The Call for Help

It's been 3 months since the tropical cyclone caused damage in the Philippines. Storm Washi was a late-season tropical cyclone and it made landfall on December 16 bringing a massive destruction along the riverside areas. Cagayan de Oro City was hit hard, hundreds are dead and hundreds are missing, and feared to have died. My aunt's family and all the neighbors were among the survivors. After three months, some of the houses in their neighborhood are still in ruin. If you have relatives and friends, check on them. They might need your help.My aunt and her family went back to their house two months ago and they tried to get back on their feet. They are okay and I hope, you too would check your family and friends back home. If you are a stranger and wanted to help, leave a message and I can give you a name which you can direct your help to them.

I Do Care

When we went to Mississippi last year, I bought 30 pieces of clothes in SEARS because they are on SALE. I spent less than $100 for everything (90% off) and I was supposed to send those clothes last December for my relatives in CDO. I failed to do so when Storm Washi or Bagyong Sendong struck CDO on Dec. 16, 2011. I diverted my budget for shipping and added the amount to send financial help for my relatives and friends. This week, I will be sending 2 balikbayan boxes and those new clothes will be included in the box. (see the pix below) I tried asking help from hubbys' friends and thank God, one replied. This is better than nothing right? I already accepted the fact that when I beg for help, I am not convincing. The owner of the clothes below works at American Airlines so, her clothes are worth keeping for and I know, the recipient will be happy to wear them. Thanks to Christine Danyi, you are an angel in disguise. May God bless you abundantly! Thank you so much for extending your arms to help the survivors of Sendong. The recipient of these two boxes will be the residents of District 3 Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. This will be distributed to the 46 families whom I know from childhood. It would be nice if you do the same thing just to lighten up a little bit of their misery. This is not much but, these things will give them encouragement that others care for them. Go ahead! Do share!

Bagyong Sendong: Cagayan de Oro City

It's been a long while that I neglected my blogs. I will suffer if I will not update my Websites because it would mean less income to none. I was too focused on the devastating news about Cagayan de Oro City which was hit by Tropical Storm Washi (Bagyong Sendong) last December 16, 2011.

When I went home last year, my Aunt wanted to buy their rented house. She had no means to buy it and so; she asked my assistance. I can't say NO to my aunt after all, she is very close to me and I wanted her to be happy. The Landlord needed the money for medical purposes too so; we negotiated the amount. My aunt and her family can live the property without paying the rent for three years and if the Landlord cannot return the amount that I gave her, we will create another contract or finalize the property deeds. If that happens, the property will be given to my aunt in fact, in the contract my aunt and her daughter is the beneficiary of the property. I provide the financial assistance to augment their life situation. I was glad that for a year, they managed to stand on their feet and uplift their way of living. Until... Sendong came.

It was around 10PM on the night of Dec.16, 2011, I tried to check on them and there was no answer on the phone. I called my mom to calm her down because she was afraid of the storm. I told her it will be passing Cagayan de Oro soon. Everything seems normal and most of my friends in Cagayan de Oro were on Facebook and described the strong winds and hard rainfall. Then...all at once, all of them stopped updating their walls. I thought they were sleeping.

My friends in the US are the ones in panic and updated their FB walls about the rising water of Cagayan de Oro river. I called my mom again to check the news but, I awakened her. Everything seems fine with her and she told me, there's no electricity. I called my brother in Surigao and asked about his family in Carmen (a flood zone) area but, he said they are alright. I called my aunt and my cousins but, there was no answer....I waited and I prayed hard.

Around 4AM, I was relieved to read a text message from my cousin informing they are all safe. When the water subsided in the morning, they were hungry, in a daze, muddy, cold and wet. My cousin and his family in NHA were the first relatives who check on them. My mama asked them to check the situation of my Aunt and her family. They bought food and gave them money. My aunt can't go back to their place. The mud was too high to tackle. They were tired and they haven't sleep since the night before. The house is still there but, everything inside was totaled!

They are currently living with my Mama and everyone is alive and safe. Material things maybe gone but, we do not worry about it. We handle the situation in a day to day basis. What matter most right now is that all of them are spared from a life threatening situation. And we are so grateful and thankful to God for that.

Read: Sendong Survivor Story

Sweet Smile From A Survivor : Tropical Storm Sendong

"Amidst the chaos is a smile .... especially when you know that you are a survivor of a life-threatening situation." I was worried sick since Saturday when my friend and his wife had no updates on their FB walls. Both of them are my co-teachers during my first school assignment in Besigan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. When Bagyong Sendong struck Northern Mindanao, Philippines, hundreds were missing and Tropical Storm Washi caused more than a thousand fatalities, and 1000+ are officially listed as missing.
Their house is located on the badly hit area. I have been to their place and when the raging water rises up to their gate, it really means trouble.Neighbors find refuge on their roof...waiting for the water to subside. All the residents impacted by these flood waters were forced to seek refuge on their roofs. The whole first floor was engulf with muddy water.
They are worried....
... and sleepy....
... and the water subside...
... and they are safe to come down...
In few hours the house looks like this:You can tell how deep the flood water is. Almost 20 ft perhaps? Or more? Tropical Storm Washi has brought 10 hours of torrential rains. The result was a disastrous flash flood over Northern Mindanao including my beloved city, Cagayan de Oro. My city is an area that rarely experiences tropical cyclones. During these hours, hundreds of people were killed as flood waters destroyed the homes along the riverbanks. As far as I remember in four decades, this flood is the worst in my city's history. My friends survived the flooding and though they lost everything, they have each other and that's what matter's most.

My Wish for Christmas

For so many days, I lost the drive to write and update my blog. I thought I can manage to work in a charity company but, I think I cannot handle seeing and hearing the misery of other people. Since Friday Dec. 16, 2011 when Tropical Storm Sendong (washi) hit Southern Philippines, I was doing charity work online. It was stressful and right after Christmas Eve, I have a terrible headache. I took a nap and rested for the whole day to regain my strength. This Christmas is the saddest Christmas I ever had. My family and I cannot help but think about those people who mourn for their loveones. May God bless the victims of Sendong the gift of understanding and may God heal their emptiness and sadness. This is my wish for Christmas.

Cagayan de Oro City Philippines Needs Your Help

My husband and I were driving to Alabama yesterday morning and I called my mom in the Philippines to inform her about my whereabouts. I also need to calm her down that Cagayan de Oro is in the path of the storm Sendong. She got nervous with thunderstorm and winds so; I told her to not to worry too much because it will pass by in few hours. I can hear the wind gushing and the falling rain on the canopy. Hearing my voice and my constant calls made her at ease. By 2 PM, that's dawntime in Cagayan de Oro, my FB friends were busy posting distressed posts about flooding.Here are some of the photos taken and shared to public in FB by DON JUNIOR. Thank you so much for sharing Don. My heart sank and I was devastated! When I grew up, my family lived in Cagayan de Oro river banks and there is nothing like this ever happened in our city. I was about 8 years old when there was flooding in Consolacion. My uncle carried me on his back because it was so deep and the streets were ankle-deep. Not this time! This is worst because according to my cousin, the water rise up quickly and their house was engulf with flood water above the roof. All their belongings GONE forever and that includes the appliances. Thank God that 6 of them plus two children are safe! All the neighbors that I knew from childhood were all safe but, some of them are in the evacuation area and no place to come home for Christmas. I am pleading your HELP to please share your blessings. If you live in the city and you are not affected, bring food, water, and clothings to the evacuation centers of Balulang and Macanhan. Do not forget Consolacion, the street where I grew up. There is a Nuestra Senora Virgin del Rosario church in there and you can drop off your donations. I am imploring your help. As for my relatives who lives in this area, they are temporarily taking shelter in the house with my mom. They have nothing this Christmas but, there are other people who have no one to hang on. Let us give them help NOW! If you live in the US, you may contact the information below, shared by Nene Luna :

KIWA Kagayanons International -Washington Chapter
7260 Sunset Ave NE, Bremerton,

WA 98311

Cell #: 360-981-4794
c/o Estela C. Jakobsson (President)

or Raul Bacas (Treasurer)

VjAndep Pastel

Pastel is a Filipino Delicacy originated locally in Camiguin Island which was introduced by VjAndep. I was in great awe when I saw that VjAndep occupied the big building somewhere in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City. It was my first visit in three years and my city has grown in unbelievable progress.I bought few delicacies which I miss while living abroad and that includes pastel, hopia, polvoron and more. The original Pastel that I like is made up of bun with "yema" filling. To my surprise, they now have 12 varieties of Pastel: .This is indeed a success story of an entrepreneur Eleanor Popera Jose who commercialized Pastel on the 8th of January in 1990. VjAndep stands for Virgelio Jose and Eleanor Popera so when you read the name the sound of "j" is silent thus, making it Vandep.
Now, I know how they got that name huh! Anyway, here are the pictures of the store that they have in Bulua.
I hope their business will be bless more with success and a long lasting enthusiasm to create more Filipino delicacy to satisfy the cravings of everyone!

Gran Europa at Christmas

If we talk about entrance gates of a village or subdivision, Gran Europa marked as having the best Christmas Decor Presentation. Inside Gran Europa has 7 subdivisions and this village is located in Cagayan de Oro City uptown. I live in one of these subdivisions by Camella Homes and I love this place.

I borrowed this pictures which were taken by May, a friend of mine.

I will post more pictures next time so you will have a glance as to how lovely our place last Christmas holidays!

Opol Beach Resort

The picture below was taken at Opol, Misamis Oriental Philippines specifically in Marbella Beach area. The place was crowded for so many Christmas Party gatherings at this time. Luckily, I was able to attend the Christmas get-together party by my XU Library Kapamilya for this year. The water on the beach was so inviting yet, I chosed to stay on the cottage to mingle with my long-lost friends/co-workers in the library.

I miss this place. In college days, Marbella is the favorite venue for my Glee Club group, library family and friends hangout. Looking for a beach resort near Cagayan de Oro City in the Philippines? Visit Opol, Misamis Oriental.

Malling with Family

My nephews needed to buy new school bags and so, I treat their family to the mall. The youngest requested a barbie so, I brought two barbie dolls from the US. Inside SM mall, baby girl wants a barbie school bag. I was very amazed that my niece and nephews had their own preference of things. Oh well, their choices were expensive!LOL!Outch! Hawk brand.

Of course, we were stuck in the kiddie rides area. Here they are:
My brother was sleepy ....hehehe....but, the kiddos were so enthusiastic!
How amazing .... kids unmeasured happiness ....
Here is baby girl...
Kuya was in heaven with this ride! If only grown ups could feel the same way as they did, right?

Beautiful Philippines

This picture was taken by RUSTY, a good friend of mine who visited recently at Camiguin Island during the Lanzones festival. I would definitely show you the beauty of Camiguin Island soon. As of now, just enjoy this preliminary picture, LOL! Isn't it beautiful?
Same photographer. Her name is Rusty! This was taken at Cagayan de Oro City, my hometown. I am still busy so, taking pictures was set aside. Do not despair, I will be showing you my place here, soon.

Thanks for stopping by and visit my blog again sometime.

My Life and Classroom Memories

I talked to Gerjun, a former pupil yesterday and all I had was good memories of him and his classmates. (PHOTOGRAPHER: VERN HOMONLAY OF XU LIBRARY)
I worked in the university library during my college days(photo). Because of the working scholar opportunity, I was able to finish my college and earned my degree in one of the best schools in my country. I was raised by a single mom who inspired me to reach out my dreams. It was always the goal of my mother to have me and my brother finished a good education and earn a Degree. LIFE was TOUGH! It was a milestone which hardships made me become a better person. My mother is a blessing and I owe everything I AM from her. My life is an open book to all my pupils for twelve years. An open book with great hope that they will be inspired of what I had been and what I would become.

Talking to him brings back memories, the good memories in the classroom. He was a bubbly child, artistic, jolly, friendly and his classmates adored him. He was very studious and he always comes to class ready with assignments (afraid of angry teacher amy, hehehe). He loves to learn and a very inquistive as a child. He loves dancing, singing and giggles a lot hahaha.

We talked about him and his classmates. It was amazing that on his batch, some survived to go to college. As their teacher, it was a fulfillment knowing that my pupils gave importance to education. He is presently in College taking up IT course. He told me that Joseph, the first honor of that batch is studying in Xavier University, my beloved alma mater. Life is Great!

Yeah, it reminded me that I am not young anymore! My first grade pupils were grown ups and now in college...wohoooo! LOL!

Cagayan de Oro City Fiesta 2010

These are the random pictures taken by MARICOR AGONCILLO during the Fiesta celebration in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Every August 28, the city celebrates the Fiesta in honor of St. Augustine of Hippo. If you want to see more photos of my city, visit cagayan-de-oro.com. I live in this city all my life. During Fiesta, my mother and I always visit the cathedral church first, watch the parade, go to SM and see if there are FREE concerts. Aside from that, we love to buy something from the display of different products either in Lim Ket Kai area or in Divisoria. The picture above was taken in SM. Crowd gathers in SM mall to see a LIVE Show from Manila performers. The picture below was taken at the grandstand. I usually do not go here because the crowd is really like this every Fiesta who watched the final performance of the participants of the parade. Huge crowd, hot and muggy environment!The picture below is the float of GMA. Usually, the participants of the parade are big companies in the city, selected agencies and schools.
These balloons are common products of the vendors during fiesta. I saw this too in Louisiana and Mississippi during Mardi Gras Parade, would you believe it? It is a good business here and I bet, the balloon vendors in CDO did farely well. I love the picture below because it is very colorful. It can be use as makeup artist business cards, don't you think?

Happy Fiesta CDO!

Salute to the Active Parents

June is the school opening in the Philippines. Every last week of May or first week of June the community is involved voluntarily to help the teacher of their children. The Public School Teachers have the responsibility to make their classrooms conducive to learning. They have to provide anything that is needed in the classroom at their own expense. Having these parents who give a helping hand to the teacher is truly a big relief!Most of the public schools in the Philippines have no gardeners. So, teachers took charge of their own backyard. These parents are good landscapers too. Teachers do not need one because here they are showing their skills in doing the curve appeal!
If the classroom doorknob disfunction or the bathroom won't flush, teachers will fix it. Teacher's are the handy person inside the classroom. That is why, when parents volunteered to do the handy job, the teacher can focus teaching.

There are more than 50 children inside the classroom with no tables and chairs. Government can't accommodate to give each classroom what they need. The teacher should be resourceful! That is why during the PTA meeting, the teacher would ask for school projects. Look! A newly painted table and chairs for the new first grader to use. I salute the parents who are active in the school to make the learning situation inside the classroom easier and comfortable for their children. (Pictures: Agusan Elementary School, Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines) Photo Courtesy: Jacky Rodriguez

Solar Panels

Four years ago, I attended a Teacher Training Program for Elementary Science Teachers held in Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City in the Philippines. It was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology to upgrade the Science knowledge of Public School Teachers. I was one of the lucky teachers who were chosen to attend the training for 90 hours. It was also supported by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports plus what we studied was given credits by Xavier University. We had field trips and the most memorable one for me was our visit to PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT.

This is the picture of PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANT which has a 1MWp polycrystalline silicon-based PV plant located in Cagayan de Oro City. It was so amazing to see all these solar panels which make our daily activities easy to live. Our class had a deeper understanding about solar energy especially when we had the chance to view the place and its purpose. That training gave us more knowledge about energy and how to make durable energy explained to kids. Knowing some of the simple facts on how to install a solar panel to catch more sunlight is also important. Solar panels should point to the South because it reaches the Earth under an angle. Solar panels gets more light on a tilted roof as what the picture above looks like in position. The production of solar cells costs energy and it keeps on producing. As we went back to our respective classes, we shared about our visit to the power plant. We explain how we got the electricity from the wall sockets. Teaching the students about the solar energy was more interesting after we had the training. If you want to know more about solar enery, just visit the Website provided here.

Street Difference

Arriving the US for the first time does not give me the impression that I am away from home. The "culture-shock" syndrome was not on my tail. I lived in Orlando and the place seems like the Philippines. Not to the full extent though. What delight my eyes was when I visited Disney World. That was different for me. As we travel the roads of Orlando, no vendors on the streets, less commuters, no jeepneys (of course) and almost nobody on the sidewalk.

Photo courtesy from dipolognon.com

This is Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines taken at the National Highway area and this is the road heading to the city proper.

street scene in Orlando

Just got out from Orlando International Airport, where my husband works. I took this picture on our way home. Isolated huh? No traffic this time. As you can see, the street signs are huge and you will never get lost in Florida even without GPS.

Wordless Friday For Me

Wordless Friday....hehehe.

Making A Difference

Early dawn, around 2 AM, I chatted with my friend who is already a Principal in Palalan Elementary School, Soutwest District of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. He showed me the pictures of his school's project this month, it is a Mural Painting. This is the second school that I, in my little means shared my blessings. The other school is Agusan Elementary School, both in the same city. Well, this school is different because this is located in the hinterland. The parents to most of the 157 pupils in this baranggay are farmers in a parcel of land good for their family's survival.They painted the wall fence surrounding the school area to make it pleasant to see. That is only a minor part of making the school as a place of cleanliness and most of all for learning. This project would last at least three years until the paint will fade. So, the money I sent to support this kind of project was worth it. I do not publicized my name on the wall though. To see the pictures and the realization of the project was enough for me.
The message on the Mural was written in Filipino to show patriotism in the country. I know how hard it is for the Department of Education to supply all the demands of each school for the entire nation that is why, in my own way, I support the Principal in their cause of making a little improvements of their school premises.

Joel, the name of the principal told me how it ached him seeing children come to school without shoes....not even flipflops. So, I made a promise to do something about that at the end of this month. After the mural, children this time. I know what he said were all true because we were once assigned in the farthest school in my city where we have to walk on foot the 8 kms just to arrived the school zone. This school is better than what we have been to. Anyway, the pictures below are just few kids in first grade. As a principal, he can not impose the parents to buy uniforms because they have limited income and that is the scenario of the students in public schools. Children eager to learn without the comfort of material things. How precious is that? That is why I am so blessed that I saw the real issues of our society because I learned to be compassionate with others. It humbles me to be reminded of such event of my life and at the same time, I am aching inside. That is their classrooms at the back, at least those are concrete already and not a NIPA HUT ( made up of a coconut leaves, bamboo and wood). Yes, they come to school in this attire and would you believed it if I say, this is their best clothes already? Look at their feet, did you see a kid wearing shoes? Not one! They all wear slippers or flipflops.These are the kids TV time. It is called "SineEskwela", Department of Education project which enable the children learn something what they see on TV. The lesson was created with objectives , subject matter, motivation and it is also inter-active. It is not just TV Watching. Check the video in {here} as Lea Salonga explained it. They were outside and under the tree, having a class because during this time, there is no vacant classroom. Sad right?

(About the attire of the teacher at the left side, I have to say, this is not her usual attire when she comes to school. Teachers are compulsory to wear uniforms everyday and fully groomed. )Check this topic that I wrote in NOSTALGIC. Thank you for reading friends.