Viva España

 Yohan wearing Spain football uniform.

Congratulations to Spain for winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup! Cheers to Andres Iniesta for bringing home the goal for Spain. It was worth waking up very early in the morning to watch the live telecast on TV. It's amazing that Paul the Octopus was right once again.  :)

Vote Casted

I exercised my right to vote today. I lined up patiently for one hour to cast my vote. Things went smoothly. The PCOS machine accepted my ballot without a hitch. It felt good when the machine confirmed my vote.

Congratulations Manny Pacquiao

It's a momentous day for the Philippines! Congratulations Manny Pacquiao for defeating Cotto. It was a great fight.

It's like a wonderful advance Christmas gift for the country. Thank you Manny!

Please Help Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Last Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Philippines was struck by Typhoon Ondoy. I went out that morning with my husband to go to our son's school to attend a talk and get our son's report card. My husband hesitated to go out because of the non-stop rain but I insisted that we push through upon confirming from the school that the talk was still set that day. Heavy downpour made it difficult for my husband to drive. We were already on the very street where my son's school is located when we were forced to stop because of unexpected flooding in the area. Cars ahead of us were turning back. Upon closer inspection, hubby realized that the water was too high; we had no choice but to go back. I was silently blaming myself for going out in the first place but hubby didn't blame me. We decided to go to the nearby mall to have lunch and buy some groceries. Hubby dropped me off near the entrance. He was drenched when he got inside the mall. The umbrella wasn't much help in deterring the rain because of the strong wind and rain.

After eating a quick lunch and buying groceries, we decided to go home. I assumed we would be home within 30 minutes or so. We weren't prepared for what came next. Traffic was horrendous! Vehicles along Star Tollway came to a halt. We were forced to find alternative routes going home. Flooded areas hindered us from going home. It was scary because there were some places in town with raging flood waters. Some vehicles that rushed in the flood got stuck as engines stalled. My husband was more careful and decided to wait for flood waters to subside a little before heading on. What I thought was a 30-minute drive home stretched to a 3-hour journey.

When we finally reached home, I was thankful that there was no flood in our village. I was so anxious to go inside the house to see my son that I dropped my umbrella. A sharp part of the umbrella's interior sliced my left ring finger. It was a little deep but fortunately didn't require stitching.

As I applied first aid, my 6-year old son gave me a tight hug. He said that he watched the people in the flood on TV and was worried we were trapped like them. It was only at that moment that I realized how serious things were in Manila and other nearby towns. I was shocked when I saw people on the roofs and tremendously deep flood waters engulfing homes and vehicles. I realized that we were blessed because my family was safe and dry. We had a little difficulty going home but that didn't compare to the sufferings experienced by other people. I was moved to tears as I saw families with small children drenched and helpless on top of their roofs. I watched in horror as a group of people were helplessly swept by the strong currents. I couldn't believe how devastated many areas were. Some people even lost their lives during typhoon Ondoy's fury.

I found out that the 5 to 6-hour downpour was equivalent to one month of rain. Experts say that it is a result of a global climate change. It's a scary fact that stares us right on the face. It is only one of nature's many warnings to us.

The typhoon left a trail of destruction, pain and suffering to many of my countrymen. The typhoon left many homeless. A lot of families are now temporarily housed in evacuation centers like schools and gymnasiums. Help have poured in from the government, local and international private sectors but more people are in dire need of help. Please open your hearts and help in whatever way you can.


Source: www.youtube.com

Donation Links:

• How to Donate to Manila From Abroad
• Google : Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims in the Philippines
• How To Help Victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy
• Where to Send Donations For Typhoon Ondoy Victims
• How To Donate Via SMART
• How To Donate To Red Cross Via Globe: Text RED (space) 5/25/50/100/300 to 2899. Ex. Txt RED 1o0 to 2899. Transaction is free if charge.

Pres. Cory, You Will Always Be Remembered

CORAZON C. AQUINO
photo source

January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009

"I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life."

~Corazon Aquino~

On behalf of my family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Aquino family. We will always be thankful for the light and hope that Pres. Corazon Aquino has given the nation.

You can leave prayers and condolences at http://coryaquino.ph/

Annoucement: Malacañang has declared Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 as a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the late former President Corazon Aquino.

Fun Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour (Philippines)

This year my family and I decided to take an active role in Earth Hour. At exactly 8:30 p.m. we turned off the power at home, lighted some candles and enjoyed chocolate fondue in the lanai. :) I'm pleased that some of our neighbors also switched off their lights to Vote for Earth.


We had a wonderful time. My hubby taught Yohan how to make shadow animals. Yohan learned how to make shadows of a dog, bird, bat, snake and a goat. He was impressed when his Dad made a shadow of an elephant. We laughed when Yohan asked his Dad if he can make a star fish. Ha! Ha!

Here's a short video of Yohan's way of celebrating Earth Hour.

We switched the power back on at 9:30 p.m. I'm happy that my family took part of this momentous global event.


edited: March 29, 2009 (11:22 a.m.):

You can read about other bloggers' take on this by visiting Bloggers Care For The Earth Link Love Chain.

Renny - Norway
EastCoastLife - Singapore
A Changing Life - France
Bill - Arizona, USA
Heart of Rachel - Philippines
Life Ramblings - KL, Malaysia
Marzie - KL, Malaysia
Jean Chia - KL, Malaysia
LifeCruiser - Stockholm, Sweden
Henny - Indonesia
Teacher Julie - Philippines
Alice - Malaysia
Jade- Singapore
Jane - Philippines
Noemi - Philippines

Admirable Traits Of A Law Enforcer

I was shocked when I watched the news headlines on Thursday morning detailing the terrorist attack on Mumbai. I saw the famous Taj Mahal hotel in flames and people fleeing for their lives on TV. I couldn't imagine the fear and anguish of the people caught in that terrible situation. I feel deeply sorry for the victims of the terrorist attack. So many people have been wounded and many lives were lost. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families.

I read that Congress President Sonia Gandhi condemns that act of terrorism. She sent message expressing her sympathy for the families of law enforcers and civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.

In this kind of situation, law enforcers put their lives at risk to protect the people. They are the real heroes of the country. They play a vital part in today's fight against crime. I admire their bravery and love for their country. Being a law enforcer is not an easy job. It requires strong spirit and extreme dedication.

I believe that a law enforcer should always be in good physical and psychological condition. He or she needs to have strong sense of determination, courage and concern for the people. A good law enforcer must have good judgment and have a high degree of integrity. Taking risks is a big part of every law enforcer's life. They face tremendous pressures every day as they go to work. Their goal is to enforce the law, keep the public safe and ensure social order.

In order for an officer of the law to do his performance well, he also requires quality equipment. I believe that it is important to provide our law officers with efficient and dependable tactical gear like those found at 5.11 Tactical to aid them in their duties.

Aloha Friday #4

Rules: Post any question on your blog on a Friday, share your answer and sign Kailani's Mr. Linky. Then have fun answering the questions of fellow participants by visiting their blogs.

Share an experience you consider as a blessing in disguise.

I was supposed to go to the Glorietta mall today for my facial. Today is also the anniversary of Bioessence (spa and skin clinic) and my skin therapist invited me to take part of the celebration but something came up so I wasn't able to go.

I was on my computer when I received a text message from my friend, Rowena. She texted me that there was an explosion at Glorietta near Park Square. Three were reported dead and many were wounded.

It was a shocking news. I immediately opened the TV and I watched the live news telecast of the terrible incident. I saw the rubble caused by the explosion and people were being rushed to Makati Medical Center, a nearby hospital.

I immediately sent text messages to family and friends who were near the area to take extra precaution. My BIL and SIL were in a meeting at Greenbelt (an adjacent mall) and I'm glad to receive a reply from them that they were safe. I was also concerned for Maggie, my skin therapist because the clinic was inside the said mall. She didn't reply to my message right away because of the commotion. I was grateful when I finally received a confirmation from her that she was alright. Maggie said she heard the loud explosion and she even thought the building was going to collapse.

I consider it as a blessing in disguise that my husband and I weren't able to go to Glorietta earlier this afternoon. The thought of being one of those injured people or worse makes me realize how lucky we are. I thank God for saving us from harm.

I feel so sorry for the people who perished in the explosion and the people who got hurt. May God help them and their families.

According to the latest news update ...

Eight people were killed while at least 89 others were injured after an explosion ripped through an upscale mall in Makati City Friday afternoon. Red Cross and police officials said 56 people injured in the blast were rushed to Makati Medical Center while 33 others were brought to Ospital ng Makati. more news here

May 14, 2007 Elections

indelible ink on our fingers
Legislative and local elections were held in our country yesterday, May 14, 2007. The positions included for this election were half the seats in the Senate, Congressional seats, Governor, Vice Governor, Provincial Board seats (provinces only), Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City/Municipal Council seats.

The atmosphere was calm and peaceful as we casted our vote at our local public school. I noticed that there were printed pictures beside the names in the official list of voters. I think it's a good improvement and hopefully a good deterrent against flying voters. It was peaceful in our area but as I watched the news, I'm saddened to hear some people injured or killed because of election related incidents. Election returns are being tallied and I hope that election fraud and violence can be minimized.

Michael Schumacher's Retirement

Many have been saddened by Michael Schumacher's retirement announcement on F1 ... and that includes my husband Jules.

Jules was downstairs watching F1 on TV until dawn. I was still on the computer when he went upstairs to break the news of Michael's retirement.

It's confirmed, the seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher, who drives for Ferrari will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

Michael S. was quoted saying, "This has been an exceptional time for me. Motorsport has given me some amazing moments. I have loved every single moment, the good and bad ones. Those make life so special. To finish in style has been fantastic."

I personally admire him not only for his prowess on the racing circuit, but for his extreme generosity. I remember hearing the news of his overwhelming donation to the tsunami victims in Asia. He donated $10 Million dollars to the tsunami victims. He lost his bodyguard and friend Burkhard Cramer who was killed in Phuket because of the tsunami.

I believe that Michael S. will become a renowned legend in driving.

Farewell Crocodile Hunter

I was shocked to hear on the evening news that Steve Irwin, also known as the Crocodile Hunter was killed by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef.

It's a very unfortunate event but at least he died doing what he loved most in life.

I will always remember for his favorite catchword, "Crikey!"

I enjoyed watching his funny antics on TV but I was appalled when he subjected his few month old son to a perilous act. He was seen feeding large crocodiles in a zoo while he held his infant son in one harm. Although Irwin claimed that there was no danger to his son, I think it was a huge mistake on his part. He must have learned from that mistake because there was no repeat incident.

Steve Irwin was a passionate environmentalist. I admire him for his dedication to preserve nature. He will be missed by many including me.

Demise of Planet Pluto

Planet Pluto, 1930 - 2006

You won't exactly find it on the obituary but the International Astronomical Union announced Pluto's demise last Thursday.

It seems that the small planet has failed to pass the specifications of being a planet raised by the astronomers. According to the International Astronomical Union, one has to be "a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit" in order to be categorized as a planet. It appears to be that Pluto has failed these specifications, thus, it has been demoted to that of a "dwarf planet."

Tarnished Beauty

I haven't been to Guimaras but I've seen how beautiful it is on photos.



It's a pity that its beauty has been tarnished by the recent onslaught of oil spill.

The M/V Solar I, an oil tanker chartered by Petron, the country's largest oil refinier sank in the area of Guimaras Island, Philippines. The oil tanker was said to be carrying 2.4 million litres of oil, headed for Mindanao.

I've learned how devasting an oil spill can be to the local marine and coastal ecosystem. Fishermen and their families are hardly hit by such a catastrophe because fishing boats are normally grounded until authorities declare it safe to go fishing again.

I've seen news footages of the oil spill and I was shocked to see the extent of the damages. In one particular village, the walls of some houses were splattered in oil. The shore was a vision of black ebb and flow. It's terrible to think how much of the marine life has been terminated and remain in peril because of the accident.

Authorities claim that it could take months or even years to clean up an oil spill. The long clean up period is a reflection on how ill-prepared our country is for a disaster like this.

I just hope that the government will hold true to its promise to help the citizens of Guimaras especially the fishermen find alternative sources of livelihood until the sea is cleared of pollutants. I also hope that Petron will face their responsibilities to those affected.

Authors Plea

I've always been a fan of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series. Together with millions of fans, I'm waiting for her to finish the seventh book, the last in the Harry Potter series. I cringe with the idea that Harry Potter is a possible candidate to die in the book. J.K. Rowling had mentioned in previous interviews, that two major characters will die in the last book.

It seems that even renowned authors are also pleading for the same cause. John Irving and Stephen King, made a plea to J.K. Rowling not to kill the fictional boy wizard Harry Potter in the final book of the series, but Rowling made no promises.

I hope that J.K. Rowling will heed the plea of her readers and not let her hero expire.