In yet another magic, Harry Potter casts his way to a billion pesos through the Philippine Box Office. A billion Philippine pesos is roughly around 20 Million US Dollars. That is half the total winnings in a year of Manny Pacquiao (Well, he was reportedly to pocket 40 Million USD). Anyway, the latest sequel to the J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, 'The Half-Blood Prince' was reportedly to earn 157 Million Pesos in just 12 days of showing in Philippine theaters. This is very interesting because it is the first franchise among successful movie franchises such as 'Spiderman', 'Pirate of the Carribean', 'James Bond' (and perhaps we could add 'Mano Po' and 'Enteng Kabisote' and 'Tanging Ina' in the list) to be able to reach 1 Billion Philippine pesos in box office earnings. This is expected to even grow as there are still two movies lined-up for release in the Harry Potter franchise. They are going to split the last book of Harry Potter: the Deathly Hallows into two movies. Perhaps this is patterned in the style of 'the Matrix' and the 'Pirates of the Carribean'. Harry Potter fans in the Philippines will surely await these two movies and of course Harry Potter will surely be once again happy with the multi-billion franchise will once again thrive.

Meralco, the largest power company in the Philippines and previously controlled by the Lopez clan, has its stock price shot up to meteoric levels recently. Just 6 months ago, it has a flat price of around 60 pesos, now it has a current price of 272.50. This is 350% increase, if my math is correct. Simple investment example would be if you were able to purchase Php 100,000 worth of Meralco stocks last January 2009, then its current value right now would be Php 450,000. This is a quite amazing profit especially for a blue chip company like Meralco. The swings of blue chip companies are usually smaller because they are the more stable ones in the market. This is certainly because of the acquisition of shares from MVP and his PLDT group of 20% of Meralco from the Lopez family. Their plans of implementing smart grid and internet through power lines are catching the investor's interests.

On July 22 Wednesday, for five minutes countries across Asia will be able to see the Solar Eclipse. From the above illustration from NASA, the Solar Eclipse will traverse the path of countries in Asia, which could include the Philippines. The Solar Eclipse is expected to last for 5 minutes. In Japan, the country that has not experienced Solar Eclipse for the past 46 years, they would be greeting the phenomenon with fireworks. In my case, the last great Solar Eclipse that I remember seeing was when I was in pre-school (around 6 years old), the Solar Eclipse that time I think it lasted for several minutes and I witnessed it with a glasses with plastic film on it. It was a spectacular site to behold. I think it was around noontime that the Sun was suddenly covered with a black ball ( the moon I think ). I am not sure if the same site would be seen on July 22 in the Philippines, but I think there are parts of Asia such as in Japan and China that could possibly be seeing this kind of Solar Eclipse. Many astrologers are saying that this could be a 'Dooms' day sign which could brought for natural disasters or war in the world. And some are saying that this could be a very good time to meditate and pray because of the powerful spiritual waves could be emitted by this phenomenon. I think we should constantly pray for blessings and protection from harm from our Almighty God everytime and anywhere irregardless of natural phenomena occurring or not.

Recently, I and my husband have visited several appliance stores. And we noticed their latest big budget blowouts, they are the affordable 32 inches LCD TVs at PHP 25,000 to PHP 30,000 price range. We were taken at awe by the 'cheap' LCD TVs at 32 inches of rich color and texture. The brands were Samsung (la-32a330), LG (32LH2OR), Panasonic (L32X10X), and Sanyo (LCD-32K30). These LCD TVs are capable of receiving High Definition channels (Of course there are no digital HD channels here in the Philippines just yet) and they are also great at displaying videos (DVDs). I am particularly interested with watching high definition videos on these LCD TVs and maybe playing PlayStation 3 or Wii or Xbox 360 on these systems are also very exciting (my nieces and nephews will surely love these too). I could just imagine watching my favorite movies such as the Transformers, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and other effects laden films with large and 'affordable' LCD TVs coupled with home theater systems. These LCD TVs could also be plugged with the laptops with HDMI adaptors. That means more video watching through YouTube could be enjoyed. This certainly would be one of the tops of my want to list especially once bonus season comes.

I have been hearing a lot of buzz regarding herbals and wellness nowadays most especially the boom of direct marketeers (I hope not racketeers). There are those that bank on the wellness products such as derma products that revitalizes skin and restores its youthful glory. There are also those that even market bio-pluto-nic scanners that they claim to be able to determine the status of your health and which 'products' you need to be able to enhance it. Then there are those that gets your genetic signature in order for you to know the defects in your genes and eventually determine which illnesses are you bound to get as you age. O well, people nowadays are just abuzz on how to improve their longevity without much care on how do these products exactly work (or do they actually work in the first place).

Just now, I have heard of another miracle herb, as if there are new herbs being discovered everyday like goji (sounds like o-gy, not that wholesome). This herb is being endorsed by none other than the fitness buff, Ms Dianne Castillejo. She even claims to drink 2 sachets of wheatgrass powder complimented with 3 tablets of wheatgrass. Now thats a lot of wheatgrass staff in the system. This one intrigues me, and ran up a little research on the potential benefits of wheatgrass.

Claimed benefits of wheatgrass:

1. Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris.

2. Stimulates the thyroid gland, correcting obesity, indigestion, and a host of other complaints.

3. Restores alkalinity to the blood. (Sounds like Fern-C, do they have the battery lighting test as well? )

4. A powerful detoxifier, and liver and blood protector.

5. Fights tumors and neutralizes toxins.

6. Works as a sleep aide. (Call Center Agents aide?)

7. Enhances your bath. (Does it stimulate the vitals too?)

8. Sweetens the breath and firms up and tightens gums. (No need for Colgate?)

9. Neutralizes toxic substances/ heavy metals like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride.

10. Turns gray hair to its natural color again and greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily. (Natural hair dye?)

11. Lessens the effects of radiation. (Maybe protection from cellular phone, computer monitor and microwave radiation? )

12. Restores fertility and promotes youthfulness. (This one I like, revs up the 'drive'?)

13. Can double your red blood cell count just by soaking in it. (More blood, this might be advisable for anemics).

14. It improves blood sugar problems. (Diabetics heaven?)

Now the list above is not even half of the benefits being claimed by wheatgrass advocates. Are these all verifiable or are these just marketing heists? This really disturbs me though, tablets of wheatgrass costs around 1,000 - 2,000 pesos. This is both affordable and expensive. This is expensive if the wheatgrass tablets is another sugar pill. And this is affordable if this miracle herb lives up to its expectations of better health with just a pop of a pill. I guess in the end, it will be my decision, my money and my body.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has hinted an idea of bloggers as watchdogs for the coming 2010 elections in the Philippines. Their spokesman, Mr. James Jimenez, appreciated the power and influence of blogs on the dissemination of information across different classes of our society, whose majority are now users of the world wide web. The COMELEC is urging the blogging community to collaborate with them in order to provide education on voters most especially that they are now adopting a fully automated elections. They are suggesting that bloggers should organize a network of bloggers, who would carefully watch and guard the process of the elections especially in the area where they are based.

This idea of bloggers as pollwatchers is a very good venue for the tech savvy youth in order for them to be able to contribute to the upliftment of our society towards a truly democratic nation, free of corruption and manipulation. This would give the sense of social responsibility most especially to the youth whose majority are eager to facelift the deteriorating image of our country. I just hope that the call of unity towards a clean and free society doesn't go unheard among our youth. Apathy is the greatest enemy that our youth is facing amidst the continuous abuse of several manipulative elites.

After heavily investing on 3G infrastructure and bringing services such as wireless landline, telecommunications giant PLDT (Philippines Long Distance Telephone) is not just about to sleep on its laurels. They are now exploring the opportunity of offering another potential cash making product. And this is through broadband internet via power lines. Yes, those power posts from Meralco which has been delivering us electricity for many decades now, could actually supply us with high speed internet. Amazing and very futuristic. Actually this trend is being pursued by a lot of countries around the world led by United States of America. The end idea of this all being able to model the whole electricity supply chain into a 'Smart Grid'. This is a complex structural model wherein our homes will be equipped with 'Smart Appliances', and monitoring systems and sensors in order to be able to save on the electricity being consumed by each household. Currently, PLDT is pilot testing the 'Broadband over the Power Lines' in the area of Malabon. They are laying the infrastructure to enable this over the area. I just hope that their offering of broadband would be much cheaper and much better quality than the broadband we are using at the moment, which means reliable uptime and cheaper cost. This would definite be a technology that will bring us growth and for PLDT more cash. Investing in Meralco and PLDT would be wise if this would go into boom in the future.

Yesterday was a typical rainy and traffic day for most of the Metro. Me and my husband were just wandering around for most of the morning. Just trying to relax from the stressful week that we had, especially that we were tending to my sick father for more than a week now. We accompanied my mother to the bus station in Cubao in the morning. She was to go back to our province because she needs to attend to her teaching duties in the school back in our province of Masbate. Afterwards, me and my husband were thinking of our next destination. And since there were some setbacks that were coming in our lives these couple of weeks now, we decided maybe its better to ask some additional blessing from Him, in order for us to be able to better face the low downs we are facing. The idea of Obando just popped on our heads. We just knew that it was in Bulacan and this church is especially famous for couples asking for a child through it, usually through the fertility dance during its feast day. Anyway, after our trip from Cubao, we researched in the internet on how to go to Obando, Bulacan. The best way are these:

by car: (1) Monumento -> (2) Samson Road -> (3) Sangandaan Market (Turn Right) -> (4) M.H. Del Pilar (Watch out for the Shell station and turn left) -> (5) Panghulo Road (You could now easily see San Pascual Baylon Church at this road).

by commute: (1) Go to Monumento either by bus or jeep (2) Take a jeepney to Sangandaan Market (3) Take a jeepney with the sign board Polo (this jeepney passes by Obando).

After a traffic laden trip towards Obando, we relaxed and wander about the Church. We were amazed by its majestic paintings and very intricate designs. We were expecting an old church with antiques in it. But instead the Church resembles a mansion house with nice chandelier and very rich altar, full of statues of the Holy Family, Mama Mary, San Pascual to name a few. After being taken in awe by the beauty of the Church, we proceed with our intention of offering a mass for the speedy recovery of my father and well with other intentions as well. We then proceed to go home after the strong rains. The road was quite flooded then but this is already expected since this part of Bulacan is near Navotas, Malabon, which are frequently flooded part of the Metro. Well, the trip was definitely worth it. I hope there are a lot of people from the Metro discover the Obando once again like us.

Just a day after declaring 'Iglesia ni Cristo Day' a holiday, Malacanang clarified that this is a 'Special Working Holiday'. Now this simply does not make any sense. People from the Palace, who are obviously sucking on the powerful religious bloc of Iglesia ni Cristo, are making another blunder of misleading the public. What is the use of declaring a holiday which is a 'Special Working Holiday'? Does this mean workers get some special rate for working on a 'Special Working Holiday'? The incumbent administration can not simply do anything correct. We should just look forward onto next year and make sure that we choose wisely our future leaders.

On July 27 Monday, the Iglesia ni Cristo will celebrate its 40th founding anniversary. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared this day a non-working holiday. This is a good news for students, teachers and workers (except those who are receiving daily wages). People could take some rest and enjoy a long weekend with their loved ones. President GMA has been known to declare religious holidays for Catholics and Muslims, but this is the first that she is announcing a holiday for a Christian sect, which is Iglesia ni Cristo. This religious organization has an estimated size of between 3 million and 10 million worldwide. It is said to be larger than the Jehovah's witnesses. But this powerful religious sect is also known for its culture of bloc voting during election time. It is said that is the only religious sect in the Philippines who command such influence over its members. And since the presidential elections is already nearing at 2010, this is strongly too coincidental perhaps. Is this another guise perhaps being pulled from the bag of tricks of a traditional politician?

On July 7, the whole world sendoff, for me and perhaps for millions around the world, the greatest entertainer that has ever lived. There were much anticipation as to what will transpire in his memorial service at Staples Center, the last site that witnessed him performed (it was here that Michael Jackson was rehearsing for his supposed to be final concert - This is it). 1.6 million people registered online for the lottery of the ticket for the memorial service, but only 8750 pairs of tickets were granted. During the memorial service, there was less of the songs and dancing that made Michael Jackson a legend, but it was more of a religious and solemn service that depicts another side of Michael that people around the world have never seen - the human side of the King of Pop. He was depicted as a deeply spiritual man, a loyal friend, innocent child who has the genuine laughter inside, and the best father that anyone could ever imagine. These testimonies by the people who were most closed to him touched the hearts of millions across the world. People from corners of the world responded with ways they can using the internet. Rates of visits and comments were fired off during the memorial service. This is indeed one of the largest sendoff for a celebrity. I for one would just like to finally thank Michael for the music and entertainment he shared with us. He inspired me and my generation in his music. His legacy will continue to live on and immortalize him as the only King of Pop.

Last Tuesday, my Father was admitted to the hospital because of his complaints of pains in his stomach. He together with my mother flew from the province here in Manila in order to get better consultation with a hospital and undergo CT Scan for his abdomen. But aside from the pain in his stomach, the doctor also said that he has water in his lungs that are needed to be extracted soon. We kind of expected that he would contract a lot of ailments because he has been smoking a lot of cigarettes all his life. He has been a chain smoker ( consuming almost 3 packs per day ) since his teens. Our main concern right now is that the doctor from our province, Masbate, said that he has mass lump in either his liver or kidneys and this could be further detected when he undergoes CT Scan (Liver Cirrhosis). I really hope that my father could recover from all the sickness that he is facing right now. My family has been with him all throughout his confinement. We are praying for his fast and complete recovery. I hope it is not too late for a lifestyle change. Smoking could indeed cause a lot of problems to our health. We may not realize it while we are still young and enjoying the relaxation brought about by smoking, but sooner or later, our body will eventually let us pay the price. He is only 61 years old now, but he is already feeling the ill effects of smoking. I hope this blog will reach people out especially the smokers. Our family also needs your help through your prayers.

Jadranka Kosor of Croatia, who has been nominated as first woman prime minister of Croatia, joins a list of women empowered to lead nations worldwide. Like in our own country and other countries as well around the world, people have already placed their trust on capable women to lead them. Not long time ago, women were considered as second class citizens, not allowed to vote, participate in public discussions, and were restricted from a lot of different types of work. But this has changed a lot over the course of time, women have asserted their rights in society. They have even excelled in fields that only men were allowed to occupy. In the United States, Hillary Clinton was the staunch rival of Barrack Obama for the right to be the representative of the Democrat party for the presidential elections. She was narrowly beaten by Barrack Obama during their race for the Democrat presidential nomination. But later on, President Barrack Obama entrusted her with the powerful position of being the US State Secretary. In our own country, the Philippines, we have President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who has been in power for almost a decade. She replaced President Joseph Estrada in 2001 during People Power Revolution 2 in the Philippines. I hope that these women leaders would show the world that they could effectively lead countries around the world. They should stop corruption and lead the people around the world out of poverty.

Source: Inquirer

Heads of government:

- GERMANY: Angela Merkel became Germany's first woman chancellor when she was elected in November 2005.

- ICELAND: Social Democrat Johanna Sigurdardottir became Iceland's first female premier in February this year.

- BANGLADESH: Sheikh Hasina Wajed became prime minister in February. She had held the post between 1996 and 2001.

- HAITI: Michele Pierre-Louis became the country's second woman prime minister in July last year.

- MOLDOVA: Zinaida Greceanii in power since March 31, 2008.

- MOZAMBIQUE: Luisa Diogo holds prime ministerial office since February 2004.

- UKRAINE: Yulia Timoshenko held the prime minister's office from January to September 2005 and then assumed the post again on December 18, 2007.

ELECTED HEADS OF STATE:

- LITHUANIA: Dalia Grybauskaite elected on May 18, 2009.

- ARGENTINA: Cristina Kirchner, elected in October 2007.

- INDIA: Pratibha Patil elected in July 2007 as the country's first woman president.

- CHILE: Michelle Bachelet, elected in January 2006.

- LIBERIA: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first African woman president after her election in November 2005.

- PHILIPPINES: Vice president Gloria Arroyo replaced Joseph Estrada in 2001 after he was removed for corruption. She was elected in 2004.

- FINLAND: Tarja Halonen was elected in 2000 and then again in January 2006.

- IRELAND: Mary McAleese, succeeded another woman Mary Robinson in 1997. She was re-elected in October 2004.

The mother of democracy of the Philippines who has fought the mighty hands of steel of dictatorship during the 80's is now fighting for her own life. Corazon Aquino, the widow of Filipino hero Ninoy Aquino, has been reported to have opt out of the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and also taking her chemotherapy and other sorts of medications. She has been battling colon cancer for several years now and has said that the past one and a half year 'bonus' to her life has been a blessing already. She is now joined by her family and closest friends in a private room at the Makati Medical Center. Healing masses were offered by her priest-friends in various churches in Metro Manila. I too am joining the throngs of Filipino praying for her healing. The last time I heard of her was through her message against the charter change through constituent assembly, which is being pushed by the administration allies in the Congress. A message from her was read by her grandson Kiko Dy. She was feeling weak and can not attend the rally at Makati but I guess her spirit was with those who joined the rally against those who want to 'rape' the constitution just to stay in power. We all should join in prayer for her healing. She still has a lot to contribute for our country's democracy. It is still not yet fully restored. After 25 years, there are still those corrupt and dark politicians who curtail our freedom. Only recently there are still threats of no elections because of the backing out of the TIM (Total Information Management) on their partnership with SmartMatic in order to deliver the country's first fully automated polls in the presidential elections in 2010. I just hope that she could live longer to witness a fully freed Philippines, a country that could enjoy the fruits of sacrifices that her husband and other heroes of Filipino Democracy have fought and died for.