Donations needed for Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda for the Philippines

It is really a sad and heartbreaking news.. Last Nov. 8, Friday, our country was hit by such a strong typhoon leaving more than 10,000 people dead, missing, injured, sick, homeless, starving.. So many countries and people all over the world, not only our countrymen, have pledged and sent their aid in forms of rescue teams and medical people, volunteers, financial aid, relief goods and a lot more. 

We all pray and wish that all these help will really reach the people in need and not just go to corrupt people. 

Here in Oman, Filipino people and communities are also doing their part to send aids back home, here are some way which you can help if you're here in Oman and would like to donate cash, cheque and in kind. I would say that so far in my research, these are what I would suggest and even for those based in the Philippines. 

OPTION 1:

For donations of items, you may also bring it to Marissa's Zumba gym (Al Muneif Sports Center, Ground floor), located in the service road along Al Khuwair highway, near Majan House and Al Meera supermarket, same road where TGIF and Bank Muscat buildings are. This building is the same building where you can find the Baskin Robbins and Tunes stores. For more inquiries on what time and days you can drop off the items, please contact Ms. Marissa herself - 9902 0080. She lived and studied in these areas greatly affected by the typhoon so that's why she really wants to make sure that items will surely reach the people in Samar and Leyte. 

Whatever items that Ms. Marissa will be able to gather will be sent free courtesy of TRICO shipping, and boxes will be dropped off to The 700 Club Asia (a Christian network/channel which I also love to watch and surely will support), so it was really easy for me to decide where I would like to donate the items I am able to collect. 

For more info on this network, you can check their FB page: The 700 Club Asia

OPTION 2:

Our local church, PCO in Oman (in Ghala and in Ruwi) will surely be donating cash as well thru the Missions Team, so for me and my church friends, we will surely be giving our cash donations thru the church. If you want to do so and will be attending at the PCO, you can put the cash/cheque donation in an envelope and write the purpose if its for the Philippines typhoon victims. I got in touch with the Missions Team head and has informed me that she has received requests to support the Philippines. 

OPTION 3:

Tentatively, donations in kind as per the above picture will be accepted until end of November, while cash donations will be accepted until 13th December during the concert that the FILCOSOC is trying to put up - HOLD ON TOGETHER: A concert for a cause at the Al Bahja Hall, The Jungle Restaurant in Qurum Park, next to Marahland. 

OPTION 4:

 For donations of items, you may also drop them at the Philippine School in Muscat, near ABA and Egyptian School in Al Khuwair. 

OPTION 5:

You can also donate via Don Moen's page (popular Christian Praise and worship singer who's currently in the Philippines now for a concert)

Please click on the link: http://www.donmoenandfriends.org/help/

OPTION 6:

FEBC Philippines is a local Christian broadcasting radio which shares the word of God and which we also tune into.

Donations to FEBC Philippines, especially for the typhoon Yolanda victims, here are our bank accounts:

ACCOUNT NAME: FAR EAST BROADCASTING COMPANY

BPI Julia Vargas Branch: Current Account Number 2431-0093-93

BDO Pasig-Maralco Avenue Branch: Current Account Number 004150366783

After you’ve made the donation, kindly inform us about your gift. So we’d know whether it is for the disaster victims or for the broadcasts of FEBC Philippines.

Our cell phone numbers are: 0947-333-5605, 0927-778-6909 or 0932-483-3233. Office phone number is (632) 650-0859.

For more info, you can view their FB page: FEBC Radio

OPTION 7:

Sagip Kapamilya Telethon is a part of ABS-CBN and accepts donations in cash or in kind. 

For more info, go to this link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tulongPH

OPTION 8:

Even a group of mommies in the Philippines are doing their part, just thinking if those children were their own, it surely breaks their heart. 

OPTION 9: 

Ang GMA Kapuso Foundation ay magsasagawa ng malawakang Operation Bayanihan (relief operation) upang damayan ang mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng Super Typhoon Yolanda. Kailangan po ang mga sumusunod: 
BIGAS 
NOODLES 
BOTTLED WATER 
DAMIT 
GAMOT 
KUMOT 
BANIG 
SABONG PANLIGO AT PANLABA 
TOOTHBRUSH AT TOOTHPASTE 
BAGONG UNDERWEAR 
TUWALYA 
TSINELAS 

Maaari pong dalhin ang inyong mga donasyon sa mga sumusunod na drop-off centers: 

GMA Kapuso Foundation 
2nd Floor Kapuso Center, GMA Network Drive 
corner Samar Streets, Diliman, Quezon City 
Tel. no. 928-4299/ 928-9351 

GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse 
# 366 GMA Compound 
Tandang Sora Avenue 
Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City 
Tel. no. 931-7013 

Para sa cash donation, maaari po ninyong ideposito sa anumang branch ng METROBANK, UCPB, PNB at CEBUANA LHUILLIER. Wala pong service fee na ibabawas sa inyong mga donasyon at tax deductible po ang inyong mga donasyon. 

Maraming salamat, mga Kapuso. 

OPTION 10:

Philippine Red Cross of course is also helping the typhoon victims. Do your part to help and save lives. 

Here's a list of what to give and not to give as per the Philippine Red Cross:

1. Cash is better - It is better to give cash than small amounts of relief goods. One hundred to 200 pieces of canned goods are a small amount. What the victims need are truckloads of sardines, rice and ready to eat food. Also, it is harder to sort goods that are of different kinds.

There is also another reason why cash is better. "If we buy items in bulk, it is cheaper," Pang said.

She said the cash can also be used for cash-for-work programs or cash grants in typhoon-hit areas. "We empower people to decide on what they want to buy," she said.

2. Give clothes with "integrity." - According to Pang, the Red Cross only gives clothes that are suitable for the Philippine climate. Do not give clothes that are too thick. Also, do not give clothes that are too sexy - something you cannot wear in an evacuation center.

Also, do not give clothes that are too dilapidated and can't be used anymore.

"When we give, dapat may integrity din so that when they wear it, they feel good," Pang said.

3. Don't give cosmetic soap - Typhoon victims need anti-bacterial soap, not cosmetic soap. They also need anti-dandruff shampoo. Pang said the relief goods given to typhoon victims must be high quality. The Philippine Red Cross usually packs items for a family of 5. This means soap, 5 toothbrushes, etc.

4. Don't give noodles - "For the first 3 days, ang pinakakailangan ay food and water. It has to be ready to eat dahil wala silang pang-luto," Pang said.

"Noodles hindi advisable dahil pakukuluan unless there is water, pero kung wala - rice and ulam sapat yun."

Pang said canned goods should be in easy open cans because the victims have no can openers. She said the Red Cross sometimes does not give utensils because it just adds to the garbage.

The Philippine Red Cross hotlines are 143, +632 527-0000, 09324995241 and 09175261957. 

MV Logos Hope from 2-7th October 2013

MV Logos Hope will be returning to Oman (recently was last 2011) to welcome their 43 millionth visitor and will be open to the public from Oct 2-7, 2013 from 2pm to 10pm, docked in Port Sultan Qaboos. On October 6, it will be open from 10am to 1pm for women only. The entry fee will be 300 baisa for adults. Children under 16 are free, but they must be accompanied by an adult. 

All visitors must take a shuttle bus from the parking lot behind the Port Services building in Muttrah. Also, don't forget to carry either a national ID or a residence card as this will be asked for prior to boarding the ship. 

The ship is operated by the German Christian charitable organization GBA Ships (Good Books for All) and is home to the worlds biggest floating book fair. 

The affordably-priced books cover a range of subjects including literature, science, sports, hobbies and children's books with over 5,000 titles in English, Arabic, Malayalam and Tagalog. 

In addition to selling books, they have partnered with some organizations to do some charity work while the all-volunteer crew and staff of 400 people represented by over 45 different countries are docked in Oman. 

What I love best about this is the fact that it's a Christian ship, enough said. ;)

Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa: LUXURY SUMMER SALE at the Muscat Grand Mall

Hurry Oman Residents! Now is the best time to grab Shang's summer offer and for sure you won't regret it! They released their offer before for 70RO nett for 2 with breakfast, but this promotion is cheaper and only for a limited time and can only be purchased in MGM.

Dubizzle

Dubizzle is quite a popular Buy and Sell or find anything you need site. It has different country options showing more for the Middle East - Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and UAE.

I heard this quite often before, but ignored it. Anyway, I tried using it now, and found luck, was able to buy some baby toys for my little girl. So now, I found myself posting items for sale as well, and its very user-friendly, easy as 1-2-3 when you want to place an ad. ;)

For more info, check the site: www.dubizzle.com

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Finally, I was able to sucessfully dispose some of the items I was selling on dubizzle.. Selling items is also fun, I think I might get used to it and sell all our stuff, haha.

Anyway, just a word of caution if you intend to sell anything on this site, you have to be aware that some people could really just be time wasters. Anyway, so far I had 1 bad experience which was the first ever prospective buyer I had, followed by 2 good ones (as I am became wiser just after that horrible experience, haha).

Anyway, the bad experience was.. this prospective buyer sent me a text message asking for 1 of the 10 items I posted for sale. Entertained him as he would like to see the condition, so I gave him my address and directions. He called me that night to view it, and so he came. I made sure that my father was there with me in the living room just in case, to feel safer since these buyers are all strangers to me. When he came, I then showed him the item he asked for, anyway seems like he was not interested with the item, so I moved on to show him more in case he was interested with the other baby stuff. He then decided that he wanted 1 item which I posted for 15 RO (it was in good condition, and branded so I think that justifies the selling price), and he kept telling me that he'll give me 5 RO for it. Getting pestered and just to stop all the haggling and give in to this guy, I finally decided that I will let it go for 10RO just so he'd stop.. but no, his last price was 7 RO, and its fine with me, I respect that that's the final he can offer, but he should've respected my decision too and not keep on annoying me for a long time as I really won't give in anymore, I'd rather keep that item and give to a friend or relative, haha.. I think it took us almost 30 minutes with all the viewing and haggling.. really, really horrible!

So from then on, when anyone calls me, sends me a message or email, I reply to them but make sure that I inform them that the price posted on the internet is final/fixed, and if they are willing to pay for that price and really interested, then I can let them view the item. So far all has been good after that bad experience. ;)

Alatool Muscat

This is one of the sites I mainly check for getting good deals (well, aside from my Entertainer 2013 book). This site is trusted as I've purchased quite a few food deals from here like the Just Grilled promo where I paid worth 0.500 Baizas for 2 mini slider burgers + Mint drink, worth it right? I also purchased the Golden Orxy restaurant voucher worth 5RO but that was good for a food bill worth 10RO, and some more. So guys, if you want to buy something, make sure to check this site first as they offer lots of items, from mobile phones to cleaning services, foods, as seen on TV products and a lot more.

For more information, you can check out their website: www.alatoolmuscat.com

Happy buying!

Muscat Mums

Muscat Mums is a non-profit informal social and support group for expecting mums and mums of pre-school children. Mothers (and Fathers!) of all nationalities are welcome to join Muscat Mums.

Muscat Mums is a voluntary organisation aimed at supporting and facilitating the relationship between mothers and children, providing opportunities to promote the physical and social development of infants and children, and also enhancing friendship and support between mothers.

For more information, you can visit the website: www.muscatmums.com

And you can also request to join the Closed group facebook page Muscat Mums (Please note, its MUMS, not MOMS). You can get loads of information and advice from this page, even buy or sell child-related items up to approximately 12 years old (I repeat, child-related items only as the admins have made restrictions here in order to avoid the page from being flooded with so many furnitures for sale, services, etc. or repeated ads thus losing the main purpose of the group), find activities for your kids to do, and so much more.

I suggest mums in Oman, especially new ones or new to Oman do join officially and by that, I mean paying a fee of only 5RO (as to date) as the benefits are worth it. Here are some reasons why you should join:

• You can be added in the Muscat Mums Paid Members only facebook group. In this group, there are no restrictions on whatever items you want to sell be it furniture, appliances, clothing, or anything you wish.
• You can borrow any item from the Lending Library with a minimal fee - large toys (bouncy castles, etc.), toys, baby gear, cake tin, books & DVDs, and premature clothes (which are hard to find in Muscat)
• Once you're added to the mailing list, you will receive a monthly bulletin which includes information/announcements for Muscat Mums. You can also advertise or submit any write up which will be helpful to any of the sections in the bulletin
• You can get to attend play dates and group meetings depending on your child's age group (Bumps: expectant moms, Bumps & Babes: newborn-1 year old, Scallywags: 1-2 year old, Cheeky Monkeys: 2-3 year old, Twins & more: babies of multiple birth) 
• You have access or be invited to special events such as Easter egg hunt, Christmas party, Mums night out, etc.
• Lastly, you can get to know more mums just like you in Oman. :)

Redbull Soapbox Race in Oman on 18th April 2013

Hey guys.. if you're up for something exciting to do for this coming Thursday, April 18th 2013, why not head towards Bausher Sand Dunes at 2pm for some fun watching the Red Bull Soapbox race event where non-motorized, creative-looking carts are to participate as they go downhill. These carts will be judged based on their creativity, speed and showmanship as detailed in the website. Well, we should be ready to see some crashing and parts flying in the air, I just hope "no one" will be flying though. Best of all, entrance is free!

I've read that it was supposed to take place in Dayqah Dam at an earlier date but they had to cancel and change the location due to maintenance in Dayqah Dam. The change I believe is much better as it came closer to Muscat, so hopefully more people can go and watch.

If you want to have an idea on what to expect during the race, then you can check youtube for old videos of the race which took place in different countries.

For the main information, you can visit the website - http://www.redbullmea.com/cs/Satellite/en_MEA/Red-Bull-Soapbox-Race-Oman-Phase2/001243325458756

or the Facebook event page - https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/480360178661897/



Below are some cute and funny photos posted at the facebook event page, couldn't resist grabbing and sharing it with you guys. ;)

See you there! ;)