Put Yourself in Their Shoes, Please Pray and Donate

As the death toll rises and survivors ravage for food, drinks and medical help, one can only think about the massive devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Out of the rubble, different heartbreaking stories arise on how families got swept away by the storm surge and how people despite being warned, did not really expect something as horrible as this. You can’t blame them; you can’t blame anyone for that matter actually because this is the first time that any country has been hit by this kind of immense cyclone. Typhoon Yolanda came in like a thief in the night (but in day time) and claimed hundreds of lives despite the fact that people have been warned to prepare days before. People knew about strong gusty winds and heavy rains coming in but they did not expect storm surges as big as 6-10 feet coming their way. Imagine a tornado together with tall waves crashing your house, that’s how helpless people were during the time of impact of Typhoon Yolanda. Due to the quick waves crashing in a span of minutes and probably seconds to those living closer to the coastal areas, people who don’t have a second floor were forced to grab handrails, windows and doors just to stay alive. There was even one story where a family had no choice but to close their one-storey house just to be safe and then finally realize that water coming in was higher than expected and when it was time to go outside they couldn’t open their doors because the water’s pressure prevented them to do so. There are probably hundreds more of stories like this one amidst the wake of Typhoon Yolanda; stories of devastation, fear, anger and depression that only some people can dread imagining.

Among the areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda, Leyte and Samar were the most immensely devastated. Seeing the city of Tacloban, Leyte, the image of the once thriving city now only showcases the remains of roofless houses, shattered walls, broken trees and alarming numbers of casualties. Survivors flock relief goods; supplies that they rely on because they really don’t have anything left but just their lives. For those ignorant of the fact on how hopeless people in damaged areas feel, imagine yourself losing everything and relying only for help as each day passes by. Imagine yourself once having the comforts of a nice home, a bed to rest on and a shelter to be safe at and losing them all within minutes. What would you do? Where will you go for resources if you have nothing left?

People affected by Typhoon Yolanda need all the help that they can get. I hope people can really spare some time looking more into the news of the devastation and think of ways of helping out. This is one catastrophic event that people should not ignore. This is a wrath of nature where no one needs to get blamed for.

Put yourself in the place of the affected families crying for help amidst a chaotic devastation.

Imagine yourself living in an evacuation area for days after being immensely horrified by a traumatic experience.

Ask yourself, what would you feel if you were in their shoes?

What would you hope for?

Now, look at yourself. Look at where you are staying right now. Look at all the furniture that you have and even check your kitchen for all the food supplies that you are blessed with. Check your clothes, accessories and even jewelries. Lastly, take a look at your whole family.

Now do you see how blessed you are today? Do you realize how fortunate you are to have such people and things at this exact moment?

Be thankful for all the blessings and be a blessing to other people, most especially to those who are in dire need of help.

Lend a helping hand, PLEASE PRAY and DONATE.

Where You Can Donate:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

http://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/24/typhoon-yolanda-emergency-appeal

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tulong

http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/aboutus/donate/

Google PERSON FINDER

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda

The Other Side of the Coin (Proud to be Filipino)

Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)

What makes the Filipino people distinctively different from other nationalities? 

How many times have we heard foreigners instantly answer about our warm hospitality?

To those who don’t really know Filipinos, there’s another side to the coin that they fail to truly realize. There is something that makes us more unique. We may be hiding behind our warm smiles and sometimes pretending to be okay but we have gone through so much in a span of decades. That other side of the coin is that behind the smiles are strong, tough and enduring people because Filipinos, without a doubt, are the epitome of resiliency.

How many times have we been ravaged by typhoons year after year? We sometimes even complete using the letters of the alphabet to name the different storms that come our way. Imagine this year; the name of the most recent cyclone is “Yolanda”. The Philippines may not be one of the best-placed countries on the world map because of typhoons frequently trudging our way but there is a reason why we are here. There is something significant why Filipinos are placed there in the first place. The only reason I can think of is that we are a nation with very strong faith that despite countless typhoons, disastrous earthquakes and erupting volcanoes, we live on with our lives and still show the most recognized side of the coin to other nationalities; our warm smiles. 

Let’s give a helping hand to the people affected by Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

“So that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:4

Below are different sites where you can donate to the victims of the storm.

RED CROSS

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

GMA Kapuso Foundation

http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation

http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/sk/donate.html

Through XOOM

http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/AMDA-17F4RR/2780023605x0x705244/aee3e03e-1cb0-414c-842d-602d5e2ae6d2/XOOM_News_2013_11_8_General_Releases.pdf

Best Tips on Being an Online Writer in the Philippines

No doubt about it, the Philippines has surfaced as one of the top outsourcing countries in the world today. The country has definitely pushed itself towards growth and job opportunities have blossomed online. You simply need a reliable computer, consistent internet connection and sheer determination to learn. You can grab hold of a lot of jobs online through the help of online classified ad websites. I've been in the online writing business for around 6 years. From the first time I heard that there's money online and that you can even earn dollars, I eagerly jumped the bandwagon and has never looked back ever since.

Here are my following tips on how to take advantage of different online opportunities even if you are just at home:

1) Create an impressive and grammatically-correct resume.

This will help you propel towards your goals. Make things short but meaningful. Always keep in mind that a well-constructed resume can dictate your future.

2) Write samples online.

Whether it be through a personal blog or simply through different article publishing websites, you have to write and write and write in order to improve your skills. This would not just help you hone your writing skills but you will also have the benefit of providing an online writing portfolio that you can show to your future clients or employers.

3) Create a Paypal Account.

We are privileged to be in one of the countries that can access and utilize PayPal. It has been a revolutionary tool, especially for people who take advantage of online transactions. I have used PayPal for 6 years and I have never encountered a single transaction problem. Your money is safe and just as long as you don't have any bank account issues, you can expect your money to arrive safe and sound.

4) Never stop looking.

Never be discouraged if you don't find a decent-paying job online. Always remember that people post ads every day. You might not be lucky today but you can still be lucky tomorrow. Through my 6 year-odyssey of online writing, I have encountered a lot of people from different countries. I have worked on jobs that pay different rates. Sometimes you get lucky to write for a high-paying client and sometimes you need to be satisfied on a low-paying client. The important thing is that you always keep a heads up attitude and continue working and be thankful that you have work.

5) Form a Team.

Once you get rolling and seem to get a lot of work to come in, it's time that you build your own team. Not only it will make life easier and faster for you but you will also have the chance to help and provide opportunities for other people to earn.

6) Always Be Organized

Whether you work alone or work with a team, it's best that you organize everything and provide a viable work schedule. Time is really golden, especially with online work where in your timezone is not the same with your client's timezone. Once you get the hang of it, everything will come easy for you.

I hope these tips could help you find online opportunities. Take advantage of the technology we are given today, you'll never know it might change your life in more ways than you can ever imagine. 

Take a chance! Find work online. It's never too late to try.

The New Look Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have never looked this different in a long time. Now that the triumvirate of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have entirely gone their own separate ways with the franchise, it’s time for an extreme makeover. Since bringing Garnett and Allen, there has been a renewed energy for the city of Boston after having to suffer during the post-Larry Bird era. The 90s was never good to the Celtics and not only since the “new big three” in 2008, have they regained their winning ways and basketball tradition. It was one hell of a run for Boston during the last 5 years, winning a ring on the first year and being strong contenders on the succeeding ones. Thankfully, a new star was born, a younger guy that have been a key piece of the puzzle aside from Garnett, Allen and Pierce...

and that guy is no other than Rajon Rondo..

The only remaining player from the 2008 championship team is without a doubt the leader for this new resurgence. That leader is arguably the best point guard in the league and last season’s stat leader in assists and the cornerstone of this franchise, Rajon Rondo. He will need to carry Boston and hope for a spot come playoff time. The sad part is that he’s recovering from an ACL injury and might return to the lineup by December (still very arguable).  Rondo needs to lead the way for this new look Celtics.  The next most important guy that needs to step up for the loss of Garnett and Pierce is…

Ironman…

Jeff Green needs one word, consistency. If he can play the way he played the 2^nd half of last season then Boston would have high hopes for landing a consistent win-loss record. Green’s explosiveness, size and speed advantage over his same-position defenders gives him a lot of potential to be the go-to-guy for the Boston Celtics. His quick first step and athleticism can work as huge factors for the offensive efficieny of Boston.  Now off to the role players…

Boston Mainstays…

Other than Rondo and Green, the Celtics have effective role players that can help the team battle for 48 minutes. Let’s start off with the Boston mainstays; Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass and Jared Sullinger. Bradley is probably the toughest on-ball defender in the NBA. If only he could equal his offensive prowess with his defensive efficiency, he could be unstoppable. But that is yet to be seen from him. With Rondo being out early in the season, Bradley will be forced to play the point and move out of his regular two-guard position. If Avery could adjust well then Boston can get some early wins as they await the return of Rajon Rondo. Brandon Bass on the other hand has a consistent perimeter jump shot and he will need that to get his stats up and help the team win. Even though he plays the power forward position, his size is quite small compared to other players playing the same four spot. The other big man that can be a huge help is Jared Sullinger. If healthy, Sullinger is a rebounding machine. With a wide body ready for banging, expect Sullinger to bring those rebounds down for this long season.

 Ex-Nets…

After the Boston-Brooklyn trade, the Celtics acquired Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Marshon Brooks and Keith Bogans. These 4 guys are not in the same level as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce but they can sure do contribute to a team. Wallace, “Crash” as called by many, is a veteran with a slasher mentality and a good open court player. Even though he’s not as athletic as a few years back, he can still finish strong at the rim. He has mediocre shooting but can hit threes at times and that’s already a big plus because the Boston Celtics only have a few good shooters.  Kris Humphries on the other hand is an effective rebounding player. Ex-Mr. Kim Kardashian himself can contribute on the inside for the Celtics. He’s a big guy with hops. Expect alley-oops or drop passes to him here and there. Brooks and Bogans are good two-guards but expect more defensive efficiency from the latter.

Rookies…

Boston have acquired two big guys and one point guard. Kelly Olynyk and Vitor Faverani are both big men that contribute instantly. Olynyk has a decent shooting range whil Faverani is a work horse inside. Kelly wears the number 41 and the long chops ala-Dirk Nowitzki. Well, Boston hopes that this first round draft pick does play like Dirk and become a star. Faverani on the other hand has been playing professional basketball for 11 years now but he’s not old! You got that right, Vitor Faverani started playing pro-ball since he was 14 years old. He’s a great inside presence. Never sleep on this guy because he is very active both offensively and defensively. You will have to wonder, if only he had been in the line-up last year, Boston may have had a different outcome.

and now to the new “brains” of the team…

Now that the Celtics have really turned  a 360-degree, Doc Rivers has left and a new coach is up to the task to lead Boston as they rebuild. That guy tasked to handle the team with the most storied basketball history is none other than former Butler coach, Brad Stevens. This guy is phenomenal as a college coach but will it translate into the NBA? It’s up to the Celtics to prove the doubters though. 

The Boston Celtics definitely looks new but they want to emulate their old winning ways. Will this new look team be another exciting team to look forward to or will it be the 90s all over again? We’ll find out sooner or later.