Some reported a 4-hr waiting in line experience while others made it in two. Compared to the past polls, Barangay 183 never had problems like these. The precincts are all clear by noon and late comers are just breezing in to cast their vote.

There were only two (2) PCOS machine made available to the almost 2,000 registered voters which included seven (7) voting precincts being merged into two clusters resulting in a seemingly endless waiting time.

The insufficient number of machines made it even more difficult when one of them started to show some technical malady. COMELEC representatives should have taken some contingency measures to resolve this kind of problem but it seems even these people were poorly trained to face such issues and left the people to suffer the consequences.

The lack of system in maintaining an orderly procedure to make it easier for everyone to have their chance to vote made it worse. Stemming in chaos and very unsatisfied people. Some just went home and didn’t bother to cast their vote; a terrible loss that could have been a productive one.

I arrived at this barangay at my usual schedule expecting to make it before the polling closes, only to find out I’ll be waiting for two hours under the rain. I made it out of the precinct by 9pm – two hours after the official voting schedule closed and still saw a lot of people waiting in line.

I do not wish to point my finger only to the ones who should be responsible in making this election hassle free for everyone should still be accounted for. All I want to convey is that we should learn from these mistakes to avoid recurrence in the foreseeable future.

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This was the second time our country makes use of the controversial PCOS machines which promised easier and faster electoral process for every Juan.

Despite our aims of streamlining the tedious casting of votes done through the primitive manual pen and paper, it seems we are still missing several points to be able to experience a hassle free voting experience.

Unfortunately it took me almost an hour or two to finally exercise my right to suffrage. Long lines, bogged down machines and the lack of systematic approach to hasten the work tops the list of woes of our registered voters.

Thus we cant avoid comparing the speedy workflow from the past manual system making it still the mode of choice.
It looks like the Comelec OICs in my voting precinct underestimated the number of the voting populace and opted for fewer PCOS machines to do the work. Contingency measures were not considered coupled with poor system handling for possible problems were taken for granted.

If I may say, the machines were not to be blamed for this possible failure in elections. Still man is responsible in taking control of these machines. These machines can only do what they were made to and with our complex minds be able to make better use it. Yet the inert stubborness of Filipinos in not following rules or procedures further complicates the situation. No matter what type of voting system we implement if we do not aim to keep ourselves in order, we won’t get a clean if not easy election.

I hope next time everyone will do heir part in making a better polling experience for our countrymen.

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But aside from looking at pictures and understanding the contents of these images, it can also keep us busy for hours in a fun-filled guessing game that many of us are getting hooked up with.

A game that started with Apple Inc devices, popularly known as What’s in a Word, gave birth to several more apps that are now available for different devices and has conquered the social media channel.

But what makes this guessing game captivating despite its simple construct?

Part of man’s natural instinct is to search for knowledge and to enhance that information. Other than reading books and listening to lectures or attending seminars, playing brain exercising games is a fun way to keep our minds in tiptop shape.

If we look at 4 Pics 1 Word (and all other similar apps) it basically is a typical puzzle game. But what makes it different is its employment of visual aid. There are four specific images that will serve as your guide or clue. Some of them can be a direct answer while some were just there as a distraction. To top it all, you are to select the right letters to fit the given spaces and finally solve the right word.

Playing this game is not only fun but a good way to bond with friends and family. It entices creative thinking, establishes focus and builds our word database.

If you’re not yet into this game, better start now and give your brain some good workout. But be warned, this game is very addicting!

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This will be my first time to vote using a PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machine after failing to cast my vote last time because of technical issues with the previous elections. I hope this time everything will be in their proper order.

As a registered voter, it is my responsibility to get to know the candidates so I can make that one vote count this coming midterm elections -  a decision that is well thought of and carefully selected before putting a mark on the ballot.

With the great number of nominees running for various government posts, it is surely hard for us to choose who are fit to be our public servant. Though sometimes I believe some of these traditional politicians are less than what they boastfully mention during these campaigns. It seems to me that their accomplishments are exaggerated.

Truly, the burgeoning procedure of analysis of each of these personal profiles will be less encouraging for the likes of me. But thinking well enough of the future of our homeland, making a choice is important than not making at all. We need our votes to be well thought of this time so that we wouldn’t have regrets.

I do wish that not only am I  the only one who is being careful in making a choice. I hope my fellowmen will do the same and not be blinded by money or power in exchange for their votes. And to our candidates, please, let’s make this upcoming elections clean!

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Iron Man has always been on the top spot among superhero movies in the 21st century (in my own opinion) as its protagonist Tony Stark kept everyone in awe with the development of his modern combat suit from the first movie in 2008 which is exceptionally played by Robert Downey Jr. Even so the enhancement and introduction of yet a better Iron Man suit plus the inclusion of War Machine with their badass battle against Whiplash on the last portion of the Iron Man 2 Movie where Tony displays his one gonner laser to bring down a mob of remote controlled droids has made more fans (which includes my kids).

Both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 had great plots which will keep every movie goer at the edge of their seats and even wanting for more. The participation of Stark in The Avengers has even made Iron Man more engaging beyond the character’s bigheadedness and extreme narcissism.

I find Iron Man 3 a little too fast in delivering the story-line and somewhat lacks that wow factor compared to its predecessors. There were some surprising scenes and unexpected twists though not as explosive to cover the speedy flow of the film. Its just like watching your favorite soap in the big screen.

Despite the lack luster of Iron Man 3, I would still give credit to the film makers for the insane rescue stunt with the crew of air force one and yet another advancement to the Iron man suit interface (I preferably call it remote desktop connection) not to mention the emergence of the Iron Legion. By the way, Pepper Pots is way too hot in this movie! Hoping for an enthralling storyline in the next one that is if there’s a next one.

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Truly food is one of the greatest benefactor among us Pinoys that not only fuels our body from day to day hardwork but also motivates and comforts our weary body and minds from the stressfull work environment.

The rise of buffet style dining has received a very warm welcome from Filipinos of all ages. Buffets as we all know will try to satisfy our cravings for almost any genre of international and even local cooking. Ranging from starters to main courses to side dishes and the heavenly desserts.

Dining style or strategies were even so formulated that one can have a taste of what is set on the tables and just finding themselves all filled up with no room for more. Avoiding rice, taking a few bits and pieces of each dish or resting in between are the common strategy to enjoy more of the sumptuous food. These are not tips but are just ways to make the most out of your buffet experience.

The sudden budding of buffet style restos may have been an outcome of the over abundance of local culinary work force. Making it easier for these dining establishments to come up with their own and battle with the veteran or outwit the splendored ones. Though the all-you-can-eat method has been utilized by many famous restaurants in the country, it has proven a good strategy in gaining more customers and alternatives for groups to enjoy a feast without the need of splurging so much on the menu.

The smorgasbord style will always be a hit for the Pinoy taste. The ambiance, pricing, customer service and accessibility will determine how one will fare in the on-going battle of culinary expertise.

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I consider myself one of the game nerds, consistently following every NFS franchise to date. I even have my copy of the first “Most Wanted” installment. I also haven’t conquered the top most slot in the game’s Most Wanted (MW) list yet. Aside from the MW series, Hot Pursuit and The Run have kept me wanting more of the NFS driving challenges which you can’t pull off in the real world.

Sadly, the 2012 version of MW has disappointing performance issues for most of us who got hold of the game.

Cars are hardly controllable not to mention that some video graphics issues are terribly annoying even though you have topnotch graphics hardware.

I was planning to upgrade my meager video card just to make sure I can play this game but after coming across several online discussion boards, I found a lot of problems in terms of game performance. That in turn has made me decide to keep my funds at bay for better upcoming purchases.

While the game developers are working diligently to find a way to fix this game (which is by the way seems taking way too long), I think it’s better off for me to finish with what I’ve started on the classic MW franchise and just leave the enjoyment of this new time consumer to the hands of my kids.

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Several times was his show reprimanded by the MTRCB due to complains from its televiewers for indecency among its staff. The dancers skimpy outfits would call more attention for people not to switch channels but then Wowowillie is a noon time show and not a variety floor show.

I dont know why MTRCB has granted “Wowowillie” the authority to broadcast despite violations recurred in the past. Furthermore, the unique liberality of their show is not something to be aired and rated for General Patronage even so under Parental Guidance. Wowowillie’s format assumes a late night schedule so that mature viewers can watch and in turn minimize the instances of Mr. Revillame’s show being held up.

I think it is better if they are given a slot later in the evening so that they can do whatever they want without causing so much trouble. Otherwise, they should come up with a better format with the likes of Eat Bulaga, and Showtime. All clean entertainment for all the family members to enjoy. I’m sure showing flesh is not the only way to gain attention in national TV.

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Up until now, leads to the bombing incident hasn’t been cleared. The reason behind this another “terror-attack” in American soil is creating fear even on other parts of the globe. For Pinoys, run events are currently the “in” thing as more are enjoy being part of the similar kind of gig. But bombs exploding on places like this is a horrifying scene for all runners and marathon lovers.

The photos that were posted at several websites relating to the Boston bombing are grotesque and grisly. There’s a lot of blood everywhere. Even an actual footage of the bomb exploding on the course of the marathon will send chills up your spine when you happen to see the video.

It is so sad to hear that one of the casualties in the bombing incident is an 8-year old boy. Moreover, some of the injured people will likely have their limbs amputated because of the tremendous damage incurred by this staggering blast.

Here are some details regarding the Boston Marathon Bombing incident:

• Two bombs were set 50-100 meters apart
• One of the bombs set-off near the finish line
• There were five more undetonated bombs found
• The explosion killed 3 people and injured more than a 100
• The state of Massachusetts is celebrating Patriot’s Day when this unfortunate event happened
• 17,584 out of 23,326 runners made it to the finish line before the explosion

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Though I wasn’t as excited to get a local distributed gadget, I gave it a shot to have one. It was so difficult choosing between OEM rebranded phones in the market today since everyone else are using the same specifications. The price and the freebies are the deciding factor for most buyers.

As for me, I relocated the price and the freebies at the bottom of my list and instead yearned for some other factors that will help me decide which one to buy. First of is the after sales service. How fast will these companies look after their client’s needs? I looked for the assurance that their support will be as top-notch as the other famous brands in the market. Then comes the first-hand experience from other users. What features will convince other people to buy the same device from this particular brand? Will this device meet my needs?

It took me a week to gather information and decide which local brand I will be putting my money on. I looked around the mall to check on prices and freebies (if they have one). I even did a hands-on feel of the device so I can check if I can handle the weight and the size of my chosen droid phone.

Before handing in my cash, I came up with my top three brands and models to choose from: MyPhone’s A898 Duo, Cherry Mobile’s Titan and MyPhone’s A919 Duo. All of them have big screens ranging from 4.5 – 5.0 inch capacitive and IPS (in plane switching). CM’s Titan is a big game changer because of the screen size, camera pixel and cheap price as compared to A919 with the same set of features. But after trying to get a feel of each of these phones, I decided to get a smaller one. One that I can still put inside my pocket and easy enough to handle even with one hand. I also chose a brand that has been in the mobile market longer. MyPhone’s A898 won the contest.

Asides from it being my preference, I heard a lot of good review regarding its performance. This, for the record, is the first locally branded phone that I had since then. I felt good owning one and will look forward in owning another one from the same brand in the future.

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