After Typhoon Yolanda: 10 things you should minimize doing on social networks

 I read this in my friend's facebook wall. I decided to share   it here and thankful for the person who wrote and shared this. This is her/his opinion and  it is up to you to react on it. More on that, let's continue to pray for the families who are affected by the recent monster typhoon yolanda or haiyan.  God bless Philippines!

*1. Don’t say people in the Visayas region deserve it. It is not your place to judge whether or not a community deserves a projected death toll of 10,000, including innocent children. That is, unless you think you can read God’s mind.

*2. Don’t keep posting food photos. People in areas hit by Typhoon Haiyan are actually desperate for water and food. It’s not that posting yummy photos of food is illegal; it just might get your teeth kicked in by your Facebook friends, especially those whose relatives are still missing.

*3. Don’t say, “The survivors should be thankful.” It’s like telling a mother who lost her son, “At least you still have two other children” or something equally insensitive

*4. Don’t say, “The Philippines deserves the privilege of experiencing a strong typhoon because they’re a strong nation.” How would you feel if someone said, “Your family deserves the privilege of experiencing tragedy because you are a strong bunch”? Yeah, I thought so.

*5. Don’t say, “It’s okay, the Philippines will be fine.” Filipinos are resilient. But shrugging off the devastation like it’s just a mosquito bite is tantamount to undermining the loss of life and property.

*6. Don’t brag about your expensive brand new gadget. Congratulations; you have a new toy – but celebrating your wealth during a calamity makes you look like a jerk.

*7. Don’t say you have nothing to donate. Yes, you do. You have at least one piece of clothing you haven’t worn in a year. You have spare change for at least one bottle of water. After all, you have the budget for an Internet-ready gadget.

*8. Don’t stop at giving to charity. Did making a donation make you feel better? Good for you! But charity isn’t for your sake; it’s for the sake of people who need it. Charity comes with a measure of responsibility. Make sure your donation actually makes it to the typhoon-ravaged areas – that is, if you genuinely care.

*9. Don’t keep posting selfies. Your friends know you’re pretty. Even your friend’s cousin’s best friend’s driver knows you’re pretty. But your face shouldn’t hog the limelight while worried relatives post pictures of the family members they can’t contact up to now.

*10. Lastly, don’t miss out on the chance to do something useful with your social networks. Get your friends to donate – and ask them to do so responsibly. Spread the word about the tragedy in the Philippines.

Let your Twitter Facebook profile be a beacon of hope. Join the campaign to ask Philippine TV to cover the tragedy instead of just airing variety shows. Do something helpful – yes, you can make a difference. Help the Philippines now.

I Miss The Sunset in South Cebu

This is one thing I miss when I am home in the Philippines. The beautiful sunset that I can watch from our terrace is truly a spectacular scene for me. Its beautiful setting over the horizon with its colorful rays that touch the blue sea is truly amazing! I feel like looking in a kaleidoscope when I a see a colorful pattern of the sunrays that goes down the horizon. Truly a phenomenon!

I hope to go home soon once again to  unwind, relax, recharge  and simply feel at home! There is really no place like home! Agree with me folks? Have a nice day!

The spectacular view from our home in Cebu City. I truly miss this phenomenon!

Kawasan falls in Badian, Cebu

If I have a choice where I have to stay this month, I would say in the Philippines! You know why, the weather is not cold because it is in the tropics, i miss the local foods there, there are celebrations that I want to attend like the Sinulog in Cebu or the Halad in Midsayap and yes I want to go to Kawasan Falls again.

Kawasan are a set of falls in the town of Badian in Cebu Province in the Philippines. I love to go trekking along the peaceful river going to Kawasan Falls. It is around 130 km southeast of Cebu City. I hope to visit this place again in my next vacation to the Philippines!

Kawasan during my third visit last January 2010.

Fort San Pedro, Cebu, Philippines

How I wish I am in the Philippines right now. The reason is, to escape the cold winter time in Europe. It was a wonderful time vacation I had last year in my home country. More on that, it was so far the longest vacation I had, almost three months in the Philippines.

Although I am busy with a project that time, I still managed to have little trips especially in Cebu Province. One of the sights we visited in Cebu City was Fort San Pedro. Called as Fuerza de San Pedro in Spanish, this structure was used a a military defense during the Spanish era in the Philippines. It is located in Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City.

inside the compound of Fort San Pedro. taken during our visit last January 2010.

Fuerza San Pedro, the fort is described as built of stone mortar with a terraplein where guns are mounted. The fort contains the necessary buildings. The largest of these buildings was the "Cuerpo de Guardia" where the personnel that manned the fort lived. Adjacent to it was the "Vivende del Teniente" which was the living quarters of the lieutenant of the Fort. In between the aforementioned buildings is a well. At one corner attached to the walls of the bastion San Miguel (NE) was the "Alamazaros del Rivera" (powder magazine where the fort's supply or arms and gunpowder from Manila were stored).

the main entrance of the Fortress.

Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines

I was able to witness this festival twice. The second time I was there was last January 2010. Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright coloured costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

I hope to see this again in my next visit to the Philippines. Here are some snapshots I took last year.

one of the contingents during the Sinulog contest held in Cebu Sports Complex.

the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country.

The festival commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

Wish I'm Home

I always believed in the saying, "There is no place like home". A lot of people had been asking me if I want to go back again in my home country in the future. I already found my second home here in Europe but I always believed, that one day, I will find my way back home.

How I just wish that I am home this time...even just to give comfort especially to a loveone. Sometimes it is just difficult to be away from your loveones but there are always ways where you can meet again....and again!

One of the beautiful scenes I miss from my home country. There is where I used to sit especially in the afternoon watching the beauty as the sun goes down....what a priceless view of nature and I truly miss it!

Sinulog Festival in Cebu

The Sinulog festival in Cebu is a famous celebration in this city. It is an annual festival held every third Sunday of January. It has become a tourists magnet which attracts visitors from all parts of the Philippines and even from the whole world. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

Here are some images taken during our visit last January 2010.

The Sinulog contest is always held in Cebu City Sports Complex

SINULOG TODAY:

Since 1521, devotion to the Santo Niño has grown and has taken root in Philippine popular piety, particularly in the Visayas; pilgrims from different parts of Cebu and the rest of the Philippines make their yearly journey to the church to take part in the procession and festival. Starting in 1980, the Cebu City government organized the Sinulog Mardi Gras and eventually gave incentives to tribal dance groups. The first Sinulog parade was held in 1980, organized by Dávid Odilao, then Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports, and Youth Development. The parade was composed of students dressed in Moro costumes, dancing the Sinulog to the beating of drums.

The idea caught and thus, under the direction of the Cebu City Mayor Florentino Solon with the help of several influential Cebuanos, Odilao turned over the Sinulog project to the Cebu City Historical Committee under Kagawad Jesus Garcia. It was the task of the Committee to conceptualize the Sinulog festival and make it into a yearly event from then on.

In 1981 the following year, the concept of the Sinulog Parade was actualized, involving practically every sector in the Cebuano community. Marking its difference from another popular festival, the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, the Sinulog focuses not on the ritual itself but on the historical aspects of the dance, which, as it has been said, represents the link the country's embrace of Christian faith.

The Sinulog dance steps were believed to originate from Rajah Humabon's adviser, Baladhay. It was during Humabon's grief when Baladhay was driven sick. He then ordered his native tribe to bring Baladhay into a chapel where the Santo Niño was enthroned. Moments later, surprisingly, Baldhay was heard shouting and was found dancing with outmost alertness. Baladhay was questioned as to whether why was he awake and was shouting. Baladhay explained that he found a small child, pointing to the image of the Santo Niño, on top of him and trying to wake him up. He, at great astonishment, scared the child away by shouting but couldn't explain why he was dancing the movements of the river. Up to this day, the two-steps forward, and the one-step backward movement dance is still used by the Santo Niño devotees believing that it was the Santo Niño's choice to have Baladhay dance. more Sinulog infos here

White Beach in Panglao Island, Visayas, Philippines

This is one of the islands that I love in the Philippines. I had been to Panglao Island twice already and if given the chance in the future, I still want to go back there. Panglao is an island located in Central Visayas. It is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. It is considered to be one of the top tourist destination in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful dive spots and its coral reefs.

The first time I visited Panglao island was in 2006. Last February of this year, we went back there again. Here is an image I took during my second visit. This is the beautiful while beach of Bohol Beach Club. This is such a priceless view!

Panglao has a terrain that range from plain, hilly to mountainous. Panglao is made of Maribojoc Limestone, the youngest of the limestone units found in the western area of Bohol. The limestone composition halted the development of an airport as coralline limestone is soluble which causes formation of caves and sinkholes. One interesting geological feature found in the island is the Hinagdanan Cave which has an underground water source. The cave is an important water source as the island has no rivers or lakes. A tourism spot that the island of Panglao boast is the BOHOL BEACH CLUB. It features a 1.5 kilometer beach shoreline that provides a pristine beauty of what the island offers. It also boasts of the presence of one of the most beautiful dive spots that carries a glimpse of an awesome sea world treat. more about Panglao here

Dumaguete Boulevard, Philippines

Good evenings folks! It seems that it is time for me to go to bed now. Before I sign-off, let me share this image below taken in Dumaguete's famous boulevard in the Philippines. This was taken during my vacation this year. I miss the sea and the beaches there! Goodnight everyone!

p.s. sorry I have been busy the past days..that is the reason why there were no updates in most of my blogs.
Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; World Tuesday, Watery, Wordful, Outdoor Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

The Fountain in Manila, Philippines

if I am not mistaken, this is the fountain in The Market Market in Manila, Philippines. I am just lazy to search right now. I took this picture during my vacation in the Philippines this year and had the chance to visit Manila for four days.
Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; Watery, Wordful, Outdoor Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

View From Our Window

Hello peeps! I am here again to give you a little update. I am sharing an image taken during my vacation in my home country. This is the beautiful view from our window. HB said that he want to retire in this small paradise in the future.... in God's will. I also miss this scene. During my vacation this year, I always look at this window every time and wake up. During the afternoon, I also love to watch the sunset over the horizon. Such an amazing scenery!
Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; World Tuesday, Watery, Wordful, and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

Home Sweet Home in Cebu, Philippines

I believed there is always no place like home. I found my second home in Germany but Philippines will always be my home. My family is currently living in the Province of Cebu in the Philippines. Cebu is also consists of different cities and islands. You can see a lot of intresting sights in Cebu City and other parts of the island. One of the best things I love here are the white beaches like in Malapascua or Bantayan island. Here are some images from our place somewhere in the south part of Cebu.

the terrace in our house facing the sea.

Cebu (Cebuano:Sugbo) is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands. Cebu is a long narrow island stretching 225 kilometers from north to south, surrounded by 167 neighbouring, smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. Cebu has narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus and coastal plains. It also has rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island. Cebu's highest mountains are over 1000 meters high. Flat tracts of land can be found in the towns of Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin and Daanbantayan at the northern region of the province. Its capital is Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with four neighbouring cities which include Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Talisay City and eight other municipalities. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Mactan island, is the second busiest airport in the Philippines. more about Cebu here

Our small beach located near the house. I hope we can develop it next time.

Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes;Watery, Wordless, Wordful, Outdoor Wednesday Skywatch Friday,Looking at The Sky Friday, Scenic Sunday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

South Cebu Sky and Sea

It's TGIF again! I hope we will all be having a wonderful weekend. I am sharing a picture taken somewhere in South Cebu, Philippines. I love the blue sea and skies in this part of the island. Have a great day. It seems that King sun is shining right now!
Feel free to visit and join these wonderful memes; Skywatch Friday,Looking at The Sky Friday, Scenic Sunday and Wordless Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for sharing these wonderful memes in the blogosphere.

The Fountain in Manila Cathedral, Philippines

This fountain in front of Manila Cathedral has a bronze monument of Spain's Carlos IV which is said to be erected in 1824. This fountain is located in the formerly called Plaza mayor but since 1961, it is named Plaza de Roma honor the Sacred College of Cardinals in Rome following the elevation of the first Filipino cardinal, Rufino J. Santos.

This was taken during my vacation in the Philippines last January 2010.
For more images of these memes, feel free to visit and join Wordless, Watery, Wordful and Outdoor Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for hosting these wonderful memes. Happy WW day!

Fishermen Catching Fishes

What a wonderful day we had today! The sun was shining the whole day and the blue sky is very nice to stare at. It's like the blue sea you see below. Here is a picture of the fishermen catching fishes on the sea. This was taken in Cebu, Philippines.
For more images of these memes, feel free to visit and join Wordless, Watery, Wordful and Outdoor Wednesday. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for hosting these wonderful memes. Happy WW day!

P.S. This blog is participating for the first time Wordful Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday. I believed I will love this memes like the other ones.

Remembering My Vacation

I remember my long vacation in the Philippines especially that I saw the pictures that were developed yesterday. Imagine a thousand pictures from my vacation. It was awesome! Of course I always remember my families there especially my parents, brothers and sisters, my relatives and friends too. I also remembered bringing with me bottles of vitamins for men especially for my father and brothers. I guess my father need some supplements since he is already getting old. I also instruction him how to take the tablets because they are written in German language. My last reminder was to take it everyday and never miss it. I guess it helps him especially the soluble vitamins I brought for him. HB and me hope to spend a vacation in the Philippines next year! We will see but HB really want to go.

Let's Get Cyber Wet

It's time to get cyber wet again. Thanks to this meme where we can share pictures to all forms of water. The picture I have here was taken in Alona Beach resort in Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines. This was my second time to visit this place. In fact during our first visit, we went swimming to this pool here. It's time for me to take a bath now. I want to relax for a while in the tub. See you later guys!

Click the logo to join and see the beauty of the different body of waters around the world. Thanks to T. Bruce for hosting this beautiful meme! Happy Watery Wednesday!

Let's Get Wet in Cebu Philippines

It's time to get wet now in Cebu, Philippines. The picture below was taken in Liloan, Cebu while we are waiting for the fast craft for island hopping to Dumaguete. This image was zoomed by my Sony digital camera. Might not be perfectly taken but at least I am having fun sharing this beautiful scenery from Cebu, Philippines. Let's get wet and have some fun!

Click the logos to join and see more photos. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for hosting these wonderful memes. Happy WW day!

WW: View from Our Window

I miss this place! This is what I always see every morning and the whole day when I was still here. My vacation is over and I have to go back to my second home in Europe. What left of me now are the images I took from this place. This is somewhere in the South of Cebu. HB said he want to retire here because for him like any European, this place is a paradise. What do you think? take care guys!

Click the logos to join and see more photos. Thanks to the Authors of these sites for hosting these wonderful memes. Happy WW day!

Fireworks at Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, Philippines

The first day of March is almost over now. I hope that you are having a good one. Some might not have a good day, some might have a very inspiring day. The picture you see below was taken during the 2010 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City. I had witnessed this biggest celebration in Cebu twice in my life. I wish to share more pictures of Sinulog next time.
Feel free to visit Ruby Tuesday,Wordless Wednesday and Mellow Yellow Monday to see more photos! Have a great one especially to all participants of these memes! Thanks to respective Authors for hosting these wonderful memes!