Typhoon Sendong which wrought havoc to Cagayan De Oro City and Iligan was earlier identified to be a “weak” typhoon. No one has ever warned that it could be very deadly as it claimed the lives of more than a thousand people and damaged millions of properties.
With the recent PAG-ASA weather forecast, I can’t help but feel scared. I am from GenSan and my imagination has gone wild after seeing the weather forecast on TV last night indicating that a Low Pressure Area is developing in the very City where I reside.
Just as the residents of CDO and Iligan were trying to rise up from the devastation caused by the destructive deluge last month, I ask, are we all prepared for another slap by Mother Nature? What is the government doing to prevent another onslaught to its populace? We can’t simply sit back and relax but later on be caught off guard with such disaster claiming many more lives right before our very eyes.
Sometimes online school sources have emergency prep classes. Make sure you can take care of yourself until government help kicks in.
Since we could not entirely rely on our government to do things for us, I deemed it best to republish fromHubpages the safety precautions during typhoons.
These are the following:
Keep your radio on and listen to the latest weather bulletin and announcements.
Don’t pay attention to rumors.
Stay away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept away by high tides or storm waves. If your only passage to high ground is over a road likely to be under water during a severe storm, then leave early.
If your house can’t be affected by a high tide and is well-built or anchored, then it is probably the best place to be during a storm.
Board up and securely fasten windows. Makeshift boarding may do more harm than good. Whenever applicable, anchor the house with strong wires.
Get extra food, particularly those that don’t need to be cooked and are easy to prepare. Remember that electric power may be cut off.
If emergency cooking facilities are necessary, be sure they work.
Store water as water service may be cut off.
Always keep a flashlight handy.
Check everything that may be blown away or turn loose. Flying objects are dangerous during typhoons.
If the eye of the typhoon has passed your house, there may be a lull lasting for a few minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs during the lull if necessary. But remember that the wind will return suddenly from the opposite direction with even greater violence.
Be calm. Your ability to handle an emergency will inspire others and help them.
Be safe everyone!
UPDATE: As per recent reports from PAG-ASA, the low pressure area (LPA), which was estimated to hit GenSan and nearby areas including some parts of South Cotabato, would no longer develop into a tropical cyclone as earlier reported.
During the short time that I was on blogging hiatus, I found the time to bond with my family. We took a trip to Sarangani’s dive haven, Lemlunay Dive Spot. It was actually my third time to visit the place but it’s the very first time for our Morning Dew. This is also his longest and farthest trip thus far
I continue to be amazed at the breathtaking views at Lemlunay. I can’t help but press my shutter the instant we set foot at the resort.
Lemlunay Dive Spot on a cloudy afternoon
It was a little cloudy when we arrived. The cottages were fully booked. However, I have long confirmed my booking for an overnight stay.
Our haven for a night
Too bad we weren’t really blessed with a good climate the entire duration of our stay. It was a cloudy, rainy morning the next day.
Sarangani Bay on a rainy day
We were all disappointed because we agreed to rise up at 5:30 am to witness the spectacular view of sunrise from there. We can’t do anything but roll in bed till about midday.
Though it was still raining, we were too excited to take a dip at the inviting pool.
The infinity pool
I thought I couldn’t get the chance to go down by the beach but hey! I was too happy when I learned that it was a low tide and we were able to see the spectacular beach.
The huge rock at Sarangani Bay
I planned of taking a dive adventure for this trip. Do you think I was able to gather enough courage to do that? Do stay tuned!
From my home to yours, please allow me to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
I wish that with the new year, we will all have renewed hope and faith despite the struggles and difficulties that we have gone through for the year that was. The challenges we faced for the past years may serve as our sword and inspiration as we hurdle yet another year of the unknown.
So how’s your celebration? I hope you all had a wonderful one. I was on blogging hiatus towards the end of 2011. I can’t keep up with all my offline commitments and so I had to sacrifice blogging for a while. I had a wonderful holiday albeit feeling down and sick. I have now fully recovered, thank God!
We had a great New Year’s Eve. It was a low-key celebration but it was a lot more meaningful because it’s the first New Year’s Eve with our Morning Dew.
Yours truly with my Morning Dew
Although we almost lost our house when a fire broke out a few hours before New Year’s Eve, we were still bound to feel grateful because my family and I were able to celebrate the New Year unharmed.
We took this time to celebrate each other’s presence.
My family
All smiles for the cam :-)
My brother's family
My lovely mother and I
With my brother, SIL and Morning Dew
For every celebration, food we can’t have without. I have been indulging to quite a handful of delectable and sumptuous dishes over the holiday season and I can’t help but feel sinfully guilty.
Fish Fillet with Tausi Sauce
Chicken Szechuan
Mixed Veggies
Calamares
Fruits
Desserts: Macaroni and my all time-fave spaghetti
Sweet Indulgence
Toast for a better and exciting 2012!
The highlight of the night was the solemn prayer led by my mother. It was a very poignant prayer that all of us can’t help but be spiritually touched. We were all very grateful for a great 2011. Though it wasn’t too blissful for all of us, the fact that we were able to come together to glorify His Holy Name is more than enough to feel blessed and be grateful. In prayer, my mother asked for another year of protection from the Lord God Almighty that He may continue to bless each one of us as we go through another year of life’s journey.
We continued to celebrate the New Year by singing out some songs via videoke sans the microphone, LOL! We Filipinos so love singing! It was a fun night howled by laughter.
Just to share a little bit more, apart from being a frustrated lawyer, yours truly is also a frustrated musician. Ssssshh! It’s our secret. Please don’t tell anyone.
By the way, the guitar is my Photo Challenge entry at Dhemz’ blog. You might want to join, too. It’s fun.
How are you all guys doing during this time of the year?
I am aware that most of us have been rather busy running here and there- buying and wrapping gifts for our loveones, attending yearend parties and family reunions as have been the case for me.
The gifts
I beg your pardon for the infrequent visits and lack of updates across my blogs. The past week was rather toxic not to mention that I was feeling really, really sick. That must have been the fatigue setting in with all the tasks at hand that I need to accomplish in between my crazy busy regular work schedule. More than all, I took time to bond with my family and had to put blogging on the side for the time being.
Today, it’s declared a regular holiday here across the country but yes! I still had to report for work. Crazy indeed, yeah?! I took a few days leave of absence the previous days because I had to spend time with my family apart from the fact that I badly need to relax and take some rest. My monthly sickness have been giving me such a really hard time.
Anyhow, I need to gather my strength back again for today’s activity. After work, I need to go out of town to attend a family reunion on my mothers’ side of the family. I feel pretty excited seeing my Titos, Titas, cousins, nephews and nieces. This is going to be the first time that our Morning Dew shall be introduced to the rest of the clan. I can just imagine the look on everyone’s faces when they get to see my handsome nephew
My Morning Dew
I can’t wait to get back full swing with my blogging routine. There’s just a helluva lot to share:-)
Thanks everyone for your frequent visits and comments. Please bear with me if I can’t return the favor just yet but I definitely will make it up as soon as I can. I hope to see you all in 2012.
Wishing you all the Pleasures of the Holidays – filled with warmth and blessed by Peace.
When we’ve reached Dapitan City at night time, we were all too exhausted after hurdling more or less 15 hours on the road. We had to fill our then hungry stomachs upon arrival, had our luggage arranged in the room, washed up and immediately went to bed.
The hotel room and my co-workers obviously felt the fatigue after checking in
Some of our stuff and there! A co-worker had to recharge her phone to keep in touch with the hubby ;-)
We were scheduled to register ourselves up the next day at Dapitan Cultural Center. Our delegation arrived a day ahead as all other regions arrived on the official day of registration. So the next day, we felt a little relaxed as we had a good sleep the night before.
Too bad we weren’t housed at Dakak. It’s fully booked by some other regions who were willing to spend quite a hefty amount for their accommodation. We had to settle for Dapitan’s second best hotel. The government-owned hotel is a bit old but it gave us the comfort that we needed while we were away from home. It’s a lot more accessible too to the venue of various events not to mention affordable:-)
Before proceeding to the registration venue, we’ve got the chance to explore Dapitan City Resort Hotel.
With co-workers and The Boss inside the hotel
Outside the hotel
What actually prompted me and my Boss to confirm our booking at this hotel as early as October was because of the inviting pool, aside from it being too accessible of course!
Don't look at me but at the pool behind me, hahaha!
More cam-whoring ensued before we’ve finally left the hotel’s vicinity.
Me, me, me. LOL!
Inside and outside the hotel
The Regional Director gave a few important instructions to the personnel before we proceeded to the registration venue. We were the early birds so there was no rush. We took our sweet time. Thus, more time for photoshoots, LOL!
With comrades at work
We then took the bus on our way to the Cultural Center.
The bus owned by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato
Who's the youngest of them all? ;-)
At the registration venue, we had to queue up on a first-come-first-served basis. We always had to get our smiles ready for the camera as it snaps at any given time.
At the registration venue
My cousin Mystique’s Mom, no other than my loving Aunt who is an Election Officer, was with the South Cotabato delegation. We were billeted at different hotels so everytime we see each other, we always make sure that we pose for the cam.
My Aunt and yours truly
The huge hat was all over my face, hahaha!
After we registered ourselves, we have had some idle time. We initially planned of going to Siquijor for a side trip just to kill the time. But the Boss wasn’t too enthusiastic about that. He wanted us to feel relaxed and not too exhausted for the next event- the Welcome Party dubbed Bienvenida a Zamboanga. It was slated to be held at a Thai Restaurant at Dakak Park and Beach Resort. I believe that deserves another post
As I’ve promised, I Am Back With A Vengeance! I feel too excited to share with you all my beautiful experiences and adventures with my recent official business trip. No doubt it wasn’t purely business as it’s mixed with loads of fun
Believe it or not, I only got two (2) hours of sleep the night before we hit the road for the long journey to Dapitan City. I obviously wasn’t able to contain my excitement.
Mind you!
I wasn’t by my lonesome feeling that way as most of the employees were shouting at their Facebook walls at midnight expressing that they’ve got mixed emotions and that they can’t sleep too, LOL!
The road trip to Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte began at 4am.
Comelec Gensan beauties. Looking fresh and clean hitting the road at dawn.
But before proceeding to a long journey ahead of us, a co- Election Assistant invited us over at their home sweet home at Cotabato City for breakfast. Menchie was once a generous sponsor of a lunch treat at work. Indeed, Food Tastes Better When It’s Free
At first I was a wee bit hesitant to have a bite.
Will I eat or not?
But looking at the boys having such big bites (LOL!) made me drool. And so I put all my hesitations away and took a hot chocolate drink, hard boiled egg, pastil (1/2) and native chicken adobo. So yum!
I was caught getting my share of the chicken, LOL!
After a hearty meal, we took the time to pose for the camera at the elegant house.
Sitting Pretty ;-)
When can I own a house as big as this? ~ Dreamy dreamy eyes
My Co- Election Assistants (in standing position) and a subordinate seated beside me
We didn’t stay long as we were expected to be at the Municipality of Parang, Maguindanao by 9am. All 4 provinces of Region XII (South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato) traveled by convoy to Dapitan City.
Region XII Delegates at Parang, Maguindanao
Comelec Gensan Personnel
At Ozamis City, we had to take a barge. I was feeling a little nervous. It’s always like that whenever I take a ferry or a small boat. I have always feared for my life everytime I am close to a body of water especially when it’s 6 feet deep and more. To set aside those negative thoughts, I entertained myself by taking a few photos. My upcoming posts will prove that yours truly love the outdoors and no! I don’t fear the body of water at all, hahaha!
Deep blue sea and clear blue skies
Upon reaching the port, we were already feeling hungry. We had our lunch at Mang Inasal.
Sizzling bangus with unlimited rice :-)
The long trip to Dapitan continued after having lunch. When we’ve finally entered Dapitan, some streamers were hanged at the premier roads and highways.
Jalosjos City
Some more exciting trip tales shall be divulged in my upcoming posts. You better stay tuned
I shall be off for Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte for a week and I am not too sure if I can give you any updates while I am away.
Algene once asked where in the hell is Zamboanga Del Norte, LOL!
Here’s two salient information about the place:
It is a hero’s city because it’s where our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was put into exile for four years.
It’s a home of the famous Dakak Park and Beach Resort.
Photo not mine
I can’t expect much with this travel as security is in question. Although I don’t feel too excited with this trip unlike when I went to Singapore and Malaysia, I’d like to make the most out of it. I am compelled to be there because I am an organic employee of Comelec, therefore, I am left with little choice but to be present for the Mindanao Goodwill Games.
And yeah!
I must not forget that I shall be representing my region for the darts competition.
Wish me luck folks and please help us pray for a safe journey.
Food is often a big part of a date. Whether it is ‘dinner and a movie’ or just ‘dinner’, when it comes to dating we like to go all out to make the other person feel special.
But when Valentine’s Day or anniversaries come around sometimes it’s hard to remember how to be original. People meet in a variety of ways now, the traditional ‘at work’ or ‘through friends’ is no longer the common way to meet others. For example, nowadays people internet dating at eHarmony.co.uk find long-term partners.
In order not to succumb to the clichéd candle-lit dinner at an overpriced French restaurant, here are a few tips to make meal times a special occasion for that special someone.
Breakfast in bed
Nutritionists agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but too often in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day routine we end up frantically swigging lukewarm coffee in the morning before dashing out of the house or grabbing a chocolate bar for an instant morning sugar rush.
On a Saturday or Sunday though, it’s a nice idea to surprise your partner with a tray of freshly-squeezed orange juice, the morning paper and hot croissants. It won’t take hours to prepare and is guaranteed to start off the day with some romance.
Picnics
Reminiscent of childhood memories and leisurely days in the park, who doesn’t love a picnic? Meeting your partner for lunch is a nice way to break up the day and for an added touch, there are some simple recipes to make delicious treats from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Lunch with a twist
Instead of a sandwich at the office or a Sunday roast, sometimes it’s nice to mix up lunch time a little bit. With a partner, there are some excellent sushi-making lessons in many cities in the UK. This will be a nice change and make you engage in doing something new together before sitting down to enjoy your creations. It’s sure to top dating in Bristol pubs or London clubs and it will definitely give you something to laugh about afterwards.
Ultimate romance
The dinner date is the holy grail of couples, and even though it is the most obvious way to spice up a week it can be all too easy to get into the habit of ordering take out and a movie in the comfort of your own home.
It’s always a lovely gesture to reserve a table at the first restaurant you went to together. There you can go back to the beginning, if just for a night, and get dressed up and ready for an evening dedicated to your loved one.
To add thoughtfulness, bake your partner’s favourite desert and eat it together at home, making it the perfect intimate end to an evening.
It won’t be news to anyone reading this that the Philippines is a rather warm place. However, if you travel to other countries, you’ll find that, to save money on expensive heating bills, the temperature in many people’s homes is often in the middle or even low sixties, which feels much colder when you are in a drier climate. Even the relatively warm United States West Coast can feel shockingly chilly. On a frosty-feeling San Francisco day in a friend’s house, you will understand the appeal of thick woolly bath robes after a shower. It’s especially nice if the robe has just come out of the dryer. It’s just one of the nicest feelings ever.
Of course, if you’re going to wear bath robes here, it’s often more about modesty than keeping warm. The tendency is generally to purchase lighter materials and perhaps shorter kimono-style cuts that can look very attractive on the right person. Of course, a lot of people here and all over the world don’t even bother with robes, just jumping into jeans and a t-shirt or whatever form of household casual wear they prefer. It’s just like the way in some countries years ago it wasn’t considered quite decent to sleep in anything other than pajamas, while today there is more of an anything-goes approach. Surely clothes manufacturers are not overly happy about that.
Still, it’s definitely easy to be pro-robe. Even in relatively warm weather they can feel quite cozy and, especially in a damp climate like ours, sometimes towels don’t really do the job in terms of drying off completely, so bath robes can make a good middle step between the shower and your actual clothes for the day.
Of course, then the question becomes what colors are best. Pink for ladies is always a solid option and baby blue looks good on just about everyone, as does white. For some reason, you almost never see a black bath robe. Don’t ask us why.
I love this Christmas season. This is the time where all the shopping malls and the streets are lighted up so glamorously. I can feel the beautiful and divine atmosphere of Christmas especially during eve of this festive season celebrated in church. Prior to that, wedding bells are also in the air and when I attended the wedding last week, I fell in love with the bride’s pendant around her neck. I wonder whether the exquisite looking pendant is one of the synthetic diamonds solitaire pendants found here in this website or not. Oh..how I wish someone were to buy this beauty for me! *hinting*
Blog Owner and Post Author: Lainy 
Hubpages the safety precautions during typhoons.
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