Angeles City mirrors two distinct images: that of the beauty of nature, and that of the glitter and glamor of city life. If you are bound for the Philippines, then you should visit the City of the Angels.
Location:
The city is located in Region III, north of Manila / NCR (National Capitol Region), Philippines. It is about 55 miles from the Capital.
Access:
From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), one can take an airport taxi to nearby bus stations (Victory Liner, Rabbit, Dagupan Bus lines most buses going up north pass by Dau the entry point to Angeles City.) The Victory Liner is the most comfortable, based on the author’s experience. Only the Rabbit Bus lines however, has a station inside the city. For the other buses, you could alight at Dau, which is a jeepney – ride away from Angeles. There are ordinary buses and air con buses, which offer affordable prices.
You could rent private cars and taxis from the airport that could bring you directly to Angeles, but it would be more expensive than the bus fares.
If you decide to take the bus until Dau, then you could ride a jeepney from Dau to Angeles. You have to walk though, the short distance from the bus station to the jeepney stop. If you are totally new to the city, take a ride from the NAIA Airport provided by legitimate and certified airport taxis.
TheDiosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) is inside Clark Freeport, (which was previously the US Clark Air Base.) Travelers from different entry points could now land directly at the airport. Flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Incheon Korea, Singapore, Hongkong and Thailand are quite affordable.
For first time-travelers, it is not advisable to hail a taxi outside of the airport for these are no longer covered by airport rules and may not be guaranteed for your personal safety. Accidents can happen in any part of the world no matter what safety precautions are in place if you don’t travel wisely. One could easily be lost in the crowded, metropolitan mazes.
Within Angeles city, jeepneys and tricycles are readily available.
Recommended places to visit:
If you’re a nature enthusiast, the remains of Mt. Pinatubo would be a good place to go. The remains of the eruption in 1991 are still indelibly etched on the landscape. The oldest house-Pamintuan’s residence found at Sto. Rosario St. could be a treat for you. The intricate designs of the house reflect the influence of the Spanish occupation. The Clark Special
The Beauty After the Onslaught - Mt. Pinatubo, photo by lacesdews
Economic Zone could be a peaceful place to visit, just to see how the former – US Clark Air Base – looked like. It occupies a large area in the outskirt of the city. There are also several duty-free shops . Taxis can be hired at the gates of Clark or at taxi stops outside SM Clark ( a leading Filipino Mall, found just near the gates of Clark).
Several popular hotels are also within Clark’s perimeter: Mimosa and Holiday Inn to name some. Mount Arayat stands majestic in the center of Pampanga and is less than an hour’s ride from the city proper. It is the only mountain found in the heart of the province.
Mother Nature abounds and local folks usually spent some respite there during the summer months. A guided tour would be advisable if you want to include it in your list.
The museums, churches and old Spanish houses are worth a visit too.
It would be wise not to venture without a competent, local guide. Balibago – one ride from the city proper – is where most tourists stay. There are several hotels in this area, Swagman, Oasis , and many more. These are frequented by tourists from different nationalities. Night life is also spectacular.
There are several bars and bistros (some are opened 24 hours), which cater to foreigners who prefer the night life.
Whatever places you decide to visit while in Angeles City, you should be a wise traveler. Always have a map of the city with you, bring only valuables that you need when going out. For maximum enjoyment, stay in groups and employ the services of legitimate local guides.
Have you ever experienced buying a computer and drawing a blank, when the salesman asked you, what computer specifications did you like? You had this big question mark in your mind of what he was talking about.
Was there an incident when you were trying to buy a certain software or game, and you were perplexed upon reading the label which said, “Minimum System Requirements”? You end up, therefore, buying nothing at all simply because you didn’t understand computer language.
If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, well you are in the right page. Keep reading, and this article will help enlighten and feed you healthy information, so that next time you are in the above situation, you will not feel inferior when it comes to tech talk in computers.
What is a computer system specification?
A computer system is a collection of devices each with their own functions, that works together as one in order to process information and display it on your monitor. It lets you do so many things like browse the internet, edit your worksheet, type a letter using a word processor, watch movies, play games, edit photos or videos, and even program a software to do a specific function. Each device contributes to the overall performance of a computer system.
A computer specification is a collection of information of all these important devices in a computer system. These are very useful because just by looking at these information, the user can roughly estimate a computer system’s performance. This is why software and games include in their label the “minimum system requirements” in order for the buyer or user to be able to estimate if his/her computer system can actually run the software or game and how efficiently will it run.
This is also important when you are trying to buy a new computer unit because these information will be your basis on what computer devices will you be giving priority in accordance to your desired main functionality of your computer system.
For example, if your computer is mainly for browsing and daily computing only, you may want to buy mid range processor, hard drive and medium amount of RAM.
But if your computer system will be mainly for gaming, you may want to invest on video cards, high RAM and fast processor. Therefore, proper basic knowledge on computer devices or specifications will greatly help any computer user especially those who are new in the field of computers.
Here are brief descriptions of each device usually included in computer system specifications:
CPU – Central Processing Unit or simply processor.
This is the brain of a computer unit.
This is the device that process every bit of information you give the computer.
In a computer specification, it is usually written like this, “Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.8ghz”.
The first label is the model name or brand name of the processor.
The 2nd part is the important information you need. This number indicates a processor “clock speed”.
A clock speed is the frequency on how fast the processor executes commands or process information in a given time. Therefore, the higher the clock speed, the faster the processor, the better.
But also take note on the number of cores a processor have. Early processors only contain a single die or core in order to process data, but modern processors usually contain 2 or 4 dies or cores which simultaneously work together for a faster data processing.
Theoretically, the higher the core count, the better, but this is not usually applies for all. Some software or games only support 2 cores therefore a quad-core (4 cores) will not benefit on this.
But if you are into video and photo editing where there are a number of calculations needed at a single time, a quad-core processor will be faster than a dual core. Therefore, the benefit gained on multiple core processors largely depends on the software or game to be used.
2. RAM- Random Access Memory.
This is a memory module where bits of information to be processed are stored temporarily and randomly accessed by the processor for loading.
The main difference of a RAM from a memory card or hard drive or ROM (read-only memory) is that the information stored inside a RAM is deleted once the computer is turned off unlike other memory modules where data stored inside is retained even after turning off the computer.
Basically, the higher the capacity of the RAM (usually in MB (megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes)), the better and faster the computer responds to processes and user inputs. This is because the higher the memory capacity, the more information can be loaded in the memory at once therefore less time the processor seeks for these information and the faster it will execute a certain task.
A computer with at least 1gb of RAM for Windows Vista and Seven Operating system is usually sufficient for fast and efficient computing. But a RAM of 2gb or more is recommended for gaming and high priority software (video editing) purposes is recommended since these require a lot of tasks and instructions loaded at a single time.
3. Graphics Card/Video Card
This device processes all the information related to the graphics the computer will display. Without this, you will not see anything displayed on your monitor. There are 2 kinds of video processors, the onboard graphics accelerator and the “graphics card”.
The onboard graphics accelerator is kind of graphics processor which is already embedded on the motherboard. This usually provides medium resolution and mediocre 3D performance.
If the computer is for internet browsing and daily computing, the onboard graphics is sufficient enough to provide your graphical needs. A very example of this is the graphics accelerator of laptops.
The 2nd type of graphics accelerator is the “graphics card”. It is called as such since the whole graphics processor is in a separate card win which it is connected to a motherboard through a bus.
Old computers uses AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus slots which are already phased out of production. Modern computers uses PCIE (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) bus which is a lot faster than the traditional AGP to connect modern video cards to the motherboard.
The graphics card has a separate memory module in which it acts like a RAM but only loads graphic related data for processing. Although basically the higher the memory the better, this is not always the case.
Most users mistakenly think that this is the most important information a graphics card have. They think that the higher the memory, the faster the card process the graphics, and therefore the better the quality the graphics is rendered. This is wrong. The memory capacity of a graphics card is only important when determining the maximum resolution a graphic data will be displayed.
The higher the resolution, the higher the memory requirement. Therefore, a 512mb video card in 1280×1024 resolution is sufficient enough to provide the graphics needed. A 2gb video card in a 1920×1080 resolution is pretty much an overkill. What is important in determining the quality of the graphics rendered is the card’s ability to render the graphics and its Clock and Memory Speed.
The higher the Clock and Memory Speeds, the better the video card’s performance. So when choosing for a card for gaming, consider checking its clock and memory bus speeds and rendering capability rather than its onboard video memory.
4. Hard Drive – also known as Hard Disk Drive.
This is the device where all information for long term storage are saved. Basically, the higher the capacity of the hard drive the more data could be saved, the better. Most hard drives now have capacities of 160gb, 320gb, 500gb and even 1TB (terabytes or 1000 gb) of memory.
This choice is mostly dependent on user preference. A hard drive of 320gb is more than sufficient in daily computing.
5. DVD-ROM
This device reads all optical media you use for data storage which include CD and DVD. This is a Read Only Memory, therefore information stored in these media can only be “read” and cannot be altered.
This drive is useful because it is the primary drive used when software discs are to be installed or video files (DVD movies) are to be viewed.
6. Operating System (OS)
This is the software which controls everything the computer does. Without an operating system, the computer system is unusable. Basically, the better the operating system, the better performance your computer system will be.
Operating system is user dependent and preference but operating system recommended are Windows XP and Windows 7 which are very good, secured, and are stable.
Well basically, these are the most important information included in a computer specification but other information which is not usually included are also important and are usually ignored.
For additional information, these are the following:
Power Supply Unit
It is also known as PSU. This device is where the whole computer unit gets its juice. Usually its unit is Watts, which is the amount of power it could provide at its maximum capacity. So the more computer parts installed in a computer system, the more power it needs to run.
Therefore the higher the wattage, the more parts you can install (e.g. 2 video cards simultaneously working, or 5 hard drives in one computer), the better. But beware, the higher the wattage, the higher it consumes electricity, therefore the higher the electric bill will cost.
2. Motherboard
This is where all the computer parts are interconnected and communicates with each other. Basically, the better the features of a motherboard (e.g. more memory slots, quality capacitors, heavy duty resistors, better cooling, etc) the better. This is where also the sound chip is installed in order to process sound in your computer.
These are only a few but some of the most important information in a computer system. These data termed as Computer Specifications will help the buyer or user determine the type of computer he wants and will fit his/her usage style. With some basic knowledge of these, you have the advantage in choosing your computer system with its best performance that will suit your computing needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikes Alviz is an allied health professional, who is knowledgeable in computers because of experience. I have been a witness to how he could “repair” a lap top or computer that other technicians were not able to restore. I can say then , that he’s a computer expert.
Starting this week, I’ll be featuring his weekly pointers, tips, information and articles about computers. And mind you Naruto is next on the list. lol.
Thanks Sir Nikes, for agreeing to be a weekly guest writer. Kudos to you!
He started his online career by participating in an online forum – MyLot. His questions were funny and witty, and his answers were informative and concise.
that made me realize he had more to offer. He moved on to contribute to Helium.com , a writing site, with his varied articles like poems, songs , and health topics. Then he published his first poem online through Gewgaw Writings with – “A Zany Cinquain from Zorlone.”
Dr. Lorenzo Bernardino
The embers of his passion for writing was gradually turning into a conflagration that was difficult to extinguish , prompting him to create his firs blog at blogspot.com – Zorlone.
Slowly his star started to shine. He was a fast learner and in no time at all, he had learned the intricate ways of blogging to go on and win several contests with his award Reader’s Choice Award and Best Storyteller for his story My blog reconnected me to my lost son.
Readers began to troop to his blog. This post had more or less 90 comments.
He had also his seconds of fame in the boob tube by being the resident Doctor for Channel 2’s primetime TV show -PBB -PINOY BIG BROTHER
He continues to be an inspiration to others, a good doctor, a prolific poet, an uber blogger and a wonderful friend- that’s Dr. Lorenzo Bernardino, for you AND Doc Zorlone to his online friends.
Rank 4 - Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009- Courtesy of Ada Lajara
He now has to turn a new chapter in his book of life. Doc Zorlone, we pray for your success , well being and happiness.
We will miss you for sure, but we know, this chapter has to be written!
Paint the sky with your poetry in your soon to be new IP address. lol.
When I was 5 years old, I had been a witness to a dead corpse who was a victim of head-hunting. His head was sewn to his neck as it was totally severed from his body, apparently with a razor-sharp bolo.
There was no “bodong” (peace pact) between my village and another village so a full blown tribal war had erupted. The death toll was rising and more and more grieving families wanted revenge for their loved ones.
Headhunting was then the method of revenge of one village against another. It does not matter whether you were a relative or not of the deceased, as long as you belonged to that particular village then you were a potential target.
There were times when we took cover in the forests when the avenging tribal warriors from the other village came to extract vengeance. Children were the most affected, in my young mind, it was a traumatic experience. I could still hear the cries of people around me as everyone scrambled for safety. Women and children were brought to safety, while the men geared up for war. A lookout/crier would be assigned every night who would warn the village folk when danger is near, so all could all ran to the forest refuge.
My grandfather once told me that there were vicious tribes who even brought the head with them to their villages and would dance around it all night long. But, I thank God; I had never witnessed such event.
My native folks were really gentle people but they were extremely protective of family and territory. No villager would venture into another, without proper information and permission and I grew up amidst these dangers.
Great efforts were made to reconcile the tribal differences with what we call the “bodong” (peace pact). It was an agreement performed with native rituals from both villages.
Little by little, as education was brought to the young villagers, and some had been able to pursue higher education, a semblance of peace started to be established. The native folks began to realize that there is nothing to gain by these continuous slaughter, of even, innocent people.
As I grew up to become a teen, there were some villages that still went on with their tribal wars, but by then, they were using guns. These were the villages that just wanted domination and not peace.
Slowly though, through the efforts of well meaning elders and socially responsible villagers, the “bodong” began to be established between each of the villages. It was a long drawn out process though with lots of impediments along the way.
Up to this time, the “bodong” is still the key that is keeping most of the villages in peace. Although, this agreement is not usually executed in the presence of an attorney, it is a lasting and well respected pact that every villager observed.
I have not been to my village for the past years, but I know I still have to go back to my roots eventually in the future. I know the Kalinga people are a peace-loving community having strong convictions to work for peace and unity.
I would like to invite you to my village –Taloctoc, the paradise I had known as a child.
Intakkon od Taloctoc, Kalinga! (Let’s visit Taloctoc, Kalinga!)
I just described Taloctoc to this talented artist and he was able to capture the essence of the small village in the heart of the far-flung Kalinga mountains.
This was done by Eugene Andrade – a.k.a. suexox05 – an upcoming young artist; he’s just 19, and a 4th year Medical Technology college student.
I know he’ll go a long way in his passion. To view more of his work, visit his page at DeviantART
A contest:
Name the man in the native costume and win $10 thru paypal. You can do some research to find the answer in one of my blogs.
