Saudi bans domestic workers from Philippines

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it would stop granting work permits to domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, following hiring conditions imposed by the Asian countries.

The ministry of labour said it would "stop issuing work visas to bring domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, effective from Saturday" due to "the terms of recruitment announced by the two countries," according to a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

This is good provided our government can create jobs for these displaced OFW's or OWWA to assist them on any livelihood projects otherwise this can have a big impact to unemployment rate to our country.

Our government finally had the guts to stand up for the rights of our laborers! This also sends a message to our OFWs or those aspiring to work abroad... if they want to work abroad, I hope not just a Domestic Helper to apply for work. Let's study and train hard, so that when working abroad skilled professionals should be or better yet, managerial or executive positiions! Aim higher Pinoys! We are competent and good enough. It's not impossible!

Let us say "No more to poor labour laws". Let us say "No more to financial, physical, & sexual abuses". Let us say "No more to poor working conditions". Let us say "No more to poor monthly wages and benefits". And, most of all, let us say "No more to racial discrimination toward the Filipino workers".

This is great news, although we will lose income through remittances, but we will save lives... Philippines must concentrate on reducing population and increasing education rather than the present idea of having a lowly paid workforce in order to compete with other lowly paid workers.

Filipino player in Wimbledon

This is probably the most irrelevant post I have done but hell I’m going to write it anyway.

You know I'm not fun tennis. I can’t really see the point in hitting a ball back and forwards across the net but here lies the dilemma.

I know tennis can be a bit tense and exciting at times. Like most sports. But I just can't get into it. All the serve, volley, matchpoint stuff leaves me cold.

Im not a fan of Wimbledon. It's a British sports tournament but no one British ever wins Wimbledon. Well I'm sure they did once, but I don't remember a British tennis player winning it.

When it is on TV I am hooked on it. What’s all that about?

Writing this after just finishing watching Jeson Patrombon progress through  the first round of the Wimbledon 2011. I must say I really enjoyed the game.

Funny enough I get the same feeling for Football, Basketball and Cricket but when it is on TV I can’t help watching it.  Perhaps I’m leading my life with a spilt personality. Who knows?

Well at least I will enjoy the next couple of weeks of tennis.

Who is this Jeson Patrombon? 

Jeson Patrombon is a Filipino tennis player from Iligan, Philippines. Born on March 27, 1993, Patrombon started playing tennis at the age of 7 and often served as a ball boy in his hometown’s local tennis clubs in Iligan City before he was spotted by coach Manny Tecson, who saw his potential. Soon after being spotted, then-17-year old was sent to Manila to train at the tennis academy of the Philippines. By September of 2010, he was chosen to represent the country at the first Youth Olympics.

Now the 18-year-old Filipino, who used to serve as a ballboy at his local club for some pocket money, is representing the Philippines in Wimbledon in London,  thanks largely to his coach Emmanuel Tecson.

His coach says, “When I first saw him, he was hitting balls with a bottle. I saw him and thought if this kid can hit a ball with a bottle without any shoes on, I thought let’s give him a racket,”

Soon after being spotted, Patrombon moved to the tennis academy of the Philippines foundation in the capital of Manila, starting a new page of both his sports career and life.

“When I coach players, I ask them why they want to play and they often say to be a champion and that sort of thing. But when I asked Jeson why he wanted to play, he said, ‘to help my family’, so I gave him a chance.” coach Emmanuel Tecson said.

“I started playing tennis because one of my brothers played and now I am here representing my country. It is really a great experience,” Patrombon said.

Some Philippine Shops in London

I went to Earls Court today to meet my Sis and to take pictures and to talk to some Filipino-Londoners for the first time. Alot of Filipino lives in this part of Central London. I had a walk on some streets to look for Filipno Shops and yes, I found not only one, not two but three Philippine Shops perhaps there are still more shops in here which I couldn't find. According to a 2007 report from the Manila Times, London has over 120,000 ethnic Filipinos and Earls Court is home to the single largest community of them.

I like the ambiance of each stores its like I am really at home and I'm very happy to met Filipino Londoners as well. First shop I found was Divisoria Supermarket wherein I can easily known the place because of the Philippine Flag on its door hanging. I was amazed of the Philippine products being sold in this shop from ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, seasoning mix, noodles and much much more including coconut.

I walk awhile to look again for another shops then I read the Pinoy Supermarket, it has fresh fruits and vegetables from the Philippines. Lots of Pinoy and other Asian also came to this shop. I didn't stop long because I still want to walk maybe there's still more shops I will find.

Here's my next stop, Manila Supermarket it says Little Quiapo. It sells almost the same with the first one, service beyond expectation.

I want to explore more Filipino here in London like Barrio Fiesta but I missed the occasion because my workplace is in North England and I couldn't leave my job. Anyways, I will find more time to write more on my blog. Thanks for reading.

Bagyong Falcon bringing massive flooding to Cotabato

The heavy rains and typhoons are natural disasters. I think the weather forecasters have done their job well. We should not be like the Mayor of Cotabato City who is blaming the national government for their own wrongdoing. The growth of water lilies in the Rio Grande de Mindanao river accumulated through the years and its future effects were neglected by the localities near the river. It is a "man-made disaster" caused by years of neglect and lack of maintenance of the river by the local areas which include the City of Cotabato.

It is the first time that a Mayor of a locality complained for lack of relief goods. Being a first income class city, Cotabato is a "rich city". Its calamity fund is in millions of pesos. It could use 30% of this fund for response and relief for his affected constituents. During Ondoy, there are "poorer municipalities" badly affected but they never complain of relief goods. Instead, they work in harmony with the national government, use their funds and resources and mobilize volunteerism and supports from the private sector in order to address the needs of their constituents and solve the problem.

In Cotabato City, relief goods could not be packed and distributed because of lack of volunteers in the area. This is a task that the City Mayor could easily provide. Instead he chose to become a part of the problem not a part of the solution. If the city had existing heavy equipment like backhoe, it should use its own equipment to assist the DPWH to speed up the removal of water lilies. It is a shame for Cotabato City. In other areas, water lilies are sources of livelihood while in Cotabato City, water lilies became sources of disasters.The City Mayor does not deserve another term of office in case he will run again for reelection. He is putting Cotabato City to shame and embarrassment.

More investments for disaster risk prevention and management should be provided by local government units and the national government should provide all sources of supports. Heavy Equipment are very essential for easy and faster mobilization to prevent risks and manage disasters and for maintenance.Transportation links such as municipal and barangay farm to market roads should be improved and constructed. Let us see the situations in the countryside and it should be eye openers for our national and local leaders. We should learned from lessons that nature tries to teach us and from experiences. The leaders should not be constrained by bureaucracies and regulations that delay and impede projects to address the prevention and management of disaster risks. There are no substitutes for loss of lives and properties. Drainage systems in the NCR is a big problem also that should be addressed.

Implementation of Saudization program

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia expressed anxiety over the upcoming implementation of the “Saudization” program, under which foreign workers who have worked there for six years or more will no longer be issued working permits.

All Saudi firms are urged to comply with the Nitaqat system by September 10 as part of its efforts to prioritize hiring of Saudi nationals and to reduce unemployment in the country.

Workers who already work for over 6 yrs can still work/transfer to a company that is on the green and excellent category. All they have to do is to verify their present company for what color their company categorized so they can transfer to green company... Workers on the red category would not be renewed their iqama wether they had already work less than 6 years. On the yellow category, their iqama would be renewed up to 6 yrs only. Workers must be aware of what color his company is.

I think one statement summarizes the thinking of our government with regards to foreign workers, the report said "Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that Saudization is “not a problem” since OFW's could go to other markets abroad such as UAE, Dubai and other countries."

What kind of Labor Secretary do we have here now? She is not trying to find a solution for the incoming problem she is assuming that OFW can find jobs elsewhere, this is the type of intelligent people we pay our taxes for? I know a lot of people not so well educated maybe but will try to find a solution and not just shrug it off Ms. Secretary, families are about to go income less, this means no food in the table, no tuition fee for schooling and accumulation of debts.

This is a serious matter and should not be answered with "not a problem" are you out of your mind? This is why our country never can progress, people like you who only think of their own. You are stupid on this context, Act up!

Aquino satisfaction ratings goes down

Why? What happened?

It's all because YOU voted him only out of sympathy because he is an Aquino?

Only he's the son of Tita Cory and Ninoy that he can continue his parents' legacy and raise the standards of the Filipinos?

Next election let's us vote for Carlo Aquino, Angel Aquino, Kris Aquino and all Aquinos around and at the end YOU will say Aqui NONONONO..!

He doesn't know what he's going to do... That's a reality, he's the only Senator before, who, like LITO LAPID!!!! has no idea on what to do. HE DIDN'T EXIST WHEN HE WAS SENATOR, who had no achievement... No law enacted.. Who SLEEPS at HEARINGS!!!

POPULARITY OF HIS DAD MAKES HIM KNOWN. NOT FOR WHAT HE DID.

It's very hard for Pnoy to sustain his rating after the euphoria of his election. His being a media creation is hard to sustain. People will be looking for results. It's easy to say "Pag walang kurap , walang mahirap" but attaining it is much more difficult. Corruption is becoming to be a culture of the Pinoys, it's from top to the bottom level.

Noynoy did not performed well because he was not prudent enough to accept the offer of his party to run as president without minding whether or not he can face the problem of our government. True that our president is not competent enough to perform his duty as a president citing his performance for the first year in the office. But what we need now is a cooperation and true patriotism and instead of pulling our president down. We have no choice president is already there we will wait until 2016.

Next time (2016) what we need now is a good party system to sort out candidates before they will be admitted to the party. I remember on the year 2004 the administration kick one brilliant Congressman that plays vital role in Estrada impeachment in exchange with Lito Lapid. Sad but true Lito Lapid, Ramon Bong Revilla, Manny Pacquiao, Erap and the like are one of the biggest comedy in the history of politics in the whole world. We don't need entertainers when talking about governance, this is not a movie dude!

Spratly Island already invade by Chinese

Spratly Islands belongs to the Philippines. Is it so hard for the Chinese government to understand that? Is their land area not enough for their population? They are trying hard to get the Islands of Spratly because of its rich resources. They have drastically exploited theirs, and because of their greediness, nothing is left for them and now they are stupid enough to imagine that we are frightened of their tactics. The Chinese government has to get a life!

Being one of the oldest civilizations, the possibility those islands had been visited by Chinese merchants, fishermen, and explorers is true. But the proximity of these from China will not make them such important areas that merit attention during that period since none of these areas suspected to have black gold potential. To claim these islands as theirs especially the Spratly is a plain bullying a weaker country. The biggest island in this group of islands was occupied by Filipinos for a long time now - way before the issue of potential oil reserve came into the picture.

They only tried putting Chinese soldiers and infrastructure in these areas lately after the place were known to have big gas and oil reserve. As most are saying, naming the sea as South China Sea does not mean the China owns it. The Indian Ocean does not belong to or is never claimed by India as theirs. If this place really belongs to them, the biggest island or all of those islands could have been occupied by the overpopulated Chinese. Why then the first occupants of the biggest island were Filipinos? China should be ashamed by this action of squatting and bullying.....

All of us.... We have a good comment about what to do and how to do it and take action for the SPRATLY ISLAND. How about the decision of Philippine Government? As of now our Government no such action? We are all very tired to wait, as we can see in Spratly Island they already or they almost finishing their infrastructure to get the oil deposit. Do we have a power to inform our PRESIDENT to take action now? What we are going to do? Maybe tomorrow or one day SPRATLY ISLAND ALREADY INVADE BY CHINESE.

And for the militantes, the ones claiming Bayan Muna and other activists groups, I know why you are all silent about these, its because you are also communist like your mother china. You are all fronts of the communist you are not really makabayan, you are just GREEDY, as bullist, as your mother china. You are as disgusting.

Anglican Church to allow gay bishops

The Anglican Church is set to approve controversial guidelines allowing openly homosexual clergy to become bishops. The Church will seek to move in line with the Equality Act by updating its rules to permit celibate homosexual men to be promoted.

I find this very distressing! Why is the church trying to integrate itself into the world?! The church is meant to be God's voice here on earth! How an earth can any minister work for a 'Christian' Organisation who openly support anything that is not entirely Holy!

I am deeply saddened when I read about this in the local news. The church never gets any good press anymore! What happened to caring for the poor and looking after the needy people in our communities. That is what God calls us to do. "Love Thy Neighbour". However before this, "Love Thy God, as the one and Only". How can we claim to love Him if we are actively living in sin?

To promote openly homosexual clergy to bishops (even if they are celibate) is totally wrong as it send out the wrong message, particularly to youngsters, that being a homosexual is OK. It is not OK.

If the Church of England chooses to put the law of the land above the law of the Word of God then it has lost its way and can not be relied upon for good spiritual leadership.

What happened to Bible standards. When the blind lead the blind both will fall into the pit. They are disgusting in the way they lead people.

The trouble with facebook

Everybody get carried away, put too much in private information in a social site and now blame the site. When the Internet was first created so many people said it was dangerous but things have tapered down and people learnt to use it for their own Purpose, internet can be addictive too.

Facebook is wonderful because it allows me to keep in touch with my family and friends all over the world and brings that closeness despite the distance and our busy life. But we have to know what information we would rather keep private and what we don't mind sharing. I have seen people making stupid comments, post silly pictures that could backfire and affect their jobs etc. The usage of FB are fantastic. But if you use it wrongly or for the wrong reason then blame yourself.

If you are worried about privacy, adjust your settings so that nobody but your friends can see your stuff. If you are still worried, all you have to do is not to post embarrassing photos and to avoid saying anything stupid or defamatory. Remember, it is not compulsory for you to use all of the features of Facebook. Only use it for what you want to use it for.

I personally find it very nice for posting family pictures because most of my family are on the other side of the world from me. But I see no point in telling everyone every time I go to the toilet. What's the point in doing that?

Marcos is not worth to be called a hero

House Resolution 1297, saying "Marcos does not deserve a hero’s burial" after he committed “gross crimes against humanity, plunged the nation deeper into debt and foreign control and plundered the nation’s resources" during his 20-year term.

Well, for me, no matter how good a President Marcos was, I wouldn't wish to still have him or someone like him to govern the nation by Autocratic way... No question to those projects he laid down during his time which were realized today, but I wouldn't wish to live in fear, to live in a country where freedom is not respected, and just a single criticism against the government will cause you to disappear into oblivion. How can we be certain that this country will flourish if Marcos is still the President today, or if our country is still under Martial Law? How can we assure that Filipinos will live in a better place if our country is still under Military regime, if the government officials have the absolute power to do what they wish without being questioned or checked? What is the assurance that there will be zero corruption if the country is under military regime... Just look at Myanmar, a country which was under military regime for many years, how's Myanmar's economy today?

The bottom line is, I'm happy with the democracy that everyone enjoys today, we may not have a perfect government, our standard of living maybe incomparable to other progressive nation, but at least we enjoy freedom... If ever Marcos is still alive and still the incumbent President, can we enjoy the benefit of writing comments or criticisms against the government? Can we enjoy freely having facebook or any other accounts on different social networking sites?

Mr. Marcos doesn't belong to the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, even with his brilliant mind during his best days, it's not enough to cover up the atrocities that his minions committed, with his knowledge, during those Martial Law periods. Besides he was just a scrap and junk collector during WW II and not a hero that they used to tell.

Former President Ferdinand Marcos is not worth to be called a Hero, nor deserved to be buried in Libingan ng mga Bayani. Mass killing done by military abuses, media killings, massacre, military rules, deprivation of rights. How dare to call him a hero? A nation was buried of debts, killing during election, bombings, etc. Tyranny and authocratic form of government... Not even a military honor.

Back to my Field of Dreams

I am not leaving my weblog Abdul Hakeem, this name is very important to me and it reflects my way of life that's why I choose it as my title of my personal blog.

It's just happen that I need to go back to my Field of Dreams which is my very first personal blog. It tells about all his life, Roy was searching for his dreams. Then one day, his dreams came looking for him.

I'm already dreaming of the challenges and fun and now it's time to wake up and face the reality that life's must go on and we need to survived and not just dreaming all the time.

I am not changing any topics in this blog, still this is a little bit about life, career, and just about anything else involved with my recent move to the United Kingdom and how it all translate to me.

Everyone dreams, but not all dreams come to fruition. You cannot sit by and be frustrated by the lack of development of your dreams if you are not taking action to see them come to life.

I don’t always share how I feel with you guys but I wrote this post for anyone who might have had a day like mine. I’m gonna reflect on the journey that I started on and keep going until I finish. Don’t just dare to dream … live to make it real.

Walking back through Trafalgar Square

Today, I went back to the Philippine Embassy in London to process my Lost Passport they says after 12 weeks I will claim my new passport. That was 3 months of waiting, I think we are the most longest passport processing in the world and that I wish I could put it in Guinnes World Book of records as well after the Filipino gets the smallest man in the world.

But anyways, I snapped some photos again as I'm walking back through the Trafalgar Square, I really love the place it is the vibrant heart of London and the best starting point for exploration of its central part – right in the neighbourhood there is the government district of Whitehall with the British Parliament and is also close to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey and the newly built Countdown Clock for London Olympics. I get here by underground with lines Bakerloo or Northern, from the Charing Cross station.

The sun is shining, and London feels good. I'm watching some performers and souvenirs, I remember the Mall of Asia in Manila the statue was exactly the same. I sat for awhile and watching them perform and it was fun.

That's all for today, my life was too busy at present and I need to finished my tasks, so I think I couldn't have write some of a post here in my weblog but I will still try to find time to make this blog up and existing.

Proud to be one

I got new friend last month during my stay in London. After knowing me I'm a Filipino, he talk alot about the Philippines, politics, economy and even people, etc. I am wondering why he knows all of these? From Aquino's mother to Erap and even Emilda's shoes. It's because he always heard Filipino wherever he go so he keep searching every stuff.

I have known that we have a good reputation in workplacement here in London specially in a Nursing Home and I think it's not only in United Kingdom but unto the whole world whenever there is a Filipino working.

They are confident to have us to work as part of their team because of our previous fellow countrymen who had been here to work previously and until now. Aside from hardwork being compassionate is one of the best of Filipino and I'm proud to be one.

Most Interesting Blog Winners

Here's the winners for my Most Interesting Blog Award Contest! Please contact me to confirm your email address.

Congratulations to the following winners:

• Ang Dami mong Pasumangil sa Buhay   :   Salarin
• Upod na Lapis   :   Pinay Scandal
• Laslasero   :   Bakit naglalaslas ang Emo

Here's the Poll Result:

Thanks ever so much for joining. I am inviting you once again to my current blog contest .com Your Blog! Good Luck.

Reasons you're not getting hired

You don't understand. You updated your CV, you're applying to jobs every day, you've cleaned up your digital dirt and you network. Yet here you still are on the unemployment list. What is wrong with employers?


Here are 10 reasons why employers didn't passed you by.

1. You lie
Any lies you tell in your job search, whether on your CV or in an interview, will come back to haunt you. Use your cover letter to tell your story, focusing on your strengths and accomplishments and explaining any areas of concern if needed.

2. You have a potty mouth
A survey showed that 32 percent of employers said that talking negatively about current or previous employers was one of the most detrimental mistakes a candidate can make. Find a way to turn those negative things job into positives.

3. You didn't -- or can't -- give examples
If all you give to an employer is a bunch of empty words about your accomplishments, you don't demonstrate how you can help the company. The more you can quantify your work, the better.

4. You came unprepared
Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.

5. You don't show long-term potential
Employers want people in their organisation to work their way up, so it's best to show that you want to and can grow with the company.

6. You acted bored, cocky or disinterested
A little enthusiasm never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to a potential new job. The biggest mistake candidates made in the interview was appearing disinterested or arrogant cost applicants the job.

7. You were a little too personal
Candidates who provided too much personal information in the interview essentially blew their chances at the job.

8. You were all money, no sense
As a general rule of thumb, you should never bring up salary before the employer does. Doing so is tacky and makes the employer think that you care about the money involved, not about helping the employer succeed.

9. You have serious digital dirt
Social networking sites and online searches are the newest way that many employers are checking up on prospective hires. Employers found content that caused them to dismiss the candidate. Make sure to remove any photos, content or links that can work against you in an employer's eyes.

10. You don't have enough experience
Managers don't have as much time as they used to have to train and mentor new employees. The more experience you have, the more likely you are to hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding. The best way to show that you know what you're doing is to give the employer concrete examples of your experience in a given job duty.

Urging Filipinos to vote for Palawan's Underground River

Filipinos can vote online at www.new7wonders.com, or by texting PPUR to 2861. Voting ends on November 11, 2011.

We can help Puerto Princesa Underground River, as well as the Philippines, garner a distinct spot on the international tourist map.

While winning a place in the top seven bolsters our sense of national pride, recognition is not the only thing we can gain. We must also remember that the tourists we can potentially attract will redound to thousands of employment opportunities; our success here will ultimately breed success for Filipinos everywhere.

They have made some stunning discoveries—such as the fossils of sea cows or Sirenia dating back to the Miocene period—roughly 20 million years ago. Aside from being rare fossils previously found only in Java, Indonesia, these findings also emphasize further the sheer historic value of our Underground River and of the country we live in.

The New 7 Wonders website described the PPSR National Park as having the world's longest underground river with amazing stalactites and stalagmites formations.

The distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. Photo by Agence France Presse

2012 Olympic countdown clock visit

I was in Trafalgar Square last week, I have chance to go around London because we have a longer day the sun sets at 9:30PM so I could visit the countdown clock London 2012 Olympic Games. It all looked like an advertisement for Omega, but as it turns out, not a very good one perhaps.

A 6.5m-high structure, which is in a prominent position in Trafalgar Square. The timepiece, which has become a traditional fixture for Olympic host cities and is made by sponsor Omega, stalled reading 437 days, 23 hours, 20 minutes and 7 seconds to go until the opening ceremony.

The launch of the Omega countdown clock is an important milestone for any Olympic Games and is something of a tradition within the Olympic movement. It will be a daily and hourly reminder to everyone who visits Trafalgar Square that the countdown to the start of London 2012 has well and truly begun and that the greatest show on earth is soon coming in the UK.

My Top Emerging Influential Blogs

I am proud to announce my Top Emerging Influential blog.

Thanks to Ms Janette Toral for her 5th year on this project that seeks in identifying new and emerging blogs who are making an impact to its readers. Visit the Influential Blogger.

Congratulations and Thank You.

1. Make More Money Online - A collection of online opportunities and money-making guidelines.
2. Halojin - Like many other websites, www.halojin.com is very informative and can really rely on news, promos and contests.
3. The Backpackman - I was so fascinated about everything and everywhere he goes on travel.
4. Opinyoneyted - Keeps blog updated all the time, very friendly and very happy person that reflects to me to do the same.
5. One Acre of Diamond - Stories of OFW abroad, lots of lessons will learned upon reading each posts.
6. Cebu MD - Mixed of medical, personal, reviews and events.
7. Blogging Tips - Blogging stories to inspire you to become a successful blogger.
8. RizalPark.Org - Very timely especially with Rizal at 150 coming up. It brings back Rizal, our country's national hero to our national consciousness.
9. BLOG-PH - is an up-and-coming lifestyle blog own by JayL Aquino.
10. Crumpylicious Blog - a personal blog about our discoveries, insights and encounter.

This writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as:
Cyber Monday Deals, TRIbeca Private Residences, How To Videos, Palawan Beaches for Sale,Green and Natural Lubes Philippines, Philippine data center, Philippine online shopping, Singapore Jobs, Pinoy Party Food, Apartment for rent, and Best deals tips. 

How to Ride the Jeepney in the Philippines

Would like to share video about our means of public transportation. It maybe funny but very useful for those who wish to come and visit the beautiful islands of Philippines.

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have become a symbol of Philippine culture.

Jeepneys are usually manned by two people, the driver and the conductor. If present, the conductor manages passengers and takes care of fare collection. At designated stops, a dispatcher/barker will usually also be present, calling out route and destination and ushering in passengers. In some vehicles only the driver is present, and passengers have to ask the adjacent passengers to pass on the fare to the driver. The driver in this case, relies on the honesty of the passengers to pay the proper amount of fare, as he has no way of checking how much is paid by each individual.

To ask the driver to stop the vehicle, passengers can rap their knuckles on the roof the jeepney, rap a coin on a metal handrail, or simply tell the driver to stop. Modern jeepneys often install buzzers and buttons to make it easier for the passengers. The usual parlance for asking a driver to stop is para, from Spanish 'stop', a word that is rarely used outside of this context in recent days. It is also preferred that the passengers call out the words rather than knock, as evidenced in the common admonition from drivers: Ang katok, sa pinto; ang sutsot, sa aso; ang `para', sa tao (Knocking is for doors; whistling is for dogs; para for humans).

Discussions on the Divorce Bill in Philippines

I now realize why this country of ours is going down the drain because of people who are resistant to change!

The real issue here is about giving every Filipino citizens the right to decide for themselves and not because we want to follow other country. Divorce law are for those who are not happy and is miserable on their marriage life... lets face it, that the only one who could really decide whether they want to stay in the marriage union are the couple themselves because they are the one's who knew exactly what kind of life they are living inside their roof, who are we to judge these people about being immoral for wanting divorce just because they made a mistake choosing the person to be with for the rest of their life?

To all of you who doesn't want divorce, no one is forcing you to get a divorce for yourself, maybe it's not important in your life, but who knows? Maybe one day, one of your generations would need this divorce bill. Lets stop using morality as an excuse. If you are a sinner, you are a sinner even if you don't get a divorce, so good luck to those who are narrow minded about divorce bill because whether you admit it or not surely one of in your generations or up coming generations will surely will have a miserably married life and you are one of those who deprived them to have their right to choose for themselves.

Give me a break of your so called "morality." The government's role is not to uphold morality within YOUR families. Their task is to provide chances of living a better life. In the end, it is all up to us. The government will not prosecute it if we won't go into divorce. If you want morality and values to prevail, then be a good citizen by yourself. Show a good example to your children, to your neighbors. Start within your homes and give those living in a miserable relationship a chance! Don't be so assuming that everyone is happy.