Thailand Reaches Out to Philippine Typhoon Victims

Yesterday, we met up with a  friend whose house was ravaged by Typhoon Ondoy. He told of how their whole family, including two toddlers, escaped the floods that reached the 2nd floor of house by climbing down a wall and wading through the chilly waters, before safely reaching  higher ground. They were thankful they didn't suffer any injury as they plunged into and walked barefoot on the muddy water.  A the two killer typhoons have claimed more than 600 lives and untold millions of properties damaged. 


As the Philippines is trying to recover from this onslaught of calamities, we find a glimmer of hope in the outpouring of support from our own countrymen and even foreign governments and organizations. Yesterday, amidst the bad news that greeted us in the front page of our favorite daily, we chanced upon a article that warmed our hearts.

                           

IT READ: 

The Thai government, through the Royal Thai embassy in Manila, is extending assistance to the victims of tropical storm "Ondoy." The donation of the Thai government will arrive on board a special Royal Thai Airforce C130 aircraft tomorrow at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, consisting of more than 100 metric tons of rice and 50,000 sets of medical aid amounting to a total of five million baht ($150,000), together with a medical team of 20 doctors to assist evacuees in various affected areas around the country. 

The Royal Thai Embassy, together with Thai Airways International, is presently coordinating with various organizations and the National Disaster Coordinating Council in facilitating the donations. Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadejm Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya have sent their messages of condolence. "On behalf of the government and the people of Thailand, the Royal Thai embassy shares with the Filipinos the hope for the speedy recovery from this tragic disaster," the embassy said in a statement." In collaboration with the Airline Operators Committee in Bangkok, Thai Airways will be flying in assistance consisting of canned goods, dried food, clothing, blankets, and medicine donated by Thai Airways and AOC member-airlines operatiing into Bangkok's Suvanabhumi Airport. The first lot of aid is expected to arrive in Manila on Oct. 12. 

Nivat Chantarachoti, general manager for Thai Airways in the Philippines and Guam, expressed condolence and sympathy for the Filipino people. We have been operating in the Philippines since 1962 and this is the worst flood ever. I have conveyed the situation to our head office for assistance and support as some of our own staffers were also affected by the typhoon. Donation centers have been set up at both the Thai head office in Bangkok and Thai's Operation Center at Suvanabhumi Airport until Oct. 20,"Chantarachoti said. Thai Airways haas been actively involved in supporting various fundraising activities for typhooon victims such as the recent "Hoy Hoy Ondoy" fundraising concert at the NBC Tent in Taguig City by donating two business class tickets to Bangkok for auctions.

                                            

             -- from the THE PHILIPPINE STAR  Oct. 11, 2009 

We would like to say thank you to the Thai people for helping our brethren in this time of need.

Our Love Story!

Because of our Ultimate Thailand Explorers video, we have been getting questions about how the two of us met and fell in love. Did we really meet online? How did it happen? Was it love at first "type"?  Since we just celebrated our 1st anniversary, allow us to retell our story to all of you. :)

JENNY'S VERSION 

For me, it was love at first sight. I first caught a glimpse of Michael in a singles' retreat organized by our church. It was a  beautiful April day. There was  a Sports fest  that afternoon and since volleyball isn't my sport, I chose to sit at the sidelines to cheer on my teammates. Then one fine gentleman caught my eye. There was something special  about the way he moved and conducted himself during the game. I was struck by his gentleness most of all. 

At that point in my life, I was so happy reveling in my singleness that I wasn’t even thinking about meeting anyone. I was content that I was living a purposeful life with God at the center of it. But there I got the shock of my life, after seeing this person for the first time, I blurted to God in prayer that this is the guy I wanted to marry. I didn’t even believe at love at first sight . . . until that point. 

And God did set us up. Arriving late at the last session of the retreat, my friend and I sat at the last row of the function room. Before the session commenced, the speaker asked those at the back to transfer to a couple of vacant seats in front. My friend and I hurried to the front. The guy and I landed on the same table, at the same time. Our friend introduced us. Months after that first encounter, I still couldn’t take him off my mind. But then, he was from a far-flung place and we were both still strangers to each other.

Three years later, I saw him again. Two weeks before my birthday,I woke up and told God that I wish He’d let me meet my future mate before I turn a year older.That night that same friend who I was with at the retreat dragged me to a birthday party of someone I didn’t even know. That was where I saw him again. He didn’t even remember me, but I sure recognized him. Before I left, he caught up with me and said, “It was nice meeting you.” That started a solid friendship that lasted for three years.

One day in November, I was surprised to receive an email from Michael. In a few words, he told me that he read my article in a local newspaper. I was elated, to say the least.  Being miles apart, he in Zamboanga City (in the sourthern part of the Philippines) and I in Metro Manila, the internet paved the way for us to  get to know each other. Since we were both online in our separate offices, we became part of each other's daily routine. We chatted, quarreled and played games online. Once in a while, when time permitted, we met up and traveled with friends.  I'm glad I got to know him as a friend before romance got in the way, because I got to see who he really was as a person. 

And then it happened.  October 3, 2007, Michael took me to his hometown and  as we were wading in the ocean at sunset, Michael asked if we could take the friendship to another level. It wasn’t much of a surprise, as I already had an inkling on our first meeting that this day would come. It was worth the wait. 

Exactly a  year later, we got married in a garden ceremony in a country club near Taal Volcano (the smallest volcano in the world).  For me, Michael is a great gift, an answered prayer who embodies all  I have ever  wanted in a husband and best friend.  

MICHAEL'S Version 

There was a time that I thought that I would not marry. I was simply happy doing business, traveling with my motorbike, and day dreaming. 

I began to notice Jen about 5 years ago. I read an article she had written for a national daily.  Her excellent article made me want to congratulate her immediately.  My only way of communicating with her was through email because we were part of the same mailing group.

We also began communicating through Yahoo Messenger throughout our friendship.  What amazed me at that time was how honest she was with our friendship-- so honest that there were times I got mad when she would challenge me with her high standards of conviction in the middle of work. Imagine, I  was  way down south in Zamboanga City while she, on the other hand, was in Manila or in far away Beijing!  It was simply amazing that she could affect me that way.

All through out our friendship, I can honestly say that I was myself and she was herself--so ourselves that I personally stepped using the wrong foot first. . . almost everytime.  And I think that helped us build a great foundation of trust in and through Christ. I really got to know her that well.

One day while I was doing my weekly routine of swimming in the river,  I had a very clear epiphany.  I normally swim with the boys on early weekends; but for this weekend, I was alone.  The rain just fell and the water was high.  The higher than usual water did not deter me from still jumping in.  

"It's no fun being alone noh?"

I heard that still small voice speak deep inside of me.  And I can not argue the truth it communicated to me.  Instantly,  I knew that I would like to marry and there was no one else in this world that I would like to spend my life with except Jen.

I told myself that the woman  marry must be capable of doing the adventurous things that I love: motorcycle rides, mountain climbing, river swims, and diving. I never thought I could find one special girl who could all that-- anytime, anywhere! I could not think of anyone else but Jenny! From the rough bike rides, to rugged jungle trails, river swims and deep sea diving, Jen was always game. I got to know her better during those times, with nature as our backdrop—the perfect setting!  

 Time came when I decided to let Jen know that I wanted to make her mine, and I wanted to do it in a place that we will always remember. I didn’t like to do it in a restaurant or any common place. I wanted to tell her what was in my heart while we were swimming at sea near sunset.

I fetched her straight from the airport. And lead her to one of the nicest beaches in my hometown. The trooper that she was, she never had second thoughts about taking a dip with me. It was a perfect afternoon. The water was calm and there was nobody else on the beach but the two of us. We swam and talked in the water. 


It was the perfect moment: there was nothing to distract us. Instead of just saying yes, she gave me a challenge I can never forget! She asked me to recite to her by memory the whole chapter of the Bible's Matthew 5. Out of my love for her, I was able to memorize the 48 long verses in 3 weeks! I finally married her last October 2008 and we have had so much fun exploring the world together.


P.S. It's only a week before they announce the semi-finalists for the Ultimate Thailand Explorers. Hope you can help us by telling your friends to view the video here: http://bit.ly/qt0s     

Ten Things We Love About Thailand!

Michael and I both went to Thailand separately in our teens and here are 10 things we couldn't forget about our first visit to Bangkok and Pattaya:

1. The warmth and gentleness of the Thai people.

2. The unique mode of transport called the  Tuktuk, Thailand's version of a motorized rickshaw or tricycle as we would call it in the Philippines. It is so named because of the sound its engine makes as it navigates the busy streets of Bangkok.

3. The wobbly and hilarious Elephant Ride.

4. The kick your taste buds get when you eat Thai Food. Thom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Chicken in Pandan Leaves. . . I'm getting hungry.

5. The tart and sweet mangosteen, a local fruit.

6. The sights, sounds and smell of the floating market! It is an experience to be in the middle of the river with trade and commerce all around you.

7. Affordable shopping at Pratunam Market!

8. Jetskiing in the clear waters of  Pattaya. As you look down from your jetski, the clear blue waters actually allows you to see the teeming marine life below.

9. The buffet breakfast at our hotel! It was always a feast!

10. The symbolic purple orchid that greets you everywhere.

Michael & Jenny's Ultimate Thailand Explorer's VIDEO!

Sawadeeka! 

Our video  has just been posted on the Ultimate Thailand Explorers website! We are the FIRST CONTESTANTS from the Philippines and  one of the teams who will vie for a chance to promote Koh Samui to the world!  

This is a promo by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). They are looking for teams of 2 to promote the following destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Applicants are required to post a one-minute video on their site. Entries are accepted until Oct. 15 only, so hurry if you want to join! 

We chose Koh Samui because it is an island paradise perfect for nature lovers and adventurers like us! There are so many attractions and natural wonders in Koh Samui and we can't wait to check them out.  The TAT will choose 25 semifinalists on Oct. 19. Pray we get chosen to be part of the 25. 

Afterwards, the final 5 who get the most votes will be given the chance to travel to their chosen destination. 

We will update you about the results. Do watch our video below and ask your friends to view it too. 

Here is the link to our video: http://ultimatethailandexplorers.com/no_cache/destinations/koh-samui/applicants-profile/?user=jennycaspe

Enjoy! 

Our Ultimate Thailand Explorers Blog!

Welcome to our official site for the Ultimate Thailand Explorers contest! 

We are Michael and Jenny Cocuaco, adventurers and explorers set to discover the world together. Join us on an adventure of a lifetime vie for the title Ultimate Thailand Explorers '09 where we hope to get a chance  to promote the beautiful island of Koh Samui. 

We  are longtime friends and online chat-mates who fell in love and got married just a year ago. Since Jenny was stationed in Manila and Michael was in his home province down south, a big chunk of our courtship was spent online. We communicated via instant messenging and  social networking sites, posting our letters and pictures online.Aside from sharing a deep faith, we both have a  penchant for good food, books, spa treatments,  travel and adventure.

View our video here: http://ultimatethailandexplorers.com/no_cache/destinations/koh-samui/applicants-profile/?user=jennycaspe