Akbayan has made an audio visual presentation (avp) of the typhoon that struck Manila and its ongoing relief operation efforts.
They have uploaded this video to youtube for easy access and here is the link to the avp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Owt-lzAe7c

The video is a tribute to those who generously shared in Akbayan's relief operations for the victims of Tropical Strom Ondoy. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and the volunteerism that we have witnessed.

How you can help the flood victims of Metro Manila

How to help

Ways to donate to the Philippine National Red Cross via the PNRC web site

Manuel L. Quezon's blog: How to help (original on Quezon.ph | Tumblr.com mirror link)

Google Docs: Rescue InfoHub Central | List of Places where to donate (check out one nearest your area, or add a donation center that is not on the list)

Another list of where to donate goods via Bury Me In This Dress blog

Hot lines for help:

National Disaster Coordinating Council - 912-2112 / 911-1873 / 912-2665

Citizens Disaster Response Center - 0906-4361185

Red Cross - 527-0000 / 524-5787

Coast Guard - 5278481

Bureau of Fire Protection - 729-5166

Pagasa - 433-8526

Senator Manny Villar - 0917-4226800 / 0927-6751981

Senator Richard Gordon - 0917-8997898 / 0938-444BOYS

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - 0917-8986992

Department of Trade and Industry - 751-0330/ 0917-8540009

Department of Health - 7438301

Department of Interior and Local Government - 925-0343

Philippine National Police - 117

Metro Manila Development Authority - 136

National Capital Region Police Office - 838-3203 / 833-3354

Marikina - 646-2436 /161

Pasig - 643-0000

Cainta - 387-2992

Meralco - 631-2222

Napocor - 921-3541

Maynilad - 1625

Manila Water - 1627

Metro Manila flooded by typhoon

Relief donations drop in centers in Manila:

1) Balay Expo across Farmers Market contact: Jana Vicente: +63 9285205499

2) Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308)

3) Radio Veritas at Verit...as To...wer West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40)

How you can help, pls click here: http://helpondoyvictims.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/how-you-can-help-from-twitter-as-of-sept-26-1005pm/

More photos on the Manila flood: http://www.calvinshub.com/2009/09/photos-of-metro-manila-flooding-due-to-typhoon-ondoy/

Noynoy Aquino to run for President in 2010

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has officially announced that he will seek the presidency in 2010, exactly 40 days after the death of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino. Calls for the senator to seek the presidency has grown stronger after the death of his mother, last August 1 and the 26th death anniversary of his father, Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr., on August 23.

A Noynoy presidency oould usher in a fresh start for the country. But whoever wins in the 2010 elections, the important thing is to ensure that the vote is credible. The country can no longer afford to have a president with a questionable mandate.

4TH AKBAYAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

4TH AKBAYAN NATIONAL CONGRESS - August 14-16, 2009, Manila, Philippines

Theme; MAGLINGKOD, LUMABABAN AT MAGTAGUMPAY

Precinct by precinct, door by door, vote by vote........ AKBAYAN is gearing up for the 2010 polls

Remembering Cory Aquino

My most memorable experience with former President Corazon Aquino was when I had the opportunity working with her administration from 1991-1992 right after I graduated from College. It was Cory's final year in office as President when I worked for the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs (now National Youth Commission). I organized information campaign and training programs for the youth to prepare them for the first Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Another significant experience was when I sat beside an already private citizen Cory during a civil society forum in Cebu sometime in 1995. I was one of the reactors in the forum representing the NGO sector and I was very ciritical of the inadequacies of government. After I delivered my speech, she stood up and congratulated me, and remarked, "very well said young man." The Philippines and the world will always remember and admire Cory for her extraordinary courage and moral leadership.

Walden Bello, now a member of Philippine Congress

Professor Walden Bello, AKBAYAN Chair Emeritus, was proclaimed on Friday by the Commission on Elections as AKBAYAN party's second representative in Philippine Congress. He will have his oath-taking on Monday and will hit the legislative ground running, with the endorsement of the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and participation in committee hearings. A recipient of the Alternative Nobel Award (Right to Livelihood Award 2003), Rep. Walden Bello is a welcome change in the House of Representatives.

To know more about Walden, please read his profile here: http://www.waldenbello.org/

Gaza conflict: War is stupid!

Humanitarian crisis has worsened in Gaza after Israel intensified its operation against the Palestinian people. Israeli tanks has penetrated deeper inside the densely populated-city on Sunday. The ground operation into Gaza strip had been preceded by air and artillery attacks on the territory in more than seven days of bombardment which killed more than 500 people so far, mostly civilians.

War is stupid!
Hatred has to stop now!
Aggression is not the solution to the ongoing conflict!
Both parties should enter into a peace effort at once!

photo credits: ABC news