Typhoon Yolanda, Christmas time in Manila and other observations

Hello out there! It's been a couple of weeks since my arrival here in Manila, so this post is well overdue.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Typhoon Yolanda hit the central part of the Philippines really, really hard. Here in Manila, it was very windy the night it hit, but no damage was done as Manila is about 400 miles north of where the typhoon was centered. Here is a little map to give you an idea:

As soon as the extent of the devastation was known (seeing the photos and videos of this has been very emotional), the team at Concur wanted to help, as did I. I was moved by how much my Filipino friends donated, knowing that they all struggle to make ends meet. I went with them to shop for goods and contributed a good amount myself. With the help of a fellow Concurian in the states and another ex-pat's wife who knows someone with an airplane, we donated around 20,000PHP (around 450USD) worth of water, food, hygiene and survival goods that went straight to where it was needed. It felt really good to know that it didn't have to go through any government red tape to get there without delay. It is amazing just how far 450USD will go here. These photos show just how much:

The first load. The second one was 2 carts full!

Repacking the goods

If you would like to help, just a quick Google search will list the many options available! 

...A moment of silence for those who perished...

Onto a happier topic! It's Christmas time here in the Philippines! Actually, the Christmas season here starts in September. They say all of the "-ber" months equals the holiday season. One of my favorite things about the season is the decorations, which are abundant here in Makati. For some reason, most of the lights are orange. Definitely different than the clear lights you see in the US.

One of the many Christmas trees at the mall. So pretty!

The reindeer heads move. And you can get a picture with a Santa statue! Side note: most Filipinos here have never seen snow in real life. Or reindeers. (You know they aren't white, right guys? ;-)

I'm very much looking forward to the Concur Manila Christmas party this year. Since I normally work at home, it will be fun to attend a company gathering - and it's always more fun in the Philippines!

Other notable observations, not related to anything else:

• The hallways of condo/apartments stink. Not much different than the US?
• The stairwell doors are all locked in my building. You can only go down. I should have remembered that. My poor legs.
• Cigarette prices have gone up to 70PHP (1.60USD)

Here is a panoramic view from my apartment:

Quezon City is to the North, on the right side of this shot.

Speaking of views....

The end! (hahahaha!)