2009: A Quick View Of The Philippines-00-4979

By Author: chuck
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Hours away and 2010 will push 2009 out of the calendar. In 365 days, hundreds of events took place in the Philippines but there are some that are notable either because of the weight of the event and its impact on the Filipinos.

The Outbreak of H1N1 Influenza Virus - The swine flu pandemic alarmed the whole country when it was confirmed that the virus entered the Philippines early on May 2009. There were over 1,000 recorded cases of swine flu manifestations. Swine flu scare started when a young Filipina from U.S. contracted the virus. All too soon, the victims of swine flu started to mushroom ranging from Manila to other distant provinces. By 22nd of June, the first death caused by the virus was recorded.

The Death of Mother of Democracy - Who would forget the death of Former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, mother of democracy? She died on the 1st day of August this year. After a year and a half of combating cancer, she finally rested in peace. Millions attended her burial including friends and devotees as they paved the last respect and escorted her to the Memorial Park.

Super ...
... Ferry 9 -Sea tragedies have always visited Philippines. On August 2009, a ferry carrying almost a thousand passengers capsized in the Southern Philippines leaving 9 people dead. Passengers were roused in their slumber when the ship began to tilt. Stricken with panic, people jumped over the dark sea and children were tossed over, resulting to unaccounted bodies. Sea tragedies are likely to happen in the Philippines because of storms, poorly maintained ships and unstressed enforcements of safety procedures. The worst maritime disaster in the Philippine history is the sinking of Doña Paz in 1987 which claimed more than 4000 lives.

Attack in Greenbelt - Who says robbery only happens during night time and confined places? Well, exempt Philippines from that cliché because on October 18, 2009, a group of heavily armed bandits attacked a Rolex store in Makati leaving one suspect dead during the shooting incident. This opened the eyes of Filipinos that they can't be safe even in crowded places and even with police authorities around.

Typhoon Ondoy - Typhoon Ondoy rocked the Philippines claiming hundreds of lives and leaving millions of properties damaged. This typhoon hit several areas in Manila where cars float, malls submerged in water, and residents climbed up roofs. Typhoon Ondoy spared no one as there are also local celebrities whose homes where flooded. This typhoon has put Manila under the state of calamity where over 200 people were killed and 30 still missing.

Miss Earth Pageant 2009 - Philippines is always a home of beauty and talents. On November, Miss Earth Pageant was held in the Philippines. Though we did not bag the title crown, Sandra Inez Seifert was capped 1st Runner Up representing Miss Air Category. Larissa Ramos of Brazil was crowned Miss Earth 2009.

CNN Hero of the year - Teaching profession goes a long way for social worker Efren Peñaflorida. He was awarded CNN Hero of the year for extending free education to street kids and bullies in untraditional setting like cemetery, garbage dumps and public pavements. Armed with books and other school materials carefully stacked in his pushcart, this CNN Hero never gets tired educating less fortunate kids, for free.

Pacquiao's Victory - Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao never gets tired of fighting! And he always gets the belt. His recent victory over Puerto Rican Miguel Koto last November 14 in the welterweight division has given again Philippines the pride and recognition in the field of sports. This event has united Filipinos even for just a span of days simultaneously cheering for Pacquiao.

Maguindanao Tragedy -Filipinos are still basking with Pacquiao's victory when the Maguindanao massacre hit the news. On November 23, 2009, a convoy carrying 57 people was mercilessly slaughtered including women, children and journalists. The group is on their way to file a certificate of candidacy of Efren Mangundadatu, running for a post in the coming gubernatorial elections, when the killings happened. The Maguindanao Massacre also known as the Ampatuan massacre triggered the directive of President Macapagal Arroyo to declare the place under Martial Law but several days after was mystifyingly lifted.

These happenings independently or collectively have had placed the country in a state of scare, despair, unity, and pride. Nevertheless, I am still happy to say that despite of the unhappy news, this year will end with at least victory moments.

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