A Monorail System to be Tested at the UP Campus in Diliman

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I got this news over at Yahoo! that a monorail system, called Automated Guideway Transit (AGT), will soon be running on a two-kilometer test track at the UP Diliman campus. This is the first Filipino built AGT.

A memorandum of agreement was supposed to be signed between DOST and DOTC, and the UP administration yesterday, July 18th, which will be followed by a groundbreaking ceremony at the Emilio Jacinto corner Lakandula Streets.

The DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center will develop the AGT prototype with two 60-passenger coaches running on electricity all in one track. Under the MOU, the DOST will take charge of the design and detailed engineering plan of the AGT, while UP gives technical assistance and implements community relations activities. Continue reading…

I say, it’s about that the country embarks on a good mass transit system. I pray the plans will push through smoothly.

Car Repairs Made Easy

Our 2004 Isuzu Dimax 4×2  pick-up vehicle was recently serviced for general check-up and repair. With the odometer reading now at 245,000 kms., regular check-ups should not be missed.

First major operation include change oil and oil filter, and replacement of fuel filter. A good oiling condition will always make the engine perform efficiently. Next was the check-up on oil leak which resulted to replacement of input and output oil seal at crankshaft. This confirmed my earlier suspicion  that there seemed to be some oil leaks observed at the bottom of the engine. The water pipe hose was likewise replaced because it was found to be already quite “soft” and could anytime malfunction and leak which would result to overheating. All belts were also replaced. These were, timing belt (engine), steering belt (steering wheel), alternator belt (battery charging system), and air-con belt (air conditioner). All of these already showed signs of deterioration after almost reaching their respective service lives. Miscellaneous jobs like check-up of brake and lighting system were finally done.

A minor glitch occurred when it was time to pay for all the repair and check-up jobs. The cost was way over our budget. Let’s just say, we were not able to estimate the cost correctly. If only we consulted a repair price estimator, we could have been more prepared.

It pays to have your cars regularly checked. And it won’t hurt if you also research on auto care tips. It saves you from more expensive repairs and parts acquisition in the future and from the added inconveniences of frequent car breakdowns on the road. More importantly, it may cost your lives.

Lessons from Moving

Finally, we’re settled in our new office. But the process was mind-boggling!

Our first challenge was to find reliable movers to transport our stuff to the new address. We searched for local moving companies on the Internet and called up the company that was top on the list.

Unfortunately, the experience with them was a disaster. We set the moving out on a Sunday at 10 in the morning to make the moving as hassle-free as possible. About 9AM, I called the movers to re-confirm the appointment. The company told me that the truck and their people had already left, and was heading to our place. We waited.

By 11AM, no sign of the truck, no advice of any delay. So I called again, the trucking company, and asked about the truck’s whereabouts when it was already an hour late from our appointment. The person on the other line however went, “Since you’re angry at us now, I might as well advice my people to head back. Let’s cancel the appointment.” And he put down the phone.

The appointment was canceled just like that. Good thing, we didn’t make any down payment. So that first attempt at moving out didn’t happen. We had to reschedule and look for another trucking service. We were luckier with our next trucking service. This time the company was easy to negotiate, their trucking service on time (actually 5 minutes early). We hired them for the remainder of our moving-out days.

I’m sure if we had Houston relocation services here in the country, our move would have been made a lot easier and faster. When you’re moving, it pays to have a reliable moving company.

Spotted: A Japanese Car!

PNR Gets New Trains

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Thanks to DongHo, and I got wind of this new development. Yes, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) gets new trains. And according to the news on GMA, the new trains have comfortable seats, air-conditioning, and TV.

About time, don’t you think so?

Check out the news HERE.