Having the Joyride on Two Wheels: A Reminder for Motorcycling Public.

Photo Credits

Have you ridden a motorcycle before? We know for a fact that riding a motorcycle is pleasurable and fun. It felt like having your wings and flying away. In my experience, it is the freedom that makes it thrilling for riders alike. It can maneuver on congested streets and heavy traffic. It can be used for sports and even travel / adventure or cruising on an out of town ride.

The motorcyclists are common sight in the urban or rural areas around the Philippines. Even in other Asian countries like India, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand were the number of motorcycles outnumbered cars and trucks. Motorcycles have become the mode of transport of the masses. This is second only to the passenger jeepney which is still the “King of the Philippine Road” here in our country. In terms of frugality, motorcycles are very economical with fuel prices skyrocketing weekly in which fuel expenses can be used for a week at most. Motorcycles Loans are available in the market through commercial and other financial institutions. Repairing and upgrading costs is lower compared to a car or an SUV.

When Disasters Strikes (Earthquakes, Floods, Fire and others)

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It’s been a few months since we have seen and experience number of natural disasters, man-made catastrophes and armed conflict from the second half of 2013. From Typhoons like Santi, Labuyo, Maring, Zamboanga Rebellion, 7.2 magnitude earthquake of Bohol and Cebu Islands and lastly the Super typhoon of Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan). These incidents have made a great impact and consciousness in the minds of many to prepare for any disasters in the near future or unforeseen circumstances. In one statement of Dr. Marqueza Reyes of Earthquake and Mega-cities Initiative during an interview at ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) that the "Typhoon Yolanda will be benchmark for disaster preparedness in the years to come" if there will any more Category 5 storms coming in the archipelago. 

Facing on Disasters: Incorporating Financial Planning and Emergency Preparedness

On the second half of 2013, we have seen and experience tumultuous numbers of natural disasters, man-made catastrophe typhoons, armed conflicts brought about by political and ideological indifferences, and earthquakes. These incidents have inculcated in the minds of many how to these disaster may it be man-made or caused Mother Nature have devastated and cause disruption on our lives and our daily routines. In one statement made by an disaster and risk management expert on TV that the "Typhoon Yolanda will be benchmark for disaster preparedness in the years to come" if there will any more Category 5 storms coming in the archipelago.  

The tragedy of these events made a deep impact to the consciousness and minds of Filipinos. Seeing the extent of damage is overwhelming for our local and national government in which it is already overburdened and limited resources are stretched to the limit. With aid coming the private sector and international relief pouring in as well to help mitigate the needs of these affected folks.

QUID PRO QUO

Photos courtesy of World Vision Australia

 In the past month, we’ve seen tragedies, conflicts and natural disasters around the country. From the Zamboanga City uprising of the MNLF faction of Nur Misuari to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit hard in Bohol and Cebu and now the Super Typhoon Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan) which affected the almost the entire Visayas region. The internal conflict on Zamboanga crisis can be controlled but natural catastrophes that happened is beyond control of man alone and it seems Mother Nature had brought its wrath upon humanity.

 A few days after Typhoon Yolanda made its landfall, I was totally shocked and awed to see on TV what the extent of damage and devastation had brought in Tacloban City, Guian, East Samar and other nearby towns and cities in Leyte and Samar which are in the direct path of Super Typhoon Yolanda. The damage to property and infrastructures is insurmountably high with estimated cost at around P 10 Billion or more.  Loss of human life as of this writing is almost at 4000 with missing people at 1500. Around 10.3 million people in the Visayas region are displaced and affected with Yolanda’s onslaught according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) estimates. As we can see on media, the survivors are pleading for basic necessities from food, water, hygiene kits including temporary shelters to sleep with and body bags to bury the decomposing bodies of their dead relatives and loved ones.

For many of us fortunate and with the Christmas season coming in a few weeks time, it is better to give and help to them in many ways.