On November 8, 2013, typhoon Haiyan slammed across the Visayas region of the Philippines. Having a storm strength of Category 5 and a wind speed of 195 miles per hour, this storm, known as Yolanda to us, left 1.9 of the total 12.9 million people homeless.
Three years after this incident, many still experience trauma as they recall that fateful day when the unexpected storm surge happened. It was extremely catastrophic and I guess people were not really alarmed of a storm surge warning. What was a storm surge anyway? I thought it was better to tell them that a tsunami was coming. That way, they would have evacuated the areas much more quicker. Yes, the frightened residents stayed indoors... but that wasn't enough.
My family and I were in our house in Cebu when that occurred and we could hear the howling of the mighty strong winds. It was almost a subtle scream. Roofs were pulled out from the houses and were sent flying as people tried to seek shelter. Everybody was scared for their lives. What more in the highly stuck cities and towns?
Leyte's towns and cities were largely destructed. The cyclone literally swept everything clear of its path. The aftermath was incomprehensible as the massive damage reached an all time high. Cars were stacked one on top of the other, trees were knocked over, airports and supposedly evacuation centers were submerged by the storm surge....roughly 90% of the city was in an unbelievable wreck. Everyone was caught off guard. 2.5 million people were in dire need of food, looting was a common scene as they fought to survive. The city was pitch black and cold at night with no electricity. It was a real ghost town. Logistical problems hastened the relief operations.
This has opened our eyes to what defines and restores faith in humanity. The whole world watched as this place tried to recover with aid from all over the world being sent. There was an out pour of generosity, prayers and concern. And in a rare occasion, almost all people actually forgot issues about culture and race and simply gave a helping hand.
Almost everyone. Here the Filipino people have witnessed footprints of government's sheer decade-long corruption. Monetary aid was not all being distributed and imports were not given to people if tax was not paid. This magnified the effect of the typhoon. People tried to board rescue planes out of desperation. Prisoners who escaped raised safety concerns and the situations was aggravating to the people. Foreign support did not go where they were supposed to. Months later, rebuilding and rehabilitation only became a breeding ground for graft. And that's only a glimpse of what's going on.
Three years after, we remember Yolanda. What exactly has been done? On what basis can they consider rebuilding to be finished? Only a 51-percent regeneration was noted last year, 2015. Will it get better this year? As long as people are sleeping in substandard housing and livelihood has not been stabilized, as long as people are not provided what has been long due and corruption is feeding on the needy. It can never thought of as done.
Kudos to the people who still smile despite everything they have gone through.
xx,
Michelle
Some photos from the relief op. in Bantayan after the typhoon that was conducted by Lions Club - Cebu.
People waiting for their goods
outside a church and children walking
on the boat
Fatherhood
Volunteers who also joined
The damaged stores
stats taken from :
www.reliefweb.net
www.wikipedia.com
One of the perks of having Cardio Unit staff friends is that they get to use you as a test patient for their machines. I don't really mind being a hamster for a day! Way back when I was working in a hospital, I had a test echo which found that I had mild mitral regurgitation. Nah, not much of a big deal. It doesn't cause me any problems at all. Still, it's there!
In high school I also found that my dislocating hip joint wasn't at all normal...I had to go to a doctor because I sometimes would feel like a nerve was sort of caught between my bones (or something like that) and my range of movement was limited. I can't raise my legs so high, laterally. Then after running further tests and going to the doctor, it was shown that the ball of my right hip was a little bit longer than the one on the left. Nahhh, not much of a big deal either...and I stopped visiting the doctor because surgery was the only way to correct it. I had no money for that and it meant having a total hip replacement. Why would I want to do that when I'm functioning normally, right? People kept telling me sooner or later I might need it. I'll worry about that when it comes, if it does come.
Oh, and did I mention my fingers are super flexy, I have a prominent nasal septum and I can control my gag reflex? Lik my fingers can't be straight! I feel like I'm one of those X-Men people who are so darn weird. I can literally be like 1/4 snake-ish and let out the food I just swallowed. I know, it sounds disgusting but I used to enjoy making my brother throw up out of sheer disgust because of this. *big laugh*
I recall applying for a local and international airline before and the interviewers told me to cover up the boney part of my nose because it was considered a flaw...the F. I tried so hard and almost poured all the concealer on this specific area but it just wouldn't go away. And I was like, seriously? I tell you, if they can't accept who you are and what you have, they're not worth giving your time and effort. That is so superficial. Oh the reality of people setting standards for what beauty is and what it should look like... *sigh*
Me, my bone and Lawrence.
Yep, see that right there!
It's 2016 and I've been obsessed with running and fitness. Despite all that I feel like I'm still at the top of my game. Who says disabilities can stop you from doing what you love? I admire people who never let those hurdles get in the way. It's just another hump on the road! Whatever flaw you have, consider it as a beautiful imperfection because that's what makes you unique. You might have freckles (like me!), or your eye color might not be the same but hey, the moon has craters but people still find it beautiful!
stay happy,
Michelle
image courtesy of Inhabitat.com
I hope that image got your attention.
Allow me to openly express my honest feelings and opinions and I leave it to you if you want to finish reading this post.
~
I have always had this deep sense of caring for the Earth since I was a child. I recall picking up an injured bird and taking care of it until it was ready to fly, I happily planted seedlings in our lot and witnessed it grow to my heart's content. It is and never was like me to throw trash in any place and yes, I am never guilty of dumping garbage anywhere. The cartoons that I have watched were The Wild Thornberry's and Captain Planet. I have brought this love until the present time. I am updated with the latest issues regarding the environment and I signed up for Greenpeace years ago. I try to produce less trash as much as possible and even my used coffee grinds have found a place in my teeny garden.
But that's only me.
What about the millions of other people that coexist with nature. It sounds a tad cliche because we often hear people ranting about how others are ruining the environment. But are they really doing something about it? I personally think that if you want to make a change, you have to start with in yourself and at home. This is not a one-man army because it's a sad fact that you need a nation to make a big change. You can't sit behind the screen of your PC or Mobile posting stuff and still do the same things others are doing. It all comes down to your habits, your discipline and how seriously you are taking the situation. People often have this no care attitude thinking that this planet's issues are going to end in hay wire anyway. Ignorance is definitely not bliss. I wouldn't have posted this if it had not been for the image of the frail polar bear...caused by the melting of the arctic ice. It was just too heartbreaking. Moreover, it is seen that by 2020, two thirds of animals are going to be extinct. You enjoy watching elephants and tigers, but by that time you'd be looking at statues than the real thing if you don't make a move. Oil spills, smogs are constantly occurring being health risks among the many. A type of bee is even placed in the endangered species list (do you want to say goodbye to coffee?) Same goes with the Western Black Rhino, which was declared extinct in 2011 (if I am not mistaken, but this was caused by poaching.) Still, this poses a major imbalance in the ecosystem. One can't only benefit all the time, you have got to give back what is due. Is that really not enough to give people a wake up call?
www.globalresearch.ca
www.aljazeera.com
So before you complain about how hot, dry and dirty is now, before ranting about how limited resources are, ask yourself. Have you done your part?
I am not an environmental expert but I have seen enough to tell you that things are spiraling down...and it will come back to the ones who have caused it.
I am not an environmental expert but I have seen enough to tell you that things are spiraling down...and it will come back to the ones who have caused it.
Michelle
for more reads, visit:
Flores is a part of Eastern Indonesia and one of the areas in Flores which is famous for producing a distinct kind of coffee is Bajawa. Have you ever wondered what Bajawa means? This word is actually derived from two different words. Bha for plate and Java which means peace.
The coffee plantations in Bajawa are situated 1300 meters above sea level and the coffee here is grown organically. That probably is the reason behind the fragrant aroma and the extra kick it gives! Generally speaking though, the higher the coffee plantation, the better.
And so, months ago Lawrence went to Indonesia and got me bags and bags of coffee that made me tear up with incomprehensible joy! Like you, I'm also a coffee addict. I can't say lover because it's more of an addiction! One of the many was this, Flores Bajawa and I only found the strength to rip the package open because it pains me to do so. The packaging is just too pretty!
The first thing that caught my senses was the citrus hit the second I drank it. There were some chocolaty notes with the classic flavor it gave. It has more of a medium body and I sense hues of nuttiness but the slight acidity does give it that extra oomph.
How was your experience with this coffee?
xx,
Michelle
Greetings from this side of the super toned gastrocnemius! Guess what everyone? I have reached 1,000 kilometers on Nike! I've never been so happy because it almost felt like forever. Before I knew it, I was at 900+ kilometers last week.
On other news, Cebu Marathon's early bird registration has been extended until November 15. This'll be my second time to join and I'm so dang psyched for it! To the people who feel like giving up on running just because you are not seeing the results yet...I say, go and run. Because good and beautiful things take time. If you've been running for miles and miles and are up for the challenge (of beating your time, that is) I strongly and wholeheartedly encourage you to join.
I started running in 2011 and I can't even remember the brand of the first pair of shoes I wore! I thought Sketchers was best thing ever. I had no gear, no belt bags whatsoever. I simply ran and joined my first 5-km fun run. Fast forward to 2016 and I'm pushing myself even further...I'm not a pro nor am I competing. I just run because I enjoy it. A whole bunch of people run way faster than I do but I seriously don't mind. The only pressure I'm putting on my head is the pressure to beat my own time because I know I can always do better and give my best at many things...and this is just one of the many. Giving up is never an option. I hope to see you at the finish line!
Don't stop!
xx Michelle xx
For more info. about Cebu Marathon and registration details, click here
Ghouls and ghosts, spirits and witches, white ladies and doppelgangers. Happy Halloween everyone!
Every year QQ English celebrates Halloween by hosting a contest with participating teachers and students showcasing their scariest costume evaaa! This year's event was so much better than the last because even the staff are getting into the spirit! (JOKE!) They fabulously dressed up as harlequin. They were more of cute than scary! Some Japanese do not celebrate Halloween and this is quite a fun experience for them. Not the usual classroom scenario...imagine yourselves having class with the nun from conjuring. One teacher dressed up as a doll and nailed it. More of a fashionable doll because of the shoes! Would you be scared or distracted?
Each year it just keeps getting better. No tricks here, just pure treats!
How was your Halloween experience?
xx,
Michelle
xx,
Michelle
