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Jul 26, 2012
Memories of 'Petrus' killings resurface after three decades
Memories of 'Petrus' killings resurface after three decades: Sumardi, 44, a Karawang resident says the days when Karawang villagers repeatedly found bodies from the penembakan misterius (mysterious shootings), or Petrus, in the area of Citarum River, Karawang, .....
Investors favour Indonesia over Asian rivals
Investors favour Indonesia over Asian rivals: Foreign direct investment, which is measured every three months, reached an all time high in the second quarter of this year as Indonesia becomes increasingly more attractive when compared to other em .....
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Cabinet revamp on
Cabinet revamp on: Manila, Philippines - A minor revamp is expected to take place in the official family of President Aquino effective August 1, after Secretary Julia Abad of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) leaves the government, sources revealed yesterday.
Kit Siang: National Day logo, theme a laughing stock
Kit Siang: National Day logo, theme a laughing stock: 
The new national day logo and theme will make Malaysia ‘laughing stock' among its people and around when the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations come, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang says.
The much-criticised ‘Janji ditepati' (Promises fulfilled) theme of the celebrations and the accompanying logo, the Ipoh Timor MP said, have become the most divisive slogan in the nation's history.
This was also a contradiction of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's ‘signature policy slogan' of 1Malaysia.
"It is sad and shocking that this year's National Day is no longer conceived as a national celebration as it has been hijacked by Umno and BN.
"They are blatantly using their own slogan, which will divide rather than unite Malaysians, and yet nobody in the cabinet or government sees that this is just wrong and anti-national," Lim said.
This was also the latest and most potent example of Najib's 1Malaysia slogan being undermined and violated, "a living example of ‘Janji Ditepikan' ( Promises sidelined), instead of ‘Janji Detepati'."
The much-criticised ‘Janji ditepati' (Promises fulfilled) theme of the celebrations and the accompanying logo, the Ipoh Timor MP said, have become the most divisive slogan in the nation's history.
This was also a contradiction of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's ‘signature policy slogan' of 1Malaysia."It is sad and shocking that this year's National Day is no longer conceived as a national celebration as it has been hijacked by Umno and BN.
"They are blatantly using their own slogan, which will divide rather than unite Malaysians, and yet nobody in the cabinet or government sees that this is just wrong and anti-national," Lim said.
This was also the latest and most potent example of Najib's 1Malaysia slogan being undermined and violated, "a living example of ‘Janji Ditepikan' ( Promises sidelined), instead of ‘Janji Detepati'."
'Summon emergency cabinet meeting'
Lim asked: "Is Najib so desperate about his electoral prospects and those of Umno and BN in the next general election that the 55th Merdeka Day and 49th Malaysia Day have to be hijacked to advance their interests by the elevation of their election campaign of ‘Janji Ditepati' as the official Malaysia Day theme?"
Najib, he advised, should quickly summon an emergency cabinet meeting to change the theme for the celebrations.
The prime minister last week launched a two-month-long ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang' campaign as part of the run-up to the coming National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, which have adopted the BN theme ‘Janji Ditepati'.
However, Pakatan Rakyat had criticised it as not inclusive, while former information minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir has accused BN of hijacking the celebrations.
Responding to the criticism, current Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim defended the move as normal practice in many other countries.
Lim asked: "Is Najib so desperate about his electoral prospects and those of Umno and BN in the next general election that the 55th Merdeka Day and 49th Malaysia Day have to be hijacked to advance their interests by the elevation of their election campaign of ‘Janji Ditepati' as the official Malaysia Day theme?"
Najib, he advised, should quickly summon an emergency cabinet meeting to change the theme for the celebrations.
The prime minister last week launched a two-month-long ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang' campaign as part of the run-up to the coming National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, which have adopted the BN theme ‘Janji Ditepati'.
However, Pakatan Rakyat had criticised it as not inclusive, while former information minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir has accused BN of hijacking the celebrations.
Responding to the criticism, current Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim defended the move as normal practice in many other countries.
When to Travel To Singapore
When to Travel To Singapore:
By: Cher Tan
The thrill to explore a new locale and to acquire a first-hand knowledge of the local culture is what makes travellers pack their bags and leave. Now considered to be a great tourist destination in the world, tourists from all corners of the world come to Singapore for a fun-filled vacation. Attracted by the bullish economy, business travellers from around the globe come to Singapore. The leisure travellers however come here to get a glimpse of the rich local culture and to imbibe the spirit of this city state. Beautiful throughout the year, when to visit Singapore therefore becomes just a matter of availability of time and budget.
Rain clouds over Singapore, By: Koshyk
Therefore, there is no “best time” to travel to Singapore, as heat and humidity combined with unpredictable rainfall throughout the year is what characterizes Singapore’s climate.
Chinese New Year by: Noorman Wijaksana
New Year’s Day kicks off with gala celebrations, and sees the city streets being decorated with colourful balloons, festoons, and lights. Celebrate with the locals as city streets turn into carnival venues. Another very important festival celebrated throughout Singapore is Chinese New Year, which occurs every year in the month of January. Other festivals like Good Friday, Hari Raya Haji, National Day, and Deepavali are ideal times to visit Singapore. Do take into account that hotels and flights to Singapore might be booked up in advance and/or higher rates apply.
By: Cher Tan
The thrill to explore a new locale and to acquire a first-hand knowledge of the local culture is what makes travellers pack their bags and leave. Now considered to be a great tourist destination in the world, tourists from all corners of the world come to Singapore for a fun-filled vacation. Attracted by the bullish economy, business travellers from around the globe come to Singapore. The leisure travellers however come here to get a glimpse of the rich local culture and to imbibe the spirit of this city state. Beautiful throughout the year, when to visit Singapore therefore becomes just a matter of availability of time and budget.
Rain clouds over Singapore, By: Koshyk
When to Travel to Singapore: Seasons & Weather
As Singapore is located a mere 1.5 degrees north of the Equator, the weather is usually sunny with no distinct seasons. Rain falls almost daily throughout the year, usually in sudden, heavy showers that rarely last longer than an hour. However, most rainfall occurs during the northeast monsoon (November to January), occasionally featuring lengthy spells of continuous rain. Temperatures average around 30°C in the daytime and 24°C at night in December and January, and around 32°C and 26°C for the rest of the year.Therefore, there is no “best time” to travel to Singapore, as heat and humidity combined with unpredictable rainfall throughout the year is what characterizes Singapore’s climate.
Chinese New Year by: Noorman Wijaksana
When to Travel to Singapore: Festivals & Celebrations
When to visit Singapore therefore does not rest much on the climate as it does on other factors like local festivals and sightseeing places. And, as the culture of Singapore is directly influenced by the multiculturalism that exists, it is therefore not at all surprising that festival times are the best times to visit Singapore.New Year’s Day kicks off with gala celebrations, and sees the city streets being decorated with colourful balloons, festoons, and lights. Celebrate with the locals as city streets turn into carnival venues. Another very important festival celebrated throughout Singapore is Chinese New Year, which occurs every year in the month of January. Other festivals like Good Friday, Hari Raya Haji, National Day, and Deepavali are ideal times to visit Singapore. Do take into account that hotels and flights to Singapore might be booked up in advance and/or higher rates apply.
Singapore Visa Regulations
Singapore Visa Regulations:
By: Cher Tan
The imposition of entry visas is part of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoint Authorities’ multi-pronged approach in ensuring that Singapore remains a safe and secure place for everyone. However, travel visa permits are not required by the citizens of several countries to visit Singapore as tourists. In this case, documents like passports, onward documents (onward/return tickets, entry permit, etc) to the next destination must be on the travellers. They should also have sufficient funds for their stay. For longer stay, permission of the immigration department is required.
Singapore Visa Stamps, By: Mroach
» United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Luxemburg, Japan, Republic of Ireland
» Countries that are members of the British Commonwealth (except India)
» Philippines (diplomatic, special or official passport holders)
» Liechtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland, Thailand (diplomatic or service passport holders)
» India (diplomatic or official passport holders)
Singapore Visa Regulations for others
For citizens of countries not listed above who require a visa, they are required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the stay in Singapore. The visa is issued for the period of 1 month. It can be extended in Singapore to 3 months via the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Visa approval can take anytime from 4 days to 4 weeks. Documents needed would entail a valid passport, 2 fully filled application forms, passport-size photos, proof of sufficient budget and journey details in Singapore.
By: Cher Tan
The imposition of entry visas is part of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoint Authorities’ multi-pronged approach in ensuring that Singapore remains a safe and secure place for everyone. However, travel visa permits are not required by the citizens of several countries to visit Singapore as tourists. In this case, documents like passports, onward documents (onward/return tickets, entry permit, etc) to the next destination must be on the travellers. They should also have sufficient funds for their stay. For longer stay, permission of the immigration department is required.
Singapore Visa Stamps, By: Mroach
Singapore Visa Regulations:
Citizens of the following nations do not need visas» United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Luxemburg, Japan, Republic of Ireland
» Countries that are members of the British Commonwealth (except India)
» Philippines (diplomatic, special or official passport holders)
» Liechtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland, Thailand (diplomatic or service passport holders)
» India (diplomatic or official passport holders)
Singapore Visa Regulations for others
For citizens of countries not listed above who require a visa, they are required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the stay in Singapore. The visa is issued for the period of 1 month. It can be extended in Singapore to 3 months via the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Visa approval can take anytime from 4 days to 4 weeks. Documents needed would entail a valid passport, 2 fully filled application forms, passport-size photos, proof of sufficient budget and journey details in Singapore.
Singapore Getting There and Away
Singapore Getting There and Away:
By: Cher Tan
Singapore Airlines, By: Simon ClancySingapore is one of Southeast Asia’s largest aviation hubs, so unless you’re coming from Peninsula Malaysia or Batam/Bintan in Indonesia, the easiest way to enter Singapore is by air. In addition to flag-carrier Singapore Airlines and its regional subsidiary Silkair, Singapore is also home to low-cost carriers AirAsia, Tiger Airways, Jetstar Airways and Scoot.
The Singapore Causeway, By: Jonathan Choe
A second crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, known as the Second Link, has been built between Tuas in western Singapore and Tanjung Kupang in the western part of Johor state. Much faster and less congested than the Causeway, it is used by some of the luxury bus services to Kuala Lumpur and is strongly recommended if you have your own car. Walking across is also not allowed, not that there would be any practical means to continue the journey from either end if you did.
By: Cher Tan
Getting to Singapore by Air
Singapore Airlines, By: Simon Clancy
Getting to Singapore by Land
If coming from/going to Peninsula Malaysia, Singapore is connected via two land crossings, one being the Causeway which is a very popular and thus terminally congested entry point connecting Woodlands in the north of Singapore directly into the heart of Johor Bahru. The Causeway can be crossed by bus, train, taxi or car, but it is no longer feasible to cross on foot after Malaysia shifted their customs and immigration complex 2 km inland.
The Singapore Causeway, By: Jonathan Choe
A second crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, known as the Second Link, has been built between Tuas in western Singapore and Tanjung Kupang in the western part of Johor state. Much faster and less congested than the Causeway, it is used by some of the luxury bus services to Kuala Lumpur and is strongly recommended if you have your own car. Walking across is also not allowed, not that there would be any practical means to continue the journey from either end if you did.
Getting to Singapore by Water
As Singapore is an island city, it is also accessible by boat. Ferries link Singapore with neighbouring Indonesia province of Riau Islands, and the Malaysian state of Johor. Singapore has four ferry terminals which handle international ferries: HarbourFront (formerly World Trade Centre) near the southern part of the Central Business District, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on the East Coast, as well as Changi Ferry Terminal and Changi Point Ferry Terminal, at the eastern extremity of the island.Getting Around in Singapore
Getting Around in Singapore:
By: Cher Tan
Getting around in Singapore is easy: the public transportation system is extremely easy to use and taxis are reasonably priced when you can get one. Very few visitors rent cars. Gothere.sg does a pretty good job of figuring out the fastest route by MRT and bus and even estimating taxi fares between any two points.
Singapore MRT map, By: Edward
Singapore trishaw, By: Chang R
By: Cher Tan
Getting around in Singapore is easy: the public transportation system is extremely easy to use and taxis are reasonably priced when you can get one. Very few visitors rent cars. Gothere.sg does a pretty good job of figuring out the fastest route by MRT and bus and even estimating taxi fares between any two points.
Getting around in Singapore by rail
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are trains that are the main trunk of Singapore’s transit system. They are a cheap and very reliable mode of transportation, and the network covers most points of interest for the visitor. All train lines use contactless RFID tickets (also known as EZ-Link cards). Single-trip tickets cost from $0.80 to $2 plus a $1 refundable deposit. All lines are seamlessly integrated, even if the lines are operated by different transport companies, so you do not need to buy a new ticket to transfer.
Singapore MRT map, By: Edward
Getting around in Singapore by bus
Buses connect various corners of Singapore, but are slower and harder to use than the MRT. Payment with EZ-Link card is thus the easiest method: tap your card against the reader at the front entrance of the bus when boarding, and a maximum fare is deducted from the card.
Singapore trishaw, By: Chang R
Getting around in Singapore by taxi
Taxicabs use meters and are reasonably priced and honest, however, a shortage of taxis in Singapore means that they are often unavailable for hours at a time. Taxis start from the flag-down fare of $3.00-$3.20.Getting around in Singapore by trishaw
Trishaws, three-wheeled bicycle taxis, haunt the area around the Singapore River and Chinatown. Geared purely for tourists, they should be avoided for serious travel as locals do not use them. There is little room for bargaining: short rides will cost $10-20 and an hour’s sightseeing charter about $50 per person.Getting around in Singapore on foot
Singapore is generally fairly pedestrian-friendly. Classic walks in Singapore include walking down the river from the Merlion through the Quays, trekking along the Southern Ridges Walk or just strolling around Chinatown, Little India, or Bugis.Singapore Language and Culture
Singapore Language and Culture:
By: Cher Tan
Multicultural Singapore, By: Robert. S. Digby
Malay may be enshrined in the national Constitution of Singapore as the ‘national’ language, but in practice the most common language is English, spoken by almost every Singaporean under the age of 50 with varying degrees of fluency. English is spoken much better here than in most Asian countries. English is also the medium of instruction in schools, except for mother tongue subjects (e.g. Malay, Mandarin and Tamil), which are also required to be learned in school by Singaporeans. In addition, all official signs and documents are written in English, usually using British spelling.
However, the distinctive local patois Singlish may be hard to understand at times, as it incorporates slang words and phrases from other languages, including various Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil as well as English words whose pronunciation or meaning have been corrupted.
Additionally, it has an odd way of structuring sentences, due to the original speakers being mostly Chinese. For foreigners it may be very hard to understand Singlish, especially when spoken fast. An example of Singlish and how to have fun with it is shown in this video:
Singapore’s other official languages are Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. Like English, the Mandarin spoken in Singapore has also evolved into a distinctive creole and often incorporates words from other Chinese dialects, Malay and English, though all Singaporean Chinese are taught standard Mandarin in school. Various Chinese dialects (mostly Hokkien, though significant numbers also speak Teochew and Cantonese) are also spoken between ethnic Chinese of the same dialect group, though their use has been declining in the younger generation since the 1980s due to government policies discouraging the use of dialects in favour of Mandarin. Other Indian languages, such as Punjabi among the Sikhs, are also spoken.
The Esplanade Theatre, By: Noorman Wijaksana
On the cultural side of things, Singapore has been trying to shake off its boring, buttoned-down reputation and attract more artists and performances, with mixed success. The star in Singapore’s cultural sky is the Esplanade theatre in Marina Bay, a world-class facility for performing arts and a frequent stage for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Pop culture options are more limited and Singapore’s home-grown arts scene remains rather moribund. On the upside, any bands and DJs touring Asia are pretty much guaranteed to perform in Singapore. Read our insider tips for some off the beaten track cultural hotspots in Singapore or our tips for the best up and coming Singapore bands.
Going to the movies is a popular Singaporean pastime, but look for “R21” ratings (21 and up only) if you like your movies with fewer cuts.
Shopping and eating are also popular Singaporean pastimes, and one can find no lack of the two options as malls and eating establishments are around every corner of the island, whether in the city or in the suburbs.
By: Cher Tan
Multicultural Singapore, By: Robert. S. Digby
Malay may be enshrined in the national Constitution of Singapore as the ‘national’ language, but in practice the most common language is English, spoken by almost every Singaporean under the age of 50 with varying degrees of fluency. English is spoken much better here than in most Asian countries. English is also the medium of instruction in schools, except for mother tongue subjects (e.g. Malay, Mandarin and Tamil), which are also required to be learned in school by Singaporeans. In addition, all official signs and documents are written in English, usually using British spelling.
However, the distinctive local patois Singlish may be hard to understand at times, as it incorporates slang words and phrases from other languages, including various Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil as well as English words whose pronunciation or meaning have been corrupted.
Additionally, it has an odd way of structuring sentences, due to the original speakers being mostly Chinese. For foreigners it may be very hard to understand Singlish, especially when spoken fast. An example of Singlish and how to have fun with it is shown in this video:
Singapore’s other official languages are Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. Like English, the Mandarin spoken in Singapore has also evolved into a distinctive creole and often incorporates words from other Chinese dialects, Malay and English, though all Singaporean Chinese are taught standard Mandarin in school. Various Chinese dialects (mostly Hokkien, though significant numbers also speak Teochew and Cantonese) are also spoken between ethnic Chinese of the same dialect group, though their use has been declining in the younger generation since the 1980s due to government policies discouraging the use of dialects in favour of Mandarin. Other Indian languages, such as Punjabi among the Sikhs, are also spoken.
The Esplanade Theatre, By: Noorman Wijaksana
On the cultural side of things, Singapore has been trying to shake off its boring, buttoned-down reputation and attract more artists and performances, with mixed success. The star in Singapore’s cultural sky is the Esplanade theatre in Marina Bay, a world-class facility for performing arts and a frequent stage for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Pop culture options are more limited and Singapore’s home-grown arts scene remains rather moribund. On the upside, any bands and DJs touring Asia are pretty much guaranteed to perform in Singapore. Read our insider tips for some off the beaten track cultural hotspots in Singapore or our tips for the best up and coming Singapore bands.
Going to the movies is a popular Singaporean pastime, but look for “R21” ratings (21 and up only) if you like your movies with fewer cuts.
Shopping and eating are also popular Singaporean pastimes, and one can find no lack of the two options as malls and eating establishments are around every corner of the island, whether in the city or in the suburbs.
Visiting Singapore: Costs
Visiting Singapore: Costs:
By: Cher Tan
Singapore, being the 6th most expensive country in the world in Mercer’s 50 World’s Most Expensive Cities index in 2012, is expensive by Asian standards but affordable compared with some industrialized countries: $50 is a perfectly serviceable daily backpacker budget if you are willing to cut some corners, though you would probably wish to double that for comfort.
Do as the Singaporeans do and eat at a hawkers centre, By: Gurmit Singh
Food in particular is a steal, with excellent hawker food available for under $5 for a generous serving. Transport is generally inexpensive, ranging from at least $1.40 for a bus or MRT ride or at most $50 for a cab ride from one end of the country to another. Accommodation is a little pricier, but a bed in a dormitory in a hostel can cost less than $20, an average 3-4 star hotel in the city centre would typically cost anywhere from $100-$300 per night for a basic room, and the most luxurious hotels on the island (except the renowned Raffles Hotel) can be yours for $300 with the right discounts during the off-peak season. Read our tips for the best budget beds in Singapore.
Budget travelers should note that Singapore is much more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia and should budget accordingly if planning to spend time in Singapore. In general, prices in Singapore are about twice as high as in Malaysia and Thailand and 3-5 times as high as in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Singapore dollars, By: Narin BI
The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar, locally referred to as the “Sing Dollar” which is made up of 100 cents. Singapore uses 5¢, 10¢, 50¢ and $1 coins, while notes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Singapore dollar is, not surprisingly, a highly stable and freely convertible currency.
If you plan on living in Singapore, our article on living costs in Singapore might be of use.
By: Cher Tan
Singapore, being the 6th most expensive country in the world in Mercer’s 50 World’s Most Expensive Cities index in 2012, is expensive by Asian standards but affordable compared with some industrialized countries: $50 is a perfectly serviceable daily backpacker budget if you are willing to cut some corners, though you would probably wish to double that for comfort.
Do as the Singaporeans do and eat at a hawkers centre, By: Gurmit Singh
Food in particular is a steal, with excellent hawker food available for under $5 for a generous serving. Transport is generally inexpensive, ranging from at least $1.40 for a bus or MRT ride or at most $50 for a cab ride from one end of the country to another. Accommodation is a little pricier, but a bed in a dormitory in a hostel can cost less than $20, an average 3-4 star hotel in the city centre would typically cost anywhere from $100-$300 per night for a basic room, and the most luxurious hotels on the island (except the renowned Raffles Hotel) can be yours for $300 with the right discounts during the off-peak season. Read our tips for the best budget beds in Singapore.
Budget travelers should note that Singapore is much more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia and should budget accordingly if planning to spend time in Singapore. In general, prices in Singapore are about twice as high as in Malaysia and Thailand and 3-5 times as high as in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Singapore dollars, By: Narin BI
The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar, locally referred to as the “Sing Dollar” which is made up of 100 cents. Singapore uses 5¢, 10¢, 50¢ and $1 coins, while notes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Singapore dollar is, not surprisingly, a highly stable and freely convertible currency.
If you plan on living in Singapore, our article on living costs in Singapore might be of use.
Do’s and Don’ts when in the Philippines!
Do’s and Don’ts when in the Philippines!:
By: Joan Mae Soco-Bantayan
As in any country, there are unwritten rules and customs that you have to go with when you are in the Republic of the Philippines. Below are a few do’s and don’ts that will help you to have great fun during your stay in the archipelago.
Do ride a Jeepney when in the Philippines, By: Leo Seta
1. Do follow designated pedestrian crossing and jeepney stops ( a jeepney is the most popular mode of transportation in the country and looks like the longer version of a jeep). There may be a lot of locals who dare violate those traffic and pedestrian rules but it will help you stay out of hassle if you abide by these rules.
2. Do tour around the place local style. Riding a jeepney or a bus will give you a more personal experience with regard to the place. As of press time, jeepney fare is at Php8. 00 (US$.19). You can also opt to ride in a taxi, the plug down rate is at Php40. 00 (US$.45), fare rate is subject to change at times, however. Transportation means are available almost all day, so one can while away time and choose to go around the place on one’s most preferred time.
3. Do eat the exotic foods sold in almost every corner of the place. The Philippines wouldn’t have earned its slot as one of the countries in Asia with the best street foods for nothing. So loosen up, try the kwek-kwek (hard-boiled egg wrapped with a crispy, orange coating) and other exotic foods that are readily available. The price won’t rip your pocket, and the Filipinos are particular with food preparation, so there is nothing much to worry about.
Do try Kwek kwek, By: Pam Junsay
4. Do grab the microphone when it’s your turn to sing during a videoke party. Filipinos love to sing, and parties are no party without a videoke. Go with the flow and before you know it you’re singing your heart out without any inhibitions. This will not only give you good time, this will also help you to get to know better the jovial culture of the Filipino people.
5. Do tag along with Filipino friends, their hospitality are real and they are willing to extend help when you need them. They will also walk you through the dos and don’ts that will help you get by happily in the country.
Don’ts when in the Philippines
1. Don’t bring large amount of cash or wear expensive pieces of jewelry when commuting. This will keep you from being easy prey of cons that are out to deceive and victimize foreigners and locals alike.
2. Don’t refuse a meal that is being offered by your host during a home visit. Filipinos believe that it’s unlucky to turn away guests, which is why they see to it that guests feel comfortable and happy when visiting their homes. Most of the time, they will offer sweets, bread, or rice cakes that are easy on your palette so you don’t really have to worry about not liking their food.
Do check out the rural beauty of the Philippines, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, By: Jon Rawlinson
3. Don’t miss out on the rural areas. The Philippines is known for its lush biodiversity, so be sure to book countryside travels that’s sure to catch you on different “aha!” moments.
Don't skip on the fantastic beaches, such as Boracay, By: Roger Alcantara
4. Don’t skip on the beaches either! The beaches in the Philippines are rather underrated but truly breathtaking. In some areas, the resorts are underdeveloped which means that you can go on basking in its turquoise sea without the overrated infrastructures that otherwise destroy your awesome beach experience.
5. Don’t forget to travel light… at the same time; don’t forget to pack some party clothes. Filipinos are also night-out lovers and you will have the days of your life if you hit the road by the day and party hard by night.
By: Joan Mae Soco-Bantayan
As in any country, there are unwritten rules and customs that you have to go with when you are in the Republic of the Philippines. Below are a few do’s and don’ts that will help you to have great fun during your stay in the archipelago.
Do’s when in the Philippines:
Do ride a Jeepney when in the Philippines, By: Leo Seta
1. Do follow designated pedestrian crossing and jeepney stops ( a jeepney is the most popular mode of transportation in the country and looks like the longer version of a jeep). There may be a lot of locals who dare violate those traffic and pedestrian rules but it will help you stay out of hassle if you abide by these rules.
2. Do tour around the place local style. Riding a jeepney or a bus will give you a more personal experience with regard to the place. As of press time, jeepney fare is at Php8. 00 (US$.19). You can also opt to ride in a taxi, the plug down rate is at Php40. 00 (US$.45), fare rate is subject to change at times, however. Transportation means are available almost all day, so one can while away time and choose to go around the place on one’s most preferred time.
3. Do eat the exotic foods sold in almost every corner of the place. The Philippines wouldn’t have earned its slot as one of the countries in Asia with the best street foods for nothing. So loosen up, try the kwek-kwek (hard-boiled egg wrapped with a crispy, orange coating) and other exotic foods that are readily available. The price won’t rip your pocket, and the Filipinos are particular with food preparation, so there is nothing much to worry about.
Do try Kwek kwek, By: Pam Junsay
4. Do grab the microphone when it’s your turn to sing during a videoke party. Filipinos love to sing, and parties are no party without a videoke. Go with the flow and before you know it you’re singing your heart out without any inhibitions. This will not only give you good time, this will also help you to get to know better the jovial culture of the Filipino people.
5. Do tag along with Filipino friends, their hospitality are real and they are willing to extend help when you need them. They will also walk you through the dos and don’ts that will help you get by happily in the country.
Don’ts when in the Philippines
1. Don’t bring large amount of cash or wear expensive pieces of jewelry when commuting. This will keep you from being easy prey of cons that are out to deceive and victimize foreigners and locals alike.2. Don’t refuse a meal that is being offered by your host during a home visit. Filipinos believe that it’s unlucky to turn away guests, which is why they see to it that guests feel comfortable and happy when visiting their homes. Most of the time, they will offer sweets, bread, or rice cakes that are easy on your palette so you don’t really have to worry about not liking their food.
Do check out the rural beauty of the Philippines, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, By: Jon Rawlinson
3. Don’t miss out on the rural areas. The Philippines is known for its lush biodiversity, so be sure to book countryside travels that’s sure to catch you on different “aha!” moments.
Don't skip on the fantastic beaches, such as Boracay, By: Roger Alcantara
4. Don’t skip on the beaches either! The beaches in the Philippines are rather underrated but truly breathtaking. In some areas, the resorts are underdeveloped which means that you can go on basking in its turquoise sea without the overrated infrastructures that otherwise destroy your awesome beach experience.
5. Don’t forget to travel light… at the same time; don’t forget to pack some party clothes. Filipinos are also night-out lovers and you will have the days of your life if you hit the road by the day and party hard by night.
Indonesia Suspends Soybean-Import Tax as Tofu-Makers Strike - Businessweek
Indonesia Suspends Soybean-Import Tax as Tofu-Makers Strike - Businessweek:
 Jakarta Globe | Indonesia Suspends Soybean-Import Tax as Tofu-Makers Strike Businessweek Indonesia's decision, and the strike by local food-makers who'd demanded the levy be dropped, reflect the impact in Asia of the worst U.S. drought in more than 50 years, which has pushed soybeans and corn to all-time highs. South Korea's government ... Indonesia Eliminates Soybean Import Tax Following Tempe, Tofu OutcryJakarta Globe Indonesia Scraps Soybean Import TaxTempo Interaktif Govt scraps import duties on soybeans to stabilize soaring pricesJakarta Post Straits Times -MSN Malaysia News all 30 news articles » |
Indonesia rescues 60 migrants in troubled boat - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Indonesia rescues 60 migrants in troubled boat - Atlanta Journal Constitution:
 The West Australian | Indonesia rescues 60 migrants in troubled boat Atlanta Journal Constitution Print · E-mail. The Associated Press. SURABAYA, Indonesia — Rescue officials say they have rescued 60 asylum seekers in a troubled boat adrift in heavy seas off of Indonesia's main island of Java. Australia-bound migrants land on Indonesian islandThe West Australian Asylum seeker boat adrift in Indonesian watersRadio Australia all 137 news articles » |
Malaysia's AirAsia to buy Indonesia's Batavia Air - Reuters
Malaysia's AirAsia to buy Indonesia's Batavia Air - Reuters:
 AFP | Malaysia's AirAsia to buy Indonesia's Batavia Air Reuters Acquisition is first major airline buy for AirAsia. * AirAsia to pay $80 mln in cash for 100 pct stake. * CEO Fernandes says deal meant to take on Lion Air (Adds deal value, quotes). By Andjarsari Paramaditha and Janeman Latul. JAKARTA, July 26 ... Malaysia's AirAsia to buy Indonesia low-cost carrier Batavia AirUSA TODAY (blog) AirAsia Pushes GrowthWall Street Journal Malaysia's AirAsia, Fersindo to Buy Indonesia's Batavia AirFox Business AFP all 76 news articles » |
Philippine army clashes with rebels
Philippine army clashes with rebels: Twelve people die as troops attack an encampment of Abu Sayyaf fighters on Basilan Island.
Web giants to form powerful lobby in US
Web giants to form powerful lobby in US: Google, Facebook and Amazon will join forces to form trade association that will handle political and regulatory issues.
20 NK defectors arrested in Laos, face risk of deportation - 동아일보
20 NK defectors arrested in Laos, face risk of deportation - 동아일보:
20 NK defectors arrested in Laos, face risk of deportation 동아일보 More than 20 North Korean defectors were arrested by border guards in the northwestern region of Laos last week, and face the risk of repatriation to China, Radio Free Asia reported Tuesday. Kim Hee-tae, chairman of North Korean Human Rights Missionary ... |
EU to fund climate change adaption efforts in Laos : Lao Voices
EU to fund climate change adaption efforts in Laos : Lao Voices: The European Union has made 5 million euros available to finance climate change projects initiated by civil society organisations, public sector operators, local authorities and international organisations with expertise in the ...
Vietnamese military press delegation visits Laos — TalkVietnam
Vietnamese military press delegation visits Laos — TalkVietnam: PANO – A delegation from press agencies of the Vietnam People's Army, led by Major-General Le Phuc Nguyen, Editor-in-Chief of the People's Army Newspaper,...
Super fast fiber for Kansas City
Super fast fiber for Kansas City: Our goal is to build products that will help improve our users’ lives. And when it comes to Internet access, it's clear what provides a better user experience:
When we asked people what they value in their Internet service, the majority of them simply said, “choice.” So we listened. Kansas Citians will choose where we install and when. We’ve divided Kansas City into small communities we call “fiberhoods.” To get service, each fiberhood needs a critical mass of their residents to pre-register. The fiberhoods with the highest pre-registration percentage will get Google Fiber first. Households in Kansas City can pre-register for the next six weeks, and they can rally their neighbors to pre-register, too. Once the pre-registration period is over, residents of the qualified fiberhoods will be able to choose between three different packages (including TV).
It’s easy to forget how revolutionary high-speed Internet access was in the 1990s. Not only did broadband kill the screeching sound of dial-up, it also spurred innovation, helping to create amazing new services as well as new job opportunities for many thousands of Americans. But today the Internet is not as fast as it should be. While high speed technology exists, the average Internet speed in the U.S. is still only 5.8 megabits per second (Mbps)—slightly faster than the maximum speed available 16 years ago when residential broadband was first introduced. Access speeds have simply not kept pace with the phenomenal increases in computing power and storage capacity that’s spurred innovation over the last decade, and that’s a challenge we’re excited to work on.
To find out more about the different service packages and the pre-registration process see our Google Fiber Blog, which we’ll regularly update with new information over the coming weeks. This is an exciting new project for Google and we can’t wait to get homes connected to Google Fiber in Kansas City—because we’re pretty certain that what people do with a gig will be awesome.
Posted by Milo Medin, Vice President, Access Services
(Cross-posted from the Google Fiber Blog)
- Fast is better than slow. On the web, nobody wants to wait for a video to buffer or a website to load.
- Abundance is better than scarcity. There’s a plethora of rich content available online—and it’s increasingly only available to people who have the speeds and means to access it.
- Choice is better than no choice. Competition and choice help make products better for users.
When we asked people what they value in their Internet service, the majority of them simply said, “choice.” So we listened. Kansas Citians will choose where we install and when. We’ve divided Kansas City into small communities we call “fiberhoods.” To get service, each fiberhood needs a critical mass of their residents to pre-register. The fiberhoods with the highest pre-registration percentage will get Google Fiber first. Households in Kansas City can pre-register for the next six weeks, and they can rally their neighbors to pre-register, too. Once the pre-registration period is over, residents of the qualified fiberhoods will be able to choose between three different packages (including TV).
It’s easy to forget how revolutionary high-speed Internet access was in the 1990s. Not only did broadband kill the screeching sound of dial-up, it also spurred innovation, helping to create amazing new services as well as new job opportunities for many thousands of Americans. But today the Internet is not as fast as it should be. While high speed technology exists, the average Internet speed in the U.S. is still only 5.8 megabits per second (Mbps)—slightly faster than the maximum speed available 16 years ago when residential broadband was first introduced. Access speeds have simply not kept pace with the phenomenal increases in computing power and storage capacity that’s spurred innovation over the last decade, and that’s a challenge we’re excited to work on.
To find out more about the different service packages and the pre-registration process see our Google Fiber Blog, which we’ll regularly update with new information over the coming weeks. This is an exciting new project for Google and we can’t wait to get homes connected to Google Fiber in Kansas City—because we’re pretty certain that what people do with a gig will be awesome.
Posted by Milo Medin, Vice President, Access Services
(Cross-posted from the Google Fiber Blog)
New Tool Connects Facebook Friends With Political Campaigns
New Tool Connects Facebook Friends With Political Campaigns:
Starting immediately, Democratic and progressive campaigns will be able to tap into the power of Facebook to take political organizing into the social realm.
Democratic campaigns have long had access to the Voter Activation Network (VAN), a digital database of voter information that helps campaigns stay organized. The VAN includes a wealth of data about individuals in a given area, including their voting history, interactions with a particular campaign, phone number and mailing address.
Now, volunteers and staff working for a particular campaign will now be able to match their Facebook friends to individuals already included in the VAN with a new tool called "Social Organizing." O…
Continue reading...
More About: Facebook, Politics, Social Media, US
Starting immediately, Democratic and progressive campaigns will be able to tap into the power of Facebook to take political organizing into the social realm.Democratic campaigns have long had access to the Voter Activation Network (VAN), a digital database of voter information that helps campaigns stay organized. The VAN includes a wealth of data about individuals in a given area, including their voting history, interactions with a particular campaign, phone number and mailing address.
Now, volunteers and staff working for a particular campaign will now be able to match their Facebook friends to individuals already included in the VAN with a new tool called "Social Organizing." O…
Continue reading...
More About: Facebook, Politics, Social Media, US
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