Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Cebu City, Queen City of the South
URL 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAK8IIfw5sE
URL 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjKnBOH8pSc
URL 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2B9kyh2yl8
URL 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B--Ptf8DLyE
URL 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIdTOOWtcNY
URL 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_ggKDGtMI
URL 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G5wJtzlj0
URL 8: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cW6pw7D9SI
COME AND VISIT CEBU! Tana Bay!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Chicken Ala Carte by Ferdinand Dimadura
Of the 3,600 films submitted to the 56th Berlin International Film Festival, this short film won the Green Unplugged Film Fest People's Choice Award.
This short film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 25,000 people dying of hunger everyday around the world. This short film shows a forgotten portion of our society. The people who live on the waste of others in order to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left them behind.
This is their story...
URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONqWbFlxVwE
Thursday, March 26, 2009
LIFESTYLE: PATRICIO "JUNJET" PRIMOR JR
JUNJET PRIMOR: The Pageant Guru
by Ariel A. Allera
January 14, 2004
AS A WRITER cum makeup artist myself, I have witnessed quite a few beauty pageants not only here in Cebu, but also (extensively) outside. And being one who also directs the same, I not only beautify or coach my candidates in the dressing room, or take note of details for my article, but also overlook the production flow, hoping to learn more about the modes of choreography.
Even as I watch televised pageants, both national and international, I see to it that I keep tabs, so that these will give me more ideas.
Last year’s Miss Cebu was the grandest I have seen. The overall production kept popping my eyes and stirring my imagination until I awakened into the reality that I wasn’t in Trinidad and Tobago witnessing the coronation night of Miss Universe 1999. No less than the reigning Miss Earth that time, Dzejla Glavovich, told me during our dinner two nights after that this has been the most spectacular pageantry she has ever seen in all her travels.
Don’t you think it’s an honor for us Cebuanos that we are able to come up with such a world-class staging of a local beauty contest? And it just goes without saying that we owe it to the brain conceptualizing all this glitz, glamour, and the footlights.
I’m talking about Patricio “Junjet” Primor.
I chanced upon him while having rehearsals for this year’s Miss Cebu to be held tomorrow night, January 15, at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Though being esteemed as one of the most sought after and highest paid pageant directors in the country today, Junjet has remained simple and humble, unaffected and unaware of his fame.
Q: How long have you been directing beauty pageants?
A: I started in the early 1980s, so I’ve been doing this for almost two decades already.
Q: What was your very first directorial job and how was it for a first-timer like you?
A: I was a Civil Engineering student of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (Junjet is now a licensed civil engineer) then when I started directing pageants. I remember it was a departmental contest in our school and, of course, for a first-timer like me, it was nothing really serious. All purely for fun!
Q: Tell me about your first big pageant.
A: My first big pageant was Miss Cebu Tourism 1992. I was not yet directing, but choreographing the fashion side of it. And then I eventually started directing it since then.
Q: What lured you into directing pageants?
A: Love for the Arts. I consider directing pageants as an art.
Q: As director, do you follow local and international beauty pageants on T.V. like a fanatic?
A: Not really as a fanatic. But I do watch these pageants because it’s one way of updating myself with the latest style and approach in terms of presenting a production.
Q: We have three major national pageants here: Binibining Pilipinas, Mutya ng Pilipinas, and Miss Philippines. Which to you is the most striking to watch in terms of choreography or production?
A: I would say all of them, because each has its own style and concept.
Q: Given the chance, which would you want to direct among them?
A: Of course, Binibining Pilipinas, because the winners will represent our country to the three most prestigious international pageants: the Miss Universe, the Miss World, and the Miss International. In a way, it will also give me the honor of being part of them.
Q: Among the international ones, which do you personally hold in highest esteem? Kindly differentiate.
A: Miss Universe should be my first choice of preference because of the fact that not only is it the most eminent beauty pageant, but also because of their concept of changing venues year after year, which promotes the culture of the country hosting. Likewise, I also find it exciting to see the host country’s native approach in production and presentation. On the other hand, the Miss World Organization is also beginning to travel regularly again, after having done so several years ago. And I heard Miss International is also going to other places.
Q: Is there any international celebrity host you wish to invite to emcee your pageant?
A: Nobody in particular, because our local hosts can do the job just as well and they are easier to work with.
Q: Who among the international titleholders do you admire most and why?
A: I’m specially all praises to our very own Miss Universe (1973) Margarita Moran-Floreindo. Until now, she’s able to maintain her fresh looks and her reputation for being a good mother and wife. I also find it admirable of a former beauty queen to be active in socio-civic organizations.
Q: How about staging Miss Cebu in another country?
A: Actually, it has happened already. If I’m not mistaken, the proclamation and coronation of winners in 1987 was held in Australia, and in 1986 they had their finals in Hong Kong. Of course, the selection of the finalists was done here in Cebu. Given another chance, I would like it held in either Hawaii or the Netherlands, particularly in cities like Honolulu and Halimemer, because they are our sister cities.
Q: As director, do you pay special attention to one particular aspect in a show like Miss Cebu? For example, the lighting...
A: I’m very meticulous about the whole production—from stage design to music, lights, performers, costumes and all because I believe that all will only amount to nothing if one is not there.
Q: What is the hardest part of directing?
A: It has to be the set-up. You know, if the physical preparation does not get done on time, the whole production will suffer.
Q: How do you usually celebrate after the show?
A: I usually go out with my staff and crew and we have bottles of beer. We talk about what just happened earlier, with special mention of the winner, like we usually have personal bets and sometimes they don’t end up winners.
Q: Any words of encouragement for young people out there who wish to venture into directing beauty pageants?
A: Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to try new ideas, and keep your feet on the ground.
City council declares Arroyo adopted daughter of Cebu
Thursday, February 09, 2006
On mass motion yesterday, the Cebu City Council declared President Arroyo an adopted daughter of Cebu, a title that will be conferred on her during the Charter Day celebration.
The council passed two separate resolutions recognizing the efforts and contributions of the President and 20 other individuals and companies to the development of the city.
They also approved the conferment of the Rajah Humabon Lifetime Achievement Award to Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will be one of the recipients of the mayor’s special awards.
In a resolution, Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem proposed to make President Arroyo an adopted daughter for her unwavering faith and support for Cebuanos and for the projects she gave the city.
“Cebuanos appreciate President GMA’s commendable effort in achieving economic growth, which generated decent job opportunities in Cebu as well as the neighboring provinces, despite the unrelenting oil price increases and unceasing attempts to cause political unrest,” he said.
The council approved the resolution on mass motion during their session yesterday.
The councilors also said the award would show that “the people of Cebu believe in the political leadership and will of the President, as manifested by almost a million Cebuanos who legitimately voted for her in the 2004 elections.”
Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced earlier that the City will have to adjust to the President’s schedule and hold the Charter Day program and awarding ceremony two days earlier.
In a separate resolution, the council also approved the conferment of special awards for outstanding institutions and individuals.
The awardees for outstanding institutions are Gawad Kalinga, University of San Carlos Dance Troupe, Rotary Club of Cebu-Fuente, SM Foundation Inc., Aboitiz Shipping Company and radio dyAB Abante Bisaya.
Outstanding individual awardees are Dr. Annette Salila (medicine), Engr. Patricio “Junjet” Primor Jr. (arts and culture), Edward Dampor Sr. (science and technology) and City Hall consultant on education Joy Augustus Young (public service).
For successfully organizing the Sinulog, Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros will receive the Mayor’s Special Award, along with choreographer Victor Cuenco and Cebu Pacific Airlines.
Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau Chief Pablo Labra II, National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Medardo de Lemos and Crisaldo Rendon will also get the same award. (LCR)
Cebu's valuable pearls
By Jaime Picornell
Inquirer
First Posted 00:37am (Mla time) 04/08/2007
MANILA, Philippines - Cebu's Philippines Foundation held the 20th Annual Perlas Awards for Valuable Filipinos at Theater One of SM City. Foundation president Rev. Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ, presided over the ceremonies.
In his welcome remarks, Fr. Javier said the awards were given for exemplary conduct, excellence in profession, and many other qualities that made the awardees valuable and outstanding members of the community. Recipients are people from all walks of life, disciplines and professions, as well as institutions.
This year's awardees, announced by Milagros Espina, Ph.D., a past president of the foundation, were Brenda Saliendra, excellence and dedication in the secretarial profession; Patricio "Junjet" Primor, show choreographer of the first magnitude; fashion czar of the south Philip Rodriguez; and pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria, for music and many other things.
The volunteer organization C-Cimpel, which guards the sanctity of ballot boxes, got a special citation for outstanding leadership. Bishop Julito Cortes and Marilou Briones Chiongbian led the group on stage.
A special citation was given to "The Cebuanos" for their collective effort during the recent Asean Summit.
Ingrid, responding for the recipients, did it with music. The Arts Council's grand piano was brought in and she performed Romanze, the second movement - molto allegro e vivace - of Mendelsohnn's Concerto No. 1 in G minor.
The orchestral accompaniment was arranged by professor Jeffrey Pilares for the String Quartet of the Peace Philharmonic of the Philippines (PPP): March Hamlet Mercado and Christine Ybañez, first and second violins; Franz Lanzaderas, viola; and Jibbie Rose Reyes, cello.
"Same time, next year," said Fr. Javier to Marissa Fernan, foundation vice president and greatly instrumental in this event as SM Cebu's lady high-everything-else.
The Philippines Foundation has eminent personalities in its board and roster of members. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal is a hands-on spiritual adviser. Honorary chair is Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, now undersecretary of Foreign Affairs.
Other officers are executive VP Efren Valiente, secretary Dr. Lourdes Jereza, treasurers Tess Chan and Elvira Luym (this year's program hostess), auditor John Domingo, legal counsel Merle Cunanan, and PRO Nelia Neri.
Directors are Ver de la Cerna, Pilar Cusi, Sabino Dapat, Petite Garcia, Michael Go, Dr. Ester Velasquez, and past presidents Ben Yapjoco, Enrique Benedictor, Nestor Chua, Hernan Streegan, Joseph Gaisano, Antonio Veloso, and Mila Espina.
Members include civic leaders Clarito Fruelda, lawyer Manuel Go, Beling Go Ching Hai, Bunny Pages, Anita Sanchez, Dr. Montana Saniel, Veneranda Cinco-Sy, Stella Bernabe, Filna Espina, Mariter Klepp and Francis Monera, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Surprise awardee, opposition presence highlight governor’s anniversary ball
Monday, August 06, 2007
By Minerva B. Gerodias
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
AS the Province of Cebu celebrates its 438th founding anniversary, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia raised the challenge of “taking this experiment in unity to greater heights.”
Her administration also paid tribute to outstanding Cebuanos, an election watchdog and the lead organizer of the Asean summits held in Cebu.
“Our responsibility for our province’s future is to see to it that Cebu finds its proper place in the national and international stage, the horizon that is made clear by our strong and vibrant present,” Garcia said in her speech last night at the Capitol social hall.
Cebu has survived the challenges of war, famine, calamities both natural and man-made and “the blind persistence of human greed and ambition,” the governor said.
“We stayed as one and not just stayed, we fought with all the might of our forebears the forces that would divide us,” she said.
Arguably the most prominent political threat of Garcia’s first term from 2004-2007 were the bills to divide Cebu into four provinces, as proposed by then-legislators Antonio Yapha, Clavel Martinez and Simeon Kintanar. (Yapha and Martinez have since lost their bids for governor and vice governor, respectively, in the May 14 elections. Kintanar did not seek office.)
But Garcia pointed out that while 438 years of “an experiment in unity” has made Cebu as “the number one province in the entire country,” it is also the Cebuano’s responsibility to guard it from all threats and “to give substance to the hopes and inspirations which underpin it.”
As part of last night’s celebration, the Province of Cebu recognized five Cebuanos for excellence in their fields, by giving them the “Garbo sa Sugbo” awards.
The surprise awardee was Patricio “Junjet” Primor, director of last night’s event. He was so shocked that he was one of the awardees that he only managed to put on his barong when his name was called and was still fixing the buttons while walking to the stage.
Capitol announced only four of the awardees earlier in the week: Nicolas Pacaña, world-renowned ballet dancer; Steve Benitez, the entrepreneur behind the Bo’s Coffee chain; the University of the Philippines High School for garnering honors for two consecutive years in the International Cyberfair Competition in San Diego, California; and lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. for his contributions in environmental conservation and legislation.
The Capitol only announced the fifth awardee, Primor, during last night’s show.
Given the Governor’s Citation was the Cebu-Citizens’ Involvement and Maturation in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) and Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr.
C-Cimpel was recognized for its contribution in the May 14 elections, when its volunteers monitored the precincts, assisted voters and conducted a parallel count of election results. It was C-Cimpel’s copies of the election returns (ER) that the
Commission on Elections relied on, after finding that 15 of the ERs from Bogo town were fake.
Paynor was recognized for his leadership in the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Cebu last January and for “his faith in the Cebuano spirit.” The ambassador served as chairman of the summit’s national organizing committee.
Last night’s event was attended by the Provincial Board members, mayors, businessmen and other leaders from the different sectors.
Opposition mayors like Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez, Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo, Consolacion’s Avelino Gungob and Tuburan’s Constancio Suezo were also among those who attended. (MBG)
'GARBO SA SUGBO' HONORS CEBU DYNAMIC LEADERS
MANILA, NOVEMBER 22, 2007 (STAR) C‘EST CEBU By Honey Jarque Loop - Four dynamic and passionate Cebuanos, and a well-respected and most admired institution, all of whom have relentlessly set and pursued lofty goals, which laid the framework for the economic and cultural development of the island, were recently recognized and honored by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during the annual Garbo sa Sugbo (Pride of Cebu) awarding ceremony at the majestic ballroom of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
This year’s awardees include:
• Antonio Oposa Jr., an environmentalist, who was praised for his pioneering practice of environmental law in the country. The head of the Visayan Sea Squadron and Law Nature Foundation, he made it to the United Nation’s Environmental Program Global 500 Roll of Honor for his dedicated efforts.
• Steve Benitez was awarded for bringing Cebuano ingenuity and entrepreneurial energy into the realm of the coffee drinking industry. Benitez, owner of Bo’s Coffee, started his business 11 years ago at the Ayala Center in Cebu, and today has expanded to 33 coffee shops nationwide.
• Nicolas Pacaña, acclaimed as one of the world’s finest classical dancers, is today the only Filipino who has served as co-artistic director of the Atlanta Festival Ballet and the Festival Ballet School in Stockbridge, Georgia, USA.
• Patricio Primor for his unparalleled talent and skill as Cebu’s premier director and choreographer in the promotion of culture and heritage of Cebu. Today, he is the creative director of the Cebu Performing Arts.
• The University of the Philippine High School-Cebu Campus fourth year students were recognized for winning in the International Schools Cyberfair Competition held in San Diego, California, USA last year. Their design “Calles de Cebu; Gateway to a Nation’s History,” won second place and received the gold in the historical landmarks category.
The Governor’s special citation awards went to Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. for his unwavering belief in the strong and indomitable spirit of the Cebuano people and for spearheading the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, which was a resounding success, a sterling achievement.
The Cebu Citizens Involvement and Maturation in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C Cimpel) was acknowledged for the courage of these volunteers in ensuring the inviolability of the ballots and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Lending support and assistance to the Governor’s event were government officials led by Vice Governor Greg Sanchez; board member Agnes Magpale; former Cebu Governor Pablo Garcia and his wife Esperanza; philanthropists Michel and Amparito Lhuillier; and Mariquita Yeung; Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Frank Benedicto and his wife Leontina, who is Honorary Consul of Turkey; Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell; and Honorary Consul of Belgium Enrique Benedicto.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
TOUCHED BY MIDAS
By Marlinda Angbetic Tan
Photos by Erwin Lim
D’oro Barandino strikes gold with his award-winning designs for bags, home accessories, and furniture
He insists on spelling his name “D’oro” instead of the traditional Doro, believing it will attract a geomantic force that turns everything he touches into gold. That out of the way, no one will think that “D’oro” Barandino is merely a typographical error.
If you have never heard about him, it’s because he has always hidden behind someone else’s brand. That is, until 2007 when he started to develop a line of bags using indigenous materials and fabric. He uses mother of pearl, sea urchin beads, young pen shell, black horn, bone, bamboo, resin, water sea snakeskin and kamagong wood for beach bags, totes and clutches, molding them into shapes and soft, feminine patterns. Following the dictum “form follows function,” he came up with new techniques that manipulated the materials into simple shapes that allow the earthy palette, natural colors and textures and the exotic nature of the materials to speak for themselves. He stays away from leather, unhappy with the quality of the local supply.
D’oro is a product designer for bags, home accessories and furniture. His architectural background serves him well in product development, where he keeps an eye on structure and construction. He received from CITEM Katha award during a Manila F.A.M.E. International show for product design for his use of rubber bands for a handbag collection he designed for a Cebu exporter. He is currently a design consultant for the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Cebu.
He derives inspiration from everyday things – observing color combinations of pedestrian attire and discovering shapes that he sees in the urban environment. He is fascinated with the jeepney, finding a pattern in the chrome or broken leather. He has found his design space, his cocoon where he is productive and creative, his haven for thought and invention.
D’oro’s trips to Paris, Milan, New York and other major design capitals early on made him consider relocating outside Cebu. He thought that he needed to be in a place conducive to design. He realized that it wasn’t the place but the mindset that mattered. “You just have to reach that level of realization where you recognize that nature’s abundance within your reach can bring endless possibilities. All you have to do is to appreciate, relate and see its purpose.” MS
Friday, February 13, 2009
Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund (North Queensland Floods)
http://www.redcross.org.au/QLD/services_disresp_nqfloods2009.htm
Red Cross support workers are currently operating in Ingham and Townsville to help with flood evacuation and recovery efforts in Northern Queensland.
We are working with Hinchinbrook Shire Council to manage the Ingham Evacuation Centre which has moved to the Pavilion in the Ingham Showgrounds in Cooper Street, and with the Department of Communities at Flood Recovery Centres in both Ingham and Townsville.
Evacuation Centre
Location: the Pavilion, Ingham Showgrounds, Cooper St, Ingham
Opening hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Recovery Centre
Location: Ingham's Royal Hotel, 46 Lannercost St, Ingham
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday,
Phone: 1800 173 349
As the floods subside, Red Cross in partnership with the Department of Communities will send outreach workers door to door in flood affected areas to check on the health and well being of local residents.
How you can help those affected by the flooding
The Queensland Government has launched a Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund. Donations can be made at any of the major banks:
· Commonwealth
· Westpac
· National Australia Bank
· ANZ
· Suncorp Metway and
· Bank of Queensland.
Cheques should be made out to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal Fund. Donors can also contact the Smart Services Queensland Call Centre on 1800 173 349 with their credit card details. This line will be open 24 hours a day. All donations of $2.00 or more to the appeal will be tax deductible.
Red Cross is not able to accept donated items such as of clothing, bedding or food because it often costs more to collect and transport the goods than to purchase them from local businesses. Currently we are focused on having the flexibility to source items to meet people's immediate needs. Unfortunately we are not aware of any other charity accepting goods at this time.
Blood donations in Queensland are currently in short supply. Please call 13 14 95 for your nearest blood donation centre.
Information for people affected by flooding in North Queensland
Red Cross is distributing an Emergency REDiplan booklet on how to clean up after flooding. Click here to obtain copies of the booklet or call 1800 733 111.
Financial assistance is available from the Ingham Recovery Centre.
You can obtain advice on Federal Government assistance available through Centrelink, and State Government assistance available through the Department of Communities Services(DoCS).There are certain criteria that need to be met for assistance to be granted and these can be discussed at the Recovery Centre.
For further information on Federal and State Government financial assistance, you can contact Smart Services Queensland on 1800 173 349. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment Line is 180 22 22.
If your property is damaged and you are in urgent need of assistance, please call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
If your power is off, please call Ergon on 13 1670.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council can be contacted on (07) 4776 4600 or visit www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au
Townsville City Council can be contacted on (07) 4727 9000 or visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au
To report phone faults contact Telstra on 13 22 03 or Optus on 13 13 44
Go to the Education Queensland website at www.education.qld.gov.au for information on schools.
Updates on the weather can be gained from the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009
http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm
The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government.
An independent panel made up of community leaders will oversee the appeal Fund's operation.
The panel will be chaired by the Hon. John Landy AC who will oversee the urgent preparation of criteria for distribution of the appeal funds to affected people.
Donations are continuing to flow in via the website and phone, and there has also been an overwhelmingly generous response from corporate Australia.
Donations can be made using our secure online donations form or by phoning 1800 811 700.
Red Cross response:
· More than 180 lives lost with the number expected to increase as authorities access more homes and discover vehicles in which people attempted to escape the fires.
· Our biggest role now is personal support, offering assistance to people returning home and coming to terms with the magnitude of the disaster.
· Currently we are involved in the response phase providing temporary accommodation and food in 18 evacuation centres. We have registered more than 10,000 people in person, and provided thousands of first aid treatments.
· We have a team at Kinglake with medical supplies and food -- they are visiting a community who chose not to leave when the fires came through and who have not had any contact since. Priorities will be medical help, food and registering their names so family and friends know they are safe and well.
· Another team are focusing on the Whittlesea evacuation centre as people are able to return to their homes for the first time. Our team will be offering personal support as this is going to be a very difficult time for those returning.
· People from around Australia and around the world are phoning through to our Inquiry Centre to check on family and friends. Volunteers who are trained in personal support are relaying heartwarming as well as heartbreaking, stories as the calls come in.
· Our Inquiry Centre has taken more than 17,000 enquiries with more than 11,000 people registered.
· Over 400 volunteers and staff continue to work in rotating shifts. Red Cross call centres in WA, ACT and NSW have opened to help deal with the volume of calls from people checking on the welfare of evacuees.
Checking on friends and family in the area
People who have been affected by the fires are asked to register at an evacuation centre or by phoning the Inquiry Centre on 1800 727 077.
If you are unable to contact someone in the the affected areas:
· within Australia: phone 1800 727 077
· from overseas: phone +61 3 9328 3716 or +61 8 9225 8880.
These lines are very busy, so we ask that people please be patient when calling.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
For specific information about the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund call 1800 180 213 or visit the Department of Human Services Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund website page: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal.
Please do not donate goods
We are not accepting goods because it often costs more to collect and transport than to purchase from local businesses. These businesses have often also been badly impacted and can benefit from the activity. Currently we are focused on people's immediate needs. If we identify a specific need we will make a public call.
I can't get through on the website/donations form/phone line!
Due to the huge volume of people who are visiting our website and ringing our phone lines you may experience some delays. Please be patient, and try again a little later -- we appreciate your donation tremendously and ask for your patience during this unprecedented response.
Businesses wanting to donate
If you are a business and want to make a financial donation or engage staff in the Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009, we ask that you email: businesspartnerships@redcross.org.au rather than contact us by phone due to the unprecedented number of enquiries. We will endeavour to respond within a 72 hour period.
Fundraising
If you want to hold a fundraiser, please read and follow the requirements of the the community fundraising kit, downloadable below. Please fill out part A and fax back to your local Red Cross office and a member of the team will contact you as soon as they are able. Please be patient -- as you can imagine the number of support offers is very high.
Major fundraising activities
Volunteering
Over 400 volunteers have been involved in the response with more trained and experienced people on standby. We are not currently seeking any more volunteers. This may change in the coming days as needs become clearer and we will make a public call if necessary.
Offers of housing and accommodation
The Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation donation line is coordinating donations of billeting/housing and accommodation within Victoria. Please call 1800 006 468 within Victoria.
Blood donations
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is not presently calling for emergency donations. Nonetheless, the Blood Service encourages all Victorians wanting to assist possible victims of this weekend's bushfires to use the online registration form at the Blood Service website to make an appointment to donate blood in the coming and days and weeks. These pledges will ensure blood stocks remain at safe levels, including additional coverage for use by burns and other victims resulting from this weekend's bushfire emergency.
Important contacts
Victorian Bushfire Information line - 1800 240 667
CFA website: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au
State Emergency Service - 132 500
Australian Red Cross Blood Service - http://www.donateblood.com.au/
VicRoads - 13 11 70 - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/
GriefLine - 03 9596 7799 - provides caring listening in times of sadness and distress. Hours of operation are 12 noon - 3am.
Other agencies and contacts
· In NSW: Bushfire non-cash Assistance Line - phone 1800 227 228
· Australian Red Cross Blood service is encouraging people to donate blood. People should visit the website and use the online registration form to make an appointment
· Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria is coordinating offers of support for bushfire victims and their horses -- http://www.phhwv.org.au/
· Volunteers for re-building can phone the Victorian Bushfire Volunteer Line on 1300 366 356
· Rural Workforce Agency Victoria is coordinating GP and locum services. Visit the website http://www.rwav.com.au/
· Salvation Army is providing emergency relief
Common questions about your donation
How will the money be used?
The donations will assist individuals and communities who meet the criteria set up by an independent panel of community leaders who will oversee the Appeal Fund's operation. The Panel will be chaired by the Hon. John Landy AC who will oversee the urgent preparation of criteria for distribution of the appeal funds to affected people.
How much is Red Cross taking for Administration Costs?
Red Cross will not deduct any funds from this appeal for administration costs. All funds received will be kept in a Trust Fund set up by the Victorian Government.
Is my donation tax deductible?
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
CHANGELING
Her resilience and determination to find her missing son uncovered a corruption deeply rooted in the higher echelons of that time – from the police up to the mayor who were eventually dismissed to the people’s cheers.
The challenges that Christine Collins went through just to find her son are overwhelming. Initially, you might think that this lady, as embodied by Angelina Jolie, looked so shy and unassuming. However, as the film progresses, so to does her strength of character.
The film shows a mother’s love knows neither bounds nor limits. It shows how one’s determination could make a difference, even in the depths of despair and sadness.
Angelina Jolie was believable as Christine Collins. And the handiwork of Clint Eastwood as director is near faultless. The union between director and actor in this film is sublime. This film is worth seeing.
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