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…]

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. 

 

Samsung Connects You

 

 

Like most people living in Manila, I am part of the working community.  On the side though, I am part of the Philippine blogging community.  Maintaining a blog is not an easy walk, despite the love of writing and blogging.  Online presence is key to sustain content on a blog, particularly with the incredible growth of online communities and social networking sites.

 

Samsung joins today’s youth in acknowledging the need to be constantly connected to their circle of influence.  Recently, Samsung introduced three new phones that can capture the connection seekers in us.

 

Welcome the CorbyTXT (B3210), B3410 (SRP PHP 7,590) and the CorbyPRO (B5310) in the Samsung family.  Patterned after the successful launch of the Samsung Corby (S3653) in the third quarter of 2009, these new phones are designed to enhance the young consumers’ messaging experience.

 

Image grabbed from Ajay

Image grabbed from Ajay

 

Built with QWERTY keypads and pop-up social networking site messaging, these new phones allow for quick and easy messaging online and status updating.  Plus, updates posted online by friends can be automatically pushed to a user’s mobile.  Now, stay connected with friends even if you’re not plugged in!

 

The new Corby line also boasts of enhanced instant messaging capabilities. These phones provide for multi IM so that contacts from different instant messaging portals like Google Talk, AIM and ICQ can be pooled into one chat session.  Isn’t that fantastic? 😉

 

And, for SMS fanatics, the new threaded message feature of these phones allow for viewing the entire SMS conversation on the screen.  This is what I really need for work because most discussions should be documented.

 

And as if these were not enough, the New CorbyTXT, B3410 and CorbyPRO phones are all equipped with either a 2 or 3megapixel camera and communities application that enable the capturing of photos and instantly uploading to one’s Facebook, Friendster, Flickr and other popular online communities.  I personally love my new CorbyTXT B3210 (PHP 6,990) with smile, panorama and continuous shot option.

 

Image grabbed from Ajay

Image grabbed from Ajay

 

Last but not the least, the new Corby line also provides for mobile entertainment with their music player so users can listen to their favorite MP3s or radio DJ (FM radio capability) anywhere they go. 

 

Stay connected with friends and the online world while enjoying your favorite music, grab the latest CorbyTXT phones or watch out for the release of the CorbyPRO (PHP 11,990) in January 2010!!! 😉

 

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Ajay’s Samsung Corby Phones for the Youth

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

Meeting a Woman of Faith

 

It was a Thursday, which means a workday.  I remember that I almost begged off joining because I’ve already max-ed out my leaves because I took a 1-month leave for the study tour in Japan.

 

I was with someone else (SE) in 2006.  He said that I should take the opportunity to meet her because “it’s not everyday that we get invited to a trip like this.”

 

We arrived at her house in Times Street, Quezon City early in the morning.

 

I think it was Tita Ballsy who welcomed us initially and directed us to the kitchen where she was.

 

I see a yellow figure turn to greet us.  I am nervous.  I am awkward.  I am excited.

 

She first turns her attention to Tita (SE’s mom).   Then she greets SE fondly.  Tita introduces me.  I nervously return her bright smile.

 

It was the first time I met former President Aquino. 

 

She seemed to be always formal on TV. 

 

Serious. 

 

Tackling national issues are considerable matters after all. 

 

But that morning, she was like any ordinary person, simply offering us breakfast on the table and welcoming us to their home.

 

Genuine.

 

Her earnest personality transcends beyond television.  You can feel the sincerity in her eyes and smile.

 

She made cream cheese with caviar, a concoction she made herself.  We had it with some bread and it was really luscious.

 

She was cheerful and as sunny as her yellow ensemble.  I was feeling really timid being in the same presence of such prominence.  But the atmosphere around her was very light and easy.  With all that she has been through, it was an aura I didn’t expect.

 

 

Soon all of us load inside the van and we begin our travel.

 

She, Tita and Tita Ballsy talk all the way to the province of Tarlac.  Once a while, she turns to SE or me.  She asks me where I was working and I fumble in my answer.  Incredibly, I stammer even with the word, “Yes.”  She has that calming presence but I felt really humbled to be face to face with a democracy stalwart. 

 

As we reach the town proper, they familiarize us with the surroundings.  We had a quick stopover for lunch at Max’s.  Her being there equally astounded the wait staff but anyone can spot the Filipino pride in their eyes as they look at her.  She relentsto a reporter’s request for a short interview and some photos while SE and I look around.

 

We arrived at Hacienda Luisita and was greeted by Noy Noy, who personally toured us around the Ninoy Aquino museum.

 

 

At the end of the tour, we went to the mini-theater and watched in full screen a documentary about Ninoy Aquino and the hardships the family and the country had gone through to restore democracy.  The Aquino family’s sacrifice alongside the country’s support and unity rekindled my nationalistic pride and instilled appreciation for being a free country.  At the end of the short film were words of Teodoro Benigno (SE’s dad), former Press Secretary of President Aquino.  Tears fell remembering Tito.

 

I took a lot from that day –a monumental piece of Philippine history was left implanted in my mind while the national unity displayed was left valued in my heart.  How inspiring that despite what she has gone through, Tita Cory remained very simple and sensible.  At any given day, she can pass like any ordinary loving mother or Tita or lola.  When the country is in crisis, she was also our go-to-person for moral ascendance.  She was a source of strength for every Filipino.

 

August 1, 2009

 

Corazon Aquino, the Philippine’s first woman president who led the Filipino people toward democracy, died in the quite morning of August 1, 2009.  She succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 76.

 

I mourn not only for the loss of someone I was privileged to meet once in my life but my heart deeply cries for losing the woman who symbolizes hope for this country.  She was an icon of democracy, nationalism and motherhood.

 

She was a woman of courage and faith. 

 

It’s now time for every Filipino to carry the cross of the country for her.  It is in each one of us.

 

There’s still a good fight ahead. 

 

 

A Day with the President Album

 

Related Post

Manila News Today

False Reports on Cory Aquino

 

False Reports on Cory Aquino

 

The Aquino and Cojuangco families are already stricken with intense worry over former President Corazon Aquino’s health and definitely have no room for any additional worry particularly rumors that their loved one and the nation’s democracy icon has passed away.

 

The British Embassy in Manila sent to reporters a statement from Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown extending his deepest condolences to the family, which is undoubtedly careless and irresponsible.  This brought a text pandemonium saying that the President had indeed died.

 

 

Even if the British Embassy in Manila gave another statement sending their apology for such “pre-mature information,” it is utterly inexcusable that such scenario happened.  The families together with the whole nation are gripped with fear of losing a brave democratic stalwart to colon cancer.  It is reprehensible to diffuse hopes with a mistake like that.

 

The nation still continues to pray for the ailing leader’s condition as well as for the families to not waver in their faith no matter how trying this time is.

 

I love Cory and I admire her love for this nation.  She has irrefutable faith that carried on the strength for nation building.  It is time that we be strong in our faith for her -faith in her health, faith in God’s will and faith in this country.

 

 

 

 

Red in the Face (or somewhere else)

 

I just had the most embarrassing moment of my adult life.  I wish I can crawl under a rock and live there. 

 

Spent 3 hours at this poker club playing the card sport I like.

 

I had AdKd on the button and raised it to 120.  The small blind who has been as steady as a rock called and the big blind as well.

 

Flop: 5s 7d 10h

Small blind is first to act and he went all in with 250

Big blind calls.

I debated against it but I had over cards and redraw of flush so I called.  I thought both of them were all in.

 

Turn: 8d

BB bets 200.

I folded.

 

River: 9h

SB shows pocket of 6.

BB shows 10d and 6c.

 

Both of them hit the straight and split the pot.

 

I have another story of how my pocket of Aces got cracked too but I’m only prolonging my agony.  I had a bad night at poker.  I wish I can say period at this point.  I wish it ended there.

 

Bubba rang and it was my queue to go.  I played until the dealer button.  I had my chips changed at the counter.  The lady cashier says bye to me as well as the chip changer.  I bid them farewell with a smile, which they returned in kind.  Their constant congeniality makes me forget for a second my bad nights on the table. 

 

On the way out, I say bye to a poker buddy.  He looks back and says bye too and I exited.

 

As I was coming down the stairs, I felt my back was wet.  My suspicion emerges.  In the car, my phone beeps and I dread what my gut tells me…

 

My poker buddy sent an SMS: “It’s the time of the month huh?  Ingat pauwi.” 

 

The car was moving but I immediately got up the seat and asked Bubba to check.  Even before he opened his mouth, his eyes that’s usually chinito became otherwise, which told me everything.  I have to see for myself so I turn my head and see the red mark on my pants.

 

The red mark is as big as my hand!!!  How subtle.

 

It looked like China’s flag was on my butt!!!

 

 

I smacked myself on the head.  I cringe.  Cringe.  CRINGE.  CRINGE.  I kept cursing.  And I don’t normally curse.  Not even when a person gets me so angry.  I cursed my recklessness.  I smacked myself on the head again.  “Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe!!!,” I wailed.  He had a stern look on his face.  Oh no, I’m gonna hear a mouthful of why I didn’t do this or didn’t do that.  He let on a mini tirade.  He was mad because he felt bad for me.  Perhaps, he only doesn’t want people to make fun of me.

 

 

 

 

I paused and felt like a smile was creeping around my lips.  Why the hell was I about to smile, I thought to myself.  I wailed again.  Bubba, “you probably stained the chair.”  I wailed again like a wolf howling in the cold lonely night.   With my hands on my face, I kept shaking my head.  I cannot believe this has happened to me.  I am still shaking my head as I type this.  I wish now more than ever that I were born a guy!

 

 

The place was packed to the roof because there was an ongoing tournament as well.  The lady cashier, chip changer and at least 15 other people must have seen the red flag.  It was as loud as an ambulance on a mission.  I initially told myself that I wouldn’t care.  I do not know those people anyway and they are not important to me.  I am not important to them either.

 

 

Bubba told me that this is probably a sign that I should stay away from that place.  It’s so much easier to convince myself to never again show my face there.

 

 

Back in the car, I stared in space for a bit then cringed again.  Can one get tired of cringing?  I suddenly laughed to Bubba’s bewilderment.  I said I feel really embarrassed and angry… and SILLY!  I am now going to be remembered for the China flag on my butt.  I am now going to be the “BUTT” of the joke.  Every pun intended.  Such a nightmare but it was also an amusing circumstance.  It just so happens that I’m the miserable victim… which probably makes it funnier.

 

by the way, this is not MY b*tt

 

Misery loves company and my thoughts were initially filled by images of Edison Chen and HK.  Commercial break: I received confirmation today that bigger news are about to break loose.  The news reached me last week but I was a non-believer.  Somebody confirmed today that it’s true though.  HK and another K involved in a sandal.  Yes, a sandal video.  I’m not going to put a C there even if you paid me a million dollars.  You heard me right, sandal. 

 

SIGH.  There are worse scenarios than mine.  And definitely, there are far more important issues than sandals.  Is the administration manipulating us under our noses?  Charter change is one serious topic that gets my blood boiling.  But not this.  I cannot be angry over this night.  I find it quite funny on the contrary.  I’m sure the people at the Metro Card Club did too.

 

 

At least, I gave them a good laugh.  I was sick to my stomach but heck, I gave MYSELF a good laugh.  That counts for something.

 

I really don’t know what to make of it.  Saying that I do not care what those people think sounds defensive.  And there’s no reason for me to be defensive.  None has been offensive so far.  Earnestly, a huge part of me feels embarrassed.  My heart throbs at the image of them looking at my bloodied butt (and smiling secretly or laughing openly).  At the other end of the spectrum however, I am tickled by what a riot the whole scenario was.  It’s really interestingly hilarious to me! 

 

There are two different feelings.  Which do I pick?  Of course, the one that’s easier to carry every day.

 

In reality, I know that I will still continue to go to work tomorrow, eat three meals a day, love the people around me, and if I want to, play poker at the same place.  It doesn’t change who I am.  In my book, it just adds to another interesting (or icky) story to tell.  It became the catalyst that triggered this entry after all.

 

Image Source: Blood Stained Words

Image Source: Blood Stained Words

 

I feel so much better writing about it.  Writing is always such a release. 

Now, that’s about the end of it.  PERIOD.

 

 

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Scenes from The Potluck Dinner and Poker Night

Potluck Dinner and Poker Night

2009 Asian Poker Tour

Playing Poker

Texas Hold ‘Em Game

Poker Night at Metro Club