Green Architecture May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Architecture & Art.Tags: Architecture, Chicago City Hall, Commerzbank, Eco friendly design, Environmental friendly design, Green architecture
2 comments
After watching the inconvenient truth on HBO I saw how fragile our environment is right now. I made a promise to myself that I would be part of the solution and would do my part in my everyday life. Last week I saw an episode by national geographic channel showing environmentally friendly buildings. I realized even in my profession I can help save the environment.
That episode inspired me to be an advocate of environmentally friendly designs. If all countries of the world would follow the example set by the state of chicago in US. They made a choice to embrace green designs of their city hall. Not only did it improve the aesthetics of their roof deck. In a way it also improved the value of the adjacent office spaces from the roof garden. They were also able to lessen there over all maintenance cost for the air conditioning of their building. This is one example of how designing environmentally friendly building can be beneficial and at the same time aesthetically sound.
Another amazing environmentally friendly structure I remembered was the Commerzbank on Frankfurt, Germany. This amazing tower was designed by Pritzker prize awardee Architect Lord Norman Foster. This tower was unique since the it had nine large sky gardens on different levels. It is also designed to take advantage of natural lighting and air circulation. The sky gardens integrated in the design of the tower enhances the beauty of the tower and offers the users of the building a spectacular view of the sky gardens. This tower is a perfect example of a successful eco friendly designed structure. It reminds me of a modern hanging garden which is both beautiful and functional.
It is obvious that environmental friendly designs is the future of architecture. The world is slowly recognizing the importance and benefits in embracing this movement. All around the world architects are incorporating green architecture into there designs. It is always a win win situation since as an architect you will be able to create innovative designs and at the same time you will be saving the environment.
The Incredible Hulk May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Movies and the Music.Tags: hulk, incredible hulk, movies
add a comment
Its almost June 13 and I can’t wait to watch the premiere showing of The Incredible Hulk. I wonder why they didn’t name this Hulk 2 since its already the second movie for this marvel character. Anyway ever since my cousin told me about this upcoming movie I have been searching for the trailers for this movie.
I have always been a marvel fan and as far as I can remember The hulk is one of my favorite marvel character. Maybe its because he is anger and rage personified and whats odd about this character is he is the hero. As a kid I liked this character from the first time I saw his character in one of the Iron man cartoon series. No other comic character can portray anger and rage so good that you’ll forget how the hulk is such a destructive character cause you enjoy watching him throw and smash everything in his sight.
The last hulk movie for me was not at all that impressive. Maybe it would have been a better if the villain was someone who could match the hulk. Anyway I’m really psyched after watching the trailers. Finally the hulk has an enemy who could offer better fighting scenes than before. Besides they also hired a good actor for the role of bruce banner. I can’t wait to see this movie, I expect to see a lot of destruction, mayhem and pretty good CG effects.
Tempura Japanese Grill May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Food & Drinks.Tags: Cebu, Restaurant, chicken teriyaki, grill, japanese food, rice toppings, sashimi, Tempura, yakiniku
add a comment
Last Wednesday Zenia and I celebrated our anniversary. I originally planned to eat at The Port but when we got there I was surprised to see that they were already fully book for the night. So we decided to go to a different restaurant. There was a new japanese restaurant that opened a couple of weeks ago so we decided to eat there.
As we were approaching the entrance their staff immediately accommodated us, maybe it was because they only had a few customers that time and competition in that part of the mall is just intense, since there are a lot of restaurants in that area. Anyway when I saw there menu I noticed one thing different with there menu. Unlike most of the Japanese restaurants here in Cebu they didn’t have any bento meals in their menu, which is what I would usually order. So I decided to order one of my favorite japanese dishes which is chicken teriyaki. Zenia on the other hand had rice toppings with tofu and pork, I didn’t quiet get the name but that was the ingredients. For our appetizer we had tuna sashimi and ordered an additional ebi tempura which is shrimp tempura.
Another thing good about this restaurant was the food was served fast, except for the fried rice which the waiter forgot to tell their kitchen. Anyway Zenia didn’t expect that the rice toppings was that huge. I think that was good for two persons, its a good thing I was hungry that time.hehehe There sashimi was also good, but its nothing extra ordinary. The chicken teriyaki was tasty and it was also a dish which was good for two persons. The rice toppings that zenia ordered was what caught my attention. It had a distinct taste and it was really good, they were able to blend the taste of the pork and tofu with an added spice to it. It was actually really good.
For there food, price and service, I would actually recommend this restaurant since they also have a complementary free tea. They also have this Yakiniku table wherein you cook your food on a grill in the middle of the table. They also boast that their tempura is healthy since it contains omega 3 which is good for the heart. I suggest you drop by and try their food.
Save The Planet May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Daily Thoughts.Tags: Environment, green, Save earth, save environment, save planet
add a comment
This morning mai was grumbling about our environment and how other people ignore the fact that a lot of species are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. I stopped and thought about what she told me, I never realized that I am also part of the problem why the environment is slowly degrading. It dawned on me, although I sympathize with her concern I never really did anything about it. I was always passive with anything concerning the environment.
Thats why I’m going to start my own save the planet movement. Although I’m just one person, I’ll try to do my part on becoming part of the global movement of being green. Zenia has always been active with this type of organization and she enjoys saving the planet. For me I’m going to start on my own backyard.
I’ve already started with throwing my garbage on the proper segregated garbage bin. Garbage is a big problem here in our country and I don’t want to be a part of the problem. I also plan to apply that with my profession and once and for all be active in the drive to protect our planet.
Versatility in the furniture business May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Business.Tags: Business, Classicware, Export, Furniture, Furniture Export
add a comment
My dad started our furniture business more than 20 years ago. Our products have reached all over the world and we have been catering to a lot of clients on different countries. Ever since we started our export business the past years we have seen a drastic drop buyers due to economic depression and from cut throat competitions from other exporting countries.
Although the furniture export has slowed down mainly because of the economic depression on US, the local market for furniture has been slowly booming. Ever since tourist have been flocking here in cebu, there are many hotels and condominiums being built here to cater for them. Colleges and Universities are also growing and more dormitories are needed to house the students coming from the province.
We saw this opportunity and we have been catering for the local market for quiet some time. Although the local and foreign market have different need and specifications. Our experience in the industry has allowed us to adapt to the markets demand. Please visit our website for more information regarding our company at www.classicware.com.ph.
Trust Funds in the Philippines May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Money matters.Tags: Balanced Fund, Bond Fund, Equity Fund, Money Market, trust fund, UITF
2 comments
A couple of months have passed since I started my research on trust funds. What started as a research on time deposits opened my horizons to a better way of investing my savings. At first I was looking for ways to start my savings and to place it on an investment. My problem during that time was that, I just passed the board exam and was just starting my career. I didn’t have any savings during that time but I was determined to start my own savings for my future.
I did my research on the internet and I read one article which was all about Trust funds. As soon as I finished that article I said to my self this is perfect for me. There was just one problem, I never realized that only a few people in my country realize the potential for this type of investment, even my dad had no idea what is a trust fund. After failing receive any advice from my parents I decided to broaden my understanding of trust fund by myself.
There are mainly three types of trust funds which are Equity Trust Fund, Bond Trust Funds and the Money Market Fund. Here in the Philippines they offer the peso and dollar trust funds.
Equity trust funds are invested mostly on stocks, this type of trust fund can offer the highest possible return for your investment. The disadvantage with this fund is the risk is proportional to the return. Bond funds are invested mostly with government bonds and treasury notes. This type of fund offer more security for you investment. The third which is the money market is probably the safest among the three. The funds are used for loans by the bank. There is also a balanced fund which is a mixture of the three and differ from every banking establishment.
If you are interested with the performance of the Trust funds here in the Philippines I suggest you visit this www.uitf.com.ph.
Mooon Cafe May 23, 2008
Posted by James in Food & Drinks.Tags: Affordable Restaurant, Baby Back Ribs, Cebu restaurant, Mexican food, Mooon Cafe, Restaurant
add a comment
The other night Zenia and I spent time together after work. We were in the mood for good food but there was just a tiny problem. We didn’t have enough money to spend for a fancy romantic dinner together. That night we were so hungry we had an insatiable appetite for a large meal.
I kept on pondering where would be the best place to eat. While I was thinking I couldn’t stop thinking about a tasty dish of Baby Back Ribs. Then I remembered that there was a restaurant on the next corner which Zenia always wanted to go.
I suggested to Zenia that we eat at Mooon Cafe, yes Mooon with three o’s. It’s actually an old house which was renovated into a restaurant. There menu consist mostly of Mexican Dishes ranging from Taco’s, Tortillas, Chimichanga and Quesadillas. They also have meals which have large servings and are very tasty. There customers are usually student’s and yuppies since the place is affordable and has a really good ambiance especially during the evening.
When we arrived there the waiter handed to us the menu and I really didn’t need to look at there menu. I instantly told him “one baby back ribs please”. While we were waiting for our order to arrive I was already anticipating for that mouth watering baby back ribs. When our order arrived I was in for a shock, I never expected there servings to be that huge. The steak occupied more than half my plate. No wonder there place was always full even during week days. After that sumptuous meal zenia ordered dessert which was also a large serving. At the end of the night we both got what we wanted even with our tight budget. A romantic dinner together and a full stomach.hehehe
Mooon Cafe
