Korina Sanchez Saddens Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

By Alon Calinao Dy: Filipinos, especially those Yolanda survivors, were on pins and needles and considered as a bundle of nerves after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines last year.

I don't view it as a joke that this super typhoon Hagupit should go to another country like Japan. I love Japanese people and we should treat everyone well. We, Filipinos, become very angry if other nationalities offend and do not respect us. Let's show some regard and understand their position. After all, we have human needs and we need to survive for our families.

Filipinos are very nervous, tense or worried when it comes to super typhoon! I think everyone does.

Korina Sanchez, a TV Patrol broadcaster, commented last December 3 that the super typhoon Hagupit, also recognized as the typhoon Ruby, should show mercy to the Philippines and instead make landfall in Japan.

We don't want storm blowing up our homes and destroying our properties. Although this is a natural phenomenon, as much as possible, we want to spare lives. We all want to protect our loved ones not only in the Philippines but also in the country of Japan as well since we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God.

I personally felt the strong wind and heavy rainfall of super typhoon Ruby in Samar. I took these photos after the said strongest storm "Ruby" landed and devastated the whole region of Samar last Dec. 7.

I was affected by the typhoon because there was no electricity for several days, less food and water, and saw the real sufferings of the people who have lost their houses and sources of livelihood. I tell you what, it was not a goddamn joke to watch the tears of the people. And finally, it was not a joke when you were in that place.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

By Alon Calinao Dy: Ice Bucket Challenge Campaign is a worldwide initiative to raise awareness about ALS. Those who participate in this campaign are not all who seek for attention or kulang sa pansin (KSP).

An Ice Cold Raiser (Wikimedia Commons)

According to actor-comedian and TV host Joey De Leon, who posted on Instagram, he said " Maraming epal na gaya-gaya sa Ice Bucket Challenge. Kaso, puro lang nominate... wala namang DONATE! Tumigil nga kayo!"

Photo courtesy of Joey De Leon's Instagram

What I understand about his bold statement in social media is that people should also donate some money to ALS Association not only complete all the challenge. Of course after a few hours De Leon's posted his personal comment or opinion, some angry Filipinos labelled the actor as ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Critic.

Understand What ALS Really is

According to ALS Association, "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often refferred to as Lou Gerig's disease, is a progressive neurodegerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death." 

Why Ice Bucket Challenge is enjoyed by many people

There is no doubt the so called "Ice Bucket Challenge" is so popular worldwide. People can see videos on different social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram. 

Actually, there are many other global campaigns out there like World Aids Day, Hepatitis Awareness, Obesity Awareness Walk, Violence Against Women, Child Abuse Prevention, and many more, but ALS campaign becomes more successful than any other movements to this day.

I don't know. It is you who can say why it is really fun. I have seen a lot of celebrities and influencial people including former US President George W. Bush who accept and do the challenge by his fellow Americans.

I believe this is not just a fun gimmick, but it also provides funds for ALS Association, who is committed to help people with ALS, that is necessary in the areas of research to fight the outbreak of ALS disease.