How to Help the Victims of Yolanda in the Philippines

On November 8, 2013 Philippine Time, Super Typhoon Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan) made first landfall in Central Philippines with relentless winds, torrential rain and dangerous storm surge. The typhoon has been called the strongest tropical cyclone in the world with sustain wind speeds of 315 kph (195 mph). The Category 5 storm's path traveled across the Visayas, which was devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake almost three weeks ago. The earthquake destroyed at least 50,000 homes and force thousands to live in tents. And those evacuees had to be evacuated before Yolanda made landfall.

The aftermath of Yolanda/Haiyan was utter devastation. An estimated 10,000 people were killed while scores are still missing. Yolanda's path of destruction was felt more in the island of Samar particularly the provincial capital Leyte and the city of Tacloban where 80 percent of the city was destroyed according to Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria. There are reports of looting as Filipino soldiers and police are being deployed to restore law and order while providing aid.  The town of Guiuan, Samar - where Yolanda made its first landfall - is said to be largely destroyed while UN said that the city of Baco was 80% under water.

President Benigno Aquino III has declared a State of National Calamity. The Philippines need your help.

How to Help:

• ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya - http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tulong
• Gawad Kalinga Operation Walang Iwanan - http://gk1world.com/typhoon-yolanda
• GMA's Operation Bayanihan - http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/videos/2013-11-11/162904/Kapuso-Foundations-Operation-Bayanihan
• Philippine Red Cross - http://ushare.redcross.org.ph/
• Feed the Hungry - http://feedthehungryphil.org/appeal-for-super-typhoon-yolanda-victims/
• American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod4650031
• CARE - http://www.care.org/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan
• Oxfam - https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=5626038469A8D6B9D4EDE80B5A443810.app244a?8300.donation=form1&df_id=8300
• World Food Programme - https://www.wfp.org/donate/typhoon
• UNICEF - https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=16500&16500.donation=form1
• US Philippines Society - http://www.usphilippinessociety.org/2013/11/09/super-typhoon-haiyan-yolanda-relief-efforts-in-high-gear/

There are many more organization that are accepting donations as well.

Rappler has an extensive list of organization accepting donations -  http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/43300-reliefph-victims-typhoon-yolanda-help
Sun Star has list of organization accepting donations - http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/11/10/list-orgs-accepting-donations-typhoon-yolanda-victims-313033

Crisis Map - http://google.org/crisismap/a/gmail.com/TyphoonYolanda

Google Person Finder - http://www.google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda

Pictures of the Devastation:

Before and After - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24899001
BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24887718

Sources:

ABS-CBN - http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/11/13/storm-chaser-says-typhoon-yolanda-scale
BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24901993
CNN - http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/09/world/asia/philippines-tacloban/

Travel: Malacanang of the North

Malacanang ti Amianan

Malacanang of the North or known as "Malacanang ti Amianan" in Ilocano was a former official residence in Ilocos Norte during the presidency of the late Ferdinand Marcos. It is also one of Ilocos Norte's tourism centerpieces

Built in 1977 on a 5-hectare property, the two-storey mansion is surrounded by lush vegetation and a magnificent view of Paoay Lake. The house was a gift from her wife, the former First Laday Imelda Marcos, during his 60th birthday.

The property was sequestered by the Philippine Government when Marcos was ousted from power in 1986. It was then given to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte after 20 years. It underwent series of restoration and renovation headed by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and was converted into the Malacanang Museum in time for the late president's 95th birthday (September 11).

It was an interesting experience visiting a house this grand and full of history. They have memorabilia and history of the Marcos era spread throughout seven rooms.

Study Room

The Study Room features the former president's book collection as well as various images and memorabilia. There is also an agriculture room which contains information about Masagana 99; Diplomacy room shows his foreign and international trade relations; Nation building room shows the various infrastructure programs including buildings, airports and bridges. OFW is tribute room to Ilocano overseas workers. Culture room shows cultural renaissance which was formerly headed by the former First Lady; and Family room that shows the former First Family.

First floor living room overlooking Paoay Lake

Manila Airport scale model

Books that are part of the library

Second Floor Living Room

Malacañang ti Amianan is open from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM daily except Mondays. Entrance fee of Php 20 for adults, Php 16 for Seniors and Php 10 for children.

Malacanang ti Amianan

Visited: December 2012
Address: Paoay Lake, Suba, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Related Links and Sources:
Wikipilipinas - http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Malaca%C3%B1ang_of_the_North
Town of Paoay - http://www.paoay.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=40
Philippine Information Agency - http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=331348040488

Travel: Paoay Church

Paoay Church is located at Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Roman Catholic church was started in 1694 and was completed in 1710. The church is an example of Earthquake Baroque architecture which is basically architecture made to adapt to the conditions of the area. And since Philippines lies on the Ring of Fire, the country is frequently visited by earthquakes. The architecture is demonstrated through its thicker and heavily buttressed walls and wider proportions.

The Church was also declared as a National Treasure by the then late President Ferdinand Marcos. In 1993, it was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the prime examples of Baroque Churches in the Philippines along with San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila), Miag-ao Church (Iloilo), and Santa Maria Church (Ilocos Sur). Site #677. The facade exudes Javanese architecture.

Paoay Church

We were lucky that the crowd a large crowd dissipated after a few minutes and gave me a chance to take photos of the interior of the church. The Parish was founded by Agustinian missionaries in 1593 and the cornerstone was laid in 1704.  The Church was damaged twice by earthquake in 1706 and 1927. 

One of the colorful windows of Paoay Church

The Church's tower was used as an observation post during the revolution and the Japanese Occupation. Its bell tower is made of coral stone and is detached from the main building. This was done to ensure the sanctuary is safe in case the tower collapses.

Church Tower

Visited: December 2012
Address: Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Philippines (Map)

Related Links and Sources
UNESCO World Heritage - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677
Heritage Conservation Society - http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/paoay-church/
Serial Tripper - http://serialtripper.com/2011/10/paoay-church-ilocos-norte/

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paoay_Church

His Name is Manny Pacquiao

Last night, Manny Pacquiao proved to the whole world that he is the best pound for pound fighter by demolishing Miguel Cotto to win the welterweight crown. Manny dominated the bout after the first round with the Pacman knocking Cotto down in the third with the right hook, which was unusual for the South paw. He knock him down again - this time with his infamous left hook - in the fourth and that spelled doom for Cotto as he was trying to survive the beating he was getting from Pacquiao. You could see that Cotto was bloodied and hurting by the ninth round that even his family left their ringside seats. By the tenth round, you could see that Manny didn't even want to continue to pound Cotto yet they fight continued on under Referee Bayless stopped the fight with just 55 seconds in the 12th round making Pacquiao the WBO welterweight champion.

This was Manny's seventh title in various weight class - a feat no other boxers has achieve - cementing his status as the best pound for pound fighter and pretty sure will be a future hall of famer. Despite all the glitz and fame that he is gaining, he has remained humble. Cotto was a true gentleman which was evident during his post bout interview saying he was truly beat by Manny and he just didn't see where his punches where coming from. I'm sure Cotto will bounce back and fight another day.

So who's next for the Pacman??? Everyone is pointing to Floyd "Moneymaker" Mayweather. That would surely be one of the greatest fight ever. This could be right on top with Ali - Frazier, Durant - Leonard, Gatti - Ward, Holyfield - Tyson.

In the words of Miguel Cotto: "Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters ever."