Baguio Earthquakes - Feb. 17 & 18, 2011

Baguio City has been struck by quite strong earthquakes within 24 hours, from the afternoon of Thursday, February 17, 2011 and early morning of February 18, 2011.  A search I did on the USGS does not show any information on the two successive tremors on the afternoon of 02/17/2011.  What only shows is the one of 02/18/2011 and here are the details:

Magnitude    4.7

Date-Time    Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 22:20:53 UTC

                     Friday, February 18, 2011 at 06:20:53 AM at

                     epicenter

Location      16.520°N, 120.410°E

Depth          52.8 km (32.8 miles)

Region         LUZON, PHILIPPINES

Distances    25 km (15 miles) WNW of Baguio, Luzon, Phil.

                    55 km (35 miles) N of Dagupan, Luzon, Phil.

                    130 km (80 miles) NNW of Cabanatuan, Luzon,

                    Phil.

                    220 km (135 miles) NNW of MANILA, Phil.

Mild intensity Earthquakes that occur in Baguio reminds those who experienced the devastating 7.4 tremor of July 16, 1990, the fear it has struck in their minds.

Related Story/Report.

Suicide of Gen. Angelo Reyes

The events surrounding Gen. Angelo Reyes' death is a question to many of us.  Was it really because he was guilty or was he unable to sustain a military officers' sanity in the state of depression?  It is a difficult situation to say in what state of mind he was in.  Normally, a well schooled officer, dedicated and one who has made achievements in the military profession will not ever consider suicide in the worst of conditions.

My personal conclusion is this:  He wanted to give his family a convenient and good life that is why he did whatever he did, except suicide.  Military people don't get a decent income compared to sacrifices they have to do, so don't blame graft and corruption if ever they get into it.  A story told by my deceased geologist brother was about really hungry troops coming from a tedious patrol, wanted to buy produce bound for market.  They were willing to buy at the fair market price!  The vendors declined.  It was at that point that the military people pointed their guns at the vendors to sell!

WTF, is this what they say as military abuse? No!  It is the people who force them to do that!  Just imagine that they were protecting these same people who are now denying them food and nutrition!  In  Gen. Angelo Reyes case it might or could be the same except for the fact that he did not have the balls to get his act together.  His side of the story could be a similar story to what I have just narrated here.  It is really difficult to justify ones actions with suicide.

A short history: Raiders of the Sulu Seas - History Channel

The History channel showed a documentary about what was claimed then as pirates of the Sulu seas from Mindanao, Philippines.  The documentary was on how these raiders were actually plying their trade before and during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.  This bit of history would not have been taught and learned from Philippine history subjects in school.

The Spanish established their colony on the southern tip of Mindanao in Zamboanga.  Fort Pilar was constructed with ten (10) meter-high wall fortification all around. This was the base of the Spaniards to facilitate their trade.  Zamboanga is very close to Basilan, the Tawi-tawi and Sulu group of islands and the Maguindanao area where there we three different tribes of seafaring Filipino Muslims.  The three tribes were known as Balangingi-Samal, Ilanuns and Sultanate of Sulu, all which were employing Taosogs who were excellent warriors.

http://www.zamboanga.com/arts_and_culture/Icelle_raiders_of_sulu.htm

The three tribes are not really pirates during the times they were plying their trade of capturing people and selling them as slaves.  Slave trading was a business then and they were not raiding ships in high seas.  What they did was go and land in different shores posing as fishermen.  Without any warning, draw their 1-meter long swords and take as many slaves as they can.  Once captured, the slaves’ palms are punctured and tied to each other. The slaves are loaded in their 25 to 27 meter by 6 meter boats that has 30 to 34 oarsmen and sails.  It was said that their boats were the fastest that Spanish Galleons could not even give chase.

The History documentary was actually focusing on how the tribes were able to organize a flotilla of a hundred ships or more with more than 3,000 men.  This happened when the three tribes connived to raid Fort Pilar.  The Spanish were stricken with fear upon seeing the number of boats and the army they were to face.

How were the hundred or more boats gathered?  Well, the three tribes had some sort of a pact on how to go about their business and employing Taosogs as their warriors.  One tribe could set out to sea with a few boats then drop-by each of the several bases of the tribes along the shores.  They would call upon all available seafarers to join the expedition.  As they go along, their numbers grow.

The slavery trade of the three tribes ended only when the Spaniards ordered three steamboats from England.  The steamboats were faster, easier to navigate and had various armaments to take on the tribes.  Spaniards were now able to chase and follow the boats to their bases and conduct raids.  It was said that the conflict between the tribes and the Spaniards did not stem from business or trade but was more on belief, religious belief.

Panagbenga 2011 Schedule

It took me some minutes to search for the Panagbenga 2011 Schedule before I got to the web site.  In case you reach my page first here is the schedule: (this post is linked to the Panagbenga website - just click on the title to get there if you need more info. Thanks)

Horoscope Zodiac signs shift

For a few days now, news at Yahoo almost always includes the change of Earths rotation that could affect a shift of some peoples' zodiac sign or probably fall under the 13th Zodiac sign Ophiuchus.  The article says that there are or were changes of positions of the zodiac constellations in the sky with the change in rotation of Earth.

A quick reference is copy/pasted below on the 'alleged' zodiac sign shifts including the months and dates they cover:

"According to the Minnesota Planetarium Society, here is where the real signs of the Zodiac should fall. Get ready for your world to change forever.

Capricorn:      January 20-February 16.
Aquarius:       February 16-March 11.
Pisces:           March 11-April 18.
Aries:            April 18-May 13.
Taurus:          May 13-June 21.
Gemini:          June 21-July 20.
Cancer:         July 20-August 10.
Leo:              August 10-September 16.
Virgo:            September 16-October 30.
Libra:            October 30-November 23.
Scorpio:         November 23-29.
Ophiuchus:    November 29-December 17.
Sagittarius:   December. 17-January 20."

The article about this I have shared at FaceBook for friends to check if their zodiac sign has changed.  Those who took note and had changes believe they are still in their original zodiac sign.

Frost on Vegetables

This article was prompted after watching on TV news how frost is affecting vegetable plantations in the Cordillera Region.  The cold spell in the region starts some time every December until around mid or late February the following year.

The first time I went to Atok, Benguet where vegetable plantations are severely affected by frost, was in  January or Febraury of 1980.  It is part of the area I cover as a medical representative with a pharmaceutical company.  The Halsema Highway roads then were really terrible and you'll be glad to be on some very rare paved roads just a few meters long.  I was still not issued a service vehicle at that time, so I had take the bus.

Mystery Mountain thanks to http://cordilleraonline.com

 My job requires me to stop at every medical clinic or emergency hospital along the road to promote our medical products.  The entire trip up to my final destination, Bontoc, Mt. Province is just around 120 kilometers but it would take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on loading and off-loading of passengers and baggage.

Atok is only about 25 to 30 kilometers from Baguio City where I started off at 4:00 in the morning.  When the bus was entering the boundaries of Atok, it was very visible that almost anything exposed to open air had some frost!  Green grass and Pine trees were not as green as they should be.  It never came to my mind that the vegetable plantations would be affected by frost.

After I alighted from the bus, I took the time first to touch the frost on grass and leaves around the hospital.  Maybe people watching me then saw how ignorant I was.  Well, it was the first time for me and I had to feel if it was true or if I was still in slumber and just having a wonderful dream.

Filipinos relying on Luck

Many people around the globe believe in luck.  I have not lived in any country outside my own, the Philippines, and that's the reason for this luck blog!  The word "Luck" is "Suwerte" or "Swerte" in Tagalog or Pilipino.  There are many superstious beliefs in our country that may be 'indigenous' or copied from other cultures. The Philippines has been host to several 'rulers' and/or influences like the Chinese, Spaniards/Portuguese, Americans and Japanese.  But, mind you, the Filipinos might just have more superstitions when it comes to luck as against the combined superstitions of all the other cultures and countries.

Here are some, I believe, to be genuine Pinoy superstitious beliefs when it comes to luck:

• Sweeping away floor dirt out and towards the main door of the house.
• Cutting of finger nails at night.
• Paying out money or a debt at night.
• Leaving much unfinished food on dinner plate.
• And, many others they claim that should not have been said or done in some hours of a day.
• Also, some religious beliefs  or superstition that may have something to do with luck.

There are times that they might seem to be 'believable' - but checking on circumstances surrounding them could be a contrubutory factor.  Most of the the time some event that would look like miracluous is equated to luck.  Luck, as I see it is, happens to the right person at the right time and under some special right circumstances that could only be attributed to the previous 'rights'.

Luck for New Year

Maybe most people are looking for anything that would give them luck for every New Year.  The kinds of luck they look for are different, like: luck for love, luck to have children, luck for health and, most of all, luck for money or wealth.

A popular source of what luck New Year brings is the horoscope.  There are many forecasts and predictions with both the regular zodiac and Chinese zodiac.  Some people also rely on fortune tellers who have a high success prediction rate and even pay for their services!

What I find funny every year, especially in the Philippines, are people believing in luck for New Year with round objects like coins, round fruits and red.  This belief, I believe, originated from the Chinese.  Television stations come up with features about these round things bringing luck for New Year.  Often it is a feature in their news programs.  It is funny because almost all families who can afford it will buy all the round fruits suggested to bring luck for the following year!

The question is, how come they can’t come up with people who bought these fruits and say they were really lucky for the year that passed?  They should at least explain to their audience that the luck they should expect is not more on winning in the lottery, get a high-paying job, landing a big contract or winning big or grand raffle prizes.  Have you ever heard anyone who really hit the jackpot attribute their luck on those round objects?

What kinds of luck should people be thankful for after every year:

• That they are alive and kicking.
• Did not have any real bad health concerns.
• That everyone they love is still around and in good health.
• Was not fired or laid off from work.
• Luck enough to survive the year unlike others worse misfortune.

Those round things will not give the luck that you might be craving for.  Only very few or maybe only one will hit real good fortune out of luck.  The luck for New Year is really on the person and the people that matter most to them.  

Happy New Year and Good luck for 2011!

New attraction at Camp John Hay

Beside the Amphitheater, a new attraction cum entertainment is going on.  It is called the “TreeTops”.  It is not exactly for all though, as there are some physical and fitness requirements for one to enjoy them.  Of course it will cost something as it is operated by an entity other than Camp John Hay management.

Thanks to Reich Francisco for sharing this foto.

The cheapest is ‘Trekking’ that will be 100 pesos per person.  This is recommended for the faint-hearted and scared of heights. What many might find thrilling is the “Superman Ride” where you would be on a harness in the prone position, holding on to a bar and the feet ‘hooked’ behind another bar.  This is like the “zip line” but moves quite fast, one forward and one backward trip.  A slower zip-like line is the “Silver Ride” where the rider is in an upright harness.  The feet stand on a bar while hands holding on to a higher bar.

Fotos compliments of Reich Francisco thru FaceBook

 There is also the canopy ride where you are seated on a harness – similar to ski lifts.  This would take you through the treetops that give an excellent view of the surroundings.  The ride will involve transfers from one tower to another.  Another that some would find thrilling will be the “Tree-Drop” from a height of 60 feet.  Those taking the tree-drop are warned not to grab the cable in the process as it could cause ‘hand burn’.

Packages are offered should there be those who would want to try at least three different thrilling experiences.  The physical and fitness requirements to enjoy these Camp John Hay attractions are:  Height: Not below 3’6” (or 3’9” I think); Age: Not for those below 10 years old; Must not be pregnant and does not have any heart condition.

Note:  This is not an advertisement – I just discovered this yesterday.  It is quite new because developments are still on-going.

Let's do something by leading not ranting

We are all well-meaning to see Baguio City again as it was or probably just preserve what we could of it.  We may be an organization shouting silently within ourselves that we want Baguio back on how or what it should be.  We can make protests and rallies but no one would just listen.  Why don't we start by setting an example that others might follow. 

Here's an example that I saw first in Batangas City during the wake of our grandfather in the mid 1980s:

Our Uncle Ted is a respected man in their barangay.  He initiated putting 'waste' in plastic bags and hang them high enough outside their wall so stray dogs can't reach them.  He just told the barangay how practical and clean it would be disposing of waste and plastic bags.  In short - every resident in the barangay followed the example.

In Baguio City, I am not sure if we started it first, but I am quite sure I was amazed seeing my wife do it.  I even bent a reinforcement bar from the top of our fence to help her hang our 'garbage' plastic bags then.  No - we still didn't have segregation of recyclables from non-recyclables then.  Not for long, many neighbors were doing the same - then almost anywhere you go around Baguio.  Maybe some others would claim they started it - but who cares - as long as it is being done.

If only genuine Baguio people can initiate something like that it is more worthwhile than ranting for everything we want for the City of Baguio.  Usually petitions or printouts get attention only if it is 'endorsed' or signed by a million people.  How could we have that when Baguio has than half a million in true and permanent residents?

Save Baguio City Causes, Groups and Organizations

Looking around the place where you were born, raised and has raised your own family, memories of your childhood and youthful days come back. Sometimes tears would even well up in your eyes reminiscing the good old happy and carefree days. That’s how it is with us, the ‘old-timers’ of Baguio City. Many others also who used to come to Baguio regularly during Christmas and summer breaks ‘look’ for that ‘old feeling of Baguio', the City of Pines – the Coolest Place in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Willie Magtibay at FaceBook

As of now, the year 2010, there have been many groups, organizations and causes doing their best efforts to save what has remained of Baguio City. If there was a way to return the city to its former glory, they would! But that is already impossible. The best that could be done is to advocate cleanliness, discipline and respect for the city.

Efforts and intention of the groups like 'Kafagwayan' and 'Save Baguio' at Facebook are grand but it could hardly be done the way they want it. The best way to do it is to start from a well defined place or area and the specified work that needs to be done. All of the organizations can pick their own then subsequently work towards a common project.

The biggest problem though is getting the support of the city officials. Their main concern is to address the issues at hand which may not be parallel to the issues of the organizations. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic is the main problem especially in the central business district. The city tried overpasses and flyovers but they hardly eased the traffic. Now some organizations denounce those structures and say it is un-Baguio like!

If only these organizations can join forces and have each define a specific work they would want to work on to save Baguio. It will be better instead of all of them practically wanting to do everything, in the end nothing happens or is achieved.

Angono Petroglyphs - History Channel

History channel on TV always features the Angono Petroglyphs, the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. The127 human and animal figures engraved on the rockwall was carbon-dated to 3000 BC. The inscriptions obviously show human figures, frogs and lizards. Other designs that may have depicted other interesting figures has been damaged by erosion making it difficult to distinguish.

The Angono Petroglyphs is within the boundaries of Angono, Binangonan and Antipolo of Rizal province. The site was discovered by the late National Artist of the Philippines awardee Carlos V. "Botong" Francisco in 1965 when they were boy scouts. Some of  the rock carvings have been damaged due vandalism and neglect. Presidential Decree No. 260 declared in 1973 it as a national cultural treasure by the Philippine government. A team then started archaeological site conservation led by the National Museum of the Philippines.  Site developments of the petroglyphs included a mini-museum, viewdeck and stone path were constructed. The effects of a quarrying operations a few kilometers from the site were conducted.

The Angono Petroglyphs preservation and development is a collective effort of the National Museum of the Philippines, the Dept. of Tourism, World Monuments Fund, American Express and a Philippine real estate company.  It is amazing that a TV channel like History Channel Asia provides this kind of information on a regular basis compared the Philippines' local TV Stations.

Traveldotcom.ph

With 7,100 islands in the Philippines it will take 19 and half years to visit each island for at least one day.  Maybe more because of time travel.  To save on time, there are travel agencies online that offer great discounts for travel and accommodation.

Traveldotcom.ph is an online travel agency that provide the convenience in assisting travelers, tourists and vacationing people on their travel needs.  Initially you will need to register at their website online. Of course this is a precaution to avoid online pranksters.  From thereon, it will be quite easy to make arrangements on how you plan to travel and where to go.

As always make sure you have the time and budget for your intended travels.  Don't be taken immediately without any plans.  You would not want to spoil the fun for the coming holidays.  Traveldotcom should be able to fully assist you on your planned holiday or vacation travel plans.

Enjoy your vacation in Baguio

Baguio City is undeniably still a place to go for vacations, holidays and relaxation.  It has been and will always be because of the cool climate.  

Here are some tips to enjoy your stay in the City of Pines:

• Plan your trip at least a month before your trip especially if you are coming from more than 250 kilometers away.
• Try to contact someone you know in Baguio City to help you find a place to stay if it will not be in one of the hotels or inns.
• Inform the person if you want to cook meals in the place.  Many places do not provide the cooking range because of risks.
• Make sure there is good supply of water or reliable water delivery.  Many vacationists get frustrated because of lack of water.
• Set your budget especially for food, drinks and night-outs.
• Make sure you have bonnets or hats and thick jackets especially for the months of November to February.

What to expect in Baguio City:

• Heavy traffic in the main thoroughfares and difficulty to find parking space within the central business district.  SM Baguio has pay parking.
• Burnham Park is often crowded during weekends and holidays.  
• Other places you can go to are the Mines View Park, Mansion House and Wright Park - all are close to each other.
• From mid-morning to mid-afternoon it is not really very cold compare to early evenings and mornings.
• Baguio City is very strict with people crossing streets.  Use pedestrian lanes or overpasses in the central business district.
• Follow traffic rules and regulations.  Cars parked in a "No Parking" area will lose their license plates.
• Plate Number Coding is applicable from Mondays through Fridays except when declared as non-coding due to special occasions or holidays.

Taking note of the above will help you enjoy your stay in Baguio City.

"Is no" (snow) show in Baguio City

The people of Baguio were very excited when the news came out that there is going to be a "Shower of Snow".  Of course it is only artificial snow but everybody living in the Coldest City in the Philippines would want to experience even just quasi-snow. The event was often a news on television over the past week or so and interviews were made with those handling the snow show in Baguio City.

Some friends at Facebook even posted that they were going to see and experience the artificial snow flakes (more appropriate to be "fakes").  My wife and special son went early, around 5 pm., to Session Road where the snow fakes were to shower down.

They were home at around 8 in the evening and what they first mentioned was there were more people than those attending "Panagbenga"!  Immediately, I refreshed my Facebook page and friends were quick to post photos taken on the event.  The crowd was packed like sardines!  My wife said they could hardly move around to get anywhere!  The crowd was so thick that anything that could spark a stampede will result to hundreds, if not thousands, of casualties!  The "is no" (snow) show in Baguio City was not really worth it.

My wife and son had a few of the artificial snow fakes (flakes) land on their hands.  When it melted (really quite fast) it had a strong smell of chlorine (like Clorox or Zonrox)!  If the fake snow was really that, pity the crowd that got most of the shower as their colored clothing could have white spots after.  Even the shower of the artificial snow was not impressive - in the photos, I could not find anyone that would have even been partly covered by it.