Images of Hope after Yolanda

Please click the website to see full details

A Glimmer of hope in Tacloban a week after Yolanda (via gmanetwork.com)

Yolanda survivors in Tacloban play hoop amid debris (via gmanetwork.com)

Messages of survival (via sunstar.com.ph)

Picking up pieces (via rappler.com)

Filipino Spirit (via Instagram@chiazambrano) 

Faith still runs deep in Leyte a month after (via newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Woman keeps husband alive by manually pumping air into his lungs at hospital in Tacloban that is still without power (via Twitter@AFPphoto)

Story of true love (via newsgra.ph)

An image of Jesus Christ is unscathed after the storm... (via Twitter@raffytima)

Yolanda survivors turn ruined refs into fishing boats (via gmanetwork.com)

Despite the loss and devastation, people remain kind and smiling, and even positive (via Twitter@justcallmelloyd)

Volunteer Lourdes Sales writes messages of hope in relief bags (via Twitter@Joseph_Morong)

No help too small (via ph.news.yahoo.com)

Frida and Emma had planned on going to Boracay for vacation but decided to volunteer instead

(via Twitter@Joseph_Morong)

US Marines experienced Filipino Hospitality in Typhoon-Hit Manicani Island (via philnews.ph)

Alicia Keys chats with typhoon evacuees (via philstar.com)

Justin Bieber entertains evacuees at Tacloban City (via Twitter@ABSCBN_showbiz)

Newlywed couple urge Yolanda victims to 'stand up, rise again' (via gmanetwork.com)

Seen in Porto Portugal (via Twitter@Jimparedes)

Residents of Tacloban take a break from cleaning their houses to support Pacman (via Twitter@victoriatulad)

A Taclobanon cheering for Pacquiao (via christocentric73.wordpress.com)

A brother's love (via newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Babangon tayo!!! Tulong-tulong tayo! : )

Read More

A Beautiful Speck of Mindanao

True to life sweethearts, Ryan and Janis have been friends for almost a decade. Their fondness for anime served as the foundation of a wonderful camaraderie which later on blossomed into a beautiful love affair. Ryan finished Electronics and Communication Engineering while Janis took up Economics. In their pursuit of a successful career in their own field, the two took a surprising turn together. They ventured into various businesses such as call center training school, internet cafe, snack bar and the most recent, event organizing. From being anime enthusiasts to being friends to exclusively dating to business partners. These two have been through a lot.

********************

Coming from different field of expertise, organizing events tested their bond the most. But with sheer hardwork, perseverance and creativity they are able to find their niche in the business where competition is constant and complex. Ryan and Janis maybe far from having their own dream wedding, but they are committed in saying “I Do” in every opportunity that will squeeze their creative juices and passion in creating a truly unforgettable episode in one’s life.

 ********************

Ryan and Janis are also very fortunate that their business venture is supplemented with collective talents and efforts of dedicated professionals, family and friends who vow to create events that are cost-efficient and uniquely true to their clients. Artistic teenagers also play integral part. They are a true testament that the today’s youth still has so much potential. Given an opportunity they’ll gonna shine brightly.

  ********************

Meeting these people was just one of the many highlights of my 15-day vacation in Surigao City last April. Surigao, as we all know, is part of Mindanao region. That is why it is so heartbreaking that in some parts of the region, there is war. Surigao has left me with pleasant images - from the sceneries, the fresh air, the simple life, to the artistry of the people. I believe what I saw was just a speck of more marvellous things to explore. Ang ganda ng Mindanao. Mindanao has so much potential. It is so easy to fall in love. Unfortunately, this seemingly endless violence is causing everybody (even foreign tourists) to be extra cautious. Personally, it paralyzes my desire to see the other parts. Even if the war ends, it would take me a lot of guts (and prayers) to make a visit. Because war leaves negative impact. It hurts not only our economy but above all many are being killed. Next, we lose our freedom to savor God's natural gift.

#PrayingforZamboanga

Read More

United Media

Video uploaded by MoveDotPH

Read More

KATARUNGAN!!!!

Nawa ay sa pagkakataong ito umiral naman ang katarungan para sa mga biktima ng Maguindanao Massacre.

Photo courtesy of Flickr (Killian77)

Read More

Magandang Umaga

Magandang umaga.

Bagyo. Kalamidad. Trahedya….

Magandang umaga. Good morning.

Mga kapatid, maganda nga ba ang umaga?

Were the opening statements of Rev. Fr. Alex Balatbat in one of his homilies.

***************

NDCC reported that the number of fatalities rose to 246; number of missing persons had increased to 38; and damage reaches almost P5B. Videos, photos and testimonials of Ondoy’s victims are certainly heartbreaking. In these times of crisis, can we still greet each morning with “Magandang umaga?”

Yesterday, I had a post entitled “State of Calamity.” It was followed by a short message: Both heart and mind. (sad face). I didn’t have a great morning. Worse, the bad feeling didn’t end there. The whole day, my spirit was so down and restless. When I became aware of Ondoy’s cruelty to some areas, I felt I have no reason to whine. I should be very thankful that even though we also experienced flood, the damage is so little compare to those living in other parts of the metro and nearby provinces. The fact that my family and I are fine and safe is enough reason to be grateful. But the bad feeling yesterday was uncontrollable. “Magandang umaga” were difficult words to say. I guess, Ondoy’s victims would agree.

***************

I’m sure a lot of us have heard stories about foreigners who get so amazed by us, Filipino people, because even in the midst of tragedy we can still strike a smile. While in very prosperous countries, there are news about multi-millionaires who committed suicide because of anxieties; problems they couldn’t contain. I can imagine these foreign people screaming “Something’s wrong with Filipino people!”

Pilipinos are known for being happy people. In devastating moments like this, a smile does not only signigfies joy, it is also a symbol of hope. A hope rooted in our Christian faith. For the Bible says:

I will never leave you nor forsake you. - Hebrews 13:5

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. - Psalms 31:24

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:18

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death
the righteous have a refuge. – Proverbs 14:32

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

***************

Is there a joy in suffering? God did not come to take away suffering. He came to feel the suffering. That' why even in suffering Jesus is with us. When you embrace suffering, you embrace Christ. Even in suffering I find joy; I experience God. - Rev. Fr. Alex Balatbat

.

There maybe times that our mornings would appear so dim; that even though the sun is so high we cannot see the light because our eyes are blinded with problems and difficulties; our mind is constantly wandering; and our heart is deeply wounded. We should all remember that there is God who will forever be truthful to his promise. He is the reason why we should greet each morning with “Magandang Umaga.”

Let me end this post with a video of the song I See You Lord by Aiza Seguerra.

Mga Kapatid, Magandang Umaga! :)

.

.

Photo courtesy of Flickr (melaniemorgyn) and video from mindslife

Read More

True Love

The church was so full and the nearby streets were also crowded.

The people were either wearing black, white or yellow top.

Tears were outpouring in all places.

Even the erratic weather was not a barrier for the masa to pay their last respect.

These were the general scenes during President Cory Aquino’s funeral.It was full of emotion.

While watching the tv coverage of the final mass for Pres. Cory, there was one episode that I really find so touching. Many times the camera would focus Kris Aquino, Cory Aquino’s youngest daughter. In a very short scene, Kris was sighted carrying his youngest son Baby James. The sadness and sorrow was all over her face. Baby James stared at her then kissed her.

What is so special about Kris-Baby James scene?

Baby James is 2 years old. He knows nothing about what’s happening. But his innocence gave comfort (no matter how simple the gesture is) at the exact moment that her mom needed to be comforted. Perhaps that was Baby James way of saying “Mommy, I love you! Don't cry na..."

Read More

True Love

The church was so full and the nearby streets were also crowded.

The people were either wearing black, white or yellow top.

Tears were outpouring in all places.

Even the erratic weather was not a barrier for the masa to pay their last respect.

These were the general scenes during President Cory Aquino’s funeral.It was full of emotion.

While watching the tv coverage of the final mass for Pres. Cory, there was one episode that I really find so touching. Many times the camera would focus Kris Aquino, Cory Aquino’s youngest daughter. In a very short scene, Kris was sighted carrying his youngest son Baby James. The sadness and sorrow was all over her face. Baby James stared at her then kissed her.

What is so special about Kris-Baby James scene?

Baby James is 2 years old. He knows nothing about what’s happening. But his innocence gave comfort (no matter how simple the gesture is) at the exact moment that her mom needed to be comforted. Perhaps that was Baby James way of saying “Mommy, I love you! Don't cry na..."

Read More

Terrorism in Mindanao

3 teachers kidnapped in ZamboangaBy Julie AlipalaMindanao Bureau
Inquirer.net / 01-23-09

5 MILF, 2 soldiers killed in clashes in Maguindanao
By John Unson
philstar.com / 01-12-09

Basilan gov declares all-out war vs Abu Sayyaf
abs-cbnnews.com 07/01/2009 11:33 AM

MILF, government troops clash in Lanao and Cotabato Provincesluwaran.com / 05/26-09

Sulu govt urges war on SayyafBy Arlyn dela Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer / 07-12-09

Abu Sayyaf to be beaten by year-end: AFP spokesmanAgence France-Presse
Abs-cbnnews.com / 07-13-09

I desired to talk about the history of terrorism in some parts of Mindanao. But I am definitely not equipped with too much information about the issue. One thing I am sure of is that stories about seemingly endless violence in several provinces and cities of Mindanao is a mainstay in various broadsheets and tabloids, tv and radio programs and news online for so many years. It’s everyday news.

When I was in elementary, my Sibika and Kultura teachers taught us the different types of natural resources, the rich history and culture of the Philippines, and all other amazing things about our country. Even the wars during the Spanish era, the Japanese invasion and American advent didn’t matter too much. There was victory in the end. Ultimately, the wonderful pictures of the Philippines have greater impact in my memory. Of course that includes the marvels of Mindanao.

Today, the battle is no longer between Filipinos and foreign invaders. It’s Filipinos versus Filipinos in some parts of our country.

It is so devastating that as I grow up the pleasant image of Mindanao that I saw in the past is starting to fade. War hurts not only our economy but it also paralyzes the freedom of the native residents to live in peace and for the tourists to explore the beauties of the Philippine islands in the South.

I don’t know how the terrible situation will end. I just hope it will - very soon. I hope the next generation will appreciate Mindanao the way I saw it way back.

Read More