False News.

Once trust is broken, it really is so difficult to get it back.

I suppose that so many government officials have lied to us that we are so skeptical about anything and everything that they do. It takes a whole lot to gain the trust of those that lied to you multiple times. More often than not, you can't gain it back at all. 

The last couple of months, starting with the Napoles case, earthquake in Bohol and now, Yolanda, the spirits are high when it comes to finding the truth, getting justice and helping the poor. 

What we don't need right now are false news. 

It is confusing. It angers people without cause. 

One particular post is of a DSWD warehouse wherein a mountain high of relief goods are seen. 

This is not a recent photo. Although the comment accompanying the photo is about the recent typhoon, the photo is of Nov. 02, 2013 (used for a Bohol earthquake article). 

Original photo belongs to Rappler, an article written by Voltaire Tupaz last November 2, 2013. 

Read original article here. 

I am all for getting important, relevant and informative news out there. It helps people decide what to do, who to trust and who to help. BUT WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE LIES. 

There's saying that goes: No news is good news, but false news is just plain stupid. 

Teresa's Way....

When Ms. Teresa Herrera posted in Facebook that she needed a truck to deliver goods to Villamor Airbase, I offered my Dad's elf (without asking him first, yikes). 

www.synergyla.com

The next morning, my staff and I headed towards PDIC warehouse to load the donations she was able to collect from her wonderful friends. 

I signed a release form of 30 boxes filled with assorted relief goods. 

For the clothes and blankets, we were told to place them in this gymnasium. 

Mountains of clothes and shoes are available for all the typhoon survivors to choose from. 

After placing the boxes down, I headed down to see what else is needed to be done. I am quite happy to report that there's so much help already waiting in Villamor Airbase. 

SM sent over a Mobile clinic.....

...and a truckload of relief packs. 

A tent was converted into a mini hospital where all the aid that you need is easily available. Was this close to asking if they offered liposuction. I would be first in line. 

Then I see another truck unloading thousands of bottled water. 

Smart and Globe offered free calls. (no photo of Globe area, sorry)

So much love in this country. 

Dear Donors....

All the donations that came my way went to 5 sacks of rice, 200 hammers, 40 kilos of nails, canned goods, 50 five-gallon of water, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, panties, briefs, blankets, thousands of candles, shoes and bags. 

Thank you to the staff of Jul B. Dizon for providing 5 sacks of rice. 

When I asked Ms. Salome Uy if she knew any hammer suppliers, with no hesitation, she donated and loaded into her BMW (much to her husbands dismay) 200 pieces of hammers and delivered it to me. She got a flat tire in return. 

I bought 40 kilos of nails.....

....and made these helpful kids repack them for distribution. 

Peter and Ylaine Co donated 2,700+ candles. 

Pacita Yap sent over much needed water. Half went to Bantayan Island and the other half, Ormoc. 

A few of Jacqui's classmates came and helped pack......

.....into this reusable (not plastic) bags. 

And once packed individually.....

...they were placed in boxes for delivery. 

As promised, first half of these relief goods were brought to Bantayan Island, Cebu care of Justine Letargo, a good friend of mine. She was actually the one who told me that hammers and nails and other building materials are things that they need to rebuild. She also happens to be from Bantayan, which is why her efforts are focused on helping her hometown. She also works for World Bank where the growth of our country is always a priority. 

I was told that thousands of canned goods were delivered today to the house. Will resume packing as soon as I get home. 

To the people who trust me with their donations, I will continue to post your donations here for transparency. 

I AM BACK and ready to ATTACK.

I was gone for nearly 1 month and 3 weeks. Yes, it was indeed a very long vacation, but somehow, I feel that it's not quite long enough. 

I don't blog using any other gadgets but my iMac here in the office. That's why I haven't posted anything. 

But boy oh boy.... I brought home with me more than 2000 photos of my trip! My itinerary was Manila-SFO-LA-SanJose-Rome-SFO-Manila. 

There's so much stories to tell but I can't seem to post any of it right now because it wouldn't be right. seeing that there's so much help to do out there, I am using my time gathering kalderos (pots), nails, hammers, blankets and food. 

I would initially like to thank those who are helping me with the relief efforts for the victims of Yolanda. Abby, Pepet, Kwenby, Peach, Christine and Larbs for sending me cash donations. As I have said in Facebook, your money will go to hammers, nails, pots and water. 

Thank you Peter and Ylaine for sending over 11 boxes of candles. Those will be delivered to Ormoc via Congresswoman Lucy Gomez. 

It's now about rebuilding what was lost. I was told that there's plenty of rice that's being delivered but with no electricity, they find it difficult to cook it. 

I need an awesome supplier of these pots. Can anyone help me? The cheapest I can find right now is P330.00 each. 

The water is most important. I was once told my Mom that she learned that a person can survive 30 days without food but will not survive 3 days without water. It is embedded in my mind. Water is essential. 

To rebuild homes, whether it may be temporary shelter or a permanent one, it all starts with hammer and nails. These two items can protect a family from rain/heat/cold. As we can see in the photos of the devastation, there's plenty of wood scattered. Knowing how ingenious Filipinos are, they will be able to build a church using scrap wood. 

P50.00/hammer. 

P40.00/kilo for 4 inch nails. 

Sacks of rice is on it's way to the house now. My family and I will portion the rice and put it inside the kaldero with the hammer and nails, and bottled water. I hope to make 200 or more sets. It may not be much in numbers but it will serve a whole family. 

For now, that's the plan and any assistance from my readers and friend is truly welcome. If we can make 1000 sets, the better it is for our fellowmen. 

LET'S DO THIS!!!!!

Email me: dizon.candy@gmail.com