Nov 7-8: Celebrate the Philippines @ the Asian Civilization Museum

Free ice cream, free cooking demos,  free performances... it's a great way to spend the day with the family.  See you at the Museum.

Come Celebrate Philippine Culture (food, film, stamps, games atbp) at the Singapore Museums from Oct to Jan 2010

Remember my post a few months back about the Fiesta Philippines at the Singapore Museums?  Below please find the list of exhibitions and programs which will be taking place between now and January 31.  Please do invite your families, friends and staff to support these events.  It is also a great opportunity to encourage our non-Filipino friends to get a taste (both literally and figuratively) of our rich and diverse culture.   Oh,  and most of the events are FREE!!!!!  Mabuhay!!!!

By the way,  does anyone know of Filipino art teachers / historians based in Singapore who would be willing to put together a session for Filipino-Singaporean children? If so, please send them my way (joelle@joellechronicles.com).  =)

EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMMES- CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People
Asian Civilisations Museum
16 Oct 2009 to 10 Jan 2010

Made up of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is known for its stunning natural beauty and its people - warm, resilient and synonymous with the People Power movement. Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People explores the identity of the Filipino people, created by the blending of indigenous local cultures and foreign influences.

More than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule is most visible in the religion, language, architecture and art of the Philippines. Today, the Philippines has the largest Catholic population in Asia. Muslim communities in the south, indigenous highland communities and the influence of Chinese migrants add to the picture of cultural diversity that is the Philippines.

This special exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum features more than 290 rare and important artefacts – pre-Hispanic gold, Catholic icons, ethnographic artefacts and contemporary Philippine art – from museums and private collections in the Philippines, some of which will be on public display for the very first time.

This exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Ayala Museum, Philippines.

Bayanihan: Spirit of the Philippines

24 Oct 2009 to Apr 2010

Discover what defines the people of this country whose hospitality is legendary. Through beautiful stamps of Philippines and interactive displays, learn about the country’s rich and diverse culture, and journey through its breathtaking natural sites. Unravel the long and colourful history of the Philippines, by walking in the footsteps of her heroes. Plus, gain a rare insight to how everyday life was like in the Philippines in the early 1900s.

Celebrate Philippines!
Asian Civilisations Museum
7 & 8 Nov 2009, Sat & Sun
12pm – 5pm
Free Admission from 9am – 7pm

An exciting weekend festival of spectacular dances, traditional music and mouth-watering food awaits you - direct from the Philippines! Test your footwork with the Filipino national dance – the bamboo tinikling – and learn more about the rich blend of Spanish, Mexican and tribal influences in Filipino food. Children can get hands-on through Filipino craft activities and stand to win goodie bags by taking part in our gallery hunt. Also, get a taste of the Philippines with our free ice-creams*!


Thrice Upon a Time – A Century of Story in the Art of the Philippines
14 Nov 2009 to 31 Jan 2010
In the Eye of Modernity: Philippine Neo-Realist Masterworks from the Ateneo Art Gallery
14 Nov 2009 to 14 Mar 2010
Singapore Art Museum

Singapore Art Museum (SAM) presents two exhibitions of Philippine visual art. Thrice Upon A Time takes a contemporary look at the very old notions of stories and storytelling, and with it, the idea of the artist-as-storyteller. Audiences can expect to savour works from the Philippine grand masters to some of her most exciting contemporary practitioners. On show as well is the Ateneo Art Gallery Collection from the Philippines, In the Eye of Modernity will trace the development of Neo-Realism in Philippines from the 1950s to mid-1960s. This exhibition is a collaboration between SAM and the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore.

Heritage and Culture Fun at the Singapore Philatelic Museum Open House
15 Nov 2009, 9am - 7pm
Free admission, charges for programmes apply

Discover the culture and heritage of the Philippines at Bayanihan - Spirit of the Philippines exhibition. Taste authentic Filipino food and watch a bamboo dance performance. Children can also learn how to make Filipino handicrafts, and play traditional games!

Curator’s Tours
Asian Civilisations Museum
20 Nov, 4 Dec 2009 & 8 Jan 2010, Fridays
$12 per participant (Limited to 15 participants per tour)

Join our curator, David Henkel as he takes you on a journey through colourful Philippines, sharing exciting stories behind the artefacts in Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People.

Fiesta! Fiesta! Fiesta!
30 Nov 2009 to Apr 2010
Asian Civilisations Museum
Discover the origins of Filipino fiestas and what goes on during the different celebrations. Find out about one of the most important festivals in the Philippines – Christmas. Did you know that Christmas celebrations in the Philippines can start as early as September? Discover the unique ways in which Asia’s largest nation of Catholics celebrate Christmas at this exhibition.

Film Screening – Oro, Plata, Mata (Gold, Silver, Death)
30 Nov to 6 Dec 2009
12pm & 4pm, Daily
AV Theatre, Memories at Old Ford Factory
Free Admission

Dir: Peque Gallaga

Oro, Plata, Mata launched director Gallaga’s career and was the official competition entry in the 1983 Manila International Film Festival. It won the Jury prize, the Critics Choice and the Urian award for the Best Picture in 1984. The film was released at a time when social and political turmoil infested the country. The movie deals with themes of survival and change through stories about the pampered and haughty rich and peasants clamouring for a voice, as well as stories of domination by the landed aristocracy and of war.

Screening sponsored by ABS-CBN network.

For enquiries, please call 6332 7900 or email Vicki at vicki_ang@nhb.gov.sg

Discover Philippines! Holiday Programmes
1 Dec 2009, Tue: 9.30am - 12pm
3 Dec 2009, Thu: 9.30am - 12pm
8 Dec 2009, Tue: 9.30am - 12pm
14 Dec 2009, Mon: 9.30am - 12pm
For 8 to 10 years
$20

Find out about the rich and diverse culture of the Philippines! Learn to play traditional games such as the sungkah, then paint a Masskara mask.

For enquiries, please call Jonna at 6513 7348/6337 3888 or email Jonna_Chan@nhb.gov.sg

New Year’s Eve Countdown Party
Asian Civilisations Museum
31 Dec 2009, Thu
8pm – 1am
Free admission from 5pm – 1am

Ring in the New Year with a difference at Asian Civilisations Museum! Explore the galleries of the ACM in the wee hours and catch the special exhibition Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People. Join us for some captivating dance and musical performances then end your evening with a picnic on the ACM Green – just the place to catch the exciting New Year’s Eve fireworks!

Barrio Fiesta at SAM
Singapore Art Museum
30 Jan 2010, Sat: 2pm – 12am
31 Jan 2010, Sun: 11am – 5pm

Organised in conjunction with the exhibition, the Barrio Fiesta will bring the Philippines Festival at SAM to its grand finale with a two-day event that evokes the colourful and boisterous street festivals in the rustic towns of provincial Philippines. The festival offers a multi-faceted experiential journey into the Philippines’ rich and fascinating arts, entertainment and food culture. Locally, these fiestas are held to commemorate religious occasions, a place where the richest of local Filipino-Hispanic traditions thrive. Some highlights include, the Santacruzan procession and Ati-Atihan procession, performances from acclaimed professional groups such as Psalmideo and Rose Borromeo’s Dance Circle and Noel Cabangon, the all-time favourite pabitin (a bamboo lattice with candies) and the piñata - a pot full of candies which blindfolded kids try to break using a baseball bat!

FESTIVAL PROMOTIONS
Get 10% off the National Heritage Board's 3-day museum pass from October to December 2009!
Purchase the 3-day museum pass during this promotional period to enjoy more than 50% off unlimited admission to seven National Heritage Board Museums!
Individual Pass - $18 (U.P. $20)
Family Pass (Up to 5 persons) - $45 (U.P. $50)

*Terms and conditions apply – Refer to http://www.philippinesfiesta.sg/ for details.

Ladies, Bask In Bling this November

The highest selling issues of fashion/gossip magazines are usually those which features close-up pictures taken at awards shows.    Don't you just love to look at the pretty gowns and fabulous bling and daydream that it was YOU walking down the red carpet?   Well,  the Peranakan Museum is giving you a chance to do just that.   Bring a girl friend with and enjoy 1-for-1 admission this November.  You also get a chance to win your very own bling worth $6,800!  

Oct 30 - Nov 1: Spend a Haunted Halloween Night at the Science Centre

Oct 31: Fright Night @ ACM

I love that different establishments around Singapore are organizing free activities for the family this Halloween. The ACM's offerings are made more special for me personally because of the Pinoy Horror Scream Fest. Come dressed in your best fiendish attire and win fabulous prizes from Bacardi for the best dressed individual and family!

Oct 31: Halloween Party Bus Extravaganza

For ONE Night only, come on board Singapore's first and only 2 level Hop on Hop off party bus.

Walk down the carpet as VIP, jump the queue at every venue and save over 50% on drinks and food!

The Halloween Bus will be decked up in creepy crawlies Halloween theme.

What you can enjoy on this trip
- Alley Bar 1 free drink for every guests
- HOUSE 1 free drink for every guests
- Powerhouse 1 free drink (1 for 1 - 1 drink) for every guests + 1 free VIP Jump the queue pass for every guests
- ZIRCA 1 free drink for every guests (1 for 1 - 1 drink) + 1 free VIP Jump the queue pass for every guest
- 1 free Bacardi Cocktail at the Clarke Quay Fountain

Carry on partying all night long at
- Dragonfly free welcome drink + 1 free VIP jump the Queue Pass for every guest
- OverEasy free welcome drink + 1 free VIP jump the Queue Pass for every guest
- supperclub free welcome drink + 1 free VIP jump the Queue Pass for every guest
- HOME Club free welcome drink + 1 free VIP jump the Queue Pass for every guest

The pass will be valid 30 days so that can go back another day.

Ticketing Venues: Alley Bar (Orchard), HOUSE (Dempsey), Powerhouse (St James Power Station) & ZIRCA (Clarke Quay)

From S$88 without food and S$98 with food per guest
Booking hotline 6858 5035

For more information about the Party Bus,  please click on this link.  

30 Oct - 1 Nov: Spend a Haunted Halloween Night @ the Science Centre

Oct 31: The (Free) Graveyard Party with Amanda Palmer

Price: FREE!
Venue: Front lawn (outdoors, front of The Arts House)

Come dressed in costumes this Halloween and join Amanda Palmer in a one night only concert at the Singapore Writers Festival! After first bursting onto the music scene as the lead singer for the punk-cabaret duo, The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer is now venturing out on her own with the release of her CD, Who Killed Amanda Palmer. Co-produced by Ben Folds of Ben Folds Five, the album is full of piano-driven melodies, occasionally backed by strong string and horn sections. The companion art book to her album features Amanda in a series of of death scenes, photographed by Kyle Cassidy and accompanying stories by renowned author Neil Gaiman.

Sale Alert: Tangs

This is what I saw while walking along Orchard.

It's great news for all PPS Club and Krisflyer Members

One Thing You Should Do Now to Combat Climate Change

Three words. Reduce plastic waste.

I was shocked to learn about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vortex of over 3.5 million tons of plastic spanning 10 million square miles.  80% of the garbage comes from land-based sources, and 20% from ships at sea.

It’s a horrifying twist to the saying “Don’t shit in your own backyard.”

Charles Moore, the sailor who discovered the Northern Pacific Garbage Patch in 1997, warns that unless consumers cut back on their use of disposable plastics, this plastic soup would double in size over the next decade.

Plastic has become an indispensable part of our everyday lives.  At the moment, it’s virtually impossible to spend a single day without touching the stuff. However it IS possible to avoid creating MORE plastic waste. Here are just 2 actions that you and your family can start implementing TODAY.

1. Ditch the straw
Think of how many thousands of plastic straws you have used, wasted and thrown away. Did you know that it takes centuries for each one to biodegrade! The next time you dine outside, do think twice before accepting that straw. For those operating food joints, make that paradigm shift: makes straws an option, not the default. 

2. Bag the Bag

Seriously, do you really need that plastic bag when you buy something at the local 7-11 or Ministop?




Let’s try to reduce our habit of using plastic bags when we don't need them.

I discovered this pocket bag at the check-out counter of my favourite shopping centre – Daiso (aka the $2 store). I usually have it folded into a tiny square and tucked into my bag organizer. I whip it out whenever I grab a bite at 7-11, buy office supplies, pay a visit to the Library, use my umbrella on a rainy day... etc etc.

We are now also taking a conscious effort to reduce our collection of plastic bags when buying groceries. Those cloth bag giveaways at trade fairs & bazaars are discovering a second life.

It's Blog Action Day today, focusing on Climate Change. How exactly does the reduction of plastic relate to tackling climate change? Everything is interconnected -- manufacturing plastic depends on consuming oil so the indiscrimate use of plastic literally fuels global warming. Getting rid of them (plastic) in incinerators also adds a little bit more to the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

As our family has found,  it’s not that hard to make that shift to a greener life. Just take it one plastic bag/straw at a time and make the world a better, cleaner place.

JOELLECHRONICLES recommends:

Sin Huat Seafood Restaurant: Die Die Must Try?

KRAMER: He's not a Nazi. He just happens to be a little eccentric. Most geniuses are.
Seinfield (Season 7, The Soup Nazi)

As is invariably the case, plans to visit the Food Nazi in Geylang were made over the dinner table. We were curious to find out what was so special about this dingy, hole-in-the-wall restaurant which had food critics from both the Discovery Channel and The New York Times raving. Was the beehon crab really THAT good to warrant an entry in Anthony Bourdain’s restaurant bucket list  (one of only 2 restaurants he recommends in Asia)?

I did a quick search on the internet to find out what other foodies had to say:

• Anthony Bourdain: Sin Huat is a wonderland of fresh seafood—notably the Crab Bee Hoon. The service, however, could be described as borderline hostile, and the décor? Nonexistent.
• http://ieatishootipost.sg/:  It was a combination of exorbitant prices and the chance to be abused that prevented me from eating there for such a long time... The verdict: Shiok. Best crab bee hoon so far! Aside from the smaller claw being slightly atrophied, the rest of the crab was solid. The Bee Hoon was not too dry nor too wet and had wonderfully soaked in the flavours of the crab, ginger and that mysterious stock. The hype and infamy really added extra value to an already very tasty dish! It just goes to show that even bad service can sometimes become a positive marketing strategy!
• Makansutra:  We will warn again, despite the various complaints about the service and price no one really has something seriously bad to say about his food! Danny serves one of the meanest fried crab beehoon, which is also the most expensive of the lot and he comes with a take-it-or-leave it attitude. His huge Sri Lankan crabs are specially imported and thus cost more. The ultimate secret weapon is the sumptuous stock that he uses to fry the beehoon (only one brand preferred and used) and the crabs to sweeten it. Avoid it if you are impatient and don’t think crabs should cost this much!

We left the house and headed for Geylang one lazy Sunday aftenoon feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Would Danny Lee be in a good mood today? I wonder who long it would to (a) get a table and (b) get fed? Would the wait, expense, and forewarned abuse be worth it? 4 hours later, the answer was a responding HELL YES! DIE DIE, MUST TRY indeed.

We were the last ones to arrive and missed out (unfortunately?) on the ordering experience.  Note:  There isn't a single menu to be found in Sin Huat.  I do not know if it really is the standard operating procedure there, or if he was the only one in the joint on that particular day who could speak English, but Danny Lee himself took the order.  We joined our somewhat shell-shocked dinner companions who related that they could only meekly say yes to everything he curtly recommended, except for the frogs legs. Culinary adventurism only goes so far. =)

The food was served one dish at a time.

First up came the scallops. Oh man were they scrumptious! Caveat, if you like your scallops cooked simply with garlic and a touch of white wine, then this dish probably isn’t for you.  Sin Huat’s scallops were freshly steamed and served in a virtual soup of intense black bean sauce. The meat was light and tender, not chewy like what you might get in most seafood restaurants.  I would have appreciated it more if the sauce had been toned down a little bit but overall, it's a dish that I would highly recommend.  


Next up,  steamed gong-gongs (mini-conches) served with garlic and chilli sauce.  Andre whispered to me -- "Are you going to eat that snail?" Well,  yes I did indeed eat a lot of those "snails".  I wasn't too impressed - it was the garlic and chilli sauce which made the dish.  I place this item in the bucket "Been there,  tried it,  probably never again."
 

The kai-lan was a good side dish to all that seafood.  It was really delicious,  but then again,  stir fried kai-lan always is.  =) 


We were nearing the 2 hour mark and our crabs still hadn't shown up.  Our tentative follow-ups were brusquely brushed aside and since we couldn't speak Mandarin,  we were left in the growing darkness - wondering, waiting, hoping.  It was a good thing that the fish arrived.

Ohhhh, the fish was good.  The meat was tender and steamed to perfection.  For 2 of our dinner companions,  this dish was best of the lot (yes,  even better than the crabs).  No wonder it cost an arm and a leg, but that's another story.


We were already fairly stuffed and the crab was still M.I.A.   The table next to us had already finished and were settling their bill.  Needless to say, we were getting a bit angsty because the crabs were the sole reason why we trekked to Sin Huat in the first place.    We kept ourselved amused by inventing plausible explanations for why the crab was so late ranging from "Danny only knows how to cook one dish at a time" to "Aha,  it's a strategy.  You think the crab is good because you wait soo long for it". 

It turns out that the correct answer is all of the above.

According to Makansutra,  Danny "only knows how to cook it (the crab) one plate at a time".  The crab is always the last dish to be served.  The build-up of anxiety and anticipation suddenly transforms into such gratitude and and wonder when you behold la piece de resistance that you would be hard pressed not to agree that yes,  the Beehon Crab in Sin Huat is shiok.  Die die must try.   


Good things come to those who wait.  I don’t know what Mr. Lee puts in that mysterious stock of his, but when mixed together with the Bee Hoon and the thick-shelled, packed solid Tweedledum & Tweedledee, it is little wonder why so many people still flock back to this out-of-the way eatery despite the poor service and uncertain pricing. It is that darn good.  I'm not surprised that he can only cook one batch at a time.  Our Crab Nazi is a genius.  My only complaint is that by the time you're finished with your meal, you are likely to be ready to be wheeled out onto the nearest hospital gurney. =)

We left Sin Huat a little over 3 hours after we plunked our posteriors on those red monoblock stools, completely satiated yet hankering for dessert and/or coffee.

Would I recommend it? Yes and no. Yes, I’d recommend it to those who like good food and aren’t too fastidious about little things like service & ambiance and have abundant time to kill. No, it wouldn’t be at the top of my list because I feel that Mellben’s is more consistent and reliable.

Then again, who am I to judge?   Go to Sin Huat for yourself and let me know – would YOU include it on YOUR bucket list of restaurants to eat before you die?



Sin Huat Seafood Restaurant
659/661 Geylang Road
Junction of Geylang Lor 35
Tel: 67449755
Open for dinner 6pm to 12 midnight

Typhoon Ondoy Overseas Relief Efforts: Where to Send Your Donations

* updated 3:34 pm Oct 1 2009. This page will be updated as other agencies provide details on how to contribute to rescue and clean-up efforts.*

Last Saturday Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) dumped a month's worth of rain in just a single day, the worst ever since 1967. For context, Hurricane Katrina dumped over an inch of rainfall in Louisiana for 3 hours and another 0.5 inches per hour over the next 5 hours on August 29, 2005. Ondoy dumped an average of 2.24 inches per hour for six hours. The typhoon hit Manila, flooding about 80 per cent of the region that accounts for almost half of the country’s gross domestic product. The government has declared a state of calamity in 27 provinces and requested international humanitarian assistance.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), the number of deaths is recorded at 240, with 37 missing and 5 reported injured. Reports from NDCC say 1,872,036 persons have been affected by the storm and subsequent flooding, with up to 375,000 people located in 607 Evacuation Centers. As at 29 Sept, according to the NDCC the total number of damaged houses is at 3272, although this number is expected to rise dramatically.

For our friends outside of the Philippines, it is more expensive (and time-consuming) to send relief goods. Money sent to the proper channels will go a longer way to help those in need. Hold bake sales and garage sales or stage benefits and send the proceeds to the Philippines.

There have been numerous reports of unscrupulous individuals/groups taking advantage of this calamity.  I recommend that you send donations directly to the relief organizations. Before you donate your precious earned money or savings, be sure that those accounts are legitimate   Here are some verified links to NGOs and aid agencies:

GLOBAL
1. United Nations World Food Programme (US tax deductible): https://www.wfp.org/donate/ondoy
Accepts VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Electron, Maestro, Solo

2. Save the Children: *recommended*
Save the Children is working closely with local governments, partners and children's organizations to meet the immediate needs of affected families. It is providing blankets, hygiene items, children's clothing and other items to affected families; initiating livelihoods programs so that families may begin to earn the money needed to rebuild their lives; and conducting rapid needs assessments in the cities of Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas and Manila.
Accepts VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover @ https://secure.savethechildren.org/01/web_e_phil_flood
Accepts Paypal, Google Checkout, Amazon @ http://www.savethechildren.org/get-involved/fundraising-challenges/alt-ways-to-give-phil-flood.html

2.The Ayala Foundation USA *recommended* is a one-stop portal for Pinoys based abroad who are looking to donate money to social causes in the Philippines. Donations coursed through Ayala Foundation USA are also tax deductible (only for those based in the US). To those wanting to donate to Typhoon Ondoy Relief Efforts, click on the link below and search for "AF-USA Typhoon Relief Fund" in the box marked "Donations For." Note: you may also donate to the Red Cross, Caritas Manila and Gawad Kalinga in the same portal.

http://af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp

3.  Tanging Yaman Foundation, in consortium with the Philippine Jesuit Province, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ateneo de Manila University is accepting donations from the USA/Canada, UAE, Europe & Asia.  Go to http://www.tangingyaman.org/tyf-ondoy.pdf for more information.

4. ABS CBN Foundation's SAGIP KAPAMILYA in North America is accepting donations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Log onto http://www.abscbnfoundation.org/ and go to the donate page. In the "comments" or "instructions to the seller" box, please write, "Sagip - Ondoy" to indicate that your donation is for the typhoon victims.

5. Kapuso Foundation: Operations Bayanihan and Kapuso School Rehabilitation take place when there is need for them since both are natural and man-made adversity-based projects. Click on

http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

PHILIPPINES
1. Philippine National Red Cross. Go to http://www.redcross.org.ph for instruction on how to donate via credit card & Paypal.
*latest update* Xoom.com has offered fee-free money transfers to assist the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) with Typhoon Ondoy relief efforts. Donors can visit www.xoom.com/philippines and enter the coupon code “HELPONDOY” to make a fee-free money transfer donation to the Philippine National Red Cross. This special coupon code is valid until Friday, October 9, 2009. Go to https://www.xoom.com/sendmoneynow/news/xoom-offers-fee-free-money-transfer-donations-to-help-with-typhoon-ondoy-relief-efforts-09282009 for more details

USA

1. UNICEF USA. *recommended*
Give today and an anonymous donor will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 -- doubling your support for UNICEF's lifesaving efforts in the Philippines.

2. BPI is temporarily eliminating all remittance transfer fees for customers sending money using ExpressSend® service to the Philippines for typhoon Ondoy victims from 9/29 to 10/12. If originated from a Wells Fardo account, the free will be waived and the recipients can claim their funds at more than 800 branches and 1,500 plus ATMs throughout the Philippines.

3. From PNB: FREE OF CHARGES AND FEES in ALL OF PNB branches across the US for all remittances send to KAPUSO FOUNDATION for TYPHOON ONDOY.

SINGAPORE

1. PNB, LBC and i-Remit are waiving remittance fees for donations to the Philippine National Red Cross, Gawad Kalinga, DSWD and others. All offices are located in Lucky Plaza.

2. *new* Singapore National Red Cross (SRC) : The Singapore Red Cross Society has calling on all members of the public to make donations towards SRC's Philippines Tropical Storm appeal. All donations made will be earmarked specifically for the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for survivors of the Philippines Tropical Storm. The various modes of donations towards the Philippines Tropical Storm may be found at http://www.redcross.org.sg/Update-on-the-Philippines-Tropical-Storm.phtml. Note: Donations can also be made via Internet Banking through local banks DBS, OCBC, and UOB or using Maybank debit/credit cards.

4. World Vision Philippines aims to reach 100,000 people in flood-hit Manila. For Singapore-based individuals or corporations who would like to help, please visit http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_ketsana09.php

United Kingdom

1.  Oxfam UK has sent an aid team focusing on public health and food, especially for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by disasters such as this. Donate to the emergency response at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/philippines-floods/index.php

AUSTRALIA
1.  The Australian Red Cross who is now officially accepting donations to Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) through the following methods:
By credit card: http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_aroundtheworld_emergencyrelief_typhoon-ketsana.htm

By cheque: made payable to Australian Red Cross Typhoon Ketsana and mailed to Supporter Services Centre, GPO Box 2957, Melbourne VIC 8060.

2.  Caritas Australia

You can support the Caritas Australia Philippines Humanitarian Crisis Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or make a donation at http://www.caritas.org.au/source/Donation.

3. World Vision Australia is accepting donations at https://trans.worldvision.com.au/GeneralDonations/Donate.aspx

GERMANY
1.  Caritas Germany is accepting donations at http://www.caritas.de/

If you would like to find other means by which you can help, Google and a hard working group of volunteers are maintaining an excellent site where you can ascertain the kind of help needed, get donation info, mapped info etc. Go to http://www.google.com/landing/typhoon-ondoy.html for more info.

Ako ay kapitbahay
Kapitbahay n'yo
Laging handang tumulong sa inyo.
Kilala n'yo ako
Kilala n'yo ako
Ako'y isa sa kapitbahay
Kapitbahay ninyo. -- Batibot

Start your Engines

Our visitors have flown in from the Philippines to watch the F1 race.  To be honest,  I still don't get what all the fuss is about,  why grown men (and women) go gaga over this race.



Ah... the need for speed and the challenge to get to the finish line in one piece.  It's time to start your engines.