Luzon July 16, 1990 earthquake

Monday, July 16, 1990, at around 4:26pm, the densely populated island of Luzon was shocked with a magnitude of 7.8 earthquake.

Looking back 25 years ago, I was a B.S. in Commerce freshman student of the University of Santo Tomas. I was in the 3rd floor of our building when the big quake took place. Blinds, chairs, tables and people were moving involuntarily. Classes were suspended and commuting was really terrible and walking was the best way to get home then.

It was in the news where I saw how devastating the July 16, 1990 earthquake was. Seeing those buildings crumpled, I can’t helped but thank God that it didn’t happened to the building where I was then because our school building was already old.

With the advisory of the PHIVOLCS about the coming of another big quake in Luzon, I just hope that people will really take seriously the necessary preparations needed to lessen the aftermath of the said “Big One.”

 

MNLF: Marwan still alive

Zulkifli Abdhir alias “Marwan” is still alive according to the spokesman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesman. Marwan and Basit Usman, a Jemaah Islamiyah bomb-making expert, were the subjects of the bloody police operation in Tukanalipao village in Mamasapano. But MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said Marwan wasn’t even in Mamasapano but actually in Lanao.

Both Marwan and Usman are said to be top members of international terror group Jemaah Islamiyah and the United States has offered a $5 million reward for him, while a $1 million reward has been posted for Usman.

Where's Marwan's body?
No info on Marwan's whereabouts: Iqbal
Marwan alive has serious implications: Trillanes

Alaska plane crash, 10 killed

A certain de Havilland DHC3 Otter air taxi crashed Sunday just after 11am at the airport in Soldotna. It killed 10 people on board, nine passengers and the pilot, according to Clint Johnson of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

NTSB: 10 Killed in Alaska Plane Crash

Pope Benedict XVI announces resignation

POPE BENEDICT XVI will resign on February 28. The surprised announcement was made by him last Monday citing old age (85 years old) as the reason. In a speech delivered in Latin at a meeting of cardinals in the Vatican, the German-born leader of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics announced his resignation after just 8 years of his service.

Pope announces resignation in historic move 

There are no official candidates as of now but here are “papabili” (potential popes) in alphabetical order that were most frequently mentioned recently and will probably change until the conclave is held most likely in March:

- Joao Braz de Aviz (Brazil, 65) brought fresh air to the Vatican department for religious congregations when he took over in 2011. He supports the preference for the poor in Latin America's liberation theology, but not the excesses of its advocates. Possible drawbacks include his low profile.

- Timothy Dolan (USA, 62) became the voice of U.S. Catholicism after being named archbishop of New York in 2009. His humour and dynamism have impressed the Vatican, where both are often missing. But cardinals are wary of a "superpower pope" and his back-slapping style may be too American for some.

- Marc Ouellet (Canada, 68) is effectively the Vatican's top staff director as head of the Congregation for Bishops. He once said becoming pope "would be a nightmare." Though well connected within the Curia, the widespread secularism of his native Quebec could work against him.

- Gianfranco Ravasi (Italy, 70) has been Vatican culture minister since 2007 and represents the Church to the worlds of art, science, culture and even to atheists. This profile could hurt him if cardinals decide they need an experienced pastor rather than another professor as pope.

- Leonardo Sandri (Argentina, 69) is a "transatlantic" figure born in Buenos Aires to Italian parents. He held the third-highest Vatican post as its chief of staff in 2000-2007. But he has no pastoral experience and his job overseeing eastern churches is not a power position in Rome.

- Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazilia, 63) ranks as Latin America's strongest candidate. Archbishop of Sao Paolo, largest diocese in the largest Catholic country, he is conservative in his country but would rank as a moderate elsewhere. The rapid growth of Protestant churches in Brazil could count against him.

- Christoph Schoenborn (Austria, 67) is a former student of Pope Benedict with a pastoral touch the pontiff lacks. The Vienna archbishop has ranked as papal material since editing the Church catechism in the 1990s. But some cautious reform stands and strong dissent by some Austrian priests could hurt him.

- Angelo Scola (Italy, 71) is archbishop of Milan, a springboard to the papacy, and is many Italians' bet to win. An expert on bioethics, he also knows Islam as head of a foundation to promote Muslim-Christian understanding. His dense oratory could put off cardinals seeking a charismatic communicator.

- Luis Tagle (Philippines, 55) has a charisma often compared to that of the late Pope John Paul. He is also close to Pope Benedict after working with him at the International Theological Commission. While he has many fans, he only became a cardinal in 2012 and conclaves are wary of young candidates.

- Peter Turkson (Ghana, 64) is the top African candidate. Head of the Vatican justice and peace bureau, he is spokesman for the Church's social conscience and backs world financial reform. He showed a video criticising Muslims at a recent Vatican synod, raising doubts about how he sees Islam.

USS Guardian @ Tubbataha Reef

What happened? What went wrong? What happened to US Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, and it ran aground the Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines on Thursday? It has been reported that the USS Guardian had come from a port call in Subic Bay and was on its way to Indonesia when the accident took place. At least 10 meters of the coral reef have been damaged. OMG! The US Navy blamed a faulty navigation chart data that may have misplaced the location of Tubbataha Reef for the grounding.

It is kind of confusing for a certain US ship to be involved in such kind of accident knowing the caliber of their equipment and technology and now they are blaming such for the accident. With regard to this sad news, all I want is for them to work out on the damages at Tubbataha Reef to restore and preserve again the said precious heritage site.

Tubbataha Reef damage getting worse 
Damage to Tubbataha Reef worsens
10 meters of Tubbataha Reef damaged by US ship
US Navy ship stuck in Tubbataha Reef

Search for 1st Filipino astronaut by Axe Apollo

In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first man to orbit the earth. In 1969, the Apollo 11 astronauts became the first men to set foot on the moon. In 2014, history will be made again, with the first Filipino flying to space. 

22 people around the world will be given a chance for the opportunity of a lifetime to take the ride of their lives in space, and one of them will be a Filipino. With the new spaceship of Space Expedition Corporation that can go over the Earth’s atmosphere in just 4 minutes, 22 qualified applicants will have a chance to be part of the team to ride in space on 2014.

Two Filipinos will be sent to the global space camp in Orlando, Florida to undergo several challenges and exercises and one of them will be fortunate to be on the trip. For those interested just log on to www.axeapollo.com before the end of mid-May.

 

Philex Petroleum & CNOOC on Recto Bank

Businessman Manny Pangilinan is inviting the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation or CNOOC for an exploration project in the disputed Recto Bank (Reed Bank). President Aquino sees no problem with the joint venture as long as it complies with the terms and conditions stipulated in the service contract. Pangilinan’s Philex Petroleum Corp. is conducting exploration in Recto Bank under Service Contract 72 thus CNOOC and other possible foreign partners must adhere in every aspect pertaining to the said contract.

Additional $75 million is needed to continue the exploration in Recto Bank, according to Forum Energy. Said bank has a potential of producing 16.6 trillion cubic feet of gas which exceeds the 3.4 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Malampaya natural gas project in Palawan.

Philex Petroleum to raise $75M for Recto Bank exploration
MVP: Philex to drill for oil at Reed Bank
Philex, Chinese firm discuss South China Sea gas project
Philex eyes Chinese partner in Recto Bank
Philex eyes partners for Recto Bank project

 

8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan

My husband gave me a call around past 3pm and informed me of the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan. He also told me that a widespread tsunami warning was made for countries in the Pacific. Unfortunately, my husband was in Legaspi, Albay with an Alert Level 2 warning for tsunami. Right now I am still awake and keeping in touch with him. When I turned on the TV as well as the radio, I can’t help but felt gloomy as I watched a big body of water smashed a coastal in Japan. Lives and properties were hit by such a high level of tsunami.

With all these happenings around the world, let us all live with love and respect for one another from now on. Forget greed, anger, power, selfishness and the evil deeds. It is high time that we care for each other, work hand in hand for a better future, take good care of our nature and live a life pleasing to God. God help us all.

Pres. Aquino climbs stairs @ Changi Water Reclamation Plant

“No problem.” This was the remarks of President Noynoy Aquino to the Singaporean officials who profusely apologized to him after the an elevator from Changi Water Reclamation Plant got troubled. The water treatment plant was the first stop for the day of the president but he was still all smiles after the incident. The president visited the facility to see how Singapore supplies its residents with clean water, while looking for ways on how the Philippines could adopt the system.

In this incident, the president not only showed his cabinet members but also the world that we must always keep our feet on the ground and at times sacrifice special treatments in the name of public service. Hearing the reports about the trip, I believed the meetings were successful and beneficial for both Singapore and the Philippines.

Singapore is one country to look for as an inspiration on how they progresses as a country.

Pinay nurse in ventilator accident

After a road accident, JAMIE MERRETT was paralyzed from the neck down. Now that after a Filipina nurse VIOLETTA AYLWARD accidentally turned off Merrett’s ventilator, he suffered brain damage. This is a big bad blow on the Philippine nursing community and hoping that Filipino nurses here and abroad will able to cope up.

Nurse in 'ventilator accident' a Pinay

Choreo Cookies won Enkore

The group CHOREO COOKIES from Encinitas with many Filipino members won the trophy in the recently concluded ENKORE dance competition. It was held last October 16 at the Long Beach Convention Center where 4 Southern California dance teams competed. Congratulations CC!

2010 Miss Universe is Miss Mexico

MISS MEXICO is Miss Universe 2010. Miss Jimena Navarrete of Guadalajara stands out among the 83 beautiful women. Our very own Miss Philippines Venus Raj is 4th runner up.

2010 Miss Universe National Costume

When I saw on TV the different national costumes of the 2010 Miss Universe candidates I can't wait to search the net and check on it. Amazing! Most are really gorgeous, some are simple and some are unidentified. Above are my favorites among the pictures I saw on the net. Good luck Miss Philippines!

Facebook now has 500 million members

Facebook is a proof that many people around the world engaged themselves in various social networking groups to have fun, connect with friends and strangers, play and more. This Wednesday Facebook now has 500 million members who are actively using the different applications of the site, chatting, advertising, information and awareness as disclosed by its founder Mark Zuckerberg.

As a member, I could say that I truly appreciate the creation of Facebook because it is where I encountered old and new friends, connect with my relatives & friends abroad interactively, play so many games, and a lot more.

Facebook membership hits 500 million mark

Filipina maid in Singapore inherits millions

A 47-year-old single woman who is a devoted Filipina maid to her medical doctor and philanthropist employer Quek Kai Miew inherited a hefty six million Singapore dollars (more than $4 million). The maid identified only by the pseudonym “Christine” received said inheritance after her employer died last year at the age of 66. Although the maid was told about the good fortune beforehand by her employer, she said that she will still live a simple life like before and not as a rich one.

Filipina maid inherits millions from Singaporean employer

William Burns to visit Philippines

US Undersecretary for Political Affairs William Burns will arrive for a two-day visit to the Philippines starting Tuesday. Aside from meeting the new Aquino administration, Burns will discuss ways to advance their cooperation to allied countries like Philippines. Also, he may reiterate the request of US President Barack Obama to visit him at Washington, D.C.

Ranking US official to visit RP, consult with Aquino gov't

UST wins 2010 Choir of the World Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize

The UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS Singers won the “Choir of the World – Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize" at the 2010 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, in Wales, UK. The singers made history in the oldest and most prestigious choir competition in the world. It’s the second time for the group to win the same award way back in 1995. Congratulations fellow Tomasians!!!

UST Singers bag 2010 'Choir of the World' prize

7.0 Haiti quake

The horrific Haiti quake shocked the world as over 100,000 of people feared to be dead. A massive 7.0 earthquake stroke Haiti last Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) causing schools, offices, hospitals and other buildings to collapse leaving dead trapped from the ruins. The massive destruction in the city of Port-au-Prince resulted from immediate action from across the globe to provide help in searching for the survivors of the quake, as well as medicines and food.

100,000 feared dead in horrific Haiti quake
Pat Robertson blames 'devil pact' for Haiti quake
Govt keeps close eye on Pinoy peacekeepers in Haiti
UN Haiti peacekeeper chief believed dead in quake: French FM

Vote Efren Peñaflorida @ 2009 CNN Heroes

Help support Efren Peñaflorida to be the 2009 CNN Hero. Voting continues until Thursday, November 19, 2009 (6 a.m. ET). There is no limit on the number of times you may vote for the Hero of the Year.

ABOUT THE GROUP
Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) is a group of concerned young people with a mission of making a small yet significant difference in other people’s lives, particularly the small children in slum areas who have no access to education, basic hygiene and sometimes, even love from their families. The group was founded in August 1997 by four teenagers from Cavite National High School. The initial group made up of around 20 members started as a friendship club which aimed to divert the attention of students from joining violent gangs and notorious fraternities that were thriving on the campus. Their major platform then was to cater youth awareness projects, talent and self development activities, and community services. Today, the group holds different activities to address these issues.

TOUGH BEGINNINGS
In 1999, Efren “Kuya Ef!” Penaflorida Jr. who is living near the city dump site and one of the group’s founder, began to reach out to slum kids. This marked the emergence of the “Kalingain Batang Mahirap” (Care of Impoverished Children), DTC’s feeding project for children who scavenge for left-overs and spoiled food from the dump site. The group had a hard time involving older people to the cause and so they trained themselves to be self-sufficient enough to teach the young kids themselves. The group was able to support itself and its projects by showcasing their talents in staged concerts and performances; and by selling old newspapers, bottles, and recycled products. This enabled DTC to train more potential youth leaders and eventually led to a purchase of a pedicab for its literacy and feeding projects.

TODAY
With the training and supervision of Kuya Ef who is now a professional educator, DTC has indeed come a long way. Their mission to teach unschooled, labor-exploited and neglected street children is slowly being realized today. The group also conducts weekly feeding, first aid treatment of scabies and wounds, and values formation activities through their K4 Project (Kariton Klasrum, Klinik at Kantin). Hygiene and first aid skills are supervised by registered midwives and professional nurses who are DTC Alumni.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The fruits of their labor are slowly being reaped as former drug users and petty thieves who were reformed through their projects are now also serving as volunteers. Former scavengers are now in school and are helping to raise funds. Some of the children who remain unschooled are now able to read and write. DTC was able to reach thousands of children through their Mind Your Rights (MY RIGHTS) campaign and through their health-literacy work.
In 2007, they launched the “WE ARE THE CHANGE” campaign to inspire people to be the catalyst for change – in what they want to see in their home, community and the world we live in. For they believe that real change happens when we begin to touch one soul and change one heart at a time.

Michael Jackson's burial @ Forest Lawn

Finally the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will be buried near Los Angeles on Thursday evening, 70 days after his death, and authorities are going to tighten the securities to ensure he will rest in peace. The historic cemetery at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the city of Glendale, where the pop star will be laid to rest, has been closed to all but members of the Jackson family and friends attending the 7 p.m. PDT (0200 GMT Friday) funeral.

Jackson will be in stellar company at Forest Lawn, a stately park dotted with elaborate mausoleums and rolling lawns. Celebrities buried there include Walt Disney, singers Sam Cooke, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat "King" Cole, and Hollywood icons Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable.

Jackson died of a drug overdose on June 25, at age 50, in what the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled last week was a homicide.