Ibyang
Ibyang

Australia Extends Help to the Philippines

29 September 2009 3 Comments Category: Everyday Life

Read below an article by channelnewasia.com regarding help being sent by Australia.

Australia to help Philippine flood victims

SYDNEY: Australia will give up to a million Australian dollars (US$874,920) in aid to the Philippines as it faces a humanitarian crisis caused by the worst flooding in decades, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said on Tuesday.

Australia’s contribution will include emergency supplies of drinking water, clothing, hygiene kits and other essential items needed for the country to recover from heavy rains brought by tropical storm Ketsana on Saturday.

The Philippines on Monday called for assistance after severe flooding in Manila and surrounding regions left more than 240 people dead and hundreds of thousands seeking shelter in evacuation camps.

“Australia extends its condolences to the communities affected by this disaster,” Smith said in a joint statement with Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance Bob McMullan.

“Australia stands ready to offer further assistance if additional needs are identified by the Philippines government.”

The storm caused the worst flooding in more than 40 years in Manila and other areas of Luzon island and left 80 per cent of the capital under water.
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Thanks to my friend Jo for the lead. My heart rejoices for Australia’s generosity. I was actually wondering when they would send help (they always do) and they’re finally doing it. Thanks Australia, you are making Filipino-Australians proud of you.

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Prayers Against Storms

29 September 2009 1 Comments Category: Everyday Life, Tips

Even if I don’t live in the Phils and haven’t totally experienced Ondoy’s rage, I feel like I’ve been traumatized too. Everytime I text my parents back home, I always ask whether there are rains or if the sun has come out already. Para lang akong humihingi ng update ng weather sa Phils palagi ngayon. And no, I don’t trust the weather reports of Pag-asa that much. I think regardless of the weather reports, we can only believe up to a certain extent but we always have to BE VIGILANT ALWAYS.

Last night, my Husband and I watched TV Patrol online and it weakens my heart to see the aftermath of the tragedy that happened. Sa bawat kwento na sinasalaysay ng reporters, parang nahuhulog ang puso ko.

According to reports (click this please) there might be two tropical depressions to hit the Phils in the coming days. I’m sharing these prayers below so we can all pray now in the hopes to alleviate or re-direct the storm that may pass by the Philippines again.

Prayer or Blessing Against Storms
Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!
Another Prayer to Avert Storms and Hurricanes

Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten us and turn our fear of your power into praise of your goodness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
For more prayers, please click this: Prayers Against Storms
May God bless and protect the Filipino People!
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Flowers and Prayers

27 September 2009 1 Comments Category: Deep Thoughts

 

We spent the whole day of Saturday at Canberra’s Floriade, the flower festival of Australia’s Capital City during Spring.

It was a day spent communing with different flower species and friends who trooped down south with us to enjoy the event. Amidst the crazy weather in Canberra (drizzling for a few minutes, sunny the next–and over-all windy and cold), we had fun thanks to the great company of our friends. Going home, I was looking forward to downloading our photos, eager to see some pretty flowers and our happy faces.

However, when we arrived home and logged online, we were surprised with the news that the Philippines had been hit by a nasty storm called “Ondoy” which resulted to a massive flood in the metro. The excitement to share our day’s happiness waned.

We immediately called our family but it took awhile for our calls to get thru. My Husband’s family home experienced a knee-high flooding for the very first time. My parents’ home on the other hand were spared the flooding thanks to the great location of our house. My dad however, was stranded in the office and had to stay there til this morning. Until now, my dad is still in Cubao waiting for floods and traffic to subside in Cainta area (we live in Taytay, Rizal). I hope he goes home soon.

We have seen our friends’ messages on FB, plurk and twitter. Our heart goes out to all of you. We really hope you and your family are well and safe. Let us continue praying for our country’s recovery from this calamity.

I’m sharing one of my favorite photographs from this year’s Floriade. This beautiful flower is for you. Whether you have experienced difficulty from “Ondoy” or you have a family back home, this is for you. If you have come acrossed this webpage and see this flower, please know that this comes with a prayer for you and your family’s safety. May God bless and guide the Filipino people especially at this time.

P.S. There are reports that in 3 days (estimated), another typhoon by the name of Peping will hit the Philippines. Let’s keep on praying. Stay safe everyone.

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Chris’ Birthday Bash

Last Saturday (19/9/09–love the date!), I organized a party for friends in celebration of the Husband’s 30th birthday. It was one of the happiest moments of our lives as our friends gathered around to wish him a very happy birthday.

It was our 3rd time to have a party at home and Chris and I are somehow getting better at hosting parties we think (haha!). Other than the fact that we love doing party preps, entertaining and having friends around (we love hearing laughters echoing inside the home), we enjoy organizing events TWOgether (I guess it’s because we’re used to working together at the office when we were still in Manila). Organizing parties is just one of the effects of our teamwork and we love successful parties!

We did a couple of new things for this party such as our table centrepiece. We usually put flowers but for the first time, I made this simple candle and fruit centrepiece. These are two things that I love seeing on our dining table on any normal day so why not use it for special occassions too.

Served Cabanossi Sausages as part of our Antipasto Platter to give that meaty flavor to wet the appetite before diving into the mains.

For our mains, I served Chicken Lollipops with homemade gravy and Pork Asado for the first time. I used to cook these before but always with the help of either my mom or my grandma. We also served Spring Rolls and Chicken Meatballs.

We were fortunate enough to have helpful friends who brought food so we had lots for everyone. They brought Spaghetti, Baked Macaroni, Veggies, Duck in Red Curry. They even brought dessert! Amazing.

It was also the first time that Chris baked for our friends!!! Yes, my Husband bakes now while I cook—we are really a team now even when it comes to the kitchen. He baked Friands in three flavors: Blueberry, Almond and Chocolate for dessert. Our friends loved it! I’m so proud of my Husband :).

The food was just the icing on the cake but the company, the laughter, great conversations and time spent with our friends are biggest bonus of the celebration. We are truly grateful for their presence.

For more of the happy photos on Chris’ birthday bash, please click HERE.

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