What’s happening to us?

A couple of weeks ago, flash floods wreck havoc in Metro Manila, killing 350 people, displacing more than a million individuals — most are still displaced and in evacuation centers.

In the middle of this tragedy, before the week ends, another super typhoon crossed the country. And while it changes its course and has spared Metro Manila, it did create damage in Northern Luzon.

It was on its way out, when another typhoon entered and pulled it back and landed to Northern Luzon 3 times, killing hundreds more on landslides and floods.

Today, I opened my television in the morning, I saw 65% of Pangasinan under water. My mother called from Nueva Ecija, and while she comforted me by saying they are just fine, she reported that most of our town Jaen is already under flood water.

Can you imagine that a mountain city like Baguio will experience flood?

Can’t help but ask, what’s going on? What’s happening to us?

It’s a rhetorical question, don’t need to answer that. I just feel that I need to get that off my chest.

PRAY like you never prayed before

We still have not recovered from Ondoy. Pepeng, a super typhoon is coming. Like, a 230 kph strong typhoon is coming.

Pray like you never prayed before.

Pray like you mean it. I mean, something that comes from your heart. An authentic cry for help.

Pray like you really expect God to answer. Because he does answer. He does care. He does know what’s happening.

Pray even if some spiritual police mocks you for praying only at times of need. Pray.

Then rest in his arms and say, “Yet not my will Lord, but yours.” At the end of the day, God knows exactly what we need. We may not understand what’s happening. But God is still God. He is sovereign.

In the midst of these storms, may we find peace in the one who is immovable, certain and strong – Jesus Christ.

How authentic can you get on the internet, part 2

Months ago, I had a long post about the subject of authenticity on the internet. This topic has once again become relevant.

- an OFW allegedly posted an insensitive post on Facebook in the midst of the Ondoy tragedy. Out of anger, “she” was mugged virtually. It was just alright, I guess, if Jacqueline Bermejo is not a real person. But she is. And the issue tainted her dignity. Here’s her official statement.

- this one is on the other side of the spectrum. Mickey Arroyo, son of the president, was allegedly “caught on cam” to have been buying alcohol in the middle of the typhoon. Very insensitive they said. But he denied that that that picture was taken during that time. So, the “poor guy”, being feasted on Facebook, wants to censor the use of these social networks altogether as if we’re China or Afganistan. I’d like to see him head the censorship group and see how he accomplishes that.

- because of the tragedy, a lot has reportedly using fake “donation centers” and asking for Paypal donations. Will you believe these right away out of your genuine compassion?

The internet can either make you or break you. Be wise. Be useful.

DON’T believe everything you see on the internet. Rule no. 1.

Consolidated emergency numbers

Metro Manila is in danger with the floods at this time. Here’s the consolidated list I gathered from the tweets these past few hours. This list is unverified, but I just hope this would help:

@maroxas Please call Red Cross 143, MMDA 136, NDCC 9115061 & Coast Guard 5276136 for rescue.

@pau_pa08 MARIKINA RESCUE: 6462436 Boats now available. Pls contact Nor Domingo/ La Salle Greenhills 0920 907 290

@donronX ABS-CBN hotline to report situation in you area: 4163641

@noynoyaquino To help contact Jana Vicente at 9285205499. Drop off for relief donations at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao

@juliusbabao NCRPO 8383203 8383354 for rubber boat requests

@noynoyaquino: You may get in touch with Clare Amador from our office at 9285205508 re the NoyMar relief efforts.

@carambs: RT (many ppl) Office of Sen Villar to rescue stranded people – 0917-4226800, 0917-2414864, 0927-6751981

NCRPO: Contact NCRPO 838-3203, 838-3354 for rubber boat requests. You can also text 0917-422-6800 or 0927-675-1981 for rescue dump trucks.

REDCROSS: SEND FULL ADDRESS of friends and family who are stranded to Sen. Dick Gordon 09178997898 or 0938444BOYS Phil Natl RED CROSS

DONATIONS: @nikiayende: RT @dementia Red Cross donation through SMS: text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

@ANCALERTS: MERALCO HOTLINES: 0917-5592824, 0920-9292824

If you want to follow Twitter for updates, I these are the people that are very active right now. Follow them.

Manuel Quezon III
Julius Babao
Mar Roxas
TJ Manotoc
Jim Paredes
ANC Alerts

If you have other information to share, please comment below. And please, pray for those who are still trapped in the floods.

I’m not THE Arnold Gamboa

Today, I got another inquiry at Facebook. “Can I ask if you’re the Arnold Gamboa who worked at Manila Hotel?” I know where the question’s going. I’ve got similar inquiries before, and much more than the Arnold Gamboa that worked at Manila Hotel, he is actually, as I was told, a member of a very popular 70s “quartet” called “Apat na Sikat”. Arnold Gamboa, apparently, is a popular actor and TV personality back in those days.

Growing up, it was a huge advantage. Thanks to my mom, who probably was a fan when I was born, named me after him. At school, my name has a recall. And because of that, I had higher grades ;-)

But today, when people search for him on social networks or Google, I’m the one who’s being found. . One of the funniest, on-top-of-my-list “mistaken identity” thing was this blog post. The blogger actually thought that it was THE Arnold Gamboa that retweeted her tweet, which made her “kilig”. The worse thing is, some people actually believed and even called me “delicious”. Kinda flattering, though, if you will ask me.

So, today, let me just make this clarification once and for all:

I’m not THE Arnold Gamboa.

I’m just your typical web guy, married to a hot woman, with 2 kids, and serving Jesus where ever and whatever I can.

This is me, Arnold Gamboa, a decade younger. :D