Internet Voting is Legal

“INTERNET voting is legal, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos said Wednesday.”

There…., now a company must be set-up to sell banner ads for our politicians. So blogs catering to our OFWs, like this site, will make a killing over political ads, hahaha.

It is a pity though, that the pilot tests for internet voting would only cover Singapore.

---------

On another news, it is disturbing that "Federal scientists have been pressured by the White House to play down global warming, advocacy groups testified Tuesday at the Democrats' first investigative hearing since taking control of Congress." This is accoring to the Associated Press.

This issue is very important not only to the US but to the whole world. It is the right of the people of the world to know the truth about this matter.

Gold, silver and Currencies

I am not an expert, seek advise from somewhere else.

I have learned two years ago that if you go into gold, silver, oil or currency trading - do not (trans: never, ever) trade on a very high leverage, and as much as possible do not trade on a very short term. Trade based on your targets.

The past two days, prices have been choppy. And in my earlier post I predicted Asean currencies to go up. And Gold and silver to go up. This predictions, of course are medium term, i.e., in a few months. Not on a daily basis when we know by experience, prices would be choppy and when you are fully exposed, that is, on a leverage of 1:50 and God forbid, 1:100 or 200. you are extremely vulnerable and could go bust in minutes! But if the directions, on a very short term basis, you predicted it right -it could be your ticket to wealth. But then, easy come , easy go. So be very careful.

Does other analysts still share my views?

Yup, todays price for gold is 640.40, and for silver, 13.12. Some analyst believed that it will rise to as high as 850 for Gold, and 15.20 for Silver by April 2007.

If you are buying this expectations, and if you trade 10:1 and hold until at least it meets the target halfway (720 for Gold, and 14.12 for Silver), you could pocket a "horrible" amount of money. Hehehe. Let us see what's going to happen by April, OK?

Who seez making money is complicated? Opps...please do not forget your stop loss hehehe.

Revised senatorial bets

The political landscape have been changing the past few days. I am personally disgusted that names like Sotto, Oreta and Marcos are being considered in the administration slate. I am starting to believe that the current political make up of the Arroyo adminstration is going down the drain. I will seriously campaign for my Senate bets, and I can personally guarantee around 40 to 50 votes. This is miniscule of the tiny, I know. But this is how I will contribute to the politics of this country. My new choices are:

1. Francis Escudero
2. Nereus Acosta
3. Florencio Abad
4. Francis Pangilinan
5. Benigno Aquino III
6. Lorenzo Tañada III
7. Rufino Biazon
8. Joker Arroyo
9. Ralph Recto
10. Manuel Villar
11. Mike Defensor
12. Juan Miguel Zubiri

Google Page Rank

This site suffered a loss of one rank, from PR4 to PR 3. I don’t know the reason why. My links increased over time, but then my rank decreased. I am not complaining. I know there's a reason why. On the other hand, three of my sites got PR3, from PR0. Of course, I am not complaining, hehehe. There was also good reason why my 3 sites obtained PR3.

Further, I observed that if I entered my site without the www, the PR would be reduced by one. Likewise, in another site, if I added www, it would increase its rank by one. So it’s a bit fluid for now, but what is important is I got PR3 for three of my sites.

--------

On another topic, my senatorial bets in my previous post I excluded Allan Cayetano on my list, why? The reasons are as follows:

1. Pia is already in the Senate.

2. He is getting an unusual airtime from ABSCBN, and there is a reason for this, why. Remember ABSCBN and Meralco are one. Meralco still has to work their way out of the overcharging case at the tune of 39 billion pesos. So? He is going to be a Trojan in the Senate, a virus.

3. Poor performance in congress, what has he got to show apart from hot air?

4. I wanted to see the Arroyo’s pinned for corruption, if they were true. But it seems, all he’s got are hot air. No evidence. Anyone can accuse anybody of anything – but for him to do it for media mileage because he is running for the Senate leaves a bitter taste. A sign that he is going to be a worst trapo, ever. I feel he is simply fooling us to get elected in the Senate.

5. He is too noisy, and we have a saying. Ang latang maingay ay ____. Ang balong malalim ay___.

Thus, I prefer Escudero a lot. He is a mile away better than Cayetano.

Predictions for Gold, Silver, Dollar and the Peso

This is a bit late. It is already weeks since 2007 started. However, it is better late than never.

So what's my predictions?

The gold will be bullish until the third quarter of this year. The same with silver. Sooner than later, the US dollar break out will start, it will not be up, but the direction will be downside.

There are talks that China (with trillions of dollars in reserve) and other countries might diversify their foreign exchange reserves, from predominantly U.S. dollars to Gold and Silver. Countries including Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India and Russia have all announced intentions this year to diversify their reserves away from the dollars. Just ten percent of the forex reserves of these countries, if converted to Gold would be enough to zapped all the current supply of gold anywhere. And this could only mean that, the possibility for gold to go up to stratosphere levels is not remote. Don't ask me for a price, because who knows? 800? 1000, what about 1500.....o.. my... Oh...wow!

On the other hand, Asian currencies will continue so strengthen including the peso. I wish, and for the good of the country, the government should really watch the peso - they should not allow it to go lower than 45.The cushion should start now while it is still at a comfortable level of 48.90.

Hehehehe. This is going to be a very exciting year.

Philippine Hospitality

Ok..the coming out party of Cebu as the new center of some sort not only in the Philippines, but in Asean – the Asean Summit is on going.

And how do we welcome our guests and friends?

1. As always, our misguided nationalists are trumpheting again about US imperialism! The US-Philippines relations had seen its worst times during the GMA Presidency, remember (a) de la Cruz.. and Bush was very upset with GMAs decision to pull out our troops in Iraq, (b) Smith’s unfair decision, and (c) now FVR calling for a review of the VFA.

2. As always, our misguided nationalists are greetings our visitors with protests. It seems that this is all what they know to do, and they will always do whatever the issue is, and whoever is involve, so they can get a media mileage…which ABSCBN, the ever hungry station for ratings, is happy to accommodate. Very disgusting.

3. What do they want? Are they not happy that Cebu is the host? The Cebu somehow will be put in map of “centers”? that a new Convention Center had been constructed, that the streets of Cebu were cleaned and lighted, that Cebu is trying hard to put its best foot, ever, forward?

4. The Cebuanos are working hard and trying their best to be the ideal host, and all our misguided nationalists can do is to spoil it! Hay…..


And again, how do we welcome our guests?

1. The MILF members bomb three cities in Mindanao. KSP!

2. Of course the MILF leadership denied this, which shows that the MILF leadership in Mindanao is not in control of its members.

3. What is the use of the peace process, with a group that is loose, and whose membership is out of control? What are these old “fake” leaders’ real interests in the peace process? Is it peace or something else?

4. As I said, our Cebuano brothers are working hard and are trying their best to be the ideal host, and all our Muslims brothers can do is spoil it! Hay….

The Cebuanos’and our country needs our help! Common guys….be sensible and help us make the summit a success.

Senatorial Candidates

Elections for May 2007 is just a few months away, and our politicians are already gearing towards this date. Now this post, will cover my choices based on the prospective lists of candidates provided by both the opposition and the administration.

This selection is based on the perfomances of these politicans over the years.

OK, who are they?

The opposition based on media reports will probably field the following:

1. Nikki Coseteng (I will think about her, she had her time)
2. Amina Rasul ( I will not vote, she can't win)
3. JV Ejercito ( I will not vote, too many Estrada in the Senate)
4. Jinggoy Estrada ( I will not vote, what laws will he make?)
5. Francis Escudero ( I will vote!)
6. Ernesto Herrera (I will vote! Past performance was good, a labor guy).
7. Tito Sotto ( Nah!)
8. John Osmena ( Maybe, but he is in too politics for too long, lack of fresh ideas)
9. Loren Legarda ( Probably, I will think about her)
10. Aquilino Pimentel III ( Probably...)
11. Alan Peter Cayetano ( A very young trapo..has potential of becoming a monster.. I will not vote)

With the possible inclusion of:

1. Joker Arroyo ( I will vote)
2. Ralph Recto ( I will vote)
3. Francis Pangilinan ( I will vote)
4. Manuel Villar ( I will vote)

While the administration will field the following:

1. Mike Defensor (I will vote)
2. Robert Ace Barbers (I dunno)
3. Juan Miguel Zubiri (I will vote)
4. Prospero Nograles (I dunno)
5. Rolando Andaya (I dunno)
6. Prospero Pichay (I dunno)
7. Ace Durano (I dunno)
8. Angelo Reyes (I will vote)
9. Mike Enriquez (nah!)
10. Korina Sanchez (nah!)
11. Margarito Teves ( I will vote)

With the possible inclusion of the following:

1. Joker Arroyo
2. Ralph Recto
3. Francis Pangilinan
4. Manuel Villar

So my choices and bets are:

1. Francis Escudero

2. Ernesto Herrera

3. John Osmena

4. Loren Legarda

5. Joker Arroyo

6. Ralph Recto

7. Francis Pangilinan

8. Manuel Villar

9. Mike Defensor

10. Juan Miguel Zubiri

11. Angelo Reyes

12. Margarito Teves

I will re-visit this post after May 11, to determine the score, I am wondering what is the chance of getting 12/12? Let us see.

Stock Market Analysts Predictions

Ok, I stated my predictions for the Peso in 2007 in my previous posts. I said, by end of 2007 it will continue to strenghten to 46 to the US dollar.

Does other market analysts share my views?

From the Philippine Star today, "If the economy continues to grow and if the peso follows its improvement last year, the exchange rate could hit P45 to the dollar by yearend," Astro del Castillo, managing director of First Grade Holdings, told a news forum in Quezon City.

And, last year, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a much sought-after stock and financial analyst before he became a congressman, predicted that the exchange rate could hit P46 to $1 if the administration managed the economy well.

So?

Well, what are you waiting for? Trade...very carefully, and pocket the earnings later.

Warning:

(1) if the elections in May 2007 gets messy, get out;
(2) if the budget failed to pass, get in;
(3) if Smith get convicted in the Supreme Court, get out ASAP;
(4) if the El Nino dry spell gets worse, get out slowly;
(5) if the US economy improves, and the Fed increases its rates, watch your trade carefully.

Good Luck.

Trading Silver

We have been covering the trade of currencies, and precious metals such gold, silver, palladium among others in this site. I wonder what is in store for metal prices in 2007.

The silver price, for example in early 2006 was only 9 dollars, and by May it went up to around 15 dollars. It seemed during that time silver was a good hedge to your wealth and currency positions.

Not only you can trade silver virtually or in paper, you can also buy the fabled white metal in physical form through the Monex Deposit Company (MDC) . You can buy silver or other precious metals for immediate personal delivery. If not, you can arrange for a convenient and safe storage at an independent bank or depository company.

Probably, 2007 is the best time to buy silver bullion because world demand for silver now exceeds annual production, and has every year increased since 1990. Monex Precious Metals can meet your precious metals investment needs, being America's best dealer with a convenient market and competitive precious metals prices.

Note: This is a sponsored post.

Smith could be innocent

Would there be such an issue now, if it was a Jeepney driver, that pick up Nicole in Subic? I mean what really happened? Common..

We have had too many misguided nationalists in this country that they are too misguided to still believe that:

(a) US imperialism is the greatest problem; not acknowledging the reality that sooner than later this problem will mutate to become Chinese imperialism or our ASEAN neighbors imperialism, if we do not wake up and make our act together;

(b) too misguided to still believe that Joma Sison and his antics for the past 6 decades will save this country;

(c) too misguided to believe the possibility that Smith is innocent, even for a 1% possibility, we still have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I mean Gabriela et al, and even Etta Rosales ( which I saw on TV) were acting idiotic and strange, making mountains out of molehills. Why have they convicted Smith? I mean, why is the left and our too many misguided nationalists have given too much attention than is necessary to the case, as if it is the Holy Grail of solving all our problems? Is it because he is an American? What if he was a Filipino Jeepney driver?

How would we feel (if this case happened in the US or in any other country since we have tons of OFWs), if Juan, the Jeepney driver, is convicted without benefit of the doubt, and given too much political attention for the simple reason that he is a Filipino Jeepney driver?

All I can say is:

First, whoever he is: American or Filipino; Black or White; Soldier or Jeepney driver; he should be presumed innocent. Justice is justice.

Second, our government should follow whatever was agreed in the VFA.

Thirdly, the 1 and 2 above, should be hammered into the heads of our misguided nationalists.

Trend of the Peso and Oil Prices for 2007

OK, since its 2007 now, my earlier prediction of 44 pesos to the dollar did not happen. However, it is now aound 48 to the dollar. A gain of around 8 pesos per dollar since March 2006 when I started predicting the rise of the Peso. If you have 10,000 dollars and converted it to Peso, without leverage like many Forex Traders are doing, then you would have gained around 80,000 pesos in Peso currency appreciation alone.

So what is my prediction for 2007?

The Peso will continue to strengthen, although our government will surely intervene once it reaches 46 to the dollar to protect our exporters. I hope they will not do a Thailand once it approaches 46.

On the other hand, oil prices in the world market will approach the 50 dollar levels in 2007; for the simple reason that refining capacity in some oil producing countries will improve dramatically, unless security or political problems occur in some of these countries.

So? take a second opinion; and trade conservatively.

Buying Physical Gold

If you are interested in obtaining physical gold, and not just paper gold, or e-gold which are mostly virtual money or virtual gold, you can easily acquire them through Monex Deposit Company (MDC). You can purchase gold or other precious metals in bars, coin or ingot form for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient and safe storage at an independent bank or depository of your choice. The Monex companies have been on the field of trading precious metals for over 30 years; and have been America's gold and precious metals investment leader.

Gold has long been considered one of the most precious metals, and its value has been used as the standard for many currencies (known as the gold standard) in history. Gold has been used as a symbol for purity, value, royalty, and particularly roles that combine these properties. Gold is a sign of wealth and prestige.

Ingots are gold of pure bullion cast in a convenient sizes and shapes. Buying gold has been recognized for centuries as one of the best ways to preserve one's wealth and purchasing power. Gold bullion is a unique investment. This form of investments will safe guard your wealth from inflation, currency devaluation, disasters among other unforseen events.

Note: This is a sponsored post.

A love story connected through Pinoy X

If you checked my comments box on my previous post, there is a letter there from Carol, and let me quote her:

Hala....ganito pala dito.. ang pwede lang magcomment eh puro kapwa blogger lang din. Ayan napa-sign up tuloy ako ng wala sa oras. huwag sana ako maadik magpost!

Mang Mocs.. obviously you don't know me... I just want to thank you kase naging instrumental ka po na mahanap ko si "the one" i hope. hehehe

A year and a month ago, I was reading the Inquirer.net when I got curious sa blog daw ni Manuel Quezon III. Then next thing i know, I was reading Rasheed's blog. Then I found you sa link nya. I have to admit that the biggest attraction for me to read your blog is the fact that you're from Saudi. Ano naman kaya ang pwedeng sabihin ng isang taga-Saudi di ba? Ang topic ng blog mo eh is about how you managed to saved up and acquired all those properties. Everyone is mocking you except for this "one guy." I was like, ang baet naman ng taong 'to at di natakot salungatin ung comment ng iba. I checked out his blog... and that's how our love story started then:)

Eto nga, we're taking a big leap. We will meet in Pinas.

He suggested nga sa akin na makipag-EB sa yo. Sayang, di namin kaya to go to the southern part of the country.

Well, we don't know what's gonna happen to us, but we will be always grateful to you. God Bless Mang Mocs and keep on blogging!

---------

Dear Carol and MasterB,

Pinoy X is kilig to the bones with your love story. I am happy that this humble blog played a part in making your hearts beat together. Ka-ingit naman, hehehe. MasterB, 2 days na lang makikita mo na ang labs mo!

I wish you both a Happy New Year...and a sweet na sweet EB. Sana tuloy na tuloy na yan. Send me an e-invitation sa inyong pag-iisang dibdib.

Best regards,

Pinoy X

PS: Just call me Mocs, hehehe I am just in my 30's.

10 Most Popular Science Stories for 2006

1. Missing link walking-fish fossils awe scientists
2. First cancer vaccine approved
3. Claim of reversed human evolution sparks skepticism, interest
4. Dolphins may name themselves
5. One universe or many? A panel debates
6. Study: red wine substance extends life, counteracts bad diet
7. Skepticism greets claim of possible alien microbes
8. Oldest known ritual: python worship, archaeologist says
9. Drastic speedup in Arctic melting forecast
10. Human, chimp lineages interbred after splitting, study suggests

My favorite in this list is number 2, first cancer vaccine approved. Let us just hope this medicine really works. Definitely this will save millions of lives all over the world. The vaccine called Gardasil, is designed to block four strains of the human papilloma virus. Two of these give rise to nearly three-fourths of cervical cancer cases; two others cause about half the cases of genital warts.

This is good news for all women.