How Twitter and Facebok Saved Lives -- from the Manila Bulletin

Source: Manila Bulletin

Posted: October 08, 2009

Some people call it as the different media by which Generation Me perpetuates their obsession with themselves.

During the days when the country was ravaged by Typhoon Ondoy and worried about the uncertain path of Typhoon Pepeng, these very same sites proved not to be about selfishness, but about the selflessness of every young Filipino.

While Typhoon Ondoy flooded various parts of Metro Manila, one thing that was unexpected was how electricity and an Internet connection were still available in most parts of the metropolis. While mobile phone networks struggled with the volume of message and calls being sent, Facebook and Twitter emerged as quick and efficient ways to send across information.

Rather than updates about popular applications like Mafia Wars and Pet Society, most Facebook home pages instead featured a running update on where missing individuals were located or last seen, as well as providing information as to where help and relief goods were urgently needed.

It was also on Facebook that dramatic video of vehicles sinking in the flooding that ravaged the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila first surfaced, bringing home the destruction brought by Ondoy to those safely in their homes.

Just like Facebook, Twitter became a bulletin board of information, providing updates on passable roads and links to sites detailing how to salvage submerged cars, how to make engines work again, and how to claim insurance.

At the height of the flooding, Twitter was awash with updates on which volunteer organizations needed more manpower as well as pleas for security in areas like Provident Village in Marikina.

Twitter became such an essential tool for information gathering that even Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council chair Gilbert Teodoro had to turn to his Twitter page to provide updates to the public.

The sites remain relevant even after the threat of Ondoy. Twitter and Facebook still find itself filled with information and updates on ongoing relief operations. The sites have also found themselves as a venue for expressing pride at how the people were able to pull themselves together and help each other out, when government proved to slow to respond. The image of “Where I’m from, everybody’s a hero” originated from blogging site Tumblr and quickly found itself disseminated among Facebook users.

If maturity is tested by the challenges one prevails over, then these sites – the instruments of Generation Me – have certainly come of age.

Thank You BSK HONGKONG CHAPTER

When I took a peek at my Facebook I was touched tonight. There was a note from the BSK (Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, HK Chapter) that they voluntary decided to send their "humble contribution" to help victims of Typhoons Ondoy.
These are the pictures that I am showing EVERYONE because I am so proud of these people:)
I am proud that though they're far away, they aren't apathetic... they KNOW and act as if they're HERE. Their hearts are filled with love and empathy towards those who are suffering HERE and they've decided to take action no matter how puny this all may seem. But what touches me most about BSK Hongkong is not the contribution or the package but their WANTING to be ONE with us even as we go through the angst of the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. These are "ordinary people" -- yet, they are HEROES. They've done something good. If everyone were like these people, we'd have a better community and nation. Perhaps even a better world.

THANK YOU BSK HK!

What To Do DURING a POWER OUTRAGE (BROWNOUT)

Keep safe during a power outage

Here are some basic tips that will keep you, your family and your employees safe while the power is out:

* Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away.
* Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.
* Do not assume that just because there is no electricity, it is safe to wade in the flood waters. There may be "live" electrical cables that may harm you
* If you leave your home, turn off all appliances or turn off your main breaker.
* Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety.
*If you can help it, please avoid candles. Use flashlights instead. Candles can cause fires
*Make sure that you lock your doors and make sure that you and your family are safe. Remember that there are bad people in the world who may try and take advantage of the power outrage.

Anatomy of a FIRST AID KIT -

A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car. Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one. Find out the location of first aid kits where you work. First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the RedCross.org store or your local Red Cross chapter. Your local drug store may sell them.

You may also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

* 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
* 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
* 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
* 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
* 5 antiseptic wipe packets
* 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
* 1 blanket (space blanket)
* 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
* 1 instant cold compress
* 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
* 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
* Scissors
* 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
* 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
* Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
* 2 triangular bandages
* Tweezers
* First aid instruction booklet

These are tips from the International Red Cross. b>

How To Handle Kids and Trauma After a Disaster

This is compliments of the International Red Cross. This teaches us parents how to handle our kids in case a disaster is happening or has happened. This video tells us that kids may be psychologically affected by disasters. Watch this video and learn :)

What To Do In Case of Disasters

Among the adversities in life we inevitably will meet are disasters. We've been through the last deluge and the latest weather report indicates that we soon may have to go through another storm. Remember that every storm passes -- do not fret. Pray instead, but these are a helpful tips which I can suggest :

1. Do not panic. Most people who panic cannot think objectively and are prone to act without thinking. Accept that there is NOTHING we can do with natural disasters but pray. THINK and plan ahead.

2. Gather all your important things - ID's,family albums, credentials, and ANYTHING dear to you and put them in a waterproof bag. Also, remember to put in an extra flashlight, a couple of candies, important medicines if you are suffering from any disease. If you have allergies, for instance, put your anti-allergy medicines in the bag.

3.Make sure that you have your small AM radio (your Ipod FM radio is not useful) so that you know what is happening. Try purchase some extra batteries BEFORE the disaster (or always have them anyway) so that you can use them anytime you need them. Keep flashlights where it is easy to reach so you don't have to look for it in the dark.

4.If you live in low lying areas, please try and evacuate BEFORE the rain happens. KNOW where is the nearest evacuation center and bring your emergency bag.

5.Try and buy amoxcillin (broad range spectrum antibiotics) or doxycycline(respiratory ) so that should you end up at an evacuation center and feel sick with sudden fever an dflu you can take doxycycline if you have fever and no medical help is available right away. Amoxcycillin is a broad range antibiotic which can be handy if you are suddenly infected because of a wound or if you get any infection. Please note that pregnant mothers and kids below 12 SHOULD NOT TAKE THESE antibiotics. I have included this suggestion only because there may be times when even doctors and hospitals may be out of reach when you need them.

6.Try and get a hand sanitizer and include it in your emergency bag.Remember that if you cannot wash your hands a hand sanitizer would do.

7. Charge cellphones and all means of communications BEFORE the emergency. Get a back up battery if possible. Remember that you can also use your cellphone for emails to get in touch with your relatives abroad. If you are a SMART CELLPHONE user for instance, you do NOT need to BUY a wifi phone. All you do is type in the email address/space/ message and send to 200. Yes, it's that simple to send an email. GLOBE allows you to log in your yahoo messenger for your relatives abroad.

8.It is a good idea to bring in a couple of re hydration salts if you have kids. Rehydration salts are cheap and can help sustain your kids should you happen to run out of drinking water.

10, Make sure that you have reliable RUBBER slippers so that in case you have to run or climb out of the house, you can simply carry your emergency bag and safely go to the evacuation center without having to worry about your "tsinelas" not being sturdy enough.

About Friendship...

One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.-- Walter Winchell

Friends are needed both for joy and for sorrow. -- Samuel Paterson

Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.-- John Evelyn

Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.-- Swedish proverb

A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.-- Anonymous

Count your age with friends but not with years - Anonymous

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness. -- Lois L. Kaufman

"I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship."
-- Pietro Aretino (1537)

"There is nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends."
-- Hillaire Belloc

"The rain may be falling hard outside,
But your smile makes it all alright.
I'm so glad that you're my friend.
I know our friendship will never end."
-- Robert Alan

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit."
-- Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

"Friendship is essentially a partnership."
-- Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe unto him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
-- The Bible: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

"A friend loves at all times."
-- The Bible: Proverbs 17, 17.

"A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself."
-- James Boswell (1763)

"Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another."
-- Eustace Budgell (1711)


"Friendship is Love without his wings!"
-- Lord Byron (1806)

"Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant, and lightens adversity by dividing and sharing it."
-- Cicero (44 B.C.)

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost"
-- Charles Caleb Colton (1825)

"Every man passes his life in the search after friendship."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"We do not so much need the help of our friends as the confidence of their help in need."
-- Epicurus (3rd century B.C.)

"Friends show their love in times of trouble..."
-- Euripides (408 B.C.)

"One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives."
-- Euripides (408 B.C.)

"A good friend is my nearest relation."
-- Thomas Fuller (1732)

"My friend is he who will tell me my faults in private."
-- Solomon Ibn Gabirol

"Your friend is your needs answered."
-- Kahil Gibran

"Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit."
-- Kahil Gibran.

"Let your best be for your friend..."
-- Kahil Gibran

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures."
-- Kahil Gibran

"A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother."
-- Homer (9th century B.C.)

"We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over."
-- Samuel Johnson

"However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship."
-- La Rochefoucauld (1665)

"A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care to acquire."
-- La Rochefoucauld (1665)

"I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.


I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of song?


Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people, than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
-- Bernard Meltzer

Internet Tips for Those Who Need Extra Income

I wondered about friends of mine who stay up all night "to make extra income" by doing work over the internet. There are several sites, but one that I hope that we Filipinos thought of FIRST is Odesk. Odesk has a "software" you have to download to keep track of your time.Some call this "cyber slavery" but we are all timed anyway when we go to the office to work aren't we?
If you have relatively good English skills, ANYONE can be paid by the hour which is something that YOU determine. The average one hour however is something like 5 dollars which isn't bad because that's close to the US rates.
If you can write, do wenb work, can cannot inbound-outband calls (using skype, perhaps), do SQL programming and come up with websites, Odesk pays you for the job that you have done. Odesk PAYS you because most "employers" pay Odesk FIRST before they hire you whcih means that Odesk literally pays you. Thus, your "employer" cannot run away from you after doing a job.
I am writing about Odesk because we Filipinos should have THOUGHT of something like this. At a time when everyone seems to need "some extra source of income", Odesk certainly has its possibilities.
Initially though, you'd have to take the regular Odesk test. This test will certify that you're Odesk-ready. You can take other tests like English writing ones or call center tests and these tests give you an edge as you compete against others.
I learned about Odesk from a friend of mine who makes extra income using Odesk. It can be difficult because of the time difference between Canada, UK and America vis-a-vis the Philippines but if you can stand night work at home, you can try your luck at this site.
Isn't it rather sad that the Philippines has not thought of something as CREATIVE as Odesk? Surely, if we had something like this, we'd have more of OUR workers having more income. There are however Filipinos who do get jobs and have the best Odesk Feedbacks.Try the tests, if you fail one, try another -- find your skills. Besides, if you fail one test you can take it again after some time.
While traditional work is good, it is also helpful to know about what's happening around the world and how wok can "happen" though you aren't in your own "office". I sometimes wonder if this is the wave of the future. Perhaps, it is.

Here is a video about it :

Lord, What Do You Want Me To Do with My Life?

If you believe in God then that is the question that may be difficult to answer but God somehow "tells" us by sending us people, circumstances, joys and even difficulties to let us know what His purpose for our lives are... it differs, however, because we are all individuals and God "talks" to us individually.

One may be meant to serve him as a doctor and another as a priest. Another may be meant to play his/her guitar for the church choir. There is no ONE main purpose for everyone but a different purpose for every human being. God made us all unique. Thus, He deals with each of us as personally as possible. That's love! This song is something I'd wish to share with you all.

Ivy at 103 Twitters Like Mad

Ivy is a 103 year old grandmother from the UK and she can beat most of us when it comes to Facebook and Twitter. She first started with Facebook and now is deeply engrossed with her Twitter. Yes, she is the oldest member of both social networks (Of course, we have Kirk Douglas at My Space but he's 90 and THAT is young compared to Ivy).

Ivy has gone through two world wars, probably even witnessed the lightning of the first streetlight at Telluride, Colorado and is a first hand witness to the history of world technology. Yet, at 103, she has learned to "rock with the times". Now, doesn't that tell those who THINK that 60 and above are "too old" for the internet something?

What do you THINK?

The "Great" Larry Hochman Shares his Thoughts:)

This was originally written in 2001, when Jillian was eight years old. We're having her Sweet 16 party this weekend. This - and two other old notes - will lead up to one current and very important one. Stay tuned if you want to thoroughly enjoy your present and parlay it into an incredible future.

And please pass this note along to whomever you think it will inspire.

*** ***

There is no better sound in the world than hearing your child laughing from the soul. It tells you that anything is possible.

I'm spending part of the morning doing Mad Libs with my daughter Jillian. She's discovering this verbal treasure for the first time, and the world of verbal humor is opening up for her.

And she's laughing like a big silly goon!

Later on in the day we stop at the bank. She sees the lollipops on the counter near the teller and makes her way toward them. Before I say a word she asks if she can get one for her little sister Sarah. At that moment I remember Jill doesn't like lollipops and feel a burst of pride and love for my little lady.

After the bank, we stop at the hair salon for a long overdue cut. She's getting the works: wash, blow dry, cut, styling. She's sees herself all fluffy and feminine, the hint of the woman she will become. As she's being fussed over by the beautician, she celebrates her new found prettiness with a grin from ear to ear.

Still later, we stop at a Subway restaurant to get her favorite treat...ham and provolone on whole wheat, no vegetables, no mayo, nothing.

Her eyes light up when I offer the three chocolate chip cookies (if she shares with Dad). I notice the look of unbridled pleasure on her face as she chomps on her sandwich. She savors the food itself and the fact that she's getting a special treat; the combination makes her feel like a princess.

Then we stop at my office so I can take care of some paperwork. I ask her to call home and tell Mommy where we are and how long we'll be. She delights in the fact that I show trust in her to make the call by herself, and that I believe in her enough to use the "special buttons" on the office phone. She handles the task as well as any administrative assistant I've ever had.

Close to bedtime, we work on math homework. She whips through four pages of multiplication, number patterns, graphs, and word problems. The quiet calm of competence shines in her eyes, and her mouth is turned up at the corners in a sublime, confident smile.

She knows her stuff, and tomorrow her teacher will know she knows it as well.

Want to see the wonders of the world? Find a child, one you love if possible.

See the world through his or her eyes, the joys, the kindness, the fears, the dreams, the unexpected delights, the gratitude.

Even better, see YOUR world as if YOU are the child. Experience things for the first time, and feel it with that intensity.

This is something you can access anytime you want.

And it will make you a better grown-up.

Your Pal,
Larry

Yes, WE ALL CAN!

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

I owe my blog-mates MORE than just this video. Yes, I have decided to put on my running shoes and see where this path takes me. This path, however, is NOT new. I have been on the same path for the last 40 years of my life as anyone from San Juan City probably knows. Thus, it isn't anything REALLY "new" after the forty years when we first started the Pink Ladies and decided to give the San Juan ladies "some means of livelihood". It was also in the 70's when I started to improve the San Juan school library and health centers. Later, I tried to make sure that San Juan would have more schools, teachers, a museum and something close to a "mini cultural center". Thanks to my son JV, who was supportive in most of the projects.He understood that that we needed more schools, health centers, improvement of police force and the basic need of every resident (and guest) of the city to feel safe and secure.

Admittedly, there is always room for improvement. That is why I have the BSK (Balikatan sa Kaunlaran) projects such as recycling and waste management. San Juan is the "flood basin" of Metro Manila and during the rainy season there are times when some areas are still under water. There is also the sanitation situation that has vastly improved and we intend to do more given the "go signal" from the people.

Why only NOW? Frankly, I first was rallied by my friends and residents of the city to take the official role during the 90's. That was however a point in my life when I was more enthused about business and I had an unexpected health problem caused by taking a vaccine which was injected into my system. Vaccines can be GOOD but not everyone should be vaccinated all because it seems to be "fashionable" to do so. Anyway i shall tell you that story another time in my blog.

Last year I visited my sister Gilda in Chicago and decided to have a complete medical check up, just to make sure that I can stand the rigors of the campaign and public service. I prayed. I asked God that should He want me to pursue this not-so-new path, a sign would take would be that of my doctor's prognosis. Surprisingly, my doctor in Chicago declared me in the pink of health and added: "You can do anything you like". After some more prayers and perhaps, a bit of heartache now and then, it was clear that this is the time in my life when I had to go for it.This was God's time given me to take a more obvious role as leader of the city.

Still, I cannot do it alone. Not without your help or your suggestions. If there is anything I appreciate, it is good and productive ideas for the city. I do not view this phase in my life as me running alone but all of you running "WITH ME". I have never viewed leadership as simply giving the orders but rather a partnership with the people who share the goals I have for the city. After all, I am no super woman, I was only a provincial whose roots are from Negros and who managed to be fortunate enough to get good education-- BUT if we all come to terms with our set goals for the betterment of the city (and even the country) then yes we can do and accomplish anything!

Michael Jackson: A Short Tribute

I chose this video because it's the earliest memory I have of a Michael Jackson song -- about that of an "unwanted" rat by the name of "Ben". Another reason I decided on this video is that it seems that Michael Jackson saw himself as "Ben".He knew that he missed his childhood, has no long lasting relationships, had no list of "best friends" except perhaps Liz Taylor whom he wanted to marry. The problem was that Liz Taylor knew that Michael Jackson wanted a "mother", not a wife. So it went that he married Lisa Presley which sounded like a PR/corporate coup but we all knew that marriage would not last.

Many wonder why and perhaps, it was for the obvious reason that Michael Jackson was obsessed in buying the childhood years he was never allowed to enjoy. Childhood, children, kids.... it was the Peter Pan syndrome even his "Neverland Ranch" (his heaven on earth) seemed to be nothing but a huge playground for kids.

He was not perfect - aha! we all know that.But do we REALLY KNOW or do we only think we know? Michael Jackson was a human being who was soft spoken (when not on stage) and who was, obviously, harassed all his life because he had BIG money. He has "problems" and thus had to pay-off a lot of people. He almost lost everything though and was planning his "great comeback" in the London stage this July when he passed away on the same day as another pop icon, Farrah Fawcett, got her real wings.

Except that Farrah was loved. She had her parents, family and the man who loved her by her side when she slipped to heaven. Michael Jackson was alone when he died with no one, living in a rented hundred thousand dollar a month apartment.

We wish him forever peace. At last, he may be in that better place where he NOW has learned to love himself at last. Today, he knows that he was loved, even if he thought that he was so "unattractive" that he "needed" to change his face and skin color. It is reported that he had more than a dozen facial surgeries.

His music however forever lives on as we remember that there was once a poor boy who sang and never grew up and was called "The King of Pop". That king is dead but what moves me about this man/boy is the whole tragedy of his life. Even in death, he remains an "enigma". Sometimes it makes me wonder if geniuses like him and Vincent Van Gogh for instant are pretty much doomed to be unhappy in this planet because "they don't belong". Again, I quote Don Mclean : "But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you".

Twitter is alive with Michael Jackson tributes, google almost collapsed today and there are other people dying as I write this. It's sad that Michael Jackson's whole life was a lingering performance, much like the life of Ben, the rat in the video, except that Ben found one loyal friend. I doubt if Michael had one though he had millions of fans.

Sad.. really.

Poem for My Sister

Born in the same womb
You and I bloomed
I became me and you became you
Parted by oceans yet instinctively I feel me and you
so near as though we share one nest
connected still by some invisible umbilical chord
called love -- or more than love.

You sit sometimes at eight in the morn
praying to God each day that His blessings me adorn
Knowing that so often your visual image makes me smile
You are to me my sister, my closest friend- the classiest one with style
THAT A-1 human being who makes me laugh as I recall
the merriest memories of "us" -- being simply us.

Family means those memories though some of them have dimmed
mom and dad, the scent of the Christmas air, sounds of the Church bells
The books in school, the sweetness of family dinners, the problems of "long ago"
When we felt so secure because we knew "we belonged" - nurtured, safe, loved.

Though I speak of long ago, I"m also glad there's NOW
You are there and I am here... and still our lives bring me joy
because we are still family
our parents watches o'er us
proud of what we've become, but more so ecstatic that we love
each other -- as sisters often do - and should.

by Guia Gomez

Independence Day Rites at San Juan City

Lessons From a 90 Year Old

I would love to be able to take credit for this but alas it was not I who wrote this. I hope you enjoy this and learn from it as I did.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7.. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43.. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.."

Guia as Enterpreneur Guru- By Evelyn Alcantara

Guia Gomez, an entrepreneur who underwent a series of trial and error challenges in several business ventures is considered an “entrepreneur guru” of striving and aspiring entrepreneurs who sought her advises. Her thirty seven (37) long years of involvement in various kinds of businesses with several associates provided her the hands-on training on management, marketing, production, technical and financial operations equivalent to a masteral degree in business administration or even a doctoral degree.

Her various business endeavors at a given time were: catering, manufacturing, export, international recruitment, domestic employment assistance, development and realty, construction, environment consulting, management, marketing, franchising and e-commerce.

The business instincts of Ms. Gomez made her companies financially and operationally viable during its incubation and up to a certain period of time. She believes that entrepreneurs should be flexible and must have the “let go” attitude in order for them to survive the fast-changing business environment. She always warns the aspiring entrepreneurs not be to emotionally attached to their products and must be opened to “change” so that they can continue to be in the business world.

Name the business and Ms. Gomez can say significant statement about it. Her wide exposure in different types of business ventures as a single proprietor, partner and corporate board member led to the registration of thirty three (33) companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Majority of these companies are categorized as small or micro businesses with paid up capital of six thousand pesos (P6,000.00) or below per company. Ms. Gomez, as entrepreneur advocate supported the creation of companies among her friends colleagues and wide spectrum of business associates. She provided them her wisdom, technical assistance and networks of friends with various fields of expertise.

She has now graduated from the tediousness and stressful business operations and spending time in mentoring other micro-entrepreneurs inspired by the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National Foundation, a thirty-two year old family-based, non-stock, non-profit organization promoting Entre-Pinoy and Agri-business as its flagship programs.

As the BSK National President, Ms. Gomez spearheaded the adoption of a BSK social enterprise to ensure the financial sustainability of the organization. Called the “Nenita” dolls, the BSK doll trademark has pioneered the creation of doll museums in the country and contributed in promoting nationalism among youth and children. Among the doll museums depicting histories of various cities can be found in Marikina, San Juan, Las Pinas, Pulilan, Bulacan and Subic.

In addition to her role as the “icon” of doll museums in the country, Ms. Gomez continues to provide entrepreneurs her ideas and perspectives on how to pursue their business ventures. One has to be objective in accepting her negative comments on their business prospects because as “entrepreneur guru,” Ms. Gomez will definitely verbalize both her positive and negative perspectives so that the entrepreneur is ready to face the problem that he/she may encounter in the future.

As her son, Mayor JV Ejercito puts it, “he learned from all her mother’s mistakes in businesses.” Ms. Gomez did it the hard way and she wants to help other entrepreneurs to learn how to cope because businesses nowadays are more complicated as a result of the global financial crisis.

In addition to the free entrepreneurial consultancy services being provided by Ms. Gomez, she also assists in marketing quality products through direct selling and on-line marketing. Ms. Gomez ensures that the products that she will endorse will pass her own-quality control criteria through using them and testing their efficiency or effectiveness. Among the products that she is promoting are: herbal medicines, powdered green tea, liquid soap, decorative eggs and novelty items.

During her recent television interviews at UNTV station, Ms. Gomez stressed that the “global financial crisis is a wake up call for all of us. Our country can survive if we just simplify our lifestyle, go back to basics and have strong faith in God.”

Ms. Gomez reiterates that entrepreneurs are the backbone of country’s economy. They should be provided with support mechanisms so that our country can survive the crisis.









Submitted by Evelyn B. Alcantara*

May 13, 2009

* Evelyn Alcantara is the Executive Trustee of the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran (BSK) National

Foundation

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The Secret of the Rosary

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Love as Public Service and Public Policy

Perhaps it is all those crummy plots of romantic telenovelas that have inundated our daily lives which has given us the stereotype definition of love. Love is basically comprehended as magically romantic---until we hear of the next celebrity break-up anyway.

How many poets have declared that they have become too sick of love? The same malady hits me too at times, until I recall that love is not a feeling more than it is rendering sincere service to those who need it the most.

Should there be any handbook for public service and public policy, I dare say that St.Paul's First Corinthians is the perfect handbook for serving the public. Historically, he was writing to a rather disorganized Christian community who were basically oppressed, persecuted, poor and were the "outcasts" of the elite Roman society.

Love is patient and kind. Paul laid his public policy of tolerance and empathy.He ordered that "his people" understand that living in a specific community where everyone was constrained to share everything meant that there will always be differences. Or quarrels. Or different points of view between individuals.

Love is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated,it is not rude.It does not seek its own interests.Love is not quick-tempered nor does it brood over injury.

Basically, this is a call for civility, good conduct and treating everyone in the community equally while understanding their specific needs. It is a voice of leadership that cries out: "Let's feed the hungry or better yet, give him/him work so that he shall not have to stay hungry. Let's take collective action and forget ourselves for a while and get into volunteerism because we are ALL part of the same community. To improve our community we MUST improve the LOT of individuals, we must try and repair broken lives if we must. We have to bury the petty bitterness of the past that keeps us divided and thus, paralyzed by fear to do good.

Love does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Any public policy which does not render justice to whom it is due is a failed policy from the start. Any great leader will tell you so, and admittedly, this nation has yet to produce one who is in the same league as Ghandi who said "An eye for an eye will make us all blind". Or Winston Churchill, who despite his human flaws, knew that "Responsibility is the only price of greatness."

We do not create great communities by building walls in a paranoid attempt to protect us and our properties. We cannot build great communities without first building GOOD communities. We cannot protect the little or great wealth we have by clinging to it in fear without remembering the One who said : "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required" (Luke 12:48)

The best leadership example was set by one who started with a rough gang of twelve whom the elites of His period called "sinners and wine gobblers". These were not exactly an educated band of brothers. They were as regular as the next balut-vendor, except that they balut-vendor today probably owns a cellphone. They never traveled to avail of a Greek or Roman education, they only vastly improved human civilization.

The cry of the world today is "Change!". The same cry for change has brought about the French Revolution and a relatively better world view that all men and women are born with certain inalienable rights such as life, liberty, equality the right to individual happiness. Sadly, even such a noble revolution devoured its own children.

Consider this short quote:
There is no such thing as the State
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.
---W. H. Auden

Everything starts from the smallest community, for without communities, there would be no state. Perhaps, the leadership manuals of the world should be rewritten in line with St. Paul's message to the Corinthians. Some will reason that public policy should be tough and there is no place for "love" in genuine leadership. I say NO. I vehemently disagree because leadership is not taking the reins - people aren't horses.They are lives to be nurtured, souls to be restored, individuals whose voices should be heard and hungry crying babies (living in the womb or outside of it) who should know that there is always hope forever served as our cup runneth over to their rescue because we are Filipinos whose core value is to love.

I dream of such a community one day and those who will dare share my dream.

Powerful Prayer

O ST. JOSEPH, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.


THIS PRAYER WAS FOUND IN THE 5OTH YEAR OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. IN 1505 IT WAS SENT FROM THE POPE TO EMPEROR CHARLES WHEN HE WAS GOING INTO BATTLE. WHOEVER SHALL READ THIS PRAYER OR HEAR IT OR KEEP IT ABOUT THEMSELVES SHALL NEVER DIE A SUDDEN DEATH OR BE DROWNED, NOR SHALL POISON TAKE EFFECT ON THEM---- NEITHER SHALL THEY FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY OR BE BURNED IN ANY FIRE OR BE OVERPOWERED IN BATTLE. SAY FOR NINE MORNINGS FOR ANYTHING YOU DESIRE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL, PROVIDED THAT THE REQUEST IS FOR ONE'S SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OR FOR THOSE WHOM WE ARE PRAYING FOR.

WE PUBLISHED THE ABOVE CLAIM WHICH USUALLY ACCOMPANIES THE PRINTED PRAYER, ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT KNOW OF ITS AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE.