No Bystanders

I'm disgusted with PAL and their lack of customer service.

To make a long story short, my mother in law had contracted e.coli from a cold smoked salmon salad she ate on a PAL flight from Manila to Bangkok, Thailand earlier this year. My husband and I didn't eat the salad, nor did other passengers we happened to meet whilst in Bangkok. Although there is no concrete evidence of her contracting e.coli from the salad PAL served (i.e. having a sample of the salmon tested, etc), it is pretty evident she did contract it from what she ate on the plane considering it was her first meal that day and her previous meal was 8 hours before that.

She missed touring Bangkok cause she was vomiting and severely ill. When we got back to Manila (had trouble with PAL AGAIN but that's another story) we checked her into UST hospital where she was treated.

The thing is...it was a chain of events. My mom in law ended up spending 10 days in 2 hospitals. She was staying at UST then cause of the unsanitary conditions, ended up contracting klebsiella.esbl (a very NASTY bacteria resistant to most antibiotics) during her stay there and ended up at St. Luke's hospital.

To say the least, my mom in law NEVER wants to visit the Philippines again (can you blame her after what has happened) and we're still trying to fight for some compensation from PAL.
Anonymous on September 25, 2008 11:18 PM

Ive always enjoyed the service that PAL offers. ive never had any experience with their reservations offices but their ground and flight crews are some of the most pleasant Ive experienced, I live in the New York and fly via San Francisco to get to Manila. After having to endure "service" from American domestic airlines, PAL, is definitely a whisp of fresh air.
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 12:03 AM

Bryan boy had thesame experience like you. Check out his blog.
People that work in LAX nicknamed PAL as the PLANE THAT's ALWAYS LATE, coz THEY ALWAYS ARE! And when they're late, airline people give you a meal coupon with an attitude, as if I should be grateful that I was given a free meal coz they were late! Jurrassic talaga! And the sad thing is, THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ME AND YOU! You think your letter means something???? This is just business as usual for them!
ilovekimmel on September 26, 2008 2:31 AM

I have my own share of disgust with PAL, back in '02 (indeed that was the last time I boarded PAL) we were bound for LA and at the Terminal 2 as a standard procedure everyone checked in 3 hours before the flight. To our dismay, the plane was supposed to leave by 10pm a couple of "late business class" passengers delayed the flight schedule. Their reason, they called that they were running late and has to make the flight (they might be that important or maybe they just wanted to make their money's worth for being in a MABUHAY Business Class)! My my we were in outrage just becuase we were riding coach even the time for boarding was adjusted for them. While inside the plane, obviously the Flight Attendants (but I would like to call them Stewardess because they are OLD and or RETIRABLE looking gals) expected angst among the passengers that they weren't attending to us that much. I was given an attitude just for asking for a cup of water. That's the crappy service you get $1500 worth. It's giving me goosebumps everytime I think about it! That was a 13 hour flight that I can no longer take back "sigh!"
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 3:47 AM

what do you expect? PAL means "PALPAK" (defective) and PALENGKERA (ill-mannered staff). what else is new in Philippine Custumer Service???? NOTHING. You can't blame them though, if you have a GOVERNMENT like the Philippines', do not wonder anymore.
Comment by Who Am I? on September 26, 2008 4:24 AM

Hi Bri,

Thank so much for posting my letter (and thanks to my friend who forwarded the letter to you).

My letter may not change PAL but at least I know I did something. I'm tired of complaining every time I get a lousy service and writing PAL is my simple way doing my share. Maybe, just maybe, they will listen. If not, it's not my loss.

One thing I was hoping when I wrote this letter is encourage others to come out and share their experience as well.

And thank you Brian for posting this letter here. I posted it in my blog (www.greenminds.net) but of course, only my friends read it. Haha! Now I know more people will be able to read this, and hopefully more people will share their own experience.

If you have the same (or worse?) experience, please drop a comment on my site.

Froi
Michael on September 26, 2008 5:45 AM

There are a lot of issues regarding PAL.. "Plane always late" is the most classic. Yup, they got a lot of rude employees but not all of them though.

Cebu pacific is the best right now in terms of service.. :):)They also have many promos which make it possible for any "juan" to fly with them. Also all of their Planes were brandnew airbus A320. Or is it A319?

It saddens me that PAL is not performing up to it's standards as the Flag Carrier of the Philippines.As the official plane of our country, they are our window to the outside World and any image they have whether good or bad will reflect a lot to the foreigners.

Our airports also needs a lot of change.
Comment by ara on September 26, 2008 6:32 AM

I used to love PAL because of their direct flights but last January I was on my way to Jamaica via Vancouver and requested for a window seat away from the children (no offense but I haven't had any sleep because of work) and the person at the check-in counter scolded me about hating children because I was single and didn't have any of my own. He told me once I become a mother I would understand and gave me an aisle seat next to a little kid who cried the whole trip. Crazy! What about customer service? All I wanted was to get some rest. *sigh*
Ramel on September 26, 2008 8:40 AM

The way to teach PAL a lesson is not to book a single ticket from them anymore. They used to be the one and only airline in P.I.

Customer service? Hah! Lucky you if they will just pout on you ! I dont know why? Even pinoy crew at fastfood/restaurants here in the US (Jollibee, Chowking, Goldilocks) arent trained well on customer service. Nada, zit, zero. That's why you would only see 3 or 4 people standing in line.

Back to PAL - Cebu Pacific will give a run for their money. Where in the world they would play parlor games and give you prizes inside an airplane. Only Cebu Pacific does that. Smile? They will give you all the smiles you want.

Still, spend your money to a competitor instead. That's the only thing you can do and sooner, they'll feel the pinch.
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 10:44 AM

I do hear a lot of "horror" stories about PAL. Curiously though, I, nor anyone from our family has yet to experience any of these with the airline, not even "plane always late". We did encounter a canceled SFO-MNL flight once, but PAL made sure all passengers were re-booked for the next flight and billeted in a nice hotel for the duration of the wait. We do fly quite frequently, and have tried other airlines as well. Our worst experience so far is with a domestic US carrier -- 9hr delay and not even a drink was offered to us passengers. To cut the long story short, Pinoy service is still tops!
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 11:21 AM

Put up a website for (Philippine) AIRLINE GRIPES,

maybe as part of
www.greenminds.net ?

let people submit their stories. If possible, even videos, as proof. For those submitting stories, if possible also, jot down the names of the personnel who need additional "customer service" training, flight number, date, time and airports of departure and arrival.

Turn on the voice recording feature in your cellphones, to document your conversations with the airline personnel, if you can not turn on the video feature in your cellphone.

Of course, we know that if the owner of the blog is Philippine-based, they can be FORCED, pressured, or intimidated to close down their blog, if they are going against a giant. So, think ahead. I am not sure if TRUTH is a defense against LIBEL in the Philippines. Sometimes, the "giants" in the Philippines, just use their money to harass people who complain by filing lawsuits against them. It is a tactic often used in the Philippines, that even Brian had experienced, threats of lawsuits.

Brian, it looks like Filipinos now find a good place to air legitimate gripes in your blog. Maraming salamat, po.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2006/06/whats_your_bigg.html
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 11:42 AM

"I decided to make a reservation and was told to pay for it on or before Sept 15. Given that you have very limited sales offices, and only one (Cubao) near me, I was only able to visit on September 13, a Saturday."

"But alas, to my surprise, it was closed. It is closed every Saturday afternoon and whole day of Sunday. On weekdays, you’re only open until 5pm! Why a sales office with limited locations would close on weekends I beyond me. Cebu Pacific is open until 9 or 10 pm, 7 days a week!"

Is Philippine Airlines propped up by sales from tickets, or subsidized by public taxes? This does not look like they have any motivations in making as much sales as they can. How much is the CEO of Philippine Airlines making, salary, bonus (why would he have a bonus?) , others? How much are the people behind the counter making, bonus, benefits? Their motivation level for making sales and making repeat customers seem to be low.
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 3:37 PM

2 words - Third World !
Anonymous on September 26, 2008 4:19 PM

I am glad we didn't try PAL at all. We will just stick to www.evaair.com. Tickets are cheaper and the service is excellent.
Canadian on September 26, 2008 4:59 PM

Just like the Chinese, Filipinos in the Philippines are the worst when it comes to customer service. Every time I go home I dread encountering a problem with any business there because I know I won't get anywhere and I'd be endangering myself with a possible heart attack due to anger!

What do you expect, it's the common thread that runs among the people from the top (government, justices, legislators, etc) down to the rank-and-file. Two years ago, while applying for a business permit at a DTI window, I was totally helpless when my turn came at 5 minutes to lunchtime, only to be told to come back an hour later as they were closing for lunch break - what a total waste of my time and the others who were in line too. And to think I am a Fil-Canadian trying to contribute to the Philippine economy!

A nationwide education to correct this problem is clearly needed but, alas, knowing the Philippines - it's absolutely hopeless!
Comment by Rexler on September 26, 2008 8:58 PM

Cebu Pacific?
Yeah, right.

Where in the world would you find an airline that has nothing:
no newspapers
no blankets or pillows
if you want refreshments, you have to buy it from the FA (50 pesos for a can of soda or a cup of noodles)
EVEN ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

One time, with a very long queue at the check-in counter, CebuPac cancelled our flight to HK, 45 minutes before its scheduled departure. Other airlines would book you in a hotel and schedule you for another flight. Not with them. No apologies, and no one from the airline came over to talk to us passengers. The people from NAIA just told us about the cancellation, with an advisory to call The CebuPac hotline to resked. Even sadder was the number of OFW passengers who came from the province and had no option but to stay and wait it out at the airport to wait for a flight.

A few years ago, me and my friends were on a CebuPac flight to Bohol. During take-off, the cabin started filling up with engine exhaust, the smoke alarms blaring bloody hell. While ascending, the flight attendants started passing around sheets of toilet paper drenched in water, telling us to cover our noses with them. After a few minutes, the pilot comes on the PA:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some techinical difficulties. Please put your head between your legs and assume the crash position."
Everybody was in shock. Too stunned actually with what was happening that fortunately, no one panicked and chaos did not ensue. 20 mins later, the pilot comes on again:
"It seems that we will have to turn around and go back to the airport to change planes. Thank you for your patience, we will be landing in MANILA BAY in 15 minutes."
I swear on everything I hold dear to me that those were his words. Landing in Manila Bay. Really.
90 mins later, we were boarding another plane. There was a foreigner in a CebuPac uniform at the foot of the stairs seeing us off, probably one of the company's higher-ups. He goes:
"Thank you so much for your understanding. Now, please pray."
Needless to say, I never rode CebuPac again.
6 months later, I tell this story to a clients who happened to be a CebuPac pilot. He never heard of the incident. Apparently, they kept it under wraps.

My point is, PAL and CebuPac are both crappy. PAL has actually improved as of late, and I have not had any untoward incidents with them in the last two years. If anything, I like PAL better because they have their own airport. NAIA Terminal 1 is just hell with a couple of runways.
Anonymous on September 27, 2008 1:09 AM

Yeah, PAL has its own "airport" coz they don't want to share it with any other airlines. Lucio Tan wants a monopoly! That is how he competes, or any big old fart in the Philippines for that matter.
When FVR became president, he "opened up" the sky to other airlines because he believed in a FREE MARKET. The more competitors that are out there, the better for the consumers. That is how Cebu Pacific came to be.
But what the heck! Only in the Philippines right?
Anonymous on September 27, 2008 5:00 PM

Best time to visit the Cubao office is 830am when it opens. Do your research first. Check online for flight schedules/availability and fare. Call reservations, book the flight and get your confirmation number. Present number to agent in Cubao (20 total seats), she prints e-ticket, forwards same to Cashier for either cash or credit card payment. The time spent in the new Cubao office should not exceed 30 minutes for the early bird.


Lesson of the story: Make it easy on yourself!!!
Anonymous on September 27, 2008 11:43 PM

When PAL opened direct flights from Vancouver,Canada to Manila. I was so happy and immediately booked and paid returned flights last May of this year for me and my mother and also did the same for my brother and his family. I ,however, had a shock of my life when I checked in at the YVR (Vancouver) airport, The ground staffs where so unprofesional,impolite, no smiles, and no help at all. My bag was in excess at that time and the guy at the counter said it's heavy and cannot accept my bag and if I can move somewhere to remove the excess. I offered to pay whatever amount to cover the excess weight but he refused and he insisted that I come back if I am done. I left the counter out of disgust and start looking for a spare box or bag but stores at the airport are already closed at that time. So, I have to improvised, got to a corner ignored everybody passing and staring, opened my baggage and made some bunch of plastic bags and wrappers into a package. Such a hassle ! and not to say, the indignity! I went back to the check-in counter and they almost again did not accept my bags. You know, I got irritated the entire flight and vowed not to fly PAL again. I hope somebody at PAL reads this! You people need to work on your customer service skills and services!
nEd* on September 28, 2008 6:36 AM

Well I think there are lots of issues regarding these airlines in the Philippines. I personally have a very bad experience with CEBU PACIFIC, not once but twice. And hey from what I gather its not just me on this side of the world who has complaints about this airline. And I don’t buy it that they have frequent promos, heck, so they’ve got the right to treat people like that just cause people bought a promo ticket? My experience happened last year when I went home for a vacation. I bought a promo ticket, my very first from this airline, after flying with PAL the year before which cost way too high so I said why not try the cheapest if it’ll bring me to Philippines just the same. They’ve only been operational in Bangkok a few weeks when I flew home and youd think everything’s fresh and smooth being new and all..but I got to pinas I was so shocked to see my luggage destroyed I mean completely unusable, cracked (hard case) with one wheel missing and I was so shocked and furious very early in the morning. And there was a foreigner guy who didn’t have his baggage so he reported it missing/lost ( I dunno what happened after) but me I also complained and the representative asked tons of questions and filling up the form that they have for destroyed baggage. So after that she told me that they will contact me but I stayed in there for 3 weeks and nothing. I even called a number of times but all I got were infinite ringing but no answer- the woman gave me several numbers, none worked – should I be happy? NOT I was furious and counting my days stay in the Philippines and the problem still unresolved. i even emailed them to ask them about my complain and that I only have a few days to stay in pinas..several emails and still nothing from them…so because I was in the province the whole time I was in the Philippines I said to myself wait til I get to manila..came the time I was to fly back to my workplace, before I checked in I asked them about my complaint and showed them the copy or my complaint , made a tiny bit of a scene there I said I wanted to speak with the manager who called and talked to lots of people and after just told me to just call the office because the office that they have at the airport doesn’t solve matters like that or email the office… call? Internationally?email? They must be going nuts, they wouldn’t even pick up the phone,the whole time I was there I kept trying to no avail. They didn’t even acknowledge a single email,to make the story shorter, I still have the piece of paper the representative gave me as a copy of the complaint and no, they still haven’t settled nor replied any of my emails and when I arrived in Bangkok the handle of the handbag I checked in was also broken but I let it pass coz it wasn’t expensive and it was mine..by the way the hard-cased luggage was just borrowed from a friend because mine was so huge I didn’t have that much stuff so I asked my friend to lend me his.i was so ashamed to my friend for what happened.
The second incident was just march this year when I went home for holy week and for my baby’s birthday.. still with CEBU just domestic but way to serious than the luggage thing coz I swore im never flying with the airline again (at least for domestic flights)..it was just after holy week so most of the people were going back to their respective workplace and so was i..at the airport we arrived about 55 minutes b4 the departure and we were even happy that when we got to the airport the plane wasn’t there yet so there was time for picture taking and family time, when we entered the check in area it was so quite we thought that we were one of the first few people to arrive, no lines, nice…but then the agent told us that everybodys checked in already and that we’re late already and that I cant fly on that day coz the plane’s already full. I was like What?! The plane’s not even there and its still 50 mins till departure so how can I be late, I was just at this same flight a few months back and it wasn’t like this we came even later.i have my name listed on that day and I was there… I mean I couldnt miss the domestic coz I had a connecting flight that same night so I said. And then the other guy told me that im late blah blah I should be at the airport 45 mins before departure blah blah…furious already I yelled at the guy and said excuse me if you hadn’t been talking for the last 10 mins, would I have made it at the boarding area? I was here before your 45 minutes and you weren’t even entertaining anybody anymore, you’re closed already cant you see.there were a few people like me who weren’t allowed to check in because they said they were late…they came before me…how’s that? one was a pregnant woman who was just standing when I got there teary-eyed just not talking to the men at the counter… Why is that the plane from manila’s not even here yet. And he said ma’am sorry but you should check the nonsense/suggestions on your website but you wouldn’t even acknowledge a complaint? Don’t tell me about your website coz I know they don’t work.. we tried every possible way we could just so we could board that flight but unsuccessful. The pregnant woman told me that she bought the ticket 2 months back, so was my ticket how could they be full when we the people who was supposed to be on that flight are outside of the boarding area? Doesn’t make sense to me….hmmmm, wait, but it does, you see it was peak season, just after holy week, people eager to go back to manila, lots of profit for them. We bought the promo tickets 2 months back for just over 3 thousand, 2 way. And then the pregnant woman told me that the chance passengers paid more than 5 thousand just for a 1 way ticket…savvy, right? And for those of us who missed our promo ticket, our tickets were useless, so we either fly on that day or thrash the ticket, for those who really cant fly on that date must buy again, and you were hoping youd save some on a promotion, turns out it costs more…and I swear I cursed a whole lot of bad words that day…I wished they answered my phone calls coz it would’ve been a lot more satisfying for me if I aired it to whoever was responsible…I guess it’s their policy not to answer the line for complaints…what im saying is that they shouldn’t treat their customer’s like that just because they think that maybe their customers are just nobody’s because they can only afford cheap promo tickets…why in the world would you advertise promotion?
Comment by GreenMinds on October 1, 2008 4:55 AM

Hello everyone,

I just would like to share that PAL responded to my letter. If you want updates on this, you might want to check out the blog I started for this issue (and other customer service related concerns) at www.customerwow.blogspot.com

Many thanks!

Froi
www.greenminds.net
Anonymous on October 11, 2008 12:17 AM

I've had it with PAL. We were flying back and forth between the US and Manila quite a few times last year, not on vacation, but for medical issues, etc. Anyhow the last time we had to fly to the US, a family member there was very ill, our flight was cancelled. The flight was supposed to leave about 10PM, but an hour after the scheduled departure, we still weren't boarding, no announcements or anything. Another hour passed and they finally told us the flight was cancelled for mechanical problems on the plane, but they didn't tell you what to do: no announcement about rescheduling the flight, what to do now that it was midnight and we were stuck in the airport. People crowded around the few remaining employees asking what to do. After asking a few employees, we finally found out that they would put you up at a hotel or give you P1000 for a taxi ride home. Since we lived close by, we opted for the taxi ride home, but there was just one person issuing the P1000; the line was more than 100 people deep, and she had to verify your ID first and then ask for your signature. People at the end of the line were screaming for them to open another line, but of course the rude Filipinos at the end of the line rushed to the front of the new line. We then had to find a supervisor to help us book our connecting flight in the US to our final destination.

Upon returning the next morning we found out that they had cancelled more than one flight the previous night before, so they were trying to cram the passengers from two flights onto one. They did this by separating families, bumping people off the flight, etc. It was total FUC****G chaos as passengers started threatening the employees. After many arguments had ensued, a supervisor finally appeared and tried to calm people down. Of course, the flight was late again as they tried to figure out what to do. Now that the flight from Manila was delayed, we would have less than an hour to make our connecting flight in the US. The staff in Manila told us there would be ground staff in San Francisco to assist us with the connection, but of course, when we arrived in SF, no one was around to help. We barely made our flight, but another passenger we met missed his flight.

PAL's staff are ill-trained, and supervisors try to hide in their offices until problems get out of hand, they don't make announcements when necessary. The employees lie about staff on the arrivals end--they have no FUC***G idea, but they will tell you what you want to hear. Additionally, they have obviously have maintenance issues due to the many cancellations and delays. On board the plane, many times my headphones or video display haven't worked. Lastly to make a flight change they force you to fax a copy of your ID with your signature to make a change. They even charged us a $150 fee to upgrade to business class.

It's really a shame how crappily PAL is run. The monopolies and corruption in this country really give people a poor impression of the Philippines.

Philwhine
Anonymous on October 15, 2008 6:57 PM

I have had bad experiences also with PAL that are bearable, and Cebu Pacific that I will never ever forget, but after taking other airlines in other countries, I feel that we still have a great service!

PAL always tops my list and they have greatly improved! I rode the newly configured 747-400 to Cebu and the new seats are at par with Singapore Airline's Kris World!

Watch as US President George Bush ducks as a journalist threw not one, but a pair of shoes right in the middle of a press conference.

The journalist is currently detained, and the Iraqi government calls it a shameful act and has demanded an on air apology from the station where the journalist worked. Some people in Baghdad, however, consider the journalist their hero.

I doubt if GMA would have the same reflexes.

Are you looking for a different kind of Christmas with friends? Why not go back to the basic and rediscover the real meaning of Christmas and the simple joys of the holidays?

Interested? Watch this video of Camp Explore as featured in Jessica Soho show in GMA.

(External entry)

Two months before I resigned from my last work, I made sure that I get all the ID cards I need since I will be surrendering my company ID. This means I arranged everything from my SSS (replacement), TIN, Postal ID, etc. These are some of the IDs needed for bank and other important transactions. Aside from these ID cards, I also continued my PhilHealth, Pag-ibig and SSS contributions without fail, so when I get sick, the health insurance can take care of a part of the hospital bill, and when I reach retirement age or die, I get a little something out from SSS (Social Security System).

I was happy with the online inquiry service of SSS until I experienced what seems to be an endless problem with their website. It was down, if not too slow, most of the time. Then they had this new procedure where one should register first and create an account before he can do online contribution inquiry, etc.

Personally, I like the old thing more – type your last name, your birthday and your SSS number, press ‘submit’ then tada! All the information you need to know and see with regards to your membership are there.

That was the old process. The new one is, well, I can’t say if it’s better or what. I have registered and tried accessing my account successfully. To register, you need to fill up the online form and wait for the email with your password from them (you create your own username and they give you the PW which you can change afterwards). Once logged in, you need to log in again to access your membership account. In other words, you need to log in to log in. Funny, right?

After successfully fooling myself logging in and trying the not really impressive service, I tried registering my husband. He received the email that says,

‘We are sorry to inform you that you have not successfully registered in the SSS Website. Please call the SSS Hotline at (632) 920-6446 to 55 for assistance.’

A month later, we tried registering again – filled up the form and waited for their email. We received the same response!

So I decided to call those numbers to inquire but all of them are either busy or your call just can’t get through (I hear a fast busy tone). I tried calling the trunkline (9206401), but the lady kept insisting that I call those other numbers even I told her how hard it is to get though. And I’ve been dialing since yesterday!

Aaaarrrgghhh! How I hate SSS! Their web service sucks, and their phone service sucks more. Maybe that’s why it’s called the SSS Hotline. Your head will get hot when you call their line. I just hope they find a website hosting service that works, and a bunch of people that works better.

See original post here.

Wanna Change OR WALA na Change?


Friends, please, do me a favor. DO THIS COUNTRY A FAVOR. Please watch this video until the end.

"Bless the President, so that she will have the forebearance, good health, tolerance, to lead this nation up to 2010 and perhaps, who knows, even beyond..."

I am praying that God was asleep when this prayer was said. God, please bless this country.

Do we really deserve her? Should we take her challenge? The answer is up to us. Wake up Filipinos!

PacMan is running as  Congressman after all. If this is true, I would have to say sorry for thinking that he would run as senator. Bu who knows? It is too early to say. What's established is that he is entering politics again.

Well, at the very least, if Pacman will win as congressman, he will be with peers. A house of stupid or greedy people, or both. Unlike the senate, he will be at home in the House of Rep. But I doubt if the intelligent people of Quezon City will vote for him. I promise to camapign against him, even if I am from a different district. Watch out PacMan. You are not the luckiest man alive, I tell you.

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is giving politics another shot in 2010, but this time it will reportedly for the congressional seat of Quezon City’s second district, incumbent Representative Mary Ann Susano said Monday.


If plan pushes through, Susano said she and Pacquiao would be the team to beat in the city, which the incumbent solon envisions as the "Dragon City."


Susano said a group of businessmen and politicians arranged a meeting between her and Pacquiao before the boxer left for the US to train for his Dream Match with Oscar de la Hoya.


At the meeting, Pacquiao was asked if he was interested in running for Congress. Asked if Pacquiao appeared inclined to accept the offer, Susano said, "Yes."

Click here to read the entire news report.

(External Entry)

Remember my post about transferring my site to 3ix? It was the biggest mistake I ever made with respect to my blog. I remember bragging to my blogger friends how they provide chat support and how cheap their services are. But now I take back all those things I have bragged about because with 3ix, you get what you paid for - cheap hosting.

This post is going to be long so please bear with me as I try to vent out my frustrations here in my blog. I hope someone will learn from my experience. If you decide you don’t want to read all the bru-haha, then you can skip and proceed here.

I have been a subscriber of 3ix for over six months before I transferred pinoytux.com to 3ix hosting, which worked pretty much well. I decided that free hosting no longer works for my blog so I ordered an upgrade of my account amounting to $28.10. It was OK at first. I mean I can’t transfer my database to their MySQL server but the support was kind enough to upload the dump file for me. Then hell started to break loose.

One time, I thought that my account was compromised because my homepage shows the WordPress installation page. So I asked them to check what is wrong with my account. The very kind technical support didn’t know what to do and asked me if I have backup of my database, which I did from 3 days before. So the support dumped again the file after two hours of debate why he can’t import a dump file in tar.gz and zip format. I lost some post and comments because of this but I thought, you know sh*t happens, so I guess its OK.

Then I put in SiteUptime checker to see how many times my blog went down every day. I see reports that my has become inaccessible quite a few times because I received alerts through email but I thought that it is not so bad. Maybe it was all just false positives.

Then again, the database went missing. I checked phpMyAdmin and my WP database shows no tables. So I opened a chat again with their support and this time, I asked them to change the permission of the database because it was I think that is wrong. So they did and they fixed the problem.

Continue reading the post here.

It's sad day in Philippine history for me. God bless this country!

From Inquirer.net:

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao stopped Oscar de la Hoya Saturday, defying a disadvantage in size with a brutally dominant performance in their welterweight showdown.


Pacquiao's speed, power, and precision were too much for De la Hoya, whose left eye was swelling shut as he declined to come out for the ninth round. With the technical knockout, Pacquiao improved to 48-3 with two drawn and 36 wins inside the distance.

Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champion, moved up two weight classes to take the lucrative bout with De la Hoya, a 10-time world champion in six different weight classes who fell to 39-6 with 30 knockouts.

Read related news here.

With Manny "Pacquiao’s penchant for charity, his inability to say no, and his belief that everything he does in the name of giving is in accordance with what God’s mission for him,"* Manny is giving away P35,000,000.Yes, 35 Million!

Great, right? Wait until you know where he is spending it.

Manny spent the 35M or about  "$700,000 to purchase tickets to the “Dream Match” against Oscar De La Hoya so he can give them out to friends and supporters."* Well, what can you expect from the great Pacman.

Well, Mr. Fake Hero, I can think of better ways to spend your 35 million, which is in fact a tiny fraction of your expected 489 Million income from this so called Dream Match.

How to spend 35M? Let me count the ways:

1. Pay the tuition of more than 200 college students in UP for a full 4 year course.
2. Support the entire operational cost of 15 midsize NGO's for 3 years.
3. Provide more than 30,000 sacks of rice for distribution to the poorest of the poor in the Philippines.
4. Train more than 3,500 villages on ecological solid waste management.
5. Build 350 treeless houses that are fire, flood and earthquake proof.
6. Provide more than 30 doctors for 5 years to the remotest villages in the country.
6. Provide capital support to more than 700 women to start their own small enterprise.
7. Build more than 100 new classrooms.
8. Hire and support 250 new public school teachers for 1 year.
9. Provide free internet access to over 3,000 public schools for the entire year.
10. Provide clean drinking water to over 2,000 rural villages.

And oh yes, if you ask GMA, 35M can also be used to:
1. Buy 70 governors to support the Charter Change initiative.
2. Buy 35 bishops to support her, or vote against a CBCP call for her to resign.
3. Buy 170 congressmen, enough to make sure that the impeachment complaint will be junked.
4. Buy 35 generals of the AFP to keep the military "insulated" from the "political noise."
5. Get the services of ALL the killers-for-hire in the country to murder any journalist or political opponents who gets in her way.

I could think of a lot more ways to spend his millions, I am just an email away if he needs more suggestions.

I'm sure he will also give to "real" charity, but I doubt if it is even half that amount. And I am wondering, will Chavit Singson and Mike Arroyo get free tickets too? Just asking.

Win or loose, Pacman will earn an estimated 489 million pesos - at least. And in an unfortunate event that he will win, he may even receive 1 MILLION PESOS from GMA in Malacanang as gift to our "hero!"

I just hope that money was not from the tax payers. Mayber not, maybe it's from the fertilizer fund scam, or the ZTE kickbacks, or the Macapagal Boulevard overprice, or from the swine missing loans.

But wait, aren't all of those taxpayers' money?


*From Inquirer.net. Click here to read related news article.

Wow! Why don't we have TV personalities with the same courage to tell a lame duck president (or in our case, a fake president!)

Or why would de la Hoya do a favor to the Philippines by defeating Manny Pacquiao?

As much as I admire Pacman as a boxer (A sport I don't understand by the way. When was it ok to hurt someone? When was it ok for thousands of people to cheer on 2 people killing each other? When was it ok for anyone to bet on who would suffer the most?), I can't bring myself to admire him as a person.

The way that he allowed himself to be used by the powers that be (and he will do it again!!!) in the name of Atienza and the Arroyo gang is enough reason to loose respect for the man. Speaking of Atienza, it still amazes me how he can provide a hero's welcome to a fake hero but ignore the real heroes in  his city - the teachers, the medical workers, etc. Manny, adopted son of Manila? So why did he hold his press conference in DENR and ignore the preparation of the City under Mayor Lim? It does speak of his character.

I also could not understand how the Church chose Manny to be their poster boy in their fight against the Reproductive Health Bill. The man is a womanizer for Christ' sake! He abandoned his own child from a mistress, and he makes kids every break from boxing! Manny for RH? Shame!

So why do I want Oscar to win?

Simple.

He needs to be humbled. Manny believes that if he can take de la Hoya, he can take the Senate next. Yes, he will allow himself to be used again by those crooked politicians. They need him in the senate to have another puppet, in addition to Revilla and Lapid of course. For who else who run under the administration ticket? Running is one thing, winning is another.

If Oscar will win, I hope it would be a wake up call for Manny. He cannot just take up any fight. There are fights that are beyond him. What will he do in the senate? Punch any senator who would object to his resolution making boxing the national sport? Where would he use his pork barrel, in building boxing gyms in every baranggay? Nice!

But honestly, I want him to loose for one more important reason.

I want his loss to be a wake up call for Filipinos. Manny represents a false hope to many of us. Young kids want to skip school and punch each other so they could be like their hero. And every fight of Manny, the country stops. Crimes go down. With every win, the entire country feels that we are ok.

But we are not OK. We have a corrupt government, poverty is not going down. If we can unite for one day to watch Manny fight, why can't we unite for one day to demand accountability from those in power? If people can spend thousands to bet on him or to watch him on live telecast, why can't we give to worthy causes. The theaters are packed every fight, but go to film festivals with enviornmental or social themes, and you will find an empty hall.

So yes, I may be alone in this country, but I am praying that Oscar will win. Manny's loss does not diminish my being Filipino. He was never my hero. He never will be, not unless he cut his ties with his crooked friends and distribute his wealth, even just a part of it, to the poorest in his province - but not as part of his campaign.

So Oscar, do my country a favor. But please don't make it too hard on him, let him reach the 12 round so the macho Filipino's can still claim that at least their hero fought till the end.

So we can continue to fool ourselves.

I am for capital punishment, if only for these people. They have betrayed us, and they will continue to betray us.

After 2010 (hopefully when we have a new president, but I know I am dreaming), then we will restore the death penalty. And those who voted (see list below) for dismissing the impeachment complaint should be lined up in Luneta and shot in the head.

Wait!

That is a great insult to Rizal. These people doesn't even deserve the gas chamber, that is too humane. They need to be cut into pieces and fed to the crocodiles. But I am not sure if the crocs will take them, even animals have taste you know. And these politicians do stench to the bones.

Are you represented by any of these bastards (and this is a very kind word for them)? Shame on you! Shame on you for not doing anything. Shame on Iloilo! I am ashamed of being Ilonggo, 4 of those who voted for dismissal are from Iloilo.

To all Ilonggos, are you proud of the people representing you? You have betrayed this country once by allowing yourself to be used by GMA in the last election (I am not sure if she cheated her way in Iloilo, or she was really voted by a lot of Ilonggos - but either way, it's disgusting! I am not sure which of the 2 is more disgusting!) and now look at what your "elected" officials are doing in your behalf. Will you vote for them again, if there will be an election indeed?

Prove to the world that Ilonggos are wise people. Dump these stupid offcials!

Now, check out this listing from Inquirer and see for yourself how you voted (because they represent you, unless you express your opposition otherwise):


Against Dismissing the Complaint
1. Minority Leader and San Juan Ronaldo Zamora
2. Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo
3. Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza
4. Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño
5. Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona
6. Makati Rep. Mar-Len Binay
7. Parañaque Rep. Rufus Rodriguez
8. South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio


For the Dismissal of the Complaint
1. Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro
2. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman
3. Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan
4. Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz
5. Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez
6. Cebu Rep. Pablo John Garcia
7. Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco
8. Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier
9. Apec Rep. Edgar Valdez
10. Bohol Rep. Edgardo Chatto
11. Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah Dumarpa
12. Leyte Rep. Eufrocino Codilla
13. Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Belma Cabilao
14. Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao
15. Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Antonio Cerilles
16. Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon Lanete
17. Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison
18. Bohol Rep. Roberto Cajes
19. Tawi Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar
20. La Union Rep. Victor Ortega
21. Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong
22. Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona
23. Isabela Rep. Giorgido Aggabao
24. Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas
25. Quirino Rep. Junie Cua
26. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga
27. Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas
28. Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go
29. Manila Rep. Theresa Bonoan-David
30. Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas
31. Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita
32. Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar
33. Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong
34. Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia
35. Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor
36. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin
37. Quezon City Rep. Bingbong Crisologo
38. Misamis Occidental Rep. Herminia Ramiro
39. Bukidnon Rep. Candido Pancrudo
40. Manila Rep. Zenaida Angping
41. Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Maranon (for Occidental Mindoro Rep. Amelita Villarosa)
42. Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino

Today, the Committee on Justice of the Philippine's House of Representative's dismissed the impeachment complaint against GMA as insufficient in substance.

(You may read the news here.)

The vote was 42-8. What the hell????

Only a stupid person would think GMA is not guilty of any of the crimes enumerated in the complaint. Oh, I forgot. Maybe they are all stupid.

The report will now be forwarded to the plenary for adoption or rejection. Now we know that majority of the Committee on Justice members are stupid. Next, we will know if the entire House is composed of stupid people.

I believe only one third of the plenary is needed to transmit the complaint to the Senate. I hope this will not be reduced to a mere numbers game. Please, write your congressmen.

And finally, I would like to share this insight. With the allegations of 500,000 that was given to each of the congressmen, one is tempted to say "Mga buwaya talaga sila."

But my friends, I agree with my friends from the Crocodile Conservation in Isabela:  
It is a great injustice to the crocodiles!

A comment from one of my posts, which I think is very important:

Last year, European government leaders agreed to a 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Now, with the downturn in the economy, that deal is under threat and they are offering a 20% percent reduction.

As a result, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund through the coordination of the Climate Action Network (CAN) formed the campaign Time to Lead . Time to Lead is a movement that urges European citizens and organisations to act by contacting local legislators and issuing support of the 30 percent reduction in Europe’s own carbon emissions by 2020. Citizens act by joining the ‘call to action’ at http://www.timetolead.eu/.

Click here for details.

On 2008, the first Future Leaders of Asia Forum was held on January 17-19 at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines, with the theme, "Social Entrepreneurship: Developing a New Generation of Asian Leaders." It was a project under the Ateneo School of Government, the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, and Ashoka, which aimed to gather young leaders from different Asian countries to form a network of social entrepreneurs after being introduced to the concept. The participants were also encouraged to create their own social enterprises.

One of the successful participants was Mian Alampay. She was one of the winners of the Make It Happen! 1st Ateneo de Manila University Social Entrepreneurship Busines Plan Writing Competition that was launched during the first FLAF. Mian founded the Bright Kids Learning Center, which teaches basic arts and crafts to kids in Batasan Hills Elementary School.

Once again, on 2009, there shall be a second Future Leaders of Asia Forum, which will gather the country's top young leaders to introduce to them social entrepreneurship and to encourage them to start their own in their localities.

The Forum's goal is to inculcate in the minds of the young leaders that social problems can be solved in more innovative and creative ways aside from the traditional dole-out projects which are not sustainable. It also aims to empower the youth by reminding them that as early as now, they can already contribute greatly to create significant and meaningful change that can benefit the less privileged.

Recognizing the need of a sustainable environment for the future generations, the 2009 Forum's theme shall be "Social Entrepreneurship: Employing Innovations in Pursuit of Environmental Sustainability." The aim is to find out how social enterprises can creatively help promote and secure the Earth's environmental sustainability.

***

For more information on how to apply, please visit the website: www.ateneoflaf.com

Thank you very much!


======================
The FLAF Secretariat Team
Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)
G/F CSP Building, Social Development Complex
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
1108 Philippines

Email Address: flaf2009@gmail.com
Landline and Fax Number: +63-2-4265657

Contact Persons:
- For local applicants and participants, you may directly contact Ms. Steph Cuevas through this number: +63-927-7559992
- For international applicants and participants, you may directly contact Mr. Tadashi Zialcita through this number: +63-927-7559993

October 31, 2008
MNL/CPN/170908/25564

MR. FROILAN GRATE
froilan[at]greenminds.net

Dear Mr. Grate,

This is further to our acknowledgement email. Thank you for your patience in awaiting our reply. On behalf of Philippine Airlines, please allow us to express our sincerest regrets for the inconveniences caused you when you visited our Cubao ticket office.

Initially, we were truly disheartened to know of the reported experience from a valued passenger. Definitely, we at Philippine Airlines, do not tolerate any acts of discourtesy, rudeness, and arrogance from employees whom we expect to be the finest in passenger care. With regard to your concern on the operating hours and availability of our ticket offices, please allow us to explain that we have 7 ticket offices located within the Metro Manila area. These are the Makati ticket office, Century Park Hotel ticket office, Cubao ticket office, Padre Faura ticket office located PAL Data Center Bldg. ticket office located on airport road, PNB ticket office located in Macapagal avenue, and the NAIA II ticket office. All our ticket offices are open from Mondays to Fridays 8AM to 5PM and 8AM to 12NN on Saturdays. Our NAIA II ticket office is open from 2AM up to 10PM 7 days a week. Nevertheless, you will appreciate to know that we have since brought your feedback on the handling by our staff and the operating hours of our ticket offices, to the attention of the offices concerned for whatever necessary corrective actions.

We are sorry to learn that our on-line booking service impressed you unfavorably. Please allow us to explain, that some of the advertised rates may have been limited and purchased by other passengers already. We can only hope, to gain your understanding.

Mr. Grate, thank you for the opportunity to communicate with you. We sincerely appreciate this gesture. Contrary to the unfavorable turn of events, we still hope for another chance to restore your confidence in our service.

Very truly yours,


LUIGI F. LORENZO
Customer Management Officer
Customer Relations

I would like to commend the Customer Service Regulation Office of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems (MWSS) for their help this morning.

I was helping an American colleague who is doing a research on fluoridation in the water system in the Philippines. I initially inquired with the DENR-EMB (they have no idea), DOH (no one's answering their trunkline) and BFAD (only the clerks were there, the technical people are all out and no one knows when will they be back) but they were all at loss who is the lead agency for this, at least in terms of policy.

However, when I called MWSS-RO, I was only transferred once (a feat for any company using a trunkline), and after stating my concern, the lady I spoke to called the person best to answer my queries. And yes, that person was able to answer me. And to top it all, no one seemed irritated with my call (another rarity, especially in government offices) and the person knew what he was saying. He even gave me additional contacts where I can verify his information. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the name of the person but whoever you are, I salute you!

*Update: The name of the nice fellow is Mr. Bong Cordova. Thank you Mr. Cordova!

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Five Congressmen have urged the House of Representatives to support the stand of officials and residents of Guimaras against mining operations on the island-province.

House Resolution 841, filed on Oct. 10, calls on the chamber to support the opposition of Guimarasnons against the entry and operations of mining companies.

The resolution was sponsored by Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava, Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casiño, Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano.
In the resolution, the congressmen described the island as rich in natural resources and one of the pristine popular tourist destinations in the country.

Click here to read the complete story.

(Submitted entry)

We got our tickets, came 30 mins late and started enjoying the flick. After an hour, right on the one of the most exciting parts, there was a black out in the screen, lights on around the movie house. Wondering why, I looked at the technical room and started gazing around. I saw 20 of us watching the film. Thinking it was only an ordinary technical problem, I just let it pass. After a few seconds, the film resumed. But this time, it's different. We can not see the subtitles anymore. So I was starting to freak out. The fact that the setting was in China, so we expect subs, right? After 20 mins. black out again. This time, with the lady assisting in the cinema saying "Sandali lang po.." WHAT! Sandali lang po!! First time in my seeing a movie in a big screen ever i heard saying from the staff, SANDALI LANG PO. (Parang nakikinood lang sa kapitbahay ah). Knowing my rights as a consumer, I started saying that this is not right. We paid for 100 bucks to watch in the big screen and this is all we got? Sandali lang po! (I thought You've got it all for us?).

I was in the brink of losing my patience, but I still remained composed. I was just raving that I will call the management of the cinema about this not-so-good experience. It just pisses off when you're watching a very good film with so much "bloopers" in between. Nawawala yung excitement.

Here's the catch. Those black outs happened just in the middle of the must-see fight scenes and yeah, during the climax - just when the adrenaline-rush is almost there. Then what, sandali lang po? Gee.

Sorry for my being sarcastic, but I think any movie goer would also react that way. Specially if they paid for it. and golly, the incident happened 3 times. What now?

Haay. The day is over. and I still can't move on with what happened. Probably tomorrow morning, I'll ring the management's office for that matter. Tell my not-so-good experience hoping it will not happen anymore.

Mukhang sila ata ang dahilan ng lumalaganap na Piracy. Haha. Laugh out loud.

To read the ntire article, please click here.

Adapted from "The Green Guide" #77, The Green Guide Institute.

With all the recent press about plastics leaching harmful chemicals into food, we want to be sure we’re using the safest materials in our children’s lunchboxes.

Get the scoop on which plastics are safe to use right here:

Chemicals that leach from plastic containers into food include suspected carcinogens or endocrine disrupters, which have been linked to reproductive system harm. Plastic used for containers can be identified by their recycling codes, as listed in this article.

Most wraps on pre-packaged foods lack identifying symbols. Here is a great list from The Green Guide Institute from which you can tell at a glance the plastics that are safe for food storage and those that aren’t:

As a precaution, you can unwrap these foods and store them in nontoxic glass, ceramic or steel bowls, or Ziploc bags (made of LDPE). Heat promotes leaching:

To be safest, never microwave or heat foods in plastics.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET): No known hazards.

2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): No known hazards.

3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl): Plasticizers are added to many PVC products to make them flexible. These include phthalates — suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), DEHA, another possible EDC, was found to leach from PVC cling wraps into cheese. Grocery stores commonly use PVC to wrap deli meats and cheeses. Reyonds cling wrap is PVC. Some waters and vegetable oils are bottled in PVC. Ad PVC’s manufacture and incineration produces highly toxic dioxins, as does the PVDC used in Saran Wrap, according to Consumers Union.

4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): No known hazards.

5. Polypropylene (PP): No known hazards.

6. Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam): Made from styrene, a suspected carcinogen, PS also contains p-nonylphenol; both chemicals are suspected EDCs. Do not consumer fatty foods or alcoholic beverages from Styrofoam containers; styrene can leach into these substances. Some opaque plastic cutlery is PS, as well.

7. Other Resins, including Polycarbonate (PC): Most clear plastic baby bottles and 5-gallon water bottles are made of PC. Bisphenol-A EDC in PC, has been found in water and heated infant formulas bottles in PC, as well as food cans lined with a plastic film.

For some more great tips on how and why to reduce your use of plastics –and for which ones are the biggest concern for your health and the environment — read these new guidelines from The Green Guide Institute .

This article was reprinted from “The Green Guide” newsletter, a publication of The Green Guide Institute. Since 1994, “The Green Guide” has been a premier consumer source for practical everyday actions benefiting environmental and personal health. Want more practical solutions that benefit the environment and personal health? Subscribe online to The Green Guide.

Choose your water bottles very carefully in order to prevent chemicals in the plastic from leaching into your water.

Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carting water around when we are on the go, as they don't break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water. If you taste plastic, you are drinking it, so get yourself another bottle.

To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is usually a #1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it. Better to use a reusable water bottle, and fill it with your own filtered water from home and keep these single-use bottles out of the landfill.

Unfortunately, those fabulous colourful hard plastic lexan bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA. Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it disturbs the hormonal messaging in our bodies. Synthetic xenoestrogens are linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and are particularly devastating to babies and young children. BPA has even been linked to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. For more of the science on the effects of BPA on our endocrine system etc. see these studies: Environmental Health Perspectives Journal. Nalgene, the company that manufactures the lexan water bottles also makes #2 HDPE bottles in the same sizes and shapes, so we have a viable alternative.

Unfortunately, most plastic baby bottles and drinking cups are made with plastics containing Bisphenol A. In 2006 Europe banned all products made for children under age 3 containing BPA, and as of Dec. 2006 the city of San Franscisco followed suit. In March 2007 a billion-dollar class action suit was commenced against Gerber, Playtex, Evenflo, Avent, and Dr. Brown's in Los Angeles superior court for harm done to babies caused by drinking out of baby bottles and sippy cups containing BPA. So, to be certain that your baby is not exposed, use glass bottles.
Check the recycling numbers on all your plastic food containers as well, and gradually move to storing all food in glass or ceramic.

Store water in glass or brass if possible, and out of direct sunlight.

From http://trusted.md/blog/vreni_gurd/2007/03/29/plastic_water_bottles

Why are most plastics marked with a number inside a recycling symbol? The simple answer is that each number represents the type of resin made to produce the plastic.

Because each resin is different, these numbers affect how and where you can recycle plastics. You don’t have to remember the name. Plastics are identified by numbers 1-7.

Here’s some common products you’ll find of each type:

#1 PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)*: soda bottles, oven-ready meal trays and water bottles

#2 HDPE (High-density polyethylene)*: milk bottles, detergent bottles and grocery/trash/retail bags

#3 PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): plastic food wrap, loose-leaf binders and plastic pipes

#4 LDPE (Low-density polyethylene): dry cleaning bags, produce bags and squeezable bottles

#5 PP (Polypropylene): medicine bottles, aerosol caps and drinking straws

#6 PS (Polystyrene): compact disc jackets, packaging Styrofoam peanuts and plastic tableware

#7 Other: reusable water bottles, certain kinds of food containers and Tupperware

*PET and HDPE are the most common forms of plastic, so they are the easiest to find recycling locations for

From www.earth911.org

We currently live in the 'Plastics Age' with a total consumption of about 182 million tonnes of polymers per year. Of this, polypropylene is 24 t
o 25 per cent and all polyethylenes, about 40 per cent. This industry has grown phenomenally in the last century. Its growth within this period will be of interest to many.

Human race has always progressed by using raw materials around. Growth from 'Stone Age' to 'Plastics Age' has been very rapid. Use of plastics within the last century and in particular, after World War II has increased exponentially.

Plastic is not a uniformly defined term. Its origin is from the Greek word 'Plasticos', which means 'to form or mould'.
Plastics can broadly be defined or described as materials composed essentially of very large molecules (called macromolecules or polymers) which may be natural, semi natural (modified natural) or synthesised from small molecules, termed as monomers.

At times, plastics and polymers are used as synonyms in the colloquial world. Some prefer to differentiate the two by defining plastics as made by compounding polymer and additives. Polyvinyl chloride is a polymer, but when compounded with a plasticiser and the thermal stabiliser, it may be termed as a plastic.

Some polymers may not need any additives and these can be used as such in their virgin form. It is preferable to use the word polymer instead of plastic, as the word polymer denotes big or giant molecules. 'Poly' means many and 'mer' indicates substance.

Classification of Polymers

Polymers can be classified based on their end uses or origin of raw materials.

Classification based on End-uses

This type of classification also highlights different market and key properties depending upon specific use. Thus, adhesives need totally different properties from materials used as consumer goods like packaging films, ice cream cups, paints or moulded furniture.

Thermoset Polymers: Thermosets were the early polymers made synthetically. The first totally synthetic polymer, Phenol, Formaldehyde was, in fact, thermoset in nature, its moulding powder, polyurethane foams used in sofa seats, automobile seats or the 'setting adhesives' are examples of thermoset resins. Thermoset materials 'set' when heated (thermal effect). One can imagine boiling of an egg. The yolk becomes hard or it is 'set'. Once it is set, it cannot be reprocessed again. It does not become liquid again.

Thermoplastic Polymers: Thermoplastic materials melt when heated and can be shaped as desired. They can be reheated and melted several times. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, polyester and PVC are examples of thermoplastic polymers. Today, production of thermoplastic polymer is several times that of thermoset polymers.

Rubber: Rubber can be natural or synthetic, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber or isoprene. The high impact is the key property for rubber.

Fibers: Polymers for fibers need different properties as compared to rubber or thermoplastics used in furniture or in milk packaging. Fibers have textile and non-textile applications. For textile applications, dyeability, washability, lightness and comfort on feel are major properties; while that for non-textile use, solvent resistance or tenacity may be of importance. Polyester and nylon are commonly used in textile applications, whereas polypropylene has properties suitable for non textile use.

Adhesives: These polymers must have a good adhesion between different substrates and good bonding strength. It should be easy to apply on the surface. Poly vinyl alcohol, epoxy polymers or cyno acrylic polymers are examples of adhesives.

Paints and Inks: These polymers should have a film forming ability, good flow properties and sufficient tack to the surface on which they are applied. They should be able to incorporate large quantities of pigments. Inks on paper or plastics have different properties. Alkyd polymers, polyesters, epoxy polymers or amino polymers are common examples.

Classification of Polymers based on Origin of Raw Materials

Polymers can be classified based upon their origin, as:

Natural Polymers: These occur as macromolecules or polymers in their natural form. Cellulose, starch, sugar, lignin etc. have plant origin. Other materials such as shellac, wool etc. have animal origin. All these materials are natural polymers. They exist in nature. It is interesting to know that different starches behave differently due to difference in their spatial structure although their chemical formulae are the same.

Semi-Natural or Modified Natural Polymers: Most natural polymers cannot be used in their virgin or native form, but can be chemically modified. Thus, cellulose when treated chemically (acetylated) yields cellulose acetate, which can be spun into fibre, extruded or injection moulded. Carboxy methyl cellulose, CMC, dissolves in water but cellulose itself does not. Thus, cellulose acetate or CMC can be classified as semi-natural polymers.

Synthetic Polymers: These are made from monomers through a chemical reaction, called polymerisation. Polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyester etc. are examples of synthetic polymers. Although synthetic polymers outnumber natural polymers, the total quantum of natural polymers is far greater than synthetic polymers.


(Source: Prof. D.D. Kale, Ex-HOD, Polymer Department, UICT, Mumbai)

From: Wecare@pal.com.ph [mailto:Wecare@pal.com.ph]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 1:38 PM
To: Froilan Grate
Subject: Re: A Formal Complaint against PAL

Dear Mr. Grate:

This is to acknowledge your e-mail apprising us of your recent experience with us.

A request for feedback had been initiated to provide us with the full circumstances of the reported incident. We will be communicating with you again as soon as we complete our reports. You are assured of our most preferential attention.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations
Philippine Airlines
ar/

September 16, 2008


Mr. Jaime J. Bautista
President & Chief Operating Officer
Philippine Airlines

Dear Mr. Bautista,

I am writing to express my disgust with the quality of service and the attitude of personnel of Philippine Airlines. I have long heard of many bad things about your company but my experience last September 15, 2008 in your Cubao Sales Office left no doubt of the values that your company holds.

It is a shame that PAL is the country’s flag carrier. You do not deserve to have this title. With the quality of service, or the lack thereof, that you provide, you are a disgrace to this country. You are indeed Asia’s oldest airline, not because you are a pioneer but because your service is Jurassic and outmoded.

For you to understand this great dissatisfaction that I feel towards PAL, please allow me to share the events that lead to that unfortunate day of September 15.

Early September, after seeing an advertisement on your promo rate, I logged on to your website to book a ticket to Bohol for late November. I was surprised to see however that the advertised rates are not available online. I decided to call your telephone reservations hotline but was only able to connect after numerous redials and after being put on queue for the longest time.

After knowing that I can avail of a cheaper rate over the phone than online, I decided to make a reservation and was told to pay for it on or before Sept 15. Given that you have very limited sales offices, and only one (Cubao) near me, I was only able to visit on September 13, a Saturday.

But alas, to my surprise, it was close. It is close every Saturday afternoon and whole day of Sunday. On weekdays, you’re only open until 5pm! Why a sales office with limited locations would close on weekends I beyond me. Cebu Pacific is open until 9 or 10 pm, 7 days a week!

But of course, what can I do? I have to miss work on Monday just to pay for this ticket. So I went back Monday lunch and arrived at a place with hundreds of angry people! I was given a number 1186, and the number was still in 900! At 3PM or 3 hours after, the number is 999 – which means I’m not even halfway near. If this trend would continue, I would be accommodated past 6pm already, if I’m lucky!

But the waiting time is not the only problem. The attitudes of your employees are the worst that I’ve seen. If the attitude of your employees is even just half the quality of the service crew of Max’s Restaurant beside it, you would be worthy of being the country’s flag carrier. Come to think of it, the waiters have a more stressful job, but they can still afford to smile.

But your employees? Not only a smile was never to be seen, they are very rude! Your guards were shouting at the customers. Your agents were angry and irritated by questions from would be passengers. When I asked one agent a question, all she told me was “Sir, ask from the information.” So I went to the information, only to find out that no one is manning it because the ONLY person assigned was having lunch – and it was 1:30 in the afternoon!

So I went back, and ask another teller if I can pay by credit card over the phone. He said no, but another agent beside him said yes, so he told me “Sir, can you just call our hotline and ask from them?” Wow! Do they even have training? Not a single employee that day showed any courtesy to me or to any passengers that day. I even heard a foreign looking customer arguing with your agent with the customer shouting in despair at the end of the argument “I’m never going back to the Philippines!”

I was also wondering why after doing this everyday for so many years, you don’t even have a system to manage your ticket selling efficiently. You have electronic numbering but it is not being followed. Those who came later are being called first than the people who were there earlier. The guard explained this by saying that you could be called by your number or by your name. How is that possible, he can’t explain. There were also not enough seats for everyone. And you can’t leave even to eat because once they passed you, you have to get a new number. No one would give you an estimate so you really have to wait.

Now, please tell me Mr. Bautista, is this the kind of service that you can be proud of? You really think you deserve the title of the country’s flag carrier? You had a press release before saying that you expect a rough time ahead because of high fuel prices. But I tell you this, you’re greatest challenge is how to win back customers who lost their trust. Because for now, I will never buy my airline ticket from your company. And I will ask my family, friends and anyone who will listen to do the same until you have changed.

Without us, you have no business. So why don’t you give back a bit of what you’ve earned? Invest on a better system (online and on site sales offices), train your people on proper customer service, and make them appreciate their job. A piece of advice, let them eat at Max’s beside your Cubao branch and maybe they can learn a thing or two on customer service.

We don’t want to be pampered, we just need to be RESPECTED! We need to be treated like human beings every time we transact business with you. Is that too much to ask for?


Froilan Grate
froilan[at]greenminds.net

I recently gave a talk on Environmental Protection and Preservation to the faculty and students of College of Immaculate Conception in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. It's a month long celebration of CIC's Social Responsibility with the theme "Kalikasan Ating Kinabukasan... Kilos na! (KKK).

It was a challenging talk. I usually have my trusted PowerPoint Presentation with me, but this time, I have to do without it... almost. Because there were about 2000 students, the only venue that is available is the open gymnasium with broad daylight that made LCD projection almost impossible. But, as one teacher aptly put it, it was a blessing in disguise as the students were forced to use their creative imagination as I describe my set of photos.

What I initially feared as a challenging talk turned out to be one of my most memorable talks to ever give. The students were all excellent, they were all cooperative and participative despite the technical glitches and the heat.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire CIC community for the warm welcome you have afforded me. I hope something positive will come out of this event. I'm looking forward to seeing CIC be the first plastic-free school in Cabanatuan and in Nueva Ecija.

September 16, 2008


Mr. Jaime J. Bautista
President & Chief Operating Officer
Philippine Airlines

Dear Mr. Bautista,

I am writing to express my disgust with the quality of service and the attitude of personnel of Philippine Airlines. I have long heard of many bad things about your company but my experience last September 15, 2008 in your Cubao Sales Office left no doubt of the values that your company holds.

It is a shame that PAL is the country’s flag carrier. You do not deserve to have this title. With the quality of service, or the lack thereof, that you provide, you are a disgrace to this country. You are indeed Asia’s oldest airline, not because you are a pioneer but because your service is Jurassic and outmoded.

For you to understand this great dissatisfaction that I feel towards PAL, please allow me to share the events that lead to that unfortunate day of September 15.

Early September, after seeing an advertisement on your promo rate, I logged on to your website to book a ticket to Bohol for late November. I was surprised to see however that the advertised rates are not available online. I decided to call your telephone reservations hotline but was only able to connect after numerous redials and after being put on queue for the longest time.

After knowing that I can avail of a cheaper rate over the phone than online, I decided to make a reservation and was told to pay for it on or before Sept 15. Given that you have very limited sales offices, and only one (Cubao) near me, I was only able to visit on September 13, a Saturday.

But alas, to my surprise, it was close. It is close every Saturday afternoon and whole day of Sunday. On weekdays, you’re only open until 5pm! Why a sales office with limited locations would close on weekends I beyond me. Cebu Pacific is open until 9 or 10 pm, 7 days a week!

But of course, what can I do? I have to miss work on Monday just to pay for this ticket. So I went back Monday lunch and arrived at a place with hundreds of angry people! I was given a number 1186, and the number was still in 900! At 3PM or 3 hours after, the number is 999 – which means I’m not even halfway near. If this trend would continue, I would be accommodated past 6pm already, if I’m lucky!

But the waiting time is not the only problem. The attitudes of your employees are the worst that I’ve seen. If the attitude of your employees is even just half the quality of the service crew of Max’s Restaurant beside it, you would be worthy of being the country’s flag carrier. Come to think of it, the waiters have a more stressful job, but they can still afford to smile.

But your employees? Not only a smile was never to be seen, they are very rude! Your guards were shouting at the customers. Your agents were angry and irritated by questions from would be passengers. When I asked one agent a question, all she told me was “Sir, ask from the information.” So I went to the information, only to find out that no one is manning it because the ONLY person assigned was having lunch – and it was 1:30 in the afternoon!

So I went back, and ask another teller if I can pay by credit card over the phone. He said no, but another agent beside him said yes, so he told me “Sir, can you just call our hotline and ask from them?” Wow! Do they even have training? Not a single employee that day showed any courtesy to me or to any passengers that day. I even heard a foreign looking customer arguing with your agent with the customer shouting in despair at the end of the argument “I’m never going back to the Philippines!”

I was also wondering why after doing this everyday for so many years, you don’t even have a system to manage your ticket selling efficiently. You have electronic numbering but it is not being followed. Those who came later are being called first than the people who were there earlier. The guard explained this by saying that you could be called by your number or by your name. How is that possible, he can’t explain. There were also not enough seats for everyone. And you can’t leave even to eat because once they passed you, you have to get a new number. No one would give you an estimate so you really have to wait.

Now, please tell me Mr. Bautista, is this the kind of service that you can be proud of? You really think you deserve the title of the country’s flag carrier? You had a press release before saying that you expect a rough time ahead because of high fuel prices. But I tell you this, you’re greatest challenge is how to win back customers who lost their trust. Because for now, I will never buy my airline ticket from your company. And I will ask my family, friends and anyone who will listen to do the same until you have changed.

Without us, you have no business. So why don’t you give back a bit of what you’ve earned? Invest on a better system (online and on site sales offices), train your people on proper customer service, and make them appreciate their job. A piece of advice, let them eat at Max’s beside your Cubao branch and maybe they can learn a thing or two on customer service.

We don’t want to be pampered, we just need to be RESPECTED! We need to be treated like human beings every time we transact business with you. Is that too much to ask for?


Froilan Grate
froilan[at]greenminds.net

I've been hurt for so many times, and yet I hate no one. I initially thought I am not capable of hating anyone. Be angry yes, often in fact. But hate? No way!

We might fight today, but next week, I won't even remember what we fought about.

That is until there is GMA. You have to give it to her. Even the most Christian among us would find it hard not to see all the evil deeds that she has done. From stealing our votes, corrupting our bishops, buying our governors and mayors, killing our journalists and those in the opposition, desecrating our constitution, selling our land to the Japanese (JPEPA), stealing from public funds (duh, as if this has to be mentioned), abusing our very basic human rights, to telling us that she is the best person to lead this country! The list is endless. And these are the general ones. Of course, we have the macapagal boulevard, NAIA 3, north rail, ZTE, etc!

How the other 80 million great Filipinos were not insulted when she said that she is the beast, the best I mean, person to lead this country is beyond me. I wanted to puke when I heard it!

I was initially sorry that I wasn't able to join EDSA 2 (because I was in the province) but now I am just glad I wasn't part of those who put her in power. Of course, I'm not blaming those who went to EDSA 2. I'm sure they all had good intentions, except probably for GMA and her cronies.

Who could have known that the Vice President that was so silent until it was sure that Erap will be ousted did make her stand and offer herself as an alternative. The nerve!

At least, Erap was elected. In a democracy, you deserve the leaders that you elect. But in GMA's case, she rigged the elections and stole the vote (Hello, Garci? I am sorry...), we do not deserve anything that she could give us.

She is not my president. And God will understand me for hating GMA with all that I am. Anyway, I have no desire of killing her. That would be too nice and easy. Yes, she doesn't deserve the death penalty - she's far too worst than that.

What could be worst than living until you're 80, inside a solitary cell, with 80 million Filipinos hating you?

You tell me.

DENR to consider Guimaras objections to mining
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 19:01:00 08/19/2008

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has assured Guimaras officials and residents that it would consider their objections in evaluating applications for mining exploration on the island.

Lormelyn Claudio, DENR regional executive director, said on Monday the opposition of Guimaras officials to mining would be a factor in the approval or disapproval of at least four applications for mining on the 60,000-hectare island.

“If the local government is against it, we have to consider that,” Claudio said in a press conference here at the launching of the Guimaras Integrated Coastal Management Program.
Claudio said the opposition to mining in the province has also been upheld by the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas.

Under current rules, mining applications do not need approval or endorsement of the local government units.

The province, still recovering from a massive oil spill that ravaged the island in 2006, has stepped up its campaign against mining applications. Guimaras Governor Felipe Nava said in the same press conference that an information campaign on the effects of mining has been started by anti-mining advocates in the villages of the province’s five municipalities.

The provincial government earlier displayed stickers and banners emblazoned with “Spare Guimaras” to highlight their call not to allow mining on the island. Nava said that pending applications for mining would cover around 65 percent of the province, including watershed areas. The 1,143-hectare Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (Tinmar) is also part of the area covered by the applications. The marine reserve is located in Nueva Valencia, the hardest hit of the province’s five towns.

“We ask government to spare us. Guimaras is a small province and mining would destroy us,” said Nava. The people of Guimaras voiced out their opposition to the mining exploration application of Fil-Asian Strategic Resources and Properties Corp. (FASRPC).
The (FASRPC), a subsidiary of the Australia-based Rusina Mining NL, plans to conduct exploration for gold and copper deposits in a 2,400-hectare area covering nine of the 20 villages of Nueva Valencia.

For those who attended the Trainor's Training, you may download the Off Site Eco-Tour Presentation here.

For those who attended the Trainor's Training, you may download the Inner ecology Presentation of Ms. Marie Marciano here.

For participants to my seminars on Ecological Solid Waste Management, you may download the presentation below:

LGU's and Communities: click here
Students and Private Companies: click here

For LGU's and companies interested to avail of the workshop, please contact us at 4345381 or froilan(@)greenminds.net.

Permission is granted for all non-commercial use of these files.

The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), and the PNP (Philippine National Police) get into an argument over who is the best at apprehending criminals.

The President decides to test them. She releases a rabbit into a forest and each of them has to catch it.

Continue reading here.

I admit, I am a lousy blogger.

Before, I didn't like blogging, in fact, I hated blogging.Only because I hate writing (or typing, as the case maybe), just the same way I hate texting! Just let me talk for hours, even the entire day, I'm game. Or let me read 24 hours straight, I'm game - just don't let me write.

I think it has something to do with my thoughts being too fast that my hands can't catch up. And it really frustrates me. I am also not a good typist. In fact, I am known for my typos when chatting (taht you cam read tihs is amazign).

So what am I doing here?

Oh well, I have always wanted to share my thoughts - in fact I enjoy doing it so much that's why I enjoy giving talks and seminars here and there and everywhere.

Again, I wish to emphasize, I am here to share so if I have typo errors, grammatical errors, or whatever error that may be, I hope you can forgive me. I am a lousy blogger and writer for one reason: I don't like re-reading and reviewing what I have written, so there will be errors along the way.

But then again, I'm here to share so I hope you can forgive those errors.

The straw is the most stupid invention, and only stupid people use stupid invention.