I MISS MOTHER NATURE

Yeah, i do. But just her, not her fury. =(

It has been a while since I went out of town to grasp a quick relaxation mode. Now, I have all the time to go out, to see those places in mind that I long wanted to go... But with the erratic mood of our mother nature dear, I feel it is best to stay put at this moment.

I can't help but flip on my stored photos and check once again the places that once gave me the chance to press on a "vacation mode" key. Yes, these places that are now turned into nature's brand of fury.

I. Pangasinan
The clear waters of Dasol, Pangasinan has given us a refreshing spirit while we eagerl approach the islans.  Virginity as its finest. Peaceful as it's truest essence. Yep, baby sharks are abundant, too!

II. Baguio

The strawberry and flower farms in La Trinidad, the early jog at Burham's Park, the aircon-less SM, strawberry taho, ukay!, and of course, the cold weather... How I miss you!

III. Laguna
Lagos del Sol was one of the most relaxing place where you can spend the whole afternoon staring at the man-made lagoon and the green lushes of trees and shrubs carefully manicured in the surroundings. Laguna lake is one scenery that you can glue your eyes on. And yes, water at the Lagos lagoon came from Laguna de Bay!

Bay, Laguna was also a place to experience the floating restaurant! I just love how these cute "kubos" are lining up the calm water of the lagoon. Food was superb, too!!!

 

IV: Rizal

Rizal route going to South is my preference over the SLEX onwards. It is because of one thing: a close encounter with nature!

 V. Nueva Ecija
A visit to my sister-in-law's family wont be complete without a stroll in their palayan! Such a refreshing view likened to how sugarcane plantation exhibits a tranquil mood in Negros!

 

Sigh... But I know I will set my foot again in these nature's best gift to us. =) Soon...

Relief Operations' Improvement Ideas

Some things in mind that I think can help hasten the efficiency and effectiveness of the relief operations conducted by various organization to different affected areas.

Idea # 1:
Issue: There are still affected areas that have not given any relief assistance causing the people to be severely hungry and helpless

Solution: Develop a coordination team in which various organization can track and update the areas that have been given assistance for the day and alarm them of areas that badly need immediate help.

Dependencies: Government may already have this sort of tracking so organization mays refer to it rather than creating a new file. Organization may opt to have another way of coordination.

Advantages: People can have a visual estimate of the victims' current situation by simply looking at the file. Any place with remained unpopulated with data means no help has been extended. This would then alarm the organization to prioritize areas.

Key Success Factors:
a. a complete and detailed information regarding the affected areas (name of place, estimated no. of casualties, etc)
b. a coordination and commitment to ALL private (and public?) organizations
c. a real-time update of the file by various orgs

please see link for the sample file.

II. Idea #2:
Issue: Lack of supplies due to limited funds

Solution: Bulk buying in Divisoria and companies' head office. Private organizations may pool cash resources and agree on what items to prioritize. Someone may coordinate then contact or physically go to divisoria to buy the goods. Carlos Celdran's transpo coordination can be used to pick up the goods and drop them to different relief centers.

Dependencies: Donors may opt to buy separately for lesser hassle. This must be scheduled and must be coordinated thoroughly.

Advantages: With bulk buying, especially with items found in Divisoria, we can get the most out of cash donations. Items such as underwears, tissue papers, toothbrush, potatoes, mongo, etc. can be very cheap thus providing MORE goods to people. In the same way, pooled cash can also be used to buy from the companies' head office and we can be luckier if they deliver the goods straight to the relief centers. This saves time and will free up our malls for crowded and long hours of purchasing.

What else? hmm...

Ondoy and Pepeng: Practical Ways to Help

Simple practical ways on how to help, without spending a single cent or shedding a drop of perspiration:

1. Do not clog Twitter, Facebook, and telephone lines with unnecessary posts, feeds, or calls. At this pressing time we need easier access to information and these channels offers the most efficient way.

2. Be responsible on the information we share. Verify it first before relaying the panic mode to other people.

3. Do not hoard basic needs. Economics will tell us the behavior of supply and demand.

4. Organize your phone with different groups for faster dissimenation of information per area, i.e Makati, Marikina, Pasig, Auroroa, Isabela, etc.

5. Make use of the electricity wisely. Be sure to have a fully charged gadgets that can help you survive the worst.

6. Spend your time in the internet researching on useful tips like where to buy cheaper goods, where are the evacuation centers, hotline numbers, etc.