Phones during flights

Using gadgets such as laptops and cellphones now allowed on planes in the Philippines. According to sources, the Philippines' civil aviation authority said it would allow passengers to use mobile phones and laptops to make calls and access the Internet during flights. However, devices should still be turned off pre-flight, when the aircraft is refuelling, and be switched to silent mode.

This relax restrictions will also allow passengers on board the aircraft to use mp3 players so long as it should always be with earphones and not with speakers or amplifiers.

We used to think that using gadgets would create turbulence but come to think of it, using as such would only cause disturbance to other people on the plane.

Now, what's next? Phones in church?

Clark and Bruce will share the big screen next summer

This will no doubt please DC Comics fans, most especially Superman and Batman fans. During the Comic Con in San Diego, Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel and Watchmen, confirmed that a 'Man of Steel' movie sequel is in fact happening. He couldn't provide more information as to what exactly the movie would be like. Following the announcement, the most anticipated film features Superman and Batman. Both most-loved superheroes will share the big screen.

As of the moment, it is still not clear who would play as Bruce Wayne in the new Batman film. It won't be Christian Bale, who officially announced that The Dark Knight Rises was his ultimate film as Batman.

Despite negative feedback of the movie 'Man of Steel', it became a huge hit internationally and in the U.S.

It would be interesting to see what would be Zynder's own take on the story of Bruce, tangled with the Clark Kent's story. The Superman-Batman tandem movie is expected to be shown in theaters worldwide on Summer 2015.

Wolverine slashes monsters and minions at box office

The ticket returns are still rising but 'The Wolverine', starring Hugh Jackman debut at an estimated $55 million in North America according to studio forecast.

The movie tops Warner Bros.' low-budget horror movie 'The Conjuring', just slipped to second place followed by the Gru's little minions 'Despicable Me 2'.

Set in Japan, 'The Wolverine', which features international actors, earned $86.1 million with flying colors in 50 territories. The latest is that it already surpassed the $120 million it cost to make the film. Aside from movie-goers' positive feedback, the upcoming 'X-Men: Days of the Future Past' teaser was shown at the post credits (spoiler alert) of the movie.

Here's a list of estimated ticket sales at the U.S. and Canadian Theaters. This is according to Hollywood.com. Latest figures for International theater sales are also included below.

1. "The Wolverine," $55 million ($86.1 million international).
2. "The Conjuring," $22.1 million ($6.9 million international).
3. "Despicable Me 2," $16 million ($24.5 million international).
4. "Turbo," $13.3 million ($12.5 million international).
5. "Grown Ups 2," $11.5 million ($4.2 million international).
6. "Red 2," $9.4 million ($6.1 million international).
7. "Pacific Rim," $7.5 million ($14.25 million international).
8. "The Heat," $6.85 million ($3.1 million international).
9. "R.I.P.D.," $5.85 million ($3.1 million international).
10. "Fruitvale Station," $4.65 million.

The Internet Search Giant Delisted Piracy Links

To fight against piracy, the Internet Search Giant Google took the initiative to de-list hundreds of millions of web links that are allegedly copyright infringing links this year. Google dealt with a number of demands that reached about 13 million to take down URLs.

Filestube, torrentz.eu and Rapidgator were just among poised in the notorious list. However, people still find ways and manage to access some of the blocked websites. One of the ways is maybe getting through proxy.

Google can chase these contentious URLs forever but internet-savvy people would be able to invent perhaps manage their ways through the intricate worldwide web. It is worth-noting that Pirate Bay, the most notorious of all piracy websites, is still grilling contents since it does not appear in the take-down list.

More Exposure for Hawkeye in Avengers: Age of Ultron

The a pool of writers are thinking about the potential spin-offs for Black Widow and Hawkeye. Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow had a starring role in Iron Man 2 to  before joining The Avengers, which became the third biggest box office success of all-time. Unlike Black Widow, Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye was introduced with a limited short cameo in Thor.

While Scarlett Johansson will get to explore more of the backstory behind Natasha Romanoff AKA Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (to be released in April 2014), Renner may not get a chance to return to the big screen as SHIELD Agent Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye until The Avengers 2 releases in the summer of 2015.

The latest and this is probably a good news for all the fans of Hawkeye -- Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye will get bigger exposure in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Renner’s thoughts on his role in the film earned quite a few headlines and he hoped that he – along with the other Avengers stars – would have more time to explore their characters in the sequel. According to Avengers: Age of Ultron writer/director Joss Whedon at Comic-Con 2013, Hawkeye is the character he’s enjoying writing this time around.

The X-Men: "Days of Future Past" Teaser Shown in Wolverine Post-Credits

The Wolverine director James Mangold emphasized that while the film story does honor and take place in the same universe, acknowledging the films that came before, it is truly stand-alone. Interestingly, Mangold pointed out that The Wolverine story ends when the credits roll and he wants moviegoers to  feel satisfied as such, making it clear that any added post-credits sequence is not his part of his story, instead as a studio's way to excite fans of the next franchise film, X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Hugh Jackman also confirmed that a post-credits scene at the end of The Wolverine teases next year's ambitious franchise installment.

The highly-anticipated next franchise X-men: Days of Future Past is set to be released in May 2014.

Pacific Rim hits #1 Spot Worldwide

Despicable Me 2 gave way for Pacific Rim as the #1 film internationally over the weekend. It was a surprising news for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures as Pacific Rim (3D sci-fi) managed to hit the number one spot across 50 territories. However, this is not really all that impressive given that it is believed the budget was anything between $180 - 220 million. Pacific Rim brings a worldwide cume of $178.5 million. According to reports, many analysts do not believe that the film will even reach $100 million in the U.S. theatrical sales so there is still a good chance that it will fail to turn a profit. It may not make enough for the studio to confidently move forward with a sequel; after all, a summer tent-pole such as Pacific Rim should ultimately reach at least $500 million.

Movie goers has helped in a way because of their positive feedback and reviews of the film.

Do you think the movie Pacific Rim deserves a sequel?

Recently Discovered Fault Caused Negros Earthquakes

 

A recently discovered fault line caused the magnitude-6.9 quake that shook Dumaguete and its neighboring regions (Visayas region) on the afternoon of February 6, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

 

 

 

 

 

The earthquake was caused by the sudden shifting of two tectonic plates in the Visayas area. The shift was from a "blind fault" some 20kms below the earth between Negros and Cebu.

 

Read full story...

Earthquake Safety Tips

Nowadays, we are experiencing earthquake in different parts of the world. A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can increase your chances of surviving an earthquake - or any other type of hazardous events. The keys are education and preparedness. The earthquake safety tips below will not make you an expert. However, they could make a life-saving difference if you find yourself in a situation such as this - an earthquake situation. Educate yourself by studying simple safety tips below.

Before the Earthquake:

• Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section below. These earthquake safety tips will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.
• Teach members of your family about earthquake safety precautions. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.
• Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two-week worth of food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.

Phivolcs: Intensity Alert Levels

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck between the islands of Negros and Cebu before noon Monday, February 6, 2012, killing at least 7 people and prompting government volcanologists to raise a tsunami alert.

Intensity

Phivolcs said the following intensities were felt in the following areas:

• Intensity VII - Dumaguete City; Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental

• Intensity VI - La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros Occidental; Argao, Cebu

• Intensity V - Roxas City; Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Iloilo City; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kanlaon City; Lapu-lapu City; Guimaras; Cebu City; San Carlos City; Bacolod City; Sagay City; Tagbilaran City; Candoni, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental

• Intensity IV - San Jose de Buenavista, Pandan, Anini-y, Patnungon, Antique; Kalibo, Aklan; Dipolog City; Sipalay, Negros Occidental; Ormoc City

• Intensity III - Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legaspi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Tacloban City; Catbalogan; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Masbate, Masbate; Cagayan de Oro City

• Intensity II - Cabid-an, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Mambajao, Camiguin

• Intensity I - Pagadian City

Quake in Negros Prompted Tsunami Warning

The earthquake also prompted a tsunami warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), alerting residents near the coastal areas of Negros and Cebu to watch for unusual waves. But, according to Phivolcs, not requiring any evacuation just yet.


The tsunami alert was canceled after no further reports of unusual sea level changes were received after the two-hour extended observation period.

But more aftershocks could be expected in the next few weeks in areas near the epicenter, according to Ishmael Narag, officer in charge of the Phivolcs’ seismology division. As of 1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012, Phivolcs had recorded 16 aftershocks.

The quake triggered another landslide in the mountain village of Solongon in La Libertad town, also in Negros Oriental. An unknown number of people were trapped, said Inspector Eric Arrol Besario, the town police chief.


The earthquake sent shoppers scrambling under tables and workers and students rushing out of their buildings in cities of Negros and Cebu.

Classes in all public and private schools in Negros Oriental were suspended, while businesses in Dumaguete City were closed due to reported aftershocks. Intensity V was experienced in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

It's More Fun In The Philippines

The new Department of Tourism (DOT) slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines," on January 6, Friday, the hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines became the top trending topic worldwide. The man behind the slogan Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr. But, it was created by advertising firm BBDO Guerrero|Proximity Philippines and according to DOT Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr., the slogan answers the fundamental question, 'Why the Philippines?'."

Click here to see more fun in the Philippines images

It's more fun in the Philippines... social networking sites are now abuzz with images depicting netizens' own take on what makes the Philippines "more fun". Using their own photos from their own travels around the country and fun shots from the Web, people have been sharing their own images and taglines on the official "It's More Fun in the Philippines" Facebook page.

Blipz On Our Radar

Blipz Trips is now improved and has moved to a new location - blipzradar.blogspot.com.

My blog Blipz Trips is now known Blipz on our Radar. This so to cater more topics, withing my reach, from my own radar. Blipz on our radar will be blogging more about music, movies, gadgets, travels and all that stuff on my radar. In contrary to the old Blipz Trips wherein it talks about more of my travels and adventures.

So seat back, relax and enjoy reading the latest Blipz ...on our radar.

Blipz came from the word blips. The definition of blip according to Dictionary.com is - a spot of light on a radar screen indicating the position of a plane, submarine, or other object.

Cebu Pacific Air Offers P2499-Seat for Japan and Korea

This is what you get when book early.

Fly to Japan and Korea for as low as P2,499. This Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) seat sale promo starts now until November 8, 2009. This is valid for travel beginning January 15 to March 15, 2010.

CEB 3-day sale -- P2,499 ‘Go Lite’ seat sale fare to Manila-Incheon, Cebu-Incheon and Cebu-Busan flights.

Those, of course, with check-in luggage will add P100 upon booking.

Cebu Pacific Air flies daily from Manila and Cebu to Incheon, and twice weekly from Cebu to Busan.

Guitar Wars in Infiniti Bar Bacolod

We had a great time last night watching and listening to local bands here in Bacolod. The Guitar Wars, I am assuming, was a showdown or an exhibition of guitar playing, strumming and all that (I don't know what's the right term for that). The Infiniti Bar was filled with bands and enthusiasts in various types. There were those that only play rock; others hum contemporary; some go with Blues while a friend of mine was contented with instrumentals. It was a hard-rocking show. But, it could have been better if only the organizers geared up its promotions. It would have been jampacked.

As I See It: Presidential Wannabes (Part 1)

Kilala Mo Ba Talaga Sila? That's the title of Probe Team's new branding, Profiles, which tackles the public and private lives of presidential wannabes for the upcoming 2010 Presidential Election.

I think this investigative show, Profiles, is a great venue for us young electorate to know more about the background and qualifications of the men and women who have of course expressed intentions to run for president next year.

Profiles' first installment of the series probes Sen. Manny Villar.

NFA Rice, Anyone?

It's all over the news. People are swarming towards the line to buy NFA rice a low quality and government regulated kind of rice. Yes, others put fights on the line just to purchase 2 kilos of rice. The panic is more prevalent in Manila area. We can't actually feel the shortage back here in Negros. But, sad to say, the prices has been going up since this issue came out. Some people are just riding on in the issue.

The farmers tend to fall on the offers from multi-national corporations like San Miguel. They bargain a huge amount of money in exchange of their lands. Well, you can not blame these people. The climate is not cooperating either. Because of Global warming the climate had shifted to the extremes. If not El Niño, it's El Niña killing their crops. It's the only way of coping up with their expenses - a one-time-easy-to-spend money. But where's their fighting spirit now?

A month ago, a bunch of Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon marched their way to Malacañang asking the President to give them back their lands. Yes, they literally went on foot from Mindanao to Luzon. That was really extraordinary and inspiring. In the end, they got what they wanted and went back home to plant rice. That's the irony over there! Here we have people who fight for their rights and sentiments while on the other side people mirrored it with pessimistic ideals. I, myself, am guilty as charged. Filipinos tend to retreat and surrender during hard times. Even if they are already half of the way they go back and say, "I can't do it!" We need to changed that attitude.

On the lighter note, the rice shortage is good news for those who go on diet.
Less carbo!

Rebellion or Desperation?

Sen. Trillanes walks out during his hearing! I did not get a chance to see it blow by blow but here's what I have from 'Bandila' when I got home last November 29.

Together with his so called Troops and Former VP Guingona marched from courtroom to Manila Peninsula Hotel. They really looked pathetic because no other civilians joined them even though Trillanes with his tiger look keeps on yelling to the TV monitor, "Join us!" What is he really up to? He's a prisoner due to a failed coup where he also leaded. It was in Oakwood then. Anyways, here he goes again! Trying with all his might and by the way he's elected senator while in prison last election. Funny, it seems but it's true (only the Philippines).



The atmosphere was so tensed while the Police and Military men beefing up towards the entrance of Manila Pen. Warning shots were being discharged. Tear gas were dispersed inside. A combat armored vehicle (tank) maneuvered by a woman tried to get in and demolished the front door of the hotel. Soon enough Trillanes went out handcuffed. Even reporters were being held captives. Yes, even the media was inside the hotel. Sorry to all Policemen who was caught in camera cuffing media men. The Law Enforcement even ordered ABS-CBN to turn over raw footage of hotel siege. The combat team escorted all personalities who joined the uprising. It was just sad to see a priest and a Bishop who were there during stand off. They really took part. Is this godly? Are they supporting these kinds of deeds? What a shame!

It is really disturbing, sad to say this event was premeditated. According to the news, Nov 30 is the planned date because it's a holiday. But it was Trillanes who wanted it during or right after his hearing. But the plot failed. He's so desperate. He really wanted to be front of the camera all time but sorry to say he failed on the second time around. Loser!

It is just right to hunt those who financed this uprising and whoever is the mastermind's mastermind. They are so many nobody can track them down. Hahaha!

I'm sure one of them wants to get even with President Gloria. You know who!