The Iconic Flatiron Building: A Marvel of New York City Architecture

The Flatiron Building stands as one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks, captivating visitors with its unique triangular design and rich history. Situated at the bustling intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, this architectural masterpiece has become a symbol of innovation and creativity in the heart of Manhattan.

A Brief History

Completed in 1902, the Flatiron Building was designed by renowned architect Daniel Burnham in the Beaux-Arts style. Originally known as the Fuller Building, it served as the headquarters for the George A. Fuller Company, a key player in the construction industry at the time.

What made the Flatiron Building revolutionary was its steel skeleton, which allowed for its narrow, wedge-shaped design—a groundbreaking feature in an era dominated by rectangular structures. At its slimmest point, the building is just 6.5 feet wide, earning it the nickname "Flatiron" for its resemblance to a household flatiron​

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Tidbits

• A Bold Start: When it was first constructed, skeptics doubted the stability of the building due to its unusual shape and height. Time proved them wrong as the structure has stood strong for over a century.
• No Ladies’ Restrooms: The original design lacked female restrooms, which were only added later through alternating gendered facilities on different floors​
• Cultural Impact: The Flatiron Building quickly became a muse for artists and photographers, including Alfred Stieglitz, whose works helped elevate its status as an artistic icon.

Modern Updates

While the Flatiron Building has remained a beloved landmark, it is undergoing significant changes. Plans announced in 2023 aim to transform the historic structure into luxury residential condominiums, preserving its iconic façade while modernizing its interior. This renovation is expected to be completed by 2026, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations​

Why Visit the Flatiron Building?

Beyond its architectural allure, the Flatiron District offers a vibrant atmosphere with parks, restaurants, and shops nearby. Visitors can enjoy scenic views at Madison Square Park or explore the area's thriving culinary scene.

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Conclusion

The Flatiron Building isn’t just a piece of architecture; it’s a testament to ingenuity, resilience, and timeless beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just exploring NYC, this iconic landmark is a must-see.

NSCR complete stations guide with modern and futuristic-looking station design

Here is the Complete Guide to the 36 Stations of NSCR from New Clark City Tarlac to Calamba Laguna. There are 5 Stations from Pampanga, 8 Stations from Bulacan, and 7 Stations in Laguna. Caloocan and Solis alignment is yet to start due to the right of Way (ROW) issue. What a seamless ride would it be once the Mega Project was completed. 
From Muntinlupa, the next Station will already go all the way to San Pedro Laguna.

1. New Clark City

2. Clark International Airport
3. Clark
4. Angeles
5. San Fernando
6. Apalit
7. Calumpit
8. Malolos
9. Guiguinto
10. Balagtas
11. Bocaue
12. Marilao
13. Meycauayan
14. West Valenzuela
15. Caloocan
16. Solis
17. Tutuban
18. Bluementritt
19. Espana
20. Santa Mesa
21. Paco
22. Buendia
23.EDSA
24. Senate-DepED
25. FTI
26. Bicutan
27. Sucat
28. Alabang
29. Muntinlupa
30. San Pedro
31. Pacita
32. Binan
33. Santa Rosa
34. Cabuyao
35. Banlic
36. Calamba

With almost 400 Bagons made in Japan, there are four classes of services on this line. The following are:

1. The Commuter Train is the basic commuter rail service and has the least priority. It stops at all stations within its route. There are three routes planned for this class: Tutuban–New Clark City, Tutuban–Calamba, and Clark International Airport–Calamba. The maximum speed for this service will be 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) for the entire line.

2. Commuter Express is the limited-stop service for the line, succeeding the Commex service during the Metrotren era in the early 2000s. Although it will run faster than regular commuter trains, it will still use the same routes and rolling stock.

3. The Airport Limited Express is the temporary designation for the planned airport rail link and limited express service between Clark International Airport and Alabang Station. As the flagship NSCR service, it will use dedicated rolling stock complete with intercity-grade amenities plus baggage space for people arriving from the airport. It will have a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour) along the NSCR North. As of January 2022, the final name for the service is yet to be determined.

4. Subway through-service is the proposed augmentation between the NSCR and the Metro Manila Subway. It will serve the southernmost areas of Metro Manila and neighboring Laguna, branching from the subway line at FTI station while the remainder of the line will go towards the direction of NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay. It will use the Subway trainsets instead of the NSCR ones, although both are from the Sustina family.

NSCR trains sets

Under-contruction stations in calamba laguna

 

 

What is Go Negosyo and Why It’s Important for Filipinos?

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship in the Philippines, you’ve probably heard of Go Negosyo. It’s a groundbreaking movement that aims to empower Filipinos by fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship. Launched in 2005 by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), Go Negosyo has become a vital platform for aspiring business owners who want to take charge of their financial future.

What Makes Go Negosyo Unique?

Go Negosyo stands out because it focuses on equipping ordinary Filipinos with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to succeed in the world of business. Here’s how it helps:

• Free Workshops and Seminars: Go Negosyo offers practical training on how to start and grow your own business. Topics range from financial literacy to marketing strategies.
• Mentorship Programs: Through the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, aspiring entrepreneurs are guided by seasoned business owners who share their expertise and provide real-world advice.
• Networking Opportunities: Events like trade expos and forums allow participants to meet potential business partners, suppliers, and customers.
• Support for MSMEs: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are at the heart of Go Negosyo’s mission. They aim to strengthen this sector, which is vital for the Philippine economy.

Why Should Filipinos Care About Go Negosyo?

Entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to improve financial independence and help communities thrive. Go Negosyo recognizes this and works tirelessly to inspire Filipinos to take control of their destinies through business.

It’s not just about earning money—it’s about creating jobs, uplifting communities, and reducing poverty. Go Negosyo’s programs encourage self-reliance while providing the tools to make dreams a reality.

Embracing the Digital Future

In today’s rapidly changing world

By: ChatGPT

Longest Bridge in Mindanao is now open!

 

THE STORY BEHIND THE BEFORE IT FINISHES LINE

Top officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), alongside local leaders from Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, held on July 4, 2024, the final concrete pouring ceremony between the two (2) extra-dosed main bridge of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project (PBBP).

This significant event saw the participation of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan; Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; DPWH Undersecretaries Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Carlos G. Mutuc; Assistant Secretary Rey Peter Gille; Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal Sr.; Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo; Ozamis City Mayor Henry “Indy” F. Oaminal Jr.; Korea Export Import Bank (KEXIM) Deputy Country Director Yun Hak Lee; Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Soledad R. Florencio, Benjamin A. Bautista, Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and Najib D. Dilangalen; DPWH Regional Office 10 Director Zenaida Tan; Stakeholders Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; and other public works and locals officials and staff.

The topping-off ceremony marked the completion of the bridge’s pre-stressed concrete box girder between pylon 1 in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and tower 2 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, signifying a crucial milestone for the project.

Secretary Bonoan highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that it brings the vision of a fully connected Panguil Bay Bridge closer to reality, promising numerous possibilities for the nation.

In his opening remarks, Senior Undersecretary Sadain praised the final construction stage as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, heralding a new era of connectivity and economic growth for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.

The Panguil Bay Bridge, soon to be the longest bridge in Mindanao at 3.169 kilometers, includes a 320-meter extra-dosed main bridge, a 1,920-meter pre-stressed concrete girder approach bridge, and a 929-meter road.

The bridge is expected to catalyze economic activities, improve quality of life, and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, significantly benefiting local communities and contributing to national development.

The project is implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations under supervision of Senior Undersecretary Sadain and more specifically by the Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) led by former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and now headed by OIC Project Director Bauzon.

It was funded by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea through the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEDCF) under Loan Agreement No. PHL-18, the Panguil Bay Bridge stands as a beacon of international cooperation and shared progress.

Despite commencing civil works at the height of the pandemic and facing significant challenges in weather conditions, material supply, and health restrictions, the DPWH relentlessly pushed the design and build contractor, Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corporation, in joint venture with Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. and Gumgwang Construction Co., Ltd., along with the project consultant, Yooshin Engineering Corporation, in joint venture with Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd. and Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd., to exert their utmost effort to accelerate the construction activities of this infrastructure flagship project.

Costing ₱7.375 Billion, the project has an overall weighted accomplishment of 93.3 percent and targetted for completion within this third quarter of 2024.

 

Here are five lesser-known facts about old houses built between 1916 and 2024

 

1. Hidden Storage Spaces: Many older homes, especially those built in the early 20th century, were designed with hidden or built-in storage spaces, such as secret compartments in staircases or concealed cabinets in walls. These were often used to maximize storage in smaller homes or to hide valuables.

2. Original Materials Now Rare: Some materials commonly used in early 20th-century homes, such as heart pine flooring or old-growth wood, are now rare due to overharvesting. These materials are highly sought after in renovations or restorations because of their durability and unique character.

3. Uncommon House Shapes: During the early 20th century, some homes were built in unconventional shapes, such as octagonal or round houses. These designs were believed to improve air circulation and light distribution, although they never became mainstream.

4. Historical Markers and Designations: Some homes built during this period have become historically significant and are now protected by local or national designations. Owning such a home often comes with restrictions on renovations to preserve the original architectural features.

5. Evolving Paint Technology: The paint used in homes from the early 20th century often contained lead and was prone to fading or chipping. Advances in paint technology over the decades have led to more durable, eco-friendly, and colorfast paints, though preserving original finishes can be a challenge in historic homes.

The Mansion in Baguio City becomes the Presidential Museum

The Mansion in Baguio City becomes the Presidential Museum

The Presidential Museum at the Mansion House is now open to the public.

It recently underwent a renovation to showcase the vibrant and 

diverse history of Philippine Presidents, housing a vast collection 

of priceless memorabilia, including presidential attire, footwear, 

flags and busts sculpted in the likeness of the country’s former leaders.

 

How to make the best thumbnail for my youtube videos?

Creating an attention-grabbing thumbnail is crucial for attracting viewers to your YouTube videos. Here’s how to make the best thumbnail for your YouTube videos:

1. Use Bright, Bold Colors:

• Why: Bright colors stand out in the YouTube feed and draw attention. Use contrasting colors for the background and text to make your thumbnail pop.
• How: Use color schemes that complement your video’s topic (e.g., bright reds, blues, and yellows work well).

2. Include a Clear, High-Quality Image:

• Why: The main image is the first thing viewers notice. Make sure it’s relevant and high-resolution.
• How: Use a clean, sharp image from the video, or stage a relevant photo. Faces with emotions (e.g., surprise, happy) can create a personal connection.

3. Add Text for Context:

• Why: Adding short, bold text helps clarify the video’s content at a glance.
• How: Use large, easy-to-read fonts with 3-5 words max (e.g., “Latest Subway Progress” or “Unseen Footage”). Avoid cluttering the thumbnail with too much text.

4. Incorporate a Logo or Branding:

• Why: Consistent branding builds recognition. A small logo in the corner can strengthen your brand identity.
• How: Place your logo in a non-intrusive area, like a corner, so it doesn’t overwhelm the main content.

5. Show Key Visuals Related to Your Topic:

• Why: Viewers want to see what the video is about. Showing elements like maps, subway routes, or construction progress for a Metro Manila Subway update can create intrigue.
• How: Use screenshots or custom graphics that showcase important scenes or themes from your video.

6. Use Emotion or Action in the Thumbnail:

• Why: Thumbnails with action or emotion engage viewers and build curiosity.
• How: If relevant, include action shots (e.g., workers building the subway) or emotional reactions (e.g., your surprised or excited face).

7. Keep it Simple & Not Overcrowded:

• Why: Overly complicated thumbnails can be confusing and difficult to read, especially on mobile.
• How: Focus on one or two elements that represent your video’s core message, avoiding too much text or too many images.

8. Optimize for Mobile:

• Why: Most YouTube views come from mobile devices. Make sure the thumbnail is easily viewable on small screens.
• How: Test the thumbnail on both mobile and desktop views to ensure all elements are clear and visible.

9. Consistency in Thumbnails:

• Why: A consistent style helps build your brand on YouTube, making your videos more recognizable.
• How: Use the same fonts, color schemes, and layout styles across all your thumbnails.

Tools to Use:

• Canva: A free tool that offers templates and customizable designs for YouTube thumbnails.
• Photoshop: For more advanced users, Photoshop gives you greater control over editing.
• Snappa: A simple drag-and-drop graphic design tool, great for beginners.

Pro Tip:

Always test different styles and track which thumbnails get the most clicks (CTR) to see what works best for your audience!

Is TAGS can really help get more youtube views? what are they used for?

Yes, tags can help improve your YouTube video’s visibility, though their impact is less significant than other factors like content quality, titles, and thumbnails. Tags are used to provide YouTube with additional information about your video, helping the platform understand your video’s topic and context. They play a role in how your video is indexed, recommended, and found through searches, which can increase views.

What Tags Are Used For:

1. Video Search Optimization (SEO):

   • Tags help YouTube understand the main topic of your video and match it with relevant searches. When someone searches for a keyword that matches one of your tags, your video may appear in the search results.

2. Recommendations & Related Videos:

   • Tags can influence how YouTube suggests your video in the “related videos” section. If your tags are similar to popular videos, YouTube may recommend your content next to those.

3. Correct Categorization:

   • Sometimes, YouTube may misinterpret the context of your video based on its content alone. Tags help clarify your video’s category and subject, making sure it’s shown to the right audience.

4. Broader Discoverability:

   • Tags can help expand your reach by including synonyms, related terms, or broader topics that you may not have covered in your title or description. This increases the chances of your video being discovered in a variety of searches.

Best Practices for Using Tags:

1. Use Relevant Keywords:

   • Include key terms that describe your video accurately. For example, if your video is about the "Metro Manila Subway Project," use tags like “Metro Manila Subway,” “Philippines infrastructure,” “subway project update,” etc.

2. Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords:

   • Long-tail keywords are specific phrases that are more likely to match what users search for (e.g., “Metro Manila Subway 2024 update”).

3. Include Synonyms & Variations:

   • Use different ways of describing your content to cover a broader range of searches. For example, if your video is about “pork BBQ,” you could also include “barbecue,” “grilled pork,” or “Filipino BBQ.”

4. Don’t Overload with Irrelevant Tags:

   • Avoid adding irrelevant or misleading tags just to get more views. YouTube’s algorithm is smart and may penalize videos that use tags unrelated to their content.

5. Use Brand Tags:

   • Include your channel or brand name in the tags to help people find all of your content easily.

Do Tags Guarantee More Views?

Tags alone won’t guarantee more views, but when used strategically, they can help improve your video’s visibility and discoverability. Combined with other SEO factors like a compelling title, detailed description, good thumbnails, and high-quality content, tags can contribute to better search ranking and more views.

What's the best time to upload on youtube?

The best time to upload on YouTube depends on your target audience's habits, but studies and insights from successful YouTubers suggest the following general guidelines:

Best Days to Upload:

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are considered the best days to upload, as users tend to be more active during these days and the weekend.

Best Time to Upload:

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday):
  • Between 2 PM and 4 PM in your target audience's time zone. This ensures your video is available for peak viewing times in the evening, around 7 PM to 10 PM when many people are online.
• Weekends (Saturday and Sunday):
  • Between 9 AM and 11 AM is ideal because many users tend to watch videos earlier in the day on weekends.

Factors to Consider:

1. Audience Location:

   • Check your YouTube Analytics to find out where your audience is based. Uploading at times when they're most active in their time zone can significantly boost your views.

2. Audience Behavior:

   • If your content is aimed at students, they might be more active in the afternoons and evenings. If your target is working professionals, uploading just before they get off work might be ideal.

3. Experimentation:

   • Try uploading at different times to see when your audience is most engaged, and adjust based on the analytics from your own channel.

By experimenting and analyzing the data, you'll be able to refine your upload schedule for optimal performance.

Going to BATAC CITY, ILOCOS NORTE - The Busiest area of Batac City

This is the way to the center or capital of Batac from the north (Laoag) going south 

Look at that! Look at the JOLLIBE mascot very interesting.

Of course, they have Joliibee and other restaurants so the visitors can stay longer and eat their lunch or dinner at night, Parking spaces are very spacious. 

This is also a busy road of Batac Market in Batac City, I.N. At the right is the Public Market where all of the Vegetables & Fruits come from their local farms from the high lands and mountains, they produce more of it than in Laoag, maybe because they have bigger Farm market and so on.

Inside the Public Dry Market

Public Dry Market

In the Busiest area of Batac City Near the Public HOSPITAL, they have little restaurants around and they just called Carinderia one of them is Probinsya Food House

No wonder they are busy, they also have C & E pizza here near the Quioait River on the right.

And here is the road where everyone is walking and vice versa to the Hospital, you know the MMMH&MC or Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center is the biggest Hospital in Ilocos Norte, It is Very wide and Big every Department has its own Building

You can see it here at Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Batac,+Ilocos+Norte/@18.0603261,120.5588364,217m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x338ec047b18eab5f:0x1b8a51fac968a561!8m2!3d18.0460318!4d120.5940777!16zL20vMDZqdzk4?entry=ttu

Another Carinderia is the GABBY EATERY, the story behind why there are so many CARENDIRIA around the hospital is that, I think when the visitors or Bantay of the patient inside the hospital stay long and they don't actually give free meals inside that's why they go around and see for carinderia to eat and ready to going back again to see there relatives who are confined.

I just love this photo

And you can't see a Jollibee without its long rival the MCDONALDS of the USA

Anyway, they both produce good food and we don't have to compare them.

I laugh at this carinderia name, there is just a related thing I'm thinking in Ilocano, IMAS means Delicious 

There are also Mini groceries here why not, you need tissues and alcohol at the hospital

You need drinks because it is hot, you need bread and cookies

This is the Main Entrance of the Hospital I guess

Some videos here

Thank you for the time to read this article i hope you guys give me a good time to tell something in the comments section below, thank you very much.

 

Ang unang ginto na binili ko abroad (Ang Hikaw ni nanay) galing saudi, Pero Binenta niya!

Opo Bumili po ako dati ng ganitong Hikaw para po talaga sa nanay ko yan, Pure po na gold galing Saudi, Pinadala ko po yan noong may pauwing kasamahan namin noon na ka brgy din namin, kaya madali po niyang nakuha agad. 

Siempre 2015 ata medyu mora pa po ang Saudi gold, siguro nasa 2,500 pesos pa lang po ang per gram that time,

Anyways masaya ako kasi naka pag bigay ako kahit ano man lang na regalo, not sure kung birthday niya that time, 

Ang masakit BINENTA niya, ang rason kung bakit? pera daw ang gusto. diba nakaka inis ang mga nanay ngayon pera daw gusto ayaw ng regalo, kahit ano pa sana yan kung galing sa anak sana naman pahalagaan, kaya yun hindi ko na siya niregalohan ng kahit ano, sayang kasi plano kupa sana bigyan ng bahay "Charot"

So ayan, yan ang kuwento ng HIKAW ni mama, Sad pero true.

Payroll in Saudi Arabia - How does it looks like - My 5 years experience in Saudi Arabia

Ito nga po pala sinasahud ko noon nag tratrabaho ako sa SAUDI way back 2016 sa hotel Sa ras tanura, Saudi. Pinapakita kolanng ito for reference for does who are curios about it, minsan or mostly talaga naka subre noon pero dahil nag iba na po panahon dahil sa technology naka ATM na po karamihan.

It is good that I've been working with a good company like United Najeed Holdings because It's lucky for me that I'm a secretary of the hotel, Just my boss who orders commands and me to follow instructions and give them to the employees, I've been doing like semi-sec and semi-hr who also execute on doing the same job, description job of HR is available on google you can search it DIY.

I was lucky that I'd worked there because I earned experience and tried new things that I had never been in that challenging position. Anyways, jobs in Saudi Arabia are still ongoing recruitment anywhere in the country, i should have been back when in 2019 but because of the 2019 PANDEMIC my applications and flight were canceled luckily I was saved from that thing.

I also checked Attendance so they could determine and calculate how many days we worked and how they arrange our salary, If you are absent then minus 1 day but if you got OT then your salary will increase, make sure you still have a good performance because the Hotel has too many CCTV to watch over you.

20 NU CAMPUSES BY 2028, NU CEBU AND NU BACOLOD TO OPEN SOON

Post by: Emerging Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/EmergingPH

The SM Group is targeting nearly double the number of National University (NU) campuses by 2028 to provide quality, accessible, and affordable education to young Filipinos nationwide.

The Sy family’s investment holding firm SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) said NU is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy that aims to establish 20 campuses across the Philippines by 2028, from 11 to date.

Why do PAL planes use “Philippines” instead of “Philippine Airlines”

Did You Know ? . . . Why do PAL planes use “Philippines” instead of “Philippine Airlines”.

     From the 1940s until the 1960s, PAL had the “Philippine Air Lines” superimposed on the fuselage of the aircraft and the Philippine flag on the tail. This went on throughout the turboprop era until early into the jet age.  However, PAL’s first jet engine aircraft, the Douglas DC-8, already had the familiar flag on the tail fin, which included the word “PAL.”

     In the 1960s, however, PAL’s logo was redesigned, which affected the livery. The new logo in the 1960s introduced a new concept for the company’s visual identity. It was a blue and red emblem on the left from a traditional black inscription, set in all capitals of a classy serif-type face.  The emblem featured two overlapping triangles in blue and red, placed on a white background and enclosed in a thin black circular frame.

     In 1986, the PAL logo was changed to what it is today. They added the sun’s yellow rays to a blue triangle of the Philippine Airlines’ visual identity. The lettering was also refined, and now it features a delicate and smooth italicized Sans-serif typeface, also known as the “PAL typeface, which looks friendly and welcoming. Also, the livery changed, wherein the first aircraft to carry the “Euro white” fuselage and the new logo was the Shorts 360. The tailfin of the airplanes was painted with the familiar Sunriser logo.

The “Philippine Airlines” superimposed on the previous livery was changed to “Philippines.” PAL is not only carrying the company’s name wherever it flies. It does not only represent the core values and branding of the company but the whole Filipino nation.   It’s like “bringing the Philippines and the Filipinos all over the world.” They want to bring out that branding where you are in the Philippines whenever you step inside a PAL plane.

courtesy of Mond Ortiz.

Nag taas ng Minimum Wage ang Metro Manila

 

A 35-peso increase in the daily minimum wage of workers within Metro Manila has been approved and is set to take effect on July 17, 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced Monday. via Philippine Star

Today update on the The Pasig River Esplanade in MANILA

Engr. Berto Photos

The Pasig River Esplanade is an urban development project aimed at revitalizing the area along the Pasig River in Metro Manila, Philippines. It involves creating a scenic, accessible, and sustainable riverside walkway for pedestrians, promoting environmental conservation, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the riverbanks. The project includes green spaces, recreational areas, and cultural spots, designed to improve the quality of life for residents and attract tourists. The esplanade is part of broader efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River, which has suffered from pollution and neglect over the years.