The “feared” Kapai Lake

The “feared” Kapai Lake in the Municipality of Kapai, Lanao del Sur is not that threatening. Based on the mid-air survey recently conducted, the lake looks calm and “friendly.”

Map showing that the Municipality of Kapai
is adjacent to the Province of Bukidnun  

According to the 2000 census results, Kapai has more than 16,564 residents inhabiting over 2,270 households. The municipality is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. A close interview with the original folks in the area revealed that the lake had already been in existence for years. In all their lives, they never develop a single thought that the lake could be frightening.

Geographically, the town of Kapai is adjacent to the Province of Bukidnun. Based on this plot, many are speculating that in the event the lake will overflow, people in Bukidnun, Iligan City and a portion of Lanao del Sur Province will be affected.

Aerial photo showing the current status of Kapai Lake

People supposed that due to the occurrence of Tropical Storm Sendong, Kapai Lake was then filled with logs; and so, by the time it will rain harder, those logs shall damage the surrounding area, particularly the above-mentioned places. Some are even claiming that once the lake’s water volume will increase on account of bad weather, the spill-over shall be more than enough to cover the town of Iligan. To my mind, these are all mere conjectures, hearsays and baseless assumptions.

Prayer is the real sword!

Remember, not even the country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources have issued any statement about this matter. The department is not even alarmed. It is fair to conclude, therefore, that until there is an official declaration from the authorities and proper offices, there is no cogent reason to spread the rumor that Kapai Lake is dangerous.  

Needless to state however, everyone must be cautious and rationally sensitive. What people can do this challenging time, just as always, is to live in faith, pray and trust in the power of the Sovereign Almighty.

What’s wrong in Compostela Valley?

People retrieving the affected miners down below.

There is something wrong with the local officials in Compostela Valley – they lack political will. There is something wrong with the people living within the mining premises – they fear to venture into another form or source of day-to-day living, much that they get addicted with the thought of gold.

Those who suffered and died in the tragic landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley are the same persons whom the present Government pledged to serve, protect, and look after. Their death is tormenting, yet it seems that no one cares. Their death is recurring, yet it seems that no serious action has ever been taken. Reports yesterday, January 5, 2012, cleared that around 25 people were dead while over a hundred are still missing in the area. Those injured ones were already brought to the nearest hospitals.

What’s wrong?

A damaged house located just over
the portal of the mining area.
.

On one hand, the blame primarily rests on the leaders in the province. It is fair to point out that they should impose their political will – that no one among the small scale miners should be allowed to live permanently within the mining area. They can do mining, but they should not reside in there 24/7.

The proposal for “small scale mining total ban” is not quite acceptable since these people need a living. But giving legal permits to the miners by the local offices in there is not the only means by which these people can earn meager amount. The challenge is on the provincial political leaders to provide another source of living like “cooperative livelihood assistance program” for instance. This kind of approach had long been proven effective in other local government units like Iligan City.

Air-pipe is being provided to the trapped miners
down below so they can breathe.

On the other hand, residents in the area must stop clinging for gold. The search for this precious object can give them 2 to 3 meals a day, but the process of generation is really risky. In like manner, the tragedy is a challenge to them that they should go to the mainstream and make another form of living, other than mining dangerously.  

Trending Foods This 2012

There should be no major changes in your food diet regimen this year. People who are currently maintaining their weight and body shape can still stay with their eating program. What we are trying to focus on this time is to try the new list of trending foods for 2012, and be happy while eating!

Mouth-watering carrot cake!

CARROT CAKE is healthy! What makes this delicious dessert very healthy is the fact that its main ingredient is carrot. The health benefits of this cake is hugely enhanced and expanded when you start adding apple, raisin, and walnut in your recipe. Scientifically, carrot is proven to improve the skin texture and hair strands while it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol level.

Welcome the day with fresh lemon drink!  

FRESH LEMON JUICE is very refreshing! Easy to prepare, affordable, tasty, and real healthy - all these make lemon juice a top-pick. Enriched with Vitamin C, lemons are very effective antioxidants that combat free radicals in the body. These free radicals, if not attacked, can severely damage the cells. More so, the limonin content of lemon prevents the occurrence of cancer, particularly in the colon, gums, skin, and mouth.

This is healthier than white rice!

BROWN RICE is still top selling! This rice is very rich in fibers which are real good in improving human digestive system. Medical experts believe that high-fiber diet can always bring human health condition into an optimum level. Fiber reduces the occurrence of heart illnesses and constipation. People wishing to trim down this year should venture more on brown rice than white rice.

This is the best, the healthiest ever!

BROCCOLI remains a winner! This food is very easy to find all over the supermarkets in the country. Broccoli is full of Vitamin C that helps the body in terms of iron absorption. For ladies, the folic acid content of broccoli can sustain tissue growth in the body. More importantly, its sulforaphane content increases the enzyme level that thwart cancer. 

Sendong’s Survivors in Iligan City

Father and son trying to survive the day after the devastating
effects of Sendong. The son's face looks empty,
but he knows he and his father 'will survive.
  

New day, new hope! This is the resounding battle cry of all storm survivors. The local officials of Iligan City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines, are firmly moving forward to bring back to normal state the lives of all Iliganons, particularly those heavily devastated by Tropical Storm Sendong last December 17, 2011. City Mayor Lawrence Ll Cruz and City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy are one in saying that their constituents can do better this year.

City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy
Iligan City, Philippines

In his office, the good City Vice Mayor Henry C Dy is continually expanding his networks for donations, mostly coming from the Filipino-Chinese community and other civic organizations. Other local government units (LGUs) all over the country showed their concern to the survivors. National TV networks GMA Kapuso and ABS-CBN Kapamilya are likewise lending hands giving relief items and other forms of assistance.

School Administrators and volunteers
 cleaning the affected educational areas. 

Those families who lost loved ones and relatives are still grieving this time. But according to some, they need not cry anymore because this new day, this new year means new hope. Students are slowly working on their way to school, although those affected school premises are still being cleaned by concern citizens, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, and other volunteers.

10-year old boy survivor

Just yesterday, 17 days after the storm, a 10-year old boy was found in the Municipality of Naawan, a neighboring town in Iligan City. The boy is alive! He looked tired, weary, and hungry. He was immediately brought to the hospital. Upon interview, the boy testified that he was saved by a small log over which he rode for days until he reached the seashore of Naawan.

Many Iliganons are claiming that they will see and experience brighter things this year of the Water Dragon. They are hoping that the key officials of the City will unceasingly serve them until all survivors are able to stand up again. 

Water Dragon 2012 - Love Forecasts

Men and women need a guide so they may be able to handle their love affair well. More people are continually looking for true love, while others are dreaming of having love life that ends like “and they live happily ever after.” To my mind, there is no harm if you take a look on the top love forecasts this year based on zodiac signs.

The sweetest word you could ever hear!

 ARIES. There is a need to give your partner extra attention coupled with surprises. Don’t worry too much because the entire year will be full of harmony while you live in good balance. However, you must note that in the middle of 2012 you will be confronted with important love life decision-making which you must face rationally.

TAURUS. If you are currently chasing someone this time, take time to think back and ask yourself if he or she is really the right one. You might be running after a rotten egg. It’s a given factor that you want to be happy, but to achieve it you must be extra-cautious. Notice that there are so much out there for you to enjoy. Respond to opportunities when they knock.

GEMINI. You will be travelling this time, mostly far from your present location.  Find out if you can have time to travel with your sweetheart. You won’t need anything more because generally, everything in your life is working just fine.

Marry me, marry you!

CANCER. You will have so much love, and 2012 will be filled with extreme fantasy. Now that you are almost settled with your sweetheart, bringing the relationship to a higher level is a sound move. Therefore, you can perfectly marry. Rest with the faithfulness of your partner.

LEO. It is not good to take so much time with persons you barely know because that will bring complications into your life. You can expect, however, that you will meet your destiny this year. Building trust is important.

VIRGO. Since good luck and opportunities will be flooding right before your door, you should pick the most appropriate one and go for it. Once you do so, that will open the door for you and your sweetheart to be more affectionate to each other. More affection, more love.

The balancing power of Libra.

LIBRA. This year is for Librans, especially when they level up into warmer and generous attitudes. But if you are currently in a relationship, make sure you don’t overdo it. Otherwise, problems will come along. Maintain balance inasmuch as you can. 

SCORPIO. During the 1^st quarter of 2012, revisit some of your plans and find out which one you should amend. Never fight with your sweetheart just because of your ego. It is best to stay calm and rested.  

Be out on a date when you finally meet your partner.

SAGITTARIUS. This is your moment to get excited because there a lot of good things that will happen in your love life. More so, there will be great changes in your life as a person. Don’t get confused by the time you finally meet the one intended for you – your soul mate.

CAPRICORN. Anywhere between March to April this year, you will get a signal that your match is about to come. That would be full of fun. Truly, you had been praying for love to come, and this time that shall be answered. Just stay patient.  

AQUARIUS. The card says “you should leave behind all your worries and bad lucks.” Carrying past baggage will do no good as you move forward, especially when the time comes that you get a true miracle. Focus on your personal life including your love life because that will guide you to appreciate the things around you.

Grab it once it knocks on your door!

PISCES. There shall be new space for new opportunities, and that includes love. If you are in a relationship now, there will be sudden changes, troubles, upside down moments, but you can always manage every situation. Because you will be highly emotional this year, make sure you guard your heart. 

Beautiful Things This 2012 - Year Of The Water Dragon!

Generally, Chinese or Asian Water Dragon, also referred to as Green Water Dragon, is a powerful arboreal reptile growing at most 3 feet, 2/3 of which is the tail. The male species are bigger than the females. While the females appear pinkish in color, the male ones have more prominent colors on the throat area. 

Based on the Paht Chee Calculator Chart, 2012 is likely a transformational year for all. For people inclined into business, this year can very fruitful and very good time to release huge investments than the previous year. Insofar as financial investment is concern, success will largely depend on how you ride into the movements of the Water Dragon, although luck is already present.

Do you believe in stars? Yes, you must. Notice that your luck now has something to do with the three (3) stars present this year – Aggressive Sword star, Powerful Mentors star, and External Flower of Romance star. 

The Aggressive Sword star is tormenting because it signifies aggression and hostility. This is corroborated by the natural fact that harmony is not easily achieved. Hurting words and compromising actions will be taken. However, all these can be thwarted by driving away tense energies by laughing out loud. 

Year 2012 is for people seeking new avenues in their career – time to grow and find greener pasture. This is the main indication advanced by the Powerful Mentors star. This influential star can bring you vast fortune unexpectedly. You will reap recognition, support, good treats, and excessive care from people around you. Just be keen while dancing with your charming mentor. 

The External Flower of Romance star is dedicated to many persons experiencing danger in their romantic life. The way to activate and safeguard your relationship is to guide your partner and never let go of the good plans you have this year. That will keep your unity a lot stronger. Stay faithful.  

Because of the extreme strength of the Water Dragon, there is no room for slowing down this year. This means that the condition of your momentum is far better than yesterday. It is very wise, therefore, to take advantage of the dragon’s power so you could reach your goals. 

Kim Jong Un – can he run North Korea as “Supreme Commander”?

Kim Jong Un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-Il, is now in power he being the new “Supreme Commander” of North Korea. The demise of his father drew thousands of Koreans at the Kim II Sung Square in Pyongyang. Majority of the crowd were Korean soldiers that showed their loyalty to their “Dear Leader” who had been their refuge for over a decade.

The death of Kim Jong Il gave way to the assumption of power of Kim Jong Un. But rumors are continually spreading asking if the latter is capable of governing the North Korean people. To my mind, it is fair to say that he deserves a chance to show his leadership, and it is still premature to prejudge his capacities. No less than Kim Yong Nam, the head of the Korean Workers Party, said that Kim Jong Un shall be the supreme commander of the armed forces, the ruling party, and the people of North Korea. In fact, General Kim Jong Gak, the head of the military office, declared him as “the supreme leader of our revolutionary armed forces” and thru which loyalty and obedience can be had.

These are just few of the faithful declarations coming from the prominent leaders and key officials in North Korea upon which people around the world can fairly look upon and hopefully rely in the long run.

Let it be noted that power was given to him by his father last October 8. From then on, speculations claim that Kim Jong Un, as young as he is, may not be able to handle soundly governmental decisions especially so that they are now considered as nuclear State. However, it was made clear that the assumption of power of their new leader does not necessarily mean change of national policies.