Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Metro Manila Traffic

As far as 1990s traffic in Metro Manila was already a pressing issue. In fact for our undergraduate thesis we developed an automated traffic control system and in this study we have identified key areas that needs to be addressed to solve the traffic congestion. First is the traffic control system that is adaptable and automated. Next is vehicle policies which should control volume and presence of vehicles. Third is pedestrian discpline where policies should be in place to discipline road behaviors. Fourth is drivers'  discipline abd courtesy in the road where policies should also be enforced. And lastly infrastructure to accommodate traffic volume. In our thesis we targeted the automated traffic control system. Our work has brought us to present even to national traffic forum sponsored byJICA and DOTC where we were lauded for our work.


So after 20 years, here are my thoughts on traffic in MetroManila
1. There are too many cars on the road. As evidence, people use the road as their parking. Two lane secondary roads become one lane because people park their cars on the road as their homes don't parking. We should have a policy no valid parking area no car ownership priviledge.
2. Intelligent and smarter traffic enforcers. Most often you find traffic enforcers in a group i  areas where there seemed to be no problem. In areas where you have congestion you would find them just waving their hands. The enforcers objective should be to enforce the law...keep the traffic moving..ie the faster they can move out vehicles from edsa the better the traffic congestion will ease up.
3. MMDA should seek help and solutions from the university. Mechanical and chemical engineering students can propose as thesis structural solutions to MetroManila traffic congestion. MMDA can actually make it as a competition. Engineering students have eng'g courses on fluid dynamics which gives them capacity to develop the solution.

What' your take on traffic now in MetroManila

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Kentucky Fried Chicken or Jollibee

I don't know with kids of today. They love fried chicken. Our two boys love to eat them. We often grace these fast food chains to eat chicken whenever we go out go to the malls.

There are only two fast food chains preferred by our kids ie Jolibee and KFC. As for me I like Jolibee for their diverse food offerings that you never get the same thing each day even if you go there daily. Jolibee has non chicken menu which KFC doesnt. What I like about KFC are their juicy chicken and delicious macaroni salad.  What I don't like much about KFC is their not so cooked rice and it is the same to all KFC I have been. Either rice is not cooked enough or not enough water is used.  I hope KFC improved their cooking of rice.

What's your experience with KFC or Jollibee?

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Car Detailing

I am a car fanatic but not to a degree where I am fond of car accessories and upgrades. I like our cars stay as original as possible especially to maintain the car design theme. I personally wash our cars and dont have them washed in car wash around the corner.

After one to three years depending upon if the car is new, I have our cars exterior detailed to bring out the color and shine. Googling car detailing brings out the usual car detailers in the business here in Manila. I go thru the feedbacks and reviews and I usually try them.

Here are the car detailers that i have tried so far in order of my recommendation:

1. Meguiar's Kamias - expensive but very detailed works down to the tightest areas and never missing a spot
2. Big Berts Araneta - reasonably priced satisfied results
3. Big Berts Ortigas - reasonably priced but missed spots
4. Meguiar' Shaw - expensive but Meguiars Kamias works are better
5. Pulse Creative - not expensive convenient at home but not as detailed.

Please share your experience.