Dear Friends in Christ,

Peace.

By now we are certain that you have heard of the ongoing conflict in Mindanao. Weeks earlier, what we thought to have been a solid path to peace has now become a spark that will surely re-open past wounds and hatred. A series of disturbing and tragic events unfold in Mindanao as a result of the amalgamated issues surrounding the stalled GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain.

The past week has seen the worst armed conflict in years as civilians have become the primary target of lawless groups. Sporadic fighting has been reported in Mindanao and sadly, the worst hit are the provinces of central and north-western Mindanao. As per reports that we have received today, August 20 (Wednesday), there are about 6,684 families in 18 evacuation centers from the province of Lanao del norte and Iligan City. The number continues to increase as civilians flee their homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the government forces and MILF troops.

As blame is being tossed around following the attacks by alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters on villages in Lanao del Norte and Sarrangani, one sad fact remains – violence and hatred continue to take their toll on the lives of innocent civilians, Muslims, Lumads and Christians alike.

The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, together with the Dioceses of Iligan and Marawi, has called for aid especially for the towns in Lanao that have been attacked and burned.

In this light, we are appealing for any financial aid that you can extend to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao who are caught in this strife. They are in dire need of medicines, water and food supplies.

The funds received will be sent to the affected areas through the partnership of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, under the leadership of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, and the Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan).

Let us all be one with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao in their quest for genuine peace and development.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

SCHOLASTIC ISMAEL JOSE III V. CHAN-GONZAGA, SJ

Executive Director

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

*DONATION MECHANISM*

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If you like doing laps in the swimming pool, you might want to stock up on the energy drinks before diving in to this one.

It is more than 1,000 yards long, covers 20 acres, had a 115ft deep end and holds 66 million gallons of water.

Yesterday the Guinness Book of Records named the vast pool beside the sea in Chile as the biggest in the world. But if you fancy splashing out on one of your own - and you have the space to accommodate it - then beware: This one took five years to build, cost nearly £1billion and the annual maintenance bill will be $2million.

The man-made saltwater lagoon has been attracting huge crowds to the San Alfonso delMar resort at Algarrobo, on Chile's southern coast, since it opened last month.

Its turquoise waters are so crystal clear that you can see the bottom even in the deep end. It dwarfs the world's second biggest pool, the Orthlieb - nicknamed the Big Splash - in Morocco, which is a mere 150 yards long and 100 yards wide. An Olympicsize pool measures some 50 yards by 25 yards.

Chile 's monster pool uses a computer- controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other.

The sun warms the water to 26c, nine degrees warmer than the adjoining sea.

Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build 'an impressive artificial paradise' even in inhospitable areas.

'As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean.' = [forwarded email]

Parang I don't remember Chile as bright and sunny.... Maybe yung time of year na pumunta ako. Or baka lagi lang talagang malamig sa Santiago? [Sabagay, daming Ski resorts dun]

PRESS RELEASE:

If there is one thing that people around the world love doing best, it is enjoying the company of their loved ones while sharing with them delicious, hearty meals. Families and friends everywhere love coming together to partake in their favorite dishes, whether they are served for ordinary meals or prepared for special occasions.

At the center of every mealtime that abounds with cheer and in between every serving of deliciously filling dishes is Coca-Cola. It is the drink that uplifts meals like no other, making them more remarkable for everyone in the family. Coca-Cola enhances the taste of the food, and turns even ordinary mealtimes into something more special. The joy it brings to every table is so clear that families end up having more wonderful bonding moments together. It is also so catching that neighbors, friends and everyone else want nothing less than to join in on the fun!

In the latest TV ad of Coca-Cola entitled Lamesa, it is shown just how this beverage creates a more lively meal through its bubbly sweetness, which allows families everywhere to better enjoy the food with their loved ones.



The TV ad opens with a Filipino family preparing for an outdoor meal. The kids lay down banana leaves on the table, even as their mom approaches with a tray of traditional Pinoy dishes which she has especially prepared.

The mom, delighted by everyone’s eagerness to make the meal more special, opens a bottle of ice-cold Coca-Cola Litro for the whole family to enjoy. Then, even as everyone in the family starts to dig in on the all the treats, the daughter returns the favor by also pouring for her mom a glass of Coca-Cola.