For this past few weeks, almost all headlines, reports and news on TV, radio or newspapers tackled the so called shortage of rice. Not even here in the Philippines but also to the other country. A more variety of reasons why our government concluded that there is a lack of rice, one is due to high level of demand from the consumers and the bad weather condition.

The local farmers did not produce as much rice as what they have in the past common harvest because they could no longer handle the high costs of the basic inputs like fertilizers, which should be subsidized by the government but the thing is they couldn’t, because they wanted to help the businessmen and other personal matters rather than the poor farmers. Just what they commonly says that they doing this in order for the country’s improvement in progression on the nation’s economy. Is this what they call progress?

Higher prices of food, particularly rice, caused inflation to accelerate to more than Php40 per kilo. Wheats, corn are also in a higher percentage to increase its demand and price. Meats and other basic foods will be going to take a risk to increase if it continues. People may suffer and suddenly will get their most alternative way to find for food to eat.

Even when we are going to say that there is no panic buying of such basic commodities, but later on when the trend continues, people will start on panic buying and hoard basic necessities. Maybe our government had its solutions to at least minimize the problem. It would a big challenge to the people and to the administration to solve this kind of problem.

]]> http://jan22.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/the-price-of-rice-is-high/feed/ 3 Sakura rice http://jan22.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/death-news/ http://jan22.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/death-news/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:57:03 +0000 Sakura http://jan22.wordpress.com/2008/01/23/death-news/ ]]>

Early this morning as I browse the net to read some news and have it posted to our site. There’s one topic in common that gets my attention. The death of Heath Ledger, an Australian young actor who’ve known to the movie way back two years entitled “Brokeback Mountain“.

There is undetermined cause of death, yet the findings of the investigation leads to overdosed of pills and committed suicide. According to the news, he found unconscious on his bed at his apartment in NYC Tuesday. He was about to wake up by the housekeeper for his scheduled massage, notice not breathing and remain unresponsive that concluded the housekeeper that Heath was dead.

At the age of 28, he’s young then to die. A very promising actor who’d brought the entertainment industry a remarkable one.

Even my co-workers here in office can’t ever imagined the sudden death of Heath (hala ka oi…). We’ve known him more when he played a gay cowboy on the controversial film “Brokeback Mountain“. I haven’t known him very much in person but even though for a couple of years I’d saw his name on the net and read some articles about him. And I found some good and bad articles about him and finding it quite interesting things to be read.

Readers had a mixed critique about it. It was a shocking news that popping out on the net regarding on his death. It was an unexpected news to unexpected character. He will be fondly remembered. Condolence.

Who is the person who doesn’t know about American Idol?…If you’re aware. Almost anywhere knows it…right? Who is the person who doesn’t know Ryan Seacrest? Who’ve known to be the host. Ryan marked to be amiable on the auditions and final events, backstage where there were tensions heated up. It is a one thing for sure that he has a good rumor in the talent industry which thanks to be an outspoken host and typically handled the on- and off-air problems with his trademark amiability and charm.How about the three judges? Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell. Paula have known to her presence of encouragement and in contrast to Simon’s unpleasant personality and Randy’s mild assurance to the millions of people who’d audition to become a star.

Almost of us knows American Idol. It’s quite naive to see person singing or simply showing his/her talent in front of a camera. Doing extraordinary costumes just to expressed the judges and get into Hollywood. Everyone of us wants to be famous by our own capabilities, maybe that’s the one thing why in our days there are many people wants to join in reality game shows, singing and dancing contest. Some wants to join just because they want to pursue their dreams, some joins just to proved what they’ve got and to show their talents, some is just hurrying up with a minute of fame, ‘coz if you impress a “big people” like Paula, Randy and Simon, I’m sure you’ll be a future star! and some joins for no more reason, hahahhaha

As another season of American Idol opened, It’s another talk of the town for the question : who’ll be the next American Idol? Do you have your wild guest now?…not yet!

I have grabbed this video from the YouTube from American Idol Season 7 Audition. One of the most interesting and entertaining video I’ve ever seen. For sure you’ve seen it then before and put it to your Blog. It is a must seen videos in all of the search video engines, even the next and future song (We’re Brothers Forever)i s in demand…Once you’re going to saw this video, I’m sure you have a lot of thoughts were coming in your mind. I don’t know if you guys will liked it or not, or simply no comment at all. But one thing is for sure, that you’re going to be entertained, and if you hated Simon Cowell? I guess you have a bad words on it! Try to see…it’s entertaining!

For me, the American Idol will be the people who’s get into auditions to show their talents, the people who’s not afraid to get harsh comments from the judges and has the guts to show to the world that he/she has the talent and proud to proved to become an “American Idol“.

I salutes you all guys! All of you deserves a red carpet…You guys would be the inspiration for others out there…keep it up!

In this morning when I’m having my work, I had read some articles on-line regarding of featured Employment Issues. I was got an idea to read it then. First, it makes me quite interesting reading the article. It has the sense of reality, then I just put up in my mind that I will going to repost it then,so, be free to read this article from SunStar by By Rolo B. Cena,Pulpbits:

LATE this week, I received a resignation letter from one of my staff. A portion of which reads as follows: “While I appreciate your energy and effort in training me to become what I have become now, I could no longer bear the indifference of the management to us people in the rank and file.”I was shocked reading it; I thought it was just a straightforward statement of resignation.

I called for her in my office. As always my style, I would just ask an employee one question. I asked her this: What is it that you want to say before finally leaving?

She was in tears but did not cease from her talking. After almost an hour, I realized I can still make her change her mind. Her story is just as ordinary as her fear of losing the job so she decided to leave for another place, a place where she can find security of tenure. Don’t ever lie; this is all what we are looking for? Am I right?

The main reason why she is leaving is the low salary rate; the indifference is only secondary. Even if she tells me otherwise, I won’t believe her. In the Philippines and among Asian countries, money (salary) is the number motivator why people work. Perfect!

So I investigated. Later I learned she was offered by another company a rate higher by a thousand pesos than what we are giving her. After a serious talk, I was able to convince her to stay and gave her instantly an increase of the same amount. She was sold to the idea; she stayed.

Employers, we can’t blame our workers if they come out to look for better jobs. At one point, we need to examine why people from our organizations are moving out. In my own analysis, as a business executive, there are only three reasons why people are leaving their employers: low salary & benefit package, career move, and dissatisfaction with the management.

As an advocate of Organizational Change and Development, I strongly believe the management should focus on these three aspects. With the advent of multi-national business process outsourcing companies in the country today, people don’t hesitate to resign. Offers are getting better!

As what I was saying, money (or salary) in the Philippines and among Asian nations is the ultimate motivator to work. When this is satisfied, career path or career stability is looked into.

Great power comes with great responsibility. In the workplaces, money(salary) is power. The higher the salary the worker has, the higher the position; the higher the position the worker has, the greater the responsibility. Meaning, if one has a bigger salary, then he or she is now in the position with power. At this point, the worker may now consider this as a career, not just a job for him.

However, if the worker, even with great power or responsibility, becomes frustrated, the probability of losing him is high. This is now the problem the management has to consider seriously because, while there are a manifold number of applicants vying for just one post, this doesn’t mean the management can just throw the person out of the organization.

While the management can easily find the person based on curriculum vitae, finding the right man with the right attitude and somebody the management can trust is one in a million.

On the other hand, a worker can look at things this way: take everything as a challenge. Grow from there and the moment your resume can now speak of “demands” then leave.

The indifference mentioned earlier can be subjective; it is individualistic in nature. I may say the management is indifferent to me but the way others may interpret this indifference as “pushing me to the edge.” Meaning, as an employee, I was just challenged because the management has a plan for me.

Workers, the management does not allow its plan for an employee. The management observes employees. You cannot demand the management to train you become managers. It’s their prerogative.

Perspective! This is putting things in proper perspective. Workers should put things in proper perspective in the way as the management should. When this happens, a more productive employment and business shall be born.

January Birthstones
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) and Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb.18)

There are twelve different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of January, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Capricorn or Aquarius. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of January and February, both are listed in this table. Birthstones for the calendar month of January are garnet and emerald. The Zodiac signs of Capricorn and Aquarius include ten stones: ruby, agate, garnet, lapis lazuli, onyx, amethyst, jasper, moss agate, opal, sugilite, and turquoise.

February Birthstones
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb.18) and Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

There are thirteen different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of February, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Aquarius or Pisces. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of February and March, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of February are amethyst and bloodstone.The Zodiac signs of Aquarius and Pisces include thirteen stones: amethyst, garnet, moss agate, opal, sugilite, turquoise, jasper, aquamarine, bloodstone, jade, rock crystal, sapphire and ruby.

March Birthstones
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) and Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 20)

There are ten different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of March, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Pisces or Aries. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of March, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of March are aquamarine, bloodstone, jade, jasper, and opal.The Zodiac signs of Pisces and Aries include five additional stones: amethyst, sapphire, ruby, diamond, and topaz.

April Birthstones
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 20) and Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)

There are twelve different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of April, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Aries or Taurus. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of April, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of April are diamond, opal, and sapphire.The Zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus include nine additional stones: bloodstone, topaz, jasper, coral, amber, turquoise, emerald, aventurine, and garnet.

May Birthstones
Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21) and Gemini (May 22-Jun. 21)

There are 15 different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of May, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Taurus or Gemini. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of May, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of May are emerald, sapphire, agate, and carnelian.The Zodiac signs of Taurus and Gemini include 11 additional stones: coral, turquoise, aventurine, garnet, amber, rose quartz, tiger’s eye, chrysoprase, citrine, white sapphire, and pearl.

June Birthstones
Gemini (May 22-Jun. 21) and Cancer (Jun. 22-Jul. 22)

There are 12 different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of June, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Gemini or Cancer. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of June, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of June are pearl, moonstone, alexandrite, agate, chalcedony, and emerald.The Zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer include six additional stones: chrysoprase, tiger’s eye, white sapphire, ruby, sapphire, and citrine.

July Birthstones
Cancer (Jun. 22-Jul. 22) and Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 23)

There are ten different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of July, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Cancer or Leo. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of July, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of July are ruby, sapphire, onyx, sardonyx, and carnelian.The Zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo include five additional stones: emerald, moonstone, pearl, diamond, and tourmaline.

August Birthstones
Sun/Star, Planetary and Talismanic Stones for:
Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 23) and Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep.22)

There are 13 different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of August, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Leo or Virgo. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of August, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of August are peridot, sardonyx, diamond, sapphire, ruby, alexandrite, and carnelian.The Zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo include six additional stones: tourmaline, onyx, citrine, zircon, jade, and jasper.

September Birthstones
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep.22) and Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

There are 12 different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of September, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Virgo or Libra. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of August, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of September are sapphire, agate, moonstone, zircon, peridot (chrysolite), and sardonyx.The Zodiac signs of Virgo and Libra include six additional stones:citrine, carnelian, jade, jasper, opal, and lapis lazuli.

October Birthstones
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23) and Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

There are fourteen different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of October, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Libra or Scorpio. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of October, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of October are opal, tourmaline, jasper, aquamarine, coral, and beryl.The Zodiac signs of Libra and Scorpio include eight additional stones: peridot, sapphire, lapis, agate, topaz, garnet, ruby, and amethyst.

November Birthstones
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) and Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

There are eleven different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of November, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio or Sagittarius. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of November, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of November are topaz, citrine, pearl, and chrysoprase.The Zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius include seven additional stones: beryl, aquamarine, garnet, ruby, amethyst, sapphire, and turquoise.

December Birthstones
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) and Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

There are thirteen different stones listed as birthstones for the calendar month of December, or as Sun/Star, Planetary, or Talismanic stones for the Zodiac sign of Sagittarius or Capricorn. Because these two Zodiac signs span part of December, both are listed in this table.Birthstones for the calendar month of December are turquoise, blue topaz, tanzanite, zircon, lapis, onyx, ruby, and chrysoprase.The Zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Capricorn include five additional stones: agate, garnet, amethyst, sapphire, and beryl.

THE day our secretary got married, we closed the office and walked three hundred meters with the bride and the groom to the Capitol in what could be the longest bridal march ever.

I remember that and the return walk very well because it was I who took pictures of the wedding entourage but captured nothing for printing (it must have been the camera, my law partners consoled me).

Like most couples planning to wed but who don’t have the time or the resources to prepare for an elaborate church wedding, Myrna and Allan decided to exchange vows before a judge. In their case, it was before the late Judge Leonardo Cañares. We made sure of that.

The law does not require a marriage ceremony to follow a particular form, only that the parties must declare that they take each other as husband and wife in the presence of the solemnizing officer and of two witnesses. The vow to hold and keep each other for better or for worse, for richer or poorer and in sickness and in health until death do you part is not required by the Civil Code.

So a marriage ceremony can be as business-like and as straightforward as the arraignment of an accused except that instead of being made to choose between “guilty” or “not guilty,” the bride and the groom are told to pick “yes” or “no,” whether he/she does or he/she doesn’t.

Judge Leonie, however, made sure that it did not happen in weddings that he officiated. Before the ceremony, he had two ceramic (wooden?) doves placed on his table and an old phonograph on the stenographer’s. Music (“Love Is A Many Splendored Thing, if I remember correctly) wafted softly in the air as Myrna and Allan exchanged “I dos.” And his five-minute sermon could put to shame a priest or pastor! No wonder, his sala was a favorite destination for couples desiring to get married.

We were lucky because Myrna and Allan (who, like Judge Leonie, has since rejoined his Maker) married a long time ago. If they had decided to tie the knot today, we wouldn’t have been able to choose Judge Leonie. In fact, we wouldn’t have been able to pick our judge at all.

As a result of the expose of an alleged “marriage scam”, weddings will now be raffled for assignment among the judges. The move shows sensitivity to public perception. But since a scam is defined as a fraudulent scheme, how come no one of those who have been supposedly overcharged has come forward to declare that he has been swindled?

SunStar