PostHeaderIcon 8.3 quake hits Samoa

9/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A strong quake with a magnitude of 8.3 in the Richter scale hit the Samoan Islands in the Pacific triggering a tsunami of about 1.6 meters in height in Pago-Pago, American Samoa.

No reports of casualties and damage have so far been reported. A tsunami warning was raised in the southern Pacific region as a result of the quake which occurred at about 6:50 AM, local time on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. (Photo Credit: Flovic)

UPDATE: Subsequent reports revealed that at least 14 died when a tsunami surged into the islands of Tutuilla and Leone. An unspecified number was also reportedly killed in the Samoan Island. A village was quickly flattened with the generated big wave that rose to about 5 to 13 feet. Many people ran to higher ground up the mountain when the tsunami warning was raised, but was later recinded. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon As the calamity fund dries up, human suffering continues in Manila's flood

9/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Typhoon Ondoy and the Manila Flood



















Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.

Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.

The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)

"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)

The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=

RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Polanksi held in Zurich for rape committed three decades ago

9/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After escaping sentencing for a statutory rape of a 13 year old in Beverly Hills, California in 1978, acclaimed director Roman Polanski was taken into custody in Zurich, Switzerland. The controversial film director was arrested on the basis of an extradition and Swiss authorities coordinated with US legal officials to decide whether he would be sent back to the United States to face the law.

“Polanski, now 76 and a married father of two, asked the court to throw out the entire case based on new allegations of prosecutorial and judicial misconduct detailed in an HBO documentary last year. The L.A. district attorney’s office argued that he could not make such a request while a fugitive, and an L.A. judge earlier this year agreed. A 1997 attempt at settling the case also failed.”----Los Angeles Times (09/27/09, Ryan, H.; Blankstein, A.)

The Hollywood fugitive, Polanski, a French citizen dodged arrest for decades,. He arrived on Saturday, September 26, 2009 in the Swiss capital city to attend the Zurich Film festival honoring his cinematic works. Officials of the film event were flabbergasted over Polanski’s arrest. The director was behind celebrated films like Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown, and the Pianist which won him an Academy award in 2002.

Disregarding the crime, French and Polish political and cultural elite defended Polanski and asked for his release. Artists and film makers also wanted the director’s freedom questioning the motive behind the arrest.

Yet, if the law has to take its course, Polanski, no matter how famous and talented he is must not be above the law. Failing to appear in his sentencing in 1978, his warrant of arrest is still in effect. (Photo Credit: Gullaume Horcajuelo/ European Press Photo) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Mica Bernas presents her dazzling choreography with the Yangtze Repertory Theatre

9/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On a chilly evening last Saturday, September 26, 2009, I had the chance to see the presentation of the Yangtze Repertory Theatre entitled “Traces Variations In A Foreign Land #10” in Flushing Town Hall Auditorium in Queens, New York. The dramatic presentation was the brainchild of young talented multiracial choreographers David Chien Hui Shen, Mica Bernas, Kyla Barkin and Aaron Selissen.

Remarkable was Mica Bernas (see center lady in the picture) who came from the Philippines. Her impressive input showcased part of the culture she brought from Asia’s emerald islands. Complementing the modern innovative dances of the other choreographers, Mica’s presentations were as exuberant as they were agile--- their nuances of movement were so pleasing that I was focused thinking how the young Filipina artist and her companions could come up with those athletic, but graceful dance sequences.

“Mica Bernas was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and started her training at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Dance (CCP) School under the direction of Noordin Jumalon. In 2002, she joined Ballet Philippines (BP), performing and touring with the company as a soloist in works by Alice Reyes, Denisa Reyes, Tony Fabella, William Morgan, Agnes Lugnasin and Agnes Locsin.

She was a representative of the Philippines in ASEAN Arts Festival in Cambodia in 2002 as well as ASEAN production of REALIZING RAMA featuring collaborating artists from ten South East Asian Countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam) in 2003 and 2006.

Since arriving in New York in 2006, she has worked with Max Luna III, Karole Armitage, Connecticut Ballet, Zig Zag Ballet, H.T. Chen and Dancers, Leonides D. Arpon, Marta Renzi and Gallim Dance. She is currently a member of the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company and a founding member of Akin, Amin, Atin, an ensemble, which is committed to developing and presenting contemporary, multicultural works by Filipino contemporary artists. She appeared last fall in Yangtze Rep's "Variations in a Foreign Land IX: Akin. Amin. Atin.," dancing in works by Leonides Arpon.”-----News Blaze.com (09/06/09, Staff, J.)

Reading through Mica’s resume, I could tell how the young lady takes her artistic talent with seriousness, dedication, and passion. I was so proud of her being in New York, just like her parents, Benjamin and Irma Bernas, originally from Baao, Camarines Sur who were beside me during the dazzling presentation. Congratulations Mica! That presentation was simply great! Photo Credit: News Blaze/ Staff, J.) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Smoking ban decreases heart attack rates

9/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Researchers who analyzed studies of smoking ban and its effect on the rate of heart attacks revealed that in communities in America, Canada, and Europe where smoking ban was implemented, a 17% decline in heart attack rate was noted after a year.

Compared to those without smoking restrictions, communities enforcing smoking ban achieved 36% reduction of heart attacks after a three year period. The decrease in heart attacks in time was reported in the journal Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The findings are consistent with the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2009 data that non-smokers subjected to secondhand smoke at home or in the workplace have a 25 to 30 percent higher chance of contracting heart disease. This adverse effect of smoking do not include respiratory diseases that are linked with the habit.

"This study adds to the already strong evidence that secondhand smoke causes heart attacks, and that passing 100 percent smoke-free laws in all workplaces and public places is something we can do to protect the public,…Now we have a better understanding of how you can predict what will happen if you impose a smoking-free law."--- James M. Lightwood, Ph.D., adjunct professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California-San Francisco. www. consumeraffairs.com ( 09/22/09, Limback, J.) (Photo Credit: cbc.ca) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon More casualties in RP's Typhoon Ondoy

9/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




The heavy rains and subsequent flood which swept Manila and neighboring provinces in the weekend brought a trail of destruction, disrupting lives and causing about 340,000 people to evacuate in 92 centers all over the country. The government reported deaths of at least 100 people, mostly due to drowning--- the aftermath of tropical typhoon Ondoy.

“Twenty-one died in Region III: nine in Bulacan and 12 in Arayat, Pampanga. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, one was killed in Kabugao, Apayao…

At the badly-hit Provident Village in Marikina, GMA News reported Sunday night that no less than 15 people had been found dead in the village. Among them were two children and six adults left by the roadside awaiting identification by family members who had been prevented by the flood from reaching them in time. Other residents were rescued Sunday after getting stranded for many hours.”---- GMAnew. TV (09/27/09, Dedace, S)

Drenched with rain, many people stranded for hours were rescued from the flooded streets and others were plucked from rooftops of houses. Villages were impassible to regular traffic in a flooding considered the worst in 42 years.

Airports temporarily cancelled flights as runways became water-logged. Electrical power disruptions were reported in various parts of the city. Businesses and stores in many villages in Manila were closed because of water damage.

Overall, the flood had been another warning that Filipinos need to step up their disaster preparedness. If not, more destruction and deaths couldn't be averted. (Photo Credit: Inquirer.net; YahoowNews/ AFP) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Record flooding in Manila by Typhoon Ondoy Posted by mesiamd at 9/26/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Iran builds a second nuclear facility; UN stuck with a new resolution

9/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


United Nations appears almost powerless in foiling nuclear proliferation. On Friday, September 25, US president Barack Obama, French president Nicholas Sarkozy and British Prime minister Gordon Brown at the G-20 economic summit chorused to say Iran is building underground uranium enrichment and concealing the facility from the eyes of international inspectors.

Iran’s head of the Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi quickly defended the facility saying that it was intended as back-up in case the first nuclear facility it built will be attacked. Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purpose.

In a Saturday address, Pres. Barack Obama reiterated the seriousness of Iran’s evasive designs and warns anew of grave consequences of Iran’s devious plan. The international front thinks of heavier economic sanctions against Iran and doesn’t rule out military action. It’s the same rhetoric the world is hearing. Russia and China advice cooperation from Iran, but these countries don’t endorse tough sanctions, probably their way of protecting their business interests.

"Iran's leaders must now choose — they can live up to their responsibilities and achieve integration with the community of nations. Or they will face increased pressure and isolation, and deny opportunity to their own people." ----Pres. Barack Obama. AP (09/27/09)

With Obama leading the UN Security council, world powers are endorsing a nuclear-free world whose realization no one knows when. They want to make it hard to proliferate nuclear arms in the future.

“The Security Council unanimously passed a U.S.-drafted resolution that endorses the eventual goal of "a world without nuclear weapons." It lays out steps for nuclear powers to trim their arsenals, while making it harder for other nations to convert civilian nuclear programs to military ones.”---- www.McClatchy.com (09/24/09, Strobel, W.P.)

The rogue Islamic republic of Iran with a restive populace offers the international community to inspect the site in Qom, but its timing is yet to be set. Built on a mountainous region near the holy city of Qom, the facility has the capacity to house 3,000 centrifuges (vs. that 8,000 in Natanz) is said to be operational soon, in less than 18 months.

This revelation comes with Brazil’s expressed intention of going nuclear to “protect” itself from its neighbors and Venezuela seeks the help of Iran to prospect for radioactive uranium. Actions by these countries with unstable leaders who want to go nuclear makes the problem of world security even more complex.

It’s the same problem Pakistan and North Korea are facing where loose nukes pose a potential problem. The world watches with alarm whether the United Nations, slackening on its job and often trying to avoid military confrontation, will be able to rein over the threat of nuclear arms. (Photo Credit: http://dailymail.co.uk) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Khadafy's incoherence and the collapse of his interpreter in UN

9/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


I watched the incoherent speech of Libyan strongman Col. Moammar Khadafy in front of the United Nations Assembly in New York. The 90-minute spectacle was as bizarre as it was disappointing.

Just like the vile Islamic Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who shamelessly peddled lies and depravity in a separate speech in the august world body, I couldn’t imagine such mumbling had to be witnessed in the United Nations. The intelligence of the whole civilized world had been insulted again---this time by a desert loon, said some observers. In a brown ethnic garb and with a camel gaze in his eyes, Khadafy rambled and ranted as if he was out of his mind.

In exhaustion, the interpreter for the Libyan leader ended up surrendering his job. The exasperated language expert couldn’t handle the situation any longer--- forcing another interpreter to take over. U.N.’s Arabic section chief, Rasha Ajalyaqeen had to take charge in the last 20 minutes to put the bizarre speaker’s message in English.

Throughout Khadafy's speech which went beyond the usual time, the interpreters struggled with irrational theories of the Kennedy assignation and swine flu among others that was embarrassingly off tangent from sanity. They said Khadafy who expressed his desire to see Barack Obama to president for life, repeated some of what he was said and in some occasion talked to himself. (Photo Credit: NY Daily News/ Roca/ Getty) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Record flooding in Manila by Typhoon Ondoy

9/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post



On September 26, 2009, Saturday, between 8 AM to 2 PM, a heavy downpour in Metro Manila brought water rising--- surpassing a previous record of rainful in 1967. According to PAGASA, the rain brought by Typhoon Ondoy, registered 341 millimeters in a 6-hour period. It surpassed the record 42 years ago for the highest rainfall record in a 24-hour period of 334 millimeters in the area.

Metro Manila and 25 provinces were put on disaster emergency. The provinces affected by the flooding were Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon, Isabela, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, and Bataan.

“At least 25 villages in Marilao, Meycauayan, San Miguel and Bocaue in Bulacan were also flooded, with floodwaters reaching up to waist-high. In Metro Manila, at least 33 villages in Marikina, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Quezon, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Valenzuela and San Juan Cities were also flooded.”---GMAnews.TV (09/25/09)

Typhoon Ondoy waterlogged streets in the city of Manila, hampering movement and forcing at least 363 families of more than a thousand individuals (mainly from San Mateo town) to evacuate their homes. At least 9 people were reported missing as the typhoon lashed the country. The poor drainage system and clogging of sewers and waterways were partly to blame for the torrential flood.

It is unclear if this wicked weather is related to the climate change brought by global warming as currently debated. Believers of man-made weather changes assert that catastrophes from high C02 emissions and pollution could cause these foul weather aberrations. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the earth’s climate changes in cycles that spans in centuries--- with man, contributing little to the fluctuations in weather.

Whatever the reason(s), it is expected that flooding in many areas could displace many people which might cause considerable suffering, political and social instability. The weather experience in the Manila, Philippines where about 10 million people live is not an isolated one. (PHoto Credits: GMAnews.TV; Kerolic) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Fighting global warming and pollution

9/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On my way home this Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from NYU Clinical Cancer Center, I wasn’t able to use my usual route to Queensboro bridge using First Avenue where the UN Headquarters building stands. Many police officers guarded each street corner preventing motorists like me to go close to the United Nations building which was having a general assembly. I almost crossed a red light when a police officer distracted me with the brisk order that I had to change course. In spite of the onset of fall, the weather was hot.

At Third Avenue, it took me almost an hour to reach the bridge to Astoria and I had time to listen to the radio inside my car, one among those that clogged the streets. What was discussed in the airwaves was the climate summit in UN where Pres. Barack Obama warned of worldwide catastrophes if nothing is done on global change. His tone was almost hyperbolic, but an NY tabloid printed alarming articles of the disasters that may befall the city if man-made global warming is not halted.

America is the biggest polluter of the environment. Obama is speaking for planet preservation, but the United States is not among the countries who signed the Kyoto Treaty on the environment. Among the fastest growing economies and significant polluters, China and India ignore their hydrogen fuel and methane gas emissions. Like the US, if they strictly comply with the standards by cutting their emissions, their industries will suffer.

The believers of global warming are as many as those who doubt its existence. The UN scientific panel studying environmental changes said in February 2007 that global warming is real and “unequivocal,” and for the last 50 years, human activity i.e. industrial use of fossil fuel and burning of forests, is likely to have contributed to the alteration the earth’s climate. The UN speakers ominously told the world that time is running out before global catastrophes occur.

“The latest report from the climate panel predicted that the global climate is likely to rise between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, it said, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come. “ ---New York Times (09/25/09, Science)

I’m reminded by hypocrisy when leaders who support measures to rescue the planet are among the biggest contributors of CO2 emissions and pollution. In New York, the streets are filled with gas guzzlers that give rides to the UN delegates. In their expensive limousines, diplomats and head of states display their disregard of global warming ---their limousines burn lots of hydrocarbons as they idle on the streets.

Former vice-president Al Gore, America’s leading advocate against global warming who was awarded an Oscar for a documentary “The Inconvenient Truth” had been repeatedly criticized for his jet travels that ruin the ozone layer. Senators and congressmen are similarly cited for their lifestyles that contribute to environmental damage. If these guys are serious about cleaning up the pollution and saving the earth, I guess the work on the environment must be done right at their home and backyard. (Photo Credit: freejay3) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Thanksgiving Mass & OLPDA’s Penafrancia photos

9/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Northeaest Penafrancia Fiesta 2009 Photos

by Amado (Boy) Cabaero, Jr. & Totie Mesia, M.D.































































































As a gesture of gratitude, on the 20th anniversary of the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA), the association has set a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the Our Lady of Victories Church (OLV,) upper church at Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City, New Jersey on Sunday, September 27 2009 at 3 PM.

The officers, advisers, supporters and friends of OLPDA invite all to come for the happy celebration. A fellowship and reception follow after the holy mass.

OLPDA Officers 2009

Amado B. Cabaero, Jr.----Overall Chairman
Carmen Oliver------------First Vice President
Genevieve del Rosario----2nd Vice President
Melodina Cabaero---------Secretary
Lily Cantuba-------------Treasurer
Cora Velasco-------------Auditor
Chito Velasco------------P.R.O.
Roslyn Sapalicio---------P.R.O.

Bicol Associaiton of Eastern Seaboard

Erlinda R. Arellano------President

Bicol National Association of America

Lita de Leon-Pena--------President

UP Ibalon-Bicol posts a number OLPDA’s Penafrancia 2009 pictures for those who missed seeing Boy Cabaero’s magnificent snapfish photo collection. (Photo Credits: Amado (Boy) Cabaero, Jr.) =0=

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