 2009)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/aobIZ7" target="_blank">Puerto Galera Part 2 - last summer outing (May 2009)</a></li>
</ul>
<li>Pangasinan</li>
<ul>
<li>The Hundred Islands</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pampanga</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/02/our-valentine-weekend-was-really-hot.html" target="_blank">Clark Air Base: The 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta</a></li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Quezon </li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pahiyas Festival<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-size: large;"><u><b>INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS</b></u></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disneyland, California</td></tr>
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<strong><em><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Australia </span></em></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Western Australia</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Swan Valley, Perth</li>
<li>Swan River, Perth</li>
<li>Margaret River</li>
<li>Karratha</li>
<li>Exmouth</li>
</ul>
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Victoria</div>
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<ul>
<li>Melbourne</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>North America</b></span></div>
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United States of America </div>
<ul>
<li>California</li>
<ul>
<li>Anaheim - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/11/el-reyjr-visita-los-castillos.html" target="_blank">Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland</a></li>
<li>Hercules</li>
<li>Vallejo</li>
<li>Union City</li>
<li>Stockton</li>
<li>Los Angeles</li>
<li>San Diego</li>
</ul>
<li>Washington</li>
<ul>
<li>Seattle</li>
<li>Tacoma</li>
</ul>
<li>Nevada</li>
<ul>
<li>Las Vegas</li>
</ul>
<li>Texas</li>
<ul>
<li>Dallas</li>
<li>Houston</li>
</ul>
<li>Arizona </li>
<ul>
<li>Colorado - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2007/07/grand-canyon.html" target="_blank">The Grand Canyon</a></li>
<li>Phoenix</li>
<li>Tucson</li>
</ul>
<li>Louisiana</li>
<ul>
<li>Baton Rouge</li>
</ul>
<li>Illinois</li>
<ul>
<li>Chicago</li>
</ul>
<li>Ohio</li>
<ul>
<li>Dayton</li>
</ul>
<li>Michigan</li>
<li>New York</li>
<li>Oregon</li>
<ul>
<li>Roseburg</li>
<li>Portland</li>
</ul>
<li>Hawaii</li>
<ul>
<li>Honolulu - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #014111; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/01/reyjr-goes-hawaii-five-o.html" style="color: #c12010;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reyjr goes Hawaii Five-O!</span></a></span></li>
</ul>
<li>Alabama</li>
<li>Missouri</li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/09/st-louis-missouri-and-giant-steel-arch.html" target="_blank">St. Louis and the Gateway Arch</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/StvrvI0xPEI/AAAAAAAAAlk/JFtQw96hZ3c/s1600/Night+Safari1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/StvrvI0xPEI/AAAAAAAAAlk/JFtQw96hZ3c/s400/Night+Safari1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Night Safari</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><b>Asia</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Singapore</li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://reyjr11.multiply.com/photos/album/7/A_Singapore_Week" target="_blank">Singapore (Apr 2008)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/10/singapore-night-safari-adventure.html" target="_blank">Singapore Night Safari Adventure (Jul 2009)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/09/singapore-reflections.html" target="_blank">Singapore Reflections (Jul 2010)</a> </li>
</ul>
<li>Malaysia</li>
<ul>
<li>Port Dickson - <a href="http://goo.gl/fb/id9mF" target="_blank">Avillion Hotel in Port Dickson, Malaysia (Oct 2008)</a> </li>
<li>Kuala Lumpur</li>
</ul>
<li>Indonesia </li>
<ul>
<li>Batam</li>
</ul>
<li>Thailand </li>
<ul>
<li>Bangkok - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/09/remembering-thailand-and-wanting-to-go.html" target="_blank">Remembering Thailand (and wanting to go back!)</a> </li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oman</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sur</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">United Arab Emirates</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dubai</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Abu Dhabi</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/Su6WfAUe-yI/AAAAAAAAAoI/oZZyAFRrm98/s1600/Munzenberg+Castle+Germany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/Su6WfAUe-yI/AAAAAAAAAoI/oZZyAFRrm98/s400/Munzenberg+Castle+Germany.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munzenberg Castle, Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><b>Europe</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">France</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Paris (2003) - <a href="http://bit.ly/cogsMu" target="_blank">Remembering Paris</a> </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Paris (2003) - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/06/look-who-i-met-in-paris.html" target="_blank">Look Who I Met in Paris...</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Paris (2013)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">French Riviera (Nice, Eze, Monte Carlo, Cannes) (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li>Monaco (2013)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Germany</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Gambach - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2009/11/el-reyjr-visita-los-castillos.html" target="_blank">Münzenberg Castle</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Horbach</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mainhausen</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/TP0AHiEGfqI/AAAAAAAABW8/Q2BW1Pp5yQo/s1600/ReyjrParis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/TP0AHiEGfqI/AAAAAAAABW8/Q2BW1Pp5yQo/s200/ReyjrParis.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris, France</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Buchom</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cologne (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Italy</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Milan</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Arezzo</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Assisi</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cascine San Pietro</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Verona</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Casarsa</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Venice</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sicily</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Florence (2013)</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rome (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li>Vatican City (2013)</li>
<li>Switzerland</li>
<ul>
<li>Lucerne (2013)</li>
<li>Bern (2013)</li>
<li>Basel (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li>The Netherlands</li>
<ul>
<li>Amsterdam (2013)</li>
<li>Rotterdam (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li>Belgium</li>
<ul>
<li>Brugges (2013)</li>
<li>Brussels (2013)</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spain</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Barcelona</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sweden</li>
<ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Helsingborg</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Denmark</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Copenhagen</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Norway</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oslo</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">United Kingdom</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Aberdeen, Scotland - <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/07/i-am-newsworthy-in-aiyf-aberdeen.html" target="_blank">Newsworthy in AIYF, Aberdeen, Scotland</a></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dornoch, Scotland</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thurso, Scotland</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Swindon, England</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Reading, England</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">London, England</li>
</ul>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Austria</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Vienna</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Salzburg</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/Sa6PqvbrFOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/zVX2Qf0UNxc/crossroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/Sa6PqvbrFOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/zVX2Qf0UNxc/crossroads.jpg" height="216" style="height: 235px; margin-top: 0pt; width: 348px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En route to Paris</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t is the way of life in the Philippines</b> - news of typhoons and flooding hardly bother Filipinos any more what with 8 or 9 tropical cyclones making landfall annually on average. But it seems to me we are like the boiling frog. Every year another typhoon, another massive flooding, another few thousand men, women and children will die, and a few billion dollars worth of damage our economy will suffer through. It has become our new normal, <i>only we think it has always been our normal...</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSJuKuPoCFw/U0q1iMlMfcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/S73GM64b4zM/s1600/800px-Global_tropical_cyclone_tracks-edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSJuKuPoCFw/U0q1iMlMfcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/S73GM64b4zM/s1600/800px-Global_tropical_cyclone_tracks-edit2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17.318559646606445px; text-align: left;">A map of all tropical cyclone tracks, encompassing the period between the years 1985 and 2005.</span></td></tr>
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Five of the Top 10 deadliest typhoons in the Philippines arrived in the last 2 decades. And all of the top 10 most destructive (in terms of US dollars damage) occurred in the last 4 decades – that means most of Pinoys have seen at least one. Me and my family were right smack in the middle of 2009’s Ondoy tragedy.<br />
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The last major typhoon was famously one of the strongest that has ever made landfall. Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) left more than 6000 people dead and over $2 billion in damages.<br />
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Does that sound normal to you? I'm afraid that if we say it often enough, it does become normal, and any typhoon that goes through the Philippines and kills less that 6000 people becomes a "minor event" in our books. </div>
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We should stop ourselves from thinking that way and reverse that mindset altogether… <br />
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<b>Zero deaths from typhoons in the Philippines.</b><br />
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That’s what we want. <i>But what can we do to get there?</i></div>
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I urge the Philippine government to realise the potential cost of another catastrophic typhoon. </div>
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Foremost, it is the right thing to do, to save our countrymen from the pain of losing family to another Yolanda. Secondly, it is the economic burden that each typhoon brings - losses in farming, manufacturing, destruction of infrastructure. And thirdly, remember to consider the cost of losing present and future investors. How can we attract long term investors if we are constantly at risk of disrupting businesses and disrupting production?</div>
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I urge all Filipinos to VOTE in 2016 for candidates with a concrete mission to address our long term protection against these major typhoons and other catastrophes. Why? Because we can't stop these typhoons from coming, not in the short term. So we need to be prepared to face them and survive them. And we need the government's support to make things happen.</div>
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I urge all Filipinos to educate yourselves on how to survive a typhoon - what to have in your house for emergency purposes, where to go inside your house and how to get out of your house in case you need to. Have that conversation with your parents, your children, your grandparents, your family and friends: What should we do and where should we go in case of an emergency.</div>
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It's not going to be easy, but I am hopeful we will get there. At this point, we don't really have much of a choice.</div>
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#ZeroDeathsFromTyphoonsInThePhilippines</div>
Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-19207209185627876022014-02-26T23:39:00.002+08:002014-03-08T22:59:49.018+08:005 simple ways overseas Pinoys can help Philippine Tourism<div>
<i>Are you an overseas Pinoy or an OFW? I am too. Whether you have moved abroad temporarily or permanently, I think we all have a very important role to play in promoting Philippine Tourism.</i></div>
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<h3>
The Philippines is a Tourism gold mine</h3>
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I have always believed that the Philippines is a Tourism gold mine, but somehow our 4.7 Million tourists in 2013 pales in comparison to Indonesia's 8 Million and Malaysia's 25 Million.<br />
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl_A31OVjc/Uw3lKKzsHYI/AAAAAAAAB6c/TuDyPhd32mc/s1600/5SimpleWays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl_A31OVjc/Uw3lKKzsHYI/AAAAAAAAB6c/TuDyPhd32mc/s1600/5SimpleWays.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Nido Miniloc Island Resort, Palawan, Philippines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Philippines offers fantastic beaches (in Boracay, Davao, Cebu, El Nido), unique land formations (Chocolate Hills, Hundred Islands), caves, an underground river, volcanoes (Taal, Pinatubo, Mayon), surf spots (Siargao), diving spots, mountain climbing, and those are just the natural wonders. You can also go to places of historical significance, 16th to 18th century churches, the massive fiestas and festivals, and the even more massive shopping malls. And we haven't even talked about the food, the services and the hospitality of the Filipinos.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqkpICOWkAw/S09NjC70_zI/AAAAAAAAAy8/dksl7Jr3GSQ/s1600/Paoay+Church+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqkpICOWkAw/S09NjC70_zI/AAAAAAAAAy8/dksl7Jr3GSQ/s1600/Paoay+Church+11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earthquake Baroque Paoay Church (18th Century)<br />
Ilocos Norte, Philippines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being OFWs and Pinoys outside of the Philippines, we should look at ourselves as tourism ambassadors. Hey, I'm proud to share that I've managed to convince a couple of colleagues here in Australia to spend their honeymoon in El Nido, Palawan (where my wife and I had our 1st honeymoon as well) and they thoroughly enjoyed it. They didn't even need much convincing - I showed them our photos from our Honeymoon, told them how great a time we had, and they were sold. Well, it also helped that in 2013 Palawan was named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as the <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2013/islands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World's Best Island</a> (and #2 was Boracay).</div>
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I encourage you to be a Philippine Tourism Ambassador. Here are 5 simple ways we can all help the Philippines become the Tourism darling it deserves to be...</div>
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Promote the Philippines to your Social Media networks</h3>
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We are all part of the so called Social Media generation, and the Philippines is one of the 20 largest populations in the world that use the internet. The first simple way we can help Philippine Tourism is to use our Social Media networks to share the beauty of the Philippines.<br />
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The Department of Tourism is still running the "It's More Fun In the Philippines" campaign. I see the ads on the Transperth buses here in Perth sometimes and it gives me a good boost of happiness every time. Why not head on over to <a href="http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/have-fun-funmedia/">http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/have-fun-funmedia/</a> and watch and share those awesome videos on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Google+ and everywhere else you can.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ADNgEHFDYzo" width="500"></iframe></div>
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<h3>
Talk about the Philippines with your non-Filipino friends</h3>
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I was not mildly surprised that some non-Filipinos I have spoken to who have never been to the Philippines think that Manila is still a mostly rural city. Err.. I can't argue with Manila being an old city, but wait 'til they get a load of <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/SM+Megamall/@14.583879,121.056928,2a,90y,90t/data=!3m5!1e2!3m3!1s7766491!2e1!3e10!4m2!3m1!1s0x3397c8160219044b:0xcf11748d28af430d!6m1!1e1?hl=en" target="_blank">Megamall </a>and Mall of Asia! My point is, we can help Philippine Tourism by talking to our colleagues, friends and family about the Philippines, even just to help them get a better picture of what's in store for them when they arrive.<br />
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I especially like talking to my non-Filipino friends and colleagues about Manila's massive malls, the Philippines' famous lake within a volcano within a lake (or the island within a lake within an island within a lake within an island), the underground river in Palawan, the fresh seafood from Dampa, loads of awesome restaurants much cheaper than here, and, of course, the Filipino hospitality.</div>
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<h3>
Visit the Philippines like a Tourist</h3>
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We are so excited to visit the Philippines in December, and looking forward to see our family and friends again. We are also excited to visit Tagaytay, Boracay, and Batangas, among other places. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_HI4yYyLG8/SP87ZgGoCsI/AAAAAAAAAD4/SNAftya5v9A/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_HI4yYyLG8/SP87ZgGoCsI/AAAAAAAAAD4/SNAftya5v9A/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Hills (made of limestone) in Bohol, Philippines</td></tr>
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When you come home to the Philippines, go be Tourist! Plan your visit like you would if you were a Tourist, try the best the Philippines has to offer, experience new things and go on an adventure.<br />
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I understand how exciting traveling outside of the Philippines can be, but it seems such a shame to go so far away when there's so much the Philippines has to offer which we haven't experienced yet. Now that I am no longer living in the Philippines, I feel so much more excited to travel to places I've never been to in our beautiful islands.<br />
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<h3>
Show off your awesome photos</h3>
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While on your awesome holiday in the Philippines, be sure to get your cameras out and snap away! Take selfies, group shots, jump shots, planking, vadering, and whatever else you can think of, but be sure to get some of the fantastic scenery, the sunsets, the coconut trees, the crabs and fish, food porn, the caves, the Rizal statue, the Manila Cathedral, the rivers and beaches, and everything beautiful about the Philippines.<br />
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And when you get back to where you came from, show the awesome photos off to everybody! You can also print a few of your best shots, frame them and put them up on the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgix7ceOZ6Y/Uw38kYaHXJI/AAAAAAAAB6s/OI07pD44YNs/s1600/5SimpleWays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgix7ceOZ6Y/Uw38kYaHXJI/AAAAAAAAB6s/OI07pD44YNs/s1600/5SimpleWays.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<h3>
Don't forget to bring pasalubong</h3>
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The fifth simple way we can help Philippine Tourism is to bring a little bit of the Philippines back with us. One of my favourite Filipino traditions - bring "pasalubong"!<br />
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I've taken after my dad in promoting our own brand of "Dried Mango Diplomacy", but you don't have to limit it to dehydrated fruit. I find Philippine made capiz ornaments or kitchenware make awesome gifts, wood products and tribal textiles are also a big hit.<br />
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<h3>
Go forth and multiply</h3>
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I honestly do hope you share my enthusiasm for making our country one of the biggest Tourist destinations in Asia and the world. And I also hope you all do these five simple things to help make it happen.<br />
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Can you suggest other simple ways overseas Pinoys can help Philippine Tourism? Sound off in the comments section below!<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-76126262602924507832014-02-03T19:00:00.000+08:002014-02-04T09:05:14.565+08:00Filipino Invention - Jeepney Coin Sorter<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You know how there are lists floating around of these awesome inventions by Filipinos and some of them turn out to be hoaxes? This invention, a jeepney coin sorter, I wish was real. Unfortunately it doesn't exist. Challenge accepted... anyone?</span></i></div>
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One of my machine design projects when I was still taking up my Mechanical Engineering was a coin sorter and wrapper, made even more challenging by the professor's requirement that it should have a single input action, say a rotating motion. We never finished it and had to change projects halfway through. But remembering it got me thinking... I wonder how much interest there would there be for a jeepney coin sorter?<br />
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<h3>
Jeepney Coin Sorter</h3>
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Imagine this: assuming the jeepney driver doesn't have a barker collecting the jeepney fare, his eyes would constantly be looking at the money, counting and doing the maths for change, and counting the change before giving it to the passenger, all while driving through Manila traffic. If he could do this in an easier, more organised manner, Manila street will be that much safer, don't you agree?
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There are numerous designs of coin sorters in the market, and I suppose most of them are used in banks rather than in jeepneys. Most of them are also bulky electronic sorters, using scanners and weights to determine the type of coin, and sorting them out via vibration or a series of differently sized meshes. The jeepney coin sorter can't be like that.<br />
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<h3>
Design the Coin Sorter</h3>
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The jeepney coin sorter needs to be compact enough to be placed in front of the jeepney driver without obscuring his view of the street. It needs to be able to receive at least a handful of coins at a time and be able to sort them just via gravity. Because the driver needs to give out change, he should also be able to get sorted money with ease.<br />
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An upgrade to this would be installation of an electronic counter which shows (or speaks) how much you have dropped in.<br />
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To summarise, your challenge is:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Design a coin sorter specifically for use in a jeepney, by the jeepney driver</li>
<li>Coin sorter must be able to receive at least a handful of coins at a time a properly sort them</li>
<li>Driver must be able to retrieve sorted coins easily to give out change</li>
<li>Bonus: install an electronic counter to show how much money was placed into the sorter.</li>
</ol>
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<h3>
Challenge accepted?</h3>
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I have a feeling someone will take this challenge and a few months from now I will get a comment on this post that they've created the jeepney coin sorter and it is being mass produced for jeepneys all over the Philippines. Or maybe not. Who knows?</div>
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-21602842942413298052014-01-26T11:10:00.002+08:002014-01-26T11:10:25.188+08:00Philippine Consulate in #Perth seeks volunteers to assist packing of donated goods for #TyphoonHaiyan survivors<div id="fb-root">
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-65568038577882982152014-01-24T19:00:00.000+08:002014-01-25T00:25:33.512+08:00Photo Friday: A day in Cologne<div class="fb-like" data-action="like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2014/01/photo-friday-day-in-cologne.html" data-layout="standard" data-share="true" data-show-faces="true">
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Thought I'd try out a photo Friday sharing with a twist. I've always thought photos are best shared with an anecdote, it makes it more interesting and definitely add another dimension to an otherwise 2 dimensional item (literally).<br />
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<b>Cologne, Germany</b><br />
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This photo was taken during our Honeymoon Part 2 trip to Europe in 2013. Posing beside the magnificent Cologne Cathedral (the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe) and feeling like we were doing our pre-nuptual photoshoot all over again. We visited Cologne on a day trip with our awesome friends Hani & Tudoy who drove us all the way from Rotterdam, The Netherlands.<br />
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The church had really intricate designs, a true masterpiece in architecture and sculpture, and also traditionally believed to be the home of the relics of the 3 wise men who visited Jesus when He was born...<br />
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<b>Cologne in a Day</b><br />
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If you were visiting just for a day in Cologne, I would definitely recommend you visit the cathedral first and maybe try to climb the 500+ steps to the viewing deck.<br />
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There are a lot of other amazing medieval structures as well as intriguing modern architecture to see around the city and a day will not be enough to see all of them. It would definitely be worth walking around the vicinity of the church with a handy guide from the Tourist centre.<br />
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<b>Love Padlocks</b><br />
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If you're feeling romantic, head to the Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge (walking distance from the cathedral), and bring a padlock with you. The tradition is to attach the padlock to the bridge and throw the key in the Rhine River. To make it extra special, get your names engraved into the padlock.<br />
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If you're not feeling sweet enough, head on over to the Lindt Chocolate Museum a short walk up the river side. They are closed on Mondays so be sure you plan your trip on another day.<br />
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<b>Beer and Cologne</b><br />
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Before you go, don't forget to try the Kölsch beer, a special local brew, and why not have some bratwurst in a bun as well.<br />
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Then for souvenirs, consider some real authentic cologne from Cologne, or maybe some fantastic smelling soaps and lotions will do.<br />
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<b>Tell me about your trip to Cologne!</b><br />
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Have you been to Cologne before? I'd love to hear about your trip too. Please share your stories with me in the comments section below.<br />
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If you haven't yet, would you like to visit Cologne?<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-21883563616212660422014-01-18T17:03:00.001+08:002014-03-03T22:33:19.751+08:00A blogging vision for the future<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been doing some Spring Cleaning around Reyjr.com - removed some unnecessary links, cleaned up the template a bit, etc., then I got to writing this post, my first for 2014, and hopefully not my last.</span></i><br />
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I've been deliberating for a while now about whether or not I should keep this blog running, and why it even mattered, and what would I do with it really, and I even got my wife in to brainstorm blog visions for the future. <br />
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So I thought I'd let <i>you</i> in too, my audience, maybe you have the answer to my blogger's dilemma.<br />
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<b>Talking Blogs</b><br />
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Let's pretend we're sitting across from each other at a coffee shop and talking blogs. I ask you how yours is doing, and you politely ask how mine is. So I proceed to tell you my blog has been in a sort of limbo for the last 2 years. My posts have been sparse, very few and far in between to be able to generate any meaningful traffic, much less develop any sort of readership base. <br />
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Sitemeter metrics show my Page Views dropped from 8,000 per month and rising 2 years ago, to now around 200 per month and even decreasing further. My Alexa Page Rank dropped from a respectable 4/10 to a dismal 1/10. Simply put: nobody reads this blog anymore because there are no new posts to read.<br />
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So it begs the question, why then have I kept it running for over 2 years now without new posts?<br />
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<b>Sentimentalism</b><br />
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I've renewed the url Reyjr.com for this blog in October last year, not without hesitation. I guess I clicked the purchase button more out of sentimental feelings rather than a determination to blog again.<br />
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But then here I am and writing again. I think that's an awesome (re)start!<br />
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Reyjr.com is in a peculiar position: since I'm basically starting again from dirt, I can take it to wherever I want to without fear of losing readership. That concept actually got me excited, given all the changes that have happened in my life in the past couple of years, a change in my writing seemed appropriate. But still, what do I write about? What would you, my audience, want to read about?<br />
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No, really, tell me please. Go ahead, jump in and tell me what you think.<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-21834226557882360632013-09-26T17:32:00.000+08:002014-02-04T09:07:11.176+08:00Renewed Reyjr.com and more Travel Blogs coming soon<div class="fb-like" data-action="like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2013/09/renewed-reyjrcom-and-more-travel-blogs.html" data-layout="standard" data-share="true" data-show-faces="true">
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Renewed Reyjr.com</h3>
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I've just renewed my url Reyjr.com for another year. It's almost sentimental. I've not written much in the last 2 years and yet have continued paying the $10/year fee, still hopeful to be able to write again in the future...<br />
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The cost is negligible really, this blog <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/search/label/Earning%2010%20in%202010">has already paid for 20+ years of operation</a>. And while my focus is no longer in earning money to maintain this, it is still getting a few cents here and there, enough to drop $100 once a year and keep the site going for the future.</div>
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More Travel Blogs to come</h3>
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I've always wanted to transform this blog into a full fledged <a href="http://www.reyjr.com/1982/01/reyjr-travel-blog-log.html">Travel Blog</a>. It's really cool to be able to share travel stories and experiences - a two way conversation - not just about the places to visit (any travel website can tell you that!) but more the tastes, the sounds, the feelings all around the world. The exhilaration from seeing awesome places, experiencing new and wonderful things, immersing yourself in different cultures is a different high.</div>
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Please do watch this space for new travel blog posts coming soon. We are travelling around Europe on our Honeymoon Part 2!</div>
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And if you have a Travel Blog of your own, please leave a comment below so we can connect.</div>
Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-41081317921990038692013-06-10T21:53:00.000+08:002013-06-22T16:50:23.757+08:00Hey you, let's catch up!<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2013/06/hey-you-lets-catch-up.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
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<b>Hello World</b><br />
You know I haven't posted anything remotely resembling a decent blog post in ages. It's funny, but whenever I visit this little ol' blog of mine, I all of a sudden want to write again...<br />
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Have I told you about the time when I was in elementary school and a group of us participated in a Journalism competition? I vaguely remember that it was for the Pa-Mari-San division (short for Pasig-Marikina-San Juan), and I competed in proofreading or was it newswriting? I think I won a prize, but I don't remember what it was. I remember going to a day workshop though, learning a bunch of awesome stuff and meeting all these like minded people whose names and faces are now lost synapses in my brain. We didn't have Facebook back then to continue stalking people you just met.<br />
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But memories are frustrating sometimes, don't you think?<br />
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Did I really want to become a journalist back then? I don't remember really. I do remember my standard answer to "what do you want to be when you grow up?" was not an Engineer. Not that I regret it. I just find it interesting how we come to be where we are, and how you never really know what the future holds, but that you have to take it as it comes and enjoy every single moment.<br />
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Maybe I did want to be a journalist, or a writer of some sort. Maybe that's the reason why I started this blog. And maybe that's the reason why some of you are bloggers. I do know that somehow when I browse around this blog, it brings me back to those moments when I felt bursting with ideas, stories flowing out in a flood my typing skills couldn't keep up.<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-30499333657021597692012-12-14T10:51:00.000+08:002012-12-14T10:51:08.660+08:00The UPCC 50th Anniversary Gala Concert on Dec 21<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2012/12/the-upcc-50th-anniversary-gala-concert.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
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UPCC 50th Anniversary Gala Concert on Dec 21</h1>
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The Friends of Korus Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA) is cordially inviting you to watch the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) in it's Golden Anniversary Gala Concert on Friday, December 21, 2012, 7:00PM at the University of the Philippines Theater, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City, Philippines.<br />
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Ticket prices and further details in poster below. Please click the image to view the full size.<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-7229420059724094982012-10-07T13:52:00.001+08:002014-02-28T23:15:03.028+08:00Our new normalHanging out at the park has never been a thing for us before, but since the move to Perth we've found it has become a great new option for a lazy Sunday afternoon.<br />
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So here we are at a nice little park, the sun partially covered by clouds, the cool wind blowing on our faces, the birds flying around looking for seeds I suspect. <br />
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I saw another family just arrived with a little (super)boy with a bright red cape. He's run and started going across the rope bridge while his mum set down a portable table and filled it with snacks and drinks. Two girls went to the water fountain to have a drink after playing on the swings with their Dad.<br />
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My wife has dozed off on my shoulder as I type this. The general calm and quiet, and the cool wind lulled her to sleep, as I am being lulled to sleep myself. And so I should stop before I begin sleep blogging...<br />
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Seems such a normal thing to do here, taking a nap in the park on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I guess this too is part of our new normal.<br />
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#Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com2Millett Park Innaloo-31.896589 115.788867tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-36273947533019636572012-06-14T14:17:00.001+08:002012-06-14T14:17:57.655+08:00Perth Weather PostTesting my Blogger App to see what the post will look like! <br />
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Just added a photo of this morning's weather update. We're down to single digits eh? Bring it on winter!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XVlL9-hqPPk/T9mCD1KvV_I/AAAAAAAABwU/vgxt7ZYeVyk/s640/blogger-image-812346933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XVlL9-hqPPk/T9mCD1KvV_I/AAAAAAAABwU/vgxt7ZYeVyk/s640/blogger-image-812346933.jpg" /></a></div>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-59498506292107186112012-03-12T23:58:00.000+08:002012-03-24T13:48:30.541+08:00My Awesome Virtual 30th Birthday Party<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2012/03/my-awesome-virtual-30th-birthday-party.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
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Turned 30</h2>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Welcome to my virtual birthday party!</span></div>
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In *real life* my Tatay, my wife Liz and I went to Sandalford Winery in Swan Valley (Western Australia), where we had a sumptuous lunch and enjoyed some wine tasting. We later went to Nguyen Phat in Girrawheen to this huge Asian supermarket. We were in "panic buying" mode (hehe) and bought everything from Silver Swan Soy Sauce and Datu Puti vinegar, to Boy Bawang and Barrio Fiesta bagoong.</div>
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In the Philippines, my Nanay and my aunts and cousins ordered some pizza and a cake and sang me a birthday song over Skype video and blew my cake for me. Awesome! My sisters got in the act as well, singing (typing) on Skype. (Ain't Skype grand?)<br />
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My virtual parteh guests!</h2>
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My virtual 30th birthday was also in full gear, my guests below were really generous, taking time out from their busy schedules to send me these photos. Thank you everyone!<br />
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Gay of <a href="http://www.exoticphilippines.info/">www.exoticphilippines.info</a> and <a href="http://www.bloggerstech.com/">www.bloggerstech.com</a> was the first one who sent a photo. Thanks Gay!</div>
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My good friend Atty. Kix posted this on Instagram! Thank you so much Kix, umabot pa! =D</div>
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One of my favorite couples from Tabangao, Ka Roger and Tita Virgie sent this to me on Facebook, all the way from Qatar.</div>
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Ate Nerissa and Filou from Germany sent me this cute photo!</div>
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My bestman Tudoy and his lovely bride Hani, sent me this photo they took from the Vienna Opera House! :D</div>
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Our UPCC friends Roger and Emily posted this awesome photo on Facebook too! </div>
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Cha Sy of <a href="http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/">http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/</a> also greeted me!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iC1xFOUEUHo/T14DtZR2DJI/AAAAAAAABmg/XQ6U2GWFuyQ/s1600/Happy+Birthday+Rey!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iC1xFOUEUHo/T14DtZR2DJI/AAAAAAAABmg/XQ6U2GWFuyQ/s400/Happy+Birthday+Rey!.JPG" width="342" /></a></div>
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And more pahabol....<br />
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Smiling in the scorching desert heat, Gay sent this very cool photo with this note: Marhaba! It's Gay of <a href="http://www.pinaytraveljunkie.com/">www.PinayTravelJunkie.com</a>. Got a birthday greeting for you from the Sahara Desert in Morocco where we are currently in. Wishing you more travels. Happy big three-o!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzXCXkhLnKw/T18zktHWp6I/AAAAAAAABnM/o4FLJYufYto/s1600/bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzXCXkhLnKw/T18zktHWp6I/AAAAAAAABnM/o4FLJYufYto/s400/bday.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jonha of <a href="http://savingissexy.info/">www.SavingisSexy.info</a> split herself into 2 just give me a bday greeting!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnazslDBYRQ/T2B1uzMwejI/AAAAAAAABnY/cGqUJTC5EpI/s1600/Happy+Birthday+Rey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnazslDBYRQ/T2B1uzMwejI/AAAAAAAABnY/cGqUJTC5EpI/s320/Happy+Birthday+Rey.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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My awesome friends Julz and Triciamae sent me this beautiful photo of our trip to Baguio last year with a belated greeting. Thanks guys!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geeIQ8XXzn0/T18zSOkYRAI/AAAAAAAABms/I4prWI0MqDw/s1600/428255_10150670085048442_701603441_9151474_2042368124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-geeIQ8XXzn0/T18zSOkYRAI/AAAAAAAABms/I4prWI0MqDw/s400/428255_10150670085048442_701603441_9151474_2042368124_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And my Tabangao friends sent me this series! Wow! </div>
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Richell (with a new baby), Stanley (with a new haircut!) and Vermont (newly engaged! woot!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ksB5JTnVxw/T18zY4RjJoI/AAAAAAAABm8/LSp9jA02FcA/s1600/C360_2012-03-12-09-29-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ksB5JTnVxw/T18zY4RjJoI/AAAAAAAABm8/LSp9jA02FcA/s400/C360_2012-03-12-09-29-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pretty boys and girls of the Tabangao Technology dept: Dennis, Angel, Hannah, John Kim and Jer!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxZYQU7wyQ4/T18zcUOlZwI/AAAAAAAABnE/ZlMIyEugvCM/s1600/C360_2012-03-12-09-32-19_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qxZYQU7wyQ4/T18zcUOlZwI/AAAAAAAABnE/ZlMIyEugvCM/s400/C360_2012-03-12-09-32-19_org.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The coolest E&S folks around: Gab, Meanne, Val and Paul (who orchestrated the photo op. Thanks so much Paul! You definitely made my after birthday morning!)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5Nhxoo1uHY/T18zVCGr0CI/AAAAAAAABm0/qKKIOicqLJM/s1600/C360_2012-03-12-09-26-36_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5Nhxoo1uHY/T18zVCGr0CI/AAAAAAAABm0/qKKIOicqLJM/s400/C360_2012-03-12-09-26-36_org.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am really grateful to everyone who sent me photos, and greeted me a Happy Birthday! God Bless you all!<br />
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</div>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-43599093263520901522012-03-07T00:40:00.001+08:002012-03-24T13:49:46.434+08:00I'm turning 30!<div>
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Turning 30</h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKoaTvGKHm4/S3wX4GmeYdI/AAAAAAAAA1g/5Aa3zDPRjLA/s1600/Hot+Air+Balloon+Festival+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKoaTvGKHm4/S3wX4GmeYdI/AAAAAAAAA1g/5Aa3zDPRjLA/s400/Hot+Air+Balloon+Festival+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello to all the (loyal) readers of Reyjr.com! Guess what? I'm turning 30 on Sunday! And in celebration of my birthday, I'm treating myself to a virtual party on my blog, and you're all invited. :)</div>
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I'm putting together a collage of photos with people holding up a sign saying "Happy Birthday" to me. (Simple joys, haha!) and I'd like you to send me one of YOURS [email: admin@reyjr.com]. I would really appreciate it if you could! That would be really awesome. </div>
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I will post all the photos on this blog (with a link to your website/blog if you're a blogger). ;) </div>
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Thanks in advance!</div>
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<br />
This is my first proper post for 2012, and my first "diary type" post in quite a while. There has been a lot of changes going on in my life and none of them minor...<br />
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We got married!</h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3zHy7R2A_w/TyN6ZSvvfUI/AAAAAAAABlI/dJZXQM-Zijw/s1600/Rey_Liz_Prenup14p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3zHy7R2A_w/TyN6ZSvvfUI/AAAAAAAABlI/dJZXQM-Zijw/s400/Rey_Liz_Prenup14p.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reyjr and Liz got married!</td></tr>
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I got married to Liz, my beautiful girlfriend of 8 years and 9 months in an intimate ceremony at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati City on December 29, 2011. We had our reception at the luxurious Marriott Hotel Manila. In a way of thanking our family, friends and suppliers for making our Wedding Day so completely awesome, I will be doing a series of posts to remember our preparations, our photoshoots and fittings, the wedding and the reception, and of course, our Honeymoon in Miniloc Island, El Nido. Hopefully Liz and I can give you ideas for when you prepare for your special day, or even give a tip or two about the wedding.<br />
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<h2>
I've changed jobs!</h2>
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For some people I suppose, leaving for another company is easy, for some it is not even a choice granted, for me the choice was bittersweet.<br />
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I feel my decision to move was great for my development as an Engineer in a global industry, working side by side (literally) with people from all over the world. But I do feel sad to be leaving behind a lot of unfinished tasks, a lot of relationships built over the last 5 years...<br />
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Nevertheless, I am looking forward to new tasks, new lessons, and new, hopefully lasting relationships.<br />
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I've moved to Australia!</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t89SLt5-CzI/TyN_QYsbqCI/AAAAAAAABlU/1NlOQzFXnDw/s1600/800px-Flag_of_Australia.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t89SLt5-CzI/TyN_QYsbqCI/AAAAAAAABlU/1NlOQzFXnDw/s400/800px-Flag_of_Australia.svg.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Australia Day!</td></tr>
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The 3rd big change for me this year is, with my move to a new company, I've also moved to a new country.<br />
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I've been living in Perth, Western Australia for the past 3 weeks, getting used to right-hand driving, sandwich lunches, and the Australian accent. My wife is not yet here with me, but will soon follow. :D<br />
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I think because millions of Filipinos go abroad, we tend to dismiss it as an easy thing to do. Sure, I suppose it does become easier over time, but really the first few weeks abroad are not. Aside from the obvious missing the company of your loved ones and friends, there are so many other things you realize you miss, mostly about the familiarity of everything and anything. Like for example, I miss that I know where all the good restaurants are in my city, or where to get the best crabs in town.<br />
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There is, of course, that excitement to learn about this new place, finding out where to get my groceries and where the best bargain clothes are, how to pay for street parking or get gas for my car, which bus to take to wherever or which route doesn't have much traffic even during rush hour, etc.<br />
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So while I'm still getting over the fact that they don't have unlimited gravy at KFC here, among other things I'm missing terribly, I will focus on learning something new everyday about this new city. I've been walking up and down the streets after work, familiarizing myself with the smells and sounds of Perth. Soon everything will be as familiar as it was back home, and hopefully that makes everything else much easier.<br />
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</div>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-26286938563626659112011-11-23T23:53:00.000+08:002011-11-23T23:56:44.072+08:00Finding "Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" on YouTube<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/11/finding-handels-messiah-soulful.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
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<h2>
"Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration"</h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXO4hDKB0XM/Ti2Yqav8BxI/AAAAAAAABjY/g88kdSPCZmg/s1600/Handel%2527s_Messiah_-_A_Soulful_Celebration_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXO4hDKB0XM/Ti2Yqav8BxI/AAAAAAAABjY/g88kdSPCZmg/s400/Handel%2527s_Messiah_-_A_Soulful_Celebration_cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This has got to be one of my favorite albums of all time: "<b>Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration</b>" release in 1992 and executive produced by Norman Miller, Gail Hamilton and Mervyn Warren, is a reinterpretation of the 1741 oratorio "<b>Messiah</b>" by George Frideric Handel - yes it is a famous classical piece usually sung during Christmastime - but was transformed into an extraordinary mix of African-American music including spirituals, blues, ragtime, big band, jazz fusion, R&B and hip hop. The result, pure joy in music. The album received the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.<br />
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I've had the privilege to sing the original <b>Handel's Messiah </b>many times during my days in the choir, and I've also had the privilege to perform the "<b>Hallelujah</b>" from the above-mentioned album - complete with choreography! I'd like now to share with you what I mean, in case this is your first time to hear about it - and if not, I invite you to listen in to these selections from the 2 beautiful pieces of music...<br />
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"For Unto Us a Child is Born"</h2>
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This is one of my favorite songs in the whole oratorio (gets you in the Christmas mood eh?), and probably the hardest to sing really well because of all the runs. This version was performed by the Cantillation Choir, with the Orchestra of the Antipodes, conducted by Antony Walker.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7VynBiI9M30" width="485"></iframe><br />
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This is the version from "A Soulful Celebration" arranged and produced by Gary Hines, and performed by Sounds of Blackness.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KTeUZH0ynOo" width="485"></iframe><br />
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"And He Shall Purify"</h2>
Here is the original Handel's "And He Shall Purify" performed by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge Academy of Ancient Music with Conductor, Stephen Cleobury.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zDuVTzVvyvs" width="485"></iframe><br />
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This is the reimagined version. Arranged by Michael O. Jackson and Mervyn Warren, Produced by Mervyn Warren, and performed by Tramaine Hawkins (live with the Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church in Riverside California)...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YUltJ-5DXhk" width="485"></iframe><br />
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</div>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-24979667656261311972011-11-01T10:28:00.003+08:002011-11-17T22:48:02.738+08:00Random Halloween Conversation<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/11/random-halloween-conversation.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
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Rey: Let's find something scary to watch on TV.<br />
Liz: Sige.<br />
Rey: *Channel Surfing* (Zombieland, A Christmas Carol...?!)<br />
Liz: Wala naman...<br />
Rey: *Channel Surfing* Ano ba yan, Halloween night wala man lang nakakatakot na movies sa cable TV?!<br />
Liz: Wala nga...<br />
Rey: Ayan, CNN na lang, nakakatakot ang nangyayari sa Euro.<br />
Liz: *tumbling*<br />
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Oh well, we didn't get our scare fix this Halloween, but hopefully we get to watch the current "Walking Dead" Season 2. Haha.<br />
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</div>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-36623988063720048102011-09-21T01:20:00.001+08:002011-09-26T22:25:54.223+08:00Songs I'd Love to Cover Part 1<div id="fb-root">
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As most of you know, singing is a great passion of mine. When I was younger (and more uninhibited LOL) I would break into song all the time, I would sing at home in the bathroom, in the car, while walking in the mall, waiting for the next class... practically anywhere. You know it when a song catches in your brain and you just start singing, softly at first then, suddenly when you hit the chorus, you sing out loud like nobody's business. ;)<br />
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If I was to make an album today, and will be doing a cover of any song I want - these songs would be in my short list. Or if I was asked to make a set list for me and my imaginary band these songs would definitely make the cut...<br />
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1. "Before We Come Undone" - Kris Allen</h2>
This wasn't a huge hit for Kris Allen, but the beat of this song is really cool, it just makes me rock it out like a rockstar (even though I don't even know the words haha). I also like how the song is dramatic but not overly dramatic, sexy but not trying hard.<br />
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2. "Elevator" - David Archuleta</h2>
First 2 songs from AI alumni, not surprising as I am a big fan of the show. David Archuleta, not so much a fan of, but my soon to be wife is. And I think we have a similar vocal tone so it would be silly not to choose a song from his repertoire.<br />
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I like the playfulness of the melody of this song, even though it's actually a difficult song to sing (no really, try it!). They really pushed this kid to his limits eh?<br />
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3. "Get To You" - James Morrison</h2>
I think James Morrison's voice is awesome. I just do. He's just got one of those really cool husky voices I always wished I had hahaha. Another cool and challenging song to sing, I want it on my album hehe.<br />
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4. "Crawl" - Chris Brown</h2>
When I was in high school, I was really into hip-hop and RnB music, and I took that with me even after being exposed to so much more different types of music. This is RnB ballad I would love to cover as well - Chris Brown is a great singer with a unique style. And this is a great song to perform with choreography. WOot!<br />
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5. "The Way You Make Me Feel" - Michael Jackson</h2>
My favorite song by the King of Pop Michael Jackson is this one. And even though I will need to take the key down a few steps (haha) I would love to be able to sing this song. Awesome Awesome song. The video is a bit raunchy, but the song is awesome.<br />
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6. "Change the World" - Eric Clapton (Babyface version)</h2>
Finally, for this first batch of songs I'd love to cover is Eric Clapton's classic "Change the World" but at a faster, more RnB version as performed by Babyface. I've sung this numerous times on Karaoke parties and it is one of my favorite songs of all time. :D<br />
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How about you? If given a chance, what songs would like to record?<br />
I'd also love to hear what you think of my song selection. Comment away! :D<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-77128788061848606682011-09-12T03:01:00.001+08:002011-09-12T03:12:32.612+08:00Remembering 9/11<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I could never be able to make a blog post tribute worthy of the tragedy that was 9/11, but hopefully this short post will be able to convey my condolences to the victims, and send to them a message of remembrance and hope.</span><br />
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It has become one of those events where people ask - "Where were you when it happened?"<br />
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I was at home. I received a text message from a friend telling me to open the television to CNN as the World Trade Center in New York City was hit by an airplane. I was mortified by what I saw - one of the twin towers with smoke billowing from one side, and watched in horror as an airplane crashed into the other tower...<br />
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I remember not quite understanding what was happening, even thinking I was watching a replay of earlier events, but soon realized it was all happening in real time.<br />
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A year before the terrorist attacks, I was in New York City, my first and only time there so far. Questions then came about whether we were ever inside the twin towers or if we ever did take any photographs - trying to piece together memories of association with a now fallen iconic structure.<br />
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It was later that we found out more details about the 9/11 attacks - the 2,996 casualties from 70 different countries, including hundreds of firefighters and rescuers, plane passengers and soldiers at the Pentagon. The heartbreaking news and stories stuck with me until now.<br />
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Today, we remember their stories - we've told ours, and so I ask, especially today, that we not talk about where we were when it happened simply because we can. Let's remember instead the stories of those who are no longer here to tell theirs.<br />
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Rest in peace, I pray.<br />
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Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-41500131005181367222011-06-13T22:50:00.003+08:002011-08-29T00:17:02.274+08:00The Uber Prestigious Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2011<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reyjr.com%2F2011%2F06%2F2011-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html&send=false&layout=standard&width=450&show_faces=true&action=like&colorscheme=light&font&height=80" style="border: none; height: 80px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><br />
<b><a href="http://www.reyjr.com/2010/06/my-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ast year</a></b>, six out of my Top Ten EIB choices landed on the winners list. This time around, I enter the writing project (now on its 5th year) much like my first time in 2009 - not knowing any newbies and eager to discover some really interesting blogs. I'm hoping to get to know some new bloggers in the process as well. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/TAyEfDll_cI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jhMKzCwWb7o/s1600/influential-blogger.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/TAyEfDll_cI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jhMKzCwWb7o/s1600/influential-blogger.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kfs-M8rGjgg/TAyEfDll_cI/AAAAAAAABDQ/jhMKzCwWb7o/s1600/influential-blogger.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">How do you choose your Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs?</span><br />
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I was asked before how I choose the Blogs I put on this list, and this was I how I responded:<br />
<blockquote>"(In choosing my EIB Top 10) I'm more subjective than objective. I vote for the blogs that I personally find "influences" me to comment, to engage, to react - blogs that surprise me in their candor, their wit; blogs that showcase talent, mad skills in whatever field they are in, so much so that they have quickly developed a large following - I would include those who, despite not yet having a large following, I feel have the good potential to."</blockquote><blockquote>"Finally, I would say, I will choose those blogs I am comfortable recommending to my friends and readers...this is my personal blog and I wouldn't want to give a recommendation for a blog I didn't believe in!" </blockquote>My criteria of sorts do not change much, but who knows, right? I'd love to be surprised.<br />
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<h2>Emerging Influential Blogs 2011</h2>Here are my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2011...<br />
1. <a href="http://www.certifiedfoodies.com/">CertifiedFoodies.com</a> (For the Love of Food) - I know Mhel via our co-FB-group Admin activities on Pinoy Bloggers, and so hers was one of the first blogs I visited when I began scouting for new blogs to include in my list this year. I must say, I was rather impressed at how far the blog has gone in such a short time. Plus there's a soft spot somewhere inside me for a sibling shared blog. (I have 2 sisters who are both abroad!)<br />
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2. Your Blog Here<br />
3. Your Blog Here<br />
4. Your Blog Here<br />
5. Your Blog Here<br />
6. Your Blog Here<br />
7. Your Blog Here<br />
8. Your Blog Here<br />
9. Your Blog Here<br />
10. Your Blog Here<br />
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<br />
<h2>You can Join EIB2011 too</h2><br />
Who can join? You can join! Any blogger in the world can join, but you can have only one entry per blogger. The blog or website owner profile and e-mail must be accessible or visible online, and the blog must be at least 3 months old.<br />
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For more details about this writing project click: <a href="http://www.influentialblogger.net/p/join-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html"><b>Join the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2011 Writing Project</b></a><br />
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<div>This writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as <a href="http://cybermondayplanet.com/">Cyber Monday Deals</a>, <a href="http://tribeca.com.ph/">TRIbeca Private Residences</a>, <a href="http://www.pinoyhowto.com/">How To Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.palawanbeaches.com/">Palawan Beaches for Sale</a>, and <a href="http://www.gnlpc.com/">Green & Natural Lubes Philippines</a>.<br />
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</script><fb:comments href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/06/2011-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html" num_posts="10" width="485"></fb:comments>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-76134500835019106912011-06-06T23:34:00.001+08:002011-06-06T23:36:10.395+08:00Reyjr checking in!<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?app_id=233542469995606&href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reyjr.com%2F2011%2F06%2Freyjr-checking-in.html&send=false&layout=standard&width=450&show_faces=true&action=like&colorscheme=light&font&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe><br />
Hello <a href="http://reyjr.com/">Reyjr.com</a> readers and passers-by (haha)!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to do a quick update about what's been happening around here and check-in to see what you guys are up to. It's been ages since I last posted something like this, you know, like a Diary type entry. <br />
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This is not going to be lengthy, (but as some of you know I tend to ramble a little bit when I do these kinds of posts) I just wanted to share with you that...<br />
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<ul><li>I have been really busy with several "offline" activities (i.e. like "Life" and all that jazz haha) - foremost of which, our wedding preparations! Liz and I just had our wedding attire measurements taken last weekend, and are now looking to book florists, suppliers for invitations, photo booths, make-up artists, etc. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, we would appreciate them! I am still hoping to be able to write about all of it here. Hopefully I can get around to actually writing it. :p</li>
<li>We have also been quite busy with activities around the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration of the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) in 2012. More on that later as well!</li>
<li>I am thinking of another giveaway soon on the <a href="http://facebook.com/ReyjrDotCom">Reyjr.com Facebook Page</a>, so watch out for that!</li>
<li>On the blogging front, there have been a lot of activities and discussion in the Facebook group "<strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_168169913202123&ap=1">Pinoy Bloggers</a></strong>" - for one, the group has grown from 200+ to no 700+ members in a span of a couple of months. The Admins are cooking something up to better engage the members - something cool and exciting will be coming soon. :D</li>
<li>Lastly, I am moving to a new role at work by 1st of July - transition will not be easy, but I am more excited than worried. Wish me luck! =D</li>
</ul><div>Now, you! What's been happening with you lately? I'm eager to hear from you.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Just here, </div><div>reyjr</div><br />
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<div id="fb-root"></div><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:comments href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/06/reyjr-checking-in.html" num_posts="10" width="485"></fb:comments>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-70949593076697002742011-05-23T09:14:00.003+08:002014-02-28T23:26:40.607+08:00Choco-late de Batirol in Baguio is heaven in a cup!<em>The rich chocolate aroma wafted in our general direction, and all of us went... "mmmm... sarap!"</em><br />
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<h2>
Chocolate de Batirol, the perfect place to spend a cool and sunny Baguio afternoon</h2>
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Inside Baguio City's Camp John Hay is a little restaurant called <strong>Choco-late de Batirol</strong>. Oozing with character, this rustic resting spot is the perfect place to spend a cool and sunny Baguio afternoon, sipping chocolate based drinks while reading a good book, or just hanging out with friends and family...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKtQIB3OfOs/TcqFKTFpHYI/AAAAAAAABgQ/crXai4E7ntU/s1600/Batirol1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKtQIB3OfOs/TcqFKTFpHYI/AAAAAAAABgQ/crXai4E7ntU/s1600/Batirol1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPKfb5pLu_w/TdaBizUPCbI/AAAAAAAABhE/JB7EnZjuHRo/s1600/Batirol7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPKfb5pLu_w/TdaBizUPCbI/AAAAAAAABhE/JB7EnZjuHRo/s200/Batirol7.jpg" height="200px" width="149px" /></a>Wooden chairs surround wooden tables and are divided into nooks decorated with small Philippine flags and adorned with eccentric ornaments like this wooden sculpture of a sexy little floglet. It reminded me of that time in my childhood when my overactive imagination would allow me to create a hideaway in one corder of the garden, a fort made of branches and twigs - adventures ala-Swiss Family Robinson or Huckleberry Finn.<br />
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The music: Pilita Corrales and her contemporaries, singing classic, folk songs and traditional melodies like "Ang Pipit", "Ibong Kakanta-kanta" and "Ay, Ay, Ay, Pag-Ibig" that brought back memories of our childhood.<br />
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<h2>
Try the Cointreau, a chocolate orange blend Chocolate de Batirol style</h2>
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The menu was comforting in its simplicity, familiar chocolate based drinks including their specialty Chocolate de Batirol Traditional Blend and, of course, the Chocolate de Batirol Baguio Blend (Strawberry Flavor). Everything has strawberry flavor in Baguio! There were other interesting ones like the orange blended Cointreau, Cinnamon Blend, Almond Blend and the Kahlua.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-_8Vbs2Vp8/TcwIRkPYu4I/AAAAAAAABgw/yrYXZ4kTAXo/s1600/Batirol6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-_8Vbs2Vp8/TcwIRkPYu4I/AAAAAAAABgw/yrYXZ4kTAXo/s1600/Batirol6.jpg" /></a></div>
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I tried the Cointreau - a chocolate orange blend. I was hesistant at first because I never really liked chocolate-orange combinations, but after that first sip I was sold. The orange flavor was not too sour nor too sweet - it was more like an afterthought at the back of your mouth as the drink spreads across your tongue. There is no orange aftertaste either. My only complaint was that my cup was not large enough for a bigger serving. <br />
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Drinks are Php 80-100 per cup, less expensive than Starbucks, but hits home just as well.<br />
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<h2>
Like Chocolate in your food? You'll LOVE this.</h2>
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A good list of snacks made more exquisite by the chocolate toppings were also available: the suman, banana turon, bibingka - topped with spinkles of chocolate was in perfect combination with the chocolate drinks. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f5VR2sAkWo/TcqFOIgmmnI/AAAAAAAABgU/-I7lGMNEjVY/s1600/Batirol2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2f5VR2sAkWo/TcqFOIgmmnI/AAAAAAAABgU/-I7lGMNEjVY/s1600/Batirol2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Bibingka</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7D2zHH8kIYM/TcqFQ97YLKI/AAAAAAAABgY/pY6bIXUr7BI/s1600/Batirol3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7D2zHH8kIYM/TcqFQ97YLKI/AAAAAAAABgY/pY6bIXUr7BI/s1600/Batirol3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugary Sweet Suman</td></tr>
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Just looking at that Turon de Langka really makes my mouth water and the hairs at the back of my neck stand in anticipation of the sugar rush. Hahaha!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXBe_5NKSsg/TcwF6dunatI/AAAAAAAABgo/qU3xubzEMl0/s1600/Batirol5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXBe_5NKSsg/TcwF6dunatI/AAAAAAAABgo/qU3xubzEMl0/s1600/Batirol5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouth Watering Turon de Langka!</td></tr>
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Chocolate de Batirol also serves equally magnificent versions of Filipino breakfast and lunch dishes including rice meals, and cold Chocolate drinks as well!</div>
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What more can you ask for? A cup of steaming hot chocolate and a cool Baguio breeze - and just the right amount of sugar for an irresistible high, a laugh and a hoot... a fantastic way to spend your afternoon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is not a paid post. For inquiries about Choco-late de Batirol, contact them at (+63-74)446-7006 or email chocolatedebatirol@yahoo.com.</span></div>
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</script><fb:comments href="http://www.reyjr.com/2011/05/choco-late-de-batirol-in-baguio-is.html" num_posts="5" width="485"></fb:comments>Reyjrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836390390304520891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7941174203804646638.post-16798206362217457032011-05-08T11:36:00.021+08:002011-05-08T13:00:25.488+08:00Pacquiao vs Mosley - Pacquiao wins by unanimous decision!<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reyjr.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fpacquiao-vs-mosley-epic-fight.html&send=false&layout=standard&width=450&show_faces=false&action=like&colorscheme=light&font&height=35" style="border: none; height: 35px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Uxlwh9MGp8/Tb6gPlLLnYI/AAAAAAAABf4/UG9pQrNSWl8/s1600/Manny-Pacquiao-vs-Shane-Mosley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Uxlwh9MGp8/Tb6gPlLLnYI/AAAAAAAABf4/UG9pQrNSWl8/s400/Manny-Pacquiao-vs-Shane-Mosley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;">Pacquiao vs Mosley Recap</span><br />
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Fight recap below...<br />
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- Charice performs the Philippine National Anthem - simple and powerful<br />
- Tyrese Gibson performs the Star Spangled Banner - kind of out of tune.<br />
- LL Cool J leads the way for entrance of Sugar Shane Mosley<br />
- Entrance of Manny Paquiao to "Eye of the Tiger", Manny will wear Yellow Gloves.<br />
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11:58AM - Announcers begin intros<br />
11:59AM - Judges and Referee being announced. Where's that announcer guy before? He's much more effective hehe.<br />
12:00PM - Live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas... it's SHOWTIME!<br />
12:01PM - Introduction for Sugar Shane Mosley done. Now introducing Manny Pacquio - announcer says 38 wins for Manny - widely recognized as one of World Boxing's Greatest, Boxing Congressman... Where's Michael Buffer?<br />
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Round 1 begins:<br />
12:03PM - Body attacks to Mosley, punches exchanged. Yellow gloves because he is fighting for poverty in the Philippines. Crowds are crazy wild. 1st round draw!<br />
12:11PM - Pacquiao attacks. Mosley keeps his distance. Mosley falls! woot! Round 3 Done!<br />
12:17PM - Round 4 continues with losing Mosley showing his age - but he's still fighting!<br />
12:21PM - Round 5! Mosley fall was a slip. He falls again smiling. Up and still fighting. Might still win in an upset. Fight!<br />
12:23PM - Round 6 begins. Mosley talking to Pacquiao in the ring during Rd 5. A lot of hugging going on.<br />
12:28PM - Round 7! Pacquiao speed is amazing. Mosley hangs in there. Still fighting!<br />
12:32PM - Mosley needs to NOT be knocked out to still have a fighting career after this bout. If not, it may not be so good for him after this.<br />
12:38PM - Mosley sneaks a punch in and surprises Pacquiao.<br />
12:39PM - Round 9 ends with a straight punch from Pacquiao that stuns Mosley.<br />
12:40PM - Round 10 begins. Referee stops fight for a moment. Pacquiao drops for a moment but says he way pushed. Mosley hugging Manny. Manny irked at fall - combos now coming out!<br />
12:47PM - Rd 11 owned by Manny. Crowds chant his name followed by "Knock Him Out!" Woot! Crowd is crazy wild! Final Round!!!<br />
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12:49PM - Shane Mosley tough but retreating now. Pacquiao bouncing after him. Final Round epic. No Knock Outs though. Decision from judges.<br />
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12:54PM:<br />
<b>Manny Pacquiao announced as winner by unanimous decision! WOot!</b><br />
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<b>Congratulations Manny!</b><br />
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