Friday, October 2, 2009

Supertyphoon Pepeng threatens the Philippines - another typhoon again

We need to pray for the Philippines, and make sure that we have contingencies, insurance, and presence of mind to face the next few days.



For emergencies related to Pepeng


Metro Manila Development Authority:
Landline: 136

Coast Guard:Landline: +63 2 527 6136

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)Emergency Numbers:
+63 2 912-5668
+63 2 911-1406
+63 2 912-2665
+63 2 911-5061

Help hotlines:
+63 2 734-2118
+63 2 734-2120

For rubber boat requests:
NCRPO+63 2 838 3203
+63 2 838 3354

ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline:landline:
+63 416 3641

Disaster ReliefNoynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas Disaster Relief: Drop off for relief donations at Balay Expo across Farmers Market

contact:
a. Jana Vicente: +63 9285205499
b. Clare Amador: +63 928 520 5508

KAPUSO HELPLINE
9811950 to 59
Senator Dick Gordon +63 917 899 7898
+63 938 444 BOYS
Landline: 143
Mobile Phone Load Donations:: The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Send RED to 2899 (Globe) and 4483 (SMART)
MARIKINA RESCUE:
+63 2 646 2436
Boats now available. Pls contact Nor Domingo/ La Salle Greenhills +63 2 920 907 290


We need to be vigilant when another typhoon comes in. But ever wonder why these climate changes are happening. Here is an article which can help us understand re ondoy. UN emergency chief urges action on disasters today to prevent calamity tomorrow

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thank You, Tita Cory ! Aug 3, 4 pm (Part 3 )

August 3 11AM By the time I finished my talk, it was just close to 11. It took me fifteen minutes to reach the first floor because the LKG employees started to descend to be part of the history in Ayala Avenue. Tita Cory is scheduled to take the Ayala route from Ortigas until it reaches Manila Cathedral.

Surprisingly, the breeze and wind balanced the sunny weather. All I can say, it is a miracle that it's not raining nor too hot. I truly believe it is meant for the all the Filipinos to gather in Ayala to reminiscence and rekindle the People Power.

I was undecided then if I will be take part in Kaisa's group to be in Manila Cathedral by 130pm. I just prayed that I will not be stuck in the traffic and be just on time in Bahay Tsinoy. To my surprise, I reached Intramuros by 115 and that was like 60 minutes travel time - not bad.

When I reached Bahay Tsinoy, I saw Auntie Tessie instructing the students on the procedures for the Chinese ceremony. Around 215 pm, the PNP escorted the group to the side entrance of Manila Cathedral. We were around 200 people composed of students, teachers, and Kaisa members.

We waited like four hours before the cortege of Tita Cory arrived in Manila Cathedral. It took five hours to travel from LSGH to the church. When the cortege was inside the church, the rain started to pour.

It was a privilege to be part of the group who welcomed Tita Cory in Manila Cathedral. I felt that my heart was so sad, and I know I was there for a reason. I know that the Lord allowed me to pay my last respect when my attempt in LSGH was futile. It's all God's work that Tita Tessie included me in her list of people to invite. And its a miracle that there was no traffic, and I arrived on time.

I prayed that her soul may rest in peace. I thanked her for helping Philippines where it is now. I asked her too to whisper some petitions on my behalf to our Lord - good health, peace and love in the family.

We were grouped by five to ten to view her remains. I did not see her completely since I was designated to stay behind the casket. I took few glimpse of her, and all I could say that the person is not that of Cory's. Maybe because I refused to believe that she passed away, or I still picture Tita Cory as the lady with the smile and the Laban Sign. I quietly thanked her for the sacrifices that she did for us and serving as an inspiration to be sincere public servant. She indeed united our country.

It's my first time to attend a wake in Manila Cathedral , and it's my first time to see a diverse group of people - religious, politicians, artists, NGOs, media, students, military, and the common people - in one occasion.

I realized that the privilege to be one of the those to pay the last respect without sweat tells me I have a responsibility to perform. Until now, I am praying for the answers. Only time will tell, and through faith can I comprehend my future roles as a public servant, professional, mom, wife and child of God.


I left Manila Cathedral by 500 pm and reached home by 630 pm.

Thanks Tita Cory !

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tita Cory's Magic : Aug, 3, 2009 10 am (Part 2)

August 3, 9:15 am I was an invited as a speaker in Manulife's regular Monday meeting entitled DZMM. The location will be in the 14th floor of LKG Tower, Ayala. The AM station was turned on so that I can be updated with the schedule in Makati.

August 3, 9:45 am: I received a text from Teresita Ang See , inviting me to join the Kaisa group in Manila Cathedral to pay our last respect to Tita Cory. The meeting will be in Bahay Tsinoy at Intramuros. My prayer was answered that I be given the chance to go as close as I can be to say thank you to Tita Cory.



August 3, 10:00 am : I shared to them my "4 Seasons" presentation and included how Tita Cory's life had inspired me as a life insurance agent or a financial planner. i shared one of Tita Cory's quotes: "Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope."

Our sales and consultancy jobs are definitely have its ups (summer) and downs (winter). Whenever I experience the challenge of moving on from the winter to autumn season, I gain strength from knowing that God has worked in several miracles. One of them is choosing Cory to lead a transition from dictatorship to democracy. Tita Cory's hope and faith had always reminded me that nothing is impossible.

I shared to the group that we may not be as a public figure like Cory but we can be like her in our simple ways. We can work for our personal goals but we need to reach a stage where we satisfy our self-actualization needs. We try to become a man for others without expecting anything in return. We can be a light which shines brightest during times of darkness.

Nota Bene:
Everytime I think of serving in organizations, I think of Tita Cory and Teresita Ang-See dedication. They are my models primarily because they are female public servants who remained to be humble and selfless in the spirit of serving the country. Their sacrifices are the roots of what we are enjoying now : freedom, and integration of the Filipino Chinese communities.