Tsunami alerts cancelled

Last night, pass 1am, I chance upon Ate Che's post about a Tsunami that is expected to hit Philippines today at 1:27pm. I couldn't sleep. I thought of a lot of things. I was the only person who was still awake at that time [which usually happens, hehe]. I came across online news and found a link on the shattering 8.8 magnitude quake that hit CHILE around 3:34am Saturday. Shocking images of the tragedy left a terrible remembrance. The once sturdy buildings turned into splinters in a snap. Not long after the Haiti quake, here comes another devastating catastrophe.

Fostering awareness, i posted a link on my facebook account regarding the quake and the tsunami which is to hit the Pacific coast within 24hours after the quake.

My friend Gracey who is based in Hawaii received a surprised rather a panicking call from her Mom informing her of the approaching major wave to hit the island of Hawaii at an expected time. Glad to know through her post after several hours that everyone there now is safe.

excerpts from online news:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning. In an interview on ABS-CBN, Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said that if the Chile earthquake did generate tsunami waves powerful enough to cross the Pacific, they may be expected to hit Philippine coastlines sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Let us all PRAY...

Noon time, I received a text message from 2 of my student who lives near the shore in Sta. Cruz informing me that they are evacuating and will be heading up to the hills where their relatives resides. In that way also, they could observe changes on the quiet ocean.

Afternoon came, alert pa rin kami. Thank God, it passed the expected time. Our television is still on CNN, awaiting updates while helping Papa pack his stuffs. Since my father has to report for work tomorrow, I drove and dropped him off at the Bus terminal. God Bless his travel.

Late in the afternoon, another text message was sent by the same student telling me they'll go back to their home sweet home.

Tsunami alerts may have been cancelled but we people should still pay attention and stay alert on what may have happen. As I am typing this, I am trying to observe the nature around me and at the same time, praying. We live around 750 meters away from the nearby coastal areas. Oh my, oh my, It's windy outside. We never know. That giant wave might strike while people were asleep. And sometimes, an unusual weather signals something. I am trying to be positive and my Faith makes me more stronger.

Let us continue to pray for the survival of those who are still trapped in their homes and other establishments. And pray for the repose of the soul of those whose lives were taken.

We thank you, dear Lord for the continued guidance and for keeping us all safe. God knows what's best for us. I always believe in that phrase that's why He never leaves our side.

once in a lifetime chance

At the 12 hr, 34 mins & 56 seconds of July 08, 2009,

the date and time will be

12:34:56 07/08/09

that is

123456789

This will never happen again!

Set your alarms now. Go spread the word. Be the first to tell your friend :)

13 Things Your Waiter Won't Tell You

What's with the number 13?? Some say its a cursed number but to some, its lucky for them. Whatever is the meaning of that value, surely they all have reasons for loving and hating it.

As a food loving earthling on this planet, after having been trained & exposed to the world of food and beverage services, well actually not that exposed though, still needed more exposure, I decided to make some post all about food industry, that includes service of course.

Recently, this article flashed and caught my attention..

Waiters share 13 insider secrets about restaurants - from tipping to what days to avoid dining out

1. Avoid eating out on holidays and Saturday nights. The sheer voume of customers guarantees that most kitchens will be pushed beyond their ability to produce a high-quality dish.

2. There are almost never any sick days in the restaurant business. A busboy with a kid to support isn't going to stay home and miss out on $100 because he's got strep throat. And these are the people handling your food.

3. When customers' dissatisfaction devolves into personal attacks, adulterating food or drink is a convenient way for servers to exact covert vengeance. Some waiters can and do spit in people's food.

4. Never say "I'm friends with the owner." Restaurant owners don't have friends. This marks you as a clueless poseur the moment you walk in the door.

5. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Yes, people need to be reminded of this.)

6. Don't snap your fingers to get our attention. Remember, we have shears that cut through bone in the kitchen.

7. Don't order meals that aren't on the menu. You're forcing the chef to cook something he doesn't make on a regular basis. If he makes the same entrée 10,000 times a month, the odds are good that the dish will be a home run every time.

8. Splitting entrées is okay, but don't ask for water, lemon, and sugar so you can make your own lemonade. What's next, grapes so you can press your own wine?

9. If you find a waiter you like, always ask to be seated in his or her section. Tell all your friends so they'll start asking for that server as well. You've just made that waiter look indispensable to the owner. The server will be grateful and take good care of you.

10. If you can't afford to leave a tip, you can't afford to eat in the restaurant. Servers could be giving 20 to 40 percent to the busboys, bartenders, maître d', or hostess.

11. Always examine the check. Sometimes large parties are unaware that a gratuity has been added to the bill, so they tip on top of it. Waiters "facilitate" this error. It's dishonest, it's wrong-and I did it all the time.

12. If you want to hang out, that's fine. But increase the tip to make up for money the server would have made if he or she had had another seating at that table.

13. Never, ever come in 15 minutes before closing time. The cooks are tired and will cook your dinner right away. So while you're chitchatting over salads, your entrées will be languishing under the heat lamp while the dishwasher is spraying industrial-strength, carcinogenic cleaning solvents in their immediate vicinity.

From Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip-Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by The Waiter (Ecco/HarperCollins)

Source: Reader's Digest Magazine

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/user-post-13-things-your-waiter-wont-tell-you-479179/

having a near empty wallet

I'm broke. Who's not anyway? My friends and I were texting these past few days talking about how hard it is to look for a job. I know. I've been through that stage. I am thankful I have something to do. They thought I was earning enough. No. I love what I do, yes. But when it comes to compensation, I would rather not talk about it. I even told them I still am looking for another part-time job. Was I kidding? No, I am serious.

This is my job. Certified part-timer. Part-time Instructor, Part-time blogger, Part-time Direct Seller, Part-time load seller and now, part-time clicker on ads. Ya know, one of the ways on earning online. Hmmm..interested?? click here!

I had to do this, so I could help my father to pay something for the utility bills, weekly food budget, allowances, necessities, and something for my sister's needs at school. Tuition fees for a nursing student is skyrocketing. Thanks still to our dear cousin who's helping until now. God bless po ?:-D

One time, was about to cook something for our lunch. Nah, simply fried fish. No cooking oil was available. Unsaon ni ron, wa na koy pampalit ug mantika ["Oh no, i'm running out of cash and I had to buy some"], told myself. Was looking for something on my wallet when a P20 bill popped somewhere. I guess the magic was there. hehehe ?:B

Ya know what I did, I cooked the fish on the minimal cooking oil left in the kitchen. Much better to cook this way. Cooked naman siya. It made me realize the importance of using the stored supply even to its last drop, which we usually do.

I still bought 1/4 kilo of cooking oil in a nearby store, for future usage.

Lunch is served. I could hear my stomach growling. The viand was simple, very province yet yummy and tempting. Surprisingly, my generous sister volunteered to buy Pepsi. I was touched.

Payday is way a week ahead and i'm having near empty wallet. I know soon enough, it will be filled but just for the meantime since most will be used for payments.

Leadership means service

Its officially 365 days to the NATIONAL ELECTION, and some of my fellow countrymen has yet to decide who will they choose to hold the highest position of the Republic of the Philippines.

But before doing so, sit back, spare a minute of your time and read what this article is all about. 

How do we defineLeadership? How do we assess a good leader? What characteristics should a true leader possess? Pretty hard questions, isn't? Can you think of an answers in a snap? 

A TRUE LEADER is not recognized by his title or position, but by his noble qualities. Only blind followers applaud a charlatan; wise men distinguish the qualified leader from ordinary folks and acknowledge his magnanimous deeds and reputable character.

Wise Teacher

   A wise teacher or leader finds it better to have a few intelligent followers who seriously undergo change than having a million stubborn and lazy adherents who want to remain as they are.

    Leadership is not a position of lordship but of service. It is not to be equated with indulgence in luxury or family prosperity but with performance of much sacrifice and austerity.

     When a leader makes a mistake, the karmic reaction incurred is multiplied by the number of people who are put into misery by the error. The more people are harmed, the heavier the payment in karmic terms. If a person is not ready to bear a burden, he should not seek such a position of responsibility.

Trash

     If you seek the limelight, be ready for the trash that will be thrown at you.  A real leader seeks to go to the forefront of a battle, not to seek privileges for himself but to protect and serve the weak and innocent.  He is motivated by compassion, not by lustful passion.

     Praises only have real value when they are truthful; if heaped upon an unqualified soul, they are simply empty words.

Inner strength

     A real leader survives the worst of battles because he has an inner strength that cannot be defeated by weapons. In victory or defeat, he remains a man of wisdom and compassion. Thus, he is admired by all.

     Power can be intoxicating. It can drive you mad or make you bad.

    If you ever get into a position of power, use it for the good of others and in the service of the Supreme [we all know who He is].  In this way, you don't get sucked into the snake pit of hellish and selfish existence.

Mistakes

     A real leader admits his mistakes and becomes a greater person by doing so.

     If you don't have any good qualities as a leader, what can you pass on to your followers?

     Lead by good and not by greed!

Source: PDI 9/2/2000, page E13, Lotus Pond Column by R. Valencia

[Note: I've been keeping this clipping for the past 8 years. One day, while going through my papers, it suddenly tear off. I have no choice but to throw it out. But before doing that, I decided to post it to share the realizations of this article.] 

2010 Election is upcoming. It's time for us to make radical decisions. Decisions that will indeed change each Filipino lives. Choose wisely! Vote wisely!!

Missing Mama..

Mother's day na, celebrating the most triumphant role a woman does. Being a mother, a wife, a friend, and as an individual desirous to make everything possible for her family. Their role as the 2nd head of the family is no joke.

That's what my mother does in her 39 years on earth. Every 2nd Sunday of May, me and my sister would greet Mama with a kiss. Hug her then utters the sweetest word a Mother wishes to hear, "I love you, Ma". Now that she's gone for almost 16 years, all we could do is stare at her picture, greet her, offer a mass for her, lit a candle for her since we could not visit her tomb in Manila. We're oceans apart from her. But God knows, we do remember her. Most often, we cooked foods Mama used to prepare for us then chat everything about her, funny things about her, mimic how she looks when she's mad and mimic's her voice, as well. 

Sometimes, it still makes me cry remembering the times we've spent with Mama. I cry whenever I watch movies or shows that talks about Moms.  It still hurts, seeing a complete family because no matter what we do, she's not here anymore. We can no longer kiss her, hug her.  

If she had lived, we would have been complete. She could have seen us grow. She could have witnessed when I stumbled and when I stood up. She could have seen me strived for my family. She could have heard me say, "Ma, I've learned a lot from life's realizations". I will still say this though, in my heart, in every prayer. 

But God has reasons for taking her from us.  I understand that. Missing Mama drove me even closer to my mommy friends'. I usually hug them when we bond. 

Read more on my tribute about Mama on May 2007 <---- Click on!

Let us not just celebrate Mother's Day on this particular day but everyday. Show your dear mother the love and care that she deserves. Never forget to say "I love you, Ma [Nay, Mom, Nang, Mang, My, etc.]" always. Constantly hug and kiss her before and after going to the office or school. Life is short, unpredictable.  Show them that you value them despite the times that they nag, talk a lot and scold you.  Bear with them. Understand them. At the end of the day, they would come to you and caress you in a manner they were sorry for what happened.  As daughters and sons, we became responsive through our hugs. Bear in mind you were conceived for 9 months and having you in their uterus for such time is not easy. I've seen a friend when she delivered her son at a Lying-in clinic when we were in College.  All of us were there, witness to the pain and joy after the baby was out. We are the source of their joy, their pride, their happiness. 

I am thankful we have Aunts who acted as our Mother. Who continues to advise, encourage, love, care and believes in us. Thank you for the guidance. 

We love you, Ma. We will always say that, infront of your pictures..by heart. 

We miss you so much.

To my Auntie Nelly, Auntie Myrna, Auntie Betty, Auntie Vicky, Auntie Patching, Auntie Eta, Auntie Baby, Manang Lily, Manang Jean, Manang Sel, Ate Che, Abigail, Manang Gretchen, Auntie Inday, Manang Glenda, Reina, Malyn, Ate Shine, Mama Love, Analiza, Mommy Ana, Jona, Ma'am Jen, Ma'am Ethel, Ma'am Margaret, Ma'am Annie, Ate Grace, Ate Joy, Shevie and to the rest of my friends whose now Moms and Moms-to-be... 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

skirting day

My HCS 1-AM students continued with their skills demonstration exam  this morning. Also, we welcomed back some of my students who just had their OJT [On-the Job-Training] at the Temporary Shelter for Sick and Elderly Women. 

After lunch, I was a bit worried I had nobody to split fare going to Annex. Thank God, my classmates went to Main. Our allowance kasi hasn't been released yet. Ahmmm...hello?

Afternoon..

We were taught how to do SKIRTING. I've always been fascinated with the art of table setting. Ma'am Jo demonstrated the basics: Single and Double pleat. She showed us how to fold, measure and pin properly each side of the cloth and make sure it evens out on the side. She made us all try. 

It looks easy but difficult to execute. Be keen in measuring each pleat or else, your work would end up wearisome. But, fullfilling naman when you done few single pleats. I have tried doing the single pleat. Not that easy. It should be contoured. 

The double pleat was interesting, too. Patience is needed. Expect some accidental prickings to happen. Beware of Clostridium tetani [causative agent of Tetanus]. Careful with rusty pins. Might as well use a fingertip protector to prevent it from happening then.

In the midst of folding, concentrating and pinning, one HRM student came inside the classroom looking for his Instructor. At first, he was simply ignored. He looked serious kasi. Wala lang. Unknowingly, he was the Class Clown pala. He stayed for awhile making fun to some of our classmates. He's really funny. He does have a gift. A gift of comedic acts for which he makes everybody laughs, even his Instructors. He never runs out of jokes to crack. He even shared his funny experiences during his OJT at Hotels in Davao and a lot more.

We learned later on he performs every mid and weekends at KOB, Digos City. Don't look for him daw. Kasi he's at the kitchen washing dishes. We all laughed again. 

I've been to comedy bars when I was in Manila. It was fun and a stress-reliever. Matatawa ka talaga sa mga acts nila. I guess it's funnier when it is delivered in Cebuano or Bisaya.

The rest of the time, we were laughing. He's just as spontaneous as those on TV. We'll visit the place to watch him perform one of these days.  

Internet cafe

i am here at SKY-NET Cafe, my newest turf..on my 5th time already and i would say this leads the list of the cafe's i used to dwell in here in Digos City..the place is not that huge but spacious enough with 10 operating units and a good internet connection..the cafe assistants willfully assists unit users. And the good thing here is the fact that they are open 24 hours. People, students preferably could now have their term papers/school requirements printed even on the middle of the night. But, when i'm in Davao City, SPA NET is the best choice. It's worth the hourly rate you pay for.

This cafe is always full, customers could wait and sit comfortably in their bench [inside the establishment]..They even placed a center table and chairs for wait-listers. It's located along Ramon Magsaysay St. on the newly-built Monarca Building neighboring Digos Maternity Lying-In Clinic.

should I include this on my Thumbs up, thumbs down? hmmm..wait and see..

Thumbs up, thumbs down...

June 10, around 3:30pm i dropped by Western Union-RCPI branch along Rizal Avenue to send a fax message to about their reader's survey attached to their April 2008 issue. The line were so busy then, we can't get through so i patiently waited. The two female staffs were very friendly & accomodating. I forgot to ask for their names. I am giving them a thumbs up!

Working in a hospital is of high distinction. One Laboratory personnel in this tertiary hospital here is showing her unfriendly side & unwilling to be of service type. My sister is about to have her medical labs taken when she raises a tone of her voice obviously annoyed upon seeing the bunch of Nursing students submitting specimens/slips & claiming for the results. Talk about the loads of work she's bound to face the whole day. She was wearing all smiles pa naman in the billboard.

There's this 1 lechon manok's hauz in which i found its crews unfriendly..They should learn to treat their customers fairly..Owners should conduct some attitude make-over to their staffs..Unfortunately, they don't have a suggestion box so customers could place their comments..Have they forgotten the business slogan "customer is always right"? probably. no wonder few people came in..

July 2. After my morning class, I headed to SSS Digos-Branch for the verification of my records. I have yet to own an ATM-like SSS ID kasi. And before applying for it, I had to have my Middle Name change. The clerk of the SSS-Cubao Branch erroneously encoded a single letter of my mother's surname. pissed on her.

Luckily, the lady named MAE of SSS Digos-Branch was very accomodating when it was my turn to be served. I was told I had to wait 3 weeks for the processing/update of my records & a letter will be sent to my address by then from Davao Branch. Well Mae, you deserved my thumbs up!!

to be continued...