Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 16, 1990 and Earthquake Disaster Preparedness

I wasn't in the Philippines when this happened in 1990. But I've watched news updates then on CNN and a few weeks later my aunt received a video tape from Rotarians of Pangasinan of the destruction in Dagupan. So when I came back to the Philippines I was no longer surprised at what I saw. But going to Baguio was a different story, I was so sad for those people who lost their lives, families, houses.

Last year, July 16, I was searching for pictures and stories from the archives. I found the video below from Youtube courtesy of
melroi202



Since these things are inevitable and may occur due to global warming, I'd like to contribute some info I found in my web search.

How to be Prepared


Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.



You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; and an alternate cooking source ( camp stove).


It's also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.


Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.


During an Earthquake


If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.

If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.
If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

After an Earthquake


*Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
*If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
*Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
*Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
*If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.

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What to do during an earthquake (From

Alaska Seagrant)

1. If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.

2. If you are outside, get into the open, away from buildings and power lines.
3. If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.
4. If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
5. If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground.

Other info available from SenWeb and State of California Dept. Of Conservation



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Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Hundred Islands.... a great summer getaway

This mini-vacation I had recently in Hundred Islands of Alaminos Pangasinan is what I'd really like to share! It is a wonderful summer getaway and not only limited for the summer since the Philippines is still experiencing a dry season at the moment. This time is the best time to go! The place is so breath-taking, I promise!

I've gone to this place many times before, last was during the early nineties. It was still not so developed back then. More to that 90's story, we went as a big group of families,friends and classmates.We stayed overnight, not knowing the possible dangers as told to us by the boatmen. My brother-in-law and cousin sighted a "white lady" too! (honest) So much has happened that 2-day trip, if I remember right it was around my birthday Dec 20-22,1992. But it was a wonderful trip with so much adventure stories to talk about for years!

So imagine my excitement to see the place again, with a small group this time, with my cousins,my cousin's friends and my hubby! Thanks to my cousin's ADHD, we went there unexpectedly ^^,

I'm sharing a few of the pictures I took on our recent "impromptu" trip.

Familiar scene? Yes, that's where they shot the movie, "Dyesebel".

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Below, is your usual first stop, Governor's Island with the viewpoint deck above. Get ready to climb the 123-step uphill!


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Just shutter-happy.... A part of an island too good to miss Photobucket

Below, a picture for my Flickr entry

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Below, taken at Marcos Island (Take nothing, leave nothing) In the picture is my hubby (if you can find him), who went the trek uphill.

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That's what I personally call The Secret Island. Well, it used to be during the 90's. One of the three stops back then. Now it's just an option to stop by. It's a clean place and well-maintained.

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Below is the Bat Island, and it was my first time to know this part of the Hundred Islands existed. The bats were sleeping upside down and humming a strange, creepy sound which reminded me of the vampire movies like "Twilight"! What's more, the bats were humongous than what we normally would see in our town. Their size may be approximately as big as a regular cat! Whoa!

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I thank my balikbayan- cousin for taking us here. Thanks to the fun stories again and the barrel of laughs. I'd say this trip is a great remembrance!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

We love Noynoy!




I know my entry is quite late, but I think it best to write it still as I am filled with awe and gladness for Pres. Noynoy Aquino's Inauguration last June 30. Though I was not able to vote during this last election, I wanted him to win. I suppose he is the reason I vied for the job as PCOS supervisor because I wanted to make sure that the elections will be fair and square; and despite the failures and glitches, I was comforted by the fact that he won.

Yes, I realize he is receiving so much flak for his so-called incompetence. But I prefer to vote a person based on his faith in God and his character. His popularity is just a plus factor for me. I would prefer a president whom they would call "lalamya-lamya" because to me it means there is something lacking in him that needs to be filled - with our unity and support. He needs all of us to make this country prosperous again. True, he cannot do all that. He needs us behind him, he needs our prayers, he need us to think positively for this country. Let us all practice our faith in God that He will bless our president and the Philippines.

I am very hopeful that he will fulfill his vow to end corruption in our country. I look forward to the day....

That the PNP will be doing their job, writing accurate blotters and not siding with either party but mediating for honest resolutions...

That there will be enough classrooms in the public schools to accommodate the students, that teachers will teach with all they know, that teachers will be well-compensated for their work...

That the red tape or under the table in the government will be eradicated. That deserving employees will be given their positions without Padrino or "palakasan"...

That the public hospital staff in the Region 1 will work with utmost respect to each and every patient irregardless of social standing because we the taxpayers are in part contributors to their salary...

Those are just a few of the things I hope will change in our system. If there be anymore, please feel free to add via comments.

Did you know? That we should pray for the leaders of our country even if we didn't vote for them or even if we have political differences. Yes, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "to pray requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone," including “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

To download the full text of Pres. Noynoy's Inauguration Speech please click here

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My remembrance of Noynoy when he passed by our street ^^

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Post-election reminiscing

Think working as a PCOS Supervisor and Technician during the first Philippine automated elections is a piece of cake? Ha-ha! I wish! That's what I first thought, as I was impressed when we were trained, complete with allowance and accommodation. Mind you, though, the exam was so intense I just had a so-so grade, but I passed! Working was a great experience for me, having an important role during the elections. That's the most positive I can say. The rest... honestly, made the monster character in me alive. Whew! Things I surely will not forget... *The night before election day and one of our precincts had a PCOS machine with defective CF Card. Note: we had it replaced twice and it still didn't work. What was the big deal? ABS-CBN local news reporters wanted to interview us. Oh no, not again! So I told my co-supervisor, Sir "Angel-with-huge-wings" to escape thru the municipal building's back-door. The precinct in question was under his accountability, so he was most nervous about it. If I could just take a video of that scene, our team would be laughing out loud! *When I was confronted by a group of Anak-Pawis watchers who wanted to file a protest against us - me and my technician for allegedly destroying the PCOS machine. This is where my "inner monster" almost came out. I calmed myself and slowly counted to ten. Explained to them that we didn't destroy the PCOS machine because it was in perfect running condition except for the CF card that was not compatible. If you follow the latest news, you would surely know why. *We've been interviewed on GMA Primera Balita, twice. The first was for assuring the public that the elections will go well. This interview was a surprise, we were simply having a meeting when GMATv came. Please find a video below, not from an embed but from my digicam, it's the best I could come up with. *The second, was for asking that the agency pay us our just compensation ^^,(Note: up to this time plenty of techs and supervisors have not been paid) Photobucket
People I would surely remember *Our town's Election Officer who so gladly extended his assistance and authority. He gave us the assurance and confidence in attending to our job and that made all the difference. A great job well done for our town! *My co-supervisor who called NSC non-stop with agent 118, courting her over the phone. Yes, that's Super "Angel-with-huge-wings" Very funny if you ask me!This co-supervisor of mine has skills in negotiation that I have not seen ever. Ma-diskarte. Until now he is in demand. I would recommend him for helping all of us get our salary. *The soldier Masonsong, who is -admittedly- a lady tech-killer. Bukam-bibig: "Ano ang cellphone number nya/nila?" referring to the our lady-technicians. I am so thankful that we were given the opportunity to work during the elections. It surely made us better and we learned a lot. So much so that I have a few recommendations for the next automated elections. Let me leave those for now and blog about it when the next election comes. It was all worth it! God bless the Philippines!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Thanks to all my droppers this May!

Thanks to everyone who dropped by often, despite my not being actively blogging this past month. Thank you very very much for keeping me company.

I've been extremely busy working before and until the end of the first Philippine Automated Elections 2010. I worked as Precinct Count Optical Scanner(PCOS) Supervisor which, to be honest, also baffled me at times due to the lack of training we had. It turns out, everything went bad but none of our fault - thankfully! As of now, the tension and stress of it is over that I'm just sooo glad to be back to my normal day-to-day activities! Will tell you more in the days to come...

And for the linkylove, here's to you Top Ten EC Droppers...





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