Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana): Missing Stories

I heard two alleged stories still relating to Ondoy:

Jollibee in Bulacan
They said during the typhoon and when rain was heavily falling; everyone inside a Jollibee in Bulacan were all electrecuted. They said this happened when the water (flood) suddenly rose.


Prisoners
They said there's a news blackout about 90 or 900 prisoners in Metro Manila who died because of the typhoon. Come to think of it.. I don't think we have prison cells with second floor?? so what happened to them? any idea?



hmmmm, how true are these stories?

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana): Help Brigade

My mom was sobbing and crying hard. She feels for everybody who were affected by the recent typhoon. She said she can't watch the TV anymore - bad news everytime; of dead people, of missing ones, no food, no water, no house.

I have nothing but praises to everyone who helped and will be helping our kapwa Pinoys. Nakakagulat at nakakatuwang isipin, marami pala ang kayang magbigay - big and small companies and business establishments, students, regular workers, foreigners, even our kababayans in far east and west. Saludo ako. Our company has also put up 'Operation Ondoy' and is soliciting donations.

ABS-CBN started with Sagip Kapamilya since yesterday, 7-11 is also accepting donations, Gawad Kalinga, GMA 7, Unicef, Red Cross, AFP, and maybe many many others.

With everyone's help.. makakabangon din tayo.

residents waiting for relief goods

photo courtesy of boston.com - REUTERS

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana): Deep Deep Waters of Metro Manila

Sunday afternoon when our electricity went back, we immediately turned on the television for news. We then realized that Metro Manila, particularly Marikina, Pasig, Rizal, QC, and Taguig were severely damaged by Ondoy.


Pag-Asa said that the amount of rainfall we had is equivalent for that of a month. That's the biggest factor why hundreds and hundreds died and thousands of families are now homeless. My family are still blessed. My prayers go out to everyone.


pictures courtesy of boston.com

Ondoy hit Manila

This is how we spent our Saturday.

I work in a call center, so my normal sleep is always in the morning. Every end of the week I would always stay up late as much as I can, sleep for 12 to 14 hrs straight and then jut wake up the next day. Arriving from work around 7:30AM, I slept by 9AM.

I don't know how I was awaken but by 3PM I was awake -- ah! I remembered, it was brownout. It was also raining as expected, but what truly caught me was the flood inside the house. Bahang baha na. I was so shocked because we don't get this much. For the years we've been living here, we only get up to our ankle, and that also means it's probably waist deep (even more) already on the main street. My siblings who were still relaxed convinced me to get up from bed to help lift our things.

Here are some random photos I took:

It was probably one of the most disgusting, uncomfortable, inconvenient experience one has to go through - not including the cleaning!

But I didn't know that the rest of Metro Manila experienced worst than we did.

Blackberry Javelin & Rai Rai Ken

I got a new toy today.

For a while, I've been using my father's phone and number and I haven't felt the need to change until this month.

I totally wanted samsung SGH-i780. I started with a nokia, then motorola, then ericsson - which was my last phone and so I thought samsung is nice to be my next one. But according to the site which I'm supposed to get it from, phased out na daw. Hayz. I like this because it's a smartphone - has gprs, wifi, touchscreen with a qwerty keyboard.

I researched a bit and soon enough I concluded with blackberry 8900/ Blackberry Bavelin. Hmmm, I'm not totally satisfied - if I only knew. Hehe. Anyway, I don't have money to spare again and change - let's see next year. :)

After I got my phone, Marvin and I dined in Rai Rai Ken - SM Megamall. Please follow my post here - reyanefoodhaven.blogspot.com



Ciao! :D

Ginataang Papaya with Shrimp

I had a blast eating dinner last night - not only that I was able to watch Teleserye's while eating, Papa cooked something delightfully satisfying.

Read more here - http://reyanefoodhaven.blogspot.com




Thanks to my sis for making me a contributor on her food site.
Lovely! :D

Mayweather vs. Marquez '09

featured in YAHOO SPORTS

Mayweather pummels Marquez in ring return
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Floyd Mayweather Jr. returned to the ring with another emphatic victory.

Maybe next time he’ll pick on somebody his own size.

Mayweather overpowered the smaller, lighter Juan Manuel Marquez for an unanimous decision Saturday night, maintaining his perfect record in his return from retirement and a 21-month ring absence.

Mayweather knocked down Marquez in the second round and then peppered him with countless damaging shots to remain unbeaten (40-0, 25 KOs).

“Marquez is tough as nails,” Mayweather said. “He’s a great little man. He was really hard to fight, and he kept taking some unbelievable shots.”

Marquez (50-5-1) was a 130-pounder just 18 months ago, but the Mexican champion moved up two weight classes to be Mayweather’s hand-picked comeback opponent at the MGM Grand Garden. At Friday’s weigh-in, he was four pounds lighter than Mayweather, who paid a $600,000 penalty for missing the bout weight of 144 pounds.

The size disparity was painfully obvious from the opening bell, but Marquez stayed on his feet for 12 one-sided rounds.

Mayweather had an astonishing edge in punch stats, landing 290 of his 493 blows (59 percent) while allowing just 12 percent of Marquez’s 583 punches to land. Mayweather landed more jabs in each round than Marquez landed total punches, and just 16 percent of Marquez’s power shots even got to Mayweather.

Mayweather often appeared to be toying with Marquez, who’s generally considered among the world’s top handful of fighters. Just 18 months ago, Marquez lost a narrow decision to Manny Pacquiao—another mighty mite who’s likely Mayweather’s top choice for his next bout.

Pacquiao accepted a similarly mismatched challenge last year when he demolished Oscar De La Hoya, but the Golden Boy acknowledges his skills have diminished—and Mayweather clearly is still at the top of his game.

Mayweather was too heavy and too speedy for his undersized Mexican opponent in his first fight since stopping Ricky Hatton in December 2007. He then took a lengthy break from the sport that’s dominated his life since he was a toddler, but returned for another eight-figure payday that should end any IRS troubles while setting up another megafight.

“I’ve been off for two years, so I felt like it took me a couple of rounds to really know I was back in the ring again,” Mayweather said. “I know I’ll get better.”

Mayweather had a hefty advantage in this one, weighing in at 146 pounds Friday. He refused to re-weigh himself Saturday night, so the true size of his advantage might never be known. Fighters often gain several pounds between the weigh-in and their bouts.

But his size advantage was obvious from the opening bell, when it became clear Marquez would struggle just to get close enough to throw good combinations.

“He surprised me with the first knockdown,” Marquez said. “He hurt me in that round, but not any other time. I don’t want to make any excuses, but the weight was the problem. He’s too fast.”

Judge Burt Clements gave every round to Mayweather, 120-107. Dave Moretti threw the eighth round to Marquez for a 119-108 total, while William Lerch gave two rounds to Marquez, 118-109. The Associated Press had a whitewash, 120-107.

Mayweather abruptly knocked down Marquez midway through the second round when Marquez walked into a left hook, but Mayweather largely stuck to his jab, leaned back in his familiar defensive posture and picked apart another opponent.

Marquez had a bloody nose by the bout’s midway point, and Mayweather landed several hard shots late in the sixth. Whenever Marquez appeared to land a combination, Mayweather invariably backed away with a grin.

“When I hit him, he laughed, but I knew he felt my punches,” Marquez said. “We tried to work the speed, but the difference was the weight.”

Marquez added a brave defeat to a career noted for its disappointments as much as its triumphs. Marquez still seethes over his 0-1-1 record in two fights against Pacquiao, and he followed Pacquiao’s path up in weight in search of bigger bouts, which he got in recent wins over Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz.

Mayweather chose Marquez for his return bout after flirting with Pacquiao, who will fight Miguel Cotto in the same arena less than two months from now. Marquez’s size disadvantage immediately raised eyebrows, but the veteran champion embraced the chance for his biggest payday and the chance to take down the unbeaten Mayweather.

A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be the biggest in the sport, but a more natural opponent also wants a piece of Money. Sugar Shane Mosley called out Mayweather in the ring immediately after the fight, with Golden Boy representatives forced to separate the two.

The lukewarm public response to the bout underlined industry concerns Mayweather can’t sell a pay-per-view on his own. The Grand Garden wasn’t sold out just a few days before the fight, and large swaths of empty seats greeted the undercard fighters, though they were mostly filled before Mayweather entered the ring.

I call it a mismatched fight. I'm not an analyst so I'm not really sure but that's what I saw. Mayweather was just toying Marquez all throughout the fight and grins every time he receives a punch. There was even a round where he wasn't punching at all and was just inviting Marquez to punch him. Nonetheless, the crowd cheered for the 'underdog' (Marquez) to show support amidst the reality that it's next to impossible to beat Mayweather. Well, Marquez earned cold cash when Mayweather was penalized for not meeting the required weight. $600,000 to be exact? - not bad eh?

Cheers to Marquez who stood on his feet for 12-rounds and congrats to Mayweather.
Next... Will Pacquiao fight Mayweather?

*i picked the picture above because Marquez just landed quite a few punches so that picture is rare, LOL*

Bizu Patisserie

Having a sweet tooth, I can't really resist temptations like this. I heart looking at (and eating!) mouthwatering creations and wonderfully crafted cakes, pastries, ice creams, and the likes.

I passed by Bizu Patisserie & Cafe recently and I can't help but try their yummy cakes.

I tried their Roca or Rocha - sorry forgot the name. Their version of mousse in dark chocolate. It was a little sweet for a dark chocolate but totally addicting. :)

The Sandwich Guy

I never liked burgers. Ewan ko lang kung me natikman na kong masarap, I can't really remember. But, I love sandwiches - Subway type. I first tried Subway when I was in Australia and I liked the freshness of the vegetables, ung umaapaw na filling with multiple selection of sauces. Althought I'm a bit disappointed on how we do Subway here in Manila - I feel like mas fresh vegetables nila and mas maluwag sila sa ingredients - dito saten tipid to the max.

Anyway, Marvin recently introduced me to TSG - The Sandwich Guy.

Unlike Subway, TSG uses loaf breads to make their sandwiches. They heat their loaves in a sandwich maker while preparing their generous filling. You can access their full menu here:

http://www.thesandwichguy.com/menu.htm

Their HBLT - Ham, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato is one of their best sellers. For Php70, hindi ka tipid sa palaman.. siksik talaga, just like Subway! I have only tried their HBLT and Italian Style which fortunately I really liked. Italian Style sandwich has spicy pepperoni, ham and cheese. They have sides too - potato, pasta, salad and fruit baskets. I went crazy over Chili Con Carne Baked Potato - spicy ground beef in tomato sauce over potato slices.. yum! yum!

Try it! They deliver too!
They're open 24 hours - only Weekdays, except holidays.

http://www.thesandwichguy.com/

Honey Bath and Body Luxury Collection

I was blessed with a beautiful surprise today. I hope nobody thinks that this is a requirement. My recent class handed me a big white Rustan's paper bag with this heavy box inside.

the box, beautifully wrapped in Red paper with mocha, gold and red ribbons
I kept the card and posted it

sorry, overwhelmed

.
.
.
what was inside??

A Creme Brulee Scented Honey Bath & Body
Luxury Collection

in Classic POOH Collection!

The package contains Body Scrub, Shower Gel, Lotion, Bath Crystals and a towel. I hope the class is not telling me that I stink, right?! haha.


But to (all of) you who went out of your way to get me something - Maraming Salamat!!

I am Free and Happy.

Five years ago is when I started working. After two years, I applied for credit cards and loan one after the other.. hoping that it can help me achieve my goals faster.
Two years after that.. it went out of hand. My credit limit sky rocketed (to 6 digits even!) and so my expenses. Dine wherever & shop wherever. Before I knew it.. limits have been maximized. Paying was dreadful more than buying. I always tell myself, I will be ok. But I know you know it takes more than that to pay.

Then I suddenly realized that paycheck after paycheck I'm losing more than gaining. It was like a rat race.. I'm not going anywhere. Literally, my salary goes to all the bills I pay for - not really pretty. Not to mention I'm only paying the minimum amount required - which is technically just the interest. It's paralyzing - financially & emotionally. I'm beginning to suck in this mess I created. I moved out of the company I've been with for 4 years and fortunately I landed on a very similar job but pays higher than the last. Then I thought everything will be better.

But the transition pulled me down more than I expected it to. I waited for one full payout cycle before I got my first salary. I started missing payments, hello collections! I tried my very best to cut down expenses and made sure I prioritize whatever needs to be paid first. It was really tough - probably more than you can imagine. I was ok with this new company because I know I'll be able to pay somehow but Lord is just great. He didn't leave me at all.

Three months after, I transferred company again. They pay me twice as much as my first job. Yes I went to the states then.. but I didn't really shop or buy so many things because I was still in debt, the reality I'm not scared to hide anymore. If I want this to stop, I know I have to do something - acceptance was part of it.

One year after I joined Startek (my company now), all my debts have been paid. I'm ZERO loans and credit cards and I'm finally enjoying the fruits of my labor. People who experienced the same would probably understand how satisfying and fulfilling it is to finally celebrate a debt free life.

Now, I know where my money goes. It was my fault being financially innocent and stupid at the same time. I THANK my family and loved ones who understood me all throughout.

GOD IS REALLY GOOD
.. AND THAT IS 'ALL THE TIME'

Hanpao

Marvin is a real fan of Chinese Cuisine. He loves authentic chinese, japanese and kebabs food - well, actually everything. And when the tummy starts to growl.. it's again time for some serious pig out.

Yesterday we visited HanPao in Shaw Boulevard. I'm starting to find convenience in eating out few hours after noon. At 5PM, the restaurant was just ours to enjoy - hence, service was fast and everyone was just accomodating.

.. konti lang naman db? :)

Noodle Feast - comes with flat noodles, sweet & sour pork, beef asado
big steamed siomai, chicken strips, vegetable, topped w/ oyster sauce.
its soup comes separately

steamed hakao; similar to siomai but the wrapper is thicker and
can hold liquid inside
actually, theirs were a little dry. i tried Le Chings in Ghills,
it's supposed to be 'watery' inside

chicken feet that i never learned to eat

Yes, bye medida!
Hello salbabida!!

100 Days Before Xmas

.. Here comes the 'ber months, and soon enough it's a whole new year again. :)

2009 was a pretty interesting and a fulfilling year for me. But before I recall my highs and lows for this year, let me think of things I want this Christmas.

Libre naman db?

1. I want a technomarine. I want a watch that can be paired with just about anything. I may not be able to get you this Christmas but I still want one even after, hehe.
2. XPS or Vaio. Or any dependable one (except for MAC). This has been a necessity more than ever. So I want to get something I can bring anywhere. I returned my company issued laptop when I resigned from GXS.
   
3. I want IPOD touch - and maybe you're the only closest one I can get this Xmas. nyahahaha.
4. Two years ago or maybe last year I said I want an eternity ring, until now I don't have one. I want one. But I think I'm close to achieving this (but not yet this year?) because I have a jeweler friend who accommodates installment payment. So even if I don't get one this Xmas; I'm hoping I can get, even after... - for the sake of investment.
   

These are all material things I know but on top of all these, I am praying for continuous good health, prosperity and unconditional love of my family and those close to my heart.

Start counting everyone!

Lucky's Wedding: Taking Body Measurements

just took a photo of this on the way out - haha, comedy!!

loving life

Last night we went to the usual hang out place we've used to go to during College Days - Ate Liway's crib. :)

It was time to take body measurements for our gowns as Lucky's wedding is in 4 months . Plans have also changed, Lucky will now have Hazel as the MOH and we (the rest) are bridesmaids. Of course we didn't let this episode slip without picture taking.