Advocacy: Anyone Can (One arm reach-one): A tribute to the Volunteers of the Monsoon Rain - August 2012

Kamusta ka na Pilipinas kong Mahal?

How are you guys? I haven’t written anything in a week. But it’s ok, I’m not at all frustrated. And no, this is not a writer’s block it’s too early for that. And, I did not go on a whole week vacation like the sun. In fact, what I did was far from going on a vacation at all. But no complains I enjoyed every minute of it.

The past week was a devastating catastrophe.

photos are from the Facebook Account of Victory Ortigas 

The horror of Typhoon Ondoy less than 3years ago is still fresh from the memory of its many victims, and just when most of us thought it was the worst, in comes Habagat. During Typhoon Ondoy the village where I live was also hit with flood, I’m just blessed to have been spared from all physical and material damage. Yet it made the non-stop rain of the monsoon rain very unsettling for me. I was worried, not for myself but for those who will be (or are) affected by the flood. Many are still recovering from the nightmares of Typhoon Ondoy ― then yet again, another fury of nature.

So I was gone for a while. I decided to use my writing time to respond to a more urgent  call. It was fulfilling.

(Some photos are by Ms. Ners Padua and from the Victory Ortigas Facebook Account, used with permission.)

The waiting for the rain to stop was tormenting. I wanted to help. I wanted to do something. But caution and safety was an utmost priority. So, I waited until it's safe. While waiting I tried to do what I can, blogging and Facebooking useful information. But it was just simply not enough. I know I can do more.

On Thursday, I decided to launch my own volunteer group; invited officemates and friends to join me in my cause. I’m glad a few responded. On Friday, I searched for organizations where we could volunteer, from all the big and known organizations to the small organized communities. But all of them had either enough volunteers or had already stopped or changed the course of their operation. Still I looked for other references and made a few calls until I found my answer.

                                                     

I’ve gotten in touch with Victory Ortigas who gladly took us in. So, on Saturday we marched to their center with nothing but enthusiasm, undivided time and joy; totally embracing the opportunity of being able to help. Victory Ortigas is a Christian Denomination. Now that’s something I wouldn’t even try to touch — I’m afraid what little I know about them wouldn’t even be enough to give merit to what this church really is. So I’ll live it to you to get to know them (you may check them here). And I’ll live it to them to promote their mission.

But this is what amazed me. In my several posts about the monsoon rain I have included the line “One arm reach-one”, meaning to hold-out one arm to another one so that that arm would hold-out one arm to another one; in essence making us one in facing adversity.

I’m a Catholic and two of my invited friends Kathy and Jackie are also Catholics. And another one of my friends Jen, is INC (Iglesia ni Cristo) and we volunteered in a Christian Church. Indeed, one arm reach-one.

Truly, compassion knows no boundaries; it knows no social status, no degree, no age, no gender; not even race, faith or religious beliefs. Everyone can. Anyone can. In unity we can. We are Filipinos. And yes we are resilient to adversity. We may be separated by faith and religious beliefs but that shouldn’t divide us as a nation.

I encourage everyone to participate, to share whatever you can, whatever little you can in helping rebuild our communities; we will rise above this faster if we all do our part. The government is just one part of this nation and the bigger portion is “the nation”, “WE” the Filipino people. And it is OUR job to HELP fix our country. Let’s act! And let’s act now!

I dedicate this post to my friends who took the time to help in whatever way they can. I know my words are not enough to commend the nobility of their act.

*Jaki

Jaki. Most days before each week ends what we usually talk about is “San tayo sa weekend or let’s plan our next destination…”. But when I told her I’m volunteering she was as eager to join me as she would on my out of town trips and even helped in inviting for more volunteers. Thank you for taking the time, for adjusting your schedule to join me in this cause. A BIG THANK YOU to you.

 *Kathy and Jaki

Kathy. What I can’t forget about what she said when we were talking about volunteering is this, “Gusto ko talagang yang mga ganyan, magvolunteer. Ba’t di na lang ganon gawin natin para may meaningful activity naman tayo on weekends. Hindi yung gastos lang tayo ng gastos, mag-GK(Gawad Kalinga) tayo.” It was a clear message of the willingness to give more, to be more. What you did is a step towards that goal. You can be more. A BIG THANK YOU to you.

 (Some photos are from the Victory Ortigas Facebook Account, used with permission.)

*Jen with the Victory Ortigas Volunteers

Jen. For a long time I’ve been thinking why I see myself in her. And on Tuesday it was revealed. Resilience. She was stranded in her office for 3 days since Monday last week. Yet, when I called to check on her and hesitantly told her about my volunteering she automatically said YES to join me. What you did may pale from the more difficult task as moving people from their houses, but sending out food and clothing is equally as important. I salute you, for setting aside your own worries, your own fearful experience to be able to give to others who are more in need. You made me very proud. To a true compassionate woman, Kudos to you.

                                           

                                                                                (Photos are from the GK Facebook page and tagged photos to him by Angel Cleric and Met Dong-as) 

*Jam with the Gawad Kalinga Volunteers

Jam. He volunteered for Gawad Kalinga. You define the true meaning of volunteerism. He braved the strong rains and floods to fulfill his commitment to his cause. If that isn’t courage, I don’t know what is. You made a lot of people proud. From GPU, hats off to you brave man and to all the GK volunteers. 

The Men and Women of Victory Ortigas

An Out Pour of Blessings

The loads of groceries were delivered to the center almost every hour. (I’m just worried though with all the plastic bags used in packing the goods. I hope we can find a better and effective alternative)

photos are from the Facebook Account of Victory Ortigas 

Let's take care of each other. 

Live Life!

Mai

This is from a song sang in the service I have attended at Victory.

Still
by Hillsong United

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

***God is King. He is greater than all our troubles and worries.

Advocacy: A call for Help (The Monsoon Rain)– August 2012

I’m trying to write but couldn’t, I’m browsing the net to find an inspiration instead. But my heart is drench in worries. Should I be glad that I’m home and I’m safe?

When I look out my window, I can now see 2 pools of water; on my right side is the swimming pool, and on my left is a pool of rain-water accumulated in a vacant lot outside our village. I haven’t seen the other parts of Manila; and somehow I don’t dare see. But judging from what I can see from the outside of my house, new pool next to our village is telling me things aren't good.

I have called and texted a couple of friends yesterday morning to check how they are. When I checked on Facebook in the evening something caught my eye. I called a friend to check if she’s ok, she said she hasn’t really slept; bathed but not completely clean. She was stranded in her office since the previous night. I tried to up-her-spirit; but it was difficult, my voice cracked I hope she didn’t notice. I know how it feels. I had equal amount of experience way back Ondoy in 2009, the feeling where you’re supposed to be ok because you’re safe in a walled house, but emotionally you’re uncertain.

This is another trying time for our beloved country. When all this is over, the rest of us will go back to the normalcy of our lives, but the victims affected by the monsoon rain will be left trying to figure out how to start getting their normal life back. Let’s not make them feel alone in their struggle.

I have searched through the internet of all organizations where we can direct our cause. In as much as I want to help, this is the best I can at the moment.

I found an extensive list of organizations from a blog by Moongirl please read here for more.
Here's another list from another site click here

To everyone who checked on me; texted, called and made an effort to contact me in anyway. Thank you for the concern. 

Forgive me if I'm less articulate in this post. Sometimes life calls for action and less for articulation. Let's hope for the sun everyone. And let's all call on God to help us carry through.

***If you know of other organizations not mentioned in any of the websites mentioned above who accepts donations and in need of whatever form of voluntary works please feel free to post them in your comment.

Nota Bene: No matter what life throws at us, live through.

                  

Live Life!

Mai

Chanced upon another Great Treat

*This is the Voucher I got from Red Mango

We were sent home early from work on Thursday because of bad weather. But then the weather started to get better before we even got out of the office. Upon seeing the weather becoming less threatening two of my officemates invited me for coffee, hang out and have a good talk. 

The coffee shop was full when we arrived, so we decided to search for an option, to go for a milk-tea was one. But we were faced with the same situation upon checking the place. And so being an ice cream girl that I am I suggested for us to go to Red Mango instead. And just like that I saw both of their eyes dance in excitement. And I thought to myself, wow! I’m not the only one! This is what the mere mention of the word ice cream does to some people we glaze over, we become hypnotized to the promise of this sweet treat for a-dear-sweet-life. Almost instantaneously we all jumped at our feet, marched swiftly and we were at the counter almost as fast as you breathe.

We placed our order fully unaware of what treats are waiting for us, well that's aside from the waffle and the ice cream treat that we paid for. So we went on talking and laughing and enjoying what we’re eating. While we were in that fashion one of the staff of the store interrupted our conversation and it was one of the most welcome interruptions I had.

Right upon settling in our table something caught my attention. I saw a standee for ZALORA, I recognized it being there but did not investigate why it’s there. Apparently, as it was explained to us Zalora is collaborating with Red Mango for marketing.

Who and what is ZALORA? Zalora is an online store which carries both local and international brands for all your fashion needs. For men and women and even kids, from clothing and shoes to beauty products to sports and home living. It was again through Nuffnang that I learned about it. I was invited to their store opening in May, but then again I wasn't ready to plunge into writing yet when their invitation came.

*The Invitation from Zolara. Taken from Zolara

Getting firsthand information for all the first and the latest buzz, for what’s IN, what’s HOT, what’s COOL and what’s New in everything fashion, food, stores, what-have-yous is one of the advantages a blogger gets. And so far I am enjoying the treat.*wink*

Well, I'll leave you the rest of your Sunday while I'll busy myself browsing Zalora's website, I wanna use my voucher for trinkets for my house or should I buy heels instead? Or how about that blue dress I saw earlier...or maybe that two-piece, I think I still need to buy another one...or... Ohh..Great day everyone.=)  

*These Photos are from Red Mango's Facebook page

  

Ps: To learn more about Red Mango's exciting promo click here>>
     Shop at Zalora Philippines. Sign up with them and an exciting treat is waiting for you, click here>>

Live Life!

Mai   

Everything but Food: You are invited to our Free Ice Cream Tasting at Marks and Spencer

*The image used is the property of Nuffnang for the invite they sent.

That was the email message I received after coming back to my workstation from lunch on Tuesday last week (so this is a late post, forgive me). And my heart leaped right up and immediately I SCREAM!!! The last part is an exaggeration. I am trying to be funny. I hope it worked. Haha.

I’m a sucker for ice cream. Ice cream is more than just a feel good food for me. I don’t even know which food category I should put it; it’s more than just a favourite. I don’t only crave for it, it is my default food choice whenever I’m in a situation when I have or want to eat but I don’t know what to eat. I can even eat a whole half gallon of an ice cream tub all to myself in just one sitting. I eat ice cream even when it’s raining or when I’m in a cold room. Sometimes I think, maybe God might have been torn whether to make me a-human or a-penguin when he thought of “my” creation. Hahaha. I know right, my love for ice cream is totally insane. So when I read the invitation, I didn’t have to think it was an immediate YES for me and the event being for Marks and Spencer is a total plus.

So, true to my statement of making you-my-friends a part of this venture (my blogging), I immediately posted the good news at my wall at Facebook. I honestly did not expect someone would reply to it exactly following my instruction of PM-ing or texting me. But yes! A friend from years back responded. And tadahhh. I had an instant date.*wink*

      * With me is Ajoy; 5years and one more baby later and she's still very beautiful. She's one of my girl crushes. And yes guys,Ajoy is a Mom , of three to be exact (I'm sorry for breaking your hearts). But she's a very Hot Momma at that! 

Ajoy and I were teammates, working as call “cenner” agents in one of the call “cenner” companies at a time in our lives when we were very much convinced we’re both nocturnal creatures. We worked together for a little over a year. I left after being an owl for more than a year, while she stayed for another 3years. We’ve never seen each other since, but we continued to communicate every once in a while, set several dates which for whatever reason never happened, something always comes up. But on Thursday, finally it came. She was my date to the ice cream tasting event at Marks and Spencer. It was a fun night we had; we catch up from all the years we haven’t seen each other, we laugh and chatted like we’ve only been together yesterday.

I keep very few close friends. And it’s amazing to know that when you found true friends, the bond you once had remains the same even if you’ve lost each other for a while in a circle. The five years that we haven’t seen each other became unimportant; the moment when we were together stood still. Friendships are free, and what better way to celebrate friendship than enjoying a laugh and a chat over a great tasting foodie. Truly, the best things in life are free.

 Marks and Spencer has 17 Ice cream flavours:

*Triple Chocolate Decadent Ice Cream

This is my favourite. I like the balance of its bitter and sweet taste. I like that it has just the right amount of sweetness and that the sweet taste doesn’t stay on the buds. I like its star shaped sprinkles too, a combination of dark and white chocolate. It puts a smile on my face.

*Strawberry Cheesecake

This is Ajoy’s favourite. She said, she’s not really into strawberries but, this one she likes because it’s not very sweet and it’s not very sour. And added, she remembers it for a strawberry shortcake.=)

*Caramel Pecan Crunch

Caramel Pecan Crunch is the first flavor I tried since according to Ian (Sales Consultant) it’s what most bloggers who went to the event ahead of us liked. I think it’s because of the natural liking of most Filipino’s to anything that’s sweet made Caramel Pecan Crunch a crowd favourite, but it's just a little too sweet for me, so a small portion of it was enough to satisfy.

This is great news for us ice cream lovers, Marks and Spencer’s ice cream selection is a great addition to our ice cream choices. So, if you find yourself craving for an ice cream, you know which ice cream to try next time. These cold treats are available at the following Marks and Spencer branches: Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 4 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

Enjoy the sweetness of life!=)

Live Life!

Mai