DSWD

All posts tagged DSWD

The Importance of Being Nicole Cordoves 

Posted by Norman on November 29, 2016
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves by Doc Marlon and wearing Jamie Go Atelier

Nicole for the National Children’s Congress of the DSWD

There is always something good to be said about beauty queens who use their titles to create a platform where their voices can be heard on a national level. Done with the job of representing the Philippines in Miss Grand International 2016 and bringing home the 1st Runner-Up trophy as proof of achievement, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves is currently setting her sights on more important advocacies that affect the youth. And boy, is she really in her best elements doing these activities.

For the National Children’s Congress of the DSWD, she spoke to the young ones and shared the importance of being aware about the social issues affecting them and life in general. This is what she posted on social media about it.

“Hindi tayo ginawa ng Diyos para maging ordinaryo lamang, may ekstraordinaryong tadhana siya na isinulat para sa atin. | You weren’t created by God to become ordinary, you are all given an extraordinary purpose.

It was a priceless opportunity to be able to speak to these kids about life. When the floor was opened for questions, they asked a lot of social issues about our country today. They are aware, they are worried, and they need us to make sure that it really is going to be okay.
#NationalChildrensCongress #DSWD

Nicole (center) posing with the kids for the National Children’s Congress

And Nicole doesn’t stop there. She also shared her time for the reading advocacy of Manila Bulletin called “Read for 20” (or simply put, make a habit of reading at least 20 minutes a day). Here is her take on this.

Nicole for Manila Bulletin’s Read For 20

“Every time you finish reading a book, you see the world a little more differently. This is why I am sharing Manila Bulletin’s advocacy, READ FOR 20! I am encouraging everyone to keep a book in your bag, get off social media and read for AT LEAST 20 minutes a day. So drop your phones and grab a book!”

There is something really important about being Nicole Cordoves. She puts into good use the power and responsibility given to her as a national beauty titleholder. And knowing this lady, she won’t stop doing what she loves best. In fact, she’s just getting started!

I love you, Nicole! 😉

Typhoon Ondoy’s fury

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2009
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

The Philippines is one of the few countries I know that can take on a succession of storms and typhoons with nerves of steel and an unusual degree of calmness. But when the latest typhoon named “Ondoy” hammered its fury full force last Saturday, the results were damaging at the very least. Weather bureaus have stated that the amount of rain for the whole of September 26 equalled one month’s output. Hardest hit were Marikina City, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Malabon plus the whole province of Rizal and parts of Bulacan topping the list of calamity-stricken areas. On top of the countless properties washed away by the rampaging flood waters, lives were also taken (more than a hundred as of the last update) and hundreds upon thousands left homeless – rich and poor.

flood
The images are heart-breaking. The floods literally came quick and unannounced.
floods2
A woman in Bocaue, Bulacan hanging on to dear life.
ondoy
A father and child wading in deep waters for survival.

Here is a video of Saturday’s furious Typhoon Ondoy:


video courtesy of YouTube/PinasWatchers

Even celebrities were not spared. Actress Cristine Reyes and her household members had to troop to the roof of their 2-storey house in Marikina’s Provident Village as water was uncontrollably rising. They stayed there wet and horrified from 1pm till close to midnight when they were rescued by Actor Richard Gutierrez (in a speedboat) and the actress’ brother in jetski. The same thing happened to mother-and-daughter celebrities Jean and Jennica Garcia whose house in Quezon City got flooded and had to seek temporary shelter in the house of co-actress Jennylyn Mercado. Everything was just so devastating.

Here is the video of actress Cristine Reyes crying for help while trapped on the roof of her house:


video courtesy of YouTube/PinasWatchers

I pray that nothing this strong a typhoon (or stronger) will hit the Philippines again. It is the worst I’ve seen in two decades. If you can find it in your heart to extend any kind of help and/or assistance – be it food, clothes or cash – you can contact any of the following numbers:

NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATING COUNCIL: 911-1873, 911-5061, 911-5296, 912-2665
MMDA: 136, 896-6000
PHILIPPINE COASTGUARD: 527-6136, 5276
RED CROSS: 143. Or via sms: text RED amount to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
ABS CBN’S SAGIP KAPAMILYA: 416-0387 or 413-2667
GMA’S KAPUSO HOTLINE: 981-1950-59
TULONG BAYAN: 913-7122, 913-6254, 913-3306, 0908-6579999
DSWD: 951-7119, 0918-4219780

You can drop off relief goods at all Petron branches, Manor Superclub (Eastwood City) Luca store (Powerplant Mall, Eastwood and Shangri-La Plaza Mall), Team Manila (Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air, Rockwell) Papemelroti (Ali Mall in Cubao, Glorietta 3 in Makati, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Centerpoint, and SM Southmall), and Aranaz (Powerplant Mall). Rockwell and Greenbelt both in Makati will accept donations as well.

To all my friends in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Australia and Thailand, please help. And to the daily followers of my blog, your prayers (or assistance) will be greatly appreciated.

Images above are courtesy of timesonline.co.uk, xinhua.net and stuff.co.nz