New Home...

I just want to let you, my dear readers know that I have moved my blog (again!)... to it's new home

http://doing-d-writing.blogspot.com

See you there!!

Dubai Metro opens on 09.09.09 at 9PM in 9 stations

Are you ready?

It was just a dream before… however through the persistence of one man, the dream became a reality.

Today is a remarkable day for the Emiratis and for Sheikh Mohammad, a well-deserved pat on the back, as the Dubai Metro opens its doors.

Image by DubaiFM via Flickr

Dubai, being the tourism and business hub of the UAE, was becoming too congested and thus the plan of having a metro rail system.

This idea caused a stir. Others welcomed the metro because most of the time, they get stuck in traffic after spending most of their day in the office. Others say, this will just remain as a dream.

Construction started in January 2005. The contractors involved in building the metro need not only think of completing the project on time but also the traffic management in the whole of Dubai. They had to make sure that the motorists are given alternate routes so that there will not be a bumper-to-bumper traffic taking place.

Managers, engineers and labourers work day and night. I remember seeing people still working whenever I pass by Burjuman Area (or what is known as the Khalid Bin Waleed Station).

It was then announced that the metro will open on 09.09.09. Others laughed it off and concluded that it will not open on that day – well, Road & Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai government used this as a motivation to complete it!

The stations were like caterpillars turning into butterflies! A complete transformation!

Ongoing construction of the metro station

Almost complete!

Check out this link that shows the metro's destinations!

The metro will be operating in five zones. The initial fare (3 kms) is Dhs. 2.50. This is equivalent to the bus fare which is also being operated by the RTA. The next rate is for Dhs. 4.50 if you are crossing two zones and Dhs. 6.50 if you are crossing more than two zones.

Aside from being ‘just a station’, it will also have food and shop establishments that will suit the needs of its everyday commuters.

This is just the beginning for the Dubai Metro. There will be more to come!

(images courtesy of constructionweekonline.com)

Stumbled Upon...

Imagine having this office cubicle for your new job or let's say there was a total re-hash of the company's open office policy... would you consider this?

Now that telecommuting is becoming a trend in most offices (so that people save on gas and electricity since you are doing your work at home) this will definitely be an ideal workplace.

What do you think?

*Images taken from Arabianbusinessnews.com

Introducing Google.com.ph!!!

June 12

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day.

And I guess Google wanted to celebrate with us by launching

google.com.ph

Now isn't that great?

Happy Independence Day!!

Do You Have a Hidden (Hayden) Video?

Philippine showbiz is one colorful coloring book. There will never be a 'black & white' situation, there is always a splash of color. It could be green for envy or money, yellow for 'good news', red for love and more.

Recently, both the Philippine showbiz and politics were rattled by a 'leakage'. This 'leak' was not really that of interest to anybody until the video was released via the internet.

If you are a Filipino or you know a Filipino, the name 'Hayden' will ring a bell. After mentioning his name, you will either snicker, think of an appropriate adjective to describe him or maybe well, the most common reaction, laugh.

The distribution of this video can be compared to the forestfires experienced by the Americans. People downloaded, uploaded and shared these videos now known as 'The Hayden Kho Video Scandal'. There was no intention to make the videos public. According to Hayden in the Senate enquiry, it was just for him, his own private collection.

The bravest of them all
The girls in the video were made known to the public and only one of them emerged and said 'Foul' - Katrina Halili.

Katrina and Hayden had a relationship two years ago and the so-called sex videos were taken during that time. Four videos in total.

Katrina admitted that in those three videos, she was aware that Hayden was filming their intimate moment. However for the fourth one, she did not have a clue that they were being filmed.

Concerned Politicians
Senator Bong Revilla Jr. described Hayden as a pervert. After Senator Revilla Jr., the other senators took the lead and called Hayden many names.

Due to this, a Senate enquiry had to happen to resolve this issue. The first enquiry was held wherein every Filipino who knew about the issue, watched how Afuang poured water on Hayden Kho... how Katrina glared at Hayden... how Hayden explained his sexual disorder.

What's Next?
I do not know why but I feel sorry for Hayden.

I do not understand why this issue has to be publicised. Everyone agreed that it is a sensitive matter and it being one, why are they allowing Katrina and Hayden discuss in detail what has happen in national TV?

Aren't the videos enough proof that women's rights were violated? That the whole incident is very sensitive and should be discussed behind close doors?

Many can argue about openness and transparency but I guess this particular case is an exception.

I do not feel any anger towards him because of what he has done but I do think he is one disturbed individual and I feel sorry for him.

The Best Job in the World!!

A lot of people received an email about the 'Best Job in The World'.

Some thought it was a spam and immediately deleted it from their inbox, some thought about it then said 'Nah, not for me' while others took it seriously and applied for the job.

I was one of those people who thought about it and said 'Nah, not for me'.

Who would not want to stay and live happily in paradise? Not alone, of course :)

However, Ben Southall (from Britain) was declared the winner of the 'Best Job In The World' competition on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands on May 6, 2009.

Congratulations Ben! Enjoy the island!

*Photo from Arabianbusiness.com*

Another Bright Idea!

Summer is fast approaching and people here in Dubai are now wondering how to beat the heat. I would say from the five years I have been here, people frequent the malls a lot... I think this is for them to save money while doing some of their errands - like window shopping, dinner with the family, etc.

To help out in getting to the mall, most of the people use public transportation.

Why?

There is no hassle of going round and round the parking lot and well, not a lot of people have their own means of transportation (unless of course you have friends who are also going to the same direction).

Now, this routine might change.

In a news report from Arabianbusiness.com (this is really my favorite news website), there will be an increase on the taxi's flag down rate. From AED4, it will now be AED 10! What a jump I should say!!

Imagine.... your journey starts at AED10 and every 5km (I think) another .50 fils is being added up. Cannot believe it.

True, riding in a taxi is definitely better because you don't have to go through a lot of stops and the convenience it brings (especially if you shop for groceries, etc).

There will be mixed reactions when this gets implemented.

I, for one, would think twice. I would probably ride a taxi if a) I'm in a hurry and b) if it's an emergency.

I just feel bad about this. At this time when people are really scrimping their money because of the financial crisis, we now hear news about the government wanting more from its consumers.

I wonder what's next?