My Points of View: Two Faces in Welcoming Christmas

My Points of View: Two Faces in Welcoming Christmas: As Christmas is just around the corner, children caroling, family gatherings, reunions, and sumptuous "Noche Buena" are present in this mem...

Two Faces in Welcoming Christmas

As Christmas is just around the corner, children caroling, family gatherings, reunions, and sumptuous "Noche Buena" are present in this memorable event  of the year.

 

Whether you are poor or well off, embracing Philippine tradition is like a cup of hot coffee offered in front of you.

On the other hand, last week an out breaking news regarding super Typhoon "Sendong" *Washi struck Philippine area of responsibility in particular areas in Mindanao. Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro and other affected areas were unused to typhoons. According to Media Corps, Sendong is the worse typhoon that hit Philippines this year.

                                                                   

Destruction in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (c/o ABS-CBN News channel)

Hundreds of Filipinos lost homes, spent Christmas in those selected evacuees centers, and thousands of people were missing mostly children. 

We are hoping for speedy recovery of the victims and casualties of the recently aftermath of Typhoon Sendong. 

As 2012, is just few days away, all of us are looking forward for a better and bountiful New Year. We may be upset about the outcome of our Christmas but bear in mind, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is not only by preparing delicious foods, receiving expensive gifts, showing new and expensive clothes rather it is the time for reflection, forgiving, and accepting Our Lord in our heart in preparation to this coming 2012.

Aftermath of Typhoon Sendong

c/o Media Corps

c/o Media Corps

My Points of View: Today's final step; Tomorrow's next journey

My Points of View: Today's final step; Tomorrow's next journey: I am not done with my journey. As i keep my pace and continue searching for something, I still hold on God's hands. I traveled from...

Today's final step; Tomorrow's next journey

I am not done with my journey. As i keep my pace and continue searching for something, I still hold on God's hands.  

I traveled from Philippines and across the sea, yet I'm still exploring new world that my eyes can't see. 

I want to dream, believe and succeed someday. I am hoping for a positive results that all of my endeavors will go smoothly according to my plan. I know this is like aiming for a bull's eye that needs concentration, practice and focus on the dartboard.

I was inspired with the lives of those exemplary known people who started from rugs-to-riches per se or from simple ABC's turned to famous and prominent personalities. 

I don't know what and where will 2012 lead me through.. I just go with the current, but it doesn't mean that I will let others decide for myself.

I will paddle my own canoe and direct it according to God's decision. At this point of my life, still enjoying where I am right now. I envy my friends who build their own families and succeed in their careers. But, I don't compete with them. Rather, compete with own self and be contented on what possible opportunities that come my way.

As 2011 closes its page, I am happy and grateful how far the distance I was able to reach.......................... I will continue my own race until I gonna say it to myself  'THIS IS THE END of it'

photo courtesy of  IsabelinoAko page (Admin)

My Points of View: Learning Spanish

My Points of View: Learning Spanish: Learn Spanish Vocabulary for My Points of View: Final tour in Isabela View Scoreboard | Learn Spanish | Get Help with Spanish Translation

Learning Spanish

Learn Spanish Vocabulary for My Points of View: Final tour in Isabela

View Scoreboard | Learn Spanish | Get Help with Spanish Translation

Driver's journey and fate on the road

I will not talk about technical terms, road signs and other road rules. This article was written out of my curiosity, observation and based on my opinions. Kindly correct my terminologies regarding parts of a truck.

Every time I go to work, I always see different kind of trucks or lorry delivering different kind of goods, materials or stuffs such as: liquors, soft drinks, logs, dry goods, perishable goods,  hundred sacks of  rice, corn or even livestock.

It was Sunday evening on my way home as I aboard a passenger bus, a truck fully-loaded with hundred cases of “Carlsberg” was ahead of us. While on the left lane, trucks loaded with Coca-Cola and San Miguel Pilsen over took with each other.

I was wondering are those truck drivers have to unload all the stuffs in different designation.  Maybe on their way in different warehouses.

Being a driver is not easy especially when you have to work away from your loved-ones. I want to share an incident happened way back years. I actually witnessed with my two eyes where the accident occurred.

It was late at night  my two colleagues accompanied me on my way home. My boarding house was just a distance away from the company I was working with. As we go on talking and laughing, we heard   “running wheels and honk”.  As we turned our backs, we saw a ten-wheeler truck half-loaded with  cavan of rice.

The driver drove as if he was “A King of the Road”.  Upon seeing the condition of the truck and the speed, I felt negative vibes on it.

Few meters away there is a sharp curve.  I ignored the feeling and never shared it to my friends. The truck was already ahead of us. As he was driving to the curve lane, we saw the body of the truck slightly tilted in different direction. The trailer in slow motion turned to the right side against the head. The driver wasn’t able to control the speed and weight of the truck. We witnessed how the ten-wheeler truck and the half-loaded stuff tumbled down.

Luckily we were few meters away from the incident.  With the loud screeching of wheels and a loud “Bang”, some residents approached where the accident occurred. Fortunately the driver is alive together with one companion. They were slightly bruised. According to them, they were on their way home going back to the province.

We really don’t know when and where ill-fated journey will happen. No matter how competent and adept drivers we are, if it is really accident, it is bound to happen

My Points of View: Believing in Sorcerer

My Points of View: Believing in Sorcerer: Unaware attack of a Sorcerer Why do people fond of doing black magic? What malice or mischief they are capable of when motive and opportu...

My Points of View: The Irony of Life: Win or Lose

My Points of View: The Irony of Life: Win or Lose: We see the signs of poverty everywhere in Manila, especially when it is night and raining. We see the whole families pushing "karitons" c...

The Irony of Life: Win or Lose

We see the signs of poverty everywhere in Manila, especially when it is night and raining. We see the whole families pushing "karitons" carts of junk or camping out along the side of roads at night, with just a small fire to cook their rice. Some families sleeping over night near corridors of old and abandoned buildings, footbridges and sidewalks. There are little girls selling Sampaguita flowers in the traffic. In the rain, their faces float up to the windows of our cars as mermaids did long ago bewitching old sailors. (Are they safe from predators?)  Six or Nine-year old boys hang on to the back of racing jeepneys, so they can beg from passengers. (They are supposedly inside the classroom studying).

There are teenager prostitutes scattered along Metro Manila area waiting for customers each night. Old people begging on the street, some are scavenging to survive. The above situations are just snapshots of poverty.

This is the irony of life. When I was reading a broadsheet, what caught my attention was a former real estate broker who won the lotto jackpot price. People betting, gambling, and expecting that they will strike the correct number combination. Even if they have the last penny in their pockets still eagerness to win the jackpot price is their main reason.

 As I convey this news to others, they only say one thing. "Mayaman na lang ang nananalo at yumayaman" (Rich people become richer, they always win)

.

People were addicted in "Lotto" hoping that someday this kind of game/gamble will improve their way of living.

If only officials in Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) are dedicated in their vision/mission and other charity activities they have maybe someday no more poor and underprivileged people living in our country. No more squatters and hungry mouths to feed. Poor people will someday be treated equally

Barbaric deeds of Bandits

It was two weeks ago when a friend of mine, sent this video. He is a Policeman patrolling around Ortigas Center. As I clicked the play button, I was flabbergasted! I want to vomit,  and horrified as I watch every detail of this barbaric act. Still experiencing goose bumps as I finished to watch the video. 
I felt sympathy towards these civilians and marines abducted by these bandits in Mindanao. Is the government and military officials aware of this video?

If ever it is out for the public to watch, Is justice prevail? It is been so long time that Peace Talks agreement was implemented. But it seems these uncivilized people keep on doing such obscene act. Or maybe they don't understand peace talk means?

How many Presidents elected in the Philippines and keep tracking to the hidden agendas of these bandits. But still failed to do so. Are other officials behind this act? Or powerful people have their dual appearances, that the  security system in our country is in chaos?

As a concern citizen, I don't know when will these bandits stop in doing such cruel and mean thing. If only we can be 24 hours awake just to monitor our society against the attack of these thugs and scoundrels, probably it would be a ZERO crime rate.

My Points of View: Pain or Pleasure

My Points of View: Pain or Pleasure: Why do you want a tattoo on your body? What part of your body you want to put on tattoo? How does it feel then? I consider "tattoo"...

Pain or Pleasure

Why do you want a tattoo on your body? What part of your body you want to put on tattoo? How does it feel then?

I consider "tattoo" as body art. It's your own choice what design or style you wanted. You can do what you want as long as you have these: disposable needles, pen, body ink and coil machine.

I was curious, what's the feeling if you are a model in such tattoo making. Posing in front of audiences, judges and other artists while these artists doing some experiment on your skin.

On my second encounter with this Tattoo Artist, I asked him what motivates him in entering Tattoo Industry.

He was fond of drawings, sketches and pictures in his younger age. He started as Face Painter during special occasions and events. Followed by practicing Henna Tattoo. Now,  on his 9th year in profession he achieved minor and major awards during Tattoo competition.

With keen determination, perseverance, and rigid training in Tattoo Industry from a Face Painter-Henna Tattoo-Permanent Tattoo Artist, now he was sought after clients/models/artists/foreigners in terms of unique tattoo style.

Aside from vying in a competition, he puts up his own Tattoo business  in one of the Mall in Metro Manila.

Kindly visit my channel to view some of his "Obra Maestra"

http://youtu.be/hgcltr0Rvt0

My Points of View: Final tour in Isabela

My Points of View: Final tour in Isabela: I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback about my blog. I originally wrote this straight from my thoughts, through my observations and ...

My Points of View: Goodbye Singlehood

My Points of View: Goodbye Singlehood: In what point in your life, you asked "When will I be ready to settle down? We have different perspective in handling a serious relations...

Goodbye Singlehood

In what point in your life, you asked "When will I be ready to settle down?

We have different perspective in handling a serious relationship. Some of us have been through a short engagement before getting married. Others experienced a long courtship before being engaged.

Do you really believe in destiny? Does love at first sight really exist?

I really believe in happily ever after per se. I am a dreamer, believer and idealistic person. Since young, I'm dreaming for a fairy tale love story with a happy ending. I want to share this article a love story of my dearest close friend.

Year 2002 when I enrolled in this university for my second degree course. It was a first day in school so we don't have much tasks to do. As a freshman in the class, we just introduced ourselves and mingled with one another. When the bell rang, we decided to spend our leisure time in the library.  I was in an international class so I met students in different subjects and department.

In the library, I was checking my pink form on what subject and room will I be. I,with my new classmates approached me regarding our next subject. Then I met this young, petite and smart girl. I don't know her by name. But she was my classmate in one of my minor subjects.

I read her pink form with a plastered smile on my face. She sat beside me while comparing our subjects and designated rooms. Both of us chuckle and talking loud, without noticing that we were inside the library.

The first thing I noticed is the province she came from and her birthday. (Lol!)

Yes! We have same birthday (never mind the year), and same roots where our ancestors lived. Till there and then, I found a true friend, sister, and confidante. Both of us built a good rapport, shared our secrets and lent a helping hand through our ups and downs.

It was 2004, my friend disclosed about this guy courting her. I teased her at last there someone out there who captured her untamed heart.

We both giggling, throwing pillow and humming with the beat of our hearts.

In the first place, she doesn't like the guy. I told her, "The more you hate, the more you love."

The guy who's studying in Ilocos, whenever he has time or during semetral break, goes to Baguio to visit my friend.

Our school is under trimestral scheme. If others have their semetral vacation, whereas classes still going on. By any chances, the guy persistently chasing my friend.

There was a time, when I stood as a chaperone to them.

We strolled at SM Baguio, Burnham Park, Minesview, Session Road and food trips.

We had a great fun. My friend, slowly knowing the character of this guy. He's such a gentleman, kind, and full of good character.

I was then a witnessed in their new relationship while we were in college.

We  parted ways in 2005 when we graduated. Even though long distance, our friendship still in smooth sailing. We have a constant communication. She visits me in my work and spends long hours talking, laughing out loud when she goes to Manila. Sometimes she sleeps in the boarding house for bonding and jamming.

Recently, she told me they decided to settle down. After seven long years of waiting as boyfriend/girlfriend, at last they will tie a knot early next year.

I was so excited as I heard the good news. I am looking forward to be a part of  this memorable event of  their lives. I am counting for more years for them as a lovely couple and kids to continue their everlasting love and care.

To you my dear friend, little sister, and my lucky charm wishing you all the best in life. I hold you in my heart forever.

Final tour in Isabela

I was overwhelmed with the positive feedback about my blog. I originally wrote this straight from my thoughts, through my observations and experiences.

I am too thankful to the admin-creator of IsabelinoAko organization on letting me featured the breathtaking and fascinating scenery of Isabela.

I was born in Cordon but never noticed the aesthetic tourist spots Isabela has. Also traveled so many places, yet unknowingly Isabela has hidden towns to be proud of in terms of natural resources and attractive ambiance.

Writing my last article on it, doesn't mean I end up exploring the hidden towns of my beloved province.

 Man-made artistic instructure found in Cordon, Isabela

A first town when you enter Isabela proper

Villa Diana in Cordon

Camp Vizcarra- Ramon, Isabela

 Ilagan, Isabela

Aguinaldo Shrine in Palanan

Exploring Hidden Towns Of Isabela (Part II)

The second part of exploring my beloved province.

Tumauini Church

Tumauni Isabela

NATIONAL HERITAGE SITE: Work on the church started in 1783. It has been faithfully restored after being damaged during World War II and is acknowledged as the most artistic brick structure in the Philippines. The cyclindrical bell tower is the only one of its kind in the country. 

[ Papa Nicko ]

This is not the famous Pangsanjan Falls. Isabela has something to be proud of it in terms of tourism.

Dibulo Falls in Dinapigue, Isabela. 

                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                 

Photo credited to Gabriel Gonzales. Cool and nice ambiance. Dinapigue Isabela.

Water reservoir in Ramon, Isabela (Magat Dam)

Conserve water. 

 Avoid water pollution for the next generation to see the beauty of this river.

Santiago, Isabela

Aerial view of Palanan, Isabela

This town made history, when the Late Pres./Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo has been captured by US troops

Barangay Village in Roxas, Isabela. A cozy place to relax and dine

More to explore in the Province of Isabela

Come and visit @

www.facebook.com/IsabelinoAko

Exploring The Hidden Beauty of Isabela (Part 1)

Isabela is one of the provinces in Region II, and the second largest in Philippines.

Farming and fishing are the main sources of living among Ilocanos. Aside from a vast area of agricultural land, fish ponds,and bodies of water; Isabela is also a hub of trade, commerce, and other economic activities due to its central location.

Meanwhile, the local Government is working out in promoting Isabela-Tourism to attract visitors and tourists from other countries and neighboring provinces.

The pictures below were taken from different towns of Isabela:

The caves are located within the Isabela Sanctuary,which is part of the Fuyot  Springs National Park(FNSP)in Ilagan,Isabela. This area is located in the eastern part of Ilagan.The caves are just 15kms away from the town proper and 19kms from the town of Tumauini

San Pablo Church
 San Pablo, Isabela

Sierra Madre fronting San Agustin, Isabela

Dinapigue Sea Wall
Dinapigue, Isabela
Photo credited to Mr. Cattzz Regaton Ramos

Overlooking entire Divilacan, Isabela-
Honeymoon Island

This is not the famous Boracay.

A breathtaking view of

Honeymoon Island in Divilacan, Isabela

Water-borne diseases, BEWARE

Two weeks after Pedring hit Philippine responsibility water-borne diseases and illnesses are prevalent during such catastrophe. As I been writing this short article, I want to share the meaning and symptoms of Leptospirosis and Hypothermia.


 "Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called spirochete. It can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes and other vermin. It is transmitted through contact with infected soil or water. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil.


The symptoms includes headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, followed by chills and fever. Watering and redness of the eyes occurs and symptoms seem to improve by the fifth to ninth day.


The second phase begins after a few days of feeling well. The initial symptoms recur with fever and aching with stiffness of the neck. Some patients develop serious inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal column (meningitis) or other nerves. Right upper area abdominal pain may occur. Less common symptoms relate to disease of the liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart."

poultry and hogs are affected

pics taken by my cousin (chicken eggs)

human waste, stagnant water, muds, animal waste mixed-up

pics courtesy of fanpage "Isabelino Ako"

"Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain.

Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60°F (16°C)to 70°F (21°C) water. If you have mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring your body temperature back up to normal. 

Early symptoms include: shivering, cold, pael, or blue-gray skin, numb hands and 

fingers, slurred speech. Late symptoms include: muscles become stiff, slow pulse, breathing that is shallow and slower, weakness or sleepiness.

It is an emergency condition and can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if heat loss continues. If someone begins to shiver violently, stumble, or can't respond to questions, suspect hypothermia and warm him or her quickly."

                                                                                                                                                                 

barangay still submerged in muddy water (pics by my cousin)

Pics by Jeff of Cauyan Aking Ciudad fanpage

sources from: http://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/article.htm#1whatis
http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/hypothermia-and-cold-temperature-exposure-topic-overview

Super Typhoon Pedring's Anger

Super typhoon Pedring hit Philippines on Monday. The unprepared citizens flabbergasted and frightened as the unstoppable calamity struck Northern Luzon.

Due to non-stop rainfall, most of the provinces were still submerged in flood. Mudslides, muddy stagnant water and human wastes were everywhere.

High-Tide..The river down our barangay

Welcome Cordon, ooops welcome Pedring

Helping hand...united we stand

NO more gas station, bankrupt due to typhoon

A town in Cauayan, Isabela (courtesy of fanpage Isabelino Ako)

These photos were taken by my cousins in Cordon, Isabela