Blog Action Day 2010: Water Crisis, What Is Being Done?

Imagine a world without disease and health threats. Imagine a world with an abundant and accessible source of clean, fresh water.

More than two decades ago, I never thought that there will be a clean water shortage, much more crisis. I grew up from a province where spring of water abounds. We consumed fresh, clean water directly from its source. I can still remember the taste of freshness and natural minerals.

Naturally, the Philippines has an abundant fresh water resources. The country is surrounded by the ocean and seas that produces rainfall - the most abundant fresh water resource. It also has 421 major river basins, 59 island lakes, swamps and vast ground water sources.

The country, however, is not free from fresh water scarcity. Despite the abundance, population growth, urbanization, lack of new water supply and waste treatment facilities and pollution control system has led to over extraction of ground water, increase in polluted fresh water sources, and decrease in the amount of available fresh clean water.

At no other time has both the quantity and quality of the planet's fresh water are under threat. Scientists, experts, governments and many individuals are now convinced that we are facing global clean water crisis. Because of the rapid population growth, development and many human activities, the demand for fresh, clean water has already began to outstrip the supply.

Clean water shortage is becoming a serious global problem that threatens the inhabitants in the planet, affects the global economy and even causes dispute among people in some parts of the globe.

Where There is No Fresh Clean Water, There is No Life

It is reported that, every year, 1.6 million children die from diarrhea around the world. That is more than the combined numbers of fatalities from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

In the Philippines, the average domestic water consumption is 180 liters per person per day. It is relatively small in terms of volume. But the real issue is more on the constant availability of clean water in every home.

The rapid population growth threatens the water quality as human activities affect water sources. Experts predicted that by year 2025, the country's several river basins will have scarcity in water availability.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) already identified 40 principal rivers in the country as biologically dead. Moreover, most rivers are declared too polluted for domestic use, while more than 50% of the country's ground water is contaminated with fecal coliform and industrial pollutants.

Over the years, manufacturing companies sprouted along the rivers, that cater manufacturing wastes, resulting to chemical pollution of surface waters. In the urban areas, waste dumps also contributed to fresh water hazards.

In 2005, evidences of chemical contamination where found from waste water samples near the country's export processing zones. Ground water aquifers were also found out contaminated with chlorinated chemicals and some heavy metals.

In 2009, we documented a fresh water source threatened with exploitation. It is one of the tributaries to Laguna Lake which is also now polluted. The Laguna Lake, where 16 million people rely for food, water and livelihood is now a toxic dumping ground. It is now contaminated with organic wastes and pollutants and dangerous chemicals from factories, domestic and municipal sewage, agricultural run off and wastes dumps.

Few months ago, "fish Kills" happened at Lake Buhi in Camarines sur. Tons of died Tilapia drifted on the lake. A report said that the lake is too polluted.

We are living in an era with all the convenience possible. Ironically, we are also living in an era with serious problem on scarcity of safe fresh water that fuel all forms of life and has no substitute.

Water Makes the World Go Roud

Practically, all industries use water to survive. manufacturing companies, hospitals, offices, power plants, restaurants, bakeshop, etc, all depend on fresh clean water in order to operate.

In the Philippines, the biggest use of water is in agriculture sector. It is said that to produce one ton of grain requires one thousand tons of water. Although there are still places here that solely depend on rain for water, such as the municipality of Calaca in Batangas and Sta. Maria in Isabela; irrigation, in most area in the country has contributed to the growth of our agriculture in the past 20 years.

Agricultural wastes, however, are also major contaminants of ground water and eventually agricultural pollutants, through excessive floods, will overflow into bodies of surface water.

An Issue of Exploitation and Human Rights

"Access to secure; safer and sufficient source of fresh water is a fundamental requirement for the survival, well-being and socio-economic development of all humanity," said Kofi Annan-U.N Secretary General.

United Nations already declared in July, access to clean water as a human right. Nevertheless, clean water inaccessibility resulted to more exploitation of women and children. It is reported that in South Africa, women and children walk long hours to get water which is, most of the time, not safe for drinking. What's more alarming is that, the task prevent the children from going to school and the women from improving their lives.

In the Philippines, when there is a severe drought, just like recently, 30% cut on water rations in Metro Manila is imposed. Long lines of housewives and children with pails awaiting for the arrival of fire trucks and water tanks is a common scenario.

We Owe It To Future Inhabitants

"We need a water ethic - a guide to right conduct in the face of complex decisions about natural system we cannot fully understand," said Sandra Pastel, author of the book Last Oasis, Facing Water Scarcity.

Solution to the water crisis requires divine responsibility and changes in attitude. Personal sacrifices and selflessness is necessary if we are determined to protect our fresh water sources. Truly individual engagement for the protection of our fresh water source is now vital.

Manufacturing industries now must take a major major shift to clean production to eliminate toxic substances. Sustainable agriculture and organic farming must also be implemented to eliminate risk to fresh water sources. Policy makers must also strategically implement policies on fresh water sources protection.

It is now in our hands to protect this endangered, very important resource that the creator has entrusted to us, to support life. After all, the generation next to us deserve a dwelling place without diseases and health threats. They deserve clean, safe fresh water.

I strongly believe that there is still great hope for abundant supply of clean fresh water, as the Lord had said, "Upon bare hills I shall open up rivers, and in the mid of the valley plains, spring. I shall make the wilderness into a reedy pool of water.." - Isaiah 41: 18, 20.

Where There Is Green There Is Hope

Being an adventurous by nature I did not have a second thought when a business associate asked for my support to organize a farmer's meeting in the country's premiere province in the north - Isabela. A friend's mention of the potential of Sta. Maria, Isabela to market our organic fertilizer lured me to spend a long weekend in the place.

I was thrilled and excited before  our visit to the province. It was my first time to go there and I had no idea about its culture, people, topography, lifestyle. Nothing, except that I know the province is the country's rice and corn granary. Isabela, actually, barely came into my mind, especially the municipality of Sta. Maria that I only heard for the first time.

I did a little homework of researching about the place. Isabela is located at the Cagayan Valley. Next to Palawan, it is the second largest province of the Philippines. I was thrilled to find out that Sta. Maria is the last municipality of Isabela, if you're coming from Manila. It is situated at the border of Kalinga, Tuguegarao City and few hours away from Aparri and the Sierra Madre. The people's source of income is primarily agriculture. Ilocano's are the most prominent group in Isabela, followed by Ibanag and Tagalog. Other ethnic groups include Gaddang, Paranan and Yogad.

The province income is classified as first class. Agriculture is the biggest industry; rice, corn and sugarcane being the major crops. Some farmers are also engaged into cattle and goat raising. Tourism is also being developed in the province.

The Preparation

We were glad and grateful that our partner corporation accommodated our request for the training even though I submitted the formal request  barely two weeks before the event. Thanks to Dennis. Josephine- our contact in Sta. Maria and now a business associate - took charge of the venue, utilities and participants with the help of the Barangay Captain and its Councilors. Tin Hebron  and I prepared the literature, tokens, product and other training paraphernalia.

The training was initially scheduled on August 28, but two days before the event, Josephine asked me if we can reschedule to the next day because they were just blessed with rainfall after a very long period of drought. The farmers will be busy tilling their lands and planting their crops on a Saturday. Barangay Naganacan is not yet irrigated and the farmers there solely rely on rainfall for irrigation. We were thankful that Romeo, our trainer,  granted our request for re schedule two days before the event. I was equally grateful that my Manager and Director both approved my request to take a leave from the office on August 27, Friday (thanks Jai and Ronnie).

The Trip

My excitement shortly turned into fear and apprehensions on the day of our trip. Few days before our trip, bus accidents in the South and the North were on the news. Another thing is, Tin and I really did not know the place. We were only instructed where to board and where to drop. I only completely trust that the LORD will protect us. Tin and I also prayed hard for our protection. We know a lot of friends and family also prayed for us. My fear suddenly turned into thrill and excitement again and positive expectations.

We were supposed to leave Manila at 8:30 pm Friday. But when we arrived at Florida bus station at 5:00 pm, the 8:30 pm schedule was already fully booked. People in Manila were rushing into the provinces for a long weekend. We were booked at the 10:30 pm schedule in a de luxe Florida bus.

We had five hours to wait for our trip schedule. We had enough time to have our dinner, detailed the training program and discuss the instructions and suggestions of our mentor in Greece.

Finally, we were on board the Florida bus. We traveled smoothly. The even road connecting Manila and Isabela allowed us to sleep calmly most of the trip. I woke up when we were entering the Isabela province. Tin was still sound asleep. I witnessed the almost unending green rice fields with a sun cracking on the horizon. Wonderfully beautiful!

We passed through Alicia, Aurora, Burgos, Cabatuan, Echague, Ramon, Quirino, Roxas, San Isidro, Delfin Albano, and a lot of municipalities that I missed when I was asleep.

We've been receiving text messages from Josephine asking for our location. She instructed us to text her when we reach Quezon, so that she can wait for us in the highway.

Our trip seemed unending. We were traveling for more than ten hours and we did not reach Quezon yet.Finally, our bus stop in a restaurant. We were in Quezon!

Tin and I had our breakfast. I was honestly expecting cheaper foods, like the prices in the provinces that I visited. But I found out that prices of food there are far more higher than the prices in Manila. Well, I understand that it's the only restaurant in the place. My only consolation was the food were fresh and delicious and the service was good.

We were already in Quezon, but it still took us another two hours to reach Barangay Naganacan in Sta. Maria, Isabela.


The People

We alighted the bus upon seeing the sign "Welcome to Barangay Naganacan." The people were warm, trusting and hospitable.

We did not know exactly Josephine's house. We waited for her at Aling Helen's Store. We had some time to chat with the people - who happened to be the relatives of Vergel, Josephine's husband, and to promote the training the following day. I always hear from our mentors that building relationship is the key in the business.

Vergel's mother served us pork nilaga and mixed vegetables (patola, malungay, squash flower, etc) for lunch. I love vegetables. When I am in the provinces, I expect to eat more vegetables.

We took a nap after our lunch. Then, we visited Josephine's farm at around 3:00 pm. There, we had newly harvest corn for snack. It was heavenly delicious and tasty.

We had enough time to talk and mingle again with the people.

Tin and I were amazed at the scenery. From where we stood, we saw the rich, unending natural landscape. In the far horizon, we saw the blue sky and the green hills meet. Tin and I were wondering why the hills bordering Isabela and Kalinga were perfectly trimmed.

We saw dots of white on the green hills. Josephine told us that those are cattle being raised on the hills. The riches before us were awfully amazing. I thought farmers in this country could really be rich.

Day Two, The Training Proper

We planned to wake up at 3:00 am, Sunday morning. Josephine has a scheduled planting of sweet potato in the four hectares portion of her lands, and she invited us to go with them. Tin and I woke up at around 7:00 am. We just had coffee and headed to the farm via kuliglig. The people were already there. Vergel cooked Pansit Cabagan. Josephine prepared egg and hot dog. We had our breakfast in the farm.

The people were almost finished planting sweet potato. The spirit of Bayanihan was so evident in the place.

After few hours of integrating with the people, Josephine and I went to Sta. Maria proper - via motorcycle - to buy drinks for the training in the afternoon. Vergel's mother and other relatives were preparing suman for snack. I felt blessed.

There are no jeepneys in Sta. Maria. Public transport are only bus that pass through every hour until 6:00 pm and van until 2:00 pm.

Josephine drives the motorcycle confidently and defensively. We passed through the only gasoline station, the only high school, and the only hospital in Sta. Maria. I did not miss to visit Sta. Maria church and kneel before the altar and asked the LORD for the success of our event at 1:00 pm.

Our professional trainer arrived as early as 12:00 noon. We immediately set up the venue. Our participants were excited to learn vital information about the technology of our organic fertilizer. When it was time for me to present our partner company's marketing plan, everyone were still excited, happy and interested. The event was succesful.

The Awakening and the Advocacy

A friend asked me if my Isabela trip was among my advocacy trips. I said, "no, it is only business and leisure trip." Ironically, I found out that I cannot really separate my advocacy from the business. I am an advocate of organic farming, sustainable agriculture and environment conservation. And we promoted the technology of organic fertilizers and other agricultural products that are plant-based, has anti-oxidants and environment friendly. The farmers told us that their yields has been decreasing every year due to the poor soil condition that resulted from the decades of using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with harmful chemicals. Tin and I were glad  that our organic products will surely help them. Their soil has to regain its natural fertility and minerals.

We were also reawakened with the long time sentiments of the farmers. With the riches of the lands that we saw, I really believe that farmers in this country should be rich. But after hearing again their stories, Tin and I understand again why farmers in this country remain in their situation.

Their issues go back again from the lack of support from the government, monopoly, corruption and other issues that affect their condition.

The area has no irrigation and proper agricultural infrastructure. What really touched us was when the farmers revealed to us that somebody dictates the prices of their crops (rice, corn and sugarcane).

Notably, the farmers there do not believe that there is a shortage of rice in the country, as the news conditioned our minds.

It is also sad to know that the local government there cannot protect the farmers from the greediness of a big  business tycoon. That gave Tin the idea to help them put up a cooperative, so that they can at least have the power over the prices of their produce. Tin and I agreed that our chance to visit the place is more than business. I takes a lot more.

Going Home

Our trip back home were scheduled at 9:00 am, Monday. However, an interested farmer, who was not able to attend the training wanted to talk to me, early in the morning. I accommodated his request to discuss to him our products technology and our partner corporation's marketing plan, at around 6:00 am! People in the province start the day too early.

After our breakfast, I also taught Josephine the basic of the business. We leave Naganacan at 10:00 am. With us were meaningful experiences, taste of grasshopper and socks of cassava and corn. We visited the cathedral and our partner company's distribution center at Tuguegarao City. I introduce Josephine to the employee's there and also taught her how to purchase products.

Josephine and Vergel insisted that we had our lunch at the only Jolibee in Tuguegarao City. I was silently longing for a more native restaurant. It was only good that the quality of chicken and the serving of rice there is better than any store that I tried in Manila.

We finally left Cagayan Valley at 2:30. The bus was scheduled to leave at 1:00 pm. Vergel just asked the driver to wait for us. We were still at the ADC.

For Tin and I, our Isabela experience commenced our serious expansion and promotion of our organic agricultural products to the provinces. It reawakened us to the hard flight of the farmers, their urgent need for empowerment and education to become entrepreneurs, their fair part in the country's economic game and laws, and to the strong support that the government can offer. After all, they feed us. They feed this nation. It also filled us with awe for the creator, "HE in whose hands are in the inmost depths of the earth, and to whom the peaks of the mountain belong; to whom the sea, which HE himself made, belongs and whose own hands formed the dry land itself (Psalms 95:4-5).

I looked back at Barangay Naganacan as our bus passed through it. I will surely go back in this place. My eyes lingered in the long, green vegetation. I smiled thinking, where there is green, there is hope.

Send Your Virtual Package to the Climate Summit in Copenhagen

We only have 36 days before the Climate Summit in Copenhagen.

We should all be represented to this very important summit.

You can include your demands by sending your virtual package.


So readers, do your simple acts now for the climate.

Various Artists Offered 'A Sound Relief' to the Victims of Ondoy

Internet-based musician around the globe compiled a digital album entitled A Sound of Relief to help out victims of typhoon Ondoy and make a difference.

Never Forget the Cause is part of the said compilation.

This album must belong to your collections, readers. Listen to it and
download now..

With the simple act of downloading, you will be able to help victims of typhoon Ondoy for the proceeds of all paid downloads is for the uplifting of the conditions of Filipinos affected by the typhoon.

So, readers, what are you waiting for? Download now and make a difference

Blog Action Day: Climate Chages Fast, Let Us Act Fast for Our Survival

"We are fighting for our survival," said Secretary Heherson Alvares - Presidential Adviser on Climate Change and Guest Speaker to the green carpet gala screening of the Age of Stupid.

Scientists already concluded that global warming triggered climate change effecting most environmental phenomenon and catastrophe.

No doubt, typhoon 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng' are clear evidences of abnormal weather and climate conditions. These also proves how vulnerable and less prepared the country is to the threat of climate change. In the previous typhoons, we literally fought to survive. Hundreds had lost the battle. Many are still suffering and fighting at the evacuation centers.

The birth of civilization, slowly started the globe to warm.  our quest for a good convenient life increased the greenhouse gas emissions, slowly brought some species to extinction, melted the ice and advanced shorelines and sea levels.

When the human race started the "war for resources" and territories, the environment became devastated. Consumption increases as the population increases. Greedy people just cannot get enough. Manufacturers produced more than what is really needed, abusing the resources, sacrificing environmental protection in pursuit of huge profit.

Indeed, global warming that changes our weather and climate conditions are caused by human. So, we are all responsible for bringing back justice to our climate.

Now, we must act fast for our climate. We must fight for our survival and the generations next to us. Let us not make them ask, "Why didn't you stop climate change for us when you still had the chance?"

On December 7-16, 2009, G8 leaders will meet for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Their decision to the ugly truth about climate change will shape the future of the planet. Let us demand that:

1. Industrialized countries commit to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% below 1990 level.

2. At least USD 140 billion every year be committed to support clean energy and other mitigation activities, forest protection and adaptation in developing countries.

3. A funding mechanism must be established to end gross deforestation and associated emission in all developing countries.

4 Developing countries should strive to achieve 15-20% deviation from business-as-usual growth.

In 2010 we will have our national elections. Let us now demand our Presidentiables to declare to us their visions and programs on climate change.

Everyone is responsible to the scientific demand to climate change. We must bargain for our future and survival.

- - - - -
Join the virtual march to Copenhagen by signing the YoU Turn the Earth Petition.

Kindly endorse to your society the Global Campaign for Climate Action.

Age of Stupid: We Need to Act Faster than Climate Change

Greenpeace held the green carpet gala screening of the Age of Stupid last night at Glorietta 4, Cinema 3.

The movie premiered in the Philippines on September 22 at Tanghalang Manuel Conde of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), simultaneous with other more than 50 countries around the globe.

The movie is about an old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching archive footage from 2008 asking ,"Why we did not stop Climate Change when we had the chance?"

The movie is a disturbing reality.

We should do what is needed to be done now. And we should do it fast. We should do it faster than Climate Change.

PBA Honored More than 30 bloggers

The Philippine Blog Awards recognized more than 30 Bloggers last Friday night, October 9, 2009 at the PETA - PHINMA Theater in Quezon City.

Twenty Bloggers won in the main category, while 15 were recognized in the Special Category Awards.

Philippine Blog Awards started in 2007 by three Bloggers - Abe Olandres,Jaypee Fernandez, and Gail Villanueva.

The event carried the theme One Blogging Nation.

The Philippine Blogosphere is composed of various personalities and individuals with different tastes, views, ages, purpose yet united as Filipinos.

"Whatever is said about the Filipino blogging community, it is an exciting and dynamic universe."

It is said that, "Blogging is the gift of recording." Bloggers are actually historians who record first hand experiences, events and happenings.

Bloggers unite the nation.

Bloggers make the nation great.

Bloggers act and inspire to act.

Last Friday also served as a venue for the Bloggers to help typhoon Ondoy's victims. All the finalists were asked to bring clothes, shoes and towels for the evacuees in Marikina.

Bloggers witness.

Bloggers record.

Bloggers act.

Indeed, a One Blogging Nation.

Typhoon Ondoy Gives Filipinos Extra Ordinary Saturday

Life was still normal last Saturday morning. I went to the office with a clear plan for the day. It was a rainy morning due to the typhoon Ondoy, but I was not suspecting Metro Manila and Central Luzon will be under flood waters.

Everything was normal in the first few hours in the morning. One cannot notice the heavy downpour of rains when he is inside the office.

We actually noticed the flood when it was almost time for lunch. Our caterer did not come on time because they were already stuck somewhere. We learned from the Internet that flood water was already waist-high in most areas. In some areas, it was even deeper.

I got worried when I received a text message from my cousin at around 12 pm. He said, "Di na po yata ako makakauwi. Hanggang bintana na ng jeep ang tubig. Lamig na lamig na ako."

He was stranded somewhere at Kalentong on his way to P.U.P. According to him the water had risen so fast it almost reached the window of the jeepney he was riding, in two hours that they were stuck in a traffic. There was no way that they can get out of the jeepney because of the too strong current of water. I advised him to stay inside the jeepney and wait for the flood water to go down. It was more dangerous if he will walk through the rushing water. My cousin sent me a message again. He said that he was already chilling and hungry. It was past 1 pm. He was still inside the jeepney - almost filled with flood water. There was no way to buy food.

In the office, everyone was also hungry and worried. Our caterer had not arrived yet. Everyone was receiving calls or text messages from their respective families. My manager's husband told her that their area was already deluge with flood waters- for the first time. Flood waters filled their first floor and they were already at the second floor.

Our HR Officer led a game to lessen our worries and hunger. But my worries for my cousin just grew stronger. I already lost contact with him. I learned from the Internet and videos that a great part of metro manila already submerged with flood waters.

I tried to call all the government emergency numbers to report that my cousin and others were stranded in a jeep almost filled with flood waters and to ask for a rescue. To my frustration, all the numbers I dialed were busy.

Our CEO instructed one of our managers to order food from the nearby Jollibee outlet. The store was closed because flood waters were already knee-high inside. However, the crew accommodated our order and cooked burgers and fries for us, in a kitchen with knee-high flood water. We appreciated our office mate Joel and our utility man Dodoy who walked through the chest-high flood water so that we can have burgers and fries to eat. Finally, our caterers arrived. We had our lunch at 2 pm.

We were instructed not to leave the office until the water goes down and it was safer for us to walk. My cousin was not yet responding to my texts and calls.

The Long Journey Home with Flood Waters

Our Pet Inday

We only left the office at 3:30 pm. Gamboa st was already passable. We walk through Ayala to EDSA. To our dismay, EDSA was crowded with stranded vehicles. We decided to walk again, rather than be stranded in traffic.

For the first time in my 13 years of stay here, I walked through flood waters. It was awkward at first. Then I felt the thrill for this first time experience. I was walking with my officemate and we just tried to enjoy the experience. We were able to help an old woman when we crossed an intersection with deeper and stronger current flood waters.

I was silently praying for my cousin. I was not worried for my siblings because I was sure that they were safe. One of my brothers has an overnight work schedule, so I knew he was safe inside his office. The other one was also in the office and safe. My sister Ingks was home.

My officemate’s house was just somewhere in Malibay, Pasay. From there I walked alone with the hundreds of people who were also walking on their way home.

Walking alone (with the hundreds), I became more conscious of the dirty, muddy, dark flood waters. I became more conscious of the stuffs flowing with the waters. There were lots of scrap papers and cartoons, plastic bags, plastic cups and bottles. When I crossed Taft Avenue, the water was deeper- almost chest-high. Used diaper came rushing in front of me. Horrible! Those horrible things are clogging our drainage.

On September 19 - a week before Ondoy hit the country – Greenpeace Southeast Asia headed a clean up drive somewhere at Laguna de bay and collected 2,195 liters of various wastes, mostly plastic bags, in just two hours.

This extra ordinary flood is a clear evidence of climate change. The wastes are clear evidence that we are responsible. PAGASA reported that more than a month’s worth of rainfall fell in just six hours, thus the flash flood.

I was only at Baclaran at around 7:00 pm. It was dark. I was walking slowly – no carefully – afraid that my next step would be to an open manhole or something sharp that may injure me. I was already tired of walking for more than three hours and wrestling with the too strong current of flood waters. My muscles were aching. I stopped from time to time, at the middle of flood waters, to rest. I focused to the thoughts that I have to go home. I have to walk through the flood waters rather than to be stuck somewhere – cold and hungry.

I checked my phone. I had one miscall from my Tito in Bicol. Still, there was no message from my cousin. I continued my journey with the flood water. This time, it was only knee-high. While reaching home, I was already imagining of the comfort that was waiting for me. I thought I will disinfect and pamper myself.

The Journey Is Not Yet Over



It was dark all over when I reached our gate. To my disappointment, the water in our compound was also knee-high. I entered our home, illuminated by candle

Has the flood followed me?




The flood water inside our home was also knee-high. My goodness! It was also the first time.



What’s amusing was my sister Ingks managed to put all our appliances at the second floor.

Adrenaline rush.

I cannot manage to put a regular-sized refrigerator at our second floor on ordinary situation.

My younger brother was home too. He also walked through flooded EDSA and was able to help a pregnant woman who was also walking in chest-high flood water.

At around 10 pm I received a message from my cousin that he was already in a bus, still stuck in traffic, yet slowly moving already. He assured me that he will be home at around 12 midnight. I knew he was cold and hungry yet I was relieved that he was safe.

We tuned in to AM Radio station the whole night and were moved by the news reports. We were far luckier than many. We were safe inside our home while others were drowned, dead, missing, or staying cold and hungry on the roofs. We have food to eat and water to drink while many, from all walks of life, had nothing to consume.

I realized, in times like this, we are all nothing. We are all just human – helpless without God.

Everyone suffered. The masses. The affluent. The celebrities. The Authorities.

The powerful became powerless.

We can really do nothing except to pray.

It was reported at DZMM that Greenpeace helped in the rescue, using its inflatable boats, at Quezon City. I felt proud to our trained boat team. I felt proud to the organization I am supporting.

Heroes Are Made

It is moving, touching and inspiring to hear the stories after this calamity. Everyone exerted efforts to help. Everyone is a hero. A man was reported to lose all his belongings to save lives. Soldiers lost lives during rescue. Many had opened their homes as temporary shelter to those who lost theirs. A friend from Korea told me that the Filipino community there is organizing to send relief, in any kind, to the country.

I am sure many stories of kindness and heroism remain untold.

Still, it is never late. Everyone can still shape his or her own story of kindness and heroism for many still needs help at the evacuation centers.

Times like this make us Filipino.

Times like this make us humane.

Times like this awaken the hero in us. For, how can we say no when our brethren are crying for help?

Take the Last Stand for Our Rice

In few more weeks the European Union will decide on whether Genetically Engineered (GE) rice can enter Europe. It could set a dangerous precedent.

"It could mean that GE rice will begin to be commercially grown, not just in Europe, but in the US, Asia and all over the world."

Greenpeace International is very close to reaching its goal of 200,000 signatures on the GE rice petition.

Keep GE rice from ending up on your dinner plate - sign the petition.

Every signature helps!

The video below explains why GE is a problem.

How Lola Shaped My Values and Character

"You, really are your Lola's favorite," uttered my Tita Nilda in a family's casual conversation one Christmas vacation.

I do not like the idea of favoritism but I knew that what my tita said was true. For some reasons my maternal grandmother really loves me so much. Maybe because I look like her eldest daughter - my mother.

I have beautiful memories with Lola while growing up that somehow shaped my personality and character.

From her I learned the value of caring and loving for my family. In most of our conversations, she repeatedly told me to always be there for my siblings and family. Aside from my parents she's the one who taught me to value education.

When I was a child, and my Lola was younger, I always went with her to the market to sell Lolo's various harvest. I always loved the brewed coffee or hot chocolate and pansit that we shared at our favorite eatery in the market after we sold all our goods.

I was always excited to go with her because I knew that I can have my favorite brewed coffee or hot chocolate and pansit again. She also rewarded me with money, at times. That was how I learned that if we want something, we have to earn it.

Our childhood home in the province was just few meters away from that of my grandparents. Most of the times I spent the night with Lola at their home. While lying in bed, we talked about family, about Lolo, about their love story, about everything. I had always fallen asleep while she was stroking my head or my back. Looking back, I believe that was the main reason why I always wanted to sleep with her.

My Lola had always kept something for me. Whether it was my favorite fruits, candy or kakanin (native delicacies). I always had pasalubong from her every time she visit the house, to my joy and excitement. That was how she taught me the value of joy in giving.

I remember, when I was already in College, she always save something for me every time I went home for a vacation. What's amusing was she literally hide those little stuffs from my siblings and cousins. That's how Lola made me feel privileged.

Last Christmas vacation she gave me a star apple (kaymito). Star apple is one of my favorites. I think she kept that star apple only for me. Again. she didn't have any for my cousins or siblings who were there also. She really never changed, all those years

I never tasted the sweetness of that star apple, though. Someone from my cousins or siblings ate it when I left it on the table. Nevertheless, I will forever savor the sweetness of my Lola's gestures in my heart and soul.

Lola is my original number one fan. She never stop believing in my strength and capabilities. All my life I believe that I am good and strong because she made me feel that I am really good and strong through her words and actions. That was how she prepared me in the battlefields of life.

Lola is now 82. I know that my late Lolo had taken care of her very well because she aged gracefully without any sickness. But, she's not as stronger as before anymore.

We only see each other now every Christmas vacation. And, I miss her terribly. I miss sleeping with her. I miss her stories. I miss her loving gestures.

I can see the twinkles in her eyes every time that her children and grandchildren are around. I hope to see those eyes twinkling for many more Christmases.