Dear Meyen, Sorry to be simply repeating a prior mail to Japanese colleagues. Luckily, some water was on our streets in Mandurriao and nomud floods came over. But the devastation is mind-boggling all overthe province. If you google "iloilo flood" you can get coverage onYouTube and other sites too:
I am not sure how much news you have gotten over a great floodsthat ravaged much of the whole island during the last weekend (21-22June 2008) as a result of the unusually heavy rains of typhoon'Frank'. (Fengshen) over central and northern Panay. A visual recordthat speaks louder than words may be obtained from a websiteaffiliated with a local radio station's (aksyonradyoiloilo) ---http://www.leosolinap.net/ ---
Luckily, some portions of the city itself were spared, although Janiuay, Maasin, Cabatuan, San Miguel,Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Jaro and Mandurriao were the worst hit in the province of Iloilo. The damage in Aklan and Capiz has also been devastating, largely because of the heavy mudflows from mountain areas.
Relief efforts are underway to help people who have lost family members and property, but some parts of the city have not yet regained power andwater supply until now. My internet connection at home has not beenworking, and I'm only glad that power is just back at the Miagaon campus.
Despite all these, I had to push through with an international conference slated for June 26-28 at the city campus. Power was back there and participants from all over the Philippines and abroad had arrived. So even with a skeleton working group of UPV personnel who had not been so greatly affected by the floods, we were able to push through....
Life has to go on, as they say. Now, how I am slowly recovering .... and the work goes on too....
Meloy
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
ANOTHER POEM
This was written after an evening at Jim's - after Noel had passed on.
REUNION - MANILA
Gathered in Jim’s dining room
survivors, we
our talk is light
light as the champagne Jim
uncorks to toast
another reunion
the laughter is real as
the pastries arranged
on a plate
Jim gives a running commentary about each piece just as we
annotate each joke
footnote each reference
and catalogue
each memory
the stories are the same
as always
the jokes are not new
but the voices are
different:
deeper
quieter
not quite so heedless
now
we do not talk about
the battles we have fought
and won
or lost
or have left to fight
for the moment the voices of our respective
constituencies
are stilled,
locked out
and then the magical happens: for an hour
or so
our younger selves leave
the cramped quarters of the present, stretch
embrace
and play
and suddenly, there is no room
but grass
again
and sand
and beach
there is no table here, or books,
or fax machine
but sky
we are sitting
squatting
leaning against each other
or a softball bat
we are wearing red and white uniforms
we are getting ready to practice
the steps of a dance
the moves of a game
the songs we will sing
tomorrow.
REUNION - MANILA
Gathered in Jim’s dining room
survivors, we
our talk is light
light as the champagne Jim
uncorks to toast
another reunion
the laughter is real as
the pastries arranged
on a plate
Jim gives a running commentary about each piece just as we
annotate each joke
footnote each reference
and catalogue
each memory
the stories are the same
as always
the jokes are not new
but the voices are
different:
deeper
quieter
not quite so heedless
now
we do not talk about
the battles we have fought
and won
or lost
or have left to fight
for the moment the voices of our respective
constituencies
are stilled,
locked out
and then the magical happens: for an hour
or so
our younger selves leave
the cramped quarters of the present, stretch
embrace
and play
and suddenly, there is no room
but grass
again
and sand
and beach
there is no table here, or books,
or fax machine
but sky
we are sitting
squatting
leaning against each other
or a softball bat
we are wearing red and white uniforms
we are getting ready to practice
the steps of a dance
the moves of a game
the songs we will sing
tomorrow.
REMEMBERING NOEL
Noel's death anniversary this month. Here is a poem I wrote for him then:
Losing Noel
When I saw you in February,
Noel,
there was no shadow across
your face
your words were no less biting
sarcastic, pointed, sharp, or crisp
than
at other times
I did not sense at all that
dark arms had claimed you
even then
I cannot imagine you were
a client waiting, pale
outside those doors,
even then
I shall believe,
Noel
that when they came
for you, you were in mid-
sentence
uttering a tart,
profane, and un-
apologetic diatribe
I shall believe that when they came for you
you had your pens lined up
for work – and how you
loved those pens -
your work on words,
of words you loved
Ah, yes
I refuse to think,
Noel
that when they came for you
you were waiting for them.
Losing Noel
When I saw you in February,
Noel,
there was no shadow across
your face
your words were no less biting
sarcastic, pointed, sharp, or crisp
than
at other times
I did not sense at all that
dark arms had claimed you
even then
I cannot imagine you were
a client waiting, pale
outside those doors,
even then
I shall believe,
Noel
that when they came
for you, you were in mid-
sentence
uttering a tart,
profane, and un-
apologetic diatribe
I shall believe that when they came for you
you had your pens lined up
for work – and how you
loved those pens -
your work on words,
of words you loved
Ah, yes
I refuse to think,
Noel
that when they came for you
you were waiting for them.
JUNE 22, 2008 FLOODS IN ILOILO
Postscript to tragedy (EDITED)
Posted on June 28th, 2008
Author: Artchil Fernandez, Hot and Spicy, ◙ The Daily Guardian
ON FRIDAY night, the people of Iloilo went to sleep thinking it was just an ordinary rainy night. The weather forecast from PAG-ASA said typhoon Frank had just made landfall in Samar. Late night news plotted the pathway of Frank, showing it would proceed to Bicol from Samar then head for the northern part of Luzon. An earlier weather bulletin even projected Frank would not make landfall at all, indicating it would exit in the Pacific near northern Luzon.
Thus, upon waking on Saturday morning, Ilonggos were surprised to find water under their beds, with strong winds and rain battering their houses. Unable to make sense what was going on, many turned on their radios only to discover electric power gone. Only those with battery-powered transistor radios came to know what was happening. Frank had changed course and the city and province of Iloilo was on its direct path.
By the time the people of Panay figured out the situation, Frank was already unleashing 170 km per hour winds, dumping heavy rains that lasted more than twelve hours. Many residents climbed to rooftops and trees to escape rampaging waters as they cried for help. It was only then that Ilonggos became aware of the calamity that had befallen them.
Floods, never seen before in the history of Iloilo submerged the city and province. Water rose so fast in many areas people hardly had time to save their belongings. In a matter of fifteen to twenty minutes, houses were under water. In places the water was eight to ten feet high. Those with no second floors clambered to their rooftops and stayed there for twelve to twenty-fours hours, under strong winds and rain.
Frantic calls for help swamped radio stations and government agencies. Unprepared for the calamity, their lame response barely made a difference. When it was over, the city and province of Iloilo was devastated.
In Region 6, 498 died, and 263 are missing. The figure is expected to rise as reports started to trickle in from far-flung areas. Power and communication were cut off, and as of this writing, only 46% of Panay had electricity. Damage to infrastructure, livelihood and agriculture is expected to reach billions of pesos (Php5.5 billion according to recent estimates).
As Ilonggos pick up the pieces and slowly recover from the calamity, valuable lessons need to be learned. The tragedy has exposed the unpreparedness of the government – province, city and municipalities, in disaster management. As cries for assistance deluged government units, they were helpless.
One disaster office had no disaster equipment except for a single rope. With no resources to use, all that local government units could do was listen to frantic cries and calls and watch as people were swept away. Some local executives could only cry as they witnessed their constituents plunge to their deaths.
Disaster preparedness is one area neglected by government units. Usually it takes a tragedy for them to move and do something. Do not wait for another tragedy to strike before moving. Today more than ever disaster preparedness of the community should be given top priority. Frank was not the first or the last typhoon to hit the region. The rainy season has just started.
While what happened was primarily caused by the force of nature, human factor could have aggravated the situation. Areas never flooded before were inundated by water. With most of Panay’s forest cover gone, when heavy rains occur, especially in the mountainous parts of the island, water immediately rushes down the slopes as there are no more trees to hold them.
Flooding is already a perennial problem in the city of Iloilo but the magnitude of the recent flood is a wake-up call. If Panay had sufficient forest cover, the flooding would not have been this bad. Reports of illegal logging should be investigated.
Wanton greed and irresponsibility have destroyed whatever is left of Panay’s forest cover and people living in low lying areas are paying a very high price for this. Stronger efforts must be made to prevent the destruction of remaining forests and instead, expand them. Environmental consciousness must be ingrained in the minds of the people. When nature takes its revenge, everyone is a victim.
Posted on June 28th, 2008
Author: Artchil Fernandez, Hot and Spicy, ◙ The Daily Guardian
ON FRIDAY night, the people of Iloilo went to sleep thinking it was just an ordinary rainy night. The weather forecast from PAG-ASA said typhoon Frank had just made landfall in Samar. Late night news plotted the pathway of Frank, showing it would proceed to Bicol from Samar then head for the northern part of Luzon. An earlier weather bulletin even projected Frank would not make landfall at all, indicating it would exit in the Pacific near northern Luzon.
Thus, upon waking on Saturday morning, Ilonggos were surprised to find water under their beds, with strong winds and rain battering their houses. Unable to make sense what was going on, many turned on their radios only to discover electric power gone. Only those with battery-powered transistor radios came to know what was happening. Frank had changed course and the city and province of Iloilo was on its direct path.
By the time the people of Panay figured out the situation, Frank was already unleashing 170 km per hour winds, dumping heavy rains that lasted more than twelve hours. Many residents climbed to rooftops and trees to escape rampaging waters as they cried for help. It was only then that Ilonggos became aware of the calamity that had befallen them.
Floods, never seen before in the history of Iloilo submerged the city and province. Water rose so fast in many areas people hardly had time to save their belongings. In a matter of fifteen to twenty minutes, houses were under water. In places the water was eight to ten feet high. Those with no second floors clambered to their rooftops and stayed there for twelve to twenty-fours hours, under strong winds and rain.
Frantic calls for help swamped radio stations and government agencies. Unprepared for the calamity, their lame response barely made a difference. When it was over, the city and province of Iloilo was devastated.
In Region 6, 498 died, and 263 are missing. The figure is expected to rise as reports started to trickle in from far-flung areas. Power and communication were cut off, and as of this writing, only 46% of Panay had electricity. Damage to infrastructure, livelihood and agriculture is expected to reach billions of pesos (Php5.5 billion according to recent estimates).
As Ilonggos pick up the pieces and slowly recover from the calamity, valuable lessons need to be learned. The tragedy has exposed the unpreparedness of the government – province, city and municipalities, in disaster management. As cries for assistance deluged government units, they were helpless.
One disaster office had no disaster equipment except for a single rope. With no resources to use, all that local government units could do was listen to frantic cries and calls and watch as people were swept away. Some local executives could only cry as they witnessed their constituents plunge to their deaths.
Disaster preparedness is one area neglected by government units. Usually it takes a tragedy for them to move and do something. Do not wait for another tragedy to strike before moving. Today more than ever disaster preparedness of the community should be given top priority. Frank was not the first or the last typhoon to hit the region. The rainy season has just started.
While what happened was primarily caused by the force of nature, human factor could have aggravated the situation. Areas never flooded before were inundated by water. With most of Panay’s forest cover gone, when heavy rains occur, especially in the mountainous parts of the island, water immediately rushes down the slopes as there are no more trees to hold them.
Flooding is already a perennial problem in the city of Iloilo but the magnitude of the recent flood is a wake-up call. If Panay had sufficient forest cover, the flooding would not have been this bad. Reports of illegal logging should be investigated.
Wanton greed and irresponsibility have destroyed whatever is left of Panay’s forest cover and people living in low lying areas are paying a very high price for this. Stronger efforts must be made to prevent the destruction of remaining forests and instead, expand them. Environmental consciousness must be ingrained in the minds of the people. When nature takes its revenge, everyone is a victim.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
JULY 25, 2008 HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES
Alongside the Centennial Lunch (July 25) are the following programs and activities:
7:00 A.M.- Motorcade (around the City) Route: U.P. Quadrangle, Infante gate, Diversion Road to Sambag,Jaro, pass by CPU to Jaro Plaza, E. Lopez Street, along Iloilo National High School, Gaisano City to the Provincial Capitol,Plaza Libertad via Iznart and JM Basa to Rizal Ma.Clara,Iznart St., Ledesma St., Tanza back to Infante and back to U.P. Quadrangle. (cars with UP car plates are urged to join)
10:00 A.M. - Cutting of Ribbon (UP Memorabilia Hall)
Chem building (in front of the Chancellor's Office)(Batches, groups, barkadas, fraternities, sororities, clubs, etc. are requested to submit 4 ft. x 8 ft. (w x h) standing tarpaulin for your pictures and memento(s).
(Suggested printer is Mr. Tarp at tel. no. 3290994 at P 20.00/sq. ft.)
Deadline of submission will be on July 12, 2008. Kindly include in the design the year your batch graduated from U.P. We shall be displaying your tarps in chronological order.
10:00 A.M.; Simultaneously, a basketball friendship game among former varsity players shall be held at the basketball court behind the Little Theater. (Please contact Louie Saavedra at 09282827600 if you wish to join).
10:15 A.M. High School Palabas at the UPV Iloilo Campus Quadrangle (1st year to 4th year High School students)
11:00 A.M.- Awarding of 100 Model Iskolars ng Bayan Mechanics:
Each High School Batch from 1948 to 2008 shall choose among themselves model alumnae.
The chosen Model Iskolar ng Bayan must possess the integrity of being a graduate of the U.P. and at the same time must serve as an inspiration for other Iskolars ng Bayan to emulate or follow.
Aside from the 60, each Academic Group (Clovers, Redbolts, Bluechips, Electrons, Skimmers, Fisheries shall name 5 from each Academic Group). The rest shall be named by the Alumni Association.A Plaque of Recognition shall be awarded to the 100 Models.
Deadline of submission: July 12, 200811:30 A.M.
Presentation and awarding of the Oblation Pintawo Contest (Note: Watch out there might be a live human oblation!)
12:00 - Centennial Lunch. Each batch, group, barkada, fraternity, sorority, club shall prepare their own packed lunches. They will find their own place (any place) inside the campus to eat their lunch together. Drinks shall be sold at the back of the Little Theater.
12:00 - Save the Old High School Building Project of the UPHS Iloilo (high school) alumni Association.
12 nn - 2:30 Binhi Band shall perform at the Softball Diamond open field (in the open area between the front of the humanities building, the back of the LT and the main library. The Totong Villaruz Band shall also perform at the same place.
6:00 p.m.Zarzuela (by all theater groups: Teatro Amakan, Tagupci, etc. from the past until the present) at the Auditorium
U.P. Alumni I.D. is available at Php 100.00. Please send your namesand your payment of Php 100.00/i.d. to your representative who will be attending the meeting on July 12, 2008.
With the centennial flame burning in every Iskolar ng bayan heart, we hope that this desire lead you back to U.P. Iloilo campus, relive the good old days, meet new friends, rebuild relationships, have fun and take part in the festivities. We shall be having our final meeting on July 12, 2008 at Mang Inasal Mary mart mall branch at 10 in the morning. Each batch and academic group is requested to send a representative.
7:00 A.M.- Motorcade (around the City) Route: U.P. Quadrangle, Infante gate, Diversion Road to Sambag,Jaro, pass by CPU to Jaro Plaza, E. Lopez Street, along Iloilo National High School, Gaisano City to the Provincial Capitol,Plaza Libertad via Iznart and JM Basa to Rizal Ma.Clara,Iznart St., Ledesma St., Tanza back to Infante and back to U.P. Quadrangle. (cars with UP car plates are urged to join)
10:00 A.M. - Cutting of Ribbon (UP Memorabilia Hall)
Chem building (in front of the Chancellor's Office)(Batches, groups, barkadas, fraternities, sororities, clubs, etc. are requested to submit 4 ft. x 8 ft. (w x h) standing tarpaulin for your pictures and memento(s).
(Suggested printer is Mr. Tarp at tel. no. 3290994 at P 20.00/sq. ft.)
Deadline of submission will be on July 12, 2008. Kindly include in the design the year your batch graduated from U.P. We shall be displaying your tarps in chronological order.
10:00 A.M.; Simultaneously, a basketball friendship game among former varsity players shall be held at the basketball court behind the Little Theater. (Please contact Louie Saavedra at 09282827600 if you wish to join).
10:15 A.M. High School Palabas at the UPV Iloilo Campus Quadrangle (1st year to 4th year High School students)
11:00 A.M.- Awarding of 100 Model Iskolars ng Bayan Mechanics:
Each High School Batch from 1948 to 2008 shall choose among themselves model alumnae.
The chosen Model Iskolar ng Bayan must possess the integrity of being a graduate of the U.P. and at the same time must serve as an inspiration for other Iskolars ng Bayan to emulate or follow.
Aside from the 60, each Academic Group (Clovers, Redbolts, Bluechips, Electrons, Skimmers, Fisheries shall name 5 from each Academic Group). The rest shall be named by the Alumni Association.A Plaque of Recognition shall be awarded to the 100 Models.
Deadline of submission: July 12, 200811:30 A.M.
Presentation and awarding of the Oblation Pintawo Contest (Note: Watch out there might be a live human oblation!)
12:00 - Centennial Lunch. Each batch, group, barkada, fraternity, sorority, club shall prepare their own packed lunches. They will find their own place (any place) inside the campus to eat their lunch together. Drinks shall be sold at the back of the Little Theater.
12:00 - Save the Old High School Building Project of the UPHS Iloilo (high school) alumni Association.
12 nn - 2:30 Binhi Band shall perform at the Softball Diamond open field (in the open area between the front of the humanities building, the back of the LT and the main library. The Totong Villaruz Band shall also perform at the same place.
6:00 p.m.Zarzuela (by all theater groups: Teatro Amakan, Tagupci, etc. from the past until the present) at the Auditorium
U.P. Alumni I.D. is available at Php 100.00. Please send your namesand your payment of Php 100.00/i.d. to your representative who will be attending the meeting on July 12, 2008.
With the centennial flame burning in every Iskolar ng bayan heart, we hope that this desire lead you back to U.P. Iloilo campus, relive the good old days, meet new friends, rebuild relationships, have fun and take part in the festivities. We shall be having our final meeting on July 12, 2008 at Mang Inasal Mary mart mall branch at 10 in the morning. Each batch and academic group is requested to send a representative.
Friday, May 30, 2008
REMEMBERING RAMY
May 18, 2008 - Engr. Ramon "Ramy" Doromal, husband of Dea Doromal, passed away in Baguio City from a heart attack. He was in his 70s.
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