Run for the Pasig River

02Nov09

more about “Pasig River Marathon plug“, posted with vodpod

I hope everyone would consider running in this marathon because it’s for a river that has run through Manila for as long as the city has existed. The Pasig is the reason why Manila became a settlement in the first place, and now it’s very state of existence is in peril as a result of poor water use and sanitation practices.

I would like to run this one even if my pace is slow compared to more experienced runners.

Everyone knows the Pasig River is dirty. But it wasn’t always so.

Not everyone knows how to rehabilitate the Pasig River. But this is our chance to show support for the river that brought life to the city. Maybe one day the river will breathe and inspire life again instead of choke us with its stench and unsightliness.

Everyone knows the Pasig River is a mess. But it doesn’t have to be so.

Filed under: Travel & Culture   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: kapit bisig, kapit bisig para sa ilog pasig, Pasig River, pasig river marathon

Storm Warning: Typhoon Remil (INT’L: Lupit)

19Oct09

From Weather Underground

PAGASA Public Weather Forecast posted this message yesterday afternoon.

At 4:00 p.m., today, Typhoon “RAMIL” was located at 1,150 kms East Southeast of Aparri, Cagayan (17.4°N 133.8°E) with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It is forecast to remain almost stationary.

While it may seem like a good thing that the typhoon will remain stationary, it’s really a potentially dangerous scenario. Typhoons gain strength over water and weaken as they travel over land. Of course, the problem with the Philippines is that it’s surrounded by water–we live right in the middle of typhoon alley.

Filed under: Special Reports   |  1 Comment
Tags: NDCC, PAGASA, typhoon, typhoon lupit, typhoon remil

The Future of Shopping?

12Oct09

When shopping for clothes, it’s almost inevitable to get undressed to see if shirts or jeans fit. Don’t like the hassle? Then, you’ll love this teaser video from Cisco.

It reminds me of the kind of technologies featured in The Minority Report. What we don’t understand is that what we thought was way ahead of our time is probably much closer to being realized than we expect.

We’re already harnessing the internet and computers to form seemingly borderless networks of information and social connectivity. The really exciting thing about such technologies is that it’s only beginning to take shape now. This teaser video is just a sign of greater things to come in the future of technology and the world.

More videos under the cut.

Filed under: technology   |  1 Comment
Tags: borderless networks, cisco, future shopping, telehealthcare, telemedicine

Garbage overload. Must manage.

12Oct09

My trash bin is currently set on "garbage only" mode. I want to get into segregation and recycling. Maybe it will do wonders for my karma.

In light of recent tragic events–the first semester of my last year in college… not Ondoy or Pepeng–I will attempt to do the impossible all over again.

I will clean my room.

This time, I will try to be a little more sustainable, more environmental, more managerial with a dash of sustainability and long-term planning. After all, green is the new black or pink or whatever, right?

But it’s hella confusing to be green too. With all the crap media and opportunists have fed the minds of eager eco-friend wannabes, there’s probably just as much  garbage in eco-related information as garbage in the landfills.

So I’m going to try to be green at home. I’m gonna try reusing and recycling stuff at home. Maybe even start my own compost heap out of things I don’t bother to eat anymore (i.e. old sandwiches, leftovers, etc). All this because I’m tired of having trash in my room that can be managed. All I need is a system.

Filed under: Waste management   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: recycling, solid waste management

Chameleon changing colors

12Oct09

There’s a video of a chameleon changing its camouflage color to whatever color of Wayfarers sunglasses it’s stepping on. The video has gone viral in my Facebook network and I want to spread the funky lizard virus to you too.

Chameleon video under the cut.

Filed under: Nature   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: chameleon, chameleon camouflage, chameleon color change, chameleon wayfarers

Where do typhoons get their names?

10Oct09

GETTING ITS NAME from the Laos word for "elephant," Typhoon Xangsane (PAGASA name "Milenyo") caused great devastation in Metro Manila and across several parts of Luzon in 2006. The names Xangsane and Milenyo have since been retired from use by meteorologists. Photo from Weather Underground.

By Evan Yap

If you follow weather reports closely, you’ll know PAGASA has really bantot names for typhoons.

Around the world, typhoons, cyclones and hurricanes–all the same thing except different in socio-geographical occurrence–are given names. Curious, I did some research. Here’s what I got from the US National Weather Service:

Experience shows that the use of short, distintive given names in written as well as spoken communications is quicker and less subject to error than the older more cumbersome latitude-longitute identification methods. These advantages are specially important in exchanging detailed storm information between hundres widely scattered stations, coastal bases, and ships at sea.

Basically, a typhoon name has better recall than typhoon coordinates. If you were on a ship in the middle of a storm and you needed to get the hell out of a typhoon’s path, then you would just radio the coast guard asking “Where’s Typhoon Ondoy?” rather than something like “Where’s Typhoon 240 deg N, 42 deg E?” It’s just easier to track a typhoon this way, not to mention less cumbersome to say.

Filed under: Science, Special Reports   |  2 Comments
Tags: naming typhoons, PAGASA, Typhoon names, where do typhoons get names, World Meteorological Organization

Prevent another “Ondoy” by using less plastic bags

09Oct09

IN YOUR RUSH TO HELP, YOU'VE CAUSED THE NEXT GREAT METRO MANILA FLOOD by using so much plastic to pack all those donations--and you almost don't realize it. Photo courtesy of Shatteredyouth on Tumblr

By Evan Yap

I’m glad that so many people are helping out with relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy (International name: Ketsana). Clothes, canned goods, rice, water, sanitary napkins–almost nothing has been spared in donations from the generous hearts of Filipinos.

But I’m worried that we might have overlooked one little detail here–why are we packaging and distributing donations in non-biodegradable plastic bags that might eventually end up clogging our drainage systems and waterways again?

Aren’t we setting ourselves up for another “Ondoy” here?

Filed under: Eco-Solutions, Special Reports   |  1 Comment
Tags: Manila clogged drainage, ondo, ondoy, Ondoy disaster response, Ondoy relief, ondoy relief packaging, plastic bags ondoy, plastic waste, plastic waste disposal, Typhoon Ondoy

How to Survive a Typhoon

01Oct09

THE WAY TO SURVIVE A TYPHOON is taking advanced preparations not to become a victim that needs rescuing. Photo courtesy of the Brisbane Times

I found this blog entry from Bayanihan Online that has a typhoon survival list. I find it very handy because it covers a lot of the essentials that people would need during a storm, especially if a person finds him or herself in the same situation as many Filipinos still awaiting rescue and relief.

After being deployed several times to Ondoy-affected communities in Novaliches, Quezon City and Marikina, I realized that many people weren’t ready for Ondoy at all. I got stranded in Ateneo with little food, water and no extra clothes. I was just lucky I wasn’t stranded on a roof.

Honestly, we cannot place the full blame on others for Ondoy. While the government has the responsibility of protecting the people by providing advance warnings and rescue/relief operations in the event of emergencies, we are ultimately responsible for our own safety. We’re smarter now, but sadly the damage to Metro Manila has already been dealt by Ondoy.

Pepeng might not be as forgiving.

Humans may not be able to stand against the full forces of nature, but we can survive disasters and avoid great tragedies in life by being prepared for the worst and staying alert during crises. Knowing is half the battle and when you’re ready to face the forces of nature you stand a greater chance of surviving the worst of nature’s fury.

- – - – -

Reposted from Bayanihan Online. You may repost this as you wish because the information is very handy:

Being prepared is always one step towards survival. Here are some things that we think is important to have during times like these. Prepare them beforehand and keep them in a safe place at all times. Better yet, keep them with you, or in an area that is easy to reach and won’t get in the way of raging floods, etc.

YOUR TYPHOON SURVIVAL KIT

1. Clean drinking water. Good enough for a week. Consider having at least 1 gallon per person.
2. Other drinks. Consider: juices in packs, carbonated drinks, coffee.
3. Food. Also good enough for a week. Consider:
   • Snacks that are easy to store and carry (biscuits, cookies)
   • Non-perishable canned food (corned beef, tuna, pork and beans, vienna sausage, etc.)
   • Candies to maintain sugar in body and keep acidity at bay
   • Bread that will last for a few days, for carbo load
   • Instant noodles, if you have the means to cook
   • IMPORTANT: food for babies and the elderly if you have some staying with you
4. Food utensils.
   • Spoons, forks, knives, paper plates, drinking cups
   • Non-electric can opener
   • Cooking stove and fuel, if possible
   • Plastic bags
5. Medicines. Consider having medicines for the following:
   • Fever and nausea
   • Coughs and colds
   • Hypertension
   • Diabetes
   • Diarrhea
   • Anti-tetanus
   • Anti-leptospirosis
   • Other prescription drugs that you need to take
6. First Aid kit. Must contain band-aids, gauze, tweezers, alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, bandage scissors, absorbent dressings, antiseptic wipe packets, cold compress, gloves and thermometer.
7. Sanitation kit. Make sure that you have tissue wipes, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers.
8. Toiletries. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap.
9. Blankets, towels, comforters, pillows. You can put them in large garbage bags to keep from getting wet.
10. Extra clothes and underwear. Put them in plastic bags to avoid from getting wet. If you can, pack something that will last you for a few days.
11. Jackets, sweaters, socks, caps. And anything else that will keep you warm and dry.
12. Emergency lights and flashlights
13. Fresh batteries. Have reserves for batteries of different sizes, especially for radios and flashlights.
14. Radio. Must be portable, battery operated, has functional AM station.
15. Mobile phone. Make sure the battery is fully charge, and that you have a spare one, too, in case of emergency. Also consider walkie-talkies.
16. Cash. Banks and ATMs might not be available so make sure that you have cash with you.
17. Keys. Have copies of keys to the front door, back door, garage, car keys, etc.
18. Items for pets. Consider also having a leash, muzzle, cage and food for your pets.
19. Umbrellas and tents
20. Water pails and dippers
21. Floatation devices like life jackets, styrofoams, old tires, etc.
22. Rope
23. Plastic whistles

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT

Many people have died trying to go back for these things, so it’s important that you are well-prepared already at this point in time. Keep these documents in a water-proof container:

1. Birth certificates
2. Insurance records
3. Medical records
4. SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records
5. Identification cards
6. Passports
7. Bank account numbers and records
8. Emergency contact numbers
9. Contact numbers of family, friends and loved ones

It is important that you have an ID with you wherever you go. Also, a list of people to contact in case something happens to you. If you can, put your emergency contacts on speed dial.

If you have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.

Being prepared is always one step towards survival. Here are some things that we think is important to have during times like these. Prepare them beforehand and keep them in a safe place at all times. Better yet, keep them with you, or in an area that is easy to reach and won’t get in the way of raging floods, etc.

YOUR TYPHOON SURVIVAL KIT

1. Clean drinking water. Good enough for a week. Consider having at least 1 gallon per person.
2. Other drinks. Consider: juices in packs, carbonated drinks, coffee.
3. Food. Also good enough for a week. Consider:
   • Snacks that are easy to store and carry (biscuits, cookies)
   • Non-perishable canned food (corned beef, tuna, pork and beans, vienna sausage, etc.)
   • Candies to maintain sugar in body and keep acidity at bay
   • Bread that will last for a few days, for carbo load
   • Instant noodles, if you have the means to cook
   • IMPORTANT: food for babies and the elderly if you have some staying with you
4. Food utensils.
   • Spoons, forks, knives, paper plates, drinking cups
   • Non-electric can opener
   • Cooking stove and fuel, if possible
   • Plastic bags
5. Medicines. Consider having medicines for the following:
   • Fever and nausea
   • Coughs and colds
   • Hypertension
   • Diabetes
   • Diarrhea
   • Anti-tetanus
   • Anti-leptospirosis
   • Other prescription drugs that you need to take
6. First Aid kit. Must contain band-aids, gauze, tweezers, alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, bandage scissors, absorbent dressings, antiseptic wipe packets, cold compress, gloves and thermometer.
7. Sanitation kit. Make sure that you have tissue wipes, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers.
8. Toiletries. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap.
9. Blankets, towels, comforters, pillows. You can put them in large garbage bags to keep from getting wet.
10. Extra clothes and underwear. Put them in plastic bags to avoid from getting wet. If you can, pack something that will last you for a few days.
11. Jackets, sweaters, socks, caps. And anything else that will keep you warm and dry.
12. Emergency lights and flashlights
13. Fresh batteries. Have reserves for batteries of different sizes, especially for radios and flashlights.
14. Radio. Must be portable, battery operated, has functional AM station.
15. Mobile phone. Make sure the battery is fully charge, and that you have a spare one, too, in case of emergency. Also consider walkie-talkies.
16. Cash. Banks and ATMs might not be available so make sure that you have cash with you.
17. Keys. Have copies of keys to the front door, back door, garage, car keys, etc.
18. Items for pets. Consider also having a leash, muzzle, cage and food for your pets.
19. Umbrellas and tents
20. Water pails and dippers
21. Floatation devices like life jackets, styrofoams, old tires, etc.
22. Rope
23. Plastic whistles

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT

Many people have died trying to go back for these things, so it’s important that you are well-prepared already at this point in time. Keep these documents in a water-proof container:

1. Birth certificates
2. Insurance records
3. Medical records
4. SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records
5. Identification cards
6. Passports
7. Bank account numbers and records
8. Emergency contact numbers
9. Contact numbers of family, friends and loved ones

It is important that you have an ID with you wherever you go. Also, a list of people to contact in case something happens to you. If you can, put your emergency contacts on speed dial.

If you have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.

Filed under: Special Reports   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: bayanihan online, disaster management, Disaster survival, ondoy, pepeng, typhoon survival

Brace yourself, Philippines. Pepeng is coming.

01Oct09

A 4-day typhoon trajectory forecast. The yellow shaded areas indicate where the typhoon could potentially change its course.

Just a few days after Ondoy, Manila seems to be in for another rough ride with Pepeng around the corner.

While the storm is projected to hit graze the northern regions of the RP, it has been described as a “super typhoon” with winds up to 175 kph and gusts up to 210 kph.

Here’s PAG-ASA’s update (currently circulating in Facebook) as of 11:30 AM, October 1, 2009.

PAGASA (11:30am): Typhoon Pepeng now a significant typhoon, slowly becoming a Super typhoon with wind speeds up to 175 kph with gustiness of about 210kph. Entering Northern Luzon by Sat morning. But expect heavy rainfall by tom. Given the current status of some cities, only 1/4 of the Ondoy rain is needed to raise flood waters to dangerous levels. Prepare for flood just incase. Please repost.

PAGASA has estimated that only 25% rainfall of Ondoy is needed from Pepeng to aggravate the critical situation in Manila. Areas around the metro are still flooded with victims who have not been rescued, located or relieved with donations and emergency services.

Combined, Ondoy and Pepeng form the killer 1-2 combo punch that might just knock the Philippines down for the count. The National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC) and other national forces are stretched to their limits rescuing and providing relief for victims of Ondoy.

As much as I hate to admit this, the government cannot handle a super typhoon at this point. Northern regions might have been left relatively unscathed by Ondoy. This time around, that will surely not be the case because it looks like Pepeng will be stronger and meaner than last Saturday’s typhoon. NDCC and other elements cannot handle so much devastation.

A CNN Weather report about Typhoon Pepeng.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1045522435538

I’m amazed how almost everyone I know has been transformed into a weatherman in less than a few days since Ondoy hit Manila. Just this morning, I got a message with a link attached to a 4-day weather forecast animation. This time it was a larger map going as far into the Pacific region as Guam.

4-day weather forecast animation showing atmospheric loop near Guam

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/guam/guamloops/guamvs.html

Somewhere along Guam, an atmospheric loop has emerged. It looks like a typhoon, but it is currently too far to possibly affect the Philippines. I don’t want to spread panic by pointing this out because weather systems like typhoons are unpredictable–many form in the middle of the ocean without ever dropping rain over any countries. So please do not panic and come up with your own weather forecasts.

Wait for official weather announcements from PAG-ASA and stay tuned to the major news outlets on radio and television because those are still the quickest ways to get announcements from the authorities, not through the internet.

I would also like to discourage hording food and water from the grocery. I’ve been passing by Rustan’s and Shoppersville along Katipunan Avenue for the past few days and it’s always lined with people buying goods perhaps because they’re buying stuff to donate or stocking up on supplies. Please be wary of the situation of everyone, especially those who have already been devastated.

Right now, Filipinos must brace themselves. If you live in low lying areas, be sure to get your valuables and head to higher ground. Look for shelter among family and friends. If you’re engaged in volunteer work, please be careful about going to deployment areas. Those are usually located beside rivers and streams that overflowed during Ondoy.

Please get a list of hotlines and emergency numbers that you will need should an emergency arise during Pepeng’s stay in the RP. Also, be sure to ask relatives or friends to check up on you regularly especially if you live in or nearby depressed or flood-prone areas.

Let’s be ready. No more complacency. Do not blame this on climate change because we’ve been warned countless times. If we don’t change our attitudes and habits toward disaster management, then we will have only ourselves to blame for more anguish and sorrow.

NOTE: You may repost this if you want to spread awareness and preparation for Pepeng.

Filed under: Admin, Special Reports   |  2 Comments
Tags: ondoy, pepeng, pepeng super typhoon, pepeng weather forecast, super typhoon, Typhoon Ondoy, typhoon pepeng

Abroad and want to donate to victims of Ondoy? Read this.

30Sep09

I got this email from Jun Dalandan of the Office of Alumni Relations in ADMU. I want to share it with anyone abroad who knows a whole lot of people that wanna give donations to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

- – - -

U.S. – based Ateneo alumni and friends can donate for the relief of Ondoy victims through the PJF and AF-USA

How to send relief for typhoon Ondoy victims from the U.S.A.

Donations for typhoon Ondoy victims from Ateneo alumni, friends, and U.S.A. residents may be sent to the Ateneo de Manila University through the Philippine Jesuit Foundation and the Ayala Foundation USA. These two foundations issue U.S. tax deductible receipts. PJF and AF-USA are duly registered and qualified charitable organizations in the U.S.A. Donations to the PJF and to the AF-USA are deductible gifts under the U.S. Tax Code Section 501(c)(3).

Donations through the PJF and the AF-USA are monitored by the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, Alingal Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

1. For donations by check: Issue the check to Philippine Jesuit Foundation.
On the memo line please write: “Relief for Ondoy victims”

Send or mail the check with the donor’s (1) full name, (2) email address, and (3) postal address to:
Cristina Tabora
Executive Secretary, Philippine Jesuit Foundation
236 West 27th Street, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10001, U.S.A.
Telephone (212) 627-2788, (212) 233-0888
Downloadable PJF Donation Form available at http://www.philjesuit.net/illhelp.asp

Please email Cristina Tabora <taboracom@gmail.com> or <exsec@philjesuit.net> or Julie Calderon <juliecalderon65@gmail.com> to inform them that you have sent or mailed a check to them. The PJF has waived the 3% service fee for all donations toward the relief of typhoon Ondoy victims. Full donation amounts will be remitted by the PJF to the Ateneo for relief as quickly as possible within the week.

2. For donations online: Open the Ayala Foundation USA website http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now.asp

Click on the “donate now” button, click on the credit card icon, and select Ateneo de Manila in the drop down menu. Write “Relief for Ondoy victims” for your choice of beneficiary. Please email Marivic Padilla <marivic@af-usa.org> or <marivi.padilla@gmail.com> or <info@af-usa.org> or call her (+650) 598-3126 for step by step assistance or to inform her that you have made a donation online.

Marivic Padilla
Administrative Assistant, Ayala Foundation USA
255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
Telephone (+650) 598-3126, Facsimile (+650) 508-8898
AF-USA Donation Form available at www.af-usa.org/forms/Donation_Form.pdf

Donations through the AF-USA online through credit card will be remitted to the Ateneo for relief as quickly as possible within the week, net of AF-USA 5% service fee and credit card charge.

Ateneo alumni and friends can donate from any country in the world for the relief of Ondoy victims

How to send relief for typhoon Ondoy victims from Asia, Canada, England, and from anywhere in world

1. Online: Please open the Ayala Foundation USA website http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now.asp and follow procedure in number 2. above.

2. Direct Deposit with any one of the following three banks.

2.1.  Banco de Oro (BDO) Peso Savings Account 3570058713
Account name: Ateneo de Manila University

With beginnings in 2001, the Ateneo de Manila University Disaster Response and Management Team, or University DReaM Team, was established in Sept 2006 to coordinate the efforts of various units in the Ateneo toward the relief and rehabilitation of disaster victims. The University DReaM Team core group is composed of representatives from the Ateneo de Manila University units: Grade School, High School, Loyola Schools, School of Government, Law School, Graduate School of Business, School of Medicine and Public Health, and Central Administration. The University DReaM Team in partnershp with the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) runs Ateneo Task Force Ondoy.

Among the Loyola Schools groups in Ateneo Task Force Ondoy are the Office of Student Activities (OSA), Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI), Office of Administrative Services (OAS), Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA), Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral, Council of Organizations of the Ateneo (COA), the Ateneo Students Residents Association (ARSA), and the ROTC officers and cadets.

Donations for Ondoy victims through the University DReaM Team BDO account are monitored by the Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University. Please fax your deposit slip to the office of the ADSA, Fax (632)426-6098, Voice (632)426-6001 local 5021, (632)426-6098 and email rsanandres@ateneo.edu

2.2.  Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Dollar Savings Account 3084-0420-12
Swift Code BOPIPHMM, Routing No. 021-0000-21
Account name: Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2.3.  Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Peso Checking Account 3081-1111-61
Account name: Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

The Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan or SLB is a non-partisan, church-based organization that is concerned primarily with socio-political and economic affairs of the Philippines. It stands for a Filipino nation that celebrates love of country and genuine democracy in the spirit of faith that does justice. As such, the SLB creates ways to foster participation and vigilance among Filipino citizens. The intention of SLB was conceived in 1986, in a little room in the Loyola House of Studies at the Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights where a number of priests were discussing the political and socio-economic situation of the country at that time. From there, SLB traces its beginning to the historical presidential snap elections of 1986. What started as a small organization of religious priests, seminarians, and nuns known as the Namfrel Marines evolved into a non-stock, non-profit organization known as Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan with offices at the Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo Loyola Heights campus.

Donations for Ondoy victims through SLB BPI accounts are monitored by the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan. Please fax your deposit slip to the SLB, Fax (632)426-5968, Voice (632)426-6101 local 3440 & 3441, and email slb@admu.edu.ph

Thank you for your donations.

Filed under: Admin   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Ateneo, Ateneo disaster response, Ateneo Task Force Ondoy, donations, ondoy, Ondoy help, Ondoy relief, Ondoy volunteer, Typhoon Ondoy