Typhoon Glenda and Preparedness

I find it a little strange how people can celebrate escalating winds and storm signals just to have work suspended or canceled. I appreciate holiday from work and would likely do cartwheels every time I get some bit of separation from it, but not at the cost of dangerous weather forecasts since a degree of risk, whether to us or other people, is always attached to it. PAGASA is always scrutinized being a work in progress (aren’t we all) but shouldn’t we all be silently praying that the storm changes direction and never hit any part of the country? Or do we just find satisfaction in proving someone wrong?

PAGASA reports that Typhoon Glenda as of 12pm today is at 40km northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar.

PAGASA advised the public to prepare and take pre-cautionary measures.

PAGASA urges public to constantly monitor weather updates.

PASAGA expects typhoon Glenda to intensify further with likelihood to raise storm signals to Signal #3.

Check Typhoon Preparedness Advisory from time to time.

Below are some practical preparedness tips we sometimes overlook, time to double check:

Keep all your mobile phones, laptops, and other communication means fully charged.

Disseminate information on weather and warning advisory to your family members, friends and colleagues. Check on them and ask them to go home already soonest possible time.

Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare food that need not be cooked.

Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.

Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.

Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, water, among others.

Typhoon Glenda is expected to hit Metro Manila this afternoon.

[Read more…]

Classes in All Levels and Government Offices Suspended Tuesday August 7, 2012 and TIPS for EMERGENCY

Classes in ALL levels (yes, including college) suspended. Government offices suspended work except those who provide basic services during calamities like this.  Our company also suspended work due to severe weather conditions and massive flooding.

Weather and Flood Updates:

As per PAGASA observed data (Science Garden:222.6 mm in 9hrs; Port Area:154 mm in 9 hrs)

During the passage of Ondoy: PAGASA Science Garden station(QC) measured 341 mm of rainfall in just a span of 6 hrs

Red warning signal was issued at 4:30 for Metro Manila. It means more than 30mm of rain in the next 2hours. Expect heavy flooding in low lying areas, response should be evacuation.

As of 1:00 AM, Marikina River water level is 17 meters now on 3rd alert. Force evacuation is implemented. #mmda

As of 6:50am, highway in Tarlac passable.

Streets near Quezon City Hall not passable.

Flood in North Fairview, waist deep.

Raining heavily again in San Juan.

Marikina River, 3rd Alarm

La Mesa Dam water continues to rise.

Obando, Bulacan FLOODED for more than 1 week

As of 7:08 AM, August 7, 2012, Tuesday:

8 Gate in Manggahan Floodway, OPENED

Some baranggay in BF Homes FLOODED, NECK-DEEP

18 Baranggays in Cavite, FLOODED

CAMANAVA area, WAIST DEEP FLOOD

Maceda and Tayuman in Manila, not passable.

Mandalay and Tumana, Forced evacuation.

Balintawak Exit, not passable.

San Mateo River, 2nd Alarm.  Forced evacuation.

Pampanga, Pangasinan, Laguna, Cavite, Tarlac, Batangas, NO classes in ALL LEVELS (including COLLEGE)

FLOOD around Manila City Hall, KNEE-DEEP

As of 7:20 AM

Twitter Updates: DOLE Sec. Rosalina Baldoz: Work in PRIVATE offices in NCR are suspended.

As of 7:40 AM

DOLE Sec. Baldoz CONFIRMS on LIVE interview on UKG that she has NO AUTHORITY to SUSPEND WORK in private offices and companies.  Private companies still has the DISCRETION / DECISION on suspension.

UKG has announcement billboard for work suspension in private companies (but to be verified by employees on their own through a number given).  For your own safety, just miss work today whether there’s suspension or not.

As of 10 AM

Malacanang has announced suspension of work in private companies in NCR.

TIPS:  START PACKING AN EMERGENCY BAG

SOME SURVIVAL TIPS: 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

Food

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

Items

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, CHARGE all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS TO CALL:

ABS-CBN Hotline 0928-5078592

[Read more…]

Bloomberg Television Features Steve Jobs, Who Dies at Age 56

Steve Jobs, one of the greatest of American innovators, died today at the age of 56.

 

Jobs, who resigned as Apple Inc. chief executive officer on Aug. 24, 2011, passed away today.  The creator of the iPhone who relinquished his position as CEO co-founded the company when he was 21.  Handing the CEO post to his hand-picked successor, Tim Cook, 6 weeks ago, Jobs became Apple’s chairman.  Yesterday, Cook released news about the iPhone 4S and today, this breaking news about the death of Steve Jobs.

The Former CEO battled cancer for years.  The tumor in Steve Jobs pancreas was found in 2003 and in 2004, doctors said that he only had 6 months to live but Jobs underwent pancreatic treatment.  In 2009, he had a liver transplant.   [Read more…]

Typhoon MEGI Expected to Hit Philippines Tonight

 

As of the PAGASA’s Press Conference at 530PM today, October 15, 2010:

Typhoon MEGI is expected to enter Philippines’ area of responsibility tonight.

 

Typhoon MEGI will reach the Extreme Northern Luzon by Monday afternoon.   Landfall expected around the same time.

 

Typhoon MEGI has maximum winds of 120 kph with gusts of 150 kph.

PAGASA advised the PUBLIC to prepare and take pre-cautionary measures.

PAGASA urges public to constantly monitor weather updates.

PASAGA expects typhoon MEGI to intensity further.

For weather updates: http://www.twitter.com/dost_pagasa

For the latest news: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Some safety/survival tips:

 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

 

Food

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

Items

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, charge all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

 

Hollywood Buzz

 

 

The Appren-tease in Jesse James Blindsided Sandra Bullock

 

I really liked Apprentice Celebrity Season 1 a lot and loved the clever Piers Morgan and his biting (but objective) tongue in it.  I caught several reruns of Apprentice Celebrity Season 2 and was intrigued by it despite not having as many strategic players as the first one.   Jesse James, 40, had a cool stance during the whole season and maintained his stand on not using his wife’s connections to get more money for their team projects.

 

Sandra Bullock, 45, was freshly minted with the coveted Oscar best actress awards several weeks back.  Nowadays, she’s back in the limelight but not for her acting chops in Blind Side, but because of Jesse James’ infidelity.  Not only with one woman –but with FOUR others.

 

 

The news broke when Michelle McGee told In Touch, she and James had unprotected sex once a week during their 11-month romance.  Soon after, more women came out dishing about their affairs with James.

 

Sandra Bullock broke her silence to People Magazine and denied reports that there’s a sex tape with her and husband Jesse in it.  “There is no sex tape.  There never has been one and there never will be one.”  Other than that statement, Bullock has remained quiet about her current relationship status with James.  Many speculate that she will file for a divorce.

 

 

Meanwhile, Jesse James also denied Internet rumors of a sex tape.  He said in a statement, “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

 

His lawyer reports that James is struggling to get back into Sandra’s good graces.  “When all is said and done, he wants the same people who were living in his house before all this happened to still be living there,” his attorney, Joe Yanny, said in a statement Monday. “And he wants to save his marriage with the woman he loves more than anything in his life.”

 

Ricky Martin is Gay

 

After so many years of keeping his personal life private, Latin pop star Ricky Martin admits in his book that he is gay.  In his official Website, Martin says that writing his memoir and his twins are what made him go public about his homosexuality.

 

 

 “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.  I am very blessed to be who I am.”  I think not a lot of people were surprised but it’s still a brave thing to come out in the open.

 

So Mr. PJ, when are you writing your book? 🙂

 

 

Dear Jane: BB Before CTC

 

 

I got another email today that really got me floating a few inches off the ground (step back David Blaine).  She seriously touched a gratifying part of my heart and I choked back a tear while reading her email.

 

 

Not that I’m stroking my ego (but yes, maybe I am, a bit.  I’m pretty down this week so I need to feed on the gushing positive vibe from this), but I’m going to share with you folks her email and I surely hope she doesn’t mind. 

 

 —————–

Between Bites Email (betweenbites@gmail.com)

February 17, 2010

 

Hi Jane,

 

I’ve been an avid follower of your blog ever since I bumped into it when I was researching about Yaw-yan. I was mostly interested in knowing about women who go into kickboxing or mma here in the Philippines. I wanted to encourage women who feel helpless in tough situations especially one that needs self-defense to try out kickboxing. Sadly though I had to stop yaw-yan because of my schedule. I work in a contact center as a trainer and most of the time, my schedule changes. I could be in the morning shift this week and graveyard the next week.

 

I always enjoy reading your blog and recommend it to people who want to read interesting stuff online. They in turn have become your followers too. What I love most about your blog is that it’s very personal and you allow us to experience what you experience in a whole new level. Before your blog, I always log on to www.clickthecity.com for what’s in and out. The difference is that I feel so detached and I don’t feel the writer’s personality in articles. I still check out their site but I always check your blog first now.

 

I want to start a blog just like yours but injected with my own personality. I’m currently in Cebu and there are so many places and experiences that I want to try out here and in Bohol that I just want to share them. You are so creative, smart and witty Jane and I don’t think I can be at par. I would like to know how you started, what motivated you and what keeps you doing it. If you were to ask me, I’ve started several blogs but never had the heart to keep doing it cause I felt lost most of the time. Not knowing on what to write and how to write. I needed something to motivate me and your blog has done just that. If you can create and touch lives just by writing in your blog I am definite that I can do the same. You see Jane, when I feel down or I need something to cheer me up, I sometimes go to your blog. Makes me feel that I can still be hopeful and that there are so many things to celebrate in life.

 

I kinda hesitated to write this email cause you might not have the time to read it but then I read your post on “Dear John” so I am sure that you would take the time to read your readers email. Well, I’m just dropping you a note to say Hi and thanks a lot!

 

Nadine

 
——–

Between Bites’ Response

February 19, 2010 

 

Nadine, it’s the third paragraph that blew me away.  Thank you for sharing a part of you particularly the long lost love of writing.  It’s not always easy to write and most of the time, I feel that I’m short-changing my readers when I write about some mundane or insignificant stuff that only I can actually relate to or find significance in.  I actually think I was a better writer back in high school or college because there were less distractions and for some reason, I had better writing technique.  Now, it’s just writing on top of my head or drawing inspiration from elsewhere.  Most of the time, a strand of happy vibe can already keep the writing fluid flowing.  And yes, YOU can definitely touch lives as well –just put your heart in it.

 

Most definitely, there are many things to celebrate about Life.  One just has to have the appetite to find the good in life.

 

Thanks for your heartwarming email, Nadine. 

 

—————–

 

Saying she reads Between Bites before Click the City has got to be the best feedback I’ve ever received (with love to CTC, of course!).  *Blush*  I also like the fact that she shared a lot about herself to me too.  I know it’s not always easy to put yourself out there. 

 

I have the urge to fly to Cebu and give you a TIGHT SQUEEZE! 😀

 

 

Your email really brought a ray of sunshine in my week –and emails I receive from readers like YOU inspire me to keep finding a bite of happiness from the food I eat, places I go to, weird scenarios I get into and people I meet. 

 

 

Big LOVE,

Jane

 

 —

Typhoon Ondoy: Helping Hand

 

Last Saturday, the backyard experienced half-a-foot of floodwater due to overflow of water and clogging of drainage.  My sister’s room, which was on the first floor had ankle-deep water.  We only found out when we opened her room.  She was stranded overnight in UST with other students, slept on the floor as food for the mosquitoes, exceedingly hungry and exhausted.  My dad got stranded overnight also in his office with water up to the 6th flight of the stairs.  His car got flooded to the roof.  A digicam and 2 phones busted.  We were lucky.

 

Yesterday, Bubba and I left the office early to buy and pack relief goods.  Extremely long lines in the cashier indicate that a lot of people are buying to donate and/or “panic-buying” for stock goods (since PAGASA expects another typhoon to hit Manila tomorrow, Wednesday).

 

It felt good to be there despite the chaos and sort out what donations are needed, primarily food like bread, biscuits and canned goods, and secondary like toothbrush, alcohol, etc.  This is one of the few times, I really wish I were rich -more money to spare means more money to provide for others.

 

 

Overhead the mom and daughter tandem in front of us bought items for donation amounting to quite a huge amount and never bothered to sign the slip –it is most heartwarming when people help in private, anonymously.  Silent in lending a hand.  Politicians can probably do the same. 

 

Not giving aid for the sake of the flashbulbs.

 

 

Note: If you’re shopping in Unimart, LSGH (La Salle Greenhills) has a donation drop-off point in the grocery area handled by students.  You can drop off donations there right after shopping or order directly from the admin (if it’s in big bulks) and just present the item sales slip to the cashier.  Any amount of donation and effort helps.

 

 

A lot of inspiring act of humanity and spirit of bayanihan seen during the calamity, both regular people and celebrities alike.

 

 

Blessed enough to be spared by Typhoon Ondoy, let’s HELP Donate!

 

 

 

List of Donation Centers and Assistance Centers

Google Compiled List of Donation Centers and Rental of Rubber Boat

 

**** This website is open for any public service announcements. 

Email betweenbites@gmail.com ***********

 

 

 

 

Survival Tips- Tyhpoon Ondoy and Other State of Emergency/Calamity

 

UPDATE: Sept. 29, 2009

 

List of Donation Centers and Assistance Centers

Google Compiled List of Donation Centers and Rental of Rubber Boat

 

08:34 AM – Restoration of electricity and water services to take at least a week.

08:40 AM – DepEd: Classes in NCR suspended until Wednesday

09:11 AM – Singapore/Japan Give Aid to RP

09:12 AM – 240 killed in the wake of Ondoy

09:21 AM- Napocor to release water from Angat Dam at 10am today -pre-release of water as precautionary measure of leveling the water (standard amount) since PAGASA expects a typhoon to hit Manila.

Angat Dam to release water: affected are Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit.

 

————————–

UPDATE: Sept. 28, 2009

 

12:30 PM – Number coding scheme suspended for one whole week.

1:25 PM – (RP from AdeMagnaye ) Red Cross Shaw has run out of donations. Nothing to repackage. For donations, text 0917 5370265, they can pick up.

1:30 PM – Rolio Golez confirms that SMS circulating regarding opening Marikina dam is not true.  There’s no Marikina dam.

1:50 PM – 5 Cainta subdivisions still in need of relief operations.

2:06 PM – Death toll reaches 100. 

2:06 PM – China donates $10,000 to Red Cross to help victims of Ondoy.

2:09 PM – Accdg to Jun Guidote, water continue to rise in Laguna due to high tide.  Relief operations ongoing in Laguna.

 

————————–

 

The wrath of Typhoon Ondoy devastated Metro Manila and its nearby provinces like Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga among others.

 

Hurricane Katrina was at 350 millimeters rainfall while Typhoon Ondoy at 412 millimeters.  The continuous downpour of 9 hours submerged most parts of the Metro including Marikina and Valenzuela.  9 hours!  Can you imagine?  Another manifestation of climate change that is really unnerving.  The documentaries on Nat Geo about Earth not surviving another million years haunt one. 

 

Image Source: Archiemedes Sy

Image Source: Archiemedes Sy

 

My officemate Karen just told me she saw in the news a dog trying to piggy back on a man’s back but the man shoved him off for survival.  Both are trying to survive.  How heart wrenching.

 

No one expected that in a matter of few hours, certain areas would be submerged in floodwater.  Big houses are not spared.  Celebrities and politicians weren’t either. 

 

Some survival tips:

 

1. Stock on food at home, car, office and in your bag.  No one knows how long this climate will last or when a state of emergency happens.  It’s always better to be armed with necessary stocks at home like:

 

Food

 

Bread -gives the carbo load you need in replacement of rice.  Rice still has to be cooked.

Biscuits/cookies –alternative to bread, sugar helps relieve pangs of hunger

Candies –the sugar will help ease acidity in case there are more eminent task at hand than eating

Canned goods (like corned beef, Vienna sausage, tuna, pork and beans, chili con carne, corn) –not easily perishable and ready to eat

Instant Noodles –are also ready to eat although it’s best enjoyed cooked.  Snack on the noodles like crackers.

Bottled water

Carbonated drinks/Coffee

 

Items

 

Flashlight and Batteries

Thick Blanket/Comforters/Mattress Covers/Pillows

Jacket/Sweaters/Socks/Caps/Rain Boots

Radio and Batteries

Umbrella/Tents/Mono Block Chairs

Towels

Knife, Candles, Matches, Plastic Wares, Plastic Utensils, Napkins, Plastic Bags

Empty plastic bottles

Lifesavers/Old Tires/Styrofoam

Big Pails

Slippers

Antiseptic/First Aid Kits/Medicine bags

 

**If possible, keep all items in one area or fit everything in one “EMERGENCY BAG,” so it’s easy to locate and grab.

 

2. Unplug all appliances (particularly on the first floor) and keep a watchful eye on refrigerator and electricity outlets.

3. Always have extra cash handy.  ATMs might not be available or accessible.

4. Improvised flotation device can be made out of empty Coke/Pepsi/C2/Juice/Water plastic bottles.  Just securely tie the plastic bottles together (4-10) and it can work as a flotation device.

5. If possible, charge all equipment necessary, emergency light, mobile phones (for communication), etc. 

 

** UPDATE ** There are enough volunteers in Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN, more donations are needed like cooked rice, bread, boiled eggs, etc.  Kindly bring donations to Sagip Kapamilya at #13 Examiner St. QC. 

 

 

 

 

Restoring Hope for the Nation: NoyNoy Aquino to Run for 2010 Presidency

 

Manila News Today: 09-09-09

 

Restoring Hope for the Nation

 

Sen. Benigno Aquino III, known to many as “NoyNoy”, the only son of former President Cory Aquino and national hero, Ninoy Aquino, officially announced this morning his acceptance of the people’s call for him to run for president in 2010.

 

 

Sen. Aquino made the announcement of his candidacy at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City –the very same site where former President Aquino took her oath as president in 1986.  It was also the same venue where Sen. Mar Roxas held a press conference to announce that he is making the ultimate sacrifice to give way to Sen. Aquino. September 9, 2009, is also the 40th day after the death of his late mother, the icon of faith and democracy.

 

 

Sen. Aquino, who looked calm and strong-willed, declared that he is accepting the voice of the people and will continue his parents’ fight to restore “real” democracy in the country.  He accepts the challenge to lead in this fight by running in the coming elections.

 

NoyNoy’s sisters, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris along with their families were present during the announcement, a strong sign of their full pledge support for NoyNoy’s decision.  

 

 

Liberal Party members Senators Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Franklin Drilon, Quezon Representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III, former congressmen Florencio “Butch” Abad and Nereus Acosta, former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and Leah Navarro of the Black and White Movement were also present.

 

 

Sen. Aquino generously welcomed a few questions from the media, to which he answered fearlessly and with conviction.  He also mentioned that he has offered Sen. Roxas to be his vice-presidential running mate and is only awaiting the latter’s decision on the matter.  Other items he mentioned that he will look at is education and the repetitive traditional books we feed the youth, re-establishing the justice system across all classes (poking at the current justice structure for the rich and well-connected) and restoring hope for the nation.

 

 

Nokia To Unleash N97 Mini!

 

Philippines’ leading mobile phone brand and the world’s largest maker of smart phones, Nokia was reported to have unleashed the newest in smart phones that can rival Apple’s iPhone and RiM’s Blackberry.  The three latest gadgets are set to be released in stores before 2009 ends. 

 

Image Source: http://www.fonearena.com/blog

 

Nokia N97 mini has a touch screen feature that also has Lifecasting function with the Ovi application, which allows users to update their account on Facebook through their mobile phone.  Nokia X6 and X3 are the hottest addition to Nokia’s music phone selection.

 

Nokia also announced that Microsoft Office software will be available on Nokia smart phones by 2010.

Manila News Today: August 10, 2009

 

$20,000 Gone in New York Minute

 

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her entourage allegedly dined at Le Cirque in Manhattan, a prestigious French restaurant in New York City during her recent US trip, New York Post online’s “Page Six” wrote,

“Philippines President Maria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was at Le Cirque the other night with a large entourage enjoying the good life… Macapagal-Arroyo ordered several bottles of very expensive wine, pushing the dinner tab up to $20,000.”

 Theoretical Breakdown of the Bill

Image Source: Spot.ph

Image Source: Spot.ph

 

 

Renato Reyes, secretary general of the militant group, Bayan, said that it is inappropriate for a Third World country president to wine and dine in such lavish manner given that the rest of the country is in the midst of a crisis. He asserts that the NY dinner certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth, at least for the rest of the Filipino people. The $20,000 is equivalent to almost 1 million pesos, an amount that can probably supply one township a year’s supply of rice or nourishment. 

 

PGMA’s camp claims that the report was exaggerated and that no taxpayer’s money was used.

 

Flash Your Age at HEAT

 

This is the celebration that won’t break your bank or catch the ire of Bayan group.

Birthday celebrants can enjoy great discounts at HEAT during their special day. Enjoy a dining discount equivalent to your birthday age during HEAT’s “Flash Your Age” promotion. It’s valid only on the exact date of the celebrant’s birthdate and will run from August 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009. A total of eight persons will be entitled to the dining discount. The celebrant must present a valid ID (i.e. Driver’s License, Passport, SSS ID only) with the birth date clearly shown to avail of the discount. This promo is not valid on public holidays and in conjunction with other promotions and privileges including Club Edsa, credit card discounts, rewards redemption vouchers, complimentary dining vouchers and special promotions. Prior reservations are required.

 

Image Source: Shangrila website

Image Source: Shangrila website

HEAT is also throwing in a complimentary birthday cake to the occasion. Share this privilege with family and friends. After all, what is a birthday without them? Flash It! Flaunt It! Age is no longer meant to be kept a secret at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

 

Vilma Santos Plays Cory in FilmBio, MMK Features Cory’s Bodyguard

 

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, the Star for all Seasons, is being eyed to portray the role of former President Cory Aquino. Vilma is running for reelection and is not allowed to have a movie shown or appear on TV longer than the permitted time setforth by the COMELEC. The launch of the movie would probably start after the elections next year if Vilma were tapped to play the role.

 

Image Source: Abante.com

Image Source: Abante.com

 

Maalala Mo Kaya, hosted by ABS-CBN’s President, Charo Santos-Concio, will do an episode on one of the two bodyguards of Tita Cory. The bodyguard, who delivered a touching eulogy during the necrological services at the Manila Cathedral, will have his story in the long running drama anthology.