Oh Frank!
Who would have thought that last weekend would be so eventful for the people of this country?
How can you come to us like that with no such warning?!
Saturday morning, June 21st, I woke up around 5:30AM for my 6:30 work at the lab. I already had things planned out that I wanted to do for the rest of the day since it’s the weekend and I only had half day of work. I wasn’t able to do any of this things at all later on the day. On the drive to work, it was raining with strong winds that seemed to come intermittently. I heard the day before that there was a typhoon coming and that it’s supposed to hit ONLY around the areas of Masbate and Romblon. The weather condition on Saturday morning made me think that maybe it was just some low pressure brought about by the coming typhoon. I never thought that Typhoon Frank itself was already hovering.
At the lab., only 3 of us Med. Techs (out of 6) made it to work. Most of the other employees of Medi-Link also weren’t able to make it to work. The winds grew stronger and rain poured harder as the morning unfold. Around 8AM, the electricity blackout started. Although there was a generator at work, its power wasn’t enough to supply electricity to the whole lab. We didn’t have that much patients either; We only had 6. I was wondering though ‘cuz most of the 6 patients we had were from out of town pa, the first patient being from Cauayan, which is almost a 5 hour drive from Bacolod, I think. It really was evident that most people weren’t aware or warned before of the coming typhoon. Myself including.
Saturday afternoon at home, I was woken up from a nap by the scary howling sounds of the strong winds and the hard hitting of the rain on our roof. The sound of the hard rain was something like I’ve never heard before. Sure I’ve heard the sound of hard rain hitting the roof before but this one was different. It was really, really strong, like the roof concrete of our house was being hit on until it’s going to crash down and give in. All of us at home thought, “Typhoon Frank is definitely here.”
It wasn’t long though when the scary, hard, rain pounding on the roof lasted. It only rained hard with strong winds but we’re pretty safe inside the house. Typhoon Frank only zoomed by us. Flip and I were texting from time to time around these moments. He was also updating me of the weather condition in Iloilo. He was in Iloilo Mission Hospital. He was supposed to have his duty at St. Paul’s that day but he was unable to make it there from Mission due to the rain.
When I was in college in Iloilo, Jaro and some parts of the city would easily get flooded even if there was no typhoon. It’s pretty much because of the river in Jaro and also of the drainage system. Every time it would rain hard for a number of hours, some parts of Jaro would already be flooded. How much more now that there’s Typhoon Frank?
I could never imagine such tragedy would struck Iloilo. No one was spared. Please click for images from a first-hand account. My friend Bombet and her relatives were already evacuating by mid afternoon since she texted me that the water just kept rising. Even the hospitals were flooded. Flip texted me around the time the water was coming in to Mission Hospital; Dark Chocolate-colored water. It just kept coming until the 1st floor of Mission was flooded with water reaching the waist. Flip and his classmates evacuated their quarters. They were lifting beds, other furniture and their personal belongings. Around this time Flip lost his wallet. I became worried since I was texting him and he wasn’t replying at all. It went for almost an hour. Possible scenarios were already playing in my paranoid head. But can you blame me? I mean, there was a typhoon and some of the last things he texted me were that they were already flooded and the water just kept rising. Even though I couldn’t imagine how the hospital looked like with the 1st floor flooded, scenes in the flooded hospital occupied my mind. I was really relieved when he finally texted and said that he lost his wallet. He was worried sick. I was too but all I could do was communicate with him through text message. He was wet and worried and wallet-less in a flooded hospital where as I, snuggling comfortably in bed in a cold house with my family. It was weird to think that in Iloilo, people were busy worrying about their belongings, their properties, their lives; Where in Bacolod, parang wala lang bagyo. It was raining here but no floods came. We even took a drive Saturday night and my family even had mahjong. How can it be so different of a scene in Iloilo? I felt bad for our neighboring island. It’s almost my second hometown. I wished I was there even though it was a really tough time. Well that’s all I could do that night - wish and pray for the best for Iloilo, a place that’s not too far, where my boyfriend, some relatives and friends are.
Fortunately, Flip’s wallet was recovered! It was found floating in the PICU of the hospital by a janitor who thankfully, was honest enough to return it to it’s rightful owner, despite the circumstances they were in. Thank you, Lord for honest people! God bless them!! 
I realized that it’s the first time I’ve experienced in our country that a typhoon hit almost the whole of the Philippines. Typhoon Frank definitely went shopping from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao. Certain things should have been learned already from the disaster that has happened in some parts of our country. Precautions should be applied so that floods will be avoided greatly, as well as other typhoon casualties. I hope that next time something like this happens, the history in the Philippines that was marked just last weekend won’t repeat itself.
Filed under: Current events, Life | 0 Comments
Tags: bacolod, philippines, typhoon frank, frank, typhoon, iloilo, disaster, calamity, michelle bibaoco
Before Mother’s Day is over
Joni has this cool meme for Mother’s Day. I was supposed to do this last night or early today. But last night I decided to do this the morning after, when it’ll be the actual Mother’s Day. Note to self: Never put off for tomorrow what you can do for today! Since today, out of all days, a scheduled black out plagued our part of the city from 8am to 5pm, all of which I wasn’t aware about until this morning. 
Anyhoo, here’s the meme:
The rules are simple: (1) Post a photo of you and your mom together (recent or old) and write the words “I heart my mom” across it (or type the text below the photo if you don’t feel like opening your image-editing software). (2) Tag your friends!
Happy Mother’s Day, Mama! My Mom and I are thousands of miles away since my parents migrated to the States not too long ago (I’ll be joining them soon for good!) and she doesn’t really know about my blog. But anyway, here’s to my Mama from her unica ija across the miles!
This pic was taken almost 2 years ago, during the Christmas Holidays, in The Grove in LA. I apologize for a not so close shot of my Mom and I. I just remember being happy and merry and all during this time. 
And oh, sorry I won’t be tagging anyone anymore since Mother’s Day will be over in a matter of hours anyway. 
Filed under: Family, From the net | 3 Comments
Tags: daughter, love, michelle, mother's day, mothers
Back from the dead
..my laptop that is. After almost a month of technical problems, this precious and constant companion of mine is well again. Thanks to the computer guys at IECC.
This also means that I’m now back to my online mode. I’m glad for one thing though, that I didn’t go crazy like I thought I would without a laptop and internet access for almost a month. I’m glad I’m still able to appreciate life outside the online world and that I’m NOT a computer dependent creature. I love the internet and it’s a hobby I almost can’t live without. Just almost.
On the other hand, I really should name my laptop. I’ve been thinking about naming it for like forever now. I just haven’t gotten around in picking a name that would fit this black and silverish square machinery….
Filed under: Blah | 5 Comments
Tags: laptop, michelle
I’ve come to realize that…
Copied this survey somewhere and thought I should answer this out of boredom and mental/physical exhaustion…
1. I’ve come to realize that my butt: are umm.. OK. (Why start this survey with a question like this?!)
2. I’ve come to realize that when I talk: I tend to do it really loudly sometimes, especially when I’m excited about what I’m saying.
3. I’ve come to realize that if I love someone: I should tell them.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need: to give my body enough amount of rest and sleep.
5. I’ve come to realize that I’ve lost: my reservations to not cuss on situations that I’m really provoked. :’(
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when: I’m with the kind of people who are really loud and who feel the need to comment on everything other people do.
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk: it would be the very first time!
8. I’ve come to realize that money: is unfairly distributed in this world.
9. I’ve come to realize that my mother: seems to be 2 different kinds of people in one body!
10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll probably always be: a child at heart.
11. I’ve come to realize that I have a crush on: someone out there. *secret!*
12. I’ve come to realize that the last time I cried was: last night.
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone: is a big help in keeping me accompanied because I’m alone most of the time.
14. I’ve come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I wish I could go back sleeping.
15. I’ve come to realize that before I go to sleep at night: I make sure my bladder is empty.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking about: what I’m going to do tomorrow.
17. I’ve come to realize that babies: are something I want to have.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Multiply: I refresh my Inbox several times to see the most recent updates.
19. I’ve come to realize that today I will: have my haircut.
20. I’ve come to realize that tonight I will: try to get at least 8 hours of sleep.
21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow I will: let myself relax.
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to: go and swim in the beach!
23. I’ve come to realize that who is most likely to repost this is: Cyhna, maybe?!
24. I’ve come to realize relationships: give life meaning.
25. I’ve come to realize love: is all we need.
26. I’ve come to realize my best guy friend(s): are my boyfriend and my cousin.
27. I’ve come to realize my best girl friend(s): are people I haven’t seen in quite a while.
28. I’ve come to realize food: taste a lot better when prepared by the people close to your heart.
29. I’ve come to realize that when I’m a girlfriend: I try to make things right, except sometimes I tend to be misunderstanding. (Hormones…hormones..)
30. I’ve come to realize girls and boys: are very different people but can still come together in diversity.
31. I’ve come to realize over the summer: that it’s really really hot, even though it’s only the begining of summer.
32. I’ve come to realize heartbreak: is a part of life.
Filed under: From the net | 0 Comments
Tags: survey
When it rains, it pours.
That’s how Flip’s mother described to me how this sudden gush of blessings have been pouring in their family.
I was in Iloilo this weekend to attend the graduations of Hazel, my cousin, from Nursing at Saint Paul’s University and Ann-Ann, Flip’s sister, also from Nursing at CPU. On my way to Iloilo, in the middle of the sea, Flip texted me that his brother passed the bar exam. I was so happy for his brother and for their family. I almost never expected the way I felt some moments after learning the good news. I was overwhelmingly proud that my boyfriend’s brother has just become a lawyer! I guess when one is lovingly devoted to someone, the heart shares the victories, the joys, as well as the pains. But at that moment, it was definitely victory and joy. I was seating next to my cousin, aunts and uncle in the boat and without any reservations, I excitedly told them that Flip’s brother has passed the bar exam. They said their congratulations and I can’t help but feel the joy upon seeing their eyes lighting up in awe. I felt so proud of Flip’s family, of his brother. At times I asked myself if it’s right to feel so proud, so happy, so excited, everything so overwhelmingly felt, for a certain family whom I’m not related to, except for the fact that it’s my boyfriend’s. I mean, we’re not really related, biologically and legally speaking, and in the back of my mind was the thought that maybe I’m already crossing the limits. But I just feel so..somewhat “at home” just thinking about Flip and his family. Haaayyy… What the heck, enough of the cornyness and mushy talks. Flip flips my heart over so I guess I have the right to be flippingly happy when he and his family is happy. Hehe
The day before Flip’s brother’s bar exam result was released, it was also his father’s birthday. The day after would be his sister’s college graduation. And Flip would also be starting his internship in Medicine the week after. It was a series of blessings and I’m really enliven seeing how happy it all made Flip’s parents.
It was quite a nice time visiting Iloilo last weekend. My cousin Dennis also came and I’m glad Flip and I got to spent some time with him in Iloilo since he barely travels. hehe It was also nice that Flip and I got to spend some time with Keith, Flip’s other brother who visited from Manila. The visit to Iloilo was mainly for graduations, but I got to witness joyous moments for families and learned that blessings never cease and they definitely never cease to change the future to one that’s bright and hopeful. And at times, as I witnessed it, when it rains of blessings, it pours.
Sorry if this blog is kinda “word-bumpy” in the end, right now I’m really just trying to make my eyes stay open. Thankfully my mind still functions. But it’s giving up on me anytime now. Sooo sleepy. So good night for now.
Filed under: Life, Matters of the heart | 0 Comments
Tags: bar exam, blessings
Got tagged by Kane. This tag came in an impeccable timing since I’ve been having some sleeping issues lately. I italicized the descriptions that I felt are true to my sleeping habits.
You are late-sleepy relaxation, the half-awake moment when you realize it’s morning, but you don’t have to get up, because there’s no place you have to be. You are that cozy spot under the covers where everything feels temporarily perfect, even if you know you’ll eventually have to wiggle out and start the day. Maybe you’re the artistic type, who doesn’t function well on a normal schedule. Sleep’s important to you, and you like the freedom of sleeping as late as you want (especially since that is closely related to the freedom to stay up as late as you want). You like to roll out of bed, put on some comfy clothes, and get a laid back start to the day. If not everything on your list gets accomplished, no worries. Your only priority is having no priorities ? you just want to take things at a slow, mellow pace.
13% of the people who took this quiz got the same evaluation.
Filed under: From the net | 0 Comments
Tags: Multiply, sleep, sleeping habits, tag
Congrats, Toto Kim!!!
My boyfriend’s brother passed the September 2007 Philippine Bar Exam!
Job *very* well done! Cheers for your many bright years ahead in upholding the law. God bless!
Filed under: Current events, Matters of the heart | 1 Comment
Tags: 2007 bar, bar exam, deloria, kim, law, lawyer, philippines
This is going to be a very late response to a tag made by a good online friend (and my one and only loyal blog commenter! *hehe*), Joni. She tagged me to list 10 things that have recently made me happy. My replying to Joni’s tag is also, hopefully, my way of getting back to the blogging horse, which I’ve been getting off and on again for the millionth time now.
Here are my 10 recently random sunshine and daises:
- Watching American Idol on TV (hehe!)
- Playing Weffriddles and getting the right answers that had me reach level 17, so far
- Eatching batchoy with buttered toast and Coke on recent cold and rainy days
- The smell of coffee and the coffee itself in the morning
- Thinking about the past and the present, and realizing that I am and have always been in God’s hands
- Being able to talk/confide with Flip anytime I need and ending up feeling better everytime
- A good blog read
- Great fashion finds from online shopping (hehe!)
- Chatting with my parents online every weekend, especially when I’m having “problems” I can’t solve on my own and knowing that they always know what to do
- Making my parents, and Flip happy, especially by surprises. =)
It’s quite ironic that this meme about happy stuff was done out of some sort of escape or therapy from a rough moment I’m having due to a domestic problem. I also read from Joni’s post that she was quite bummed out before she did this meme. Doing this actually help blowing the dark clouds away. I guess when bummer strikes, thus do the 10 happy thingies list!
Filed under: From the net | 1 Comment
Google Images
Copied from peppermintmd. Thanks! =)
Google image search your answers to the ff:
(remember, get from the first page only)
The pyramids of Egypt!
This is just a random pic of a white sanded beach. Don’t have a particular favorite place for the moment. I guess any place with my loved ones will do. =)
California Maki (Sushi) is one of my favorite foods.
Bacolod City, home of the Masskara Festival.
Einstein!
My own user pic showed up!
Get this?!
My father’s graduation picture from Medicine which was taken many many years ago (look at the hair!) somehow showed up!
I’m a Medical Technologist. Presently this is what I still do.
Filed under: Uncategorized | 0 Comments
Tags: google, google images, images, michelle
I can’t believe Heath Ledger is dead.
I was at work today and because it’s the middle of the week, things in the lab are not that busy so I had extra time texting with Flip. I learned from him that Heath Ledger has died. Although I can’t really be considered a big fan, I think Heath Ledger’s one of the top yung actors of his generation and that he has a bright future in his career. Of course I couldn’t believe the moment I was told the news. It was like when Rico Yan died years ago and I was in high school. I thought it was just a horrible joke, a bad rumor started by people who have nothing better to do with their time. Even though it was Flip, someone I trust deeply, who told me the news (He found out from his classmate), I don’t believe 100% of such news unless I get on the internet and read it myself.
It was still a shocking moment for me, seeing the headlines on People.com. The news about Heath Ledger is indeed true. It was hard to believe even though I was reading the words myself. Continue reading ‘A day filled with “What?! Really?!”’
Filed under: Current events, Family, work | 0 Comments
Tags: death, Family, heath ledger
