You might know what is a storm but not tropical storm.  A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air. They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor’easter, European windstorms, and polar lows. The characteristic that separates tropical cyclones from other cyclonic systems is that at any height in the atmosphere, the center of a tropical cyclone will be warmer than its surroundings; a phenomenon called “warm core” storm systems.

The term “tropical” refers both to the geographical origin of these systems, which usually form in tropical regions of the globe, and to their formation in maritime tropical air masses. The term “cyclone” refers to such storms’ cyclonic nature, with counterclockwise wind flow in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise wind flow in the Southern Hemisphere. The opposite direction of the wind flow is a result of the Coriolis force. Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by names such as hurricane (/?h?r?ke?n/, /?h?r?k?n/), typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, and simply cyclone.

The tropical storm last December 17, 2011 was terrible for the people in Villia Alegre Batinguel, Valencia, Tejeros, Sibulan, Banica River, Candau-ay, and Cadawinonan because some of the people there were drawn and their items and their house were washed away too. Luckily the people living on top are safe. Mama was going around and I was with her to buy some food. When we are near the river-side, mama sends me home just to be sure I will be safe so I went to the top ground and took some pictures there. Mama also brought with her a camera so she can take pictures near the river side.

Mama said that the victims need some help so we made a list on what will we buy for the victims there. In the chart are the things we bought:

Each family will receive a pack of the things above. The Thursday Club is the one managing the giving and buying.

After the flood around 10 days after went to the river-side to be sure whose houses are really washed away. Some even just made small tents and use their things carefully. We list their names so in the afternoon we can give some goodies. Next day we give the small kids some toys. And we keep on giving each place something. After giving we took pictures on their happy face.

We were tired yet happy because we know we helped a lot of people. Now I learn that helping feels better than receiving.

Love Daisy

This year we have a celebration that is a very memorable day. It was the baptism ceremony of our friend Kuya Patrick and Ate Crislyn’s son, Kennedy Tiburio O’Connell.

We were invited by our friends Kuya Patrick and Ate Crislyn in their son’s baptism ceremony. Kuya Patrick and Ate Crislyn are friends of my parents. We were also given an invitation card for us to know when and where it will be held. It was written in the card that it will be held in the St. Agustine Church, Bacong, Negros Oriental at 11 am, October 9, 2011. Before the day of the celebration we prepared our clothes for swimming because we are going to celebrate a party after the ceremony.

The following day Papa and Kuya rode the motor while Mama and I rode an easy ride (a vehicle smaller than a jeep). On our way there was a small rain that we were almost soaking wet because of that. When we arrived at the church we went inside quietly so that we will not to disturb other sleepy babies who will be baptized after a short talk. we saw other friends of Papa and Mama some of them are young lolo Roger, Kuya Gunther, Ate Fely, their son Adrian, Kuya John, Ate Analie, Kuya Stave, Ate Rowena, Kuya Larry, Ate Ronie. For me I was felling sleepy after the boring talk of one of a lady who was inside the church.

After the priest finished the baptizing of the babies we went to the nearby beach. We had a short party, had lunch and some of the ladies were singing karaoke (a TV structure but the lyrics are there and the music only), while the kids are playing in the beach. We wanted to swim but the water was full of sea weeds and there are lots of stones in the beach.

After the ceremony we went to Bogarts and Papa had a beer. We eat dinner there and went home happily celebrating the baptism of our friend.

We enjoy the amazing adventure, even if the mass was boring. We kids also enjoy the new experience of real goodness we made in the baptism celebration.

Love Daisy

Every year Don-Bosco school has activities every month. This month we are celebrating the Nutri-glisios month, it might sound confusing. The meaning of this word Nutri-glisios “nutri” means Nutrition, remember in a school we always celebrate Nutrition month every month of July. Now the meaning of “glisios” is English just erase some letters they are “en”.

Our teacher in English chooses a contestant to the lipsync contest and my classmate choose Sarah but my classmate Sarah refuse it. Then they choose another one, and some of my classmates choose me. I said I don’t like but my teacher don’t heard me and she just go out from our class as its times for our recess. But before she goes out from our classroom she already put me on the list of the contestant.

I was so nervous and can’t believe that I have task to do. And for me it’s my responsibility.  When I get home I talk to my Mama and Papa. I told them that I’ve been chosen in the lipsync contest and Papa was shock and said “what?”

I have to choose a piece of song from the 1960’s. Even in choosing a song I don’t know what to choose. So I just got a help from my Papa because I know he have many songs in his computer. We choose many songs but I read first the guidelines and I have chosen my final song “Whiter Shade of Pale” which would last 3:50 and from the 1960’s.

We have been practicing for more than a week and prepared my costume for just three days together with my accessories which my mother made for me. It also took us about 2 weeks to finish practicing the performance.

In the rehearsal in our school the other contestant was very annoying, they keep on reminding me not to take of my blouse in the practice because they do not know what my costume look ‘s like. But I have to do it so that I can practice my self how many seconds its takes before the song start again and the singer Doro Pesch voice was on air. I have to take the time and know the right timing of the song so that it’s not obvious that I’m just sing lipsync.

On the day of the contest I was so nervous. We had class in the morning but I can’t focus because I was so scared to perform. I told my friends and my classmates Christine and Honeylyn  during our recess in the canteen but they made me laugh to make me fell better.

During lunch time mama come to school it’s just enough time to make the preparation. I was done eating my lunch, my classmate told me that my Mama arrived and looking for me. She is looking for a right place where she can put on my make up and colored my nails then I change my clothes and Mama put my jewelry on.

Some of my classmates was cheering and make me feel better, but I’m still nervous. Then Madam Carol asks me to write down my name, title on the song I will lipsync and the artist who sang it original. When the chairs are ready for the contestants  I went directly  to my chair and sat in appropriate like a real lady as my Mama told me when I start sitting of the contestant chair I have to feel and think that I’m imitating Doro Pesch so that I can do my  best, feel better, and ready to perform.

My Papa came together with Lolo Roger my Papa’s friend. I was very happy that Lolo Roger was there, to support me. But I was still nervous. They took a lot of picture of me and some of the contestant. Papa told me he is so proud me. And he said I will make it. Its makes me feel better and a bit calm so I go back to my seat and relax. Mama came to my sit and take Pictures of me and the other contestant too. I look at her face and she looks so worried because this is my first time to join contest all alone.

We had the declamation contest first then.

When it was my turn I was very scared to perform in the stage but I have to be brave enough to perform in the stage.  I have to feel the song, listen very carefully, take the right timing of the words, how I pronounce the words and most of all the face expression must be there too.

I have to do it all alone on the stage.

The contestant before me was already on stage while I am very nervous in my sit. After calling my name my classmates shouted for my performance. Almost all of them shouted when I took off my white blouse in the 1^st guitar solo.

After my performance I went to Papa, Mama and Lolo Roger to hug them and I went to my place to clam down.

After the contestant Joseph Arong performed his piece, he was the champion last year 2010. The board off judges was almost done deciding who will be the winners after his done his intermation number.

After they decided they announce the winner at first I thought I was in the third place but I was not, I was hoping even in the second place my name is called but still not so I was felling sad, but when they mention my number that I was the Champion I was at first saying to my self “hey that’s me.” So with surprise I was so happy that my friends congratulate me and hug me so tight.

When I went to my class room to ask permission in a polite if I can go to “Sundown Bar” as an award from my parents, then my teacher aloud me to go to Sundown together with my Parents and my parent friend Lolo Roger.

It took time before we followed to Sundown because my mama and I took the time to have some picture taking with my friends, classmate and my best Friend Honeylyn. After the picture taking Mama and I went to Sundown, Papa and Lolo Roger were there and were drinking some beers. We ordered some drinks and some appetizer when we arrived there. After eating we were waiting for Kuya Chelvin ( my older bother) to be there too.

When kuya arrived, we went to Bogart’s Bar and had a drink, there kuya and I had soft drinks, BEERS for  Papa and Lolo Roger and for  Mama is rum and coke. Papa was there telling me to repeat the performance there in Bogart’s and I don’t like, but they force me so I have to do it again.

Lolo Roger was there and ask me if I like chocolate and I said “yes “ and I ask “why Lolo Roger are you planning to give me” he said “no” But after a few minuets he took out a plastic bag from Robinson  and gave us chocolate I was very happy and thank him.

After that Papa was almost drunk so we go home. When we arrived home Mama reminded us to brush our teeth, wash our face and clean our self before bed. So Kuya and I do it then we say Good night to Papa and Mama, then went to sleep directly.

I had a very wonderful day with my family and the friend of Papa, Lolo Roger. The winning is a wonderful feeling. I’m not expecting it but I do my best and enjoy the contest new experience new adventure for me. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to experience this.

Love Daisy