Hey guys! I just got back from Hong Kong yesterday night.

I'm still exhausted. I still haven't fully unpacked my stuff. That will have to wait.

Don't worry. I promised to tell you all about my trip. I'll keep my word. Just have to catch up on work I missed and other stuff that need immediate attention.

The moment I have the free time. I'll post about it.

And by the way, I would like to thank those readers who sent me messages on my birthday. I really appreaciate it.

I'll be going on vacation this coming weekend. I'll be going to Hong Kong.

My mom has been in Europe for the past week or so. Together with my stepfather, I will meet her and a couple of family friends there.

Of course, I will be going to the must-see places in Hong Kong. Including Disneyland and Ocean Park.

This will double as my birthday celebration. I'll blog about it when I return.

For all Filipinos here and around the world, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

A little background about our holiday for those not familiar with it.

I don't know if I remember my history correctly, but I think this was originally celebrated on July 4th. The same day Americans celerate their independence. This was when America gave us control of our country after World War II. (I think.)

Then it was moved to June 12. So it celebrates the country's independence from our Spanish colonizers in 1898. SO making calculations from there, it's our 110th year of freedom.

See this ring designed by Ukranian jewelry designer, Andriy Kurovets. (Photo source)

As predicted, the fate of the California Supreme Court's landmark ruling will be decided on a ballot in November.

Opponents of same-sex marriage have gathered enough signatures. 694,354 petition signatures to be exact.

In the meantime, they have asked for a delay in performing ceremonies. The delay has been denied. This means, same sex couples may marry by June 17. What a coincidence, that's my birthday.

The marriage license forms have been revised. Instead of it indicating Bride and Groom, it will be "Party A" and "Party B"

Kent State University in Ohio has offered its custodial staff the option of working for 4 10-hour day work weeks. It is not available to other departments yet.

They are using this strategy to combat soaring gas prices. According to the Energy Information Administration, gas have averaged $3.94 per gallon.

This will cut commute costs. At the same time, easing the chance of losing people.

University spokesman, Scott Rainone said, 74 out of 94 has taken up the offer.

I believe this strategy has been tried here in the Philippines. I think only in the Government sector. I don't know how long it lasted or if is still continued.

It might be a good idea to bring it back. Gasoline prices here have been soaring as well. It has reached over 50 Philippine pesos per liter in the past several weeks. That's roughly $4.40 per gallon, if my calculations are correct.

This soaring prices is significantly affecting every field in the country. Transportation just had a fare hike (and the possibility of another fare hike is expected). Energy sector has been under the microscope lately. Prices of commodities have gone up. Although not entirely related to the gas prices but the shortage of our food staple, rice, didn't help matters.

What has happened to the efforts on the use of alternative fuels. It would certainly be a great help. I think the current pace of delivering results has nothing to do wth the actual pace of discovering/developing alternative fuels, but more on the political aspect of it all.

This crisis has already made the world very tense. Here are some suggestions to relieve some of it, wherever you are in the world: car pool, use fuel-efficient cars, work at home (if you can), and have work close to home (if possible).

Click this link if you want to read about the reasons why a 4 day work week might be a good idea.