Newsmaker: Typhoon Cosme Slams Families in Central and Northern Luzon

Just when local efforts are being made to help the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China, our country gets its own natural disaster during the weekend when Typhoon Cosme (aka Halong) slammed the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, Benguet, La Union and Ilocos. Here’s a rundown of the aftermath:

1. Thousands of families were left homeless. In Zambales, more than 500 families or about 3,000 people evacuated to public schools. 80% of the total houses in Sta Cruz (7,000 houses) were damaged and at least 23 houses in a resettlement site in Barangay Cawag in Subic were also destroyed. In Pangasinan, residents in Lingayen, Calasiao, Manaoag and San Carlos City had to evacuate. Along Kennon Road, at least 21 houses in Sitios Toll Gate, Kiangan, Mill Site, Power and Green Valley in Barangay Camp 6 were damaged by landslides. In the Visayas region, 1,000 families (or at least 5,000 people) were displaced by flooding and landslides in the central island of Panay. (Some of us have never really experienced being homeless and the closest thing in our minds about blown-down houses is from the tale of the Three Little Pigs.)
2. At least seven people are dead and 2 children are still missing.
3. Several roads were closed as landslides hit Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao and Mt. Province. (Many of the roads are used by vegetable growers in Northern Luzon to transport their produce to markets in Metro Manila and other provinces).
4. Power supply and telephone lines were cut off in several areas on Saturday as trees fell on power lines in Pangasinan, Benguet and Zambales
5. Fisherfolk and farmers were also affected because their fish pens overflowed and their crops were destroyed

Government agencies and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) have been organizing evacuations and relief efforts for the victims. If you would like to know more about how you can help the families affected, please send an email  to the Red Cross or call them at (63-2) 527-0000.

Quote of the Day: Malcolm X
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”  — Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 - Feb 21, 1965), Black Power Movement leader

Life is Fun: Disaster Dilemma

Here is a real dilemma for you. With all your honor and dignity, what would you do? This test has only one question, but it’s a very important one. Please do not answer without giving it some serious thought. By giving an honest answer, you will be able to test where you stand morally. The test features an unlikely, completely fictitious situation, where you will need to make a decision one way or the other.

Remember, your answer needs to be honest, yet spontaneous. Please scroll down slowly and consider each line - this is important for the test to work accurately.

You’re in a typhoon disaster area. There is great chaos going on around you, caused by landslides, mudflows and severe floods. You are a photographer and you are in the middle of the disaster. The situation is nearly hopeless.

Suddenly you see someone in the water, fighting for dear life, trying not to be taken away by the masses of water and mud. You move closer. Somehow the person looks familiar. Suddenly you realize who it is - It is the most corrupt government official in the country.

At the same time you notice that the raging waters are about to take the corrupt government official away, forever. You have two options. You can save the corrupt official OR you can take the best photo of your life - a one-of-a-kind photo displaying the death of one of the country’s most corrupt government official.

And here is the question (please give an honest answer):

Would you select color film, or rather go with the simplicity of classic black and white?

The Power of the Word

“The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” - Psalm 19:8

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About this post:

This is the daily post of Lester Galvez Cavestany entitled Perlas. The information here is presented to you in bite-sized servings so that it’s quick and fun to read. It has four parts: 1) Newsmaker - news and views that matter to you;  2) Quote of the Day has history, quotes and biography tidbits; 3) Life is Fun gives you a healthy dose of medicinal laughter;  4) And lucky last, we have The Power of the Word which can serve as your daily spiritual bread.  

If you enjoyed reading this post, come back to this site every day and be sure to share Perlas with your friends.

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References:

Newsmaker Image:

AP/Aaron Favila’s Photo (Damage Caused by Typhoon Durian)

Quote of the Day image:

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7178/bojzarasovourovnopravnoys2.jpg

Life is Fun:

http://www.afunworld.com/political-jokes/joke-401.htm

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