FREE RADICAL

FREE RADICAL http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/ Mabuhay! Welcome to my site. I am the free radical, and this is the chemistry of my life.   "Every man (or woman) takes the limits of his (or her) own field of vision for the limits of the world." - Arthur Schopenhauer Fri, 4 Jul 2008 03:32:17 -0000 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:39:00 -0000 FREE RADICAL http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/logo http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com 100 100 Santo Ni챰o of Tacloban Today is the feast of Sto. Nino of Tacloban, and I have always fond memories of the fiesta during my school days in Tacloban City. To mark this special day of Tacloban, I am sharing the link to the multiply group of Taclobanons. This site aims to create a network of Taclobanons all over the world. This way, we will be updated of events, changes or latest news from our beloved home city. Taclobanons, please feel free to join. Others, feel free to browse and know our http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/links/item/7 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:39:00 -0000 The Reluctant Football Fan Just like many other Filipinos, I have never fallen in love with football in as much as I have loved basketball and tennis. I have often heard some people say that there is no sense for eleven men chasing one ball in a huge field. But when you're in a country where football is a national craze, then I have to learn to watch football. Malaysians wake up early mornings just to see their favorite teams play. They watch English Premier League, World Cup and Euro Cup and all other leagues in Europe. I have to watch especially the final games or crucial matches mainly because the topic of discussion during tea and lunch breaks in the office would be the latest football match. Anyone not knowing who made the goals, who got punished with yellow or red cards, or whose fans turned rowdy, would look a real idiot. <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1/Germany-national-football-team.jpg?et=iTiE014BLh8rplwo0vALVg&nmid=0" border="0"></a><a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUANQoKCCcAAHcm8-81"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGUANQoKCCcAAHcm8-81/Spain-Team.jpg?et=huGFlmD61Ot7GGsNTZIk6g&nmid=0" border="0"></a> <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"></a>  <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"></a>  <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"></a>  <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"></a>  <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGUAcAoKCCcAAHx7GnA1"></a>      This Sunday morning (SEA time) is the finals of Euro 2008 and two great football nations will be chas... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/109/The_Reluctant_Football_Fan Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:01:07 -0000 What Happened, Maria? <img class="alignmiddleb" style="WIDTH: 156px;HEIGHT: 91px;" height="101" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGQr@QoKCCcAAD@lX7s1/Maria1.jpg?et=Fl3jEMeA1CCCbwDrww4bCg&nmid=0" width="154" border="0">She was one of the clear favorites. She was one of the three women who have three titles this year. She was in peak form since winning the Australian Grand Slam. <img class="alignright" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGQsFwoKCCcAAEc6fZE1/maria3.jpg?et=waSN4%2CISDV6QCy%2Bvgag3mQ&nmid=0" border="0"> Unfortunately, her fellow Russian with the a difficult surname, Alla Kudryavtseva, beat her 6-2  6-4 in the second round. What made the defeat more shocking was that Kudryavtseva is lowly ranked 154th in the world and has never really made a mark in any of the Grand Slam. Sharapova's double faults and unforced errors <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGQsNAoKCCcAAEc6faY1/maria2.jpg?et=sAdl%2CgYIsLsAH6TrmfR0ew&nmid=0" border="0">made it much easier for her compatriot, who was playing all out to beat her. Kudryavtseva really played as if she had nothing to lose, and winning over world no. 3 Sharapova was worth more than winning a Grand Slam. Something's wrong with the glamour girl in tennis. Whatever it is, only she knows. She has to reflect back after this loss, and work harder even more and be ready for the next Grand Slam. http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/108/What_Happened_Maria Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:54:53 -0000 Euro 2008 Semifinals: SPAIN versus RUSSIA This is the 2nd semi-final for Euro Cup 2008. While Germany is already confirmed inl the finals, the opponent will still be determined early tomorrow morning. I am rooting for Spain, not because of our Adios Patria Adorada connection, but because of their skills and performance, although the Russians may want to have a say in what happens this morning. Many people here really wake up early in the morning just to watch the Euro Cup matches. When they report to work the next, they start by discussing the results of the matches in the morning. I'm not as crazy as this people but I keep track of the results. At least when they talk about it in the office, then I know. We all know very well that we Filipinos have never really been into football, the sports that gets the world mad every four years during World Cup, except in the http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/calendar/item/10019/Euro_2008_Semifinals_SPAIN_versus_RUSSIA Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:07:56 -0000 Consolidated Tacloban Fiesta '08 Schedule of Activities June 30 is the fiesta of Tacloban City in my home province of Leyte, yet the celebration seems to be one whole month. With both the Leyte Provincial government and the Tacloban City government organizing separate activities prior to the fiesta (is there any political rivalry?), the public is heaped with a truckload of activities. Check out the activities from this link, thanks to Mano Gerry Ruiz for compiling the activities and for sharing with us. To all my friends in Tacloban, enjoy na la kamo dida. http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/links/item/5/Consolidated_Tacloban_Fiesta_08_Schedule_of_Activities Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:04 -0000 Kick The Habit: Towards A Low Carbon Economy Yes, change some of our habits and we can help reduce the world's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_footprint">carbon footprints.</a> This is the theme for <a href="http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/About_WED_2008/index.asp">2008 World Environment Day</a> set on June 5. How much are you willing to do for the environment? Can you do something this day to save our Mother Earth? These are the <a href="http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/Information_Material/Alphabet.asp">A-Z</a> to observe WED on June 5. Which one can you do? Little things such as <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/54/Little_Things_I_Do_To_Protect_the_Environment_You_Too_Can_Do_Something">what I do</a> can have a huge impact on the environment if the great number of us do it at the same time. On March 8, we observed <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/95/Earth_Hour_2008">Earth Hour</a> by switching off our lights for an hour starting at 8pm in many cities all around the globe. The mere one hour without using electricity helped to reduced thousand pounds of carbon footprints. The award-winning documentary <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/calendar/item/10016/HBO_An_Inconvenient_Truth">The Inconvenient Truth</a> showed scientifically the consequences if we continue not to care of the environment. Some of us may not like the narrator of this film but scientists around the world have concurred to the technical basis of his power point presentation. St... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/106/Kick_The_Habit_Towards_A_Low_Carbon_Economy Wed, 4 Jun 2008 15:56:15 -0000 She Is Still A Winner To Me <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/37/7"></a><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SEVN9goKCCcAAC5eJb01/11.jpg?et=4gNn3zNGcBv1eENb4GVaGg&nmid=0" border="0">Well, she lost to an in-form player, no doubt about that. Besides, this is her least favorite surface. Whatever happens, she is still the no. 1 women's player in tennis. Maria Sharapova! Her shocking exit from the French Open 4th round last night further dampened <a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/37/7"></a>this clay court Grand Slam event, already  without former no. 1 Justine Henin who retired couple of weeks ago and the formidable Williams' sisters who both were beaten in earlier rounds. There is definitely going to be a new women's champion on Saturday's final.<a href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SEVOJgoKCCcAADJQP6U1"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SEVOJgoKCCcAADJQP6U1/masha2.jpg?et=RQvY09Jadq15zKT1cUYI7g&nmid=0" border="0"></a>       Maria may have lost but she is still looking glamorous as ever, especially in her 1920-inspired Nike Paris dress designed for the French Open. Her Grand Slam dresses are always specially designed by Nike. She also wore a Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti's Wave earrings in 18k gold. Her elegant dress is finished with Tiffany pearl button at the back. She is looking more slim than in the Australian Open grand slam which sh... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/104/She_Is_Still_A_Winner_To_Me Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:00:05 -0000 Have A Nice Day? That day I woke up at 4 a.m. There was no chance I could go back to sleep. Outside the window it was bright. I realized I that I was in another part of the world. I sat on my bed, watched news on TV for a while before taking my morning shower, even if I know that our meeting starts at 9 a.m. I went down to the hotel's coffee house thinking that the buffet breakfast starts at 6 a.m. as in most hotels in Asia. I was wrong, breakfast is served at 7 a.m. I decided to walk outside the hotel and noticed that it was a beautiful morning at the fjord. What a beautiful morning in Tjome, Norway. <img class="alignmiddleb" style="WIDTH: 495px; HEIGHT: 301px; " height="224" src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SENqqAoKCCcAADHXeZk1/P5190012.JPG?et=F1BVi0PCH7wXMdTVUSn0Kg&nmid=0" width="331" border="0"> After taking some photos of the sunrise at the fjord, I went back to the hotel's coffee house. No one was there except for the hotel manager, Mr. Geir, who greeted me in a cheerful tone. Obviously noting that I was Asian, he started to brief me about the Norwegian breakfast. He asked where I come from, proudly I told him that I'm from ... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/103/Have_A_Nice_Day Mon, 2 Jun 2008 03:41:06 -0000 Paragon Child - Bohemian Rhapsody This is from TV3's Gangstarz 2 - Ep.4. Gangstarz is a popular reality show in Malaysia in its second year now, where group talents from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and this year with Thailand and the Philippines, compete with each other in singing. The aim is to discover a super singing group. Judging is 50% from a professional jury, while 50% will come from texters' votes. Paragon Child, a group of three guys, is one of the two Filipino representatives. The other Filipino group is an all ladies' group calling themselves "3.5". Paragon Child has been getting rave reviews in the first three episodes, especially in Episode 3 when they sang a Malay number, endearing them more to the suprised audience and texters. This Episode 4 performance, however, didn't go down well with the jury. First jury Ajai, a Malaysian singer and composer said it was a wrong song. How do we exactly judge when is a song right or wrong? Second jury Singaporean rapper Sheikh Haikel said why sing this n... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/video/item/4/Paragon_Child_-_Bohemian_Rhapsody Sat, 31 May 2008 09:56:17 -0000 Rodolfo Chikilicuatre's Baila el ChikiChiki : Spain's Official Entry to Eurovision 2008 Rodolfo Chikilicuatre's Baila el ChikiChiki is Spain's entry in the 53rd Eurovision in Belgrade, which was won by Russian Dima Bilan. This singer was criticized by Spanish government officials for misrepresenting Spain in this prestigious event. The senseless song with meaningless lyrics in part has caught the ire of the officials. What they didn't know that their colony for 300 years in the far east called Filipinas has more senseless music in the so-called novelty songs. Now I don't know who influenced who! Watch and judge the video by yourself. See the final results in this link <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/news/42.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision/news/42.shtml</a> http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/video/item/3/Rodolfo_Chikilicuatres_Baila_el_ChikiChiki_Spains_Official_Entry_to_Eurovision_2008 Sun, 25 May 2008 17:57:48 -0000 Badminton's Thomas Cup Finals If tennis has Davis Cup and football has the World Cup, badminton has Thomas Cup. Check <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cup">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cup</a> for more information about this tournament. Finals is between China and Korea, and unfortunately I can't watch the live coverage as I will be on my flight to Norway. Odds on favorite is China although they almost lost to Malaysia in the semi-finals. In the other semi-finals, Korea crushed Indonesia, the country with the most Thomas Cup http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/calendar/item/10018/Badmintons_Thomas_Cup_Finals Sat, 17 May 2008 02:58:47 -0000 J.Co Donuts & Cafe I have been addicted to donuts. Not just any donut but J.CO donuts at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall. No wonder in their website it says "Don't blame us for making you an addict". No matter how long is the queue, I must take out some of these donuts each time I'm at Sunway Pyramid. The problem is I visit this mall at least twice a week as my gym is located in the same floor as J.CO donuts. Despite warnings from fitness instructor about my diet, I cannot resist J.CO donuts. Just like many others who always go to this outlet and queue. I've never seen this shop empty. What makes J.CO donuts addictive? They come in various flavors, very good texture and they remain soft even after overnight. My favorites are Mocha Bella and Tira Miss U, although Al Capone and Why Nuts are also not bad. They have a lot of other flavors to choose from. J.CO Donuts originated from Indonesia actually, they opened two branches in Malaysia (one in Sunway and another one at the newest mall in KL called "The... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/reviews/item/10 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:05:12 -0000 Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? <A href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SB0n8goKCCcAACKNi9w1"><IMG class=alignright src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SB0n8goKCCcAACKNi9w1/areyousmarterthana5thScreen1.jpg?et=b8gntymvzCt3Rl6msYJRMA&nmid=" border=0></A>Imagine normal adults slugging it out with 5th graders in answering ten questions that are normally answered by ten year olds in school. All for the prize of one million bucks. It is often hilarious when the adults try to answer and explain. This is what happens in this Mark Burnett's game show on Fox TV. During the game, they have two "cheats" and one "save".  If they are not sure of their answer, or have no idea at all, they can cheat either by a "peek" at a the 5th grader classmate's answer or simply "copy" the answer without even looking at it. If the contestant gives the wrong answer, and the classmate gives a correct, the adult can be "saved" once. There was this African-American lady contestant who was asked the question "What country is in the northern border of America?". She had to peek at her classmate's answer for help. A blonde lady was asked "What is the only continent that is also a country?" She said, "This is difficult because all the cont... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/102/Are_You_Smarter_Than_A_5th_Grader Sun, 4 May 2008 03:07:33 -0000 Whatever Happened to Paula? Whoever didn't watch American Idol Top Five Performance yesterday wouldn't have seen Paula Abdul's major blunder on global television. Watch <A href="http://www.youtube.com/v/SGUyLet19ak&hl=en">this</A>.<IMG class=alignright src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SBlssgoKCCcAAC1aOX81/paula--non-spoil.jpg?et=LLwtbyLH69WZUd%2BuF3YkXg&nmid=" border=0> Two things came to our minds: Is American Idol scripted after all or Paula is on crack? She <A href="http://tv.yahoo.com/show/34934/news/urn:newsml:tv.eonline.com:20080430:4e643e97662d_4901_a00f_339daa97a043__ER:68200">claims</A> though it was confusing. The sudden change of format by the producer led her to confusion. The top five finalists were made to sing two Neil Diamond songs. After they sang their first songs, host Ryan Seacrest suddenly asked for the judges' quick comments on the performance, even though he announced earlier that the critique will be done only after the second songs. When it was her turn, Paula gave comments to Idol Jason Castro for his two songs, when he had just sang his first. Simon quickly took over to avoid further embarassment. It was funny and embarrasing probably leaving a question of credibility on American Idol. Or maybe just the credibility of Paula Abdul... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/100/Whatever_Happened_to_Paula Thu, 1 May 2008 06:48:40 -0000 Aeroline Luxurious Bus for Malaysia-Singapore & Vice Versa When my high school friend Atty. Jayson Jorvina rang me up last week that his sister and son would like to visit Malaysia since they will be holidaying in Singapore, I thought he was only toying with the idea. Last Friday night it was a reality when Jasmin and company arrived in Kuala Lumpur via Five Star bus/coach from Singapore, a journey of about six hours. When they told me that they have no return ticket yet, I had to try to find them a good means of transport and it was not easy as I have not taken any bus to Singapore before. I would normally drive. I remember hearing from a friend that there is this bus company called "Aeroline" with superb facilities and service (check at www.aeroline.com. my). I found information on line, and I can also book online. The bus departs not in the normal bus station but from popular shopping malls and hotels in the Klang Valley (KL and surrounding areas). The nearest to my place is at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall which is a convenient 15-20 ... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/reviews/item/9 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:19:07 -0000 HBO: An Inconvenient Truth An OSCAR-award winning documentary presented by Al Gore, Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2007, about protecting the environment. The former US Vice President expounds in this film the shocking effects of global warming, complete with complex scientific powerpoint presentation. Check this trailer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/wnjx6KETmi4&hl=en">http://www.youtube.com/v/wnjx6KETmi4&hl=en</a>. Premiering on HBO on this date with replays on the following dates: 23 April - 1:00pm 24 April - 1:15am 25 April - 11:00pm 26 April - 7:00pm 27 April - 3:00am & http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/calendar/item/10016/HBO_An_Inconvenient_Truth Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:27:37 -0000 World Health Day: Protecting Health From Detrimental Climate Changes April 7 is the <A href="http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/">World Health Day!</A> This date marks the founding of the World Health Organization. This year's theme is "protecting health from climate change." <IMG class=alignmiddleb src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R-jL6goKCCcAAEKoVCc1/CIMG3234.JPG?et=R5Bv1eYK4%2CMZJbSIU5jD2g&nmid=" border=0><A href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R-jJSAoKCCcAAH1uJ@w1"></A> http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/97/World_Health_Day_Protecting_Health_From_Detrimental_Climate_Changes Sun, 6 Apr 2008 13:04:55 -0000 Earth Hour 2008 This Saturday, 29 March 2008 at exactly 8pm, lights will be shut off for an hour in 24 global cities. For what? If more people are aware and switch off their lights for one hour, it can help to reduce this year's carbon footprints by thousands of pounds. That's equivalent to saving hundreds of thousands trees or preventing million pounds of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere. What can you do? Switch off your lights. A simple act that will affect our environment. If we can spread the awareness, we can be involved in a noble cause to preserve our Mother Earth. The more people are aware, the more people will be involved, and the better environment for us to live in. You can get more info from this <A href="http://www.earthhour.org/">Earth Hour link.</A> (thanks to my friend Vin for sharing the email). http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/95/Earth_Hour_2008 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:08:45 -0000 I'm A Dreamer Too There are times that I dream of lasting peace in this world. There would be no poverty and no hunger and no war. Real world peace - not the world peace we talk about in beauty pageants! Wouldn't  be it nice to live without animosity, apathy, power struggles and greed? This dream is summed up in the famous song of John Lennon "Imagine", part of which was performed by David Archuleta, a 17-year old talent in this week's Top 20 performance of American Idol. On why he chose this particular verse instead of the more popular first verse, he said this is more relevant and more meaningful. Very well said! "Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one" His own unique rendtition of this iconic song was lauded by the judges. Simon Cowell sai... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/91/Im_A_Dreamer_Too Sun, 2 Mar 2008 03:53:28 -0000 Why We Don't Want Gloria Anymore - A 'Scientific' Q&A I got this from my friend <A href="http://msbacu.multiply.com/journal/item/10/Bakit_ayaw_na_natin_kay_Gloria_A_series_of_scientific_QA?replies_read=4">Shela</A>. Some may loathe me for posting this while I'm sure there will be some who will be delighted. "Bakit babagsak sa Physics si GMA? Dahil ang RELATIVITY sa kanya ay ilagay si FG at Mikee sa pwesto. Why won't GMA make a good chemist? She does not know any SOLUTIONS, only a lot of corruption. Why is GMA pretending to be a geologist? She is only good at finding FAULTS. Why will GMA fail in mining engg? Because she has underMINED the people's trust. Why will GMA fail in mechanical engineering? Because we will not allow her to SCREW us forever. Why will Gloria fail in civil engineering? Because her heart is really in EVIL engineering. Bakit hindi pwedeng geodetic engineer si GMA? Dahil sa umpisa pa lang, mali na ang BEARINGS nya. Why will GMA fail in electrical engineering? Because she SHORT CIRCUITS the people's interest. How do mathematicians see GMA? 1+1+1+1+1+1. ... a non-terminating SERIES of corruption and lies. Seriously though, if you feel that we need a chang... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/90/Why_We_Dont_Want_Gloria_Anymore_-_A_Scientific_QA Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:08:17 -0000 Fascinating Proverbs Completed by First Graders (From an email of an ex-colleague <A href="http://http://ccl2000v.multiply.com/">Vin</A>) A first-grade teacher has twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child the first half of a well-know proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, six year olds, because the last one is a classic. 1. Don't change horses.....until they stop running. 2. Strike while.....the bug is close. 3. It's always darkest before.....Daylight Savings Time. 4. Never underestimate the power of.....termites. 5. You can lead a horse to water but.....how? 6. Don't bite the hand that.....looks dirty. 7. No news is.....impossible. 8. A miss is as good as a.....Mr. 9. You can't teach an old dog new.....math. 10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll.....stink in the morning. 11. Love all, trust.....me. 12. The pen is mightier than the.....pigs. 13. An idle mind is.....the best way to re... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/89/Fascinating_Proverbs_Completed_by_First_Graders Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:12:44 -0000 Filipinos on Reality TV We were all saddened after the disappointing third place finish of the Filipino buddies Mark and Rovilson in the finale of <A href="http://amazing-race-asia.axn-asia.com/">TARA2</A>. They were leading all the way until that last "roadblock" challenge in Singapore. Rovilson couldn't remember the flags of the countries they've been to. What a pity! However, they were still winners having won 8 of the 12 pit stops grabbing prizes such as cash, handphones, videocameras, and fully-paid vacations. They were the "winningest" team ever for any Amazing Race.<IMG class=alignmiddleb src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7aEbQoKCCcAAC65LJ41/mark-rovilson-002.jpg?et=YFQNeWQVj0iRxUExOhX4hQ&nmid=" border=0> There was another Filipino team in TARA2 in the American husband-Filipina wife Henry-Teri, but Teri was so annoying that Filipinos, I guess, would have been more grateful if they were not in this race carrying the Philippine flag. In <A href="http://www.americanidol.com/">American Idol</A>, we were entertained by the comic audition of Reynaldo Lapuz, with his delivery of his original composition of "I Am Your Brother". He was cool and fun although, of course, he was out from the very first ... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/88/Filipinos_on_Reality_TV Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:04:34 -0000 Must Do In Manila Last year, I was at a <A href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/48/Am_I_Becoming_Less_Filipino">quandary</A> on what to recommend my boss, who was travelling Manila, on "must do" or "must see" in my country. I recommended a few places, including Glorietta and a week after my boss came back to Malaysia, the explosion happened. Anyway, my boss and company didn't go to Glorietta as they spent most of their time in Mall of Asia due its proximity to <A href="http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/R7ZXPQoKCCcAABSdj1E1"><IMG class=alignright src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R7ZXPQoKCCcAABSdj1E1/manila2.jpg?et=m07qZMBW0Pgszjnw7howIw&nmid=" border=0></A>their hotel. In today's travel section of <A href="http://www.thestaronline.com/">The Star</A> in Malaysia, there's a special feature on <A href="http://www.thestaronline.com/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/2/16/lifetravel/20307572&sec=lifetravel">"must-do" in Manila</A>. I took note of the recommendations in case in the future friends ask me again about Manila, although the first on his list "Baywalk" is history. Alternatively, I can propose these activities (thanks to high school classmate Ganei who until now has not lost his humor). When he sent this email, he was actually offering himself in jest to be a tour guide to some friends from the province. Suggested must: <LI>Slow drive along EDSA and Roxas Boulevard (because of t... http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Must_Do_In_Manila Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:31:56 -0000 Who Will Be 1st Asian Idol? The first <A href="http://www.theasianidol.tv/">Asian Idol</A> is happening this coming weekend in Jakarta, Indonesia. If the current internet voting translates into actual votes on that day itself, Philippines' Mau Marcelo is a sure winner garnering 50% of online voting as of now. However, only votes cast two hours after the show on Saturday night via texting will decide the winner. To make the voting fair so that those countries with large population will have no advantage, voters are required to vote two names from different countries.   <IMG class=alignmiddle src="http://images.freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/R13-HwoKCCcAADvVIOI1/Asian%20Idol.JPG?et=CaemOmJ8LWnsJxTzxKreHA&nmid=" border=0> Fellow Pinoys in Asia, don't forget to vote on Dec 15 Saturday night and watch the results show on Dec 16 Sunday night. Check out the website of <A href="http://www.theasianidol.tv/index.php">Asian Idol</A> for the time slot in your respective countries. http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/70/Who_Will_Be_1st_Asian_Idol Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:08:30 -0000 Alcazar "Aqua" Show - Show of the Third Kind Alcazar theater in Pattaya was crowded when we arrived, and tickets were selling like hotcakes. As we didn't have any reserved tickets, we have to get special chairs added on the theater aisles. That's how popular this place was. Why? It's what they call the "aqua" show (I'm not sure that's how it's spelled) which is very common tourist attraction in any city in Thailand. It's a cabaret show of transvestites. Some of them were really looking like ladies, real ladies. No one could not tell that they weren't before, by casual glance at http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/photos/album/42/Alcazar_Aqua_Show_-_Show_of_the_Third_Kind Mon, 3 Dec 2007 13:27:32 -0000 BREAKING NEWS: Coup in Manila? Heard Trillanes has taken over Manila Peninsula with Gen. Lim, is this true? I cannot go into the news websites in the Philippines? Anyone can update? http://freeradicalgreg.multiply.com/journal/item/68/BREAKING_NEWS_Coup_in_Manila Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:31:10 -0000