What is WTO DSU?

One day, I encountered the acronym WTO DSU. I am familiar with the acronym WTO but I don't know what DSU means. According to Wikipedia, WTO DSU means World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Understanding.

World Trade Organization or WTO  is an international organization that aims to improve trade between member nations by developing policies that are advantageous for all member nations. Because WTO is composed various nations, then it is normal that disputes arise between member nations. 

The acronym DSU from the WTO DSU stands for Dispute Settlement Understanding.  The WTO DSU was developed to settle disputes between member nations and ensure the stability of global economy. Disputes arises when a member nation adopted a policy or policies that deprive another nation of benefits that it is so entitled according to existing trade agreements. The aggrieved nation is allowed to file a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization regarding the said policy or policies. After the complaint was filed, the WTO DSU will be used to settle the dispute.

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The whole process of WTO DSU can last approximately around 1 year to 3 months, that is if the member nation that has raised the questionable policy appealed before the WTO Dispute Settlement Board.

For more information regarding the WTO DSU, I suggest that you visit the World Trade Organization website.

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Trainspotters - Who are They?

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Philippine National Railway Corporation (PNRC) are the three train companies that are operating in the Philippines. I already rode the trains of MRT and LRT. I am yet to ride the train of PNRC and I want to experience riding on PNRC's sleeper coach on a travel from Manila to Bicolandia.

Riding a train is just a normal and boring experience for people like me. I climb the train station, pay the ticket and then board the train. On ordinary days, a typical train rider has to experience a scene like this:
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(source: Before the Eastern Sunset)

The photo above shows what is inside a MRT coach during rush hours. It is crowded and you will be crushed if you stand near the train doors.

Riding a train is just normal experience and I never thought that there are groups of people who enjoyed seeing, photographing and reading about railways and trains. These people are usually called as trainspotters. According to Wikipedia, trainspotters are different from railfans though both of them are interested on trains and other things related to the operation of the railway network.

Trainspotters are people who aims to “spot” (hence the name trainspotters) trains or any type of rolling stocks depending on the interest of the trainspotter. Some trainspotters spot trains of particular type, or of particular railway company, etc.

Trainspotters, for me, have a unique kind of hobby and only few people have such kind of hobby. I am yet to meet a Filipino trainspotter. However, I had a friend in Facebook who is part of a society of railfans and are interested with the railway system of the Philippines.

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Coron Resorts

Coron is a municipality in Palawan Province and is composed of many islands. The main part of the town of Coron is on the southeastern half of Busuanga Island. Being a town that is composed of many islands makes it a good place for beaches and good resorts. Coron is popular for its clear seas, pristine beaches and untouched environment. I am hoping to reach Coron in the future just to see the beautiful things that it offers.

As for now, I will content myself in giving a list of three Coron Resorts.

1. KokosNuss Garden Resort

This is a Coron Resort that has a weird sounding name. But when you consider the fact that it KokosNuss Garden Resort is owned by two Germans, then you will see why the reason for the name. This Coron Resort is located on a hill about a kilometer away from the poblacion or center of Coron town. As the name implies, visitors of this Coron Resort will experience the relaxing ambiance of being in the middle of garden.

This Coron Resort have nipa huts as amenities for its visitors. This Coron resort has a garden restaurant where visitors can enjoy local, Asian and European cuisine.

2. El Rio y Mar Resort

Another Coron resort is El Rio y Mar Resort. This Coron resort is located about 30 minutes from the Busuanga Airport. The resort has an outdoor pool, billiard tables and massage areas. Visitors to this Coron can enjoy fishing and sailing. The rooms in this resort can only accommodate maximum of two persons. This Coron resort offers an airport shuttle for its visitors.

3. Club Paradise Resort Palawan

This Coron resort has 52 rooms available for its guests. Club Paradise Resort Palawan offers ballroom dancing, beach volleyball and billiard tables. This Coron resorts also has conference rooms that is suitable for out-of-town forums or seminars.

Aside from the normal amenities, this Coron resort also offers tours to Coron Island and Caluit Island. The resort is also good for diving enthusiasts because it offers diving facilities for its guests.

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Information regarding KokosNuss Garden Resort obtained from Tours Palawan. Information on El Rio y Mar Resort obtained from Google Maps.