DigiPlus Interactive/BingoPlus Foundation Continue CSR Efforts in Typhoon Stricken Areas

It's been a devastating couple of months as typhoons ravaged the country. The recent one being Typhoon Carina and has affected people from Metro Manila and the island of Luzon. This prompted DigiPlus Interactive and their CSR efforts to make sure they get mobilized in different communities especially those who have been severely affected by it. Together with the DSWD, they got to bring essentials for 15,160 families. They went there with Digibuddy volunteers to make sure re-packing and distribution would be done without a hitch.

The affected barangays in Marikina, CAMANAVA, Rizal, and Central Luzon were given relief goods and toiletries including those who are in the DSWD shelters that function as a home for street children and the homeless. They also provided rice and milk for them during the activity.

With the help of their foundation, they also built rainwater collecting tanks with filters so they could benefit those who are also struggling with potable, clean water. They also taught children in school needed disaster preparedness skills so when the time comes, they would be able to weather through challenges. This includes IP's from the Dumagats, and vulnerable communities. This is part of their efforts to make sure that the Philippines remain resilient and stronger, and implement their CSR programs in line with it.

These are good things that should be multiplied!

Zending Zikat Hosts Hold Charity Event for Typhoon Maring Victims

TV5's Sing Galing Zending Zikat Hosts just held a virtual charity event done for the beneift of Typhoon Maring Victims. This happened during the middle of October and has claimed over 13 lives, so they're making these benefit performances to give funds to Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. who's in the frontlines helping people. They call it "Now Zending Zikat with Love" wherein performers include the whole Team Galing, plus a few special guests depicting their "Mapusong Pasingkatan" theme this evening. It will be hosted by Online host Zendee and will be livestreamed on Sing Galing and TV5's social channels this Saturday October 23 at 5PM.

Zendee will be joined by Menchie Silvestre who is the current Executive Director of Alagang Kapatid Foundation to help you get ways on how you could help, starting with pledging donations. Make sure you visit the Facebook page of TV5Manila and SingGalingTayo on Mark Zuckerberg's app.

How To Help Typhoon Ulysses and Rolly Victims

It was so heartbreaking to see people fleeing, stuck in their roofs or crossing mud filled waters in the island of Luzon which all happened this month. People are still suffering so I wanted to just help those who would like to extend a hand and give information about these avenues where you can help donate clothes, food, water, funds so they could all recover.

 Our friends from Bloggers United are collating funds and also selling their personal stuff (preloved and brand new) to raise funds for this cause. Here are their details, Paul Pax and Ana are good blogger friends and they've been doing other causes even before this happened. If you want to help, this would be a good place to start!

Aside from that, there are several partner organizations that PayMaya has been working with for Typhoon Relief which you can find via https://donate.paymaya.com/collections/typhoon-relief 

 

 

You can donate as low as 50 pesos, but if you have more, please do donate as much as you can. These organizations have been doing it for years and they can channel your donations to where it is needed. If you haven't downloaded the PayMaya app yet, please do on Google Play or the App Store. Use my code 2JH7062 so you can get 50 pesos for free, you can use that to donate to these organizations too. I'll do the same if ever you sign up. If you use these QR codes to donate via their partner organizations, you will get a notification in the contact details you have provided regarding your successful donation.

If you prefer donating clean clothes, blankets, face masks, alcohol, bottled water, hygeine kits for women, toiletries, canned goods, flashlights, cleaning materials, you may opt to bring them here in Quezon City where an aircraft is bringing 500kgs of goods to Tuguegarao come Monday.You may contact Danica via 09566692843 then coordinate bringing your donations to #41 Maliksi St., Namoco Grand Residence, Brgy. Pinyahan, Diliman in Quezon City.

It is also world kindness day, so if you want to make someone's day even brighter, you can use the PayMaya app for a lot of other things. I would suggest you do donate to local churches, organizations of people you know. Southern Luzon, Marikina, Rizal and Cagayan still needs a lot of things especially potable water. 

 

GMA Kapuso Foundation also needs donations, you can course it through these channels and they will help victims of the Luzon typhoons.

 

 

Please donate as much as you can, they need our help.

Coca Cola Philippines Wins US Government's ACE

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg (center) together with Director of HR and Corporate Affairs of Coca Cola Femsa Philippines Juan Carlos Rodriguez (left) and Atty. Adel Tamano the VP for Public Affairs and Communications for Coca Cola Philippines accepting the US State Department's Award for Corporate Excellence last December at Sofitel Manila..

Coca Cola Philippines just got the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence for their efforts in relief and rehabilitation during Typhoon Yolanda. US Ambassador Philip Goldberg gave them the award in ceremonies done in Sofitel Manila and received by VP for Public Affairs and Cimmunications Atty. Adel Tamano.

Coca Cola Philippines was one of the first few companies to respond for calls to help with the crisis as Western and Central Visayas was hit by Typhoon Haiyan and donated around 2.5 Million US dollars from its main office. It was given to various relief, humanitarian efforts and partnerships with the Philippine Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. They also pooled donations and volunteers during this time so they could address basic needs like water, nutrition and education. 

They suspended all advertising for Christmas and realigned programs so they could rechannel the funds for the same purpose. Right now, they are implementing programs like the Agos Ram Water Pump (to help improve water quality and sanitation), the NutriJuice Program (to help 35,000 school children from malnutrition), and Little Red School House (built 300 classrooms to benefit thousands of kids in the province) plus a 5by20 Program so they would be economically empowered women entrepreneurs and provide 1000 sari sari stores in the province of Leyte. They also partnered with USAID for the rehabilitation of ravaged stores in both Leyte and Samar. It helped ensure commerce, the flow of goods in the community which is a crucial part of bringing normalcy in the province. They also provided loans and programs for Negros Women of Tomorrow Foundation, Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc. with the help of the Department of Education, Philippine Business for Social Progress and local government units among others. 

Coca Cola Philippines is now one of three companies to win the Secretary of State's 2014 Award for Corporate Excellence. It's given to American companies to recognize leadership and commitment to innovation, responsible practices and positive contributions to local economies. Congratulations to you guys and I hope I get to visit your plant again soon!

For more information about their foundation:

Every Bottle Has A Story PH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.livepositively.com.ph/

Don't Worry, SMART and SUN Cellular is Ready!

Hey Sun and Smart subscribers! This is good news for you! They know you're a little worried about cellphone and Internet services this weekend because of Typhoon Hagupit/Ruby which is said to arrive for landfall this Saturday. This post is to let you know that you don't have to worry too much because they are ready in case there would be problems maintaining communication services when it strikes close to home this weekend. They have plans already in place to make sure they would be able to quickly respond should there be need to restore facilities if they get affected. The equipment and personnel are on standby in case areas like North and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao get beaten up by the Super Typhoon. You must make sure though to charge your batteries so you won't run out of juice when the time comes. Smart and Sun will also be putting up generator sets, batteries so your cell sites won't go off all of a sudden. They'll also be having free call and charging services in strategic locations nationwide. Rest assured, Smart and Sun will be at their best to respond to your needs when the time comes.

Tips:

1.) Make sure to charge your batteries, your emergency equipment and your powerbanks. It might take around 3 days before the typhoon passes, so make sure we have enough juice to last that long.

2.) Conserve your batteries. Don't use data or calls unless you really need it. Text messages consume less power. That's a better alternative.

3.) Store important numbers on your phone, like hospitals, firefighters, your local barangay and NDCC. Include a hard copy in case you run out of batteries.

4.) If you can, get transistor radios. Know where the nearest evacuation areas are in your neighborhood so if your house gets in danger, you know where to go. 

5.) Keep dry. Not all gadgets don't work under water, wrap it up with cling wrap and make sure you have clean dry clothes as well.

6.) Pray. Nothing is impossible. We would all be safe if you pray hard :) 

Thanks to our friends from Smart and Sun for taking time to inform us of the state of communication structures. I feel safe and relieved now that my Smart line will work when I need it most. 

For more information about their services:

Smart Communications

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://smart.com.ph/

GMA Kids Help Typhoon Victims

Adults sometimes take for granted what kids can do. A few days ago we went to a far flung school in Rizal where most of the kids of the community were part of those devastated by recent typhoons that have swept the country. Mona Louise Rey, Migs Cuaderno, Nomer Limatog and Daniela Amable, some of the brightest kid stars from GMA decided to help them get through this by getting them get armed with the proper protection, and get entertained that afternoon. A small gesture, but judging by the smiles I saw with the kids there, it was all worth it!

Mona Louise Rey looked like a porcelain doll turned alive. The sweet kid was adored by the students of Karangalan Elementary School. She was surprised to see that the kids, the teachers and the parents present there actually watched her show "My BFF". She actually performed "Let it go!" and had some of the kids sing along.

She also shared her experience auditioning for GMA, she said it's possible to be an artist just by putting their minds into it. They have to study first because it's not easy but everything starts with a dream.

I thought he was Bimby but this kid is Migs Cuaderno. He's a pretty good singer too and his confidence just comes out when in front of a crowd. He also said a few things to the students and asked them to pray hard so they get through life's struggles. If they want to be successful, school should never be missed because even reading and memorizing scripts would be part of an artists' life. This is also the same in singing, so he did that right after the small talk.

Some of the teachers and girls in the audience got a little excited when they saw Nomer Limatog up the stage. He's one of the kids that sang in Protege, GMA's biggest reality show. Talented as he is, of course he had to sing for them. True enough, he showed why he's been able to perform in GMA's shows because even at puberty, he's doing great with singing. He's also doing good with some "Magpakailanman" appearances and I think he'll be utilized well in future shows. He shared his experiences while auditioning for shows and says all it takes is a little effort, and hopes the kids would be able to learn more while staying in school and perhaps get a career later on.

Daniella Amable looks all grown up! I didn't recognize her. This is the same kid who we watched from the other network, The Good Daughter and Genesis. She also told these guys and gals from Karangalan Elementary School to always put God above everything else and he will take care of them. Then these kids started giving away gifts of rain boots, rain coats and other things from their sponsors. Garfield, Fernando's Bakeshop, Kids Republic, Hammerhead, the sweet people from Made In Candy and GMA Artist Center.

Ultimately, these kids, even when they're so young has been able to chip in and give a little help to the kids who have been ravaged by the typhoon that recently struck Manila. They deserve every little bit of fun they had during this afternoon. Thank you again to GMA Artist Center to let us tag along during this very touching event for the kids. I'm sure there will be more! :) 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Smart Communications, Sun and PLDT Advisory on Typhoon Glenda

It's been raining since this early morning and I'm so glad it stopped. The streets are almost dry but of course, now comes the grueling work of at least... Getting everything back to some sense of normalcy. 

Smart, Sun and PLDT posted an advisory on their social media channels this morning that some of their services have been disrupted in Metro Manila, Region 3, 4 and 5. This is because of widespread power outages in these areas on which some of their facilities largely depend on. Standby power or generators can only last a few hours for some so you can just imagine what will happen with the signals later on. They have deployed generator sets now in the hopes of this not to happen. Rest assured, they are working hard to get back to normal operations. That to me is reassuring. I'm posting via Smart 3G signal by the way so I know it works :)

You should check their page out here so you get updates: https://t.co/9k2RS2uGnQ

Just so you know! :) 

Project Rebuild: Coca-Cola, Habitat For Humanity and Philippine Red Cross

Our brothers and sisters in the Visayas region definitely had better days. With the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, thousands of Pinoys from that region suffered a lot. We are still helping, and they are still mourning. They pick up the pieces and we still pray for them. Now more than ever we need to help them to get back on their feet. Coca-Cola, Habitat For Humanity and the Philippine Red Cross are joining forces to rebuild homes in the region and it didn't come at a better time.

Awww.. isn't that touching? For what its worth, the video just implied something significant. Each little help counts. If you are up to it, please do whatever you can to help out less fortunate kababayans in the Visayas but donating even a bit with Habitat for Humanity, The Philippine Red Cross. Each centavo, each peso you give them goes to rebuilding homes and lives in Leyte and other provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Remember, you can help!

For more information about their stores:

Coca-Cola Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://cokeurl.com/rebuildph

#RebuildPH Hotline: (02) 462-1333

Time To Help: SM Supermalls Issues Statement

 This is a public service announcement to everyone who needs shelter during this time of need. SM Supermalls isn't just a plain mall, they are here to help and I've seen this notice posted on various sites and deem that you must know this too.

 If you feel that you are in danger don't be afraid to go to your nearby SM Supermall because they have a skeletal force to help you. There will be available people also to accept your donations. If you have extra food products, canned goods, warm blankets, clothes, rice, please don't hesitate to send them now because your own people are in dire need of help. Everything will be coordinated with Caritas Manila.

Thanks!

 

Caring About Our Family More

We were just hit by the strongest typhoon in history but we all survived. There are casualties and unfortunate loss of life but since we prepared ahead of time I feel it has been kept to the minimum. I learned that a lot of homes were destroyed and families were displaced again. I don't want seeing people suffer and if there was a way we could get them all covered with Total Protect Home Warranty then we wouldn't be this distraught or worried. I learned a very important lesson though that it really pays to be prepared for anything. It could have been more people hurt, more homes and properties destroyed; but since we worked with the government this time we had these things easier to manage. It was hard to see some things broken down, blown away or under a pile of debris now but I'm telling you it's better than when we were caught off guard by the previous ones; when we weren't that prepared.

I wish we were people start investing in things that are important. There is a price to property because if that HDTV, sound system, refrigerator or most of your high ticket items get wet in an event like this I'm sure it will cost an arm and a leg. If you get a couple of dollars out and get them covered then repairs, replacement or getting a discount on your next purchase can be achieved. This way you get your priorities straight and your family safe from harm. That is the most important thing we all should save up for; our family.

What happened in your area? Care to tell me about it?!

Typhoon Juan

In about an hour from now, Typhoon Juan is going to leave the land of the Philippines off the coast of La Union. At around midnight it will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility and head off either East China or if it goes north it will go to Taiwan. It is so great that the predictions proved to be accurate because it is causing great damage. If I didn't have blinds on my window a few of my appliances might have ended up wet. It has been a lifesaver since I was a kid. It shields me from the sun too when I wake up late. I don't want to crisp up you know!

Weather has been pretty rough on us today. They even say life is unfair. We need the torrential rains so we can have some water to drink and fill up our reservoirs. I heard we are in normal levels even if the rainfall has been pretty rough. That's around 60-120 mm in a single day. The wind's pretty fast too that it ripped roofs and house walls off cities in the north. I'm glad to be safe in the refuge of my home and got my stuff still dry after that. We're all hoping for the best and I hope in some way we could find a way to prepare better so we didn't have casualties. As for me I'm getting my other windows fixed and fitted with blinds so I stay safe. Who's up for a natural shower?! Typhoon Juan might get us really wet as it goes out to the South China Sea. I wish we are always as ready as we are now. So we can have tea in the refuge of our own homes not worrying about anything when this happens!

What happened in your neck of the woods?!

After Typhoon Ondoy

It's been a hard day for everyone in the Philippines. Metro Manila has been in the midst of a typhoon called Ondoy. It flooded most of the eastern part and had killed around 106 persons as of last body count. It is quite near our office so we are greatly affected. As of now, we are even running on generators and the noise outside is a little annoying.

There were several cars that drifted at the back of the building. The first one rammed the wall and nobody knew that it would open the floodgates open and drag those other cars too. There we go also with people in the office, because the floods are even taller than people... roads have been not passable... no cars, no electricity, no cellphone signals. No one knows where my other team members are, I hope they are fine though... Oh I think they just called... they were flooded over their heads and they have no clothes anymore. I think we need to help them in any way we can. We are quite late in some reports, good thing our boss understands it. It was a pretty tough week for all of us. I hope it would be better, soon!

Typhoon Emong Reaches Pangasinan

Typhoon Emong has hit Northern Pangasinan province and is expected to weaken once it hit the Cordillera Mountains in Luzon. At 10PM this evening Pagasa-DOST says the center of Typhoon Emong is in the vicinity of La Union, another province in Central Luzon.

It has sustained winds of 150 kph and could go stron to 185 kph moving North East with speeds of 19 kph. Tommorow night, it will be around 250 kilometers East North East of Tugegarao City or 210 kilometers South East of the islands in Basco, Batanes.

On Saturday night it is going to be around 395 kilometers North East of the same group of islands.While on Sunday, it will be around 680 kilometers North East off the islands which is around 100 kilometers South Southeast of Okinawa, Japan.

Signal no. 3 has been declared to Pangasinan, Northern Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao and Abra. While Signal no. 2 to the rest of Zambales, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Isabela, Cagayan, Babuyan group of Islands and Batanes. Signal no. 1 has been also declared in Lubang Island, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Northern Quezon, Aurora and Metro Manila.

There has been a lot of damages in property and a couple of deaths reported so I pray that we would be safe by this weekend.

Too Dry Today

Is it just me or is it not raining these past few weeks? I wonder why February seems a little bit dryer that usual because normally at this time of the year we still have a couple of typhoons left before it runs out to March, April and May which usually comprise the summer months.

Will we need more water soon because it has not been raining too much? I know we had some problems a couple of years ago when we did not have that much rain and the few catch basins we have like the La Mesa Water shed were at critical levels and everybody was doing their share in conserving water by making sacrifices on rations and water regulation by the utility companies. Since they all have been privatized we do not even have any say on their prices, so I fear most when a crisis happens because we might end up paying a higher price than the usual. If we ended up dried out like the Arizona Desert then it would be a good thing if we at least lived in Scottsdale Fine Properties because its much nicer there. Go figure!