 My life is starting to be normal.... again.....
After typhoon Frank hit this island... alot of things have changed..... personally.....
In my case, it's very difficult to put it into words... but.... what we have experienced for the past 3-4 weeks... can be considered .. eye opener for alot of us....
100% of what I felt... well... 100% of what we all felt.... "people" we never expected would help... stepped forward and gave us their support.... these are the people... I have NEVER even seen in person.... People.. I have known .. but NEVER seen for almost 25 years.... People who are NOT EVEN close to me... listened to our voices......
I never cried "so much" in my lifetime..... and I hope.. I will never experience this again..... sickness in the family, broken relationships... frustration in career... the usual situations that would make a person cry... can not be compared to what we all felt when people started to respond to our plea.......
There is always light at the end of the tunnel.....
There was even a group who waited for the end of the month to be able to give us support... because... they do not have any cash with them already.. they waited for their salary to be given.... all the while they thought the amount of money they gave me was not enough to help out.... but I assured them... as I always mention... even a single 25 centavos would be a big help already.....
I have no idea.. that they would be sending some monetary donation... when I found out about it.... I ended up crying the whole morning..... GOD BLESS these people... Life is very hard these days... but they still tried their best to help out......
A neighbor found out that we were setting up a mission for Aklan... suddenly.. asked me to visit her home ... went there.. and there was a plastic bag of canned goods waiting for me... and cash....
Donations kept coming in..... but since Monday... I personally asked people to stop sending donations already..... how ironic.. isn't it..... few weeks ago... I was desperate and frustrated on where we will get all our funds and relief goods to be able to help out....
God Bless to All who extended their help to us.. and most of all ... for trusting us with their donations......
A true unforgettable experience.... once again... and I will always... (and all the people you helped) be thankful ..........
Through this experience... we learned alot about ourselves... temptation of corruption and greed entered the picture... right from the start..... there was even a time... when it was already a "you and me, against the world" situation... but because of our will to help and the trust of people we were holding... made us strong and concentrate on why we were here....
Its an experience that I would not like to be dipped-in again... but if needed.. will do it .. in heartbeat....
Very sad to find out..... people would exchange their whole self for act of greed... or would simply ignore you...... when they have all the capacity to help out..... BUT... they have their own reasons.... our main objective... was to DELIVER.. to those who are in need....
Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat.....
Rough few weeks indeed......
Yesterday... we had another medical mission in Aklan.. this time... in Banga....
We did our mission in one school area... to be exact... a school with only 4 classrooms and 1 office.... plus a stage....
Weather was EXTREMELY HOT... and there was no electric fan at all... I ended up tearing up cartons so that we could use something to cool ourselves.... heat was draining all of us.... the good thing was... we had plenty of water and juices with us... but still the heat was winning the battle.....
I ended up documenting the mission through pictures..... by midday... I was already drained out and decided to join a friend who was taking a break already.....
Mark A., a friend of ours decided to take a break from his pharmacy duty... plus the other Mark V. decided to join our conversation... while chitchatting... a volunteer approached us and said in tagalog, "Maybe we could have some medicines.... you know, the extra ones.. to be distributed within our group..." she was addressing the statement.. mainly to Mark A..... then he said, "We are still going to do some more medical missions in Capiz and we will be needing all the extra medicines....."... then the volunteer said.... "We are volunteers and hopefully... we will get some thing (consuelo) from what we just did....." ....
She said that while she was walking away from us........
I thought ... I have seen it all... you know... corruption... greed .... but to hear those words from a volunteer..... all I can say.............. SIMPLY... AMAZING.....
I was telling a friend this afternoon... if I was 20 years younger... surely... she will hear something from me.. and surely... words are not going to be sweet at all..... but... I was able to control myself.....
This is what I can not understand with some creatures in this planet..... when you volunteer on humanitarian service.... YOU DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXCHANGE of what-so-ever!!!!!! That was the reason they tagged it ... HUMANITARIAN SERVICE or VOLUNTEER!!!!!!!
During that time she approached the three of us... my head was already aching.... because of the extreme heat... in my case.. it would just take less than 15 steps from where I am.. to the Pharmacy..... I could easily ask for a capsule of Mefenamic Acid.... but I chose not to.. and simply.... BEAR THE PAIN.... a capsule of that pain killer can still be given to somebody who does not have even a centavo to buy one...
I warned my friends about this.. but next time you feel donating something .. make sure you can trust those people and the group they are working with... alot of missions fail and alot of people gain something from it.. simply because of.... GREED and SELFISHNESS.
Those medicines we distributed and the extra ones... where mostly donated by people we all know (monetary donation and we purchased the medicines)... and the rest.. were supplied by medical representatives from different pharmaceutical companies.... everything are WELL accounted..... there are also some medicines provided by other groups who trusted us to take care of it and distribute it to people who really need those meds.....
We specifically asked donations to be given to typhoon victims.. and not for VOLUNTEERS, POLITICAL FIGURES OR WHOEVER who are in position of whatever group!!!!
I do not know how these creatures were raised by their parents... and what type of friends they hang around with.....
 Life is absolutely confusing.....
If you just focus yourself on one issue... it will surely drive you crazy.... if you get too emotional.. you will end up a nut case.....
A friend, lost her father..... another friend.. lost his wife... the difference... the father had a great time to enjoy life and family to the fullest... had plenty of time to get ready and said his goodbyes.... the other one.. was completely sudden... the wife just had a surgery... and was about to leave the hospital.... then.... she suffered heart attack.... it was quick.. and painless... but it left her husband... completely blank and full of questions.....
Times like this reminds us to treasure what we have... the people around us.. and make sure we live our lives to the fullest....
Enjoy every minute of it... share all the blessings we receive..... times like this... it makes you stop and realize how family and friends can help you get through tough times.....
To Jo and her family.... To Pito and his family..... our condolences....
 There are times that it is better to be blind and deaf on some issues... but some chose not to..... for the second time around..... all our donors were able to reach out ... more than a thousand people... you helped them out to be well, clothed and fed them....
My husband documented the mission through his lens.... to all our donors.... I hope those pictures would make your day..... words are not enough to say..... thank you to all..
Believe me... donations that you have given... gave them... more LIFE to treasure....
Madamo guid salamat sa inyong tanan......
 There are sooooo many things I would like to do ... but no time for everything... even being lazy and simply relaxing can be time consuming.... my books are still occupying this huge corner of our foot table.... starting to collect dusts... need to go back and see other worlds with reading... I still have a huge collection of books in the other room.. plus... books.. more books waiting to be taken here ... all waiting for me in our place in Manila.... ahhhh. there are also my collection of ebooks waiting to be pulled out from my cyberspace library....
Chores... all lined up and not moving... hehehehehehe... good thing we have a small house to take care... I will surely freak out if I am staying in a mansion... hahhahhahahahhaha....
I do not know.. but because of my passion for books... I still end up checking new releases online... I do not buy them.. I go to discounted bookstores to get my treasures.. never online.. except.. if somebody will really push me and tell me it would be gift from them... but I usually tell people... a second hand will be fab already.. but they usually ignore my comments...
Few minutes ago .. I went window shopping in Amazon... one book caught my attention.... and to my surprise... Tori Spelling .... was printed on the book... never knew she could write... hey!!! I was not being sarcastic.. I thought it was a novel and not a memoir....
Anyway... I ended up... reading the Prologue....
Interesting... I felt I was reading her blogsite... it was very .... personal..... I was and never will be a Tori Spelling fan... and I am not also passionate about .. biographies or anything similar to that.... well... if Robert Redford would have one.. surely.. I will buy it.. (in case you do not know... is my ultimate cinema leading man idol) .... back to Tori..... I guess... for a person like me who are ... in love and blinded with art.... we are more emotional reading journals or blogs like this (yeah... really...)....
So, in few years time.. and I get to see this book in a discounted bookstore.. I will surely buy it....
 Head is still aching.. but this is more because of stress... thanks to my new DS .. I get to relax and be taken to another world of games and mystery.... now I get to fall asleep holding my new toy.. not my cellphone anymore.....
My cellphone now is permanently in silent mode.... I can not handle the stress of using the internet for business and hearing the cellphone tone all at the same time....
Now, do not ask me... on what happened to my new business.... hahahahahahha.. well, will tell you a bit about it... an application is already with the City Treasurer's office... again... LET US WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT... and see on what will happen...
At the moment, we are still a bit busy for the next medical mission we will be doing this coming Sunday... we are going to... Madalag, Aklan....
We will surely take some photos and will post it here in our Multiply site....
Let us go back to my DS... hehehehehe, I am now "hooked" on Trace Memory game... I find digital games nowadays... really... entertaining... not like the ones I used to play when I was still in school.... as in grade and high school... hahahahahaha... really boring.... well .. during those time... it was the best ones you can play with.... the first gaming gadget I got was... GAME AND WATCH... hahahahhahaahah... my parents did not buy those... ATARI games or even the big Nintendo ones... we ended up playing with friends who has one.... there was even a time when those games became obsolete and the parents of friends were literally handing it over to my parents for us to use it.... but after playing for few weeks... we ended up knocking on to our friends' door and returning the gadgets they lent us....
But the parents will tell us... "you are returning it already, dear???, you can keep it if you want...". WOW!!!! But we politely declined... one... it was too much for a gift... 2.. my parents would not like the idea of having that kind of gaming gadgets in our house... well, we were already satisfied with our GAME AND WATCH already....
With DS.... hehehehe, I guess, the value of this gadget would be zero in few months time.....
Its 11pm... time to go.... and play... hahahahahha... ohhh, by the way... the hubby is also using it now... hehehehehhee
 In the most difficult time... you will get to realize plenty of things about life... you might think you know everything and you have crossed plenty of lines already... but... in my case... and in 41 years... everyday... i get to learn something new...
The night typhoon Frank ... came to this island... I never knew... it would be a start of another chapter we are all not ready to grab......
Holding a lifeline was the most difficult one.... hard times we are all experiencing .... I reached already a point... not to give up... but point.. of desperation and frustration..... I agree, God will always be with us... BUT... we have to work hard .. and he will always be there to guide us.... Manna will not just drop from heaven... every minute....
We were all tired.... but we did not give up... we encountered people, we never knew their true colors ... we got to know the good and bad apples ... so... we know now... who we can always rely on and does we will never do... again....
We all worked hard .... quietly... we do not like the limelight at all... at the end of the day... all we want to happen ... was to make sure... all donations.. will go to the deserving ones.....
No man is an island.... and we do not have any choice but to pass on different sectors of the society.... temptation and greed will always be there... corruption is all around.. even at the last second we finished half of our project.....
On the floor... trying my best to help out... on an area.. I do not know a single thing.... but help and support was just a hand away.... in my own little way.... I was able to make it through... in minor and major difficult times.....
If only I could share my "true" vision to all my donors... what their help has done.... it will surely make their day.... food, consultation and medicines... we all shared to all who deserves it.... and without the help of all the donors... where would we be then......
WE are not done yet... more of your support are being set up.. for the next project....
My husband and I .. can easily say.. we are running an Air Traffic Control or NASA department here in our bedroom.... mission control... is just a simple tag.. but.... we are simply like 2 people running two important departments...
We owe alot to our very reliable wifi internet connection......
My husband on this desk with his laptop and 2 cellphones nearby... in my case... with my laptop and my 2 active sim phone..... sounds cool??? No! Because every minute.. we get messages from those gadgets..... considering we are already working with other people... honestly.. we can not do this on our own..... people are coordinating with each other and more... we are off to Numancia, Aklan on sunday.... for distribution of donations and medical mission....
This is not an ordinary mission, like what I usually go with my husband... we are going to a disaster area.... Numancia is also in the same condition of Kalibo....
About kalibo..... well.. its getting worst.. fumes from uncollected garbage can already be smelled by people.... alot of wounded already.....
In Numancia.... plenty of wounded people as well...
I apologize for a short blog today... its 6:17am.. and we need to start working....
 | DS | Jul 2, '08 9:56 PM
for everyone |
 I am no digital gamer at all... no idea what are the latest gadgets in the gaming world... when my cousin and husband told me about PS and games they play... I was simply thrown out to the black hole of zero knowledge of the gaming world.....
I do not even know how an X BOX looks like... I know what a PSP looks like... because... I was in a mall one time.. waiting for somebody and the guy who was seated beside me was playing with it.. it was a new gadget for my eyes.. and when I saw the logo of SONY.. I presumed that it was the PSP.... I was right....
Few weeks ago.. I was chatting with a friend who lives in Leyte... she excused herself .. and mentioned she has to leave with the bf right that moment to buy their DS... what on earth is DS??? She told me its a gaming gadget.... again... totally lost.... I asked her to explain it further... hehehehehe, unfortunately.... she does not have the answers for me... simply because.. she is not into digital games as well.....
After few days.. she decided to blog about it.... picture was included in her blog.... after few days.. I saw the gadget in Manila... did not bother to check it or ask about it... I just pointed it to my husband and told him.... Nani and Mike got those... and that was it...
Typhoon came.. no electricity... and I ended up playing SUDOKU at night... even daytime... I guess, I played sudoku for the rest of my lifetime already.... anyways, when we got our electricity back... gaming gadgets were always in the news... or I was just paying more attention to it than the other news.....
Devastated, depressed and feeling frustrated about the calamity in Aklan... I ended up searching the net about the game.... every review, every video and every blog I read about this DS are all positive... and that made me think of buying one for myself....
Surely, this is an absolute, impulse buying.....
But I did my homework... I totally researched about the product and asked myself .. if the gadget is worth it or not.... in all honesty.... its not a matter of life and death material... but.. sometimes you have to treat yourself....
I had a great chat with Awie the other night... they bought one for the daughter and Kayla.. LOVES IT.... I asked her if she was able to get the chance to play it.... she said, no.. because the daughter does not like to lend it to her... HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA....
Awie, ended up giving me questions... asking.. if I really need it or not.... well, all my answers were YES.. except for one.. the most important one of all... CAN YOU AFFORD IT? my answer was.. NO... hahahahahahahhahaha...
I personally do not want to use my own money for it... hahahhaha, that is what husbands' are for... go to them and ask if you can buy a not-so-important-in fad-expensive gaming gadget.... the good news is... he said yes.. but... think about it.....
I already talked to a wonderful seller (great customer service, mind you)... he patiently explained to me the difference of one unit from the other one I am eyeing on.... a gaming nerdie as I may say.....
Picked up a great color... Crimson Black... cover is deep red.. ooooooooooozzzzing with sex appeal.... hehehehehe
Worth it or not? I STILL WANT IT.. but .. let us wait... I have plenty of things to do.. so, when I get over with all ... time to decide.... (will that be in few hours time????)... AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
 After all the heartaches and heartbreaks brought by this calamity... we are now starting to receive all the donations from family and friends .... from clothing to cash .... it's time for us to assess different situations on what items we should purchase now and later on......
Its our obligation to our donors to update them... what is already happening...
This picture was taken yesterday... this is just for one family in Kalibo whom we are helping ... as in .. this is not part of our relief program... this is more of... on the personal side..... we are currently helping out a sister of a dear friend....
We prayed for sunshine.. and so far we are lucky ... but in exchange, the people of Kalibo got HEAT AND DUST.... THICK DUST.
There are things happening now that ... well, some are just unbelievable ... in terms of... greediness.... but this time.. we can not waste time on paying attention to people like these anymore .. all we have to do is to focus on our mission.....
But some situations are just completely amazing... because we are starting to receive donations.... self agenda of different people are starting to come out... the relief missions are being used for "their" on benefits... sad.. BUT... the best thing to do is to LOOK around and check if you are simply going to be USED or not....
I promised our donors that we will be protecting all their donations... and will keep them updated ON EVERYTHING... good news or bad.. they all have the right to know.. the ugly part of this is... we get to realize the true colors of some people we never expected to have greed lurking in their hearts.... but as the saying goes...the truth shall always prevail...
Today... we are more relaxed and made sure our minds are clear to make good decisions.... we hope and pray... we will be making decisions that would benefit the victims... 100%...
 I am basically running out of time... if i can simply cut myself up and distribute my body to different jobs i need to do.... gagawin ko... but of course, impossible yon.... I decided to simply cut and paste this message of mine and will simply post it to my blogsite....
Alot of friends who read my blog everyday are starting to get worried already because... the usual "everyday" posting became a "whenever" posting already.....
Yesterday, I had a great start.... a text message from Marina Benipayo, made me laugh the whole morning... it was actually my fault and she corrected me with my mistake.... we were texting about a certain town or area within the province she is now presently residing.... I texted her... BALIBAGAN.... and she corrected me... BALIBAGO... HINDI BALIBAGAN..... hahahahhahahaha..... and then I told her.. at least makatunog.... hindi simply BALIBAG OR LIBAG.... I was laughing the whole morning.... even another stressful day was ahead....
Afternoon came and I got this email message from River... mukhang nag research pa yata ang River.. and the email containing JOKES... eh galing pa yata sa email box nang isang foreigner.... long email ha.. and it will keep me going for another day or two.... Then I got another email from Frances... this one is more of the serious side with a bit of humor ... all about giving to God what can not be handled anymore.... CUTE... and well appreciated.. it made me smile and realized... TAMA NGA NAMAN.....
I was telling Marina yesterday... I already reached the end of the line and starting to feel frustrated already..... times are hard ..... oil prices are increasing, classes just opened, bought supplies for the kiddos for their use in school... grocery prices are also increasing, rice shortage worldwide... transportation expenses are getting higher and higher.. unemployment rate is increasing..... many, many more..... I ended up crying the other day for 24 hours because.. inspite of all those problems we are experiencing now.... people are still willing to help out..... ANG HIRAP HIRAP NG BUHAY NGAYON... SA TOTOO LANG........... ladies I was chatting yesterday.... told me.. help will arrive.... you just have to be patient... darating at darating yan.... do not lose hope....
To all who donated .... maraming salamat po..... we are not talking about donations that were just given to us here .. but to all that was given to the victims of typhoon Frank... parents who donated to your kids' schools, in church, boxes of clothes and food.... and of course .. financial support.... that were donated to different relief programs.... from the bottom of our hearts.... maraming salamat sa inyo.....
In my case..... to all attendees last Saturday gathering/meeting (Jenny, Arlene, Atty. Irene, Girlie, Sybil, Tonette Agbulos, Shiela, Gizelle, Richy, Amar, Carmela Litonjua, Ana Camello and Roan)..... you might think the amount you have given us is not much... again... that is PLENTY... ang laki laking amount non..... Roan.... you know exactly what I mean, thank you so much..... words are not enough to express my thanks to all of you..... please tell me if this list is not complete....
Liza, Mitchie and Sharon..... maraming salamat sa inyo............ I know very well that you ladies have given your share already.... but still you decided to give us your support.... as I mentioned.. times are hard... in a heartbeat... you gave us your support.... maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo.......
One wonderful woman who asked me to withheld her name... you know who you are.... maraming salamat sa yo...... and to your kids.....
Awie, I used to work with this woman during my flying days.... kahit noon pa.... you've been there, mula sa pag pagamit ng kotse mo.. and now..... maraming salamat... we lost electricity last night and did not catch you online... I got your text message when I woke up..... and emails from some of my batchmates regarding underway transactions.... maraming salamat...
River.... thank you very much.... for your donations... and for your help regarding the UCPB issue....(friends, will blog about this issue... surely... you will not understand why this scenario happened) and I am wishing Mr. Janitor will find 50pcs of plastic caps.....
Aimee S .... what more can I say..... thank you for your support and donations.... when I got your emails I was already in a desperate state of mind..... and to read emails that gave me light that help was on its way.... ang sarap ... ang sakit sakit na ng puso .. as Marina was saying... bumibigay na daw... friends like you made us keep going....
For everybody who offered prayers...... thank you very much.. maybe that is the reason why we are all still standing up here and working to deliver help to our fellow countrymen.....
To all who made me laugh..... I really appreciate it.... Gatchie, Amar & Michael, Marina and River..... it was indeed a big help.... special mention to Gatchie who is not really a comedian at all... I know you were having a hard time to compose all the jokes you told me.. but with all effort... believe me... you made my day and slept less stressed out that night....
Tina and Roel... thank you for broadcasting in your site regarding Aklan..... making our voices heard through you ... truly a big help (bloggista.com) for all of us.....
To all those who texted, called, sent email and reminding me to take care... thank you very much.... with those messages.... I could feel people like you care for us... maraming salamat....
Sadly... situations like this "assholics" are still coming out.... there are messages I received that are just completely foul.... for me... if you have nothing to say to HELP OUT in the first place... please do not send any message... in this case... I appreciate people who simply disappear and not communicate with me so that they won't be able to help out... at least... no irritating messages are left behind for us to read.... plus... we know there are plenty of reasons.. why some people are quiet and why they avoid us... but to be a complete jerk.... well... let us just deal on your "jerky" behaivor when this crisis is over.....
There is a rumor going on... we are not so sure if this is true or not.. but... some official decided to have a NEWS BLOCKOUT regarding Aklan... because on his opinion.. it will ruin the tourism industry of Boracay...... (Boracay is part of Aklan province).... on times like this... I do not know.. where on earth they get their "REASONINGS"........
TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO DONATE: YOU CAN SEND GCASH TO ME, RICA DIMAYUGA 0916-2481544, ANY AMOUNT WILL DO. for bank transfer and for those living abroad who wants to donate.. please PM me or email me at lakbaycapiz@yahoo.com.....
 I've been very busy for more than a week already.... not because of the usual household chores or even about business..... I've been asking people for donations... of whatever amount that they could spare.... even 25 centavos... I am glad to accept... Panay island was hit by a strong typhoon Frank last week... and since then... our life here in this island completely changed.... our province can still be considered lucky.. even we are still in state of calamity... but one near province was hit bigtime.... so far... Capiz is considered the lifeline of Aklan now... they get their supplies from here.. to be able to survive... but those are just for people who can afford... Scenario in Kalibo, Aklan.... the town now is devastated... mud is up to mid part of an adult shin.... no water supply... no electricity.... most of the vechiles are stranded now... 
because water sipped in to engines.. interiors.. mufflers... as in ALL areas water and mud can go into..... hospitals and clinics are mostly closed down and can not operate at all... machines got submerged in water and mud... most of hospital equipment are now considered useless and can not be repaired at all.... After the storm... we thought.. we were so unlucky... only to find out later on... we are considered the luckiest people in this island as of now..... Kalibo is hanging by a thin thread... our lifelines are slowly getting longer and longer... thinner and thinner.... For the past one week, I have been asking for help... donations in cash, clothing and food.... but we realized... people there are in need of water ... literally.. people are dying of dehydration .....  I cannot sleep at all... thinking of ways to raise funds just to be able to buy water for them.... honestly, we are slowly getting drained financially here .... my husband has been asking people for plastic containers for us to have them refilled with drinking water... sadly... we are also running out of it..... There are some businessmen in aklan who are taking advantage of the situation.. by selling water for P350 per 4 or 5 liter water bottle.... here if we have the containter of a 5 gallon... we can have it refilled for P22-30 only... Its so sad, when people you know are simply ignoring situations like this... we are not asking for a big amount ... as I said.. 25 centavos is good ... we can combine it with other amount ... just for us to be able to buy water and even bread..... but again... I can not force people who do not want to help out..... I am trying my best to understand their side as well...... I am getting sadder and sadder everyday... but it does not stop us... to move and ask for help... there are still people out there who will listen to us.... But do not get me wrong... I have few friends who are doing their share to help out... some are even living far away places..... and doing their best to help us out here.... one silent donor remitted money yesterday... she did not even mention to me..that she would be sending money at all... I received notices from the remittance company today.... and her name was reflected on one of the notices.... she was very quiet .. when I saw her name... I just started crying.... I can not even see the computer monitor anymore.... and trying my best to send her an email..... she would be feeding alot of people with the amount she sent..... After the happy moments... another devasting news.... the medical society of this province are on their way to kalibo to give medical mission.... but because... it rained last night.... the devasted town is back with muddy flood again.... now, the group can not enter the town at all to give assistance..... there are no equipment for them to get access inside...... they have doctors in tow, medicines, food and water... but unfortunately... they can not go inside..... FOR DONATIONS OF ANY AMOUNT...... YOU CAN SEND IT TO ME, RICA DIMAYUGA THROUGH GCASH to this number: 0916-2481544, for bank transfer... please pm me and will give details... if you are living abroad... please email me at lakbaycapiz@yahoo.com and will give you details how you can send your donations...
I have been out of contact thru this site for several days already... why? If you have not read or seen the news about western visayas..... well.... we are now in state of calamity..... panay island where aklan, iloilo, capiz and antique are... was hit by a strong typhoon last Friday.
Up to now, since Friday..... we still do not have electricity... but so far, alot of areas within the city have theirs already... unfortunately... our areas.. has to wait for few more days..... officials here came out with a priority list... which is fair enough for everybody.... the good thing, we have running clean water......
We are okay... we are lucky... but alot of our friends who are living in the two near provinces are really suffering... alot of them lost everything.....
Our agri land... as in the whole province... all damaged... it would take time for all the farmers to recover....
I posted a message in our batch egroups.. and the response of helping out... is good.... people in Aklan and in Iloilo are DESPERATE....... Capiz is still okay.. and surviving... but the rest.... are still in distress......
Nani.... hope you are doing okay..... I was so scared last Friday..... debris and rooftop of our neighbors were just flying out..... 2 rooms in our house... got really wet.....
wind was so strong...... hhhhhaaaayyyyyy...... hope to chat with you soon...... a friend in Biliran said.. they still don't have electricity.....
Friends, I do not have internet connection at all.... I am presently sitting at a dark corner in one hospital ... using their wifi connection..... will be going home in few minutes.....
 I guess, even if we did not have our own, I was surely exposed to it...... It was an everyday event for everyone who lived in the area.... the usual noise... was simlply music to our ears..... the usual accidental tire bursting scenario was a common site to all of us..... the smell of every material was another common thing... the unsual playground to many was the common for all of us..... welcome to Marikina..... Last Thursday and after more than 2 decades ..... I was able to visit two shoemaking factories in the shoe capital of the Philippines ..... it was my hubby's first time... and I have been telling him... that when we get the time... he should see one in action.... it may sound simple and boring for many... but seeing shoes being made... manually... by one person to another... for me is a surreal scene ..... We were with my parents and we visited two factories owned by their close friends...... alot of things have changed.... there were not that many factories anymore around the city.... the sad part... there were 4,000 factories before... and now... they are just close to 50..... majority closed their doors because of unhealthy competition from China-made shoes and bags.  The hubby was busy clicking shots around the factory... while moi... was busy... looking around and reminicing.... at the same time... I was observing my mother.... you see, during her younger days.... they used to have their own shoe factory located at the basement of their house... actually... even during the 60s and 70s... that was such a common site for us.... house ground level... basements are usually shoe or bag factories.... anyway... back to my mother... I was looking at her... picking up shoes and observing the stiches... nails.. materials... how they were cut... and many more... I could see.. it was bringing her back to her childhood days..... I had a great time wondering around... touching the materials and shoes.. and small chat with the workers..... the noise was back.... and for me... it can be considered as music to my ears..... the smell of materials.. including RUGBY.... still heaven for me..... I left the factories with a bittersweet smile on my face.... an industry that is hanging by a thread... just to survive.... it made me more passionate in selling proudly made pinoy bags..... and while taking my steps to my father's car.... my mind was focused to all my bag suppliers... hoping they would make it really big and help the industry to survive and be revived.... I still believe that filipinos have the talent in designing and making high quality bags and shoes.... we filipinos... wherever we are, should start looking and purchasing what we make...... PHOTO CREDIT: Ricky B. Dimayuga
Due to extremely hectic schedule.. I was not able to blog for several days... as in more than one week...
Just came back from a short Manila trip... and again.. I was running like a headless chicken there..... no matter how much you plan things.. an event or people will always try to ruin everything.... hhhhhaaaaaaayyyyyyy......
On matters like this.. .you have to be quick in thinking and set up different alternatives.. .if you need to threat people.... DO IT.. hahahahahahahha... well, I did that... in a loving way.. take note.... well.... the hotel's concierge we stayed made a major fault on my side.. well more on my friend's side..... believe me, sometimes if you are too pretty to look at... and combination of dealing with these people.. you just placed a big sign on your head... that you are asking for trouble......
Well, two FASHION MODEL friends dealt with the concierge... and they just made a complete mess on everything .... first model.. I left a bag for her..... now.. when she arrived.. the concierge asked for an ID.... and they where asking if she was CATHY...... the name does not even rhyme with CATHY... plus... the guy was already holding the ID of the friend... HELLLLLOOOOOO!!!!!! So confused, he told the model... no parcel for her at all.. the friend left! Good thing, she was just in Pasig area... if that friend of mine left and decided to go home to Angeles.... the hotel will receive a long loving sweet letter from me!!!!
To make the long story short... the "all confused" concierge guy was checking the INCOMING PARCEL LOGBOOK and not the OUTGOING PARCEL LOGBOOK..... haaaaaayyyyy....
Second pretty model..... the concierge was taking their sweet time to deal with the person.... the model was just leaving a small envelope for me........ in tagalog.. SUMISILAY PA ang mga men..... hhhhhaaaaayyyyyyyy.......
Therefore I conclude.... if pretty models will start dealing with concierge personnel of ANY HOTEL.. specially... Holiday Inn Galleria.... tsk tsk tsk..... set up.... PLENTY of alternatives... believe me... those guys will give you problems.....
Bags are all sold out...... I was not able to blog about it at all... too busy checking out for new bags for my new album. People are asking for latest ones.....
I am having a great time with this new venture of mine..... How can you beat that.... shop whatever bags I want... then, (as per advised by Nani)... lined them up... and stare each one of them.... love and appreciate every piece... and start letting them go..... HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA..... there are times, that I can not let go of them at all.... but..... have to..... NEED TO EARN ... hahahahhaha.
One bag is already in Cebu, one in Leyte, one bag will be going to Pampanga .. owner is one of the top fashion models in this country, one bag is going to the US by August.... the rest are all in Manila in few days time....
Will be in Manila in few days... and I am already craving for some goodies..... I hope we will have time to check out some places... but based from what I know... we might not have... I am thinking of listing down all the things I need to do there.... scared to forget about something and surely that would be important.... I need to shop for several items... not as impulse buying type of shopping.... I have to buy necessities..... bear necessities....
Its almost 7am... and need to work by 8am..... will blog again ... SOON!
 Idol Gives Back.... well... it would be... Rica Gives Back....
One of the important things I learned in business is... to give back..... Our batch has been planning to make a fundraising project for few months already.. but because of busy schedule... up to now... we have not started one at all..... There are plenty of ideas.. but to start the ball rolling... mmmmm, we are already getting delayed....
The other morning, I was thinking, why don't I bring some cookies from this region and sell it to my batchmates when I get to Manila.... I was thinking of bringing several boxes... plan was, sell the cookies and donate all the profits..... I told my hubby about it.... and he said... while pressing numbers on the calculator.... I would be donating a very small amount.... and then.. he suggested... why I don't just sell my bags..... if I donate the profits.. at least... the amount of money I would be giving would be ... more than what I am going to get from all the cookies I am planning to sell.
I already sold a few on my own before this fundraising idea came to our minds.... So, the rest of the inventory from the previous album and the latest.... all profits of those would go straight to our batch funds.... we are thinking of a scholarship funding....
So far, we are doing okay and 5 more bags to dispose......
I do not mind not getting any profits from this particular album.... its for a good cause.. and again... its time to give back... right?
 Ahhhhh, I am in cloud 9 again...... ask me now.. what I really, really, really love about life... ask!!
That would be Food and Art!
A few hours ago, I was watching my current "love affair", Anthony Bourdain.... Berlin was the venue for his food tripping... and my mouth was opened the whole time..... I hope I am rich like my friend's employer in Saudi, who is actually one of the prince there... wherever he wants to go... he flies straight there ... with his private jet... well... some people can do it instantly.. and some people are just left to work hard and dream about it... and that person.. is none other than me.... hahahahhahhaahhaha.
My next target in Manila are the Weekend Market(s) .. I wish our schedule for Saturday and Sunday mornings would have a bit of window to squeeze in a short trip......
Believe me.. this country has so much to offer when it comes to food... really.... several years ago.... I know.. there are plenty to choose from... but now.... oh my.... from simple sidewalk vendor cart.. to fancy restaurants... there are TONS to choose from..... and I am talking about.. NATIONWIDE exploration.... gosh! If only I have all the money in the world... I will spend it on trip fares, accommodations and food..... Julie dear..... my goodness... I gave up making a list for our planned chow trip next year.... we have plenty of eating places to go to....
Since the arrival of 40d, whom I named Cameron.... the old Sony Cybershot transferred to a new home... my bag! I love eating, trying new cuisine... and taking pictures of all the food...... nothing can beat that!!!!!!
Every bite and savoring of food... is a celebration for me..... oh my!!!!!!
By the way, just had a wonderful dinner last night, care of Mark A. complete with the elusive "diwal", charbroiled and juicy to the drop. Mark... daghang salamat!
Ohhhhh my.... so many things to do today..... I wonder where I should start.....
I need to go to the City Hall for documents processing and BIR for submission of withholding tax documents.... I found out few years ago... that if you need to go to places like these.... it would be better if you do it after lunch..... everybody would like to finish their errands .. soon... so, what people usually do .. is go there first thing in the morning.....
Well, not me..... 2-3 pm... would be the best.... hahahahahhaha.. everybody are so relaxed and no lines at all to stay on for a long time... even in banks.... of course, you have to avoid the usual payday event.... that would make your blood boil....
Now, do not ask me about my confusing day.... the one that happened yesterday.... I do not want to think about it.... and.... whatever.... "bahala na si batman!"
Classes will open by next week... so the roads would be a bit... crowded for the next coming week or two.. then .. everything will settle by the third week......
Hate traffics and crowded streets..... such a waste time battling your way..... but ... what can I do.... the city is starting to get crowded already....
Oh... need to do my "things to do list" .... need to include ... what should we have for lunch....
| Chaos! | Jun 2, '08 10:53 AM
for everyone |
 I do not know.. but I consider this day .. as one of the most confusing days of my life... interesting... so many things can happen in just 8-10 hours.....
This morning, I got this phone call from a friend.
Flashback.... before closing my shop more than a month ago.... I was eyeing on one location... I told myself.. if I am not going to get this location.... I will close my shop... for obvious reason.... somebody is already renting the place... and surely.... it would be IMPOSSIBLE that in the near future that place would be vacated....
Surprise, surprise.... it would be... TOMORROW!!!!
The call I received this morning was from the person who is renting.... or should I say.. used to rent.. the location I was eyeing on......
I told her.. I would give my answer within today.... I need to visit the place and get hold of my ex-staff.... one is actually setting up his own refilling station... and believe me.. I do not mind... deep inside.. I am proud of him... the second one... I was already thinking he already got another job... because the last time I saw him... he told me... he has been applying already....
The one who is already setting up a business... said yes... he would join me.. the other one.. is already undergoing training for a new job....
Then... I got this message... from the friend... she told me.. the landlord... needed some time to decide if she will rent out the place or not.....
My goodness!!!!! After all the excitement.... I guess.... nothing will happen.... well.... it made my heart pumped twice.. on what it should be pumping normally... hahahahahahahhahaha... well.. en shallah!!!!!
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