The spirit of Bayanihan never dies...

Never count out the Filipino in time of crisis.

Following the massive rains brought by the habagat last Tuesday, Filipinos united and did their own ways of helping those who were devastated by the floods in Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Pampanga up to Bataan. As mentioned in my last post, Divine and Victor rallied up their group that was formed during typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) and immediately went to work in packing and distributing goods.

Goods bought through the Fierces cash donation.

The Fierces also gathered together to lend help. Using Facebook and Twitter, our leaders Jasmin and Jencee sought for goods and cash to buy the additions to bring to Divine's house which became the base for the relief operations. I met up with fellow Fierce member John Rufo and was fortunate enough to scout and give five bottles of drinking water, can goods and biscuits to add to the relief.  I was also able to ransack for hotel toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste and shampoo that were just lying in the house. My older brother also donated toiletries and my youngest brother and I couldn't help but laugh when we saw the collection of toothbrushes, soap and toothpaste that he gave. Talk about hoarding but I know it will go to those in need. Mom brought them with her to Miriam this morning where the student council and volunteers were busy repacking.

Jasmin, Jencee, John and Divine Carmelo helping at Victor and  Divine's house to repack goods.

Aside from the goods and toiletries, cooked food was also donated to the evacuees and volunteers via Binalot. By pledging a bulk starting at P250, those who pledge can help feed 5-50 persons. I was really glad that the restaurant thought of this and I was able to share it via FB and twitter to international base Filipinos and groups wanting to help.

Politicians and celebrities did their own relief operations and despite animosity and tensions, they set aside their differences and helped the people who needed the attention. President Noynoy Aquino also went around to examine the damages brought by the floods and also distributed goods together with his staff and sister Kris.

Our leaders Jasmin and Jencee repacking goods. :)

So many stories of heroic deeds with photos showing members of the AFP, PNP, Navy and even ordinary civilians uniting to help rescue those trapped in flooded areas. PAWS also lend a hand by rescuing pets abandoned or neglected by owners.

We may have a chaotic country but if there is one thing that you can never take out in a Filipino is that the bayanihan spirit lives on.

Alexa

PS: For those who want to donate, please get in touch with Jasmin through @iheartjasmin, Jencee @jeenceepay, Divine @divinemlee, Victor @victorbasa  or you may drop them at Tony Galvez Salon in Cubao, House of Laurel in Makati, Aracama Restaurant at the Fort, SM Megamall and other relief operations in your nearby areas. 

Food pledges are also accepted through Binalot. Tweet @binalot or you may go to their website binalot.com on instructions how to pledge.  

The longgowncompetition by Shahani Gania is scheduled this Monday, August 13 at Prive where all  forms of donation will  be accepted for the victims of the Luzon flood. Tweet @shahanigania, @xstinasuperstar or@vincearie for details.

Photos taken from Jasmin and John Rufo's twitter and FB accounts.

Non-stop rain and mobilization of operation drives

For the last 14 days, rains continue in Manila and this is by far the longest in the past few years. As everyone knows, three years ago, Manila was under state of calamity following the havoc caused by Ondoy.  As of 3:05pm, many areas are already submerge in water and Malacanang has already instructed  the suspension of classes (since last night), government work and private offices although according to Sec. Abigail Valte, if offices force workers to come in, they must ensure the safety and give double pay. As of last report, President Aquino has already instructed private offices to suspend work due to the heavy rains.

Divine and Victor have already mobilized their team which was organized during Ondoy so I encourage all of you to visit Divine's blog on how to help. The Fierces led by Jasmin and Jencee have also called upon the group to help so please tweet or message us for the donations which include food, blankets and water and they will bring it to Divine or Aracama Restaurant to drop it.

ABS-CBN, Rescue 5 and GMA 7 are also accepting relief operations as well as Ateneo de Manila, La Salle and La Salle Benilde. SM Megamall and Ayala have also tweeted that they are open for drop points of donations and shelter for stranded passengers.

As of this writing, places in QC, Valenzuela, Makati and Manila are now in floods with some up to the roofs. Commonwealth, Roxas, QC, West Fairview and Araneta Avenue are also submerge. Marikina River is beyond the 20 feet warning and people have been already asked to evacuate. Dams are also being monitored as well as affected provinces.

Stay safe everyone.

Alexa

Get together with @mszenzest, magazine work and @iheartjasmin 's b-day

Hello fierces!!!

A huge apology for not updating due to lots of work in the office. This post is quite very late but nevertheless kuwento akesh!

Last July 4, ZenZest founder and President Michelle Fontelera invited the fierces to come to Glorietta to visit the ZenZest store. I knew Michelle way back when I interviewed her for an Ever Bilena story (see the link to Living the Zen Life below)  and how coincidence that her younger sister Carla was a former classmate of mine back in Miriam Grade School. :)

When I arrived, the Fierces were already having photos of Divine outside of the store. I gave my greetings to Michelle and was asked to choose a bottle of perfume (I chose Thistle) which was distributed with a ZenZest gift pack during the dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I also catch up some conversation with the group most notably Fifi as I have been seeking alot of fashion styling questions for my articles in the magazine. As much as I love fashion, it is a huge comfort to seek one who is really knowledgeable about the trends. I also met Sal who I really became fond of since we were discussing alot of things from fashion to relationships to personal advice.

Going back to ZenZest, Michelle shared her story how she started the business. She was always into colognes and perfumes way back when she was young and after graduating from La Salle University, she decided to make her own concoctions starting at the family's kitchen. She told everyone that she was doing it all from the cooking to packaging with help from her family and do the delivery and join bazaars. ZenZest formally started in a small stall in MegaMall and today is one of the most affordable and booming businesses with stalls and stores all over the country. As with her personal life, Michelle is a mother of two and happily married to Sunday Fontelera. I encourage the Fierces to buy the Go Negosyo book on Women entrepreneurs where you can read more about Michelle and ZenZest's story. :)

It was also during the get together that we also celebrated Jasmin's birthday. Unknown to our Fierce organizer, we were secretly talking to one another (led by Jencee) to chip in for a birthday cake. Imagine Jas's surprise when John came in with the cake followed by another cake from Michelle. We were like paparrazi taking photos of the event hehehe. ;)

The ZenZest store in Glorietta

Divine arriving in a white Grecian dress and yes from a taping.

Surprise!!! John Rufo hands Jasmin the birthday cake we all chipped in for her.

Jas with her two birthday cakes. One from the Fierces and the other from Ms. ZenZest herself. :)

Strike a pose ang apat L-R: Fifi, Sal, Lavern and Yanyan ;)

Parang artista si Jas that day hahaha :D

Yours truly with Divine. I'm glad I really met this girl :)

Me, Mel and Divine Carrmelo :)

Sal and Ms ZenZest Michelle Fontelera

The group with Divine and Michelle. We were given gift packs that day.

On another note, I am busy closing the pages of the magazine I am in charge with as senior writer. I have never been excited so much. The opportunity that I have now has opened alot of doors and as I mentioned before, I will take it one day at a time learning everything and absorbing it like a sponge.  I really can't wait to share the magazine with everyone once it comes out.

Special mention to Sal Fife-Garcia for the photos.

For Michelle's story from the Philippine Star --http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=512956&publicationSubCategoryId=89

Bye for now!!

Alexa

Random thoughts...

It's already July and for some strange reason, floods of emotions came back to me. Hindi kaila sa Fierces that I have been through a rough personal crisis at the start of the year. I left my job in the newspaper last February, had an unstable emotional rollercoaster  ride jumping from a job in April that I realize was not for me until last June I was finally able to land a position as senior writer for Zen Health Magazine under Fame Publishing. Looking back at the first six months, I did not know how I was able to survive it all.

I am so grateful for the people who backed me up despite the vague situation. Some of the Fierces knew but understood why I rather keep quiet. After all, if you love something and treasured it like your own, it bounds to hurt when you leave it.

As with regards to the new chapter in my life, I am very please to write for the magazine. Its a new challenge since it's a new environment. But like any neophyte in the industry, I learn everyday and I am looking forward to learning more and embrace the industry which I believe is my calling.

-Alexa

Eto na! Fierce profile @fifi_abboudie

Siya na ang future stylist ng mga Fierces and apprentice ni @mattgozun. Also my guardian angel in styling questions. Thank you sis!!! -ALEXA

Full Name: Firas Solomon Abboud

Stylist na stylist just by looking at this photo collage ;)

Interests/hobbies: Of course everything fashion, reading, writing, cooking, eating, dancing, traveling etc. I love to learn and explore new things!

What made you follow Divine in Twitter? Well, I first saw Divine in the Lounge Section of Preview Magazine, I fell in love with her style instantly, I googled Divine Lee, and one of the results included her twitter account, I followed her on the spot.  

How surprised are you that the group is growing? As a matter of fact, I am not surprised at all. Well, maybe I am surprised on the fact that the group grew really fast! 

What do you think Divine has that people love and started following her? Divine is a huge ball of sunshine and positivity. And each time the ball shines, more and more people gets hit by the wonder Divine exudes, thus making them love and follow her! She is brave, down-to-earth, funny, caring, spontaneous and so much more good adjectives. How could you not love a person like Divine Lee? 

What is your dream for the fierce group? What do you think makes the Fierces different from other groups? Hmmm, now that the group is growing, my dream is that everyone will be open to one another so that the fierce bond will be so powerful and unbreakable. The fact that we laugh at almost everything, we really know how to have a good time don't we?

You are known as the budding stylist in the group so how would you style Divine in a photo shoot? What would be your dream setting for it?

Last month, I had the privilege of actually styling Divine Lee being the intern of Matt Gozun. But if  I were to conceptualize a shoot for Divine and style her for it, I have two concepts. One is a goddess shoot on the Columns in Greece to mark the goddess that she is, and two a bare shoot, just like a polaroid shot, maybe because we are used to seeing Divine all glammed up, it would be interesting to see her bare it all, the makeup, accessories, the sparkle and showcase Divine, just Divine.