Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.
iKobo: The Surest Way to a Worldwide Money Transfer
iKobo is a global financial services company which provides online electronic payment and remittance services. iKobo's proprietary, web-based Global Integrated Funds Transfer System (GIFTS) is optimized for easy, fast and secure personal money transfer and e-commerce services for anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Only in the Philippines: Uniquely Pinoy
I found this article by Matthew Sutherland, a British journalist stationed in the Philippines very hilarious but also very true. I hope you also like it!
The Unofficial Philippine Television Ratings Tally
This section of my blog will highlight the unofficial Philippine television ratings tally on the daily basis (if data is available). It is the aim of this section to prove (or disprove) the various claims done by our television stations about their real score in the ratings game. Check this site on the daily basis for a compilation of overnight ratings for ABS-CBN and GMA 7.
Destination: San Carlos City
San Carlos was Nabingkalan, an arrabal of Hilub-ang (Calatrava) in the island of Buglas (Negros). Nabingkalan derived its name from Nabingka, an ebon beauty of a princess, who ruled the barrio during the early part of the 17th century. She was famous for her loveliness and mental and physical prowess. After her death, the people mourned for two years, but to perpetuate her memory, something had to be done, and that was to name the barrio Nabingkalan. So it was, as it is to this day.
Destination: Ormoc City
The name "Ormoc" originated from "Ogmok", an old Visayan term for lowland or depressed plain. "Ogmok" also refers to a spring located between Brgy. Donghol and Mahayag.
The Year of the Dog
After the turbulent year of the rooster, a year full of surprising and unfortunate events, we welcome a period of relative calm in the Year of the Fire Dog. Of all the animals, the Dog is man’s best friend, and we will therefore see a great deal of humanity and domesticity coming to the fore. But before we reveal our fearless forecast for this year, let us first look at the year just ended, the Year of the Wooden Rooster.
PBB Celebrity Edition Premieres on February 4
Preparations for the much-awaited celebrity edition of Pinoy Big Brother are now in full swing with only few weeks left before the ball starts rolling for the 12 celebrities who will take on the new challenges of Big Brother!
Creating Wealth in a New Environment
A chilling breeze greeted me the moment I entered the door that leads to the main viewing area. The place was filled with local and foreign tourists, all quiet but the amazement in their faces were very visible as they enjoyed watching the breathtaking scenery of the entire Cebu City and neighboring towns.
A View from the Tops, Cebu City
A chilling breeze greeted me the moment I entered the door that leads to the main viewing area. The place was filled with local and foreign tourists, all quiet but the amazement in their faces were very visible as they enjoyed watching the breathtaking scenery of the entire Cebu City and neighboring towns.
Destination: Bacolod City
Bacolod City, situated on the northwestern part of the island of Negros, is bounded by the Guimaras Strait on the west, the municipality of Talisay on the north, the municipality of Murcia on the east, and Bago City on the South.
Destination: Tacloban City
Strategically located at the heart of Eastern Visayas or Region VIII, Tacloban City lies along the northeastern side of the island of Leyte. Tacloban`s location and accessibility have made the city the commercial, educational, government and political hub as well as the tourism service center of the region.
Le Spa Massage: Respite in the City
There is the sub-story in these beckoning images at Le Spa, an urban haven amidst the city's hustle and bustle. It is a yarn of battle flesh and spirit come alive because of the indulgent care of the city's undoubtedly posh-iest spa.
Some Outstanding Businessmen of the Philippines in 2005
It's admirable how indefatigable business people defied the nauseating political and economic crises and other problems and made a positive impact on the Philippine economy in 2005. Tycoons like Lucio Tan of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Philippine National Bank, brothers Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Land and Globe Telecom, Atty. Felipe Gozon of GMA Network Inc., and others have continuously invested in the Philippine economy. However, here is a list of inspiring mavericks – gutsy business people who were the most innovative – and audacious – in their 2005 investments. This list is not in any order of importance, seniority or degree of charisma.
Philippines Wooing Japan's Aged with Skilled, Low-Cost Care
In a spacious room at the Rose Princes Home, a nursing facility on the outskirts of Manila, a caregiver feeds an 81-year-old partially paralyzed Japanese man.
Sinulog: History and Pageantry
Sinulog is a pageantry of faith, a festival held in honor of the Santo Nino, celebrating the origin of the island of Cebu.
Thoughts on Sinulog as a Secular Festival
Festivals are public events celebrated or held either for religious reasons or secular purposes. The activities often involve carefully planned programs or ceremonies, outpourings of admiration, rejoicing, or high revelry. In many cases, especially in pious societies, traditional secular celebrations normally include a religious service.
Comparative Study Between Thailand and the Philippines
In the early 1970s, the Philippines was a leading economic power of Southeast Asia with its growth overshadowing that of its counterparts in the region. One example of its economic predominance was its successful bid to bring in the Asian Development Bank, outplaying a competing bidder, Japan. Other international organizations followed suit by placing their Southeast Asian or Western Pacific regional headquarters in the country. In those days, with Thailand still dismal in its growth, the two countries projected a clear contrast in the state of their economies.
Doing a Manny Pacquiao on the Economy
How and when can the Philippine economy become as aggressive and as victorious as the world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the formerly poor tailor and construction worker born in General Santos City, Mindanao? The day the value of the Philippine peso plunged to another historic low due to worries about military coups, the government budget deficit and political uncertainties, the 77-year-old founder of the country’s most diversified industrial conglomerate delivered a rare public speech in the country’s second biggest city, boldly calling for five major reforms to strengthen our weak, heavily-indebted and uncompetitive Philippine economy.
SM's Sy Bullish on RP Economy
Doomsayers hear this: one of the country's most successful businessmen is bullish on the Philippines' economic prospects for 2006.
Destination: Laoag and Vigan, Philippines
Time-locked Ilocos is a broad hardy country blessed with impressive wide highways and stretches of narrow cobblestoned roads, antiquated towns dominated by heavily-buttressed grand churches and Antillan ancestral homes, and a brave people who, by sheer industry, harnessed a formidable terrain into a source of sustenance.
Destination: Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is paradise, sanctuary to an amazing variety of fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world. It is blessed with incredibly awesome landscapes that astound even the most indifferent of visitors.
Destination: Manila, Philippines
The capital of the Philippines - its heart and soul -- is Manila. It sets the rhythm of life in this archipelago and is a pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary..
Experiencing Finland-Made Sauna at Le Spa Massage
In most European countries where the sun almost never shine, its people use the most sophisticated equipment—a Sauna—to sweat out and release toxins from their bodies. And this is done entirely in the comfort of their homes while relaxing. But Boholanos need not go to Europe to experience the classiness and elegance of a sauna. That’s because, the first Finland-made sauna is now available in Bohol, specifically in Tagbilaran City at Le Spa Massage.
TOYM Awardee Francisco Bernardo III, Entrepreneur-At-Heart
He grew up in Tondo among people hungry for food and ideas. But this did not deter Francisco "Jay" Bernardo III from achieving success, which resulted in his inclusion in the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines awards.
Destination: Davao, Philippines
Endowed with a variety of picturesque landscapes, Davao's topography dazzles: Fruit plantations and orchid farms mantle volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror flat water. And the country's highest peak magnificently lords over the hinterland.
Showbiz Predictions for 2006
I am an avid reader of Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star's resident entertainment writer. I have to admit that his views and commentary are very objective despite his affiliations (with GMA-7 and Philippine Star). And every year, he writes down some predictions for the local entertainment scene. After one year, let us all see which of his predictions will come true and which ones did not.
The Hitlist: Only in the Philippines
From the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over the country and in no particular order, are some of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.
Destination: Cebu, Philippines
Cebuanos celebrate life like no other. They strum their guitars and sing the "balitaw" when they're happy. They strum the guitar and sing the "harana" when they're sad. And when they pray, they dance!
It therefore comes as no surprise that the guitar is a prime product in Cebu which, quite naturally, has also produced a large share of the country's best musicians and master showmen.
Memorable Moments 2005: Entertainment
Despite my hectic schedules, I always find a time to make myself entertained. Although I have to say that the adrenaline rush of managing one's own business is highly entertaining for me, watching from the sideline all the happenings in the entertainment industry especially in the Philippines, is even more gratifying and even more nerve-wrenching.
Okay, so in three (3) hour's time, I will bid goodbye to 2005, and celebrate 2006 with a bang courtesy of Tagbilaran City's newest and most happening place, which is The Courtyard! But before I do that, I am compelled to make this blog posting on the Entertainment Category since I only had one posting since I started this BlogSpot thing of mine last December 16.
Destination: Boracay, Philippines
The palm-studded island of Boracay - with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters - is like a hypnotic magnet that lures many to a lotus existence.
In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach and nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.
Destination: Bohol, Philippines
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.
Bohol is the perfect arena for scuba diving, kayaking, trekking and cave exploration. For the less adventurous, it offers leisurely pursuits like cruising, swimming, snorkeling or, simply, collecting seashells by the seashore.
The Philippines' New Gold Rush
Mining companies have long known that the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries on earth. The archipelago sits atop the Pacific "rim of fire," a zone with more than its share of volcanoes and earthquakes, but also containing vast stores of gold, nickel, copper, silver, platinum, zinc, and more. The problem has been getting permission to actually dig the stuff out of the ground.
Despite a 1995 law allowing foreigners to own 100% of mines in the Philippines -- up from the previous limit of 40% -- challenges to the constitutionality of the measure kept all but the most adventurous foreign miners at bay.
The Year 2005 in Review: Politics
The worst kind of politics ruled the lives of Filipinos in 2005 as the country struggled with a scandal that almost toppled the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo amid a worsening economy.
As political leaders threw mud and everything but the kitchen sink at each other all year round, the country was constantly on edge over rumours of a military takeover or alleged plans by the government to declare martial law.
December 25 is Jesus Birthdate
The dictionary defines Christmas as a church festival observed annually on December 25 in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.
But was Jesus Christ really born on December 25? Some would say that Christmas is just an imitation of the Roman festival of Saturnalia celebrated during the winter solstice. But the winder solstice is on December 21 or 22, why is Christmas on December 25? There must be a better explanation.
Diaspora of the Filipino People
Patricia Evangelista, a 19-year- old, Mass Communications sophomore of University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, did the country proud Friday night by besting 59 other student contestants from 37 countries in the 2004 International Public Speaking competition conducted by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.
She triumphed over a field of exactly 60 speakers from all over the English-speaking world, including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
The Nightmare of a Foreign Expat
I am sharing with you a story that is still unfolding as I write this blog. I am compelled to write this blog because I am very annoyed, disgusted and even frustrated by the way things are happening. Something is wrong somewhere and I hope you can help me decide which should be corrected and which must be sustained.
It started last Monday when one of my tenants, Gamezone Internet and DVD Rental Shop was raided by a gang of police from the City of Tagbilaran. Although I am not directly involved in the fracas, I am still affected in a way considering that I own the building where the business is operating. The raid yielded nothing except for 21 FHM Magazines and 8 DVDs (including American Beauty, Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, among others).
Making Christ the Reason for Celebrating the Season
It has been a very hectic three days for me. A lot of problems have arisen during this span of time. But I will be sharing with you those stuff some other time. I want to share it to you when I have already consulted the parties involved in the debacle so that it would be interesting 
For now, let me share with you something related to the Christmas season. You see, I got hold of an email sent to me by Mr. Marino B. Bual of Hillsboro, Oregon.
Prelude to Christmas--Misa de Gallo
My current abode is just a stone-throw away from my local church. As I normally sleep very early in the morning, and early December 16 was no exception, I must be one of the firsts to hear Christmas songs emanating from the church’s amplifiers signaling the start of the traditional Misa de Gallo.
Misa de Gallo is a nine-day series of pre-dawn masses starting on the 16th of December, marking the opening of the Christmas season in the Philippines. Churches are lit up in the early morning as the church grounds are filled with stalls selling Christmas wares and delicacies.
The Phenomenon That is Pinoy Big Brother
Finally, the 100-day episode of that seemingly overnight TV phenomenon "Pinoy Big Brother" ended last Saturday with Nene Tamayo, a beautiful former Philippine Military Academy (PMA) student, bagging the top P6 million prize over three other equally worthy contestants.
Remembering My First Trip to Baguio City
There are some firsts in your life that are worth remembering. My first trip to Baguio City was when I was 8 or 9 years old. I was with my dad during that time. I can still remember getting excited when my father told me that he will be attending a conference in Baguio City and that he will be accompanying him to the trip, as some sort of a reward for being a consistent honor pupil during that time.
Entrepreneurship According to John Gokongwei "the Great"
I was so inspired by John Gokongwei's speech before the Atenean Graduates of 2004, that I am posting here its full transcript. I hope that you can also learn from it.
Perfect 10 at Hongkong Disneyland
I have always loved Disney movies and characters. I make it a point to watch all their movies and keep DVD copies of them so that I can review them whenever I want to. I also make it a point to visit Disneyland if I come to a place where there’s one.
Welcome to My BlogSpot
Let me first welcome you to my first blog posting, and my blog site. This blog site is specifically geared towards those who have an inclination about the Philippines and everything related to its people.
