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Moments of Bayanihan: SARU & SMILE joins DSWD relief packing drive



It was a heartbreaking moment to hear thousands of people who suffered when Typhoon Yolanda crossed Central Visayas last November 8, 2013. 

Yet distressing as this may be, thousands' had responded the call to help at mobilizing relief centers around the country. The heart of Bayanihan authored by the Chief of Staff GEN EMMANUEL T. BAUTISTA, AFP continues to shine on.


In order to convey Bayanihan, Smile for the Youth and the Search and Rescue Unit, 15 Infantry Division Ready Reserve, NCRRCDG, ARESCOM under the command of CPT ROCKY H MARQUEZ (INF) PA (Res) is one of the many reserve units of the Philippine Army who responded the call for service in their own little way last November 14, 2013. They found in great need for volunteers at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) located at Chapel Road, NAIA, Pasay City.





Altogether, the team participated by volunteers from SARU, SMILE for the Youth, SWAG (Soldiers, Wives, and Girlfriends) group, Proud to be Soldiers, and Laang Kawal Pilipino packed and lifted no less than two hundred relief packs in less than two hours while showing the might of volunteerism and selfless service even outside the lens of a camera.

This was just the start of their ongoing aid for our countrymen in the Visayas region. 

Hooyah for the team!

 © iamreservist

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Moments of Bayanihan: Helping Hands for Tacloban

I read that it was a long dawn for the whole Visayas last November 9, 2013 as people felt the gust of wind coming towards each home. People feeling a bit nervous, the region is known to experience a lot of storms annually, but this time Typhoon Haiyan (Local name Yolanda) impressed fear as waves came toward coastal homes as high as 20 feet pummelled through with anger. 

There was a presence of swirling clouds in the area, as light broke through from the skies, every eye caught witness of devastation; they saw how the wind was tearing away iron roofs and waves swallow every single infrastructure around their beloved city. This must have been the strongest of storms ever recorded by history.

When people went down from roofs and posts the next day, they saw was a show of mother nature turning man-made structures into scrap, even finding their main evacuation centres as mere death trap.
In Bogo, northern Cebu, thousands of residents had taken refuge in the blue-roofed sports complex, where they set themselves up a few days before the storm’s planned arrival with catering and card games.

“But the wind started howling and the rain started coming, and soon the babies and the children were screaming that the roof was going to blow off,” said the mayor, Celestino Martinez. “I was trying to tell people to be calm. I had to shout over the noise, saying: ‘No don’t worry, the roof won’t blow off, the panels are too big.’ But they did blow off, piece by piece. (Source: The Guardian)

 Those unfortunate ones were swept away by the tidal wave, displaced far away from their original place, lying as if they were oversized dolls. Some even had arms that positioned as shields for protection. It was an ugly scene.

 To make things worse, communications and electricity was down; posts bowed down, powerless to withstand. Airports especially in Tacloban was swept flat and clear while harbours were filled with rubble. Many people unaffected by the storm had no reliable source of how bad the damage was yet everyone was still hoping for the best. If the need arise, many are here to help including the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force just waiting for that snap of order for deployment.

 It was initially estimated that about 10,000 lives were lost. Families were looking for their love ones. Thousands hurt and wounded. Many grieved while aide came with a critic. When I was tucked in Manila; me and my fellow reserves participated in relief packing and loading and transferring goods. Volunteers worked round the clock. The 'Bayanihan' spirit was born again yet we were never deployed given that the government already spent money to train us for emergency response. While waiting we packed, carried relief goods in our backs, and gave out instructions as to how other people could help. 

 A week passed after Yolanda tore Visayas into devastation and tears. A group of five Philippine Air Force reserves with Nurse and EMT certification decided to fly out to Tacloban for three days leaving our snappiest BDA's behind. Staying home was never our call after hearing out that nurses and doctors were already aplenty in those stricken areas. We never agreed. We still hear people calling for help. 

 On November 16, 2013 the group started a humanitarian mission entitled 'Helping Hands for Tacloban'. Initially planning to leave Manila via PAF C-130 Hercules, it never materialised. Thankful with Air Asia Zest who gave out free seats a day after. The twenty of us arrived safely but in teary-awe at Tacloban Airport last November 17, 2013.

The HHCL (Helping Hand Central Luzon) group headed by President Ivy Tejada. A Philippine Air Force reserve assigned at 2nd ARCEN, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

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SOL, the solar laptop for military use

Computer technology has always proved itself useful in the military over the years and a product that's about to be unveiled marks a great asset for both value and professional work.

Meet the SOL.


The SOL by WeWi Telecommunications Inc. was designed as a laptop for education for developing countries wherein the demands for computer mobility are high. If you are wondering why they named it SOL, it prides itself having to run on solar power, a world's first. 

The laptop has a built-in foldable Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on its back lid which can be charge the unit in under 2 hours. Along with that, the laptop has the endurance of up to 8-10 hours depending on the workload. 

The SOL comes with other impressive 'practical' technology for military use as well. Take for example a GPS chip where locating grid coordinates is now possible. A 3G/LTE chipset for easy internet access and connectivity anywhere in the world. It also supports 1080p HD bringing the 'wow' in the already impressive civil military operation visual aids and activities. It is really becoming a good deal. 


Here is a complete set of specs on paper.
CPU: Intel Atom D2500 1.86 GHz Duo Core, Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
HDD: Seagate 2.5" SATA HDD 320GB
RAM: Kingston 2-4GB DDRIII SDRAM 
Graphics: 1080p HD Vide, Built-In Intel GMA3600 Graphics
Display: 13.3" LCD, WXGA, 1366 x 768
Camera: 3MP
Audio: Realtek ALC661 HD Audio, Built-in 2 Speakers | Internal mic + 1/8" input
3 USB2.0, Headphone jack, HDMI, LAN(10/100), Card reader (SD/MS/MMC)
Modem: 3G/4G World/multimode LTE
GPS: gpsOne Gen8A
Wi-Fi: MIMO 802.11b/gn (2.4/5GHz)
Bluetooth: Integrated Digital Core BT4.0

Other than it's solar charging capability, SOL also boasts a rugged design and a the durability to withstand harsh elements. They are even planning on releasing a submersible version termed as the SOL Marine. 

Set to release first in some parts in Africa, it's worldwide release is set to be the next step. 

Photo source from: SOL

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Video Streaming: Front Row's Maestro Sundalo, GMA 7


Last July 2013, a program from GMA named Front Row explored the Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) with the 61st Infantry 'Hunter' Battalion in Negros. It features the life of soldiers serving as literacy facilitators to a group of villagers where areas are threatened by bandits. 

Maestro Sundalo is a short-documentary masterpiece that will truly speak about the versatility of our Filipino soldiers delivered by one humble Cpl Leo Castor. His mission is to eradicate illiteracy amongst our fellow men residing in areas controlled by armed groups, hence, they didn't receive the chance to learn how to read and write. 

Along with their typical ration for a week tucked inside a backpack weighing no less than 30 kilos, our brave peacekeepers' soldiers on with flashcards, a white chalk, pencils, and writing materials while trekking towards steep-mountainous parts of their area of responsibility. 

Join Cpl Castor and his colleagues on a wonderful documentary about the beauty of ALPS. 

 

© iamreservist

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Review: InCase Canvas Maki Jacket for iPad Mini


I've always wanted to protect every equipment I've got since devices such as my iPad Mini needs tender loving care since my work requires lying it down into rough, uneven surfaces. Thankfully while shopping around JB HiFi, I stumbled upon a product from InCase that would make my iPad turn into incognito mode.
The case features a durable cotton canvas with individual ports for easy access into the iPad Mini's physical buttons as well as its charging port and speakers. 
While inside sports 'soft-felt' finish that impresses the hands while preventing your iDevice from any scratches. It is also quite secure, given that velcro flaps hold it tight and an orange elasticated strap keeps it closed when unused.
Unfortunately, only one camo texture will be available for purchase and will sit perfectly with the Philippine Navy's battle dress attire. When I got it off from the store in Melbourne, Australia. I found out that the texture is too faded to match the Army and Air Force BDA, even with any Australian Defense Force uniform.

Last Words. I just wish that there is an option for a black strap to keep things in real camo. Yet I can honestly vouch that InCase has done an incredible product that individualizes every iPad Mini out there, especially those who work in the military.

The product retails for AUD 34.99-39.99 at any JB HiFi store located in Melbourne and Sydney. Filipino buyers may opt to order one online, just click here. 

© iamreservist