Half Pang Lasing.. Half Pang Bagong Gising

It’s 3:00 in the morning and I swear not too long ago this was the time I would just be on my way home from a gig or a night out with the boys. I find myself in a now brightier more commercial Tapsi Ni Vivian in Tuazon Ave. Marikina. Though the place does look more appealing it doesn’t lose its flare for food nor the characters that fill the tables in this 24/7 “panghimasmas-bago-uwi”.. Nightspot.. Or should I say.. Early morning spot..

You have your poker players most looking like they lost the world and a few feeling like they’re on top of it.. Treating the gang. Then you have your typical all male testosterone filled barkada.. Trying their latest pick up lines on the next table.. Which happens to be bar girls with their manager who have just finished work in the nightclubs around. You can tell a lot just by sitting and observing as your free to seat in this iconic place this side of town good for one or twenty one.

I’ve been on a bulalo /nilaga spree the past weeks and this is no day to let down on my streak. I ordered Nilaga.. Which would usually mean Nilaga Baka or Beef Shank Soup in broth. I’m surprised they offered NILSILOG.. I was starting to think of the taste and the texture of food in my head ad how the flavours would lead up to..

Time to get adventurous… I just don’t know how nilaga would taste with fried rice.. And with fried egg to boot. It’s like you’re suppose to order a a strong dish match it with mild sidings or starch. Not this morning.I’m going all fireworks. I asked for 3 calamansi (kumkuats citrus) and siling labuyo for my dip..

I know it’s just tasteless of me and utterly baduy to order three-in-one coffee with my nilaga.. But that’s just me. The disk arrives and as expected.. The festival flavours of brothed tender beef, leafy veggies, chilli citrus fish sauce, runny fried egg on fried rice may just be too much on the pallette. Specially if you take in a few spoonful sips of warm beef broth to go with it.

These 24/7 bulalo houses have their own secret “bulalo since the beginning of time” concoction. It’s.just tasty.. MSG lightly present though.. But still beefy.. And UNLI! Yep you could have as much as you want
. Unlike those joints in the now snobbish tagaytay district when you can no longer ask for extra soup.

The solo fried rice and fried egg won’t cut it though. So the P135 price would end up something like p170.. For your additional fried rice and egg.

It’s 3:58 in the morning.. And I’m now seeing runners.. Cyclists and families coming in.. And a new day begins this side of town where the sun shines first only in the east.

Why Running Corregidor is MY FAVORITE RACE (42km 5km 3Km Dec 7 21km Dec8)

Why Running Corregidor is my Favorite Annual Race

Ive been active in the running community for sometime now, both as a runner and being involved as host in numerous running events. I am stating, no, personally declaring! that running a Corregidor race is a definite YEAR ENDER for a runner and one of my faves if not my top pick. My other top picks would be Run United Series, Condura Marathon, Adidas KOTR, Obstacle Race by WithoutLimits (immuvit / Optimum Nutrition),  Color Manila Run and Midnight Run (i havent join the zombie runs yet, most trail runs which are awesome, and ultra marathons but a Bald Runner Ultra race  T2N and finishing a BDM102 is in my bucket list) this list of which Id blog at another time.

Even if you are running only a 3KM or 5Km, THIS RACE IS SO WORTH IT and will definitely be close to your heart, as it is to mine ever since I was able to experience it last 2012.  Even more if you are joning the 42km. Stupid me, how time flies, and maybe its late for me to prep for this race to run, walk , crawl this 42km race. I guess Ill have to settle running 5km or even 3km.

There is STILL the CORREGIDOR HALF-MARATHON!!! this one is happening on Dec 8. So for those fans of the 21km distance.. frown not.

But I assure you, if there is 5Km run or 3Km run that you should join in a YEAR, this has to be one of them
What makes Corregidor Run my favorite?

1) Going to and from this Race is an Adventure in itself.  Mababaw lang ako. Pucha kung bakante nga MRT ng alas dos ng hapon, masaya na ako sa joyride dun.  I love riding the Ferry to and from this race. Not recommend to run this alone. Ikaw na ang loner. Might as well text yourself “Kamusta na me?” “Kumaen na me?” “Wer na me?”. Make sure you grab your love one, training bud, the girl your courting (DA BEST!), your family or the rest of your TEAM, barkada (Hey may 3km!!! lakarin at gapangin na yan!) or company (if youre a cheapskate para kumpanya mag bayad)

My wifey by the Ferry, ride going to the RACE! Remind me to bring a tripod next time so im in the pic too!

2) Good vibes all the WAY! Bawal mag inarte! Imagine kung nag LQ (lovers quarrel) kayo ng loveone mo, teammate or what have you, youre stuck with him or her, during the whole trip. ITS AN ISOLATED ISLAND! You cant bail out when you want to.

Good vibes all the way! Ultimate Date trip. Snuggle time!

3) The race itself is going to be in the HISTORIC island of Corregidor, prepare for an adventure.  If you want a feel for history and connection with the past, and pay tribute to our soldiers but not ready to run the Bataan Death March? Then this is the next best thing! Its scenic Corregidor, 50% historic 40% nature trip 10% creepy, 100% adventure. This the nearest place from Manila you can run that is as adventurous and as exotic. If the scenic nature and terrain, dont mesmerize you, the ruins, gun battery will surely will.

You will run here, in historic Corregidor.

4) Challenging Run. For those who have been in the running community for the longest time but havent ran this, didnt you notice that when you come across with people who did run Corregidor, there’s an air of secrecy or mystery about it when they talk. Thats because WE CANT SHARE THE SURPRISE!!!! for those running 42KM… your running through that SURPRISE TWICE!!!! The terrain is a killer. Like being in a war, I ran on road, asphalt, dirt, sand, and grass. But do wear your road shoes, majority of it is road. Do hill repeat training! Expect insane grade hills. INSANE!!!! Bragging rights after running Corregidor.. YES even if its 3km … it could be your hardest, most exciting 3Km!

Proudly having my picture taken just right after that…that… THING i just ran .. no walked..no walked backwards.. no crawled through…

5) FUN FUN FUN!!!! I had a game face when I joined, some “hardcore” runners were eyeing on me at the Port pa lang and would ask… “you sure youre running 21km? [sarcastic smirk follows” … It was indeed tough, I was gunning for a time, but I was just mesmerized by the place, other than your SHOES, dont forget to bring your CAMERA!!!!! This is one of the few runs, that people were going crazy and just taking pictures during the run! Which is a nightmare ofcourse for the Coach Edward Kho and the organizers, because YOU HAVE TO FINISH by the TIME alloted or TAKE THE NEXT BOAT to MANILA!!!

Other than your shoes, BRING A CAM! just make sure you finish in time or be left out and the next boat trip THE NEXT DAY!

Scenic and Historic Ruins in Corregidor

A sight you will often see during the run, notice other runners taking pics as well! Wifey shown here about to enter Malinta tunnel.. not for the faint hearted

OA na ito but this was really taken during the run.. had to stop for hydration, CR and the souvegnir shop had it all!

Time could be better, but given all the time we spent taking pics and having fun.. and just surviving corregidor.. its all worth it! Imagine crossing the finish line by the dock facing the sea…

Now for some serious running stuff, my tips on running Corregidor

1) Book / register in advance. Limited slots. If youre running the marathon, best to book accomodation and stay at least a day before race day.

2) Bring your cam, but be wary of the TIME, if you take too much pics may affect your time, and im not talking about your PR, im talking about the cut-off that you may be left behind by the ferry.

3) Stick to the organizers schedule. The place just screams vacation and adventure. Dont go wandering off on your own, stick to the organizers schedule, specially the Ferrys schedule. DONT BE LATE…iiwanan ka talaga!!!! Going to.. and from.

4) TRAIN FOR THIS!!!! you dont just decide you will be running Corregidor on a whim.. Respect the Distance… RESPECT THE COURSE… its hilly, some grades are insane. Make sure you incorporate strength training and hill repeats in your training. Again, Train for this.

5) Expect, 90% road, 8% grass and dirt, 2% sand.

6) Support is to rave about, dont bring too much, they have numerous hydration, and aid station, Its actually my first time to taste fresh cranberries during my race last year. Wow.. sossy!

Now for the race details…

Do visit Their facebook page for updated news on the event

THERE ARE NO ONSITE REGISTRATIONS.. see registration bulletin
https://www.facebook.com/CorregidorMarathon?fref=ts

Race Backpack for 42km finishers only. Yes. You have to finish to earn it

d

Medals

42km Shirt!

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ExperiMENTAL Animation Workshop with RoxLee

Animation Workshop

My talented bandmate Rembrandt Vocalan, musician, visual artist, chef, entrepreneur (balaw balaw restaurant) will be hosting an Animation Workshop by RoxLee.

Anong connect nitong pic sa workshop? wala lang.. proud lang ako sa bandmate ko..!

Over the years ive been a fan of the eccentric art and humor of the Cesar Asar comic strip.  Get a chance to learn more and engage in a soup overflowing with talent in the workshop. Details of the  workshop is as follows:

For details and registration: http://www.workshop.baybayinproductions.com/
P4,000 course fee
Apr 26,27,29,30 2013 (Fri to sat. and monday tuesday) extended til first week of May.
At Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
16 Doña Justa Subd. Ph. I, 
Manila East Highway Angono,
For reservations pls call Rembrandt
379.6186 / 651.0110 or 0923.7144.209

Learn the animation using unconventional formula. Produce your own creation at the end of the workshop!

============
ABOUT ROX LEE
============
Roque Federizon Lee aka Rox Lee is a pinoy animator, visual artist, musician and moviemaker. Starting out as a cartoonist for Jingle Magazine, he became a household name through the widely popular Cesar Asar strip for Manila Bulletin. Rox Lee is one of the founding members of Animagination, now evolved into Animahenasyon. He is considered by many as the Godfather of young Filipino filmmakers with his independent approach to animation, working with the barest of materials, usually with just ink and paper, to
conjure powerful images. Rox Lee continues to maintain a loyal following in Western Europe, Japan and Singapore. In 2013 he is currently busy finalizing his book entitled “Cesar Asar in the Planet of the Noses,” a collection of his cartoons and short stories – that is when he’s not babysitting his two boys Zerox and Zentrum.

More about Roxlee:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxlee
www.youtube.com/user/zeroxlee

=======================
ABOUT BALAW-BALAW RESTAURANT
=======================
Established in 1983 this restaurant is accredited by the Department of Tourism. It is a popular food and culture venue in Angono, Rizal. Balaw-Balaw was famously showcased in International Discovery Travel and Living byt host Andrew Zimmern of the show Bizarre Foods.

More about Balaw-Balaw
www.facebook.com/pages/balaw-balaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzMwzewzzG0

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Lypo-spheric Vitamin C

 

Wifey had me take this.

“I asked what is it?”

“Its vitamin C”

“Id rather take my usual multivitamin as long as its tablet.. this one is ..uh .. mushy”

“Sige na.. its good for you…” she then downs hers and teaches me how to take it.

“Put it under your tongue..ngayk…zchiz..chlchlchclrrr … ” I couldnt type in words what the sound was but read aloud

and youll get the hang of it.

So I eventually follow.. GEEZ!!!! and I shit you not!!! this thing tastes AWFUL!!!!!  From a guy who eats anything!!!
This thing is like a 9 out of 10 in my taste like shit meter..a 10 out of 10 must be shit (not that I tasted)

hmmm.. how do I describe it..  Its like the consistency of those energy gels, no.. more like the syrupy fillings of chocolates.. its like orange filled Lindt candy but then again its panis.

Anyway .. its suppose to make you feel better, well improve immune system or whatever vitamin C is suppose to do ..but time 10 times so many pa.

Im the last person to talk technical about it..so I searched on it and this is what I got.. (see article below)

Verdict:

Must Buy if: youre a runner/ active lifestyle person, suddenly youve got colds and you trained months for a race and by chance youre rushing to get well. Youd down anything regardless of taste just for any improvement on health / performance

Dont buy. if youre loyal to your multivitamin, vitamin c brand. If youre kuripot. If taste is king over health benefits.
=============

Lypo-Spheric™ Vitamin C is the first choice of people who really understand bioavailability and the importance of high-dose vitamin C. Right out of the gate all other forms of vitamin C rapidly crash into an absorption barrier that vastly limits the level of vitamin C that can enter the bloodstream… and the vitamin C that doesn’t get absorbed, gets flushed. (Important note: all the vitamin C in your food is just as restricted by this absorption barrier.)

In stark contrast, the “Smart” Lyposomal Nano-spheres® that encapsulate Lypo-Spheric™ Vitamin C gently slip across the intestinal wall and into the blood. That’s because they are able to completely bypass a very restrictive nutrient transport system that radically limits the bioavailability of all non-liposome encapsulated forms of vitamin C. A recent clinical trial by world-renowned vitamin C expert and pharmacologist, Steve Hickey, PhD, shows that Lypo-Spheric™ Vitamin C is able to produce serum levels of vitamin C nearly double those thought theoretically possible with any oral form of vitamin C. This astounding level of bioavailability not only dramatically increases the amount of vitamin C in the blood, but recent thermographic microscopy provides visible evidence that it also aids its entry into individual cells.

Try it and you’ll see and feel superior delivery and enhanced results for yourself — guaranteed!

Squeeze the contents of one packet into your favorite juice or other cool beverage. It’s easy to swallow. Within minutes millions of “Smart” Lyposomal Nano-Spheres® loaded with vitamin C will move into your bloodstream and then into your cells. Once there, the “essential” phospholipids and the vitamin C will be unleashed to perform their powerful work!

Each 0.2 oz. packet of Lypo-Spheric™ Vitamin C contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,000 mg of “essential” phospholipids. It’s the most bio-available, easy-to-swallow vitamin C supplement on the market.

Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C – Numerous Positive Effects:

• Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C is a powerful Antioxidant with extraordinary benefits
• Provide rapid and positive impact on CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION (C.V.)
• Help to prevent impaired liver function linked to excessive fatigue, accelerated aging, weight problems, impaired immunity.
• Increase metabolism, endurance, energy and stamina.
• Help the body form the protein COLLAGEN that builds bone structure, cartilage and blood vessels.
• Help to decrease cholesterol and lead toxicity.
• Help to IMPROVE MEMORY.
• Help to INCREASE LONGEVITY and overall immune system.

What Experts Are Saying…

“Comparing the bioavailability of all other oral vitamin C delivery with your oral liposomal delivery is like comparing a squirt gun to a fire hose. Not only am I convinced that the efficacy of Lypo-Spheric™ Vitamin C far surpasses any traditional oral vitamin C supplement, but my recent personal experience with it suggests that it may sometimes be better than IV injection.” Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD Author of Primal Panacea

 

Must Have Product This Summer

We have been experiencing heat temperatures which are one of the highest in the decade. This trumps the simple hydration bottle which I thought would top the list of this summers pick.  Instead it’s the Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder.

I got to use it after hosting the UP Bagong Siglo run when my co host Carrie from VoiceWorx20 asked me to try it. Truly a wonder product,  it’s so soothing and cooling you would want to bath in it. For now its only available in Watsons, but it’s definitely a steal at P69 !

This is a must have for all runners and active outdoors people.

ALAY SA KAWAL : 2nd Vice President Jejomar Binay Racing Festival

It was my first time to go to a horse racing festival and I must say it was exciting.  The annual event was the 2nd Vice-President Jejomar Binay Racing held at the Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park in Carmona Cavite, December 29, 2012.
A major event just before the new year ends, and it was truly a memorable experience for me to cap off the year.

From left : Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Chairman Emeritus Atty. Ramon A. Pedrosa, ASK Corporate Treasurer Cesar N. Sarino, ASK President Atty. Alfonso R. Reyno Jr. They were at the lobby to welcome Vice President Binay [ Manila Jockey Club San Lazaro Liesure Park Carmona Cavite ]

Vice President of the Phlippines Jejomar C. Binay

Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno III addressing the guests

Manila Jockey Club President Atty Alfonso G. Reyno addressed the guest and best summed up the spirit of this event.

“Whether it is keeping the peace or defending the nation during wartime, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have remained a bulwark of Asia’s first democratic republic. The men and women of our armed forces heroically risk life and limb to protect the lives of every Filipino. The perform duties with honor, and frequently, for little recognition other than the profound knowledge that because of their sacrifice, our republic endures, and Philippines democracy continues to flourish. The Alay sa Kawal (ASK) Foundation was founded to uphold the rights and welfare of our soldiers and their families. Established in 1986 ASK has created and been an active  participant in programs that support the families of soldiers who were killed in action, or those seriously wounded in combat. Manila Jockey Club (MJC) is a proud partner of this supremely righteous cause.” ~  Atty Alfonso G. Reyno

Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the Manila Jockey Club betting station

After the program I was toured by Manila Jockey Club Marketing Director Eduardo Ramirez de Arellano at the grounds, first stop is the betting station. Before betting, information is everything. Horse racing analysts are everywhere. They are friendly to share their predictions. Its a play of statistics, science, experience, intuition, and luck! Even if all odds are against one, you’ll never know the outcome of each race. More blog articles to come on how to place bets.

Parade of Horses

Before Each race, every Race horse and Jockey go through the parade grounds near the view deck. This gives the crowd  a close view of the horses they are betting on, or have yet to bet on. Even if information is everything, its  great to see these fine horses up close.

San Lazaro Liesure Park View Deck

As excitement brews in the viewdeck. The horses get ready for their race. There are multiple horse races in an event and you can wager on each one of them, or like me, just enjoy the excitement you can feel on the stands.

And there they go!

As the siren goes off, the host or barker starts with his signature phrase “And there they go! ..at the outside line …. ” the excitement is something else. This is no video game, and watching it upclose where you literally here the horses hooves rumble the ground is as real as it gets.

About to cross the finish line!

A majestic shot on the beauty of Manila Jockey Club at San Lazaro Liesure Park.  This is a shot of one of the many races in the Alay sa Kawal races. One of the most exciting portions is the race to the finish line ofcourse. The race isnt over till the finishline. You can see horses overtaking each other. Truly exciting. Taken here, is one horse a millisecond away from the lead by the finishline. One race lasts only 1 to 2 minutes. But that is one action packed 2 minutes.

Mayor Benhur Abalos Winning the top Horse Breeder award

Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos winning the Top Horse Breeder award for his horse Hagdang Bato.  “Hagdang Bato is a locally bred horse. I bred him myself. It’s not easy being a breeder, because it takes so long for you to see the result of your research and study. A mare is pregnant for 11 months before it gives birth, then it’s at least two-and-a-half years before the horse is ready to race.”  as quoted from Mayor Abalos from Butch Maniego article at Spin.ph on the newest track hero.

Author Running Host Boy Ramos with top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez

Im seen here, with Top Horse Racing Jockey JB Hernandez. If youre in the horse racing scene, this guy is a rockstar. Good thing I was able to catch a short photo and shared a few words with him. He won the top prize in the event. Its no rocket science, so next time I know who to bet on! Thats why no one really blogs about horse racing..  if everyone knows who’s winning .. where is the excitement in that that. Kidding aside, with a few pounds to lose, I think I could take on riding a horse.  Maybe ill try it first at Wright park in Baguio!

Till my next visit to San Lazaro Liesure park. There is so much to see there and to do there other than Horse racing at Manila Jockey Club… did you know that a Playboy Rock the Rabbit concert was held there? Im so blogging on that soon

Cohen Diet Recipe: Steamed Lemon Lapu Lapu With Spinach & Roasted Vegetables

Steamed Lemon Lapu Lapu with  Spinach & Roast Vegetables

For those into the Cohen Lifestyle Diet Im sure by now youre running out of recipes.. and like me, a fellow food lover, with all the restrictions.. this is just not right..

For those already in Cohen Lifestyle Diet, kindly base your allowance as written in your personal program and you should know the restrictions. The main weight of the protein and vegetables is omitted but do base it on your program. To know more on the Cohen lifestyle diet. Visit http://www.cohenlifestyle.com.ph

A note on this dish. Lapu Lapu is best steamed as a whole fish, but due to weight allowance restrictions I already have our fish suki cut and fillet it. Fresh fish is best, there is no way around cooking good food if to begin with your primary ingredient (fish) is not fresh. Look for the freshest fish you can find given your budget.  Frozen fish any longer than 3 days from the time you bought it at the market is not going to taste as prime. This recipe I’ll be elaborating is not 100% cohen lifestyle diet friendly. Its cooked to appeal to “normal” diners or those in transition to low salt diet yet still maintaining a good and appetizing taste.

To make this dish 100% cohen lifestyle diet friendly, REMOVE from the ingredients the following:
No Sesame Oil
No Soy Sauce

Based on http://www.myfitnesspal.com this dish contains only the following:

430 Calories 25 Carbs 1 Fat 13 Protein

The following are the ingredients and instructions in preparing the Steamed Lapu Lapu & Spinach with Roasted Vegetables.
INGREDIENTS

Lapu Lapu Fillet

Lemon

Spinach

Half Large White Onion

Tomato

1/2 cup Bell Pepper

2 Teaspoon Minced Garlic

1 Tablesoon Olive Oil

2 Teaspoon Kikoman Light Soy Sauce

3 Teaspoon Sesame oil

Salt, Pepper,

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Wash Fish and drain water. Place fish on approx 8″ x  8″ aluminum foil.  Season with Pepper (no salt yet). Squeeze 1/2 lemon on top. Expect juices to drain but still should be inside the foil. Pour 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Slice lemon to have 2 thin slices. Place lemon slices on top. Wrap foil and entirely enclose fish.

You can actually just steam the fish directly without the foil, I choose to steam the fish with foil to retain lemon juice.

2) Steam at low heat 15 minutes. In the same steamer place spinach and steam for not more than 8 minutes

4) Slice onion in half. Do not peel. Slice Bell pepper. Slice tomatoes. Place in ceramic or oven capable plate. Pour in 1 teastpoon olive oil on Tomato, bell pepper. Place inside oven and roast it at 200 degrees 20 minutes

5) Steam spinach add salt and pepper to taste.

5) Prepare pan in low heat. Pour 2 teaspoon of olive oil. Place 2 teaspoon of minced garlic . Careful in unwrapping the steamed fish as it is hot and careful not to spill those precious delicious juice Pour in juices from the steamed fish. Pour in 2 teastpoon of sesame oil. Pour in 2 teaspoon of Kikoman Light soy sauce.  (optional to taste.. add 2 tablespoon of water, add 1 packet of splenda)

6) Plate the fish and pour in pan sauce on top of the fish. Plate the spinach and roast vegetables.

Why I like roasted vegetables.. if kaya ng ihaw much better. Tomato and onions gets to share its sweetness best when roasted or broiled. It just complements the light dish.

Try it and hit me up on how it tastes. You can replace lapu lapu fillet with Dory (not cohen friendly), tilapia fillet, and sea bass.

Preparing for Flood (Typhoon survival checklist)

It has been raining non-stop again for the last couple of hours and Im getting paranoid. I live in what is considered a low level area in Metro Manila prone to flooding here in lower Antipolo / Marcos Highway. We were seriously hit by Ondoy last 2009 and was devastated emotionally and financially as well.

Being prepared is always one step towards survival. Here are some things that we think is important to have during times like these. Prepare them beforehand and keep them in a safe place at all times. Better yet, keep them with you, or in an area that is easy to reach and won’t get in the way of raging floods, etc.

Im no outdoors or survival expert, but I did get this checklist somewhere around the net shared to me plus I added some of my own. The list is comprehensive but do adjust according to your needs . Best way is to imagine worst case scenarios and with a clear head, see what is needed.

YOUR TYPHOON SURVIVAL KIT

1. Clean drinking water. Good enough for a week. Consider having at least 1 gallon per person.
2. Other drinks. Consider: juices in packs, carbonated drinks, coffee.
3. Food. Also good enough for a week. Consider:
* Snacks that are easy to store and carry (biscuits, cookies)
* Non-perishable canned food (corned beef, tuna, pork and beans, vienna sausage, etc.)
* Candies to maintain sugar in body and keep acidity at bay
* Bread that will last for a few days, for carbo load
* Instant noodles, if you have the means to cook
* IMPORTANT: food for babies and the elderly if you have some staying with you
4. Food utensils.

*KNIFE~!!!! one of the most important utility. Have one in a holster, if you could teach kids to handle knives early in life the better. Something sharp that can be used not only in eating, food preparation, but utility as well, cutting rope.

* Spoons, forks, paper plates, drinking cups
* Non-electric can opener
* Cooking stove and fuel, if possible
* Plastic bags

*MATCHES! lots of MATCHES!

*KATOL

*CANDLES (be careful in handling), candle holder / stand
5. Medicines. Consider having medicines for the following:

*alcohol, disinfectant
* Fever and nausea
* Coughs and colds
* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Diarrhea
* Anti-tetanus
* Anti-leptospirosis
* Other prescription drugs that you need to take
6. First Aid kit. Must contain band-aids, gauze, tweezers, alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, bandage scissors, absorbent dressings, antiseptic wipe packets, cold compress, gloves and thermometer.
7. Sanitation kit. Make sure that you have tissue wipes, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers.
8. Toiletries. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap.
9. Blankets, towels, comforters, pillows. You can put them in large garbage bags to keep from getting wet.
10. Extra clothes and underwear. Put them in plastic bags to avoid from getting wet. If you can, pack something that will last you for a few days.
11. Jackets, sweaters, socks, caps. And anything else that will keep you warm and dry.
12. Emergency lights and flashlights
13. Fresh batteries. Have reserves for batteries of different sizes, especially for radios and flashlights.
14. Radio. Must be portable, battery operated, has functional AM station.
15. Mobile phone. Make sure the battery is fully charge, and that you have a spare one, too, in case of emergency. Also consider walkie-talkies.
16. Cash. Banks and ATMs might not be available so make sure that you have cash with you.
17. Keys. Have copies of keys to the front door, back door, garage, car keys, etc.
18. Items for pets. Consider also having a leash, muzzle, cage and food for your pets.
19. Umbrellas and tents
20. Water pails and dippers
21. Floatation devices like life jackets, styrofoams, old tires, etc. If life jackets or floatation devices, better if its styrofoam so you dont need to inflate it. During the last flood there were a lot of floatation devices but NO POWER to inlfate it. If you have these.. Get ready to inflate it.
22. Rope

*** INVERTERS, these are devices that can source power thru your car lighter, can handle small light radio. During last brownout, our inverter was able to power broadband, laptop, wifi, (myt wife had an important report to finish and submit) pump for fish and cellphone charger

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT

Many people have died trying to go back for these things, so it’s important that you are well-prepared already at this point in time. Keep these documents in a water-proof container:

1. Birth certificates
2. Insurance records
3. Medical records
4. SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records
5. Identification cards
6. Bank account numbers and records
7. Emergency contact numbers
8. Contact numbers of family, friends and loved ones

***** SOFTWARE DATA.. you may want to start burning to dvd / back-up online / back-up to external hardrive important data and store in water proof container.

It is important that you have an ID with you wherever you go. Also, a list of people to contact in case something happens to you. If you can, put your emergency contacts on speed dial.

LAST NOTES

If you have a 2nd floor, it may be hard work but start bringing up electrical items, specially with those of you who have their Audio Video room in a basement or Living Room downstairs. The refrigerator usually floats, that kinda like saved my life food and floating wise during ondoy hehehe.

Again, couldnt stress it even more, keep important documents, computers, harddrives dry in plastic.

**** keep cellphone charged at all times and inflatables inflated.

============================== this was originally published 6:00pm Aug 6. as of this writing, it is already 6pm Aug 7, the rainfall has been 472mm in 24hours (compared to ondoy’s 455mm in 2hours) ==========================

some additional info important and relevant gathered from the net