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San Miguel de Iligan

On December 15-16, Tropical Storm “Sendong/Washi” gave Mindanao its first major typhoon in decades. The island and its residents were not used to such phenomena that usually devastates parts of Luzon and the Visayas. Sendong was one of a kind this year, and it has devastated lives in the cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, the Province of Compostela Valley and other provinces. Iligan was caught by a surprise as flood and muck rushed towards the city, 200 missing and 100+ dead so far. In Cagayan de Oro, 20,000 families were affected–this major city in Northern Mindanao has tasted the worse flooding in its recent history.

Father loses daughter (Photo by Maria Irene/Mindanaoan.com)

As of the time of this writing, the dead is pegged at more than 400, hundreds still missing. Mostly in Northern Mindanao cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. So many uncaught, so many people will spend their Christmas in muck and cold.

Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and the rest of NorMin needs help!

Tabanga nato ang Mindanao! This is the time that we help each other out, despite the distance! Our people needs help!

Our condolences to our kababayang taga-Mindanao who lost their loved ones a week before Christmas. Our prayers are for you folks for comfort, recovery and for the souls of the departed.

Here are some options that you may help:

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is humbly requesting your generous help for the victims Bagyong Sendong of Iligan City. Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the city. We encourage the following items for donations: canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers, and cash donations.

SENDONG DONATION DROP You can contact the following point persons for your donations and other inquiries.

ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY, Inc. SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.com EMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.com FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

LISA (LAI) MARIE MIRASOL | Pinay Travelista, @pinaytravelista (IBS, Inc. Web Content Manager) http://www.pinaytravelista.com/ 09062558863; (+63) 222-2117

ALEXANDER SINGCOL | iligan Inquisitor, @lexuzinquisitor (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) http://theiliganinquisitor.blogspot.com/ 09053117925, (+63) 8360272 REVILLA CARBONELL-NOEL | Adventures in Life (IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member) 092193209944, 09427009788

For more Updates on Iligan City status after Typhoon Sendong: DXIC: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

Your Donations will be shown at: www.iliganbloggers.com For donations on Paypal, your names and initials here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&key=0AufHi9Th0W7KdHhLVGNaY2VWaFdfUjBadVgxTXdOV1E&output=html

‎#HELPCDO Paypal Donations now accepted. Send to Paypal: francis.siason@gmail.com through Cagayan De Oro Bloggers. 340+ died .. 400+ are missing missing as typhoon Sendong ravaged Cagayan de Oro. Proceeds will be donated and delivered to Xavier University Cagayan de Oro where the members of CDOBloggers are planning to volunteer. Thank you and God Bless!

Xavier University is now accepting donations. You may contact:

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

You may also cash donations through SLB. CASH/ CHEQUE: Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

For donations from Manila, you may pass by the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) 852-8081(24 hours),Chapel Road, Pasay City (back of Air Transportation Office).

Donate with the Philippine National Red Cross:

Cash or Check Donations:
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Name: Banco De Oro
Peso Account: 453-0018647
Type of Account: Savings

SMS Donations: Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshops
Make a donation at any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide.

Email us: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph

Call Hotline 143
or (+632) 527.0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines
Email: prc@redcross.org.ph

—————-

For Iligan Victims Cash Donations, you may deposit in this account
Account name: Association of IIT Alumni Foundation Inc.
Bank: BDO – - Iligan Quezon Avenue Branch
Account No: 003120169026

They will be providing complete financial audit documents to ensure that your money will help the hundreds of displaced victims in Iligan City, especially the evacuees in MSU – IIT Gym. I’ve personally coordinated with the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol on this matter.

Please do not hesitate to contact Rei Maranda from the Presidential Management Office thru 09052665014 or at rei.maranda@pms.gov.ph/rei_lena@yahoo.com for questions and clarifications.

We need all the help we can get. Please tell your friends/contacts/company/orgs about this. Then you can coordinate with Rei or Jane Dumaug for convenience. Kindly repost/retweet/blog/announce/publish this. Thank you very much.

La Salle Academy (Iligan City) is accepting cash donations to help the victims of typhoon Sendong.

Development Bank of the Philippines
Account Name: La Salle Academy
Account Number: 0820-016221-030.

Notes:
1. Please make cheques payable to La Salle Academy.
2. Kindly make a digital copy (or digital photo) of the deposit slip and email this digital file to Br. Raffy Reyes FSC (President of LSA) raffyreyes1018@gmail.com AND Br Dennis Magbanua FSC (President of DLSZ) brodennis@gmail.com for proper documentation and accounting.

You may also leave your donations in kind at the LSA lobby anytime today and tomorrow. Daghang Salamat!

Volunteers Needed
From Sec. Dinky Soliman of DSWD – Volunteers are needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +639066150095 and +63 8822 8588892

Please be at CU Gym today December 18, 2011… Our fellow Cagay-anons need our help in these desperate times… Please look for Ms. Armi Sobremisana.

CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS INC., is accepting donations in cash or in kind for the flood victims of Cagayan de Oro City…. The drop-off point is at Max’s Restaurant in Limketkai Mall… Look for Francis.

Click the image to get more info

JRS Express now delivers relief goods for free. Click the image for more info...

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Globe Telecom has just unleashed another of its pioneering moves in the telecom industry as they roll-out 4G  mobile technology in this republic. Currently deployed in Metro Manila, Globe is expected to widen its coverage of 4G sites all across the nation by 2012. The telecom network has already took advantage of gradually introducing the 4G mobile technology in the country through WiMAX–and has now finally integrated it so that the customers may experience a whole new level of mobile technology in which, either in business or in personal use, speed is everything.

Now, with 4G mobile already in use…what do I expect when using this technology? Of course, the first one would be ease of access on my social networking sites and blogs. Having a high speed connection would provide instant updates on your social networking sites or even compose a write-up for your blog even without a desktop. Having a high speed mobile internet access would also able me to provide the information that I wanted, almost everywhere I go–especially for a vagabond like me. I also expect that having this kind of technology would make closer ties to family, friends and loved ones–wherever we may be. It is the connection from the people and our contribution in helping people provide information that matters.

With 4G mobile technology launched, I hope that it would usher in a breakthrough in Philippine internet connection. Let us know how you think about it?

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Most of the Philippine travel blogs are written in English, and some in Filipino and other vernacular languages of the republic. Understandable enough since these are the main modes of communication here in the country and the rest of the world. However, I ought to think of something different. Something that is “not normal.” How about writing your travel experiences in Spanish?

Hence, ViajeroFilipino.com came into my mind–the Spanish sister of HabagatCentral.com.

I have another Spanish blog too, although more personal–¡Yo Soy Don Bernardo! (http://yosoyberniemack.blogspot.com)

ViajeroFilipino.com would be my practice pad for writing in Spanish. I’m not yet an expert of the language, thus my initiative. For those who are fluent, por favor tengan paciencia conmigo en mis errores gramáticas en mi blog. This way, I can practice and develop my skills in writing, speaking and understanding more of Spanish, beyond my classes at Instituto Cervantes.

As of the moment, the blog is undergoing site improvements.

Think of me as something weird but hey, this is one of the best options that I can think of in practicing my Spanish writing skills. Weird, since only a few (and yes, the elite mostly) are well conversant in Spanish. A lot of Filipinos still loathe about it, thinking that Spanish is only for the rich, the alta-sociodad and the hilaw-mestizos (social climbers). I don’t.

Just tell me if I’ll be the quintessential twin of Dora the Explorer, hehe!

¡Vale! ¡Vamos a viajar en este país maravelloso! Filipinas y más en lengua de Cervantes. Viaja conmigo en 7107 islas. As Dora the Explorer said, “Come on, ¡vamonos!”

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For someone special, you wouldn’t like to feel that you are away from him or her. You’ll be wanting to talk more, and be with you more. However, the distance, the time, and even the expense of getting yourself in touch with your loved ones, is keeping you from expressing your appreciation fully. I for one, would like to keep in touch with my special someones at the lowest price possible. Given the times we have, it pays to have an effective way in communication. Good thing though, mas abot mo ang mundo, pati na ang iyong mga minamahal sa buhay as Globe unveiled its newest perk–Globe Super One.

Now, you can communicate with your special someone better and be with them longer, with unlimited calls and texts to one favourite Globe number of your special someone–for the whole month, starting at PhP150.00 for postpaid and My Fully Loaded plan subscribers, to PhP175.00 for My Super plan subscribers. It is one way of making your special someone, THE super one!

To try, for Globe postpaid and My Fully Loaded plan, just text SUPERONE <the Globe or TM number of your “special someone,” a friend, family or colleague”> ON and send it to 8888. For Globe’s SuperPlan subscribers, text MY SUPERONE <the Globe or TM number> ON and send it also to 8888.

Also at the same time, for making Globe the super preferred choice, they’ll be giving away a brand-new a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S Android phone! for one lucky blogger for the Super One Blog Contest. How to get that savvy phone? Just make a blog post on your blog with the topic “Who is your SUPER ONE and why?” Post it, together with a video or a photo of your Super One and link it to Globe’s Super One site. After creating a blog post, leave your blogpost’s URL at the Super One Blogger’s Contest site to have it validated. Deadline is on August 8, 2010 at 1 in the afternoon, Philippine Standard Time.

So, think beyond just being special, think SUPER!

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With the sun setting for Arroyo’s administration, its a high time on how we could analyze and evaluate the nine years of management of the state. The book “Beating the Odds” by Renato Velasco and Ricardo Saludo, analyzes the policy-implementation of the Arroyo administration in managing the archipelago nation for almost a decade. Leaving the fiasco of a’la telenovela political drama, the book turns into the policies in political, fiscal and social sectors that served as a guide throughout the rest of the administration, which in turn, may be used as a reference for the future administrations to come.

The Republic of the Philippines has long endured political and social trials, since the time of the colonial era, all the way to the contemporary period. Despite all of these challenges that Filipinos encounter on day to day basis, they still find themselves resilient and go forth with their heads up high. In 2001, the country fell into significant change of tides as Gloria Arroyo, daughter of a former Philippine president, was installed in power by a bloodless revolt. In 2004, she was then again elected as the chief of state. With her nine years closing, managing a country that is so divided in poverty, corruption, sleeping with the enemy and the threat of our national coffers running kaput, how did she and her administration managed to “beat the odds” of a seemingly fragile republic?

The book discusses six issues that mired the republic. Six things that was dealt with within this administration. However, the most significant were that of peace and order process in Mindanao and of budget management.

Mindanao has been a long standing issue in terms of peace and development of the republic. A leader that would be able to pacify the restlessness in this region could provide development alongside tracking down of terrorists that plagued the island for the long time. Two chapters of the book dealt with confronting terrorism and how the administration was able to maintain its pacifist stand for development of Minadnao while tracking down terrorists.

On the other hand, the Arroyo administration claims that its best legacy was the effective budget and fiscal management of the republic. We all do know that we were swamped with foreign debt and an unstable economy that harbours poverty within the state, however, it was within this nine years that the gross domestic product rose with consistency, increasing jobs and made the country a better place for investment. A chapter analyzes the socio-economic impact of the policies that was implemented by the administration.

As the dawn of a new administration unfolds, the Filipinos would look onto future with a clear and better vision, together with hope. However, it wouldn’t be complete if the Filipinos somehow would not look into the past. There is an old Filipino maxim, “ang di marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, ay di makakarating sa parorooan.” Despite the “primetime political drama” that was, it is high time for the Pinoys to study the policies that the outgoing administration left in order to secure the progressive future for the future. Reading “Beating the Odds” is one way to start.

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Like what they say, “life is short, enjoy it!” Indeed. Why thinking miserable if you could make the most out of life itself? Sometimes, it doesn’t take the most complicated things to enjoy life…well that’s based on my opinion. For me, traveling and sharing my knowledge to the public is what makes me happy when I blog. I feel rewarded upon giving my local knowledge for those who seek help. My passion for writing, this is another way of enjoying blog posts. I’m more of an expressive type of person. Through this, I can vent out or express whatever I want. Because of blogging, I get to meet new people and add friends. Simple it may be but it is something worthwhile. Rewards will come if you enjoy what you are passionately doing.

Now, how about you? What do you enjoy in your life?

How about sharing that thing you do to enjoy and be rewarded? How’s that? By just joining Enjoy Philippines‘ “1 Minute Fun Flick Fest” and get a chance to win an iPad! Don’t believe me? Just try joining. How? Very simple.

Just be a fan of Enjoy Philippines on Facebook, then create a 15 to 60 second video of you promoting an activity you like to do. Have it uploaded to Enjoy Philippines Fan Page videos with the title starting with “I Enjoy…” Invite your friends to like Enjoy Philippines on Facebook and at the same time, vote for your video by just clicking “Like” on your entry! A bulk of judging criteria would be coming on the number of votes your entry receives while 30 per cent goes on your creativity. That means, think out of the box and get some fans to like it!

Every week, there would be a featured video which corresponds to PhP1,000 of gift certificates prize! Three fans who voted would also get a chance to win PhP500 worth of GCs! Enjoy Philippines announces the weekly winners every Monday, while the grand prize winner will be announced on 2nd of July, 2010.

The deadline of uploading the videos is on 24:00 (Manila time) of June 15, 2010! So, better hurry uploading those flicks!

Grand prize winner will win a 16GB iPad plus other prizes for the second and third placers. For fans, the first prize winner is an 8GB iPod Touch!

See, by just sharing what you enjoy with, great rewards come! Start uploading those vids and show to the world that enjoying life is something worthwhile!

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These days, when prices of commodities jack up, our wallets feel the pain. For motorists, they think of innovative ways to make up the most of the limited resources. Gasoline nowadays is a precious commodity and Filipinos can be creative in how to save fuel consumption.

In my personal experience as a motorist, fuel consumption has always been essential wherever I drive. At most, checking the engine, tyre pressure and turning off the car instead of running it on idle are just some of the things that I do to save gas. Also, I limit my speed to as much as 80 to 100 kilometers an hour. Beyond that, the engine would exert effort and would increase consumption. Another thing, if you are driving on manual transmission, avoid reaching the maximum rpm for a single gear. When you think the car has somehow reached near maximum, go changing gears.

With these such tips and ingenuity, Shell recognizes the Filipino motoristas by inviting them to share their ideas on how to make the most out of your gasoline consumption, and get a chance to join Team Philippines in Shell’s Eco-Marathon Asia.

Joining it is easy. Just have a valid driver’s license, shoot a video demonstrating ways to save gasoline and end up the video with “Ang Pinoy na matipid sa gasolina, _______.” Then, your fuel saving tips can be uploaded at www.topgear.com.ph/shellsmartestdrivers. Deadline of submission is on June 20, 2010.

All who have joined will have Shell premium items. The lucky ten finalists will receive P10,000 worth of Shell fuel vouchers and join the fuel saver’s camp on June 26. The best among the rest would be declared as “Philippines’ Smartest Drivers” and would join Team Philippines in the first Shell Eco-Marathon Asia in Malaysia on July 8th to 11th. The event would make the best out of Asian drivers and get a chance to win a fuel-efficient car!

So, have your knowledge shared to the rest of the Filipinos on how to save gas on driving and get a chance to be the Philippines’ Smartest Driver!

For more information, click on the image below:

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Arroyo Fountain, the logo for Panubli-on

After several years of dormancy, Panubli-on: The Iloilo Heritage Blog, will come back. To bring Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage and history into the cyberspace. Sharing the legacy of Iloilo’s glorious past and for a brighter future. Soon, we’ll be adding up articles, activities and a whole lot more. For now, a bit of tweaking in the blog is needed.

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Iloilo-Guimaras Investor's Forum in Manila Invitation

Due to its success in it’s first Investor’s forum in 2008, The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. together with the city and province of Iloilo and the province of Guimaras brings you the Iloilo-Guimaras Investment Forum in our nation’s financial hub, Makati City in Metro Manila on September 04, 2009 at Hotel Intercontinental’s Ballroom.

Marketing the best and tackling the issues of socio-economic profile of Iloilo and the mango-island province of Guimaras, it has been brought to Manila as to bring Iloilo and Guimaras closer to the Ilonggos at the capital, and at the same time to the Manileños and a bigger market as well. Agri-business, tourism, ICT and all other economic prospects that would be tackled in this half-a-day forum.

Discovering the benefits, exploring the possibilities and investing in the central Philippine city of Iloilo, the province of Iloilo and Guimaras.

For more information and reservations, please call:  +63(2)426-0093 and +63(2)436-6581 or e-mail the secretariat at: meet[at]ibahn.net.ph. Only 200 seats available, reservations are made upon first come-first serve basis.

Iloilo-Guimaras Investor's Forum in Manila Schedule (To Zoom, click on the photo)

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August 21, 1983 – Twenty-six years ago in the tarmac of then-newly built Manila International Airport Terminal (now NAIA Terminal-1), blood was spilt in Philippine soil. Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was shot dead by unknown assailants, probably that of the presidency of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The death of the opposition leader shook the Philippine consciousness that led to the dismantling of twenty years of oppressive rule that became one of the world’s most remarkable and inspiring People Power revolt of 1986.

The Assassination of Ninoy Aquino at Manila International Airport Tarmac

“The Last Journey of Ninoy” is a docu-drama, produced by Unitel and Benigno S Aquino Jr Foundation and directed by critically acclaimed Jun Reyes, traces Ninoy’s own Via Dolorosa from Boston in United States heading back to the Philippines. With stops in the journey, it is intertwined with the life story of Ninoy, from being a talented journalist, to a politician, from his victories and struggles of life and of his family, and the resolute spirit of fighting for what the Filipinos should have…freedom.

Actual archival photos, videos and audio clips together with the docu-drama’s present clips, were used in this film. The narrative of Ninoy and Cory became the voices of the motion picture and some things that our schools have never thought about Ninoy were given emphasis.

The Late Former President Corazon Aquino in her final interview with the media (Courtesy of Unitel)

The movie also showed the last interview of any media with Cory.

The aim of the producers is to bring out the “Ninoy in us.” Sounds familiar? Yes, it is also part of the Foundation’s “I am Ninoy” campaign to give awareness of heroism and taking part in our country’s society to the younger generation whom they only know Ninoy as the guy in the 500-peso bill. It is one way to create understanding that we young Pinoys have something to do for our country in order to move forward…there is always hope in the Filipino nation.

Ninoy Aquino on TV

The “Last Journey of Ninoy” will be shown at ABS-CBN on Sunday, 23^rd of August at 9:30PM on Sunday’s Best, with replays that will be shown on ANC.

At Gate 13 of Manila International Airport, one afternoon of August 1983, Ninoy indeed has shown to the world, that the “Filipino is Worth Dying For.”