October 2, 2009
As we brace ourselves and pray that Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) changes its course and move away from the country, I found some tips and a checklist from the Red Cross for us to be more prepared.
What Should I Do?
- Prepare your supplies in case a flood or storm hits your area.
- Your refrigerator or freezer has to be in the coldest setting and avoid opening the door unless necessary. Food will last longer in case you experience a black out.
- Discuss an evacuation plan with family members and include neighbors if possible.
- Standard insurance doesn’t cover flooding or anything that are AOG (Acts of God) so ensure that your policy include protection from floods or related to heavy rains and storms.
- Turn off LPG tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Avoid floodwaters. If water is above your ankles, don’t go further. Six inches of running water can drag you.
- While driving and you see a flooded road, turn around and don’t insist on going through. If you are caught on a flooded road and water is rising rapidly, get out of your vehicle and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
- Keep your children safe and out of the water.
- Inform someone outside of the storm or flood area where you are going in case you need to evacuate.
- Prepare a “grab-and-go” bag.
What Supplies Do I Need?
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit / Medications at least 7 day supply
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Extra cash
- Baby Supplies
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Insect repellent
- Rain Gear
- Copies of personal documents
- Multi-purpose tool
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Battery-powered radio
- Safety Lighter
Checklist courtesy of Red Cross.
September 28, 2009
It has been more than 48 hours since storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) entered the Philippines. It has left a devastated city into ruins, most especially in Marikina and Cainta. Classes has been suspended, the color coding scheme lifted and rescue teams deployed at critical areas.
Most of us stayed indoors on the night of September 26 to watch the news, went online (most are in Facebook and Twitter) and called friends & family as the storm progressed. My in-laws, best friend and business partner were hit by the storm. Two were from Marikina and one lives in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
I picked up Carl in Cubao to bring him to his house and pick up his family for them to spend the night at Eurotel. The water reached up to his neck (he is around 5′11) and they took refuge at their neighbor’s 2nd floor. I tried to go into their house but it was too muddy and slippery. I couldn’t believe what I saw.
I couldn't go into the house because of the mud.
These cars were at the mercy of Typhoon Ondoy
Murphy's Law
The mud was slippery and dangerous.
My journey continues as we go through the streets of Marikina and we decided to take a chance and went through Riverbanks.
Water has subsided.
More mud and traffic was very light.
A part of the flyover
Going up to Marcos Highway.
Are those pipes or cables?
Here is a video of our trip to Riverbanks.
This is just among the many we've seen.
The fences are down.
Yet another vehicle overturned by Ondoy
I went home with a heavy heart, seeing people trying to recover from the incident. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is for the victims to accept that their houses, belongings and for some their loved ones are gone. It’s just great to see that Filipinos have united to help those who are in need. Online or offline, this just shows there is still hope to work as one.
As an extension of this blog entry, I created a site where you can post your own photos, videos and stories.
September 13, 2009
Our ever first virtual conference happens on September 17, starting from 9am to 8pm Philippine time.
We are celebrating Digital Filipino’s 10th anniversary along side with One Internet Day, both started by Janette Toral, it’s founder.
My company is organizing the event and we have a good line up of free webinars. Here is a list for you to look at and I’m personally inviting you to check it out, if it fits your schedule.
Introduction to Software Process Improvement, 9am to 10am Philippine time – register for this webinar
State of E-Commerce in the Philipppines, 11am to 12nn Philippine time – register for this webinar
Website Development Best Practices: A Briefing on the 3rd Digital Filipino Web Awards 2009, 2pm to 3pm Philippine time – register for this webinar
Managing Training Effectively and True ROI, 3pm to 4pm Philippine time – register for this webinar
Internet as a Research Medium for Children in Elementary and High School: A Briefing on the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2010, 4pm to 5pm Philippine time – register for this webinar
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Outsourcing in the Philippines, 5pm to 6pm Philippine time – register for this webinar
Video Editing for Profit, 6pm to 7pm Philippine time – register for this webinar
Blogging for Money: Writing Reviews and News Articles – register for this webinar
Filed under Webinars
Tags: client first, digital filipino, ecci, entreplink philippines, entrepreneurs, filipino entreprenuers, free webinar, online seminar, philippine webinars, pinoy webinars, profora media
December 18, 2008
Alas, another casual game that kept me awake and made me stay home. Fix it Up: Kate’s adventure is a great game that challenged me until the very end. For someone who doesn’t know a lot about cars and how an auto shop is run, I can say I’m proud of myself, after trying a few levels and learned the basics. It was rough though.
I was looking for a walkthrough, but seems like there isn’t any out there. Maybe there is in game forums, but was looking for quick tips, not spoilers. So here are some tips for those who love this game and might need a little help.
Building a helicopter (final bonus round)
You start with $100,000 and two cars, a sedan and a mini. Upgrade the sedan with your existing spare parts and wax your mini immediately. While upgrading you can keep on renting the mini until the sedan is ready to go. Don’t buy spare parts yet. Just keep an eye on the cars that come and go. If you spot a sports car or a convertible that’s reasonable to buy with your existing money, do it! You can then start selling your mini and upgraded sedan.
As you go through the game, you need to keep on buying sports cars (the more the better) and convertibles. If you are lucky to get a car that is owned by a celebrity, fantastic! This will increase your rent in the long run. Fill up your lot and wait until you get as much money to start buying spare parts. Hire employees gradually. Around the time you are warned that you don’t have time left, you can start selling your cars to get that cash needed for the last stage. Eventually you’ll build that helicopter and finish the game just about a minute before your time runs out.
Keep reading →
November 26, 2008
With so many financial freedom programs and campaigns out there, I am not surprised why people are skeptical when they hear the phrase “financial freedom” and think it’s a scam. A lot of people claim they are experts on money management or creating wealth, but truth be told, a lot of them are just bound to get a buck from you, one way or another.
The good news is that there are a few experts that are out there to help. One is Hoover de Baron, a bonafide expert on money management and investments. He is a registered financial consultant that has years of experience handling money for his clients.
He is offering a free online seminar (webinar) to those who are interested in learning various investment strategies and will simplify the complex world of finance. He will show how a minimum wage earner can be a multi-millionaire when he retires. Think about it. How many people do you know who are minimum wage earners all their lives and end up having millions when they reach 50 or even 60 years old?
I personally attended this webinar and it’s worth it. They even give a free one-on-one consultation to the attendees after the webinar. At the end of the webinar, he will give out a sample financial plan which attendees can browse and eventually will be the template during the consultation.
This is scheduled on November 29, 2008 at 2PM, Philippine Time. To attend this webinar, you can register here. It doesn’t cost you anything and I highly recommend it.
One last note, since this seminar is conducted online, you need a computer, a high speed Internet connection and a headset with a microphone. The microphone is used so you can personally ask your questions to the speaker real time.
Let me know how it goes. Feedback is encouraged!
