Long Weekend
Monday is almost upon us and the long weekend is coming to a close. Rain also came for an hour or two, just enough to cool things around. I’m looking forward to a full week of work and learning. We spent the later part of the day at the Expo and it sure had a lot in-store for us. First was the gamers event with a little tech show. The Blizzard section was huge and people got to play with the highly anticipated Starcraft 2.China is threading a thin line of neutrality, but has emphasized that peace in the Korea’s must be maintained, in which I would agree with. China seems to be handling this whole affair well, showing their political and global affairs maturity and class. I hope peace will remain and war will always be the last resort.
AIG and Prudential are still in talks with Prudential seemingly trying to lower the offer price ahead of shareholders meeting next week. AIG did say that they are not in a hurry and that the new offer is too low, signifying that AIA is too valuable, which I also agree with. This is the next frontier for the economic world, Asia will is the third epicenter in the economic sphere of influence and the next big market. I am keenly watching progress for this as I am looking at investing in either or both of AIA and Prudentials offerings here in SG and in the PH.
Our friend Vanessa Urbano just posted that she achieved first place in yesterdays Adidas Sundown Marathon, I’m not yet sure what here category and time is but it trully is a feat worth congratulating. Jeff and I are very psyched for our 10k Singapore Marathon this December. I’m still building up mileage, I’m around 22k right now.
PAGASA has reported the rainy season has now arrived and people should prepare for La Nina! I hope everyone is ready, especially the Local Government Units(LGU). I just read that a creek in Mabolo has narrowed due to informal settlers increasing and expanding, one even made his house in the middle, and this is just one of the many creeks and rivers in Cebu. Political will is needed in this situation. Politicians might be afraid of the vote repercussions or bad publicity, but a civil servant should look at what is good for the entire population. If obstructions are not removed, flooding will occur. I think this is the root of the governance problem in the Philippines, because of near-sightedness and political cowardice, nothing gets done, maintain status is the norm and as quite as possible is the aim. I am very hopefull for future Philippine civil servants with courage, vigor and focus to do what is necessary to improve and maintain a level of civility and life satisfaction acceptable by current and future standards.
Our flatmate Mike and Mic just bought new beds from Ikea and they are great, I’d like to say what an enjoyable experience it is to be at Ikea, imaginations round wild with all the options and possibilites. The swedish meatballs and chicken wings are a must from the food side. What’s great is that Ikea Alexandra is also across Anchorpoint, the outlet stores mall and add to that, there is free weekend bus service from our place to Ikea. Such a treat in deed. Although the Alexandra store is I think just half of the Tampines store, it still has the same items albeit at a smaller place but the location being nearer to the City and our place more than makes up for it.