It's almost a week since Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated Tacloban City and its neighboring provinces. The damage was totally devastating indeed. Lots of relief goods are coming both from within and outside the country. It's so overwhelming how the people/countries joined efforts in sending help to the affected areas. Here in Cagayan de Oro alone, many non-government organizations, companies, private entities and even individuals initiated a relief operations. Indeed, the support was so touching and overwhelming.

However, it cannot be denied that there are some factions going on between the government and some "concerned citizens". There are lots of negative comments against the government concerning how slow the response was. But if we watch the news every night, such claims seems not true at all. The government was in fact very busy with their efforts in giving help to the victims. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman even broke her silence regarding those negative comments. On her FB accounts she wrote that all efforts were done, 24/7. Well, I can't really say that such post was really from her because I doubt with its grammar and spelling LOL, but it was posted on her FB account (just click the link). 

In my opinion, it's really hard to judge them (the government officials) considering that the impact of the calamity was so great that one can only think of running away from it if given the choice. If we also based our judgment on the victim themselves, they seems too hopeless with the situations. They just cannot rely on food ration and relief goods forever. Though it is their immediate needs but for how long will they entrust their lives to the help of other people? And for how long will the government be able to support them. Most of them are homeless, jobless and worst have lost some, if not all, members of their family and maybe among the casualties was their breadwinner. So how could they stand on their own if they felt like so hopeless with their situations? It is also reported that the food ration given to them will only last for 2 to 3 days depending on the number of its family members. Indeed, the situation itself was so disheartening. Only courageous people can stand to such scenario. Maybe, this is the right time for the government to show to the people, especially to those who thought negative against them, that their priorities was for the welfare of all the victims. With that, a permanent shelter should be built (this time, on a safer place) that could accommodate them all. I guess money is not an issue here because basing on the cash donations we received or we will be receiving from international entities, it worth billions of pesos plus the money coming from within the country. 

Let's just pray that all the cash donations being collected will really be utilized to where and whom it is intended for. Let us also keep on tracking the progress of the relief operations. Let us all be vigilant in guarding the amount that was entrusted to our country. Let us not frustrate those who extend their help and effort for our fallen provinces. And may the government will do something to mitigate such destruction if another Super Typhoon will try to devastate our country again.

As to the question if what was really the real score there in Tacloban and other affected areas, whether the controversial CNN correspondent is telling the accurate news or not, its not just right for me to say anything because first and foremost, I've never been there. 

I thought Super Typhoon Yolanda wasted three lives only per report prior to her exit but I was so surprised and sad after seeing the news brought by GMA's Jiggy Manicad and Love Añover who were both broadcasting late (not live since the signal there was down) in Leyte. 

Another church was down in Leyte. The place whom people thought would be safer was torn down by the strongest winds that the people in Leyte have ever encountered. Leyte along with Samar were known to be a typhoon-prone provinces but so far, Typhoon Yolanda was the only Typhoon that brought such destruction. I know it will take longer before people in Leyte could recover as well as for other provinces that were severely affected too.
On the other hand, there are people who gave a very annoying remarks regarding the effect of typhoon here in Northern Mindanao. Some commented that the government were overly reacting with their preparations for the said typhoon. Those residents living on the flood-prone areas were forcefully instructed to vacate their respective residences and has to temporarily stay on designated evacuation centers until the typhoon will leave on the Philippines' area of responsibility. Instead of being grateful that what we experienced are only heavy rains, some people were reacting saying that their time was wasted because of the forceful evacuation.
Indeed, Senator MDS was right when she said that ignorance can be treated, but stupidity is forever. 

It is an argument that goes back to the beginning of vehicles, and it still have never been fully resolved. When you are looking to buy a vehicle, you will first be presented with the question of whether or not you will want to buy a new vehicle. This can be a difficult question for many people, and there are advantages and disadvantages that are associated with both new and used vehicles. Here is a quick look at these benefits and drawbacks and how you can ultimately make the best decision for you and your family before you go to your local Larry Roesch Volkswagen dealer.

Buying Used

Many families want to buy a used vehicle, mainly because of the cheap price that is often associated with used vehicles. Not only will you not have to worry about a large down payment, but it will more than likely only take a few years in order to fully pay off your auto loan. The disadvantages of getting a used car are that you never know how well it will actually work. While most used cars will work perfectly fine for years to come, it is also possible that it will have a problem immediately after you buy the car, resulting in lost money.

Buying New

The huge advantage of buying a new vehicle from your local Larry Roesch Volkswagen dealer is that you will be able to have the assurance that your car will work. Even if there are problems, most dealerships offer special warranties that can help to keep you financially protected for years to come. New cars also have the benefit of looking great and just having the new car feeling. The problem with these vehicles is that they are expensive, often much more than a used car. Another problem with buying a new vehicle is that you more than likely will not have a huge amount of choice, since you will be restricted with this year’s current models.

Aside from the trending updates about Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the Republic of the Philippines were very much eager in Janet Lim Napoles' Senate Hearing. However, the Blue Ribbon Committee failed to let JLN revealed the truth for he abusively invoked her right against self-incrimination.

I know it's not only me who complain about how JLN answered every questions thrown at her. Nevertheless, no matter how firm she is in denying the truth, the Republic of the Philippines knew that she was more than guilty!

This is a guest post written by Carlie Con of CouponPal.com 

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We're ready!

♫ all our bags are packed, we're ready to go...♫

Yes, we are ready to evacuate anytime soon! We're not paranoid, we're just playing safe... safe from possible damage that Yolanda will bring.

No, we're not moving out again... we're just temporarily going to somewhere where we have an assurance of safety and sense of security.