I felt my baby tumble with joy inside my belly as the announcement from the radio blasted out that indeed Cory Aquino was our new president. My baby is now a 23 year old lady turning 24 next month. It’s been 24 years since my joy came in a stream of tears. There were many reasons worth crying for—a sign of relief from the threats of a civil war, the challenges facing the new President, for the citizenry who finally showed the courage to challenge the Marcoses.

I smiled and carressed my belly assuring my unborn baby that she will now be born in a democracy. As a new mother, I desired nothing else but peace, not the turmoil that was about to explode with the cheating of the elections done under a dictatorial regime. Fighting the dictatorship was a struggle that I fought for as a student in the state university.

Ang sarap maging Filipino.

For many years, I idolized Cory Aquino. I looked up to Cory Aquino for having the courage to fight a dictator and restore a democracy. I am forever grateful for that. Never mind if her government faced numerous power struggles. Never mind if Kamaganak Inc allegedly gained from her presidency. Many years in denial. It took the same daughter to shake off that “romantic affair” with the People power revolution. It is easy to romanticize while pondering at what EDSA meant, especially in light of Cory’s death.

The outpouring in Cory’s funeral meant the expression of longing for honesty, decency, and democracy. It does not mean that this automatically transfers to a son or a daughter by means of heredity.

Nick Perlas adds that “What it does mean is that the nation is longing for a leader that had the traits of Cory PLUS the capacity to transform institutions and systems.”
The same daughter that somersaulted inside me 24 years ago questioned my initial support for Noynoy Aquino when I wrote the entry, Noynoy Aquino- The Gate Changer. What were his qualifications? Just because he is the son of a beloved president? I mused and perused. A clear picture unfolded before me- competency, character, coherent platform, clear vision. It took my wise daughter born at the peak of the People power revolution fever to awaken me from that stupor. I thought I knew all the answers for the future citizens of the country. Mommies can make mistake too. This time , I will not cloud my judgement over the euphoria of People Power 1. It is not the time to be emotional just because there is an evil president, the most hated president next to the dictator.

What I look for in a president is not in Noynoy. Mommies know what is best for their children but this time, my children knew what is best for them.

Take time to listen to your children even if they are not of voting age. Discuss the issues and criteria needed for the future president of our country. We have the power to educate ourselves and vote wisely for the country.

Mommy power is in our hands.

Today marks my blog’s 4th anniversary and this blog transcended beyond just a grief advocacy blog. The domain name, aboutmyrecovery.com not only speaks about my personal recovery.

Aboutmyrecovery.com now encompasses the recovery of our country and the struggles to achieve it.

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Perhaps if we try to keep her spirit alive in our own daily struggles, we would realize that she did not really just leave us. She is in our dreams of having a government that works, that makes justice and a decent life accessible to every citizen. She is an inspiration on so many levels.

For those who have lost loved ones, their lives continue to live on in our hearts, in our memories, through our work and advocacy. This blog is a testament to my love for my son, to my father, my mom and two brothers who have gone before my dad. By being of service, I keep their memories alive.

I looked up to Cory Aquino for having the courage to fight a dictator and restore a democracy. I am forever grateful for that.

My admiration for Cory Aquino is just for her alone. It is non-transferable. I admire her for her efforts in restoring democracy but the work does not end there. We need to learn from the mistakes of the past. People Power 1, People Power 2, our current president running for congresswoman and many others.

Truly I will keep her spirit alive by living it. I will try to be a good citizen through my writing or advocacy in Blog Watch. I will tell my readers exactly what is wrong with my government and the things that need to be changed to ensure that our democracy matures.

People don’t understand the historical lessons that need to be learned of People Power 1 and People Power 2. After the bad government is turned, there is no vision and everything is in disarray. Why have we not moved progressively since 1986? To keep Cory Aquino’s spirit alive is to ensure her efforts were not gone to waste.

Noynoy Aquino’s Speech at Tita Cory’s Birthday Mass, EDSA Shrine

SPEECH OF SENATOR BENIGNO “NOYNOY” S. AQUINO III
AT THE MASS COMMEMORATING THE 77TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
OF PRESIDENT CORAZON C. AQUINO, JANUARY 24, 2010, EDSA SHRINE

As we commemorate the birth anniversary of our mother, we again feel a sense of emptiness from no longer having her around.

We have gotten so used to the comfort of her presence, especially when situations demand the best of us.

She almost always had a ready answer whenever problems arise. When she didn’t, she would provide wise counsel that always managed to make us feel better.

We looked up to our mother as our leader, especially after my father passed away. She instantly became our source of strength, while becoming the face of fortitude for her countrymen. She later managed to carry through not just her children but an entire nation now freely enjoying benefits of a hard-fought democracy.

It is in these trying times when our fragile democracy hangs in the balance that I feel her absence even more.

What gives me consolation, and courage to overcome the emptiness, is the realization that I am not alone in my grief. There are many others, like you, who felt the loss of a truly phenomenal woman.

When people from all walks of life came in droves at her wake and joined the 9-hour procession from the church to her final resting place, we witnessed a nation that genuinely looked up to her as an inspiration much as we in her family did. People wanted a piece of Cory Aquino, patiently waited in line and braved the elements just to get it, perhaps to remember what her sacrifice truly meant for all of us.

Such a strong commitment to make sacrifices, and willingness to somehow emulate her character, demonstrated a people longing for a semblance of the sincerity that she embodied.

It also showed what we CAN do. The spirit of People Power was reignited in those five days.

Is it possible that what we so admired in Cory Aquino is something that resides in each of us all along?

Imagine a country where each citizen is honest, obeys the law and is never at the mercy of shady law enforcers.

A country where citizens show their trademark bayanihan qualities at all times, not only when disasters strike.

A country whose citizens take care of other citizens, in whatever way possible.

Imagine if we do live up to that ideal that my mother exemplified. Her unique brand of heroism and sacrifice could finally have younger, stronger and more creative versions that could only come from those of us she had left behind.

Only through our participation, and our willingness to live by her example, can we make her legacy meaningful and able to effect the changes we want today.

Sa matinding pagsubok na kasalukuyang hinaharap ng ating lipunan at ng buong sambayanang Pilipino, hindi maaaring ako lamang ang magsisikap na tularan ang mabuting ehemplo ng aking ina.

Perhaps if we try to keep her spirit alive in our own daily struggles, we would realize that she did not really just leave us. She is in our dreams of having a government that works, that makes justice and a decent life accessible to every citizen. She is an inspiration on so many levels.

Working together in fulfilling our own aspirations for our country would be an ideal tribute to the woman who loved her country until the very end.

Thank you.

Source of speech: leflaneur——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

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Photo Credit to newshopper

I was 15 years old when Proclamation 1081 was declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos. My folks seemed overjoyed with the news. The administration did a great job brainwashing the old folks that the country was in turmoil and thus, Martial Law needed to be declared. I didn’t know it then, of course.

I felt a bit alarmed that any house could be raided for “subversive materials”. Any reading material might be “subversive” in the eyes of the military. Dad was wise. He started buying books and magazines that were pro-Marcos. But all of these inconveniences were insignificant compared to the pain of detained and tortured “political prisoners”, the loss of freedom of speech, the pain of seeing my brother in jail and so with my barkada. I was never brought to detention due to luck, perhaps.

Soon after Marcos declared martial law, one American high-ranking official described the Philippines as a country composed “of 40 million cowards and one son of a bitch” otherwise, he reasoned they should have risen against the destroyer of their freedom.

“Never again, never again – never again to martial law!”

It took 14 years later to be free from this dictatorship and the painful lessons brought out a constitution that ensured martial law should only be declared:

In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding 60 days, suspend the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. “

Thirty-seven years later, our dear President Arroyo declares martial law in Maguindanao (Proclamation 1959) with a stroke of a pen but this time to just a part of the Philippines. The situation looks like it needs it after a large cache of arms and ammunition , enough to supply a brigade-size unit of the military near the mansions of the Ampatuans in Shariff Aguak, capital town of Maguindanao. Her move leaves me with a bad aftertaste. This does not feel right. I don’t trust our president anymore. Do you wonder why Pulse Asia’s latest survey shows a combined 79 percent of the respondents said they would “surely not vote for” (43 percent) and “probably not vote for” (36 percent) a presidential candidate endorsed by Ms Arroyo. Now that reflects people’s attitude or distrust towards her administration?

I don’t trust her.

Besides, why does it have to be signed at 9:00 PM on a friday?

Is there even a need for it? The 1987 constitution says

*Within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress.

*The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President.

*Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

That means Congress should convene in the next 24 hours. It’s 24 hours since she signed Proclamation 1959. I wonder what happens when Congress is unable to convene in the next 24 hours. I hope she explains her reasons. Invasion or rebellion are the only grounds for a declaration of martial law.

I say Oppose Martial Law, Congressmen. It is not needed. I fear that a precedent will be set for other parts of the country.

This time around, there is one bitch and 92 million Filipinos but are we cowards?

Do I hear the chants, “Never again, never again – never again to martial law!”

Statement of Brigadier General Danny Lim- Today Maguindanao, Tomorrow the Nation

Office of Brigadier General Danny Lim 
 

Press Release
Contact: Belle Enriquez
Spokesperson for BGen. Danny Lim

BGen. Danny Lim: Today Maguindanao, Tomorrow the Nation- December 5, 2009

Rebel General says the military lacks the consciousness and discernment to implement Martial Law

Detained Brigadier General Danilo “Danny” Lim today described the proclamation of Martial Law in Maguindanao as part of a sinister and grand plan to remain in power through the use and abuse of the military apparatus of the state.

In a statement, Lim said “the imposition of Martial Law in Maguindanao is a clear sign that Mrs. Arroyo is using all her multiple trump cards in an attempt to be in power forever.” He said Maguindanao is a conduct experiment for an all-our military rule with the entire nation as the real target.”

“Like what we have said time and time again, amid the public fear of Mrs. Arroyo becoming a member of parliament and the country’s Prime Minister, there is still the impending threat of her declaring military rule, hence, leading to the failure of the 2010 elections,” Lim said.

The dissident soldier-turned senatorial candidate also asserted that the military lacks the necessary consciousness and mindset to implement martial law and as a result, the tendency to abuse such power is very high.

“Being a military man myself, I strongly believe the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the influence of corrupt leaders and who in turn take their command from an illegitimate president does not possess the necessary discernment to implement such a critical order. Martial law under Marcos and replicated by the likes of Palparan proves this point,” Lim stressed.

“Granting without conceding that martial law in Maguindanao is valid; an implementing army that is systematically depoliticized and demobilized by Malacanang through years of patronage and transactional politics is a cure worse than the disease. Mrs. Arroyo, unwittingly, might be opening a pandora’s box she herself cannot handle,” Lim said.

Lim also pointed out that Congress plays a crucial role in this unfolding event. He said the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao coincides with a Congress suffering from a lack of quorum and on the brink of a long recess. “In such a scenario, the institution that has the power to revoke a president’s declaration of martial law anywhere in the Philippines is effectively captured,” Lim said.

Lim called on the highest sense of Congress to challenge the validity of the government’s martial law declaration in Maguindanao. He challenged Congress to represent the true will of the people. He also enjoined the public to mobilize and to publicly display their opposition on the matter.

“Civilian supremacy must reign in this issue. While the military will surely play an important yet subordinate role in preserving the peace and in putting the perpetuators of the massacre behind bars, it is the sovereign will of the people that must be prevail,” Lim concluded.

Lim is running as an independent senatorial candidate. However, the Liberal Party has adopted him as a guest candidate. He is currently detained under maximum security at Camp Crame in Quezon City for rebellion charges and purported military revolts which was said to be against the Arroyo government’s crimes of plunder, corruption and human rights violations.

Make it quick and get out of Maguindanao – December 6, 2009

Former Army Brigadier General Danny Lim today challenged the national government to prove it has no hidden agenda in putting Maguindanao under Martial rule by immediately taking into custody all those behind the massacre of 57 people, restore law and order and quickly get out of the province.

“For a government that cannot be trusted, I suggest that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines finish their jobs the soonest possible time and immediately leave Maguindanao. They should not follow any illegal order and do whatever sinister plan by Mrs. Arroyo,” he said.

While he is against Martial Law, Lim said he is willing to bend a little in the case of Maguindanao if its purpose is to account for all the suspects in the killings and bring back law and order. But again, it has to be quick.

Still, the former commander of the Army Scout Ranger said the problems in Maguindanao were the makings of Arroyo as it was her who recreated the Ampatuans through the tainted elections in 2004.

Also, Lim said Arroyo could not escape responsibility over the large cache of weapons that was found in Maguindanao, and which was believed to have come from the military and the Department of National Defense, since she is the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Brig. Gen Lim is a close friend of my departed friend (Noynoy Tan). Before my friend died last August, he told me to check on Danny. Belle Enriquez, Lim’s spokeperson emailed me this press release.
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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

I love my children.
I think of their future.
I hope for a good leader.

We all want that for our children, right? So listen up…

Do you wonder if our candidates think of the future of their children, or if they are single, the future of the kids of their friend or sibling. Does President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) think of her grandchildren’s future?

Dear readers, don’t be swayed by herd mentality that this candidate is good for the country or their emotional appeal, or celebrity status. Some of you are probably supporting a candidate this early but it pays to make the decision on informed choices. You are opinion leaders who can probably influence a non-internet user.

To the second district of Pampanga, I appeal to your conscience. Vote your candidate based on their character, competence, and platform. It’s that simple.

1. Character- Does your candidate have the commitment to serve or are they just after the power behind the position? What is their true motive?

2. Competence- How did your candidate behave in office? What is their track record?

3. What can your candidate do for us? What are their platforms? Is the “platform” merely motherhood statements, a “feel good” platitude about a worthy concept that few of us would disagree with but without any specified plans for realization.

I know you, the kapampangans will benefit if PGMA is your congresswoman. But think outside of Pampanga. Think about the Philippines. Is PGMA sincere in serving your district or does she have other agenda. Conduct a conversation among your friends and relatives.

I appeal to you all because I love my children. I know I could have left the country at the height of the dictatorship but I didn’t. I wanted to help my country by being a mother to the future citizens of the Philippines.

Every day I try to educate my two household staff on responsible voting, on candidates’ character and competence, the candidate’s capability to articulate a coherent platform or roadmap for change and transparency in campaign finance.

I believe the challenge for the May 2010 election is maturity in the way voters and candidates conduct themselves.

I have no other motive in electoral reform advocacy than a deep love for my children. Save their future. Be vigilant and informed. Visit our new media initiative at blogwatch.ph where we provide different perspectives on the elections apart from that of traditional media.

Take up the challenge to make a difference no matter how small.

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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Photo Credits to Reuter
View Slideshow of Other Photos

Pat Dayrit a Twitter Follower gasps: Oh my god. The politics of this country is appalling.

A facebook friend posts at her wall: Mangudadatu told reporters, referring to Ampatuan Jr. and his gunmen. “My wife’s private parts were slashed four times, after which they fired a bullet into it,” he added. “They speared both of her eyes, shot both her breasts, cut off her feet, fired into her mouth. I could not begin to describe the manner by which they treated her.”

I condemn this brutality. I feel so much for the families who lost their loved ones in the Maguindanao massacre. I weep as I see the mutilated bodies in photos . How do they even begin to comprehend the immensity of their loss? Such unfamiliar territory . There are no words to express my utter disbelief that this could happen in a democracy.

Continue reading my commentary on the Maguindanao Massacre at blogwatch.ph
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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Of course, you know our home suffered the Ondoy Flood Damage. My husband is traumatized about it already that he obsesses on the weather report. Friends ask me how it has been. I feel guilty that we didn’t really suffer that much damage, I mean comparing our situation to the Ondoy victims in Marikina and the Pepeng victims of Northern Luzon. I have to give credit to my husband who took a week’s leave of absence to clean our house. All I did was call insurance companies, service centers, and internet providers. My husband had to live in our flood damaged home for a week while me and my two daughters had it good in my sister’s home in Quezon City.

A week after Ondoy, we finally returned to our Pasig home. Internet connection was back. As a fussy homemaker, let me share you some tips I learned from the damage.

BEFORE before the floodwaters reached waist deep. My husband and two househelp try to save as much as they can to the second floor

Lessons learned in furniture and home finishings:

1. semi gloss paint on cement wall made it easier to remove mud.
2. Hard wood furniture survived. Our narra antiques made it.
3. Sala set made in Malaysia that has detachable seats survived.
4. Most electric appliances worked after a few days of drying except the La Germania stove which had to have some parts replaced at 4600 pesos.
5. It pays to be a minimalist. We don’t have much stuff except for my husband who kept his 20 year paper junk and suffered the worst damage. Good riddance junk.
6. It pays to have your narra flooring laminated with polyurethane for protection.

AFTER- A week after, our living room is back to normal. The narra table survives but needs painting job. The coffee table has slight damage, the powder door is bloated, the piano is a total wreck that it scratched our white floor tiles

BEFORE three cars are submerged. The white Honda Civic is 2 months old. The black CRV is 7 years old while the silver CRV is 10 years old.

Lessons on Insurance

1. We have a 3 million Fire insurance which includes home protection covering flood, earthquake, lightning damage including contents which costs only 4,900 pesos a year. Adjuster still has to come over.
2. Check the fine print of your car insurance. The white and black car had comprehensive insurance with “Acts of God”. The silver (oldest) car had none.
3. Just because the car insurance is cheap doesn’t mean it is a good deal. My husband thought my usual MAFPRE insurance was too pricey. He got from Malayan insurance which was 3 thousand pesos cheaper and no wonder, it had no “acts of God”.
4. Take note of deadlines to pay insurance policies. Request your agent to nag you often.

AFTER This silver car is still being fixed by a mechanic. Wonder if it will still work.

There are blessings too. I was able to get a 3 month moratorium in my bank loan amortization. My sister and hubby’s brother lent their spare car. There are many minor details I have to attend to. Repairs on doors, wood works and painting jobs are being planned but it can be done slowly.

We managed but what about other Filipinos? I am glad to see so many bloggers, the Philippine Blog Awards, Filipinos here and abroad doing their own relief efforts. Much as I wanted to be part of relief operations, I believe that Charity begins at home. My family needed me to normalize our home. The least I could do was donate my clothes and the children did the same. Companies like Samsung, Nokia, SMART, and even Globe’s Bangon Pinoy are doing their share.

As a loyal Globe cellphone and broadband subscriber, I just had to mention this.

The Philippine Blog Awards has partnered with Globe Telecom in an initiative through Bangon Pinoy to raise funds for Ondoy and Peping victims through the use of twitter:

Use the #BangonPinoy hashtag, Globe and PBA will guarantee P1.00 to be spent for Ondoy and Pepeng victims. After the hashtag, post pictures, videos, quotes and even links to blog posts that will inspire Filipinos around the world to help as well. This happens from Oct 19 to Nov 3, prior the Nov 6 Help day.

My family survived the Ondoy floods. I feel blessed and at the same time guilty that not much was lost. Material possessions can easily be bought but lives, precious lives have been lost in other families.

Filipinos are resilient but rebuilding lives does not end in our homes. We can rise from this tragedy and hopefully press our government to fix the problem. All of us must take it up with our government officials. I like the word Bangon Pinoy. I’d like to use the word a step further. I will make it my business to ask each the presidential, senatorial and congressional candidates their platforms towards climate change and sustainable urban and rural development.

I say Bangon Pinoy. Wake up. Be empowered to rebuild your lives and future of our country.
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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

“Oh no, the flood is entering the house. and mom is not here”.

No matter, the age of your child, they still look for good old mom. Their dad was around to help out move things to the second floor. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect the floods to reach neck deep in the house. Our former residence in Magallanes got flooded once and it was just ankle deep so the kids were pretty much exposed to floodwaters in the house. This time it was far more serious.

Our 3 cars submerged. Only 2 cars had insurance coverage for “Acts of God”.

Naturally, my first reaction is, “oh the furniture, the oven, the ref, the piano..”. I thought, what if the water rose up to the second floor? Oh Lord, I was asking my sister to help me get them out of the village. Luckily, the flood water subsided saturday night but it was still too deep to venture out and even for a van to deliver food and water. So many relief goods were mobilized but the delivery was futile without a rubber boat.

this is not yet the peak of the flood waters. It rose to chin level.

My daughter described her ordeal:

I spent my Saturday afternoon and most of Sunday trapped in the second floor of our house with my dad, sister, helpers, and pets as the streets turned into rivers at the height of tropical storm Ondoy. To cope with it all, I tried to think of the wh…ole ordeal as a cool survival game where I become awesomer and awesomer the hungrier I get. Truth is, I was really quite scared that we’d be trapped there for days and that I’d end up eating my kitty out of desperation. But luckily, the floods did eventually subside. And thanks to our awesome relatives who managed to get us Sunday evening, my sister and I were able to eat a warm meal for the first time all weekend.

Looking at the photos makes me feel tremendously sad, which in turn makes me feel silly and bourgeois. I mean, we were perfectly safe; it’s not like we had to climb up to the roof and wait for help there. Besides, the only things we lost were furniture. But I still can’t shake off this weird sense of loss and survival’s guilt. I want beer.

My family tried their best to move everything from downstairs, including Humphrey the dog. He’s never allowed inside, but he was surprisingly very tame and well-behaved.

i assured the kids that we can hurdle this. We have gone through the greatest pain ever, the death of my son. These are just material possessions that can easily be bought in time. I am truly grateful my family is safe yet feel sad that others suffered more. Being alive is all that matters.

I arrived in Manila early this morning and right now, I am staying temporarily at my sister’s house in Quezon City. My two daughters are with me but my husband is left behind to watch over our house clean up operations.

Slowly, I am picking up the pieces. I gazed at my home and it still looks good from the outside. It’s just a mess inside. I started to work on priorities, one step at a time.

1. Called car insurance if flood damage is covered. Two cars will be fixed through the comprehensive insurance. Mapfre Insurance is the best. Malayan Insurance sucks. Sometimes cheap insurance is not worth it. Read the fine line and check if “acts of God” are included.

2. Cleaning of the mud and debris is in progress. Things have to be dried so that molds don’t eat up our things. I have four people cleaning it now. The floors are clear of mud but so much drying needs to be done.

3. Called the service center of our Samsung Ref and La Germania oven to see if they can still be used and repaired. Service is being scheduled tomorrow.

4. Electricity is back but electrician is checking all outlets to make sure it is safe to use.

5. Food is hard to buy near our village so we have to buy it further away.

6. Checking if our home insurance covered flood damage. I am hoping for the best. Maybe the government will be kind enough to provide us with soft loans to rebuild our homes.

I am hoping the piano can still be saved. Among all the material possessions damaged by the flood, the broken piano hits hard. My beloved father bought the piano for me because he wanted my two girls to learn the piano. The girls feel bad that it is broken. I hope I can still fix it. Thye are poignant memories of my father.

Yes , I am taking it one step at time. My neighbors are on the streets drying their furniture and discarding unusable items.

There is so much work to be done and as long as the refrigerator and oven is in place, we can move back.

The Ondoy devastation is indeed a tragedy but we have survived far worst in the past . I know in the face of adversity, we learn to be stronger and hopeful that our flood-damaged home will once be beautiful and cozy.

One thing we can learn from this flood:

1. Get your own rubber boat or “salvavida”

2. Never trust Pag-Asa forecast. Keep food, water, battery powered lights on standby.

What have you learned from Ondoy flood?

Other Ondoy Stories

Typhoon Ondoy rain and flood aftermath [photos n video]

The Tragedy that was Ondoy

Rebuild

How To Help Ondoy Victims

Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Donating to Manila from abroad——————————-
You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

Add me in Facebook by introducing yourself. My facebook is at facebook.com/noemidado

Update (September 9, 2009)- Noynoy Aquino to run For President in 2010

Noynoy Aquino Announces Bid For Presidency- Part 1

Noynoy Aquino Announces Bid For Presidency Part 2

I suppose I should be jaded by now. After living through the Marcos dictatorship, the revival of democracy through President Cory Aquino and the perception of President Gloria Arroyo’s (GMA) bleak administration, the Philippines is not getting anywhere. The security of our children’s future is at stake as usual. I often wonder if our politicians truly love our country or are just living for the moment. They too have children, nieces or nephews who will inherit the future of this country. What is the use of all that money when you can’t bring it to the grave with you?

Now enter Senator Mar Roxas’ declaration as he gives way to Noynoy Aquino.

We agreed, let us forget about ourselves,” he said of his conversations with Noynoy. “This is not about us. This is about our people and our country.”

“I do this for unity and in support of change. And that means that somebody must make a sacrifice. It must be me. Ako na,” Roxas said

That is a remarkable move for Senator Mar Roxas but it is not surprising news.

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In our PCIJ training seminar last week on Election Coverage with Ramon Casiple on Getting Into the Candidates Mind: Detecting Spin/Propaganda/Campaign Strategies: Power Brokers and Campaign Financiers, there was already speculation that Noynoy Aquino will be the game changer. The EDSA 2 failed expectations for political and governance reforms. The death of Cory makes it difficult to implement GMA’s emergency rule and charter change.

We need to appreciate the impact of August 5 and how it changed the landscape. There is a marked difference on the critical landscape before and after Cory’s death. The number of people who lined the streets during Cory’s funeral constituted a resurgence of people power. It was missing before. Traditional politicians thought it was no longer there. Conventional wisdom of the election (i.e. measurement of money, network, survey) was the rule of the game before August 5.

Rules of the game have changed. Before Senator Mar Roxas declaration yesterday, there was no candidate in the current crop that fitted the People Power framework.

If Noynoy Aquino runs, one has to remove normal logic of the conventional wisdom in traditional politics. That is what is called the game changer, exactly the same scenario where Marcos’ popular line “housewife?” wherein he questioned Cory’s capability to be a President. Candidates are nervous of people power because it was demonstrated during the funeral march. The previous people power was heavily Metro Manila based but in August 5, the impact is similar to a “Manny Pacquiao” effect but political in nature. There is a potential to overturn the logic of 2010 elections.

It is not question of competency. Values, preservation of democracy and no ambition and intention to stay in power is the Cory legacy which Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not. That is the campaign line.

Are people’s memory short? It’s almost 7 months to the election and will people remember Cory’s death?

We have to remember that it has been 23 years since People Power. There is still that memory though it is not absolute that whatever Noynoy does, the people will support him.

Historical lesson is that the generation that grew up under Martial Law and People Power inculcated values that was passed and continues to be passed on through the current generation. If Noynoy comes into that framework, it is still there. It is not because he is simply Noynoy. You can’t also say Noynoy does not know anything. People will think that Noynoy will continue the legacy. Even if he has no experience, he won’t go against that legacy Unfortunately for other politicians, that is the legacy that the generation remembers. That generation is still alive today.

We can’t really use conventional wisdom with Noynoy. He had no plans of running as Presidential candidate. The pressure was palpable after August 5.

In the upcoming 2010 election, there will be the Game Changer and the Conventional Wisdom. Noynoy could be the Game Changer while conventional wisdom will go to Senator Manny Villar or Erap. As of this writing, Noynoy remains quiet on his plansn and plans to issue a reply to Roxas’ endorsement on Wednesday.

The issue is GMA. The factor is big because there is a real crisis. People’s perception is that GMA might be a new Marcos. The fear of GMA staying in power beyond 2010 is real. If GMA wasn’t around, there is no urgency in the Cory legacy or the Cory magic. Noynoy will just represent the reform movement and it won’t be simple to win. He will work even harder to prove himself.

But will Noynoy make it as the game changer for Philippine Elections 2010? It is easy to be cynical on the sudden shift of conventional wisdom but I can only hope like I hoped during the snap election, 23 years ago.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Albert Einstein

Updates

(september 2, 2009) Aquino still undecided on presidential bid

At the press conference at Club Filipino at 6:00 PM, Noynoy says “This is not about myself or Mar. But if you are with us, there is this huge mission of service to country.” He will go on spiritual retreat to seek guidance and discernment, to start this weekend before he announces anything significant.

(September 9, 2009)- Noynoy Aquino to run For President in 2010

Aquino made the announcement of his candidacy for the presidency at about 8 a.m. at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, the same venue where his late mother took her oath as president in 1986.——————————-
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courtesy of Romeo Ranoco
unarmed protesters are no match for a baton, steel barrier, concrete barrier, and a metal signpost

Once upon a time, I was a student who joined lightning rallies in the seventies. But in the days of Martial Law, we knew that anyone caught in such rallies meant torture and immediate imprisonment in the military stockade for months. Lightning rallies entailed being with a buddy of the opposite sex. We ended up pretending to be steadies just strolling in the park. At a pre-arranged signal, the buddies converged towards the center of a busy place such as Luneta Park and chanting “Marcos , dictator , tuta” in front of a startled public, similar to what you would see in this Flash mob dance. Instead of dancing, we yelled , marched then scampered away as “love-struck steadies” on a date, even before the military or police authorities arrived. Our leader knew the dangers of such rallies and warned us to be careful at all times. I knew my limits but even then I got some close calls.

courtesy of Danny Boy Pata
A member of the Presidential Security Group kicks a protester in the face even after he is subdued

Times have changed. Today, our fragile democracy enables us to have freedom of speech and to organize rallies. Seeing photos of the brutal dispersal of these students was just painful to watch. I bet these kids never knew they would be treated so violently like that. True, these kids went beyond the “no rally zone” to protest the alleged “overspending” of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her entourage during their recent US visit.

courtesy of Alanah Torralba
the placards read:
“PGMA: Most Lavish Most Hated President”
“Budget sa Serbisyo, Hindi sa Luho”

They may have acted immature and tested the law just a bit wee too much but I think they never expected to be hurt in such brutal manner. As you can see, the Manila anti-riot police and members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) violent actions prove to be over the top. I was not there to witness the students but a friend who was in the vicinity said the students were also “violent”.

courtesy of Aaron Favila
Cops attempt to crush a downed protester with a steel barrier

Now pray tell me how “violent” were the students? Were they carrying sticks, throwing stones or were they pushing their way through the gates? “It is clear from the TV footage and photos that the police and the Presidential Security Group used excessive force in dealing with the activists. Even the arrested activists were beaten up,” said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. in a statement.

courtesy of Danny Boy Pata
A plainclothes soldier draws his gun against unarmed protesters

courtesy of Junie Doctor
a member of the Presidential Security Group in the process of pointing his automatic rifle at unarmed protesters

There are lessons to be learned from this rally.

1. Students should not assume the definition of maximum tolerance because there is a limit. Students may think that maximum tolerance is that they will not be harmed in a violent manner. But for the Presidential Security, going beyond Gate 7 was the limit as it is a security breach…and they needed to be ejected in that area, however

“They suddenly hit us with truncheons the moment they saw us in Malacañang. I thought they were supposed to observe maximum tolerance,” Anakbayan-PUP chair Chaser Soriano added in Filipino.

2. The Manila Police District (MPD) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) should know the boundaries of engagement. Was excessive force necessary? Does kicking the face of a subdued student one of the protocols for engagement?

courtesy of Danny Boy Pata
a protester is reduced to near-nakedness after police tear his clothes to shreds.

Clearly, a congressional inquiry on the violent dispersal of these student protesters should be initiated. What do you think?

courtesy of Alanah Torralba
the chairperson of the UP-CSWCD Student Council is lifted by her hair by a member of the PSG

courtesy of Junie Doctor
a member of the LFS in UP Diliman is collared by two plainclothes soldiers

More photos

Facebook Photos of the Rally

Militant Youth Successfully Entered Malacanan Complex

View this video

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

Photo Credits and captions to Anton Dulce from Facebook
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 1 million children under the age of five die from pneumococcal disease every year. Pneumococcal disease includes serious, invasive diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia and blood infection (bacteraemia), to less severe, but highly prevalent diseases, such as otitis media, sinusitis and bronchitis. The WHO estimates reveal that over 90% of children’s deaths caused by pneumococcal disease occur in developing countries. Philippines is listed in the top ten of countries with this high mortality rate.

Each year, around 1 million succumb to Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases (IPD); including 82,000 Filipino children. WHO and UNICEF further underscores the importance of IPD by identifying its bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, to be the leading cause of Pneumonia. In the Asia Pacific region alone, 98 children die from Pneumonia every hour – more than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. My friend lost her 4 year old daughter due to this type of pneumonia. Thinking it was just high fever and bad cold, she didn’t know that one of her lungs was already filled with water. At that time, she wasn’t aware that there was a vaccine against pneumonia or it was even there.

Just to give you an idea of Childhood Pneumococcal Disease, here is a backgrounder:
Childhood Pneumococcal Disease Backgrounder

It is unfortunate that our children are still dying and suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal disease. If only parents are made aware of these vaccines. I got introduced to the next generation pneumococcal vaccine through the media launch of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) new 10-valent next generation pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV). This next generation pneumococcal vaccine provides children with dual-pathogen protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) , two major causes of childhood infections and their complications. With active immunisation, children in Asia can be better protected against serious, life-threatening childhood diseases such as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and acute otitis media (AOM)2 .

The next question is the affordability of this vaccine. I was told that this vaccine will be 40% more affordable than the existing vaccine in the local market. It is my hope that the government also finds way to provide this vaccine to the poorest sector of our society. Not only should we encourage mothers to vaccinate their children but to encourage them to breastfeed them as long as they can. The antibodies in breast milk may boost the immunity of their children.

Dr. Lulu Bravo

“It’s good news that GSK’s new pneumococcal vaccine can now provide broader protection for children in Asia.” says Professor Lulu Bravo, Vice Chancellor for Research & Executive Director, National Institute of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, and Chairperson, Asian Strategic Alliance for Pneumococcal Prevention (ASAP). She adds, “Pneumococcal disease is the leading vaccine-preventable disease in children under five years old. More needs to be done to better protect our children. More infants should be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease to avoid needless suffering, hospitalisation and doctor visits.”

GSK gave its assurances that they are committed to making their vaccines as accessible to as many people as possible and they will continue to work in partnership with other stakeholders to protect more children from pneumococcal disease in Asia.

Now that is certainly good news. Would you take advantage of this new vaccine for your child?

GSK’s next generation pneumococcal vaccine received approval in the Philippines on 9 July 2009. It is indicated in the Philippines for the active immunisation of infants and children from six weeks up to two years of age against disease caused by S.pneumoniae strains 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F and against acute otitis media caused by NTHi.2

About the vaccine

GSK’s new 10-valent, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has an innovative design. It contains polysaccharides derived from 10 different strains of pneumococcai bacteria most of which are conjugated to protein D from NTHi. GSK’s clinical development programme for the vaccine includes trials in Europe, as well as Africa, Asia and Latin America. As recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), the assessment of potential efficacy against IPD has been based on a comparison of immune responses to the seven serotypes shared between GSK’s vaccine and the currently licensed vaccine, plus additional serotypes 1, 5 and 7F. Importantly, the new vaccine’s immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity profile is comparable to the currently licensed pneumococcal vaccine, and compatibility with major childhood vaccines has been demonstrated in co-administration studies. The recommended primary vaccination schedule is three doses, plus a booster.
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You might also want to read Positive Mental Energy and Affirmations and my other blogs like Free Filipino Food Recipes, Shopping Finds, Pinoy Food Photo Blog and Techie Gadgets.

How about visiting my daughter’s ukay-ukay blog at ukaymanila.com?

Hope you can drop by! Thanks for visiting…Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

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