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

Donating the Organized Way.

We were told to meet the Mayor's wife at 10:30 am. 2 buses and 1 van full of clothes, food and hundreds of relief packs were ready to be given to the flood victims of San Mateo, Rizal. 

At 10:30 am, Tina Diaz arrived. I love the fact that she was on time. 

She was accompanied by the army and police. 

We were led to the Ynares multi-purpose covered court.

The 300 families of Sala and Bungahan, San Mateo were lined up, sitting down and patiently waiting.

The police, barangay captain and staff of the Mayor made sure that every single family representative had a stub to be able to claim their goods. It was given to them the day before our visit. I was so happy to see how organized they were. How obedient everyone was when given instructions. 

Maco Custodio giving out the relief goods along with the Grade 11 students of Manila Waldorf School.

Everyone loved the pails!! 

Distributing food. My auntie, we all lovingly call Larbs, donated 300 pieces of assorted breads. 

Grade 11 students of MWS did an amazing job at reaching out to help the needy.

The MWS, Parents, Teachers and Friends who made it all happen.

With the Mayor's wife, Tina Diaz and Isaac Belmonte. So kilig when the "Mayora" told me that she recognizes me from my blog as she is a reader!! She also told me that she reads Chuvaness. 

The best team partner. 

It was such a wonderful feeling helping those affected by the floods. Really was impressed at how orderly the distribution went and I think it is because of the efficient staff of the Mayor's office and of course, with the help of the army....

...and the police. 

Watch the video HERE.