MMDA ADVISORY: 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene

MMDA ADVISORY: 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene

Attention: To all mamanata, tourist and motorist be wise, plan your alternate route now. 

This advisory pertains to the Traslacion 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene to be held on January 9, 2013 at Quiapo Church and the highlight of the celebration is the Grand Procession that will start at Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) at about 7:00 AM onwards. As we all know, this procession is always a blockbuster and hold the record for the longest procession ever in the history of the annual religious festival. Last year, 2012, it took 22 hours, a “wheel-less” carriage, a broken rope, and a frenzied mob to bring the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand early Monday to the Quiapo Church at around 6 a.m. the following day.  

If you are one of the people I listed below, please don't go for your own good. In a sea of people, even if you want to protect whoever is beside you, it will be impossible to do that. Plus there's a possibility that cellphone signals will be shut off again. Yes, you read it right, No cellphone signals along Nazarene procession route.

• pregnant women
• elderly
• sick
• has an ongoing medical treatment
• Parents are advised not to bring children.
• If you're joining or just watching the procession, don't show up drunk.

ROUTE: 

• From Quirino Grandstand (Luneta)
• right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos
• left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge
• right Palanca,thru under Quezon Bridge
• left Quezon Blvd.
• right Fraternal
• right Vergara
• left Duque de Alba
• left Castillejos
• left farnecio
• right Arlegui
• left Nepomuceno
• left Aguila
• right Carcer
• right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen
• left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat
• left Guzman
• right Hidalgo
• left Barbosa
• right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge
• right Palanca
• right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church.

 
AFFECTED AREAS DURING PROCESSION AND EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC:
 
1. Stretch of Roxas Blvd./Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to TM Kalaw north and southbound lane.
2. Southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Recto to Palanca (subway-isetan Recto)
3. Stretch of Lerma from P.Campa to Quezon Blvd.
4. Taft Ave./Finance (westbound lane).
5. Lagusnilad/P.Burgos (westbound lane).
6. P.Burgos/Taft Ave (Freedom Triangle-northbound lane).
7. Villegas/N.A Lopez.
8. 25th Street/Bonifacio Drive (southbound lane).

ROAD CLOSURE:
 
1. JANUARY 8, 2013 - 8:00 AM, katigbak Drive and South Drive will be closed to traffic.
2. at 4:00 AM, January 9, 2013, southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo), from Andalucia/Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and España/P.Campa/Lerma shall be closed to traffic for Public Utility vehicles (PUV) only.
3. At 5:00 AM total closure for all types of vehicles shall be implemented.

North Area  starting at 5:00 AM
 
1. P Campa/España
2. Nicanor Reyes/España
3. Andalucia/Fugoso
3. Recto/Issetan (Service Road)
4. Raon/Evangelista

South Area starting at 6:00 AM
 
1. Ma. Orosa/P.Burgos
2. Lagusnilad/P.Burgos
3. Taft/Finance/Westbound
4. A. Villegas/Taft Ave. (LRT)
5. 25th Street/Bonifacio Drive
6. N.A. Lopez/A. Villegas
7. Anda Circle/Bonifacio Drive
8. Gen. Luna/P.Burgos
9. Roxas Blvd. TM Kalaw
10. katigbak/Roxas Blvd.
 

RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES
 
1. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of España shall turn right P.Campa,left Andalucia,right Fugoso,left T.Mapua to point of destination.
2. All PUJs/light vehicles coming from España intending to proceed to South Pier Zone turn left Nicanor Reyes,right Recto straight to JAS,left Reina Regente take Jones Bridge,right Magallanes Drive to point of destination.
3. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive southbound shall turn right Roberto S. Oca St.,left Delgado,left 25th St.,left Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or shall take right to A. Soriano to magallanes Drive,right P.Burgos,go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.
4. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of P.Burgos shall take TM Kalaw,left Taft Ave.,right A Villegas,right Quezon Bridge to point of destination (NOTE: northbound of Quezon Blvd. is open to traffic).
5. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound or Roxas Blvd. from P.Ocampo to P.Burgos shall turn right TM Kalaw left Taft Ave. to point of destination.
6. All PUJs plying Monumento-Gasak-Recto intending to utilize Andalucia thru Recto shall turn right Oroqueta to point of origin.
7. All vehicles coming fromLegarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.
8. All vehicles using Taft Ave. northbound shall turn right A. Villegas (Arroceros) right Quezon Bridge to point of destination.
9. All heavy vehicles/Cargo Trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmeña, Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via AH Lacson to Capulong (vise versa).
10. All motorist intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilize the stretch of AH Lacson to Nagtahan (vise versa) or to utilize stretch of Road-10 to Roxas Blvd. (vise versa) to point of destination.
11. All buses coming from eastern part of Manila particularly G-Liner/RRCG utilizing Legarda shall turn right Palanca to Quiapo Ilalim to point of destination.
12. All buses coming from Taft. going to Fairview shall right UN Ave. up to Otis left Nagtahan go straight AH Lacson,right España to point of origin.
13. All buses coming southern part of Manila Laguna & Cavite utilizing taft Ave. are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and allowed only up to Remedios St. right San Marcelino back to point of Origin. #mmda

Special thanks to sir Collin Sarthou Yap for the pictures.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

Successful people are happier and healthier. Really now, what makes them tick? A lot of us wanted to be successful in life. Are you sure you're on the right track? Here is a success Indicator Chart by MaryEllen Tribby, rate yourself.

How do you classify yourself? Which column do you belong? Unsuccessful?  It is never too late to be successful. Correct yourself. No one could help you but you. It is the New Year, give it your all to transfer from the unsuccessful column to the successful one.  The heck to all who pull you down, strive hard to be happy, transform to a greater you. Good luck! Yes, you can make it. Be happy!

STEPHANIE NICOLE ELLA: Stray Bullet Victim Passed Away

STEPHANIE NICOLE ELLA: Stray Bullet Victim Passed Away

Another young life gone to waste. After fighting for her life for 38 hours, Stephanie Nicole Ella, 7 years old, succumb to death on Wednesday afternoon, January 2, 2012. A victim of indiscriminate firing on New Year's eve.  Ella, was hit by a bullet on the head.  The bullet entered the left side of Ella’s brain and lodged on the left side of her face beside her nose, while she was watching fireworks of the New Year’s eve revelry with her family in Caloocan City. The little girl in pink died from "intra-cerebral hemorrhage secondary to gunshot wound. 

All Filipinos were supposed to be happy celebrating the new year but all I saw and hear on the news were a 4 yr. old boy and a 7 yr. old girl who died because of gunshot wounds. Not to mention the 2 yr. old who was hit by a stray bullet while confined in the hospital. Is this the society we all want our children to grow up in? How many more people should die before these irresponsible gun owners stop firing indiscriminately? Don't you know that when you fire your gun up in the sky it will fall down. Why? That's basic! Whatever comes up will go down. 

DEADLY BULLET. Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Director of the East Avenue Medical Center, displays a series of x-ray photos that show where the stray bullet that hit Stephanie Nicole Ella had lodged in her head. Photo by JAMIE MARIE ELONA/INQUIRER

The government should impose higher penalty for those people found firing indiscriminately. Death Penalty should be put back so people with ill-soul will mellow a little and stop using their guns.

The bullet from a caliber 45 pistol that killed Stephanie Nicole Ella was fired from a 50-meter radius with a trajectory of almost 90 degrees, according to an initial police autopsy report. Her skull wound is round so it means the trajectory was about 90 degrees.

Talking about indiscriminate firing during New Year, let me share you my personal story.

I remember way back in 2009, our neighbor shot our window on New Year's eve. It is a good thing that we were out of the country during that New Year's celebration. We found two (2) slugs of marbles (holen).  It is said to be the slugs used on their paltik revolver.  A witness saw him when he allegedly fired at our window from their terrace. Reason: Unknown. It might have been another case of indiscriminate firing, since the alleged shooter claims to be a police officer, whether that is true or not, I don't know who to contact to verify the authenticity of his so called police satus. Maybe it was merry making or maybe a wrong sense of power or maybe trip trip lang, who knows. Since I do not understand his reason, I did not bother talking to the old man, who according to other neighbors had several cases for firing his gun to other neighbors dwellings inside our subdivision, unprovoked. We've always been amiable to him and his family despite his abuses in the neighborhood and to my brother's kindness. Since we were neighbors we decided not to file a complaint or press charges. We did not replace the window to remind him constantly of what he did to us.

People who have any information that can assist in Ella's case - or anybody who has any information on irresponsible gun owners - may offer help and information via the PNP hotline: (0917) 8475757.

2013: Year of the Water Snake

2013: Year of the Water Snake

Happy New Year! I hope you had a happy celebration last January 1.  Since it is the beginning of the year, let's talk about Feng Shui. Like you, I also want to know what is in store for me this year. So, let's take a look at who is lucky and unlucky this year.

2013 is the year of the water snake according to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Water Snake will officially begin on February 10, 2013.

The Chinese animal signs considered as the luckiest during the Year of the Water Snake are the following:

• Rat 
• Dog
• Tiger
• Ox
• Horse 
• Dragon

With the the Tiger, Ox and Horse as the more fortunate signs in terms of wealth. The Dragon will be lucky also in terms of romance and education. 

Whereas, the not so lucky animal signs include the following:

• Rabbit
• Rooster
• Sheep
• Monkey
• Pig 
• Snake

Lucky color is emerald green.

MARIAN RIVERA: FHM 150th Cover Girl

MARIAN RIVERA: FHM 150th Cover Girl
 
Good things come to those who wait. Fhm proudly presents Marian Rivera. She is FHM Magazine's 150th cover babe.

 

This is the first time that Marian showed her back.

I bet this issue will be sold out in no time.

The alluring cover of FHM Mag featuring Miss Marian Rivera.

SHOPPING MALLS: Operating Hours

SHOPPING MALLS: Operating Hours

Happy New Year! I was supposed to publish this before Christmas to give you a guide on mall operating hours but due to my kalimot self, I forgot to post 'em..sorry po. Most of Metro Manila’s major malls will be open for limited hours today, January 1, 2013 (New Year’s Day), while some of them will be closed during this date.
 
Don't worry. All shopping malls will resume their regular operations starting tomorrow, January 2, 2013.

Here are the revised mall hours of major shopping centers this holiday season:

Alabang Town Center

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bonifacio High Street

• December 26 to 30: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Eastwood Mall

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• December 31: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Greenhills Shopping Center

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: Closed

Glorietta

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Market! Market!

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Power Plant Mall

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Shangri-La Plaza

• December 26 to 27: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• December 28: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 29: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 30: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: mall closed

TriNoma

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• January 1: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SM Megamall and SM City North EDSA

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SM Mall of Asia

• December 26 to 30: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• December 31: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Other SM malls

• December 26 to 30: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• December 31: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• January 1, 2013: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2013 Official Holidays:4 Long Weekend Schedule

2013 Official Holidays:4 Long Weekend Schedule

Rise and shine people! Happy New Year!

In a matter of hours we will bid goodbye to 2012 and usher the new year 2013 to our lives. The so called end of the world did not happen. I bet, like me, you wanted to know the official holidays for 2013 which I already wrote way back in September 2012 here. So peeps plan ahead your escapades. Enjoy life to the fullest.

We all have a chance to plan ahead our vacations for next year as there are at least 17 days of holidays and nonworking days for 2013.

Based on Proclamation 459 signed by President Benigno Aquino III, here are the regular holidays for 2013:

Jan. 1, New Year’s Day (Tuesday)
March 28, Maundy Thursday
March 29, Good Friday
April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan (Tuesday)
May 1, Labor Day (Wednesday)
June 12, Independence Day (Wednesday)
Aug. 26, National Heroes’ Day (last Monday of August)
Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day (Saturday)
Dec. 25, Christmas Day (Wednesday)
Dec. 30, Rizal Day (Monday) 

The full list of the special nonworking days are the following:
March 30, Black Saturday
Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day (Wednesday)
Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day (Friday)
Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day (Saturday)
Dec. 24, Christmas’ Eve (Tuesday)
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve (Tuesday)

February 25, meanwhile, is a special holiday for all schools to commemorate the Edsa People Power Revolution, “which restored and ushered political, social and economic reforms in the country.”  

National holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be proclaimed only after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined. 

“To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall,” said in the proclamation.

The proclamation also said that “holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.” 

Long Weekends

    March 28-31, 2013 - Holy Week
    August 24-26, 2013 - National Heroes Day
    November 1-3, 2013 - All Saints' Day
    December 28, 2013 - January 1, 2014 - Rizal Day and New Year

Byahe na sa Pilipinas ! 

MARLON STOCKINGER:Filipino-Swiss First Formula Race Driver?

MARLON STOCKINGER:Filipino-Swiss First Formula Race Driver?

Stockinger carries the Philippine flag during his races. Even his helmets have the Philippine flag colors and picture at the back of his helmet.

Marlon Stockinger sets his goal to be the first Filipino F1 racer. He started racing at the age of ten (10) and left the country for Europe when he was seventeen (17) to purse a racing career.

Stockinger finished 8th at the Michelin Formula Renault UK 2010.

Congratulations! We're proud of you!

Photo Source: Spot