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
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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 !
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.
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.
Tita Cory's Magic : Aug,1-2 2009 (Part1)
When I heard about Tita Cory's death last August 1 3:18 am, there was deep grief in my heart. She has been my model when it comes to faith, simplicity, service for others, and COURAGE. I hope that I can practice these values.
As I passed by Paseo de Roxas's Ninoy's statue by 8:30 am, there were some photographers taking pictures. The tarpauline wrapped around the statue reads "Hindi Ka Nag-Iisa.
" Knowing from Marita that she died during a Holy Hour, and the first Saturday of the month made me realize that she is endowed with God's loving promise of eternal life.
By 12:00 pm when I passed my the Makati Stock exchange, there was a group of people gathered praying and singing songs. I was amazed at how fast they have assembled to pray.
My family and I travelled to Baguio from 1pm to 6 pm. Upon reaching our residence, we immediately watched the tributes of different TV stations to our President Cory. Vicky, my sister in law, and I were in tears as we watch history unfold from 1983 to the present.
On August 2, Pepe, I and the kids reached Manila by 9 pm. I invited him to go to LSGH to fall in line , hoping that we can enter and view her remains. We were happy that it was not as traffic as we thought. We were lucky that our car found a space in next to Ortigas' overpass across LSGH.
11:00pm As we crossed to the LSGH's side and find the end of line, my husband estimated that the line is 4 km and will take us 4 hours to reach the gym.We retreated because we have to wake up early on Monday. I have a talk in Manulife in Makati, and he has a client call.
If there is one consolation that I should be grateful, it would be the image of long lines of families, old and young, religious, military and civilian, female and male who patiently waited their turn to pay the last respect. I felt the Cory Magic. People really love Tita Cory and they are willing to wait and say a prayer for her.
I said my prayer when we reached back home.
As I passed by Paseo de Roxas's Ninoy's statue by 8:30 am, there were some photographers taking pictures. The tarpauline wrapped around the statue reads "Hindi Ka Nag-Iisa.
" Knowing from Marita that she died during a Holy Hour, and the first Saturday of the month made me realize that she is endowed with God's loving promise of eternal life.
By 12:00 pm when I passed my the Makati Stock exchange, there was a group of people gathered praying and singing songs. I was amazed at how fast they have assembled to pray.
My family and I travelled to Baguio from 1pm to 6 pm. Upon reaching our residence, we immediately watched the tributes of different TV stations to our President Cory. Vicky, my sister in law, and I were in tears as we watch history unfold from 1983 to the present.
On August 2, Pepe, I and the kids reached Manila by 9 pm. I invited him to go to LSGH to fall in line , hoping that we can enter and view her remains. We were happy that it was not as traffic as we thought. We were lucky that our car found a space in next to Ortigas' overpass across LSGH.
11:00pm As we crossed to the LSGH's side and find the end of line, my husband estimated that the line is 4 km and will take us 4 hours to reach the gym.We retreated because we have to wake up early on Monday. I have a talk in Manulife in Makati, and he has a client call.
If there is one consolation that I should be grateful, it would be the image of long lines of families, old and young, religious, military and civilian, female and male who patiently waited their turn to pay the last respect. I felt the Cory Magic. People really love Tita Cory and they are willing to wait and say a prayer for her.
I said my prayer when we reached back home.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Accidents do not happen without a REASON
Amiel Alcantara's life was cut short by an unthinkable accident in the Ateneo campus. Never in my life did I hear such story where a boy is squeezed in between to vehicles in a traffic, in a parking , and while in a campus.
The accident is a concrete example that such can happen to anyone regardless of social status, age, gender or place. Very often do we think that we are sheltered from danger as long as we take extra precautions. Unfortunately, not all think and act the same way. Even how careful one is , there is still no guarantee. If the person next to you is not as particular with road safety or his social responsibility, then anybody can be a victim.
To the Alcantara's, our family is deeply shocked and saddened by what had happened to your son and your family. The pain from the loss will take some time to heal. It's only through God's grace that you will surely move on and find meaning in these difficult times.
Because of the accident, I realized that life is too short. It's best that we continue to invest in nurturing the relationships in our families and communities. So that when we retire and go back in the loving arms of our Lord, we can say that our short stay has changed the lives of others.
The accident is a concrete example that such can happen to anyone regardless of social status, age, gender or place. Very often do we think that we are sheltered from danger as long as we take extra precautions. Unfortunately, not all think and act the same way. Even how careful one is , there is still no guarantee. If the person next to you is not as particular with road safety or his social responsibility, then anybody can be a victim.
To the Alcantara's, our family is deeply shocked and saddened by what had happened to your son and your family. The pain from the loss will take some time to heal. It's only through God's grace that you will surely move on and find meaning in these difficult times.
Because of the accident, I realized that life is too short. It's best that we continue to invest in nurturing the relationships in our families and communities. So that when we retire and go back in the loving arms of our Lord, we can say that our short stay has changed the lives of others.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Warren: 10 Tips on Managing Your Finances in 2009
Warren Buffet's advice for 2009
We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism.
Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the
financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and
nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their
financial illness and help them recover their financial health.
Theyexpect the financial experts to provide them with remedies,
forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this
financial mess.
Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to
guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with
each passing year, I grow wiser and not older. This year, I invite
you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me,
and become financially wiser.
1 Hard work: All hard work bring a profit, but mere talk leads
only to poverty.
2 Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water
current.
3 Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [At
least make your Investments get you second earning]
4 Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell
things you need.
5 Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what
is left after saving.
6 Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.
7 Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes
are leaking.
8 Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a
large ship.
9 Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both
feet. [Have an alternate plan ready]
10 Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these
principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that
those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly
regain their financial health.
With Best Regards,
Warren Buffet
We begin this New Year with dampened enthusiasm and dented optimism.
Our happiness is diluted and our peace is threatened by the
financial illness that has infected our families, organizations and
nations. Everyone is desperate to find a remedy that will cure their
financial illness and help them recover their financial health.
Theyexpect the financial experts to provide them with remedies,
forgetting the fact that it is these experts who created this
financial mess.
Every new year, I adopt a couple of old maxims as my beacons to
guide my future. This self-prescribed therapy has ensured that with
each passing year, I grow wiser and not older. This year, I invite
you to tap into the financial wisdom of our elders along with me,
and become financially wiser.
1 Hard work: All hard work bring a profit, but mere talk leads
only to poverty.
2 Laziness: A sleeping lobster is carried away by the water
current.
3 Earnings: Never depend on a single source of income. [At
least make your Investments get you second earning]
4 Spending: If you buy things you don't need, you'll soon sell
things you need.
5 Savings: Don't save what is left after spending; Spend what
is left after saving.
6 Borrowings: The borrower becomes the lender's slave.
7 Accounting: It's no use carrying an umbrella, if your shoes
are leaking.
8 Auditing: Beware of little expenses; A small leak can sink a
large ship.
9 Risk-taking: Never test the depth of the river with both
feet. [Have an alternate plan ready]
10 Investment: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
I'm certain that those who have already been practicing these
principles remain financially healthy. I'm equally confident that
those who resolve to start practicing these principles will quickly
regain their financial health.
With Best Regards,
Warren Buffet
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Why people love and hate life insurance
During my almost six years of affiliation with Sunlife Financial Services, I came to know the different reasons why people have insurance policies. Some got pure intention , and others unfortunately bought for the wrong reasons.
Let me share you the most common noble reasons why people get life insurance:
1. "To unburden my family." Individuals recognize the fact that they have responsibilities and commitments to their dependents. They know that they have a major role in fulfilling their family's dreams to have a good education, and the magic words there are good quality of life. All of these have costs and it's the coverage amount which will partially help the members move on towards their goal - alone.
2. "To be shielded from certain taxes." If your beneficiary was declared as irrevocable, the cash proceeds are tax free. We are talking here of about 20% savings which he family can use for estate tax payment.
Estate tax surprises the asset-rich families. They never took into consideration the amount of cash just to transfer the properties to the heirs. In the Philippines, it can be as much as 20% of the market price of the properties. Insurance is the miracle product which solves the "cash flow" requirement of asset preservation.
However, there are some who hate insurance and below are the common objections:
a) "Insurance is a poor investment and it's better to invest in a the bank." I wonder what did the agent tell the client. Insurance products, whether life or non-life, are designed to protect against risks. As the time evolved, these products were linked to investments to attract the market. It's never positioned as an investment which will have the returns similar to that of stocks.
b) "I have enough cash that I do not need insurance anymore." Times do change and people need to realize that good times are permanent. That's why we have such thing as "there is always the first time." When crisis strikes, people normally can be caught unaware. And since cash is still the king in both good and hard times, it is still a prudent situation where you have a fallback just in case things don't work out the way it should be.
Friend, there is no right or wrong for these reasons. One is entitled to each and his own values and beliefs. But as a financial planner, I still encourage people to consider life insurance as part of their portfolio. You will never know what is in stored for you and your family- tomorrow.
Do you have any insights why people buy and do not like life insurance? Please feel free to comment so we can learn more from each other.
Let me share you the most common noble reasons why people get life insurance:
1. "To unburden my family." Individuals recognize the fact that they have responsibilities and commitments to their dependents. They know that they have a major role in fulfilling their family's dreams to have a good education, and the magic words there are good quality of life. All of these have costs and it's the coverage amount which will partially help the members move on towards their goal - alone.
2. "To be shielded from certain taxes." If your beneficiary was declared as irrevocable, the cash proceeds are tax free. We are talking here of about 20% savings which he family can use for estate tax payment.Estate tax surprises the asset-rich families. They never took into consideration the amount of cash just to transfer the properties to the heirs. In the Philippines, it can be as much as 20% of the market price of the properties. Insurance is the miracle product which solves the "cash flow" requirement of asset preservation.
However, there are some who hate insurance and below are the common objections:
a) "Insurance is a poor investment and it's better to invest in a the bank." I wonder what did the agent tell the client. Insurance products, whether life or non-life, are designed to protect against risks. As the time evolved, these products were linked to investments to attract the market. It's never positioned as an investment which will have the returns similar to that of stocks.
b) "I have enough cash that I do not need insurance anymore." Times do change and people need to realize that good times are permanent. That's why we have such thing as "there is always the first time." When crisis strikes, people normally can be caught unaware. And since cash is still the king in both good and hard times, it is still a prudent situation where you have a fallback just in case things don't work out the way it should be.Friend, there is no right or wrong for these reasons. One is entitled to each and his own values and beliefs. But as a financial planner, I still encourage people to consider life insurance as part of their portfolio. You will never know what is in stored for you and your family- tomorrow.
Do you have any insights why people buy and do not like life insurance? Please feel free to comment so we can learn more from each other.
Monday, January 26, 2009
5 Financial Planning Tips during a Financial Crisis
Having a balanced portfolio can bring you one step closer to achieving financial freedom regardless of where are you in the life cycle. When risks are recognized, the effects of crisis is minimized. Availing life and health insurance, creating an educational fund and setting up a retirement plan provides you a buffer against the economic effects of dying too soon or living too long.
Have a personal vision. Enumerate your three important lifestyle dreams. Do you envision your children studying in an ivy league university ? Do you want to be retiring by 50 or do you like to toil until you reach 70? Visualization allows you when and how much resources and money you need to achieve the dream.
Determine your time horizon. If you want a house 10 years down the road, the saving strategy will be different from saving for a Europe vacation 2 years from now. You might want to invest in a retirement plan where you just put in money and avail the benefits at age 60.
Know thyself . You would know how risk averse or risk tolerant you are. There are investments that produce long term high yield overtime but the volatility is like a roller coaster ride. You may be attracted to the yields, but experience stomach acidity when the market crashes. This type of investment is not for you. You may be more fit to have guaranteed paying plans.
It can be the other way around , you may get so bored with single digit returns. And the moment the market slides down , you are the happiest person because you are buying at a low price. Then go for the equities and market linked type of investments i.e. variable life insurance or mutual fund investments
Allocate resources according to your needs. Financial planners and institutions can advise individuals matching needs, risk tolerance and time horizon. Some would have greater percentage of their money in investments, while others in guaranteed plans like life insurance policies and educational plan. No individual financial plan can answer everyone’s needs.
For the family to enjoy the benefits of a new house, you need to have a contingency fund to source from when illness strikes the bread winner. Or else the healthy members will be surprised to be the payors of the mortgage. Thus create a contingency fund which can be from your own funds or from the funds of companies like the insurance companies.
What you sow is what you reap. You need to do your assignment in knowing what it takes to pursue your dream. There is definitely no free lunch. Discipline and delayed gratification will make the difference in successfully achieving your vision.
Feel free to share your financial planning tips and experiences.
If you need more information about the components of a financial plan, click here
Related articles: Retirement Investing Made Simple
Saturday, August 18, 2007
-1000 in 2 and 1/2 weeks.
The PSE Index closed last August 17, 2007 at 2800 level. And the next morning (August 18, 2007 - Philippine time) , DOW Jones was up by 233.30 by to 13,079.80. The roller coaster ride in the stock market can drive people to be extremely fearful as to the depth of the correction. Clients and colleagues ask me when will the market stop falling and starting moving in an upward trend. Well, I tell them I do not know. The psychological factor is the one pulling the market down. One could read in the newspapers that the country's numbers are generally good and no bad news at all to start breaking investor's confidence.
At first, fund manager's report would say that 3,300 will be the support from 3,500. You can still see people smile and have a good night sleep. After it had breached the 3,100 mark, came the biggest single day loss of 188 points which drove investors to sell as a herd. Reports would say that the PSE@2, 900 level is already in an overly sold mode. And this maybe the bottom.
But by August 17, the PSE index has shed close to 1000 points in two and a half weeks. The mood is sober plus the fact that the storm was in sync with the global sell-off. You could hardly see jubilant investors who think that buying at this down time brings in opportunity. Whew, where is the bottom? I do not know, period. There might still be a bottom out there waiting for us.
I just hope that there will be signs of life. And by then, it is important to think twice before believing and entering the market. As long as I can sleep at night even during market swings, I will go ahead and gradually put money in equity. But if I am having nightmares while there's too much volatility in the market, I will put my buck in the savings account. At the end, I have the freedom to choose my immediate reward: either peace of mind or high returns.
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