Typhoon Safety Precations

Basic Disaster Supplies

Water

You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

To keep water safe, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Here are some basic food items:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)

Staples -- sugar, salt, pepper

High energy foods -- peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix

Vitamins

Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs

Comfort/stress foods -- cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

First-aid kit

Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first-aid kit should include:

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Scissors

Moistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tongue blades

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medication

Antacid (for stomach upset)

Clothing, bedding, sanitation

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Have a pair of sturdy shoes or work boots

Rain gear

Blankets or sleeping bags

Personal hygiene items

Plastic garbage bags, ties

Plastic bucket with tight lid

Disinfectant

Household chlorine bleach

Tools

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Cash, change

Nonelectric can opener, utility knife

Matches in a waterproof container

Aluminum foil

Plastic storage containers

Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

Whistle

Plastic sheeting

Map of the area (for locating shelters)

CONDITIONS OF READINESS

Condition of Readiness 4

Damaging winds may arrive on the island within 72 hours

What this means: day-to-day activities are normal

Condition of Readiness 3

Damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours

Review, update your family disaster plan

Buy and replenish supplies for your disaster supply kit

Fill up car(s) with gas

Secure outdoor objects

Prepare household for long term power and water loss (laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.)

Tune into radio and/or television

Condition of Readiness 2

Damaging winds may arrive within 24 hours

Close and secure shutters

Fill containers with water

Move vehicles to a secure and protected area

Review family disaster plan with entire family

Seek emergency shelter if home is not fully concrete or prepared to withstand damaging winds.

Tune into radio and/or television.

Condition of Readiness 1

Damaging winds are occuring or expected within 12 hours

Only mission essential personnel and vehicles are allowed outside

Tune in to weather news

TYPHOON TERMS

Depression: General term for a low-pressure tropical weather system with rotary circulation and accompanying rain.

Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.

Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with rotary wind circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph.

Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with distinct circulation and wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.

Typhoon: A tropical cyclone with strong pronounced rotary winds and maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph.

Supertyphoon: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained wind speed in excess of 149 mph.

BEFORE A STORM

Securing your home

Seepage: Cover beds and other items with plastic to protect from water seeping in around windows and doors.

Surge: Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.

Kit: Stock up on supplies such as candles, batteries, fuel for stoves and lanterns, toiletries and disposable plates and flatware.

Organize: Arrange flashlights, lanterns, candles and lighters in places where adults can easily find them.

Water: Have several gallons of purified water on hand.

Debris: Secure all loose items such as garbage can lids, potted plants, gardening tools and other materials that could become airborne during high winds.

Tin: Tie down tin-covered roof extensions with cables.

Flood: Do not put valuable items and appliances on ground level to protect them from any flooding.

Power: Have the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters raised above the flood level for your area. This way, if your home floods, water will not damage your utilities.

Buy typhoon insurance: If you have one, make sure it is current.

Securing your car

Fuel: Fill your vehicles' tanks with gas.

Cover: If you do not have a covered garage, move your vehicle away from trees or structures that may topple or collapse.

Insurance: Check with your insurance provider if typhoon damage is covered. If you paid for a premium that covers only liability, it is likely you do not have typhoon insurance coverage.

Securing your business

Contact: Keep emergency phone numbers on-hand. Business owners should designate a contact person who will communicate with other employees, customers and suppliers.

Windows: Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces in the home or business. Plywood shutters --1/2-inch marine plywood -- can also offer protection from flying debris.

Insurance: Review insurance policies before the storm hits. Business interruption insurance, which replaces income lost during downtime caused by a covered peril, should be considered.

Records: Keep financial records and other documents in a fire- and weather-proof location. If they're in a computer, make sure you have backup files.

Inventory: Move your business inventory and equipment to a place that will keep it safe from rain and flooding.

DURING A TYPHOON

Stay inside and away from windows. Watch television or listen to radio bulletins. If you are in a low-lying area or do not have a concrete home or storm shutters, consider seeking shelter elsewhere.

Stay inside, even when the eye of the typhoon is passing and all appears to be calm, as heavy winds will soon follow from the opposite direction.

Fill in holes around doors with old towels or blankets; if these gaps are left open, it may lead to flooding.

Turn off and unplug all appliances. Shut off the main gas valve and power switch. Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.

AFTER A STORM

Be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood or severe storm:

Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.

Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house's power supply is disconnected.

If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.

Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case of falling debris.

Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.

Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.

STAY INFORMED through internet, television or radio...

What I felt lately...

Sunday: ATP Wimbledon Finals

The match was indeed an epic final BUT it cannot be compared to the 2008 ATP Wimbledon Finals between Roger and Rafa. But last night, I almost had a heart attack and I couldn't even go to the bathroom especially on the fifth set. I was actually rooting for Andy Roddick despite being a Federer fan.

Tuesday: Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

I was crying like a baby the whole time I was watching it. The performances and the speeches made by his family, closest friends and fans moved me.

Notable Quotes;

"Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you. I will treasure the good times, singing, dancing, laughing. We will never understand what he endured... being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe, now, Michael, They will leave you alone."
-Marlon Jackson-

"Michael always knew he could count on me to support him or be his date. We had a bond and maybe it was because we understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a very, very young age. I used to tease him and say, 'I started when I was 11 months old. You're a slacker. You were like 5? Both of us needed to be adults very early but when we were together, We were two little kids having fun. MJ's laugh was the sweetest and purest of anyone I've known. -Brooke Shields-

"This is a moment that I wish that I didn't live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I don know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel - and we do - that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more."
-Stevie Wonder-

"When he did his iconic walk, I was shocked. It was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended too soon, Michael's life was beautiful."
-Barry Gordon-

What broke my heart is when Michael Jackson's daughter Paris said in public for the first time.
"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him - so much."

Goodbye MJ, The King of Pop.

Michael Jackson is dead.

Yes, It's true.

After almost four decades of his highly publicized personal life and his succesful career in the music industry. Michael Jackson (The King of Pop and Wacko-Jacko) has finally found peace.

He started his career as a five-year old talented boy together with his brothers Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon and Randy (replacing Jermaine in the later years) as the Jackson 5.

I remember seeing his famous moonwalk and singing his songs as a child. Man, It was infectious... LOL!

But his great talent and genius performances have been overshadowed by child sexual abuse accusations, Unsuccessful marriages, drug addiction and faulty plastic surgeries.

His planned comeback concert was scheduled next month but now it'll never happen. MJ had a cardiac arrest at his home on June 25, 2009. He was 50 years old.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

"Music has been my outlet, my gift to all the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever." -Michael Jackson-

Yes. His music will live and his memory will forever be remembered.

111th Philippine Independence Day

The Philippine Declaration of Independence occured on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. (formerly known as Cavite El Viejo)

With the public reading of the Act of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence, Filipino Revoutionary Forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the sovereignty and Independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, which had been recently defeated at the Battle of Manila Bayduring the Spanish-American war.

Today, Even after One Hundred and eleven years, We still celebrate this special day in the lives of Filipinos around the world.

I remember clearly as how Independence Day celebration would be like when I used to be in school. There would be parades, floats, balloons, treats, food, concerts, sale and whatevers.

It is a different experience each year for me.

And this year, I have again joined the wonderful Embassy Choir called "Koro Filipino".

KORO FILIPINO, is a choral group founded by the former Vice Consul of Cambodia.

I have been with the group since 2006. And I saw many members come and go. And it kind of made me sad but meeting and having new friends were such reasons for me to stay with the group. Plus, I get to do what I like most. Which is Singing!!!




These are some photos I took during the event.


Clockwise from left: The Ambassador with the cutting of the cake, Koro Filipino singing "Lupang Hinirang", The National Anthem of The Philippines. Ballroom dancers guests from Manila. The Cambodia Philippine Dance Troup dancing Tinikling.


Goofy Moments and some Photo-Ops;





I even did...




Pinoy... Bingo... Night!!!

(Explains the whole look, right?)

Ginumis

On a hot summer day...

I've decided to make Ginumis...

Ginumis is a textured treat made by layering pearls of sago (tapioca), Colored cubes of gulaman (gelatin), perhaps some tiny balls of fruit, and tasty roasted pinipig (immature glutinous rice pounded into flakes) , then pouring panocha syrup and coconut milk over the stuff and eating the concoction parfait-style with a spoon, or stirring together into a delicious slurry before consuming.



I discovered Ginumis while I was on vacation in the Philippines, introduced by my bestfriend in my lovely hometown, Daet. In this very small restaurant called Tippy Toppy. This was two years ago and I've been craving on since then.



Ingredients:

3 ripe mangoes
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup cooked sweetened tapioca (sago)
2 pandan leaves (or vanilla essence)
4 tablespoons of sugar (or honey)
(you can also add other spices like cinnamon or anis)

But because there are no mangoes available at home. I've decided to use peaches instead.

(Canned peaches)

Instructions:

Cut mangoes (or peaches) into small cubes. Set aside. In a pan, pour coconut milk, pandan leaves and four tbsps. of sugar. Let it boil. Turn off the fire immediately. Choose a beautiful and presentable glass for this dessert. Start by putting a layer of sweetened tapioca or sago, followed by a layer of sliced mangoes (peaches). Pour your coconut milk. Let it stand in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.

Nadal's injury... will he be able to play in Wimbledon?

I have not seen Nadal since he got beaten by Robin Soderling at the Roland Garros a few weeks ago. He has insertion tendinitis, A chronic knee injury which he had been suffering for many months now.

While Rafa continues his treatment, we’d like to share with you this beautiful quote about Rafa Nadal from the seven-time Wimbledon champion and tennis legend, Steffi Graf:

“If you watch Rafael Nadal play tennis, you can only respond with amazement and great admiration. He is an incredible athlete with so much discipline, so much concentration and someone who likes to put a lot of passion into every point”.

“Words fail to come out of me to describe his game appropriately. I've rarely seen anyone who approaches a ball with so much attention. With such passion and joy that it makes it great fun to watch him. With him, you can associate everything that makes tennis so beautiful,” said Steffi to the German ‘Abendzeitung.de’ online newspaper.

http://www.abendzeitung.de/sport/tennis/111662

Meanwhile, I'm also overwhelmed with Roger Federer's victory and winning his first French Open Title and finally getting his 14th Grand Slam title, tied up with Pete Sampras. Although, I could say that the Finals of the French open 2009 was quite boring. No offense to Mr. Soderling but, Would anybody agree with me that having Nadal and Federer on the Finals is the highlight of every tournament?

Great Minds discuss Ideas; Average Minds discuss events; Small Minds discuss people.

With all the chaos going on....

What disappoints me much is people making a big fuss over a sex video of this doctor turned celebrity in the Philippines, Dr. Hayden Kho and a Filipino actress, Katrina Halili.

SO WHAT???!!!

As if it's the first time this situation has ever happened. Right? Not only this two people have done this. It's such just a shame that it came out. Whoever made the video public, should be the one to pay.

And what's sad is that a lot of people are still buying those videos. Not only in the Philippines, but here abroad as well.

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk...

At this instance, I remember this quote I came across to when I was still in school.

"Great minds discuss Ideas; Average minds discuss Events; Small minds discuss People."

This only shows how many people have such small minds.

Too Bad... :-(

being Rafa...

As a young girl, I never considered myself as a sporty type of person. I despise my P.E. subjects. It felt more of an obligation rather than enjoyment.

But of course, I played sports like badminton or table tennis but I did it only because some of my friends were playing it. Also I liked doing other stuffs like shopping, sleeping, eating or hanging out rather than spending time sweating out. yeech.

Somehow, People do change. I'm now enjoying sports. I love sports. I love watching sports. I wait for NBA Play-offs. I stay up late watching Tennis Tournaments, I even watch the Olympics.

And hell yeah, I watch Manny Pacquiao fights.

I've appreciated basketball since I was in my teens but never did I became so obsessed with these sweaty guys in their jerseys. Whenever I see tennis tournaments, I only notice how neat and cute their outfits are.

But now, I'm an uber sports fanatic. Especially Basketball and Tennis.

My favorite NBA team is the L.A. Lakers with my forever MVP, Kobe Bryant 24

Former ATP World number one and ranked number 2 since August 2008. The tennis genius, Roger Federer.

And the uber hot with the nice ass hehe current ATP World Number one, Rafael Nadal.

Yup! I sooo adore them. I'm an uber uber fan of both sports. It somehow helped me appreciate sports even better. Hehe.

A billiard babe??? Am I too serious or what? Nah... maybe in the future. I will be.

Becoming the next Nadal??? Hehe! I wish. Maybe... Hehehe

What does uber mean? Uber... meaning Super, over, grabe, sobra.

The Unborn baby that I super love...

My sis is expecting their first baby by December of this year. Finally! Yey! That only means...

I'm going to be an aunt. I'm uber excited!!!

Introducing...

My unborn "pamangkin" in its very first photograph. :-D







Isn't it so obvious that I am so proud? I Can't wait to see this baby!!!

Mom's Day...

A mother laughs our laughter,

Sheds our tears,

Returns our love,

Fears our fears.

She lives our joys,

Cares our cares,

And all our hopes and dreams she shares.

To mom,

Thank you for bringing me into this beautiful world.

For always supporting and guiding me,

For the love and care.

Mom, I thank you not only by all these.

But having you as a mother is everything I need.

I love you.

Happy Mother's Day.

To all the mothers out there,

THANK YOU!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

(Mother's day is largely celebrated every second Sunday in May (though there are other dates for it too).

Due to different time zones, it still might not be Sunday is some parts of the world.

But it's never too early to say THANK YOU to our Mom's anyway. ☺☺☺

Zorro's Goodbye.

As I'm writing this blog, Tears still can't keep itself from falling.
My eyes are too swollen to see what I'm doing but I want to finish this entry while all the strong mix of emotions are present.


My dog Zorro got sick last night. I was so scared and sad for I knew that he might die. I couldn't sleep the whole night for I keep checking on him. He was already doing well and I could say at that moment that he would make it. He would be okay and that everything would be fine. Or so I thought.

Early this morning, Zorro wasn't too well. His temperature had gone up and he wasn't responding at all.
As we were on our way to the vet's clinic, I saw the life on Zorro's eyes slowly fading away. It was such a sad moment for me.

Though I knew that my beloved puppy is gone, I still didn't give up. We still went to the vet. Silently hoping that there would be a way to revive him.

But there was none. There was no way he could've make it. It was perhaps his time.

What makes me sad is I feel that I lost Duchess all over again. Zorro was my dog's puppy and when she died. I promised myself that I would take good care of her puppies so that I still have her eventhough she's gone.



But I have to face reality. He's gone and I have to move on. I'm gonna miss him.


As what my mom always say, Pets sometimes die to save its owner's family from sickness or even death.
It may be true. So eventhough he died, I still have many things to thank him for.

The happiness he gave us and perhaps saving a member of the family.

ZORRO

November 2008 - 24 April 2009

Lovin my Bob

I'm naturally adventurous when it comes to trying out new things. I have the tendency to get bored and tired of having the same look each time. I like change.

Take my hair for example. I've had bangs, from mid cut to long layered hair and I even had my already straight hair straightened. :P but it still were not enough change.

And so, I had my naturally Medium Brown hair dyed burgundy.

Yesterday, I had a haircut.

I decided to follow this season's so called the new "bob cut".

A "bob cut" is a short haircut in which a weighted area is left to fall between the ears and chin. It became modern for women in the early 1920s, and in the 1970s it became popular as a men's style.

According to wiktionary.org, a bob haircut is defined as a women's haircut in which both the bangs and back are cut in a straight line, with the back generally off the neck.

Almost everyone in Hollywood has this hair. From Posh to Kat.

Even Kris Aquino has this cut.

I admit, I am pretty scared of cutting my hair short and end up looking totally weird.

Well, it has been eight years since I last had this ugly-looking short hair. SHHH!
(It was my mom's idea)
That was summer of 2000. Sob!

It wasn't really that bad. Actually, It was quite cute.

But when you're young, especially when you're in you're teens and you're in highschool.
God!
Everyone has this image of having long black hair as cool and beautiful.

I really can't forget my friends reaction when they saw me with my new haircut that day. :-(
It was like " Girl, What has gotten into you?"
I remember how I tried so hard had to pretend I liked my new hair. (Hehehe)
And seeing my pictures then, grrrr!!!! I hated it.

So right then and there. I told myself, I will never dare try to cut my hair short ever again.

Well, I guess I ate what I said. Hahaha!

I asked my hairdresser Phalla to cut my hair exactly as Hayden Panettiere's.



Ta-Da! Introducing my new haircut!


I'm happy to say that I finally had the courage to cut my hair short. And I'm soooo happy with the result!






I've made a practical and good decision to cut my hair because It is summer and it's really "hot".
Still I managed to be stylish and beautiful. hehehe!