How soon is NOW

"Don't expect gratitude and you won't be disappointed. Do things because it is the right thing to do and in doing so you feel your heart swell up with love for your fellow man." - Chris Morgan

It's really heartbreaking to see the victims of Ondoy (Ketsana) especially the children and the old ones. You can help them by donating in kind or cash. God loves the cheerful giver. :)

for those in SINGAPORE:

- dropoff for relief goods is @ airfreight lucky plaza #03-09. can call 62351011, they are open up to 7pm.

- pinoys are mobilizing and gathering donations, visit this forum for more details.



for those in SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA:

- you can deliver relief goods to 303/5 Stromboli Strait, Homebush Bay 2127. you can also contact through twitter at @allorange if you want to arrange for a pick up in the city



for those in CANADA:

- TORONTO - pinoys are spearheading efforts to help, visit this website for details.

- WINNIPEG - the Philippine Community Centre of Manitoba here in Winnipeg Canada started to raise money for the victims today



for those based in BELGIUM:

- from @SayChiz, they can contact Shiera Catalan at +32485328811 if they want to donate goods for typhoon relief



for anyone in the UNITED STATES:

- you can call the ABS-CBN US Helpline at 1-800-5272820 to know how you can help

- also, you can donate through the kapuso foundation site.

- with your credit card, donate via the the abs-cbn foundation.

- for those in california, Island Pacific Supermarket is gathering donations to be shipped to the Philippines

- SAN FRANCISCO - 5750 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 For details call 510-750-3036, 209-3499576, 415-239-9576

- LOS ANGELES - Manila Forwarder Headquarters 4249 Eagle Rock Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90065 1.800.210.1019323. 478.1599

- NEW YORK - NYC Disaster Relief drop off center @ Pandayan Center 406 W40th St. Between 9th and 10th Aves. NY, NY 10018 or 212.564.6057.

- NEW JERSEY - NJ drop off Sinugba Cafe or Casa Victoria or (201)621-3156 -Yves Nibungco



for those in the UK:

- you can donate through OXFAM on their official website.



for anyone else ABROAD who wants to help:

- you can donate through the paypal account link on this site.

- the official website of the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS has a complete listing of how you can donate to them.

- the ayala foundation is also accepting your donations through their website.

- you can donate through the kapuso foundation site.

- you can use your credit card to donate via the the abs-cbn foundation.

- donate rice through the UN's World Food Programme through their official website.




Credits: 
Anthony Dulce (Photos)

Bianca Gonzales

Typhoon Ondoy Emergency Hotlines and Relief Operations

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Rescue Operations 

• National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120) ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
• Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
• Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
• Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
• Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
• Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
• Quezon City Rescue (161)
• San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
• Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
• Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
• Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)
• Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan (+632927-2204744/ +632-6650846)
• Marikina Mayor Maridel and Mr. Ramon Santiago: (+632917-3221951/ +632920-9389914)

Civil Society/ Media

• Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
• Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)
• Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
• ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
• Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968
• GMA Kapuso Helpline: (+632-9811950-59)

 _______________________________________________________________________________

All calls for help, please help us by filling out information here at the Rescue InfoHub Center.
Sahana Disaster Management System needs IT volunteers. http://sahana.kahelos.org. Email sahana@kahelos.org.
________________________________________________________________________________

Rubber Boat, 4×4 Trucks, Chopper Requests

• NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
• Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
• You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
• For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).
• Petron & San Miguel Corporation are lending choppers for rescue operations, call/text: (+632917-8140655) ask for Lydia Ragasa

Power Supply

• Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.

Relief Aid and Donations

URGENT: _____________________________________________________________________

Donations of heavy duty flashlights needed for rescue operations in Cainta area. Contact Cielo at (+632918-8824356)
______________________________________________________________________________

Businesses/ Commercial Establishments

• 7-11 stores
• Alabang Town Center drop off goods at the concierge. For inquiries, please call (+632-8422782 or +632-7721860).
• Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
• Binalot at Greenbelt 1, call Tetchie Bundalian at (+632922-8573277)
• Brainbeam Events, Inc. 2/F MB Aguirre Cornerhs Bldg,15 Pres Ave cor Elizalde Sts, BF Homes Paranaque across the old Caltex in BF. Will accept relief goods.
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be accepting canned goods, water, clothes, blankets, towels, medicine, and emergency supplies (no cash) in all our branches on behalf of the victims of Typhoon Ondoy starting today until Friday. Your generosity wi…ll be much appreciated during this difficult time for our brothersand sisters in need.
• Fantastik Manila – send donations to 5729 Calasanz St. Barangay Olympia Makati City Telephone Numbers +632-7290530 or +632-5017405
• Jollibee branches in Metro Manila – drop off point
• Luca stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
• Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
• Ministop IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.
• Moonshine boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
• Myron’s Greenbelt will accept relief goods
• Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
• Philippine Daily Inquirer – 1098 Chino Roces Ave. corner Mascardo and Yague Streets, Makati City and to any of its classified ads branches, and to any McDonald’s branch within Metro Manila. Donations in kind, such as instant noodles, canned goods, formula milk, blankets and clothes, are urgently needed. Call (+632-8978808 loc. 260) and look for Megi Garcia
• PowerPlant Mall accepting donations for ABS-CBN foundation. Dropoff at admin office, P1 level.
• Red Kimono restaurants – has branches in Pasig, Pampanga, Quezon City and Taguig City. Will accept canned goods, bottled water, clothing for all ages, basic household items.
• R.O.X. – Recreational Outdoor eXchange is accepting donation for relief good for Typhoon Ondoy victims. You can bring it in the store located in B1 building Bonifacio High St., Tel. No. (+632-8564638/39)
• Shell gas stations – drop off point
• Smart Wireless Centers – SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, Gateway Mall Cubao, AliMall Cubao, SM Megamall, SM Muntinlupa, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Festival Mall Alabang, Alabang Town Center and SM Southmall. Will accept cash or goods.
• Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
• Total gas stations- drop off point
• Unimart will receive all cash and in-kind donations to be transferred to LSGH Gate 2.
• Vivere Suites 5102 Ridgeway Avenue, Fil-Invest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Contact (+632-7717777) for inquiries or drop off at concierge area. Will accept relief goods.
• Whitespace 2314 Chino Roces Ave Ext as a Makati drop-off for relief goods.

Government/ Civil Society/ Movements  

• Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
• ABS-CBN through Banco de Oro account number 56300-20111 account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporation
• Akbayan’s taking donations, call 433-69-33/433-68-31 to donate or volunteer.
• Brgy. San Antonio Bgy Hall near Paranaque City Hall (Sta. Lucia St. corner San Pablo St., San Antonio Valley 1, Paranaque. Drop off point.
• Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
• Department of Social Welfare and Development donation drop off points: National Resource Operations Center, Chapel Road, Pasay City (Contact: Mrs. Francon Favian) / Quezon City Area Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Info Center (DROMIC). Contact Rey Martija or Imee Rose Castillo, Tel Nos. (+632-9517119, +632-9512435) or Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera Tel No. (+632918-9345625) / San Rafael corner Legarda Streets, Quiapo, Manila (Contact: Dir. Thelsa P. Biolna, Dir. Delia Bauan Tel Nos. (+632-7348622, +632-7348642)
• Kabataan Partylist Drop off donations or volunteer at 118-B Sct. Rallos QC. (+632926-6677163) or kabataanpartylist@gmail.com
• Sen. Kiko Pangilinan is accepting donations @ AGS Bldg Annex, 446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo. Contact Vina Vargas at (+632917-8081247)
• Luzon Relief: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com
• Marika Bouncers Coop – 95 Malaya St., Malanday, Marikina : will accept donations starting Sept. 28 at 10 AM
• Miriam Quiambao drop off point: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
• Move for Chiz is asking for volunteers and donations at Bay Park Tent, along Roxas Blvd., beside Max Restaurant and Diamond Hotel in Manila, or at Gilas Minipark at Unang Hakbang St., Gilas Q.C.
• NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
• Operation Rainbow (Zac Faelnar Camara) at Ayala Alabang Village needs Canned Goods, Ready-To-Eat Food, Bottled Water, Ready-To-Drink Milk/ Juice, Clothing, Blankets, contact (+632-4687991)
• Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
• Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.
• Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
• Relief Efforts for Pasig at Valle Verde 1 Village Park, contact (+632916-4945000, +632917-5273616)
• Relief Operations Center at AGS Annex, #446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo after PET Tower contact Ares at (+632917-8554935) or Rachel at (+632918-9241636)
• Sagip Kapamilya hotlines (+632-4132667, +632-4160387) #13 Examiner St. West Triangle, QC. and Scout Mayoran, cor. Morato, near Alex III.
• Tulong Bayan hotlines for donations and volunteers are (+632908-6579998) Marilyn, (+632939-3633436) Jenn (+632-9137122, +632-9136254 & +632-9133306).
• TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN
• World Vision partners with Phil Coast Guard and kind individuals for relief distribution to 3k families. Call (+632-3747618 local 242) or text (+632917-8623209) to help.
• Worldvision Foundation is also accepting donations/volunteers to pack relief goods in QC. FOR PESO DONATIONS: BPI SA #4251-0024-15 Matalino cor. Malakas St., Diliman QC OR BDO SA #2700-4341-1. FOR USD DONATIONS: #4254-0050-08. Please fax the deposit slip to +632374660 or call Donor Care Services +632327777. Meanwhile, you may call PAM at +639178623209.

Religious/ Schools & Universities

• Assumption College San Lorenzo is now accepting donations. Please drop them off at the AC guardhouse.
• Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
• Ateneo Law School – Rockwell. Looking for donations and volunteers. 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Call (+632-8997691 to 96)
• Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)
• CCF Ortigas St Francis Mall Room 402
• CFC Center Ortigas is now open for donations in cash or kind. Call (+632-7270682 to 87) or text (+632922-2542819)
• De La Salle University-Manila – The Sagip Metro relief operation will start to accept donation for Ondoy victims starting Monday @ 8:30 am. Please bring goods to the South Gate of DLSU-Manila.
• De La Salle Zobel will be accepting donations tomorrow at Gym 5 (Near Gate 7 in Molave St.)
• DLSU Medical Center will accept canned goods, blankets, clothes, water. Location is at Congressional Avenue, Dasmarinas, Cavite. Telephone lines are at (+632-8447832) and (+6346-4164531)
• Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
• La Salle Greenhills for Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at LSGH Gate 2 or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
• Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
• Peace Retreat Movement – leave all donations at the Peace Retreat Movement (PRM) office, 2F, Rm. 72L, Christ the King (HS) Bldg. on Wednesday, Sept 30, 12noon
• Playschool International in Better Living is open to receive relief goods. Feel free to drop it there for your convenience. No Cash Pls.
• Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
• San Beda College of Arts and Sciences Student Council – accepting clothes, meds, water, canned goods, soap, money, etc.
• Santuario de San Antonio Parish – McKinley Road, Forbes Park. Accepting all kinds of relief goods. Contact JJ Yulo or Mike Yuson
• Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
• Southville International School and Colleges – will only accept goods. (+632915-5385113, +632915-4151319)
• St. James Church Multi-Purpose Hall – Drop off point
• St. Pedro Poveda College is now accepting relief goods. call the Social Action Center (+632-6318756 loc. 121)
• UA&P Please contact Dae Lee [SEB EVP] at (+632917-8323533) needs donations and volunteers.
• UP Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority MANILA – collecting food, water and toiletries. You may drop them off at unit 12-O One Adriatico Place, Ermita Manila or contact (+632917-8857188, +632917-6659948).
• UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) is accepting goods and cash. Donation center at CAL/text (+632929-6454102).
• UP Diliman USC is collecting food, clothing and/or cash. Contact TITUS (+632917-8001909), JOSE (+632927-3056607) and TIN (+632915-4906106)
• UP’s OVCCA accepting donations of relief goods starting tomorrow. Please help by disseminating this info. Contact (+632-9282947).
• Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute!  Call for more details.
• Valle Verde Mansions – 135 CAPT. HENRY JAVIER ST. BRGY. ORANBO, PASIG. This is near ULTRA for relief drop-off
• Xavier School in San Juan is now accepting donations, please bring to Multipurpose Center (MPC).

Private Citizens

• MAKATI: 5729 Calasanz St., Olympia Makati City or call for pick up at (+632-5017405 or +632-7290530) c/o Omel Santos
• SOUTH: Accepting relief goods in SOUTH AREA. Please contact Anne at (+632915-2854240)
• Karen Ang of Pasig 3 Kagandahan corner Kabutihan Streets, Kawilihan Village, Pasig (+632920-9520900) will forward donated relief goods to Red Cross
• Colleen Manabat (Heartrio Prints) of Angeles City will accept bottled water, canned goods, blankets, clothes, medicines from 9 AM to 6PM. Address is Stall 2 MGY Building, 2444 Sto. Entierro St, Sto. Cristo, Angeles City. She will forward the donations to Sagip Kapamilya – ABS-CBN Foundation.
• Joseph Castillo of Cebu – will send a 20 ft. container to Manila and is looking for donations from Cebuanos. Get in touch with him through (+639082368999 or +63932-2117111)
• Bianca – will pick up donations from Greenhills/San Juan area. Donate food, medicine, or clothing. Call (+632-4123861, +632927-8436002)
• Kelly & Jodge – Colonade Residences, Legaspi St. corner C. Palanca, Makati City. Will accept relief goods.
• Omel Santos – 5729 Calasanz St., Olympia Makati City. Call (+632-5017405 or +632-7290530). Drop off point for donations. Also willing to pick up.
• RJ Ledesma and friends – call us at (+632917-8131601) for pick of donations. Only relief goods

Unforgettable Cebu 1.5

Okay, It's 03:20 a.m here in Cebu and I can't sleep... excited for Bohol? I guess. lol. Since my Insomnia attacking me right now, I will post the second to the last part of my visit in some places here in Cebu. So here it is:

Taoist Temple

Built in 1972, the Taoist Temple is constructed in a highly ornate and some would say, gaudy style of chinese architecture and it is topped with a pagoda-style roof.

Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro is the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines. Built by the Spaniards to repel sieges by hostile natives and Muslim pirates, the fort was deemed finished in 1738, some 200 years after it started construction.

Santo Nino Basilica

It was built on the exact spot where the image of the Santo Nino, a sculpture depicting the Holy Child Jesus was founded by Spanish explorers in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition.

SO, after Ayala Mall - The Terraces (one of the best malls I've ever seen so far), we went to
SM Cebu

4th largest shopping mall in the Philippines.

Casa Gorordo Museum

was the home of Juan Gorodo, first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. Casa Gorordo Museum Cebu is located in Lopez Jaena Steet. At present, the museum houses many old and ancient relics. The displayed relics give a picture about the lifestyle of the Filipino people during the period from1860s to 1920s.

Alright. So that's it, the places we visited. This is not my last entry about Cebu, actually second to the last entry about this city. It's almost 4:00 am here, need to get some energy for our next adventure. Tc. :)

Unforgettable Cebu 1

Rain

I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

-Shel Silverstein

This is our last night here in the beautiful City, Cebu. I need to pack all my things for tommorow's flight to Bohol, but before that I guess I need to share some of my experiences here in Cebu.

We spent our days in the awesome Cebu Midtown Hotel.I love our room, like the service, the staff were nice. About the food.... superb ( in my opinion)!

Our Sink and a night view from the room.

During our stay here the rain keeps on pouring... bad timing I guess. Lol

In spite of the heavy rain, we still managed to visit some of Cebu's Tourist's Spot.

Ayala Center Cebu - Terraces Day and Night

So that's the first part of my adventure in Cebu. I wanted to post all my adventures but I need to prepare for tommorow's flight. And lastly, when it rains I remember the poem by Shel Silverstein entitled Rain. Ahhhh. lol

Credits: Laylander. Cebu Midtown Hotel, Shel Silverstein

Week one - Cebu City

Week one - Cebu city. Me and my 3 good ol fella decided to have a break from the noisy, pressurized Manila and have a 2 weeks vacation in two of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines. First stop Cebu City. When I was a kid, I heard lot of good things about this city. The people, the culture, the food (ooh, so far Lechon is awesome) and most of all the The Beaches (one of the reasons why i'm excited about this trip...i love beach...the sound of the waves, it made me feel secured, peace and comfortable.)

For you guys who don't have any idea about this amazing city, here's a brief introduction about Cebu City.

The City of Cebu (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Sugbo; Filipino: Lungsod ng Cebu; Spanish: Ciudad de Cebú), is the capital city of Cebu and the second city in the Philippines, the second most significant metropolitan center in the Philippine Islands, and known as the oldest city in the country.

The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu, and is the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines' main domestic shipping port, and is home to more than 80% of the country's domestic shipping companies. Cebu also holds the second largest international flights in the Philippine Islands, and is a significant center of commerce, trade, and industry in the Visayas, and Mindanao region. According to the 2007 Philippine census, the city has a population of 798,809 people.

Cebu City is the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay. Metro Cebu has a total population of about 2 million people. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City is only a twenty-minute drive away from Cebu City. To the northeast of the city are Mandaue City, and the town of Consolacion, to the west are Toledo City, the towns of Balamban, and Asturias, to the south are Talisay City, and the town of Minglanilla. Across Mactan Strait to the east is Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu City and an aquarium attraction are located.

Cebu city is an important cultural center in the Philippine Islands. The city's most famous landmark is Magellan's Cross.

This cross, now housed in a chapel, was supposedly planted by Ferdinand Magellan when he arrived in the Philippine Islands in 1521. It was encased in hollow tindalo wood in 1835 upon the order of the Augustinian Bishop Santos Gómez Marañon to prevent devotees from taking it home chip by chip.

Magellan's Cross


Inside of the Magellan's cross

A few steps away from the Magellan's Cross is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Church of the Holy Child), an Augustinian church which was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1965 during the 400th year celebrations of Christianity in the Philippines, held in Cebu. The church, which was the first to be established in the islands. It is built of hewn stone, and features the country's oldest relic, the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu (Holy Child of Cebu).

This religious event is celebrated on the islands cultural festivities known as the Sinulog festival, held every third Sunday of January which celebrates the festival of the Santo Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. The Sinulog is a dance ritual of pre-Hispanic indigenous origin. The dancer moves two steps forward and one step backward to the rhythmic sound of drums. This movement resembles somewhat the current (sulog) of the river. Thus, the Cebuanos called it Sinulog.

And finally, the main reason why I'm here: the resort and beaches:

Typical day in shores of Cebu:




Wait, my favorite part of the day, Sunset:






And lastly, the Skyline of Cebu: Day ang Night.




So, I hope you enjoy the lil tour of the city. And if you want to know more about Cebu, just type: www.cebu.gov.ph Ok, so that's it for now. WE been here like 2 days so we need to explore the city and meet some locals. lol. After this.... Bohol is our next destination.

Shame on you Mikey Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo on Monday refuted reports of irregularities in his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), calling them "malicious" and a waste of his time.

Arroyo asserted that he and his family could afford to buy properties in the United States, such as the one the Vera Files reported on.

"If you examine clearly my SAL, if you read it well, you can see we can well afford to buy properties," he told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

"I have always been transparent with my SALN ever since I entered public office. I have declared everything I own there. It is self explanatory," he said in a statement.

Coming to his defense, Speaker Prospero Nograles echoed Arroyo's statement and criticized the report as "nitpicking" against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's eldest son.

Part 1 of 2

"A perusal of the statement of assets and liabilities of Representative Mikey Arroyo sufficiently shows that he and his family can afford the value of the properties subject to this issue," Nograles said in a text message.

"Personally, I find this issue nitpicking in the sense that the congressman can well afford the assets attributed to him," Nograles said, adding that the SALN can be "legally amended without liability if and when any oversight that is not substantial is discovered or corrected."

Part 2 of 2

REP. MIKEY ARROYO ON MEDIA SUICIDE WITH IGAN AND WINNIE MONSOD - HOW DO YOU EARN MILLIONS AS CONGRESSMAN? QUOTE FROM MIKEY ARROYO "HINDI PA TAYO SANAY MAG-DECLARE NOON, DI BA? SYEMPRE! Read more..click..click
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breaking...
We can afford to buy properties
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net

10 Questions for 2010's Hopefuls with Controversial Campaign Strategies

With the 2010 elections just around the corner, all sorts of publicity stunts are bombarding the airwaves, cyberspace and cellsites. Don’t you just wish you could shoot these questions to the perpetrators behind 10 of the most cringe-inducing political gimmicks today?

1. Bayani Fernando

Strategy: Allegedly sends text messages to random people

“May BF ka na ba?” goes the campaign text which may or may not have come from MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando (otherwise known as the man who turned Manila’s streets pink) himself. Fernando said he wants to run for president in 2010 and even wished on his last birthday in July that his next birthday be in Malacañang. The campaign text ends with, “Sa political will, titino tayo.”

The question: Are you planning to color the whole country pink?

2. Ed Panlilio

Strategy: Says God told him to do it

Priest-turned-Pampanga-Gov. Ed Panlilio says he’s running for president because God has called him to do so. Panlilio is currently on leave from the priesthood as governor of Pampanga. However, he will have to file for formal dispensation from the Catholic Church before he can file for presidential candidacy. He has said that he’d like to return to the priesthood if he loses, but Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz says Panlilio can never return once dispensed.

The question: You do know it’s not nice to use God’s name in vain, right?

3. Gilbert Teodoro

Strategy: Ride the Obama wave

Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro wants to do an Obama, reports inquirer.net. He launched Gibo.ph to use cyberspace for his campaign for presidency. We’re not sure what exactly he means by “do and Obama,” but we know being allied with the administration and asking for Gloria’s blessing can’t be good.

The question: But who are you and what have you done to deserve being elected?

4. Mar Roxas

Strategy: Hijack a pedicab

“Anak itabi mo. Ako na,” Sen. Mar Roxas tells a child pedicab driver in a commercial meant to make him look like one of the masses. Roxas has also starred in a messianic commercial filled with overacting and underacting “real” people supposedly showing how he listens to the public. His most memorable TV appearance entailed shedding actual tears after proposing to broadcaster Korina Sanchez during one of the most shoot-me-now TV shows.

The question: Will you cry in your next TV commercial?

5. Manny Villar

Strategy: Hire Boy Abunda to do a fake interview

The first of a five-part interview

In 2007, it was a ridiculous dance. This year, Sen. Manny Villar came out with a dramatic 15-minute interview complete with faraway looks by the window and poor man’s tales. Boy Abunda, who thankfully didn’t bring out his magic mirror, asked, “Umiiyak po ba kayo?” Manny said, “Hindi ako yung umiiyak sa telebisyon.”

6. Ramon “Bong” Revilla

Strategy: Milk a sex scandal for all its worth

Fanning the Hayden Kho flame even more, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla gave a privilege speech on “A Doctor’s Perversity” which led to a senate investigation on the sex videos. He also accompanied Katrina Halili, one of the stars of Kho’s sex videos, when she filed a complaint against Kho at the National Bureau of Investigation. Revilla says he isn’t going to run for president but we all know a certain someone who said the same thing and look how that went.

The question: Don’t you have more important issues to spend the Senate’s time (and money) on?

7. Gloria Arroyo

Strategy: Bash enemies at a state function

“To those who want to be President, this advice: If you really want something done, just do it. Do it hard, do it well. Don’t pussyfoot. Don’t pander. And don’t say bad words in public,” Pres. Gloria Arroyo said in her 2009 State of the Nation Address. It’s a dig at Sen. Roxas, who said p***** i** at a rally against Charter Change, which Arroyo campaigned for. It is unclear whether or not Gloria Arroyo will run for representative for Pampanga’s second district after she will supposedly step down from the presidency in 2010.

The question: Was that last line a dig at another presidentiable?

8. Loren Legarda

Strategy: Bring sexy back at an official state event

Loren Legarda hasn’t said anything definite about running in 2010 but she’s already dressed up for the cameras, er, red carpet. She made heads turn with the plunging, almost-backless and almost-baring-that-other-cleavage fuchsia terno she wore at the last State of the Nation Address.

The question: Have you heard of the style rule, “dress for the occasion”?

9. Joseph “Erap” Estrada

Strategy: Literally run in a TV commercial

“Erap, makakatakbo ka pa ba?” asks a jogger in Former President Erap Estrada’s commercial for a brand of herbal anti-arthritis medicine (we kid you not). Erap turns to the side and gives a creepy smile probably supposed to come off as charming. “Bakit hindi?” he answers. Maybe because as former president, he can’t run for reelection? His candidacy might boil down to the Supreme Court decision but it’s interesting to note that he’s the only presidential hopeful that was paid, instead of being the one paying, to star in a commercial.

The question: Do you really think it will be good for the country to have you as president again?

10. Francis “Chiz” Escudero

Strategy: Post supposedly candid family photos in his Facebook page

In this photo from Sen. Chiz Escudero’s Facebook profile, Chiz is oh-so-happily tossing a salad while his wife flashes a huge grin bordering on scary. While in this photo, Chiz’s son Quino looks straight at the camera, ruining the supposed candidness of the photo.

The question: Is a photo of bath time with the kids next?

credits: spot.ph

10 Questions for 2010’s Hopefuls with Controversial Campaign Strategies | Spot.PH

WOTL: Wang Wang Ina Mo!

Good Morning. Getting hotter and hotter here in Manila, ok lang sanay na eh. :) I need to share this video to you guys, it was sent by Bodie Cruz on twitter. SO here is the video:

To my fellow pinoys, guys please, I'm begging on May 2010 Election, please vote wisely, participate in any programme that will open the mind of many Filipinos of what exactly happening in this lovely country. To those who are not yet registered pls make an effort to go to your nearest comelec branch and register. I love Phili Land, we love this country. So, please make the right desicion, ask God for wisdom.

To the Dragons, snake, leopard etc in the government please this time Love our country. Corruption etc, stop it.

To Erap, pls. I'm begging wag ka nang tumakbo, pls.

*WOTL or Word of the Lourd (WOTL) is a segment in TV5's TEN: The Evening News. Show airs from Monday to Friday at 11pm...WOTL is aired during the Monday newscast. :)

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