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New Stylebook Promotes Slow Fashion

George Buid
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PHILIPPINES. Quezon City: KC Leyco Mempin, or Miss Kayce, has been a wardrobe and personal stylist for 15 years. She has written a stylebook to address one of the most common issues in fashion: how people can get most from their closets without intimidating fashion jargon or a list of things that they should buy.

The release of Miss Kayce’s stylebook will help consumers who have suffered from economic losses during COVID-19 and for those who are not able to safely shop in public.

Her years of experience materialize in the pages of the self-published project with Kath Eustaquio-Derla, her mentor.

Fashion stylist Miss Kayce in an event of Sustainable Fashion Fest / Photo Credit: George Buid

Starting with current wardrobe curtails need for shopping

Everyone encounters the dilemma of “nothing to wear” or “what to wear.” Yet, most people own five or more outfits in their closets. Miss Kayce’s stylebook simplifies fashion by promoting slow fashion.

Miss Kayce said, “The book explains the reason that people experience this issue [of not knowing what to wear] and how to solve it. And, the solution is a simple philosophy I follow called the ABC or Always Be Chic.”

Always Be Chic invites people to see how their current wardrobe can fit their needs. She said, “People own enough clothes in their closets, but they think the clothes they own do not fit their needs or they cannot make them work. But, people can make them work.”

Slow fashion is a change in mindset

This book helps people begin again, to slowly build a style that works for them. They choose the clothes they love and build from there.

The stylebook helps people appreciate the clothes they already have without needing to go shopping. She said, “A good way for people to express themselves is to dress up. It boosts confidence and gives people that energy that makes you feel better while also looking better.”

She added, “When you feel good, you can do awesome things. It helps build a mindset. Those who practice slow fashion do not have to buy and keep buying. They appreciate the clothes they own. And, the brand does not matter. People take care of themselves by dressing up and wear the clothes they love.“

Century-Old School In Manila Will Close Its Doors After Next Year

George Buid
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0

PHILIPPINES. Manila: The century-old school, College of the Holy Spirit in Manila (CHSM), will cease operations in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various sectors, one of which is education. This historic school as been among the many affected and is considered another Philippine casualty. Due to the current circumstances, the school has decided its last school year will be 2021.

Manila Archbishop Jeremias Harty invited the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit to establish the College of the Holy Spirit in 1913 as the Holy Ghost College. The school has run for 107 years in Manila. However, the pandemic made it hard to attract new students this year.

The letter to the stakeholders

Sister Carmelita Victoria, the provincial leader of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, wrote a letter to their stakeholders dated 28 Oct. 2020. The historic school has been able to keep operations running for many years thanks to strong support from its staff, faculty, and alumni. However, the challenge to keep up in the education sector became increasingly complicated in the last ten years.

Sister Victoria spoke about the future of the century-old school in a local news report. She said, “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation. The reduction or loss in family income, mobility restrictions and social distancing requirements, and the new demands of distance learning have adversely affected enrollment, not only in CHSM but in most private schools.”

She added, “After consultation with representatives of our stakeholders and a deep and prayerful process of discernment, we are now even more convinced that the Holy Spirit is speaking clearly to us through the signs of the times. Thus, compelling us to make this difficult decision to close CHSM at the end of the academic year 2021 to 2022.”

The official statement and school challenges

Transcontinental Times asked the school on their Facebook page to verify the reported statement. The school replied by posting an official letter online. An hour later, they posted their official announcement on social media.

The decree stated, “Be it known that the College of the Holy Spirit of Manila will voluntarily cease operations at the end of AY (academic year) 2021-2022. The timeline allows the school to graduate its current Grade 11 and 3rd year college students. Therefore, Grade 12 and 4th year college will be operational but levels K to Grade 11 and 1st to 3rd Year college will not open for AY 2021-2022. CHSM will stand by its commitments to all stakeholders.“

Concerning the other schools under the Mission Congregation of the Servants of the Holy Spirit, the school clarified that since they are separately incorporated, the decision will not affect them. Therefore, these schools will continue to operate.

Apart from CHSM, 865 other private schools also gave their notice to close this year. The century-old CHSM and others have been facing difficulties concerning the K-12 curriculum. In addition, the free tuition for college and university students and salary increase of public school teachers make it hard for private schools to compete.

Skyway Construction Falls On Muntinlupa City

George Buid
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0

PHILIPPINES. Muntinlupa: A heavy load caused the Skyway Highway to collapse, crushing several vehicles and causing injuries in Muntinlupa City, leaving the service road inaccessible to traffic.

Begun on 17 Feb, he Skyway flyover ran over the South Luzon Expressway built in April 1995. The government expected the project to be complete this December as it was excluded from the restrictions of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

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Heavy steel girder that fell on service road.
/ Photo Credit: Muntinlupa City DDRM (Department of Disaster Resilience and Management)

The accident caused several casualties and damages

The steel girder collapsed on East Service Road of Barangay Cupang at 8:50 AM on 21 Nov. 2020 on the heels of the recent typhoon. In an interview with Transcontinental Times, a representative of the Muntinlupa City said, “The Skyway contractor installed the steel girder but, the boom crane collapsed which led to injuries to three people and damages.”

The injured were brought to Asian Hospital for medical treatment. The Skyway construction damaged a taxicab, a Mitsubishi L300 van, and a Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle. Also, it crushed two motorcycles on the road. The incident happened in front of the Uratex Muntinlupa Showroom.

However, CNN Philippines reported the latest update of the incident. The update is there six people injured and one person dead. And seven vehicles got damaged in the accident.

The heavy steel girder crushed this Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle.
/ Photo Credit: Muntinlupa City DDRM (Department of Disaster Resilience and Management)

The incident delays the construction project and accountability

The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Engineering Equipment Incorporated (EEI) head stage three of the Skyway construction. The Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Goddes Hope Libiran said on Facebook, “A steel girder from the Skyway Extension project accidentally fell at the East Service Road from this morning. However, the initial assessment shows the crane of EEI fell as it moved to the next position then hit the steel girder that caused it to fall.”

The EEI will issue a statement and attend to those involved in the Skyway construction accident. Meanwhile, the unexpected incident moves the target completion date to February 2021.

Face Masks Take Over Philippine Fashion

George Buid
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PHILIPPINES. Manila: Wearing face masks became the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the conventional surgical mask looks dull and mismatched to a fashionista. Therefore, local designers and artisans have reinvented it to a fashionable look.

These days, everyone wears face masks, both when you are buying groceries or at work. Skillful and inspired designers the world over are making must-wear masks fashion accessories.

READ ALSO: Medical Face Masks: From Protection To Fashion Statement

Masks as artists’ canvas

Art painted on a canvas is the painter’s expression of a moment. These moments convey the stories and culture of the Filipino people. Bibsisita is a stunning example of the ways masks can become individual works of art.

Artistic face masks on display at Bibsisita’s booth in one of Makati’s shopping mall on 31 Oct / Photo credit: George Buid

Bibsisita have used Filipino-themed artwork on functional items since 2015. Their products range from clutch bags to canvas bags, pencil cases, shirts, and pillows. Nowadays, they also imprint their themed artwork on the masks.

A tradition of weaving in the creation of face masks

The Yakan tribe of Zamboanga City express the depth and beauty of Filipino culture through their traditional hand weaving skills. They too have used the mandatory masks as an opportunity to share their culture.

Angelita Pichay Ilul promotes this indigenous practice through her enterprise, Angie’s Yakan Cloth. Their handwoven items display the distinct geometric technicolor pattern of their native Muslim tribe. Their focus shifted to creating weaved face masks because of the pandemic.

Catriona Gray wears Yakan face mask, and Yakan tribe receives relief goods.
Left: Angie with Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, wearing their mask. Right: Yakan tribe receives relief goods from Angie’s friend / Photo Credit: Angelita “Angie” Pichay Ilul

The sale of the face masks is keeping Ilul’s enterprise afloat in these trying times. Eventually, it caught the eye of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. In an interview with Transcontinental Times, Ilul said, “We also got orders of 3,000 face masks from Cristanelle International Inc.”

A designer combines local culture and sophisticated design

The face masks went even further into high-class fashion. Ditta Sandico, a fashion designer for 35 years, promotes the new normal or Nuovo lifestyle. She and other designers formed a coalition that empowers Filipino creativity and pride in the Filipino heritage through their marketplace, ZoomistaPH.

Sandico’s collection focuses on her Panuelo wraps or scarves made from indigenous banaca fiber. She combines banana and abaca fiber to create this local material. Then, she matches her wraps with her version of the mask. Furthermore, abaca can filter better against COVID-19 than the surgical face mask or N95.

Ditta Sandico's face masks
Ditta Sandico shows three of her face masks made from banaca fiber / Photo Credit: Ditta Sandico

Sandico said, “It’s a natural fiber that enhances air circulation inside the mask.” Also, she shared her inspiration for its design. “Japanese origami inspired the design. The colored strips show the paper folds to accentuate and give structure to the masks.”

At a time when people around the world are required to wear masks, it’s uplifting to see that each culture is expressing its unique character and beauty through an experience that is connecting us all.

Breaking The Chains Of Monogamy: Polyamory In The Modern Era

George Buid
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0

PHILIPPINES/UNITED STATES: In the past decade, nearly 30 media projects from film to anime have included characters who are involved in intimate relationships with more than one partner. While polygamy, marriage to more than one person, is illegal in the majority of the world’s nations, polyamory falls outside the bounds of most laws as there is no legal agreement between multiple partners.

Having multiple lovers is natural for people who are polyamorous. Yet, most societies insist on a monogamous relationship as the norm, and laws reflect these values. Dean Spade, an American lawyer, writer, trans activist, and Associate Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law said in Exile and Pride, “The point for me is to create relationships based on deeper and more real notions of trust. So that love becomes defined not by sexual exclusivity, but by actual respect, concern, commitment to act with kind intentions, accountability for our actions, and a desire for mutual growth.”

Experimentation versus settling down

Trisha O’Bannon, co-founder of the Now Open podcast, shared insights into what polyamory is in the Philippines, and how it’s perceived in Filipino culture.

She told Transcontinental Times that she realized polyamory was for her after an ex-boyfriend cheated on her. She said, “I had been in plenty of monogamous relationships before. But, I only date as a polyamorous woman now.”

She continued, “People always want to experiment and try out open relationships. But the truth [is] they want a single partner. When you want to settle down into an actual polyamorous relationship, they get iffy about [how].

Taking the step into polyamory

Jennifer*, a 43-year-old woman in Upstate New York, described how she played at the edges of polyamory for nearly a decade before she finally settled into a polyamorous relationship, feeling that rather than limiting her options, it opened up more possibility.

“I was first interested in the poly lifestyle after my separation. I dated poly people, usually at the same time, but I don’t think I’d gone far enough into “poly” life to really call myself more than openly dating…until now.  Currently I am more seriously engaging in a poly relationship with a partner who has a non-sexual live-in relationship with his wife and children and also lives with a committed poly partner.” 

Jennifer’s willingness explore polyamory came out of an examination of her friendships. “Wait,” she said. “I’m already sharing love with multiple people in my friendships.” The leap to including sexual intimacy wasn’t too far.

Any relationships that fall outside the mainstream can be challenging. Jennifer shared, “I like to go deep in intimacy and this seems difficult for me with more than two people, even maybe with two. I’m realizing that it seems more reasonable for me, both with regards to this as well as to my lifestyle that includes caring for young children for half of the week and working, to have a primary partner and be open to other possible, less frequent connections, both sexual/emotional or even more deeply emotional or spiritual.” 

Religion and relationships

O’Bannon shared the additional challenge of practicing polyamory in a country where monogamy is deeply embedded. The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic culture and monogamy is the far-reaching norm. She said, “[Others] don’t get what you are saying. Yet, they think monogamy is the only way to have an ethical relationship.

Communication is key

Communication and sharing time are two of the most difficult challenges. 43-year-old Zak expressed that these dual challenges brought his poly relationship to its knees. “Where I spend my time became a source of conflict, and jealousy often arose. If there is any insecurity on the part of a partner, it surfaces easily.”

O’Bannon echoed this concern, “Polyamory also faces challenges such as communication, time, and cautiousness in sharing with relatives or friends.”

The benefits must clearly outweigh the challenges for those who choose this alternative lifestyle. O’Bannon shared, “The benefits are more such as share household expenses, multiple emotional support, and sleep with anyone you want.” She added, “You can do the activities you want without a partner checking on you and the joy of sharing your partner(s).”

She continued, ”The beauty of polyamory is the decision of sexual relationships. You decide what you like. So, either you have one partner at a time or an orgy. But, with the consent of everyone involved.” 

Polyamory appeals to those looking for freedom and mature partnership

O’Bannon, Jennifer, and Zak shared that having a close connection with multiple people allows for more complexity and nuance. While O’Bannon emphasized the sexual aspect of polyamory, Jennifer emphasized the emotional. “Most people in polyamorous relationships tend to be more “open, compassionate, and empathetic, and better communicators. They tend to seek more freedom, have a growth edge.” Zak shared that he too found that people who were interested in a poly lifestyle tended to be more mature, open, and better communicators.

For more information about the poly lifestyle, see: Vox YouTube series Explained.

*Name has been changed

The Worst Flood Sinks Cagayan Valley

George Buid
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1

PHILIPPINES. Cagayan Valley: The Cagayan Valley sinks in the worst flood after four decades. Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) caused floodwater to rise, forcing people to get onto their roofs. 

The worst flood has sunk several areas in Cagayan Valley. These affected areas are Lal-lo, Isabela, Tuguegarao, among others. The flooding has also cut communications, electricity, and obstructed road access.

Aerial view of houses sunk in floodwater in Lal-lo, Cagayan / Photo Credit: Paul Vicente

People in social media have called out for the rescue of their relatives and friends in Cagayan Valley. However, due to the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19, media and press coverage of the area are restricted. Nevertheless, Governor Manuel Mamba denied the existing of such restrictions in the worst flood of Cagayan.

The situation in Lal-lo

Floodwaters subside in Lal-lo of Cagayan from the typhoon while drenching Marikina City in thick mud. However, people still need help in the affected area, the worst flood in Cagayan after 40 years. Despite the limitations, The Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies continue their rescue attempts.

Buildings and houses flooded in Lal-lo, Cagayan / Photo Credit: Paul Vicente

Cagayan River’s water level subsides which has given more access for rescue attempts.

In an interview with Transcontinental Times, Paul Vicente of Lal-lo, who is in Cagayan, shared the latest situation on the ground on 16 Nov. 2020. Vicente said, “We are okay now. Lal-lo rescuers busy assisting us even before the worst flood. But, many of the evacuees returned to their homes. Also, I help the Local Government Unit (LGU) receive relief goods from private sectors.”

Unpassable road in Reina Mercedes, Isabela / Photo Credit: Roxanne Zoe Ramboyong Gallo

Not over yet for Isabela province

The flooding has not only left chaos and destruction in the area, but it has even left people without homes with water levels that have reached the roofs of houses.

Parent’s house submerged under floodwater / Photo Credit: Roxanne Zoe Ramboyong Gallo

Although the lack of communication makes it difficult for a real-time update of the situation in Isabela, Transcontinental Times got an update in Isabela province on 16 Nov.

Roxanne Zoe Ramboyong Gallo, a resident of Naguilan Municipality, talked about her experience in Isabela. She said, “The worst flood ever. The roads are unpassable. Also, the cellular signal is difficult. Yet, we don’t see any LGU in the area.”

Thick Mud Covered Markina City After Typhoon

George Buid
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1

PHILIPPINES. Markina: Marikina City drenched in thick mud after the flood subsided. Four typhoons swept the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They brought severe floods that washed away many regions into ruins.

Marikina City is the most affected amongst the several cities in Metro Manila that have experienced flooding. Typhoon Vamco caused flash floods and thick mud that affected the entire city.

Left photo: Man covered in mud exits the street corner. Right photo: A man walks with his bicycle as he passes by the flipped vehicle at the light post. Bottom photo: An alley covered in thick mud and blocked by debris. / Photo credit: George Buid © 13 Nov. 2020

Typhoon Vamco made landfall three times in the Philippines. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) set a Heavy Rainfall Warning Number Four at 2:00 AM on 12 Nov. Marikina City expected the river to overflow and cause flash floods in the nearest area.

The city covered in mud after the flooding

Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines, sank again in a high flood with thick mud after ten years. Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) dropped 455mm of rain in 2009 that flooded cities around Marikina River, Pasig River, and Laguna Lake. Typhoon Vamco dropped 153mm; however, its impact was more disastrous because of the series of storms that caused floodwater.

Although resilience is needed, it is insufficient to get by due to the current pandemic.

Marikina residence lines up for fish donation with their mudded feet. / Photo credit: George Buid © 13 Nov. 2020

Jojo, a Marikina residence, in an interview with Transcontinental Times, talked about his experience while partially covered in thick mud. He said, “Everything happened so fast. The flood almost reached our ceiling, just an inch more. Also, Marikina City experiences a lot of issues.”

Thick mud and debris covered the entire city leaving vehicles all over the place

Furniture, cars, and household appliances are soaked in the thick mud that residents will need to clean. However, the devastating situation cut off clean water and electricity.

The flash floods covered the entire place with a lot of debris beside the thick mud. The floodings washed out and flipped vehicles all over the place. Everything was in chaos after floodwater subsided.

A white van ditched in the flood drainage with the owner (right with blue shirt) waits for the heavy equipment to pull it out. / Photo credit: George Buid © 13 Nov. 2020

Transcontinental Times spoke with a man whose van had been ditched into a flood drainage, the white van in the photo. Maynilad employee Caesar Lito Villarta, the owner of the white van, shared his experience in disbelief. He said, “The floodwater rises every minute at one hand span length. Yet, I’m shocked to see my Toyota Liteace (white van) ditched here parked a hundred meters away.”

Typhoon Vamco Floods Metro Manila

George Buid
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0

PHILIPPINES. Manila. Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) hit Metro Manila on 12 November 2020. The third storm to hit the Philippines following super typhoon Goni and typhoon Atsani. Thus, it flooded and crippled several cities in the metropolitan area.

typhoon Vamco floods Parañaque City
A motorcycle tries to pass through the flood in Parañaque City.
Photo credit: Pond News Asia\Kevin Icabales © 12 Nov. 2020

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) report the eye of typhoon Vamco is found West of Iba, Zambales at 10:00 AM. It sustained a maximum wind speed of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) crossed near the center. Then, it moves with a maximum wind gust of 200 kph. Yet, it moves to the west at a speed of 25 kph.

The storm landfalls three times

First, typhoon Vamco made landfall on 11 November at 10:30 PM in Patnanungan, Quezon. PAGASA set a heavy rainfall warning number three at 11:00 PM. They expected it to cause a severe flood and may need immediate rescue response.

The woman carefully walks the flood so as not to get the skirt wet in Mandaluyong City.
Photo credit: George Buid © 12 Nov. 2020

Then, the storm landfalls at 11:20 PM on the same day in Burdeos, Quezon. The typhoon Vamco caused the water levels in dams to rise. Therefore, the water dams released excess water to prevent overflow. This started with Ipo Dam at 12:30 AM but that could cause flooding in nearby areas.

Typhoon Vamco causes this river to overflow with raging waters in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Photo credit: Pond News Asia\Emerito Antonio ©012 Nov. 2020

Finally, typhoon Vamco made landfall at 1:40 AM on 12 November 2020 in General Nakar, Quezon. The third landfall winds intensified and caused a tropical cyclone warning at 2:00 AM. The strong wind tore roofs to pieces, brought down trees, drifted cargo vessels to the wall, and created a power blackout.

Typhoon Vamco drifts this cargo vessel to hit a wall.
A cargo vessel drifts to the breakwater wall of Manila Bay by the SM Mall of Asia.
Photo credit: Pond News Asia\Elmer Nev Valenzuela © 12 Nov. 2020

The last storm of the week caused additional destruction

Typhoon Vamco ends a streak of storms for this week. It followed super typhoon Goni and typhoon Atsani. Yet, PAGASA continues to monitor for incoming storms to hit the country.

However, typhoon Vamco left massive floods that sunk homes up to their roofs. Also, the rivers overflowed and caused raging floodwaters. Evacuations occurred for residences within the area to move them to a safer location.

Rescuers push this boat full of people through the flooded waters in the Kalentong area in Mandaluyong City.
Photo credit: Rhoy Cobilla © 12 Nov. 2020

Metro Manila left flooded from the heavy rains of typhoon Vamco. Veteran photojournalist Rhoy Cobilla reports his experience to Transcontinental Times. He said, “I went to cover the area in Kalentong and pass the unflooded areas first. Eventually, I rode a boat to get inside the flooded area.”

Enormous Fire Destroyed Homes In A Philippine Community

George Buid
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0

PHILIPPINES. Cavite: An enormous fire has left many families homeless. The families of two barangays prepare for the coming super Typhoon Goni after a fire destroyed several of their homes.

The villages Barangay Alima and Barangay Sineguelasan prepare for the approaching storm. On Sunday, a fire startled the citizens of Barangay Alima at 10:16 PM on 1 Nov. 2020. The enormous fire spread to the next village, Barangay Sineguelasan. The fire alarm raised to the fourth level at 10:46 PM.

The houses in the coastal area of Manila Bay, in Bacoor City, are huts on stilts. The city government declared fire out at 1:28 PM. The incident has left around 400 families homeless as a consequence.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Bacoor City reported that the fire originated from a house in Barangay Alima. People speculate that the enormous fire was intentional or arson. The BFP will further investigate the cause of the incident.

A woman cleans mussels and places them in a sack (top photo). Wooden boats (bottom left photo) not affected by the fire, and a damaged green boat along with the burned houses (bottom right photo).
Photo credit: George Buid ©05 Nov. 2020

Bacoor City Government’s actions and plans

The Bacoor City Government evacuated the families to nearby schools. The families of Barangay Alima took temporary shelter in Bacoor Central Elementary School, and families of Barangay Sineguelasan sheltered in Sineguelasan Elementary School. Government officials have promised to give aid and financial help to the affected by the enormous fire.

Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla stated on several local news networks that the city government would take care of the victims of the disastrous fire. She said, “We will allocate ₱10,000 to each family. Also, we ask help from the national government to access emergency housing funds for the fire victims, and to feed them for three weeks.”

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., the husband of Mayor Revilla and former vice-governor of Cavite, promised that the families affected by the enormous fire would be allowed to go back to their respective villages. He said, “Expect that we will not leave you alone. So, you can live where you want to live. And, if you do not want to leave where your home is. Then, you can go back there, and we will leave you alone.”

Senator Bong Revilla talks to the victims (left photo), and the construction worker builds the pillar skeletal frame in Cavite (right photo). Photo credit: Pond News Asia\Elmer Nev Valenzuela (Left) Emerito Antonio (Right)

In 2014, Sandiganbayan (Pillars of the Country) accused and arrested Senator Revilla Jr. for corruption in linkage to the Pork Barrel Scam. However, he was released on 7 Dec. 2018. His family took several political positions in the local government of Cavite. Now, Mayor Revilla proposed a Bacoor Reclamation and Development Project in the coastal areas.

Families of Sineguelasan express dismay and hopelessness after the fire

The families of the two villages refuse to accept the fire accident story. In 2017, a fence blocked access to the fishing ground in Barangays Maliksi I and Maliksi III. The same occurred to Tabing Dagat in 2019 to give way to the development project of Bacoor City.

The people of Barangay Sineguelasan are skeptical of the promises of their local government officials. Transcontinental Times shares the sentiments of the victims of the enormous fire.

Marcelino shares his sentiment with a long face and almost teary eyes. He said, “We guard what the fire has left behind. Also, they (the government) said they would help us.” However, the only livelihood he knows is mussel farming.

He is one of the six men who have found shelter in a house left standing from the ashes of the community. They reported it only took like 15 minutes for the enormous fire to burn their homes. Yet, the firefighters did nothing to stop the spread of the damage.

Firefighters on the roof of a house at the enormous fire that burned Barangay Sineguelasan in Bacoor City, Cavite. Photo credit: Pond News Asia\Roderick Tan ©01 Nov. 2020

Sander, a squid catcher, said, with shoulders down and a brief burst of breath, “An ugly incident that has happened to us. We lost everything. Yet, they promised ₱10,000, but, they will fix the place by dumping concrete.”

Families evacuated in Sineguelasan Elementary School shared their experiences. Maria, a woman who used to rent one of the burned houses, said, “I was also a victim of the landslide in Naga, Bicol. The fire started at 10:00 PM, but, the children evacuated earlier because of the super typhoon. A ₱30,000 amount for us if we plan to move.”

Gemma has lived in Sineguelasan for 16 years and has worked as a tailor. She owns a house that is now but ashes.

Ronico has lived in the same community since 1972 because his uncle earned and profited reasonably as a mussel farmer. He became a mussel farmer; now, it is all gone. He said, “They will move us to Naic or Salinas, which is away from the coastal area.”

Typhoon Goni Devastated Regions In The Philippines

George Buid
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1

PHILIPPINES. Bicol: The super Typhoon Goni downgraded to a tropical storm on the evening of 1 Nov. The storm made landfall in the lower regions of Luzon, leaving behind a trail of destruction in different areas.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Typhoon Goni crossed land through Camarines Sur at 10:00 AM of 1 Nov. with a wind speed of 215 kph. The storm weakened to wind speeds of 65 kph at 4:00 AM on 2 Nov. as it left Zambales.

Three women in the middle of Roxas Blvd as typhoon Goni approaches Luzon.
Photo credit: George Buid ©01 Nov 2020

Typhoon Goni hits Luzon with devastation

Typhoon Goni made landfall four times in regions of Luzon on 1 Nov. It arrived in Catanduanes at 4:50 AM, Albay at 7:20 AM, Quezon province at noon, and Batangas at 5:30 PM. The provincial areas were also not spared destruction from Goni´s winds.

Strong winds knocked down trees and electric posts, which blocked roads and pathways. Rain caused floods to villages (barangays) and landslides in the mountain areas. It left ten people reported dead and three missing in Albay.

Clearing operations in Naga City after typhoon Goni made landfall.
Photo credit: Local Government Unit of Naga City ©2020

Police officers and local government response teams cleared pathways and blockages as the typhoon departed. Local government officials checked the affected areas and assessed the damage. “Siruma is stable now and Mayor Karen Polinga conducts an area visitation to check her constituents,” an official representative of Siruma in Camarines Sur told Transcontinental Times.

Local government officials with Mayor Karen Polinga inspect the damage in Barangay (village) Salvacion.
Photo credit: Local Government Unit of Siruma, Camarines Sur ©2020

A new typhoon is on approach

The Philippines is located in the northern hemisphere approximately 1,445.99 km above the equator. The country experiences an average of 20 storms a year within the typhoon belt. Therefore, unsurprisingly, a new storm is already following on the heels of Goni.

Typhoon Goni is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on 3 Nov. at 2:00 AM. However, PAGASA reported Typhoon Atsani (Siony) was 850 km off Northern Luzon on 2 Nov. at 4:00 AM. The new typhoon currently has wind speeds of 65 kph and is following the same path as the previous storm.

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