Somascan Anniversary And Homecoming

The entire Somascan religious community in the Philippines will be celebrating the 25th Founding Anniversary of its Minor Seminary and Grand Alumni Homecoming on February 26 & 27, 2011 in Lubao, Pampanga. All former seminarians are welcome to re-connect with old friends and remember the life led by St. Jerome Emiliani and his mission for the orphans and disadvantaged children.

For more information, please contact Mr. Joey Jovellano at 0916.615.5633 or Mr. Allan Tura at 0928.694.0030 or 972.4790. Our Facebook page is “Somascan Alumni.” Registration is P300.00 payable on the venue.

Eurasia Group's Risk Assessment for 2011

I got wind of this via CNN last night. A recently released analysis by a US "think tank" for some things to expect for this new year. Some interesting reading extending the trends we've been experiencing lately. 

Click HERE

Well and good, but so what does it all mean to Juan dela Cruz? Now more than ever, is THE most critical time for all of us to pull ourselves by our own bootstraps mga kabayan. No "ally" will do it for us. Old paradigms and changing. The balance of power and influence are in flux. Uncertainty is certain. 

New Link - Flood Hazard Mapping Site

Photo taken from www.straightlynews.com

The flooding currently being experienced in Australia has been called the worst in decades. We Filipinos certainly about this tragedy, especially with Typhoon Ondoy's effects still lingering in our recent memory.

I read a news bit a couple of days ago about a hazard mapping site launched by Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay from the University of the Philippines (UP) and colleagues from various institutions called  www.nababaha.com as an online resource for disseminating info and warning in order for people to cope with this disaster.   

The site has interactive features similar to Google Maps as well as info from a flood update software approved by the US agency FEMA. The aim of the site is both as a forecasting tool as well a reference to gauge future flooding incidences.

Check it out HERE. 

Surviving A Windfall

Recently, this seems to be the season for lottery mega-millions.

Just last month, we had our own record-breaking amount which ballooned to P741 million (roughly $16.9 million) supposedly won by a fortunate balikbayan from the states. Apparently he's making plans already for his eventual retirement here.  

Even more recent in the US, a $380 million jackpot winning was to be split between a Washington resident and a still unidentified Idaho winner.

Since I'm experiencing a bout of tamad to actually sit down, organize and write my thoughts on a "survival guide for a lotto win" that's been playing in my mind for some time now, a Yahoo news bit already came out with THIS one. Some things to keep in mind for that very life-changing day, if and when it does come. Who knows, right?

Bottom line:

1. Keep a low profile.

2. Don't get swept or overwhelmed TOO much in spending.

2. Make a PLAN based on professional advise for the family, finances and legal areas. 

3. Keep a low profile (really needs to reiterating).

Basic Kitchen Knife Skills

Growing-up, I remember always hanging around the kitchen. While I'm no Alain_Ducasse or even a Tony Bourdain, but I do have an inkling on how to prepare and cook food. Anyone who wants to be a native in the kitchen must have some decent cutting skills, as food comes in all shapes and textures. A short tutorial with some good explanation of technique and handling.

On One's Restless Quest in the World

All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those that wander are lost.

- John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings