He believed…and so did we.

The greatest boxer of all time did it again. Salamat, Manny Pacquiao.

My sister said it best…

While I am currently celebrating that my best friend is doing well after her house was hit by the floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy, I’ve finally shed some tears regarding what has happened… all because my sister blogged about how proud she is to be a Filipino, even if she no longer calls the Philippines “home”.

 

 

So today, as it has been for the past few days, I feel an overwhelming pride in being Filipino.  I told my girls: Look at what our countrymen would do for others, and look at why even if you grew up in the US, you will always have this bond with Filipinos you’ve never met before.  This is really what the Filipino soul is made of.  There is a Muelmar Magallanes in each of us if we look hard enough because sometimes, you just throw caution to the wind and you just do what you have to do.

 

 

 (Photos from my contacts and friends at Facebook, Flickr, Multiply, Tumblr and Twitter.)

 

For those who would like to help —

1) Attend "Raise the Roof"
A Benefit Concert for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy

 

Where: Mega Tent, Meralco Ave.
When: Show starts at 2pm, October 1
Entrance fee: Its either you pay 100php or bring a "SURVIVAL PACk" that includes 1L of water, 2 pcs of canned goods, 2 pcs of instant noodle packs and some crackers.

2) You may visit the ff sites (just click on the images):

 

 

 

3) Donate via SMS:

 

4) And for those in other countries (kudos to moongirl for this list):

Donate Online

• ABS-CBN Foundation: http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.php
• Ateneo Alumni Northeast, Inc: http://www.atenista-usa.org/site/featured-articles/help-for-ondoy-victims/
• Australian Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp
• Ayala Foundation: http://af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp (select AFI-Typhoon Relief Fund in drop down menu)
• Global Giving: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/philippines-flood-disaster-fund/
• HOPE Worldwide: https://www.hopeww.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1227&srctid=1&erid=162143
• PhilippineAid.com: http://www.philippineaid.com/
• Philippine National Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/Default.aspx?S=48&SS=972
• TXTPower (Paypal): http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20090927-227196/Help-Ondoy-victims-via-Paypal
• Xoom: http://ronaldredito.org/blog/321/ondoy-donation-using-xoo/
• World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/donate/ondoy

Donate by Phone

• USA: Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-435-7669. Please choose the 3rd option (International Donation), then tell the operator that your donation is for the Ondoy (Ketsana) typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Donate Through Your Community

There might be people in your community gathering relief goods and donations. Find them and go.

• Australia (Melbourne): Drop-off donations near the Melbourne CBD through Coco Quizon’s residence @ 8 Vale St., North Melbourne. You can contact Coco through 0458603723
• Australia (Sydney): Deliver donations to 303/5 Stromboli Strait, Homebush Bay 2127. message twitter.com/allorange for questions
• Australia: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1100222/Philippines-floods:-How-you-can-help
• Australia: Filipino students in Australia are also helping out by collecting 5-dollar pledges. Contact Coco Quizon 0458603723 (Melbourne), Aiya Buendia 0437 967 259 (Sydney) and Michelle Leonardo michelle.leonardo@gmail.com (Canberra)
• Australia: PAL shipping donations from Australia Free Of Charge! Sydney Delivery point for donations in kind: Revesby Press 3/50 George Street Granville. Ph:9760 0933. Urgently seeking donations of clothes, blankets, canned goods, medical supplies. Please segregate clothing according to: infants, girls, boys, women, men, shoes! Please call 0414-736-231.
• Austria: Cash: message Charmaine Taus (sacki@taus.us). she’s having a benefit concert on October 22! concert details to follow.
• Belgium: For those based in Belgium they can contact Shiera Catalan at +32485328811 if they want to donate goods for typhoon relief
• California (Burlingame): MANILA BOX USA is now accepting donations in kind & will provide FREE shipping to Manila. Items will be sent by Sea Cargo and will delivered to the Whitespace Relief Center/Mar Roxas Headquarters in Cubao. Please drop them off at their warehouse: 361 Beach Road Burlingame , CA 94010 or call (650)342-2858. Please pack them in boxes for easier handling. Business hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
• California (Carson/Hermosa Beach): We are collecting donations to send to flood victims in Manila. Our goal is to fill up a 40ft container in one week with new or used clothing,shoes, blankets,medicines,canned food items, etc. Dropoff Location : 205 West Torrance Blvd, Carson, CA 90745. We will be setting up a booth on Oct 3, 2009 at the Substance event in Hermosa Beach CA. THANK YOU and God Bless Manila. TWITTER (Socal4Ondoy)
• California (Cerritos): Our house is temp drop off point while we find a bigger venue. We’ll facilitate immediate shipment to Manila. Thank you in advance for your help. Pls pass. Dino & Jan Home:16622 Amberwood Way Cerritos, CA 90703; (562)404-0625
• California (Hayward): Fil-Am Invitational BasketballLeague(FIBL) will send out relief goods in the philippines for the victims of the floods cause by typhoon ondoy…. if you want to make a donation clothing,canned goods or money please bring it on sunday 10/04/09 @ el rancho gym 541 blanche st. hayward ca. from 2:00 – 6:00pm please visit our website for direction
• California (Daly City): Please contact Ryan Leano (626)534-4971. Liwanag Cultural Center, Hillside Park Clubhouse, 222 Lausanne Ave., Daly City‎, CA‎ 94014.
• California (LA): Relief goods accepted in LA! ANSWER ofc, 137 Virgil St, Rm 203, Los Angeles, CA
• California (LA): TULONG SA PILIPINAS (STP): Accepting donations cash or check. Send to People’s CORE, 1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No 2, Los Angeles, Ca 90026. Donations more than $50 is tax deductible. Material donations drop off ( donations; shoes, clothes, canned goods. medicines etc. ) at ANSWER LA office at 137 Virgil St. Room 203 , Los Angeles, CA 900042.
• California (Oakland): Please contact Ryan Leano (626)534-4971. Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy & Leadership. Attn: Armael Malinis, AnakBayan-East Bay. 310 8th Street, Suite 215. Oakland, CA 94710
• California (San Francisco): Stanford’s Pilipino American Student Union (PASU) is also collecting donations to be sent to the Philippines to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana). If you would like to make a donation, please contact AV David at avhdavid@stanford.edu or (650) 491-4561.
• California (San Francisco): http://naffaar8.com/typhoon-ondoy-ketsana-disaster-relief-efforts-in-san-francisco-ca/
• Canada: http://byncan.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/bayan-canada-appeals-for-help-for-typhoon-ondoy-victims/
• Canada (Montreal): http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Local+Filipinos+mobilizing+help+flood+victims/2041585/story.html
• Canada (Toronto): Filipinos and Friends in Toronto, here’s how to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (intl name Ketsana): http://pidctoronto.com/projects/typhoon also see: http://bit.ly/28PDXf Thank You!
• Germany: Contact Denise Matias at denise.matias@gmail.com or +63917-4280966 (text only, no calls).
• Hong Kong: Filipinos in HONG KONG… Here’s how you can help: Ateneo Almuni Association HK is calling for donations to support relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) in the Philippines. Contact: Mike Reyes at +852.67131869
• Illinois: Contact Raymond Maximo of Northern Illinois University – rmaximo1@niu.edu.
• Japan: Japan Red Cross: http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html. They’re acception donations from September 30 until October 30. More info: http://www.jrc.or.jp/kokusai/news/l4/Vcms4_00001289.html
• London: Cash: Acct. Name: P. A. Cortez / Acct. Num.: 58099901 / Bank: HSBC UK / Sort Code: 400500
• Malaysia: For those in Malaysia, LBC is accepting donations in cash and kind. Their numbers are: 2026-8536 / 2070-0557. The office I know is at Kota Raya in KL.
• Netherlands: Donate (bank transfer) to: NFS – Nederlands-Filippijnse Solidariteitsbeweging (’Dutch-Filipino Solidarity Movement). Location: Leiden. Postgiro: 8118425. Subject: Support for flood victims / “Steun aan slachtoffers van grote overstroming”
• New Jersey: Sinugba Cafe – 561 Westside Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07304; or Casa Victoria – 691 Newark Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07306-2803 You can send CASH through Metro Bank acct. 3 189 14540 1 For BAYAN’s “BALSA” (Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan). For donations in New Jersey please contact: (201)621-3156-Yves Nibungco or (917)476-7855- Nick Cordero
• New York: Ondoy New York Disaster Relief drop off center @ Pandayan Center, 406 W 40th St. Between 9th and 10th Aves. New York, NY 10018 or call 212.564.6057.
• New York: NAFCON (Nat’l Alliance for Filipino Concerns)/SANDIWA Nat’l Alliance of Fil-Am Youth are now receiving relief donations (clothes, blankets, medical supplies, monetary). NY drop-off @ BAYANIHAN Filipino Community Center, 40-21 69th St. Woodside, NY 11377. Call (516)901-1832 or email sandiwa.national@gmail.com if you would like to help.
• New Zealand: For people donating from New Zealand go to: http://www.tearfund.org.nz or phone 0800 800 777
• Oregon: Cash: message Welo Chuidian Rivera (welo_rivera@yahoo.com), or check out her note: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=143295770052
• Singapore: Drop-off point for donations is Afreight Cargo, #03-09 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Rd. Contact Maureen Schepers 6235-1011. Get more information here: http://www.pinoysg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=664644#664644
• South Korea: For the Filipinos and concerned citizens in South Korea: Pease support PIKO (Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea) fund-raising campaign for the Ondoy flood victims in the Philippines. Let us all help by donating to KOOKMIN BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER (498101-01-232756). Your help counts!
• Thailand (Bangkok):  The Philippine Embassy will be receiving only donations in kind (ie., used clothing, shoes, blankets, and the like, and canned goods) …anytime between 9am-5pm until Fri. For queries, please contact the Philippine Embassy at (02) 259-0139 up to 40 or (08) 992-65954, or at bangkokpe@gmail.com.
• UAE (Dubai): Lingap Kapwa – Ondoy Victims: We need to unite once again to help our Kabayans back in the Philippines that were badly affected by typhoon Ondoy. Current requirement: Clothings, Food, Money. Please get in touch with Pres. Jo (050-7456452 josepha@perceptgulffz.com). 3 Drop Off Points for the donations: West Zone Supermarket (Karama, Satwa and Deira)
• United Kingdom: Visit the OXFAM website

 

 Pilipinas, sa bawat pagsubok , may araw na tiyak sisikat.

 

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• More ways to help (apriljourneys.mychronicles.net)
• Thinking about the Philippines: On Typhoon Ondoy and Flood Victims (shaicoggins.com)
• Help Victims of Typhoon Ondoy (momblognetwork.com)
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I am proud

Scared of Revolving Doors, pinoytumblr: (via gelalalove).

Typhoon Ondoy Hotlines and Help Desks

Most of Luzon is in a state of calamity, and everyone’s ready to help.

Consolidated Hot lines for Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana):

1) National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Emergency Numbers: 912-5668, 911-1406, 912-2665, 911-5061.

2) Help hotlines: 734-2118, 734-2120.

3) Philippine National Red Cross 143, 9178997898, 09384442697, 9342118, 4338528

4) Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA): 136

5) Philippine Coast Guard: 527-6136

6) Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (045) 9634376

7) Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT

8 ) Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency #s: 912-5668, 911-1406, 912-2665, 911-5061

9) Dump trucks are being sent to rescue stranded people. Please call their hotline numbers: 0917-4226800, 0917-2414864, 0927-6751981

10) NCRPO 8383203 / 8383354 for rubber boat requests

11) Ateneo de Manila — Temporary lodging places are available at Faculty Housing (4266001 loc. 4036 c/o Ms. Sofie Castro) and New Dorms (4266001 loc. 5930 c/o Mr. Mon Bunag). Shelter also provided at the MVP Student Center. You can send relief goods to Cervini Hall, where they will be received by guards and volunteers.

12) Boy Siojo 09189463483 for rescue vehicles

13) Nor Domingo 09209072902 or 6462436 for rescue boats in Marikina

14) Marikina Evac Center Numbers, in case you need to check if people you know are there 6462360 6462370

Please do contact them.

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Defining the National Artist

One of the big stories here in the Philippines is the selection of National Artists for the year.

A committee has been formed to do the task of nominating, evaluating, short-listing and eventually awarding the National Artist who will receive gets cash awards, a P1M annual funding for their projects. plus special treatments given to living heroes and leaders, such as a place of honor during national events and a state funeral and burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

Given that the people’s taxes pay for these expenses, plus the fact that the chosen artists represent the entire country, it is only natural that reactions arise from suspicious appointments and anomalies on the process.

Apparently, the original list for this year was altered by Malacanang, removing 1 name and adding 4 more (the president not only proclaims the awardees, but he or she has the power to veto or add names to the list).

While there are protesters who question the process done to come up with the final line-up, I think this issue boils down to the 4 additional individuals. I won’t give out names, nor question their artistic abilities, but I will give a description of a person who fits the bill, “National Artist of the Philippines”.

The Wikipedia entry explains it best:

a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts, namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film, Broadcast Arts, Fashion Design and Architecture, and Allied Arts.

Criteria:

1. Living artists who have been Filipino citizens for the last ten years prior to nomination as well as those who have died after the establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death;
2. Artists who have helped build a Filipino sense of nationhood through the content and form of their works;
3. Artists who have distinguished themselves by pioneering in a mode of creative expression or style, making an impact on succeeding generations of artists;
4. Artists who have created a significant body of works and/or have consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form, enriching artistic expression or style; and
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through prestigious national and/or international recognition, awards in prestigious national and/or international events, critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works, and/or respect and esteem from peers within an artistic discipline.

Two of the 4 names caused an uproar among fellow artists, including living National Artists:

THEATER: Although this person has created a renowned theater group called PETA, or the Philippine Educational Theater Association, she also happens to be the executive director of the committee handling the award.

VISUAL ARTS AND FILM: He was a past nominee who was rejected twice, and has made a name as creator of comic characters and as director of massacre films (true stories of gory crimes that have happened in the past).

So, do they deserve being called National Artists, eventually having equal status with the likes of Lino Brocka (the first Filipino film maker who exhibited his work at Cannes, whose movies garnered international recognition and was the director of what is said to be the greatest Filipino film ever made) and Rolando Tinio (who introduced experimental theater to students and modernized the Filipino traditional style of writing)?

Well, one may deserve the title, but conflict of interest overshadows her contribution to the theater world.

And the other, I guess he has to wait until it is proven that massacre movies are innovative, excellent, highly respected, critically acclaimed, nationalistic works and character/storyline creations (not to be confused with illustrations) for comics really do fall under visual arts.

It Was Hard Saying Goodbye

Today, our beloved Cory Aquino was laid to rest… and Filipinos all over the world are one with her family in trying to cope with the loss.

Here are a few of the touching words from the people she has embraced:

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, her spiritual advisor:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

She was the only true queen our people ever had, and she was (a) queen because we knew she truly held our hearts and in the gentleness and greatness of her own.

She made me proud again to be a Filipino

Kris Aquino-Yap, her daughter:

Photo by John Javellana for AP

You (the Filipino) have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive, that no matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it.

Dad (the late Senator, Ninoy Aquino), it’s your turn now. You are her one and only love. Now that you are together again, no matter how painful it is for us to let her go, we were comforted knowing that mom is happy to be reunited with you

It would take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you.

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Jr., her son:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

Mom, I really truly believe, without an iota of doubt, that you have truly fought the good fight, that you have finished the course, and that, undoubtedly, you have kept the faith.

Insp. Mel Mamaril, her security escort for 23 years:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

One could always feel her compassionate heart for all those in need and in want. She also radiated a deep sense of prayer and devotion that, I believe, was the foundation of her being a person of integrity and uprightness.

(At the end of his speech, Mamaril went near the casket of the former President and saluted her.)

Vivette, my friend, who posted this on my Facebook wall:

Photo from: Definitely Filipino

We will always be thankful to them for making us proud to be filipinos.

Paul Cabral, her favorite designer and a close friend:

Photo by Dennis Sabangan for Reuters

I miss you.

A sign held by an old lady as she waited for the cortege to pass in front of her:

Photo from: Definitely Filipino

Goodbye, our beloved President.

Fidel V. Ramos, her successor and her People Power ally:

Cory Aquino represented the past and the future of our people and led in the direction of a better future for our people.

Jim Paredes, singer/songwriter, People Power Revolution personality:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for AFP

Pinoytumblr:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

May she rest in peace and may she be resurrected in every Filipino.

Gina de Venecia, wife of former Speaker Joe de Venecia, and her good friend:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

She was a beacon of hope, a leader who proved that true greatness is found not in power and prestige. Rather, it was rooted in something far deeper. She led and loved with a pure heart from which sprung great humility, goodness, and true moral character.

Rep. Teddy Locsin, former Aquino cabinet member:

Photo by Nat Garcia for AP

I knew then she was the answer to my prayers.

A Tumblr post:

Photo by Yellow Ribbon for President Cory Aquino

Let us not forget to carry on today’s meaningful message. Let us remember.

But perhaps, the most touching part, was something unsaid.

It was when everyone gave a rousing applause as her casket was being wheeled towards the cathedral exit.

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

Tears have been flowing from my eyes the entire day…

because I know that I owe her for giving me the chance to live the way a free person must live.

PAALAM CORY.

***************

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

“I am burning the candle of my life in the dark, with no one to benefit from the light. The candle slowly melts away. Soon its wick will burn out, and the light is gone. If only someone will gather the melted wax, reshape it, give it a new wick. For another fleeting moment, my candle can once again light the dark, be of service one more time, and then, goodbye.” – Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

Today, we celebrated a life lived for Filipinos.

We are currently mourning over death of the Mother of Philippine Democracy…

by J-Ann Reyes’s album, “View From the Top – Tita Cory’s Procession”

…but are also rejoining for the gift given to us: Freedom…

by: Joey Rico’s album, “Paalam Cory”

by Aids Tecson’s album, “Cory Passing Thru Ayala”

…the strength to fight for what is right…

by: Joey Rico’s album, “Paalam Cory”

by Aids Tecson’s album, “Cory Passing Thru Ayala”

…and most of all, the prayers that we are still able to say.

by Joe Galvez (searched from Google Images)

Salamat Pangulong Corazon Aquino.

from Joval Pantangco’s Facebook Profile

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• Filipinos mourn Aquino at wake (msnbc.msn.com)
• Filipinos pledge to carry on Aquino’s legacy (ctv.ca)

Look at how beautiful my country is…

First stop of my Visayan Caravan…

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Made a stop-over at Coron to drop off some divers. Boohoo.

Ate at this place called “Badjao” just outside of Puerto Princesa, and this was where my team and I witnessed the beauty of Palawan.

Then on our way to Narra, we saw this. Awesome, isn’t it?

But of course, it will never beat this.

I love my country… and I’m looking forward in exploring the hidden treasures that nature has to offer.

Google’s banner

In celebration of my country’s independence day.

Doggy Update

Busy day. But had time to take photos of my dogs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These 3 creatures never fail to make me smile everyday.