Stay Strong Philippines

I was monitoring the news about the Philippines online. We have GMA Pinoy TV and TFC ABS-CBN channels in our cable but, they're not live. It's late for few hours.

From time to time, all major TV stations in the US like Fox News, CNN, and Weather Channel are showing the latest update regarding the aftermath of the #SuperTyphoon #Haiyan #Yolanda.

As of now, according to the news, the unconfirmed death toll reached 1,200 and feared to rise once the road is passable and the electricity and phone lines restored.

Please take note of the strength of Haiyan/Yolanda Typhoon and the difference between ten minute sustained winds and one minute sustained winds. According to Wikipedia:

"Around 1200 UTC on November 7,

Haiyan attained its peak intensity with

ten-minute sustained winds of 235 km/h (145 mph)

and a barometric pressure of 895 mbar (hPa; 26.43 inHg).

 Six hours later, the JTWC estimated Haiyan to have attained

one-minute sustained winds of 315 km/h (195 mph) and gusts up to 378 km/h (235 mph)."
 

Haiyan is unofficially ranks as the strongest tropical cyclone on the record according to Wikipedia.

With this magnitude of  destruction, it would take months or even years to restore these places. Stay Strong Philippines! We can do it, we always will! God bless the Philippines.

Thoughts on Christmas

How are you? Yesterday, hubby and I did some errands. We went to the mall and did some shopping for the front yard and the gazebo Christmas ornaments. I found a musical ornament and hubby bought a candy cane decor. It's 19 days before Christmas but, we are still adding Christmas decoration every day. We are enjoying the spirit of Christmas. How about you? I bet, you feel the same way too huh?

Anyway, we had lunch at Longhorn Steak House and as we head home, I took a picture of this beautiful sunset. Nature is amazing! We had a nice weather here in Florida but, halfway around the globe, the weather has brought so much pain and anguish to hundreds of families who lost members of their family. A lot of families in the Philippines lost their homes from the flashflood brought by Storm Pablo (Bopha). As I was staring at the sunset, my thought goes out to the victims and survivors of the flashflood in the Philippines. This Christmas, please ... let us not forget them. Christmas is giving. If there is a way that you can help them, please do so. Most of all, say a little prayer for the survivors ... that they may find strength amidst all these trials.

The 114th Philippine Independence Day

I was checking the news a while ago if Philippine Independence is being celebrated by the Filipinos in the US. Glad to note that in New York City, the Philippine Independence Day is celebrated every year (first Sunday of June). This event is well-attended by the American-Filipino community.The theme for 2012 is: Ang Bagong Pilipino: Bagong Kalayaan. Bagong Layunin. Bagong Pagkakaisa which means "The New Filipino: New Independence. New Purpose. New Oneness".

This celebration is for the Filipino American community in the Northeast United States and I wonder if we have a celebration like this in the South? More than half a million Filipinos live in the Northeast and I am so proud of the unity they have shown to the world.They are creating awareness about the Philippine culture and news like this, makes me happy and proud. Filipino Americans need this kind of event to rekindle their roots and heritage. The significance of this event is the Philippine Independence from Spain, marked as 114th since June 12,1898.

The 2012 Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City took place on the 3rd of June at Madison Avenue, following the tradition of the celebration being on the first Sunday of June.

Hands-on Activity for Children at Museo Pambata

The family of my brother had a 5-days vacation in Manila Philippines. They went to Museo Pambata and here is one hands-on activity which the kids participated.Museo Pambata has the following areas to explore: Old Manila, I Love my Planet Earth, Environment, Children in the Global Village, Marketplace, Career Options, and My Body Works.The kids doesn't like to go home after 5 days, LOL. They are staying in a superior room at Bayview Park Hotel Manila which is located at the front of US Embassy. Haven't been there? Bring your children and let them explore the discover some of the hands-on exhibits in this museum. Thanks for stopping by everyone.

Museo Pambata Escapade

Yesterday, brother's family and my mother had a grand visit at Museo Pambata in Manila Philippines. It is sort of an Educational Tour for the inquisitive and curious three kiddos with them. They enjoyed the wonderful learning display in the following show room : Kalikasan Environment, Paglaki Ko Career Options, Manila Noon Old Manila, Pamilihang Bayan Marketplace, Bata sa Mundo Children in the Global Village, Katawan Ko My Body Works, and I Love My Planet earth.They found a nearby hotel in Manila and stayed there for few days. Museo Pambata is one of the main attractions that the kids love to visit. This place is an interactive museum for children. There are 7 show rooms to explore in Museo Pambata and each one of these theme rooms have the objective to educate and promote cultural heritage of the Filipino children. "A children’s discovery museum with various programs in support of children’s rights and a broad range of creative and educational services for children and adults involved in children’s welfare." is the mission of Museo Pambata. This place promotes Filipino culture, children advocacies, and creative educational programs in global perspectives.The picture above shows the kids manipulating the mouth exhibit while they are in the "My Body Works".Here is another photo while they explore the theme room of Kalikasan. They explore the exhibit of the Philippine Marine Life and the rainforest.

Children and young at heart enjoyed the theme rooms and the facilities here at Museo Pambata. My niece and nephews enjoyed it the most. If you have kids, you should bring them here and let their imagination run wild well, in a good way of course. Thanks for reading, come by next time.

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.

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)

Manny Pacquiao Won Period!

Watch the Round 12! The Judges had the last decision! Manny Pacquiao won! During the last few minutes, Manny was aggressive (as usual) and hit Marquez on the head (so hard) and lower body. It was just a flash! The bell rang, end of the round 12 fight. Marquez was contented with the score 16-13 for round 1-11! The camera focus on Marquez, he was grinning and raising both arms claiming that he won. They flash the last hits of Manny to Marquez and the decision take few more minutes. Manny kneel down to pray while the Mexicans were celebrating! I turn off my live-streamed pc and just FBooking to my friends about the fight using my iPad!I was still hoping that Manny will win, it will be a miracle! I pray too. I will tell you right now, my mom back home is praying too. Manny do not know us but, Manny is a good man and we want him to win for the country! Of course, most of the people in the Philippines were praying too! A Miracle came! My friend Carmela congratulate Manny for winning! It was a jaw dropping moment but, I knew that the punches in round 12 helps a lot! I know that Mexicans out there are furious about the decision of the judges. Do not blame Manny Pacquiao Team or the Philippines! Manny Pacman Pacquiao is destined to ROCK the BOXING INSTITUTION WORLDWIDE! I am sorry but, Manny Won Period!

Moreover, here is an INTELLIGENT answer as to why MANNY PACQUIAO won: (re-post)
"BASED ON THE RING STATISTICS: "The statistics after the fight would help us tell how and why the win was given to the Filipino fighter:

Pacquiao has thrown 578 punches connecting 176, while Marquez had 436 with 138 punches connecting.

On jabs, Pac-Man threw 304 with 59 connecting compared to Marquez's 182 with 38 connecting shots.

On powerpunches, Pac-Man had 274 with 117 connecting as to that of the Mexican's 254 with 100 connecting." ......Figures will tell who won !"

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!

UMAC Balikbayan Box

I bet some of you are tired hearing about boxes opened by the customs or items lost, right? I was one of the thousands who became a victim of this mishap. I was using Manila Forwarders when I was in Mississippi and UMAC in Florida. It was the box that I sent last September and arrived December which was hugely opened with X on the side!

I sent it through Manila Forwarders and it was my first and last box sent from them. 1/3 of the items in the box were gone! My lessons? Do not put any metal which are numerous. It triggers the custom to open my box probably because of the garden tools that I sent. Anyway, even if I complain, it is still useless! Philippine customs, if you open the box, make sure to seal it back properly because the public will never know who is the culprit! Bravo to UMAC, for 3 years, my boxes arrived safely and in good condition! Manila Forwarders, I have been using your company for a year and sad to say, I had a bad experienced! One box is all it takes! UMAC tracking here: umaccargo.net/tracking/

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.

Happy New Year 1-1-11

Happy New Year! How was the celebration? Hoping you had a wonderful and Prosperous New Year. Have you got a New Year's Resolution? No matter what it is, just focus on doing good deeds to others. Hoping that this year will yield to PEACE and harmony to all the people of the world. Hoping too that each country would strive to make our place a better place to live.

Dahilayan Adventure in Bukidnon

Most of the tourists who travelled to Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines would really try the internationally known White Water Rafting, visit the green view of Malasag Eco Tourism Village, play the golf in Pueblo de Oro and many more. The thrill and exciting activities will not end in CDO but continue towards Bukidnon, Philippines. For less than two hours, the spectacular view of del Monte Plantation, corn and tomato farmlands would welcome you as you travel the rough roads towards Dahilayan, Camp Phillips, Bukidnon.

Here's few of the shots that I took and would share more as I continue to explore this beautiful place.
The longest dual zipline in Southeast Asia is right HERE! For less than $15, you will definitely enjoy the zipline rides in Dahilayan Adventure Park. Plus, this beautiful and awesome park has a lot to offer for everybody. Bukidnon has an amazing cool weather, fantastic green scenery and child friendly playground. I must admit that the playground would not only entertain the children but also, to the young at heart! I would definitely comeback!

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!

International Outsourcing Summit

Have you ever wondered how innovations especially in engineering and technologies brought each country compete globally? What's the technique to reach out even more showcasing the skills and business excellence aiming global competence? The International Outsourcing Summit which will be held on October 26 and 27, 2010 in the Philippines is a summit which Global Market Leaders will address Global Issues to determine the phase for the future's challenge in the industry. On this event, major issues about the industry and its role will be addressed as 300 top senior executives from 15 countries are expected to attend. For more information about this summit, just visit the Website by clicking one of the links provided here.

With the success using Search Profile Index service, the outsourcing to the Philippines is a big event which BPO industry will be sharing insights and opportunities. This summit will bring the Philippines in the "fronline" being host of this prestigious gathering which will be held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. It is undeniable that Philippines has the man power resource who are skilled in Information Technology who can tackle global competence. Having this summit will also showcase the excellent performance of Filipino workers thus, positive work opportunities is at its peak soon.