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This year's holiday season will go down as one of the saddest Christmas to many Filipinos especially those living in the provinces that were affected by killer typhoon Sendong.

According to a report from Unicef, almost 200,000 children were affected by the flash flood brought by Sendong.  What's more depressing is the fact that more than a thousand lives were also taken and another thousand people are still reported missing.

I am just proud that I am part of an organization like People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) under the leadership of outgoing President Bong Austero who immediately released funds to help out affected employees of our member companies based in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan City.  It's our own little way of reaching out to them, especially to CDO who adopted us for a week during a PMAP event held in the city last October.

I was also inspired by friends and fellow bloggers based in CDO who has been active in conducting fund-raising activities for our kababayan in spite of the fact that they too are victims of Sendong.  One of them told me that "you'll be moved by the scenes when you are here.  You will feel that you're just lucky that you did not experience what they have gone through and that's my motivation to help them in the possible ways I can"

Yesterday, my family spent lunch at McDonalds in Proj. 4, QC and I consider it one special day not because of the holiday celebration but more on the joy that I felt when we brought something to donate for the victims of Sendong. It was the first time that I actually made extra effort to share something for the needy since I stopped doing a yearly gift-giving activity in 2007, the year I lost my daughter and younger brother in a span of three months.


Prior to that date, I've been organizing activities like feeding programs and donation drive for Christmas using a portion of my 13th month pay since 1997.  But I somewhat lost the excitement and the Christmas spirit when I got hit with a back-to-back personal tragedies.

Typhoon Sendong may have brought sadness to the lives of thousands of people but it's really amazing how hope can do wonders.  Hope touches even the heart of stone, uplift spirit, and unite a nation.  Personally, my heart was broken many times looking at the images of mothers cradling lifeless bodies of their children, people crying out for help and sad faces of children.  But I have to admit, it awaken me to relive a good deed that I should have not ceased doing in the first place.  I have just pushed the "reset" button and will do more action than just writing for this advocacy blog.  

For those who have old clothes, foot wears, bedding, canned goods and other useful things to donate, McDonalds outlets nationwide are accepting donations for the victims of Sendong.  Below are other organizations who have also offered their services and accepts your donations:

Inquirer Relief Drive
1098 Chino Roces Ave.
Cor MAscardo and Yague Sts.
Makati City

GMA Kapuso Foundatrion
2nd Floor GMA Netwrok Bldg.
GMA Drive, Diliman, QC

All LBC outlets nationwide.

For cash donations, you can visit any outlet of 7-Eleven or Cebuana Lhuiller or log on to www.worldvision.org.ph or www.unicef.ph.

It's only a couple of weeks from now and the whole world will be celebrating Christmas day.

Personally, I am excited for my son Charles on how he would react in all the gifts that my wife and I have brought for him. It's my biggest joy to see his face light up and smile. Whatever that can make him happy is now my lifelong quest.

This morning, as I check my mails and Facebook notifications, an image made me pause for awhile and gave me goosebumps.  It was a hand-written letter from a 6-year old boy named Yuri looking for his mommy Collen Gabrido who went missing since Dec. 6 of this year.  I may not be his father but I can feel his pain of longing for his mom.

Well, this is the first time I'll admit it but sometimes my son seems to look for something that only his mommy can give.  I'll act silly, bring out all the toy and sing along with Disney characters shownon TV when Charles is crying but sometimes I just can't make him stop.  Then, when his mommy comes to the rescue, I don't know what potion she have that she can make him laugh in an instant.

I feel for Yuri. And also for his dad.  My blogger friend Myk Rome, who personally the Gabrido family, was the one who informed me about the incident.



Spreading across social media platforms in the Philippines especially on Facebook is a photo of a woman named Coleen Gabrido who has been reportedly missing since December 6, 2011. What moved me is the letter of a child to his mommy.



 According to Coleen's husband, his wife left home at about 1pm to attend to a review class and never came back. Coleen is a registered nurse and is recently attending a class for her IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for their family's plans to go abroad (Australia/Canada). Before she left their house, Coleen messaged her husband at about 12:40pm on December 6 saying, "Dad, papasok na ako. (Dad, I'm going to school)". That was the last text he received from her. The review center is just 15 minutes away from their home.

Coleen's husband tried to contact her mobile phone upon finding that his wife hasn't returned yet nor replied back to his messages. Her phone was still ringing in December 6 but next day, December 7 after 5pm, she can no longer be contacted.



Coleen is about 5'4" tall with an estimated weight 120-125lbs.  The young mom at 26 had with her, her Nine West black shoulder bag, mobile phone, books and wallet. She did not leave their house with any extra clothing to dispute thoughts that she might have run away. From her review class, Coleen usually arrives at around 10-10:30pm but she did not get to come home since the night of December 6, 2011.

The Gabrido family has already filed a police report but it has been 8 days now. Yuri is very sad and very worried about her mom. Please help Yuri find his mom... it's his only Christmas wish. Have a heart to help in the search.
 
If you have seen Coleen or if you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact immediately  +639159013848 / email limp13ph@yahoo.com

All photos and text below where taken from The Social Media Chameleon's Racing Thoughts.

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) will conduct a gift-giving activity on December for confined patients and their families at the Philippine General Hospital.  All sorts of donations will be accepted.  Please check the details on the flyer on how to be part of this worthwhile activity.

Today, more and more companies have been becoming green. They have been volunteering time and donating money to green causes, using green technology, and encouraging their employees to think green. Well, why not eat green. Much better in establishments that promotes programs that aims in preserving our environment.

Take the case of Impressca, a restaurant that I frequent almost every weekend especially in their SM Araneta Center outlet.  I just love salad that's why I like this store.  And what made me more impressed with Impressca is the fact that they have some good practices that are good for the environment that other businesses should follow.

Here are the commitments that Impressca has integrated in their business operation:

1. Adherence to R.A. 9003 – The Solid Waste Management System

2. Composting

3. Having our own organic herb garden

4. Use of local ingredients – (it cuts down on packaging thereby reduces waste generation, transport costs and pollution)

5. Water  conservation  -  in the form of  proper washing  procedures for food and wares and the use of grey water in the commissary

6. Paper recycling -  use of newsprint paper in our office,  paper trash for the next recycling process

7. Recreate – to “recycle” and to be “creative” – thru the use of reclaimed wood for our dining tables and chairs, countertops, racks and cabinets

8. Having energy management systems in place through energy conservation programs, the use of food service equipment that use less energy and help protect the environment (like those with energy star certification); preventive maintenance of equipment so they run efficiently.

9. Use of paint that are non – hazardous and have low or no volatile organic compounds.

10. Use of responsible materials – table appointments that are compostable and recyclables like spoons and fork, boxes, napkins , placemats and  recycled paper bags.

11. Promotions that boost individuals to participate in the ecological campaign thru the “GREEN CARD”

12. Serving fresh, organic and natural foods that produce less carbon footprint.

13. Continuous health education and eco-education.

Like the Impressca FB fanpage for more updates.  Their stores are located at SM City San Lazaro, The Block at SM North EDS, Mother Ignacia Place, Food Plaza in UP Manila and SM Araneta Center.

I was talking to my wife a week ago about her experience getting his second of three shots of anti-cervical cancer vaccine and she really squirms to recall the ill-feeling of dose.

I told her it's for her own good. At least, she will be safe for life against the disease that is reported to be the second most common type of cancer among women in the Philippines especially if she completes the required doses before the end of the year.

Two vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, are available to prevent HPV infection.  I have been a believer of the old saying that prevention is the best cure.  So, I recommend investing on any of the two brands which you can inquire in the nearest clinic or hospital in your area.


CECAP or Cervical Cancer Prevention Program is working towards eliminating cervical cancer in the Philippines.  The group is also striving to develop centers of excellence for service, training, and research for healthcare providers and advocates.  This center shall be a model for the prevention of cervical cancer especially for the underserved.  You can reach them via tel. no. 523-3274 or email: cecap_phil@yahoo.com.

Here are some Cervical cancer facts that I got from online info hub www.medicinenet.com:

"Causes and risk factors for cervical cancer have been identified and include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, having many sexual partners, smoking, taking birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact.  The most common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain.    Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.  Chest X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and a PET scan may be used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.  Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment than cancer that begins in other parts of the uterus."

I would also like to ask fellow bloggers to participate in “Charity Blogging for Cancer Awareness” organized by blogger Stef dela Cruz of Life and Fever. Through this event, we can help increase cancer awareness. In addition, for every 10 blogs that join this affair, she will donate one Prosure formula to CanShare, a support group for cancer warriors and survivors. To join, follow the mechanics below:

1. Write a blog post of 300 words on cancer. The goal is to increase cancer awareness, so writing useful information on cancer detection and prevention are ideal.

2. Link to this URL: http://www.lifeandfever.com/2011/09/charity-blogging-for-cancer-awareness.html and inform your readers about Charity Blogging for Cancer Awareness.

3. Mention in your blog post that a whole-day event for cancer patients and survivors is to be held this December. The event will include contests, freebies, inspirational talks, and performances. Donations are accepted and may be forwarded via PayPal to doc_alma_jones (at) yahoo (dot) com.

4. Using the comment form below, post the URL of your blog entry.

5. For every ten blog entries, CanShare receives one Prosure package. (Prosure is a nutrition formula that helps manage weight loss due to cancer.)

6. Deadline of entries: September 30, 2011, 5 p.m.
 

Are you one proud Pinoy and want to do something to help uplift the image of our country to the international scene?

Well, you can do it with just a simple text.

Even President Noynoy Aquino has asked all Filipinos to support the call for text vote,“I need your help. I need text votes so that the Palawan underground river will be proclaimed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.” This was his message during a recent students-educators conference where he encourage everyone to take part in the government’s campaign to promote Palawan’s Underground River.
 
Here's the complete details of the campaign:

Mobile users who wish to get more information about the polling service will have to send in N7W to 2861.  They will be charged for every successfully sent message:

Globe – P2.50
Smart – P2.50
Sun – P2.00

When users wish to send their text votes, they will have to text PPUR, PPUR7, and/or PPUR15 to 2861. They will be charged and will receive a confirmation reply for every successful text.

Globe Subscribers*
1 vote – “PPUR” to 2861 (P2.50 each text)
10 votes – “PPUR7” to 2861 (P20.00 each text)
15 votes – “PPUR15” to 2861 (P30.00 each text)

Sun Subscribers*
1 vote – “PPUR” to 2861 (P2.50 each text)
7 votes – “PPUR7” to 2861 (P15.00 each text)
15 votes – “PPUR15” to 2861 (P30.00 each text)

Smart Subscribers*
1 vote – “PPUR” to 2861 (P2.50 each text)
7 votes – “PPUR7” to 2861 (P15.00 each text)
15 votes – “PPUR15” to 2861 (P30.00 each text)

*Exclude the double quote (“) when texting.

*Note: Free PPUR Trivia for every PPUR keyword sent & free wallpaper for every PPUR7 and PPUR15 sent.

Voting Period is extended until November 11, 2011 as per DTI-NCR approval.

A Dutch study suggests that regular consumption of cocoa may halve risk of dying and lower blood pressure.

On a report posted in www.chocolate.org, at five year intervals over a 15-year period, 470 men aged over 65 were questioned about their dietary intake of cocoa and received physical examinations. The men were placed in three groups according to their level of cocoa consumption and data about their health was collected. During the study, 314 men died, 152 due to cardiovascular disease.

“The men in the group that consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa – at least 4g per day – and the risk remained lower even when other factors such as smoking, physical exercise and weight were taken into account,” says lead researcher Brian Buijsse, at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. “And men in the study who consumed the most cocoa were less likely to die of any cause,” he adds.

It is also through chocolates that high school classmates of Percival Baccay hopes that they can help their friend who was diagnosed recently with Nasopharyngeal cancer. 

This type of cancer affects the nasopharynx, the upper part of the pharynx (throat) behind the nose.  Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus. An opening on each side of the nasopharynx leads into an ear. Nasopharyngeal cancer most commonly starts in the squamous cells that line the oropharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth).

Percival is in need of support from anyone who is willing to help him go through his medications and medical procedures.  One way of lending a helping hand is by purchasing Percy’s Chocolates, home-made goodies prepared by his classmates from high school to raise funds.


Each box only cost P50 each and every centavos that will be earned will be given to Percival’s family and another classmate of their batch, Dra. Sarah Moral who was diagnosed with leukemia.  To order, kindly send a PM to Jacky Fagarita or Wency Ponggay Toscano via Facebook.

Remember that in every bite of Percy’s Chocolate that you’ll take gives a ray of hope for this good man.