THE CHANGE THAT I WANT IN 2012

The change that I want for 2012 is for government to provide motorcycle and biking lanes in Metro Manila just like in China. 

When I went to China last year,  I was amazed how the Chinese has the freedom to go wherever they want to go safely. 

Maybe you heard how many hundreds of motorists died in accidents in Metro Manila alone just because of the lack of proper lanes for two-wheeled vehicles. Almost always said vehicles are sideswiped by large four-wheeled vehicles. 

My new found Chinese friend even rented a bike to roam around in Hangzhou (Eastern China). She is from Sichuan province (Southwest part of China) and it is also her first time to visit Hangzhou, China. Have I not scheduled my flight to Shanghai, I would also have rented a motor bike or a bike too.

In Ayutthaya, Thailand, my brother and I had fun biking around to the different sites. Together with other foreigners, we rode our bikes the whole day. It is a better medium of transportation. I hate tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws). I think some tuktuk drivers are part of a syndicate and always overcharge tourists.

How about you? What change do you want for 2012?

Malacanan Answered for Pnoy about the PSG Party

Malacanan said that even if the president was at the party,  the President made sure all rescue and humanitarian efforts were in place.

Malacanan said the PSG party have already been earlier scheduled and the party was already paid for so it was impractical to cancel it. 

The backlash is understandable. But let us be reminded that agencies are still doing their jobs.
 

Malacanan said the President has also canceled the Christmas party for Cabinet members initially set Monday night and the funds will instead be sent for relief efforts.

He noted that members of the Cabinet will also be donating money from their own pockets.

Aquino is set to visit typhoon-hit areas on Tuesday.

Media reported that over 650 people have been confirmed dead while 800 are still missing in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro and in other areas in Southern and Central Mindanao, as "Sendong'  whipped the areas Saturday night.

VALERIE CONCEPCION TWEETED THAT PNOY WAS PARTYING LAST SUNDAY

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was apparently "partying" with members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) amid the "Sendong" international name “Washi” disaster which has so far left over 600 people dead an actress accidentally revealed on her twitter account. 
 

 

Tweet of Valerie Concepcion Screen Captured by CS 

Valerie Concepcion tweeted Sunday night that she was at the Palace and was set to perform three songs for the PSG party.

She also said in her Twitter account that Aquino laughed at her jokes and enjoyed her performance, but this tweet had been deleted after she and the President received a backlash.

Concepcion apologized for  her earlier tweets.

She clarified that she was invited to perform at the PSG party but she does not see anything wrong with Aquino dropping by the event.

"I do not see anything wrong with that since its his obligation and responsibility being the head of Malacañang to be present and show his support for his hardworking employees and their respective families. But I believe that it doesn't mean that the president is not thinking of ways to help our kababayans in Mindanao. It doesn't mean that the president is disregarding the plight of our fellow Filipinos. Let's not be too quick to judge," the actress said.

Concepcion also issued an apology if she "offended" people and "sounded insensitive."

"I am very sorry. It wasn't my intention to do either. I can't imagine how difficult life is for the people affected in Mindanao and how difficult it is to be the president of the Philippines at this moment," she said.

Ayala's Christmas Musical and Light Show Display 2011

Gusto mo bang mamasyal ng libre? Punta na kayo sa Ayala's Christmas Musical and Light Show Display na matatagpuan sa Ayala Triangle Court Yard sa halos likod ng Makati Stock Exchange.

BORN IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Born in Bicol Region, I grew up amid typhoons and floods. Literally.

I thought it was a common occurrence and part of life everywhere. A year will not pass by without a typhoon or flood.

But I learned I am wrong when I went to Lake Sebu and Polomolok in Mindanao in 2010. 

The good people I met there told me that they never experienced flood or typhoon. I thought they were joking.  I told them they were so lucky because I grew up seeing floods,typhoons and devastated crops and shall I say dead people?

I remember my mom giving away sacks and sacks of rice and old clothes to our neighbors, relatives and friends right after every disaster even though our own home was flooded too. 

Growing up, I and my cousins would look forward walking in our flooded barangay in Cam Sur so we could play. But almost always my mom won't even let me go downstairs. 

While she distributed food, rice and old clothes to our ka-baranggay I would be sitting on the steps of the stairs and wait for the floodwater to subside so I could join her. 

In 2006 my mom died:( Then another typhoon struck our region. Thousands of people became homeless and died. 

The classmate of my niece age 16 years old from Oas, Albay died of drowning because the landlady in their boarding house in Legazpi City thinking about the safety of her boarders in the eye of the storm, padlocked the gate of the boarding house and went home.

That particular error in judgement claimed all the lives of  six young and vibrant students who were all trapped inside the boarding house when the flood went up to the roof. 

My niece who also lived in a dormitory in Legazpi City was so lucky because her dormitory has a second floor. She said the flood was just a step away from the second floor. 

Since my niece and the other boarders could not go out to buy food, they stayed together in one room at the second floor. She said she remember the wind to be so strong that the roof was almost blown away. That's why all their things got wet.

They tore the pages of their notebook and cooked a few packs of instant noodles they had on stock using a mug.  They shared one pack among eight of them. 

They waited for somebody to rescue them.  But nobody came. When they ran out of food and all their clothes were wet, they decided to walk home from Legazpi to our place which is a good one hour away by car.

She said that after walking for an hour from her boarding house in Legazpi to Daraga, they were able to board a jeepney to Guinobatan where they transferred to another jeepney because some portions of the road in Guinobatan were littered with dead people who were victims of flashfloods.

BTW, she survived the ordeal. Shocked as she is she slowly got over it through the years.

Please help Mindanao by donating either money or your labor of love to repack goods to be distributed to our kababayan in Mindanao.

http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/2011/12/mindanao-needs-help.html

Everybody has their own story to tell.  What is your story? If you want to share your story pls. fill up the contact form and let me read your story. If I find it interesting I will make you a guest writer.

Rhian Ramos' loss is Marian Rivera's gain

Rhian Ramos' loss is Marian Rivera's gain. Marian Rivera replaced Rhian Ramos as Dingdong's lady love in a TV series dubbed as "My Beloved"

Yes folks! Marian Rivera reunites with Dingdong Dantes in the upcoming Kapuso primetime series “My Beloved." 

The showbiz royal couple will once again grace the boobtube together and bring another truly memorable experience on primetime.

Fans of the real and reel couple have been clamoring for another television project of Marian and Dong together. Thus, Kapuso management is granting their request.

 

GMA announcement: 

“GMA Network happily announces that no other than Philippine television’s primetime queen Marian Rivera will be the leading lady of Dingdong Dantes in the upcoming series “My Beloved.”

The strong loveteam of Dingdong and Marian has been tried and tested in past television hits like Marimar, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang and Endless Love.

 

“My Beloved” is a very romantic soap with a riveting love story set to launch first quarter of next year.

GMA Network are confident that this will be the much-awaited television project in 2012.”

MINDANAO NEEDS HELP

We are compiling a list of ways to donate and volunteer for the victims of typhoon Sendong. If you have anything to add, please comment below.

Aside from the financial help please pray for the eternal repose of the soul of all the victims of Sendong. For those men & women and little angels...

"Eternal rest grant unto Typhoon Sendong's victims O Lord and may eternal light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN."

Through your generosity, we can stand prepared for disasters. We appreciate your continuous and unwavering support. Thank you.

RED CROSS- http://www.redcross.org.ph
Through your Globe and Smart loads.

Via GLOBE Just type RED space then the < amount > SEND to 2899  

Denominations: P5, P25, P50, P100, P300, P500
       
Via Smart Text RED space then the < amount >SEND to 4143
Denominations: P10, P25, P50, P100

Other ways to donate to Philippine Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

Email us: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph

Call Hotline 143
or (+632) 527.0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph  

ABS-CBN SAGIP Kapamilya 

Donations accepted in cash and in kind. 

Details: http://www.facebook.com/notes/anc-247/heres-how-you-can-help-victims-of-sendong-via-sagip-kapamilya/10150529342939122

ABS-CBN Cagayan De Oro: Brgy. Bulua, Cagayan De Oro City
ABS-CBN Davao: Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City

BDO Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

BDO Dollar Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

PNB Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

BPI Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3051-1127-75
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

BPI Dollar Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3054-0270-35
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Armed Forces of the Philippines
Situation Awareness Center, CRS AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, Q.C.
Contact Details: 912-6615 or 0917-2471252
Focal Person: Lt. Col. Rolando Rodil, Operations Officer 

Ateneo de Manila campus   

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) in the Ateneo de Manila Campus is accepting donations in any kind for the victims of Sendong. 

Globe Users: DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)MPIN(space)SLB and send to 2882

Bigby's Café & Restaurant
Bigby's will start to accept donations in cash or kind at all Bigby's branches in Megamall, Ayala Cebu, SM City Cebu Northwing, Abreeza Davao, SM City Davao, SM City Bacolod, Limketkai Center, SM City Cagayan de Oro, Robinson's Place General Santos. 

Capitol University
Look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana for repacking and distribution purposes 

Channel (TV)5 Kapatid Foundation Inc.
BDO Savings Account No. 005310-410164
Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account No. 1443-05333-2

Donations in kind like food, clothing, utensils, blankets, mats, water containers, and medicines may be sent to News5 Aksyon Center, TV5 office in San Bartlolome, Novaliches, Quezon City. 

DSWD

National Resource Operations Center (NROC) 

Chapel Rd. Pasay City (Back of Air Transportation Office) 

Contact: Francia Fabian 0918 9302356

Manila - DSWD Field Office NCR: San Rafael St., Legarda, Manila

Alabang - DSWD Field Office IV-A: Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1770 Tel. No.: (02) 807-4140 Fax No.: (02) 807-1518 Contact: Gina Laranan 09108860826

Malate, Manila - DSWD Field Office IV-B: 1680 F. T. Benitez St., Malate Manila Contact: Shiela Tapia (02) 5252445

GMA Kapuso Foundation

You may personally bring your donation to the GMA Kapuso Foundation at 2/F Kapuso Center, GMA-7, EDSA Diliman, Quezon City or Call 928-4299 or 928-9351.

Metrobank Peso Savings account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. / Account Number: 3-098-51034-7

For more details go to: www.kapusofoundation.com.
 

Iligan Bloggers Society — asking for cash donations, canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers. 

Details here: http://iliganbloggers.com/food/one-for-iligan-help-the-typhoon-sendong-victims/

Donation Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com
UNION BANK Account: Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel – 109451077611

ILIGAN – BASED DONORS:
St. Michaels’ Cathedral, DXIC Radio Staion, City Hall, Rizal Park, and Calda Pizza Iligan City Branch

LUZON DONORS DROP OFF POINTS:

• Makati City: 3553 Durango St., Palanan, Makati City 1235. Contact Migz @ 09065777812 or 09227130006 OR 6-D Cypress Gardens Condo 112 VA Rufino St. Makati City c/o Meikah Delid
• Quezon City: Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Contact Jamie Steffani Mijares @ 09157744244
• Manila/Taft Avenue: Madison Square Condominium, Taft Avenue, Manila, Right infront of De La Salle University, Right beside Kenny Rogers . Contact Roden Lim @ 09228446777

JRS EXPRESS - Pwede nilang ipadala ang donation ninyo kung kanino ninyo gustong ipadala sa CDO at Iligan. Linawin po ninyo sa JRS branch bago ninyo iwan kasi baka matulad din sa LBC na inaakala ng lahat na pwede ipadala sa particular na tao. Pero according to my friend nakarating sa kanya yun donation dinala ng JRS. Thank sa JRS.

La Salle 

La Salle Greenhills — Donations will be accepted starting December 19, 2011 (Monday) -- Donations in cash and kind can be received at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills at 343 Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550. You may also call any of the following telephone numbers for further inquiries:

Alumni Office — 721-2729, 722-7750, 725-4720
GS Principal — 721-2482
HS Principal — 721-8914
Buildings and Grounds Office — 721-8904 (Telefax)
La Sallian Mission Office — 726-5851 (Telefax)

We would like to request for your assistance in helping our Lasallian brothers and sisters in Iligan who were affected by typhoon "Sendong".

La Salle Academy Iligan is accepting donations in kind and in Cash.

Cash donations may be deposited to:

La Salle Academy Iligan via Development Bank of the Philippines  
(DBP) Account No. 0820-016221-030.
Kindly inform Lourdes Melegrito of DLSU COSCA the details of your donation
at email lourdes.melegrito@dlsu.edu.ph
Tel. No. 524-4611 local 147, or telefax 523-4143.
Thank you very much.

LBC FOUNDATION is also accepting donations meaning hindi po sila magdadala sa gusto ninyong padalhan sa CDO o Iligan kungdi lahat yun iipunin nila sa foundation nila bago ipadala.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=264654213591345&set=a.107096702680431.4465.107092956014139&type=1&theater


MSU-IIT

Darwin Manubag

President Association of IIT Alumni Foundation

Contact for MSU-IIT Mobile No: 09157733708

Oblate Missionary Foundation (OMF)
Email us: oblate.missionaryfoundation@gmail.com
Contact Details: (064) 421-2652, 0917-7204604 or 09228366422

Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitation Center
Tabang Mindanao Center, 12th-22nd Sts., Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro
Contact Details: (088) 856-6413 or pandaybulig@gmail.com

Right Start a non-profit, non-stock NGO for underprivileged children is also accepting donations for their relief operations to CDO next week.

Rock Ed Iligan 

Running a soup kitchen in Iligan now. Donate any amount so they can continue to serve hot meals for homeless families in the neighborhood to BPI Loyola 3080.0073.44. Tweet @rockedradio or @RockEdIligan for help

SuperFerry
SuperFerry corporate ticket outlets located in Robinson’s Ermita, Araneta Center Cubao, Victory Mall Caloocan, Pier 2 and 15.

University of the Philippines 

Manila campus is accepting donations. 

Drop-off donations at the Office of Student Affairs or PGH. 

Send a tweet to @UPManilaOnline for other info or query.

US-based individuals may help Sendong victims through PhilDev: https://secure3.convio.net/phdev/site/Donation2?df_id=1401&1401.donation=form1&set.SingleDesignee=1881&JServSessionIdr004=z7xs4t1dr3.app332b

 

Xavier University Cagayan de Oro — Needs donations in CASH, FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.), BOTTLED WATER, and CLEAN CLOTHES. 

Details here: http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university/

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Cash donations can be deposited at this account:

Account Name: Xavier University
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands, CDO Divisoria Branch
Account Number: 9331-0133-63

You can also send in items in kind at the Campus gate.

VOLUNTEER

Metro Manila — National Resource Operations Centers (NROC) 

Chapel Rd. Pasay City (Back of Air Transportation Office) 

Contact: Francia Fabian 0918-9302356

Cagayan de Oro — DSWD. Volunteers needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. 

Call +63906-615-0095 or tweet @DSWDserve.

Iligan — Iligan Bloggers Society.  

Meet at Rizal Park at 8AM everyday, until the need subsides. 

Contact: Erika Cruz 0905-280-2002 

Red Cross — 

Contact Ramil at 0926-902-3726 or 0917-722-1874

Instead of celebrating Christmas our poor fellow Filipinos in some areas in the Vizayas and Mindanao are grieving.  As of this time death toll based on actual body count is more than 900.

They badly needed help. I hope walang mananamantala sa mga tulong na ipapadala ng lahat para sa Mindanao at Vizayas. 

Alam ko po na lahat tayo ay may kanya kanyang problema pero kakatokin at kakalampagin ko po ang puso ninyo sa kahit anong maitutulong ninyo kahit kaunting barya ay malaking tulong po ang maibibigay sa mga biktima ng bagyong Sendong sa Vizayas at sa Mindanao.

Maraming Salamat po!

UP DILIMAN LANTERN PARADE 2011

Lanterns portraying boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Muhammad Ali are among Friday night’s attractions at the Lantern Parade 2011 in the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Source:LYN RILLON/INQUIRER

Done in December, the Lantern Parade marks the end of classes and the beginning of the Christmas break for U.P. students. Lantern Parade’s history begun in 1922. 

Colleges and other U.P. units compete with gigantic floats and lanterns in a parade around the Academic Oval culminating at the Quezon Hall.