Typhoon Ondoy Emergency Hotlines and Relief Operations

This is just a repost. Source is here.

Rescue Operations:

1. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120) ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
2. Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
3. Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
4. Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
5. Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
6. Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
7. Quezon City Rescue (161)
8. San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
9. Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
10. Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
11. Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)
12. Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan (+632927-2204744/ +632-6650846)
13. Marikina Mayor Maridel and Mr. Ramon Santiago: (+632917-3221951/ +632920-9389914)
14. Bantay Bata 163

Civil Society/ Media

1. Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
2. Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)
3. Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
4. ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
5. Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968
6. GMA Kapuso Helpline: (+632-9811950-59)
7. Philippine National Red Cross Quezon City Chapter hotline: (+632-920-3672)

All calls for help, please help us by filling out information here at the Rescue InfoHub Center.
Sahana Disaster Management System needs IT volunteers. http://sahana.kahelos.org. Email mailto:sahana@kahelos.org

Rubber Boat, 4×4 Trucks, Chopper Requests

1. NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
2. Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
3. You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
4. For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).
5. Petron & San Miguel Corporation are lending choppers for rescue operations, call/text: (+632917-8140655) ask for Lydia Ragasa

Power Supply

• Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.

Relief Aid and Donations
URGENT: ———————————————————————————————————————

Donations of heavy duty flashlights needed for rescue operations in Cainta area. Contact Cielo at (+632918-8824356)

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Businesses/ Commercial Establishments

1. 7-11 stores
2. Alabang Town Center drop off goods at the concierge. For inquiries, please call (+632-8422782 or +632-7721860).
3. Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
4. Binalot at Greenbelt 1, call Tetchie Bundalian at (+632922-8573277)
5. Brainbeam Events, Inc. 2/F MB Aguirre Cornerhs Bldg,15 Pres Ave cor Elizalde Sts, BF Homes Paranaque across the old Caltex in BF. Will accept relief goods.
6. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be accepting canned goods, water, clothes, blankets, towels, medicine, and emergency supplies (no cash) in all our branches on behalf of the victims of Typhoon Ondoy starting today until Friday. Your generosity wi…ll be much appreciated during this difficult time for our brothersand sisters in need.
7. Fantastik Manila – send donations to 5729 Calasanz St. Barangay Olympia Makati City Telephone Numbers +632-7290530 or +632-5017405
8. Jollibee branches in Metro Manila – drop off point
9. Luca stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
10. Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
11. Ministop IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.
12. Moonshine boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
13. Myron’s Greenbelt will accept relief goods
14. Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
15. Philippine Daily Inquirer – 1098 Chino Roces Ave. corner Mascardo and Yague Streets, Makati City and to any of its classified ads branches, and to any McDonald’s branch within Metro Manila. Donations in kind, such as instant noodles, canned goods, formula milk, blankets and clothes, are urgently needed. Call (+632-8978808 loc. 260) and look for Megi Garcia
16. PowerPlant Mall accepting donations for ABS-CBN foundation. Dropoff at admin office, P1 level.
17. Red Kimono restaurants – has branches in Pasig, Pampanga, Quezon City and Taguig City. Will accept canned goods, bottled water, clothing for all ages, basic household items.
18. R.O.X. – Recreational Outdoor eXchange is accepting donation for relief good for Typhoon Ondoy victims. You can bring it in the store located in B1 building Bonifacio High St., Tel. No. (+632-8564638/39)
19. Shell gas stations – drop off point
20. Smart Wireless Centers – SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, Gateway Mall Cubao, AliMall Cubao, SM Megamall, SM Muntinlupa, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Festival Mall Alabang, Alabang Town Center and SM Southmall. Will accept cash or goods.
21. Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
22. Total gas stations- drop off point
23. Unimart will receive all cash and in-kind donations to be transferred to LSGH Gate 2.
24. Vivere Suites 5102 Ridgeway Avenue, Fil-Invest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Contact (+632-7717777) for inquiries or drop off at concierge area. Will accept relief goods.
25. Whitespace 2314 Chino Roces Ave Ext as a Makati drop-off for relief goods.

Government/ Civil Society/ Movements

1. Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
2. ABS-CBN through Banco de Oro Mother Ignacia Routing branch Account Number 56300-20111 account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporation. Code BNORPHMM. For Overseas call donation 1800-525272820.
3. Akbayan’s taking donations, call 433-69-33/433-68-31 to donate or volunteer.
4. Brgy. San Antonio Bgy Hall near Paranaque City Hall (Sta. Lucia St. corner San Pablo St., San Antonio Valley 1, Paranaque. Drop off point.
5. Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
6. Department of Social Welfare and Development donation drop off points: National Resource Operations Center, Chapel Road, Pasay City (Contact: Mrs. Francon Favian) / Quezon City Area Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Info Center (DROMIC). Contact Rey Martija or Imee Rose Castillo, Tel Nos. (+632-9517119, +632-9512435) or Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera Tel No. (+632918-9345625) / San Rafael corner Legarda Streets, Quiapo, Manila (Contact: Dir. Thelsa P. Biolna, Dir. Delia Bauan Tel Nos. (+632-7348622, +632-7348642)
7. Kabataan Partylist Drop off donations or volunteer at 118-B Sct. Rallos QC. (+632926-6677163) or kabataanpartylist@gmail.com
8. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan is accepting donations @ AGS Bldg Annex, 446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo. Contact Vina Vargas at (+632917-8081247)
9. Luzon Relief: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com
10. Marika Bouncers Coop – 95 Malaya St., Malanday, Marikina : will accept donations starting Sept. 28 at 10 AM
11. Miriam Quiambao drop off point: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
12. Move for Chiz is asking for volunteers and donations at Bay Park Tent, along Roxas Blvd., beside Max Restaurant and Diamond Hotel in Manila, or at Gilas Minipark at Unang Hakbang St., Gilas Q.C.
13. NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
14. Operation Rainbow (Zac Faelnar Camara) at Ayala Alabang Village needs Canned Goods, Ready-To-Eat Food, Bottled Water, Ready-To-Drink Milk/ Juice, Clothing, Blankets, contact (+632-4687991)
15. Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
16. Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.
17. Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
18. Relief Efforts for Pasig at Valle Verde 1 Village Park, contact (+632916-4945000, +632917-5273616)
19. Relief Operations Center at AGS Annex, #446 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo after PET Tower contact Ares at (+632917-8554935) or Rachel at (+632918-9241636)
20. Sagip Kapamilya hotlines (+632-4132667, +632-4160387) #13 Examiner St. West Triangle, QC. and Scout Mayoran, cor. Morato, near Alex III. (New addition: 382-8698, 433-2151 to 52, 411-0181 to 83, 411-0011 to 13, 0917-8542956)
21. Tulong Bayan hotlines for donations and volunteers are (+632908-6579998) Marilyn, (+632939-3633436) Jenn (+632-9137122, +632-9136254 & +632-9133306).
22. TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN
23. World Vision partners with Phil Coast Guard and kind individuals for relief distribution to 3k families. Call (+632-3747618 local 242) or text (+632917-8623209) to help.
24. Worldvision Foundation is also accepting donations/volunteers to pack relief goods in QC. For $-donations, BPI:USDacct #4254-0050-08

Religious/ Schools & Universities

1. Assumption College San Lorenzo is now accepting donations. Please drop them off at the AC guardhouse.
2. Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
3. Ateneo Law School – Rockwell. Looking for donations and volunteers. 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Call (+632-8997691 to 96)
4. Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)
5. CCF Ortigas St Francis Mall Room 402
6. CFC Center Ortigas is now open for donations in cash or kind. Call (+632-7270682 to 87) or text (+632922-2542819)
7. De La Salle University-Manila – The Sagip Metro relief operation will start to accept donation for Ondoy victims starting Monday @ 8:30 am. Please bring goods to the South Gate of DLSU-Manila.
8. De La Salle Zobel will be accepting donations tomorrow at Gym 5 (Near Gate 7 in Molave St.)
9. DLSU Medical Center will accept canned goods, blankets, clothes, water. Location is at Congressional Avenue, Dasmarinas, Cavite. Telephone lines are at (+632-8447832) and (+6346-4164531)
10. Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
11. La Salle Greenhills for Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at LSGH Gate 2 or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
12. Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
13. Peace Retreat Movement – leave all donations at the Peace Retreat Movement (PRM) office, 2F, Rm. 72L, Christ the King (HS) Bldg. on Wednesday, Sept 30, 12noon
14. Playschool International in Better Living is open to receive relief goods. Feel free to drop it there for your convenience. No Cash Pls.
15. Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
16. San Beda College of Arts and Sciences Student Council – accepting clothes, meds, water, canned goods, soap, money, etc.
17. Santuario de San Antonio Parish – McKinley Road, Forbes Park. Accepting all kinds of relief goods. Contact JJ Yulo or Mike Yuson
18. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
19. Southville International School and Colleges – will only accept goods. (+632915-5385113, +632915-4151319)
20. St. James Church Multi-Purpose Hall – Drop off point
21. St. Pedro Poveda College is now accepting relief goods. call the Social Action Center (+632-6318756 loc. 121)
22. UA&P Please contact Dae Lee [SEB EVP] at (+632917-8323533) needs donations and volunteers.
23. UP Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority MANILA – collecting food, water and toiletries. You may drop them off at unit 12-O One Adriatico Place, Ermita Manila or contact (+632917-8857188, +632917-6659948).
24. UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) is accepting goods and cash. Donation center at CAL/text (+632929-6454102).
25. UP Diliman USC is collecting food, clothing and/or cash. Contact TITUS (+632917-8001909), JOSE (+632927-3056607) and TIN (+632915-4906106)
26. UP’s OVCCA accepting donations of relief goods starting tomorrow. Please help by disseminating this info. Contact (+632-9282947).
27. Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute! Call for more details.
28. Valle Verde Mansions – 135 CAPT. HENRY JAVIER ST. BRGY. ORANBO, PASIG. This is near ULTRA for relief drop-off
29. Xavier School in San Juan is now accepting donations, please bring to Multipurpose Center (MPC).

Private Citizens

1. MAKATI: 5729 Calasanz St., Olympia Makati City or call for pick up at (+632-5017405 or +632-7290530) c/o Omel Santos
2. SOUTH: Accepting relief goods in SOUTH AREA. Please contact Anne at (+632915-2854240)
3. Karen Ang of Pasig 3 Kagandahan corner Kabutihan Streets, Kawilihan Village, Pasig (+632920-9520900) will forward donated relief goods to Red Cross
4. Colleen Manabat (Heartrio Prints) of Angeles City will accept bottled water, canned goods, blankets, clothes, medicines from 9 AM to 6PM. Address is Stall 2 MGY Building, 2444 Sto. Entierro St, Sto. Cristo, Angeles City. She will forward the donations to Sagip Kapamilya – ABS-CBN Foundation.
5. Joseph Castillo of Cebu – will send a 20 ft. container to Manila and is looking for donations from Cebuanos. Get in touch with him through (+6329082368999 or +632932-2117111)
6. Bianca – will pick up donations from Greenhills/San Juan area. Donate food, medicine, or clothing. Call (+632-4123861, +632927-8436002)
7. Kelly & Jodge – Colonade Residences, Legaspi St. corner C. Palanca, Makati City. Will accept relief goods.
8. Omel Santos – 5729 Calasanz St., Olympia Makati City. Call (+632-5017405 or +632-7290530). Drop off point for donations. Also willing to pick up.
9. RJ Ledesma and friends – call us at (+632917-8131601) for pick of donations. Only relief goods

Thank God I Am Still Alive

After what just happened this morning, I am very thankful to God that I am still alive and nothing bad happened.

I do not t know what had transpired to my mind that I wasn't thinking any other options but to go with what was my first goal: boarding the jeep right away.

I was on my way to board an Ayala jeep going to our office in Valero. I glanced at my watch and it was already past 9 o'clock. Though I had set it 30 minutes advance to our Actateck, I knew that considering the traffic, the usual 5-minute ride will extend to 20 minutes or more if the driver is what they called 'Pacman' (Baggage Boys na matakaw sa pasahero hanggang sa highway. Wa;ang sinasantong "No loading/Unloading" signs. Hinihintuan ang lahat ng tao na pwedeng isakay, parang video player nanag iipon ng points at naghahangad ng bonus. Bukambibig: "Sige, konting bilis lang ho at bawal bumaba dito.").

The traffic light was green for the side of the road going to Ayala but there was this traffic enforcer who was extending the green signal for the vehicles going to PRC. The barker was calling passengers for Ayala so I told myself, 'Ok I think I have to board that jeep'. The Ayala jeep was in the middle of the road so I need to cross half of the road. I was half crossing the street when the traffic enforcer signaled the vehicles going to PRC to stop while giving a green signal for vehicles going to Ayala.

I was in the middle of the road. I knew that in a matter of seconds all vehicles will be running fast. It's like as if there was no other option for me but to focus on boarding the jeep. It never occured to me that I could retrace my steps back to the sidewalk and wait for another jeep on a red light. What I did was scrammed my way to the jeep, hold on to the jeepney's rear 'bar' (i don't know what term to use) for support while the driver was pumping the gas and running his vehicle.

It happened so fast. For a moment, I knew how it felt to fight for your life in the midst of danger. I was holding the jeepney's rear firmly as if my life depends on it and letting go of it will result to an unimaginable tragedy. For a moment I was out of conscious effort to absorb what had just happened. Two lady passengers sitting near the rear entrance helped me out. I never uttered a word of thanks, I forgot to. I sat there, hazy and overwhelmed and motionless but I knew there was a pasted smile (hilaw na ngiti) on my face as if by doing just that, I could wipe out the embarrassment I felt.

I could not yell at the driver because I know most of the part I am to blame. But the driver did not even bother to slow down :(

General lesson is that I would never again do things in uncertain situation.

Wildlife in the City

To continue our last week's jaunt, we went to Malabon Zoo for another nature fun-trip particularly looking for an animalistic appeal we had found in 'Duma', an orphaned cheetah in a 2005 drama/adventure film we had recently watched. We were expecting to pay 50 pesos only for the entrance, but to our surprise the lady in charge of admission asks for 120 pesos as an entrance fee to the park. Since we were already there, there's no used in backing out, we'd just grabbed our purse and collect the amount our of our pocket with a heavy heart.

At the instance that we set our feet inside the part, we were greeted by this foul odor. At the entrance is a a large, black Burmese Python confined in a glass cage. Few steps further infront of us were acquariums of different fishes, large fishes! As we were nearing the cage of a Grizzly Bear (a few yards on the left side of the aquarium), the foul smell intensifies. In front of Grizzly Bear cage are cages for Lion and Tigers.

I can't help but pity the lion who seems so alone (he has no mate). We were so much trying to catch his attention but I think he is very used to people trying every trick to have him stand, face his audience and growl. He was just there, lying, facing the tiger's cage that I suddenly forumated several theories: either he was looking at each tigers as his prey or he was longing for a companion himself. The look on his eyes, so distant and gloomy I can't help but be sentimental. I'm an avid viewer of the disney animated film 'The Lion King' and I can't help comparing him to 'Simba' and 'Mufasa'. How a lion seems so proud, strong, a king of the wilderness. But seeing this lion, alone in the city, inside a cage, in his old age, all the splendors are gone. In his eyes I see how he long for the wild, to be free and untamed. On the other hand, I was thinking he's lucky to live a secure life, out of dangers of fighting over rivalries, of being hunted by a man (oppss... he was hunted by a man that's why he ended up in that cage!).

There were also a pair of orangutan and their baby named 'Marimar', very intelligent and affectionate. Some of the parents had took a picture of their children hugging the ape. When one of the spectator was munching a food, 'Marimar' was extending his hand and asking for food. She also knows how to appreciate person's appearance. When one of the viewer, a guy foreigner, sits beside her for a shot, she was like looking straight into the guy's face without a blink as if admiring the physical look on the foreigner's face - everyone was laughing!

Check out our laugh trip and posing moments here.

A Trip on a Budget

Considering the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities, planning on an extravagant trip is out of the context when one is wearing a tight belt around her waist and trying to spend every penny on a very practical way possible.

We at 'bahay ni ate' (it's how we called our boarding house, a place where we shared our life's experiences - bitter and sweet) are bunch of single, family-committed, breadwinner girls. Despite our own family obligations, we aim to fill our young years with colorful memories to look back to when we already gain age. Our 'gimik' is not the usual Friday girl's night out or Saturday's bar hopping or summer getaway in Boracay or a summer trip to Pagudpod.

We always have a budget to consider. We had came up with this idea of going nature tripping in Eco Park. So eager, on August 22, we'd packed our lunch, took a cab, trudge our way thru murky sidewalks (it was raining hard the night before), take some good shots, wander on the mini-forest and we're done! Simpleng paglalakwatsa lang =)

Click here to view my shared memories.

Is it just irregularities or PCOS?

I know that some of you who have a regular monthly visit may wonder or may not even know that a reproductive healt-related condition called PCOS exists that affects approximately 5% of all women.

PCOS stands for PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome. It is an endoctrine disorder that affects a woman's hormone levels, periods, and ovulation.

It was five years ago when I noticed irregularities with my monthly period almost every month. Maybe I was already experiencing it earlier when I was in high school but failed to notice because first reason is that I didn't know then how to count menstruation cycle and second is that I am not that educated yet when it comes to caring for our reproductive system. I was first diagnosed with Hormonal Imbalance and was given pills as a medication for six months that could help my body regularized my menstrual flow.

At first, I was hesitant to take the medication as I've heard rumors of side effects of taking contraceptive pills. I even heard that taking pill will lead to endometrial wall thickening, which is actually a very normal uterus process. I did not go for a follow up check up after six months because I didn't consider hormonal imbalance as a serious case for as long as I have my flow every month.

After three years, my menstrual flow became worst. There were instances that I skipped two months. My acne worsened, I felt like I was bloated all the time though I am not gaining weight.

I seek for a doctor's advice. My OB-Gyne instructed me to undergo ultrasound once again. The before result of hormonal imbalance is now a polycystic case. Again, I was medicated to take pills. My ob-gyne prescribed Diane-35 pill. This pill is a combined anti-acne treatment and contraception. I experienced lots of benefit from this pill. Diane-35 has improved my skin conditions dramatically, my breakouts were gradually lessened until it stop after 6 months of used. However, one negative aspect of Diane-35 is I started gaining weight. Plus, after one year of taking this pill, it never cured my PCOS condition.

Just recently, I went to my OB-Gyne for a follow up check up. It's been three months of no monthly visit since I last took my last box of Diane-35 pill. I am very much worried. Again, I undergo an ultrasound. Of course, what do I expect? I'm not pregnant of course... but I'm pregnant with small cyst :(

The OB-Gyne changed her prescription to Yasmin and she gave me Metformin as an additional prescription this time that I have to take three times a day. I was panick-struck when she told me "Kailangan ka nang magamot habang maaga before ka mabaog" (you need to be treated while still early before your condition worsened to infertility). Metformin is a drug used in controlling blood glucose levels in people with type 2 Diabetes. I was wondering how this drug can help me with my irregularities.

Well, according to Natural Health Solutions for PCOS, Metformin works in three ways.

First, it decreases the absorption of dietary carbohydrates through the intestines.

Second, it reduces the production of glucose by the liver.(2) The liver uses the raw material in your food to create a reserve supply of blood sugar. When your body experiences stress, the liver releases the reserve glucose to supply your brain and muscles with an immediate source of energy to cope with the stress. Glucophage suppresses the production of this reserve fuel.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, metformin increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin.(2) Insulin is the hormone that delivers glucose into your cells to be burned as fuel, or stored. Women with PCOS frequently have "insulin resistance", a condition where excessive amounts of insulin are required in order to get blood glucose moved into cells, where it belongs. Glucophage helps your body to transport glucose with relatively less insulin, thus lowering your insulin levels. Chronically high levels of either glucose or insulin in your blood contributes to obesity, heart disease, infertility, and certain cancers, as well as the development of diabetes.

Since I don not have any problem with my sugar level, my OB-Gyne mentioned I will be experiencing frequent dizzines as one side effect that I will be getting form Metformin. Thus, I was advised to always bring a pack of sweetened candy on my bag which I could chew on during dizzy-episodes.

I've been taking the pill and Metformin for two days now. I observed a sudden change in my body systems like I am pregnant. I am not feeling the dizziness at all as the OB mentioned, instead I feel nauseated all the time. I remember yesterday when one of my boardmate opened a can of Century Tuna. The moment she open the can, I felt sick and blurted out "ano ba yan, ang baho!" because of its offensive smell. I felt the sudden urge to vomit. That was yesterday. Early on today, I think I disgorged all foods I took for the day. It was weird and unpleasant. I am thinking there might be other reasons like I am stress or that because I am suffering from mild cold or the Metformin is the culprit to the body anomalies I am experiencing today.

I then searched the web for some additional information about Metformin and true to my last assessment, below are the side effects my OB forgot to informed me:

1. Malaise
2. GI Disturbance (which is the one I am experiencing)
3. Vitamin B12 malabsorption
4. Elevated Homocysteine
5. Elevated Homocysteine & pregnancy complications
6. Pregnancy Warning
7. Anemia
8. Liver or kidney problem
9. Multiple medications
10. Hair loss
11. Lactic Acidosis
12. Bile Abnormalities

Source: Natural Health Solution for PCOS

Learn to Say 'No'

“Learn to say no! Being so kind at any time sometimes brings you harm and compromise is not always the answer.”

This borrowed words of wisdom just struck me so hard (thanks bru Rizza for this) and the impact - realizations just keep on flowing. My personal experiences can attest that the hardest part of being involved in any kind of relationship be it in love, friendship, family or work is having to say no. I tend to be so kind at all time, especially with my past experiences where I found myself sandwiched in between two people whom I was not able to bring myself to say no to both. The outcome, not only that I compromised myself but I also end up being the bad one. That’s when I realized, I could not please everyone. When I am in the verge of saying no, I would really try to find suitable ways that this word would not come out from my mouth with negative implication.

Work, Friendship

Work and friendship don’t mix. This is very critical for two persons working on the same company, one is acting as the other’s immediate supervisor and other one is acting as a subordinate. There is always a tendency of preferences - favoring that someone called ‘your friend’ over the others. This case might not be always because you are very much in favor of your friend but because sometimes, you just dispose your professional discernment and succumbs to the pressure of the bond that binds you two as friend. At the back of your mind you know that you are not doing the right thing but you cannot help yourself but play a good-hearted friend so as to avoid any disagreements or differences that may come up. By pleasing your friend, your professional relationship with others as well as your work are being compromised. It is true that people can use you as long as you make yourself usable. Learn how to say no and and don’t let circumstances manipulate your decisions. When talking about work matters, you have to be detached to avoid your emotions clouding your professional thinking. There is no proper way to say no but saying it face to face with the person involve would be the best-iest way of all.

Family

Another set of situation where finding the strength to say no to family’s demands and request is very hard. This is very common to Filipino family where a close family tie is being practiced and where a daughter or son has to give in to parent’s every decision. The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention for one self is not being practiced which results to children being so clingy to their parents.

Another situation involves ‘pagtanaw ng utang na loob’, literally means ‘inner debt’ - a very common Filipino culture as a form of respect that when someone did something in favor of you, you have a moral debt/obligation to fulfill. This fulfillment within yourself sometimes becomes the ultimate reason why you cannot just utter the word ‘no’ if someone from your family approaches you and asks some favor. The big question is, until when you are indebted? Because the tendency in the Filipino culture is that you have to make ‘tanaw ng utang na loob’ for the rest of your life. Just the same, you cannot say yes to every situation. Your kin will surely withdraw his/her affection from you (nagtatampo) but there will always be other way to patch things up.

Love

You were not force to give in. But you choose to give in. And it is very hard for you to say no. Because you love him. Because you are afraid to lose him. Because if you say no, that would be the end of your relationship. And your reasons could just go on and on… Your saying ‘yes’ to him doesn’t mean you can save your relationship in advance from any problems that may come in the future. Your relationship might be secure for now but a percentage of breaking up in the future will always remain in set. Plus, your saying yes would lead to other complications that would compromise your carreer, your future, and even your life - think about it.

O.T.
@ Bru Rizza: Who says ako lang ang inspiration? This is an inspired entry from your blog I’ve read yesterday.
@ Dude Suzette: Learn how to say ‘no’. Pero kung si fafa yan, wag na no-no, go na! Para baliktad sinabi ko blog ko hehe… Sabi ko wag padalos-dalos, dapat think muna.
@ Dude Yen: I know the feeling, ako din nananahimik na lang minsan pag family matters came out of hand. Pero minsan, you need to spill it out, you don’t have to contain it baka ka sumabog. Hindi naman yan virus nakakahawa para i-contain mo (24, season 3 mood hehe..)
@ Dude/Ate Janet: Go ka na, pabili ka na laptop para lagi mo check profile mo. At lagi mo basa mga blogs nga mga addict dito tulad ko :p
@ Cathy:“practice lang mahal, practice lang…” Magaya nga ang line na yan.@ Kristine May: Hello kahit di na magbabasa ng blog hello pa rin, and hopefully baka mapadaan ka lang mabasa mo yung hello ko. Besides, I know you can relate to this entry…

Looking Back

I’m not busy. I’m hanging and waiting for my 8-hour shift to end. I’m just doing small document-related works, do some little research, and 90% of my day were spent on blog writing, blog reading, blog hopping.

Just to pass out time, I flipped through my older posts and was surprised that I’ve written a lot of entries without even realizing that I did. And so I’ve read. I’m happy to realize after all this time that I was exposed to technical works, I still have this gift of writing.

Way back when I was still in high school, I always kept journals of my day to day life. These were compilations of my emotions about love, about how I cope up with my teenage life, first love and crushes. About my family. Reactions to any political situations. I even dreamed of becoming a writer someday, thought of taking up degree in Mass Communication and I end up taking a computer-related course instead, ironic! I even dared writing a tagalog pocketbook when I was in my fourth year. I almost finished it. I was already on the last chapters of the ‘unfinished book’ when I lost the inspiration to write. I remember when I was lying flat on the floor with a pen on my right hand and a dictionary on my left hand, I would flip through pages of the dictionary to search for the right words to say. I don’t have a personal computer then. But my drive to write something push me to look into the dictionary word per word, literally. When I looked into something, even if it’s just the swaying branches of trees, swaying leaves and when I heard the hushing sounds of wind, it was easy for me to think of something to write. I was able to draw inspiration from anything, anytime and anywhere. And yes, of course, the intensity of the inspiration varies. When I was in love and very hopeful, I was able to write a poem, and I could spend days on writing one very long entry that only talks about love, that was the time when I felt like I was pouring out my emotions. However, that was rare. I can say that I was intensely inspired that time. When I went to college and eventually got a job, it feels like I am out of the dream world, I am out of the shell that was used to be my ‘comfort zone’, I am into the open space. And ironic because, when I was already in the open space my other world is closing in, my mind with free flowing ideas before seems like malfunctioning, feels like it was restrained. I don’t know maybe because before I was young and care-free. And I believe in everything. And the world that I live in is beautiful despite of its flaws. Now that I’m getting older it seems like my blind sights are open yet I could not draw inspirations from what I’ve seen. And when I think of something, it all jumbles in my head. Thoughts about pressures, stress, problems intensifies and overlaps it. My gift has not been put into use, it was kept there in my head. However, I never lost it. And I’m happy knowing it was still there. Laying and waiting and it wakes up whenever the right inspiration comes in.

About my journal when I was in high school? I still have it. The papers are already torn and the writings are somewhat blurry. After I gain years of age, I would surely open it, read it again and again, and I will just smile… looking back to all the memories contained in each word.

A Pompous Writing

I arrived at office twenty one minutes late, again for the nth time. I couldn't even keep a count of my tardiness for this month of July. I observed that for the past few days I was taking this slimming tea, my one hour buffer time which I intentionally reserved for taking hundreds of steps before boarding a jeepney (jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines), for my usual 10-minute dally-dallying when stuck on between traffics, for taking another 15-minute waiting time for the old, sometimes busted elevator at our office building was actually spent on my quick to and fro travel between my room and the washroom. So gross but what a relief getting rid of the bloated feeling, unwanted fats. After several episodes, I felt like my belly has flattened a bit and feels like I'm ready to wear sexy outfits, at last. Oh how I wish. Because after spending almost 3 hours of slumping onto an office chair comes the lunch. More than a cup of rice + pork + sweets + water + whatever I like to eat = refilled stomach and fats replaced. And after another 2-hour, merienda would surely be there to greet me.

For days like this, I can just sigh and say to myself that for someone like me who's well-endowed with bulges all over the wrong places, today is not just my day. I can't help but to indulge myself and turn all the ill-feelings on a big slice of Sbarro's Chicago White Pizza, an order of Baked Ziti and Chickem Macaroni Salad (yummy!!!) while crossing my finger, thinking tomorrow I can be beautiful again.

My Ako Mismo Pledge: Maliit na Basura, Ibulsa Muna!

I woke up and prepared to leave for office today earlier than my usual habit. Today, I decided to burn up some calories so I decided to walk my way to work instead of taking a jeep and being stuck in Makati traffic.
I was on my way to office and enjoying my little exercise, the atmosphere was light, there was a little humid in the air, perfect for people who like to travel by foot, but not so perfect due to some occasional smoke-belching vehicles passing by. Suddenly a gush of strong wind came, whirling its way onto the road. I’ve seen some candy wrappers, leaves, foil pack of cigarettes, wrappers of junk foods dancing along with the wind. I instantly covered my face with a hanky. Too bad that my almost-perfect walk was ruined by a sight like this.

I suddenly remembered that early on, when I passed by a 7-11 store, I’ve seen a guy sweeping in front of a building. I’m not sure if this guy is a government street sweeper or a building maintenance personnel who’s doing his routine work. Anyway, he was sweeping candy wrappers, cigarette butts, gums into this dustpan he was holding. A few steps on his back there stood a lady in a very fashionable outfit, in a red shoes and with a brown-colored glasses on, probably a call center agent. She lighted her cigarette, grabbed something like a juicy fruit gum from her pocket, unwrapped the gum and throw the foil pack on the ground, without even an attempt of finding a bin where she could dispose her garbage properly or without even caring that somebody just a few steps away from her is picking up and sweeping small garbage thrown by people like her. Whew! Pilipino nga naman!!! I hope that I do not sound like I am stereotyping Filipino.

In our subdivision, the homeowner’s association had enforced this guideline that all tenants should strictly follow proper garbage disposal: black bag for non-biodegradable and green/white bag for biodegradable, otherwise, your garbage will not be collected. The garbage collection is being done every evening at 9 o’clock. Not that I defy the rules but I suddenly have this idea to test whether they really are reinforcing the policy. I told my mother to just use the black plastic for bio and non-biodegradable waste. When I woke up the following morning, the plastics of garbage in front of our house were gone which would obviously mean they had collected it. This just implies two things: either the garbage collector are dumb and has no proper understanding of the policy or the homeowner’s association/management are just too lax to impose the rule.

I guess this is what is also happening with our government. We do have the Proper Waste Disposal Bill. But what is the use of this bill if the government is too lax to ensure the bill is strictly followed by each and everyone? If I am to impose the policy, I would have anyone seen improperly throwing their garbage spend a day in prison, that would be the best penalty compared to issuing them a ticket for cash, since I am pretty sure 90% of the money will not reach its intended destination. I guess no one is interested to spend even just one-hour behind the bars, right?

Going back to what I did home, I just realized something. That maybe if each one of us are doing his/her own share of caring for our environment then maybe waste disposal would not be a major problem in our country. That the government may lacks the drive to enforce the law but we can choose to be a better citizen by abiding the law, then maybe we’d be dealing with a lesser problem in pollution. That everyone’s small effort can make a significant difference in advancing towards greater achievements.

Ang 'Magtataho'

Two days for a weekend seems not enough. Before I knew it I was up again for my usual four am routine of boarding a jeep going to a bus terminal that will transport me back to city life and back to the reality. I was on board a jeep pondering thoughts of how quiet and laidback life is in the province - fresh air, green sorroundings, less noise, less people, and most of all no rush hour! Such a tranquility that would drive people like me into deep thoughts. While doing my silent wonderings, I saw onboard a physically well-built man. He was fighting back the to urge to sleep although he was drowsing. By the look on his face, he's probably close to fourties but I suppose he is a bit younger than my estimates. His eyes mirror something like grimness, his face shows some wrinkles and I guess, it may be because of all the physical hardships he'd endure in life. In front of him were two large aluminum buckets full of taho. He is a 'magtataho'. I guess that explains for his broad shoulders. While taking a few side glances on his face, I was thinking of his family. How many children does he have? How many children is he sending to school? Or if his earnings enough to support his family. Is he happy and content with his life?

When we reached the city proper of Angeles City, he'd called in the driver to stop on the sidewalk. He bent down while putting the long wooden plank over his shoulders and began muscling his way, back first, going down the jeepney. I've seen how his muscles on his shoulders, arms and legs flex obviously for the great physical effort he was exerting balancing the two full buckets of taho. And I noticed, he was wearing only a worn out rubber slippers. How could his feet survive a long walk on a blistering heat under his feet? I guess he'd become too used to all the physical effort of his task that walking on a heated streets of cobblestones, bricks, concrete or dirts is nothing compared to not able to sell out all the 'taho' and going home to his family with a half-empty pocket.

I was expecting he was going to shout out calling for customers but I've seen him walking probably going to the outskirts of the city where his frequent buyers are waiting.

This is just a very usual sight as I am used to seeing 'magtataho' all over the place here in Makati. But it's the closer look of that 'magtataho' that inspires me to write this blog and the realization that after all the blessings I have received from God, I still find myself fretting over something petty and capricious. That sometimes it feels like all the world's burden has been laid down on my shoulder. That after seeing that man move his way, knee bent, crouching as if taking a ready mark to battle with the life, I felt a sudden guilt. Guilty because I've been a whiner most of the time. Guilty because I think I have not been contented with what is given to me.

Although I haven't seen the smile on the face of a man I've seen very early today, I have seen the determination in his every move. As he gazed towards his destination, there fixed in his a face a resolute belief that his day will be spent on fulfilling an installation of the great purpose of his life, without bearing any complains. I'm sure that he is striving to make ends meet, he's harboring thought that someday he might not be walking with thin and worn out slippers... small wants? Yes. But as an answer to the last question above, I think he is happy and content living his simple life.

What causes a 'Sleep Anxiety Disorder'?

For several nights I'd woke in the middle of my sleep moaning. My heart was thumping I could thought my chest was breaking out. I'm having nightmares!!! The nightmares varies. Once, I dreamed about seeing two, slender hands of a woman pinching my, of all the body parts, nipples! The intensity of squeezing increments each second. I was struggling to fight back but I could not bring myself or even just one finger to move. I was praying and saying "In Jesus Name" to fight off the fear. My sister, good that we were sleeping together, woke me up in time when I was about to whimper. Fear, anger towards my unfriendly visitor and courage mixed up.

The other night when I was in our dormitory, I dreamed of having a cat beside my bed. I was trying to drive this cat away but he was just there staring up into the ceiling. I grabbed the cat's head and it was like I was holding a round steel, I was shoving the cat but it was standing so firmly. When I calmed down, the cat was slowly sitting down as if taking a nap beside me on my bed! I pushed the body trying to throw the cat outside my bunk bed but the cat was fighting, grabbing my arms with the sharp nails, it was scraping me. That was the time I'd woke up whimpering. It was very difficult for me to return to sleep. I'd switched position several times. They said to turn over your pillow up side down and so I did. But I could not sleep anymore. The feeling of anxiety never left me until dawn. It was maybe past four in the morning when I was able to get back to sleep.

Morning came and I woke up having dark circles on my eyes.

Before I used to believe of what I heard that going to sleep with a very full stomach will likely cause a person to have nightmares. My sleepless nights prove that this is just a myth, I ate my supper before six and I went to bed at half past eleven and that for sure I am not full.
Researcher said the cause of nightmare is not known for certain. There are various conditions that contributed for having a restless night or bad dream. It could be triggered by post-traumatic experiences, stress, can also be a side effect of abusively taking drugs. Withdrawal from alcohol and other medication can sometimes cause nightmare. Some thinks that artistic and creative people are at high risks of experiencing nightmares as these people are highly sensitive and imaginative.

With all of the above mentioned causes of bad dreams, I am certain the cause of my dream anxiety disorder does not stem up from taking excessive drugs, alcohol withdrawal or any post traumatic experience. It might be stress because of work pressure and problems I am facing. But I would like to say that I'm having bad dreams because I am artistic and creative. (lol)

Funny Lines I heard from Friends and Colleagues

I can't help it but smile, even laugh if no one is around when I remember these funny lines and bloopers I heard from my friends and colleagues. This post is not to mortify them at their most embarassing moments rather to capture their funny words into writing so I could remember the funny moments tied with it. That whenever I read this post, I would surely recollect the moments when I shared intense laughters, giggles, side glances and winks with friends.

1. "Jokes are half meant true..." (oh well,, true and half-meant nga naman)

2. "F**k the what naman e" delivered with a very angry expression (you mean wtf? as in what the f**k?, lol)

3. "Excuse me, Miss. Ahm... Do you have ahh... chicken noodle soup...? (suddenly remembering to add) ...for the soul?" (this one never fails to make me laugh big time)

4. A friend commenting on a show we were watching: "self-confessed bomber talaga sila no?" (di kaya suicide bomber ibig nyang sabihin?)

I am sure this list will not stop here... I'll keep them coming.