Typhoon Pedring's Fury

Waves higher than coconut trees hit Manila Bay

SWELLS in Roxas Boulevard. According to PAGASA, swells are generated
by continuous push of a strong wind.

While heat is striking here in Davao City, strong winds and heavy rains hit Luzon as typhoon Pedring combines power with South West Monsoon.

I can feel the typhoons fury while reading tweets of MMDA, PAG ASA and news networks.

PAGASA DOST is monitoring all the dams in Luzon. Angat,Ipo and La Mesa dams are being watched closely.

Mariking Watershed has received a lot of rains approximately 20mm/hr. Water not absorbed by the soil will go to the Markinina River.This river water level is expected to continue to rise. Travel time of water from the Marikina watershed to the Marikina River is approximately two hours.

PAG ASA recommends Metro Manila to be in full alert as Pedring will continue to hit until tonight. Landslides, flashfloods,floods,strong winds,storm surge,swells and tornadoes are some of the natural hazards still to be expected as per DOST PAGASA.

Obando Mayor claims all barangays in his area are now flooded. Mayor Orencio Gabriel now pleading for help from national government.

Earlier, 4 people died after a wall collapsed in Mapulang Lupa Valenzuela. Mayor Gatchalian said 40 families have been evacuated in Wawangpulo. He said that Meycuayan river has over flowed and strikes inland very fast.

Meanwhile, celebrities shows have been cancelled. The MMK show in Palawan has been cancelled by the network's management. Derek Ramsay, Ann Curtis and Cristine Reyes premiere night of "No Other Woman" has been cancelled by the organizers. Angelica Panganiban tweets about her experience while she was on her way home. She said trees and debris were falling.

Pedring is expected to leave Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday.

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5th Canon Kadayawan Photo Contest

Canon Mindanao  Operation Head Karen Joe Cabonce awards yours truly as one of the Top20 finalists out of 379 photos submitted for the 5th Kadayawan Photo Contest.

Photography has been my favorite outlet to alleviate myself from stress. Every image completes the puzzles of my day to day life. It grants me to see the other windows of realities.The other angle of art. The depth-of-field of emotions and the contrast of white and black.

Museo Dabaw

I started joining photography contest when I was in highschool representing Mati School of Arts and Trades during the Division School Press Conference until I was able to represent Region XI in National Schools Press Conference held in Cebu City. And I was using the Canon film based camera.

Until now that the technology has revolved and introduced the what is called DIGITAL, Canon still reigns the market prompted me to invest an EOS Canon  550D worth 100 thousand plus including mountable lenses and gears.

I believe I belong to people who have special eyes. A skill to perceive things in different angle with a cinematic view and that is how photography works. I have proven it to myself last September 20,2011 when 2 of my photos out of 379 photos made it top 20 as finalist in the 5th Kadayawan Photo Contest 2011.The top 20 photos are available for public viewing now in Museo Dabaw. 

Being one of the finalists is already an achievement for me.Photography is not the source of my living. It is just a burning passion within me which needs to be improved. No doubt, winners are coming from photography companies who have full access to gears and training. At least, I have competed against the pros and somehow I was able to be part of the top 20 winners.

This is my second achievement in photography contest. I brought home a CANON cam as first prize in a 6-photo essay contest during the DISCOVER DAVAO photo contest last March 2011 with the two respected pro-photogs Jojie Alcantara and Rhonson Ng as judges sponsored of course by Canon.

Indeed, photography is the mirror of emotions where time stops giving the naked eyes a chance to see the beauty and the dark sides of all things that keep our life moving.

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Oprah Winfrey denies comments on Shamcey

Hours after Philippine bet Shamcey Supsup was named as the 3rd runner-up at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant, a purported statement from U.S. “Queen of Talk” Oprah Winfrey spread like wildfire online.

This alleged statement was aired via NBC News: “I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point.”

But sorry to burst your bubble, the highly influential celebrity did not actually say that.

Answering a query on the alleged statement, a moderator on Oprah's official website Oprah.com said Oprah has not issued "any comments of this nature."

OWNModerator13 responded: "There is no truth to the statement. Ms. Winfrey has not made any comments of this nature. Thank you for asking."

The moderator of the talk show's official website also advised fans to visit Oprah's pressroom in her online site for updates about the talk show host.

"Please note that there are many rumors circulating on the Internet. For this reason we encourage our members to visit the Press Room on Oprah.com to get the latest updates and news: http://www.oprah.com/pressroom/Press-Releases-Oprah-in-the-News," the moderator added.

NBC News has not issued any statement either on its official Twitter account.


Supsup was the lone candidate who answered in English during the crucial Question and Answer portion.

When asked whether she would compromise her religion for the man she loves, Supsup answered: “I would not change my religion because, first of all, I love my God who created me and if that person truly loves me, he must also love my God,” she said.

Some Filipino fans online have expressed disappointment over her non-title win, despite a good standing throughout the pageant.

However, the fake statement has a point. Donald Trump should consider also next time to impose a no-interpreter Miss Universe. The 88 countries should have 1 contestant who can speak English as the universal language. If Philippines can do, why can't they?

Want to see the grandest Housing Projects in Davao City?

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The Quest for Excellence: HCDC at 60!

Holy Cross of Davao College has proven once again that HCDC is an institution of talented,brilliant and flexible individuals as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of HCDC (Diamond Jubilee) with their spectacular dance and chorus presentations at the CYO Gym last September 12,2011.

Despite of the heavy loads my career has given me, I was still able to witness some great parts of the show that made me proud as an alumnus of my dear Holy Cross.

While watching my teachers and friends performing in the dance floor and while the AVP showed the history of the school and the evolution of technology, memories were popping out from my mind. Memories of myself as a 'probinsyano' who have fought against the will of my parents.

I remember my mother saying " Stay in Mati, we cannot afford you to enroll in Davao, you know we are poor". 

Those were words that actually challenged me and encouraged me to find my own quest for excellence in Davao. Let me share you how this school molded my faith and hardened my foundation making me invulnerable to discouragements and rejections.

Being a valedictorian in Mati School of Arts and Trades was my ticket to enroll in HCDC for FREE in my first year college. That determination prompted my parents to double their efforts to send me money which was enough only to pay my P600/mo. boarding house fee in the popular Fortune Alley very known as BUYAYANG.

Not had been for my cousin and my will to survive in this crazy city, I would never memorize the streets and landmarks of Davao City. Holy Cross was my HOME. I spent most of my time participating school's activities and contests.

AB - Mass Communication people were my family.My tribe in the school.The course I never expected to come into my life. My parents wanted me to be an engineer but my heart didn't say so. (I hate CALCULUS and RULERS).

I met amazing people and they became my 'super' friends until now. I have encountered good and 'not-so-good' mentors. PEACE!hehehe...but, generally they have been part and always will be in all the triumphs I have gone to. My peers and my [dancing] teachers were the heaviest factors that made me stronger and  better everyday. 

Balancing studies and fun were my secret weapon. I did not punish myself much in studies. I actually enjoy my studies by selecting trusted friends and trashing those useless people. Looking always the brighter side of my day to day life was my 'mantra' in surviving the battles of life inside and outside the school. This religious school has changed me in terms of valuing spiritual relationship with God.

No one looked over my shoulder in my 4 years in college.My parents were working so hard to at least support me.There were times, oftentimes, they failed but I never blamed them, instead, I loved them more. The absence of my parents' presence didn't affect me much. HCDC gave the pamper, the love, the comfort, the challenge and the encouragement to win all battles.

I wish I could tell you all the stories of me life in Holy Cross but I have actually shared it all here in my blog years ago. Just visit these links. It took me an hour to dig it from my archive.hehe.

Celebrating my Bday with a P50 bill only

Kumusta Na Ba Ako?

Hail Holy Cross

Kumusta na Ba Ako?

Intramural'06

Coping up with stress

Facing 2008

 and many more on this site. 

The quest for excellence will never be ended. It is an everyday challenge to all of us. I dedicate this blog post to all holycrossians who seemed to be bothered with the realities. Poverty is indeed not a hindrance. It's all about you! You are the captain of the ship. God gave us thousands of options. All you have to do is to gather your faith,never surrender, and seek peace within you always.Set your goal. Focus. Have fun. Challenge yourself but never hold your tears when you feel the down side of life. Cry but promise yourself to stand again. 

NEVER say NEVER to all opportunities.At the end of the day, everything happens for your own sake.

Congratulation to Holy Cross of Davao College! My heart will always be with you.

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Miss Angola: The 2011 Miss Universe!

The following are the snapshots of scenes during the announcement of  Miss Universe 2011 winners.

Miss Angola was declared as the 2011 Miss Universe!

Miss Angola 2011 Leila Lopes poses in her swimsuit during the Miss Universe preliminary competition in Sao Paulo, September 8,2011.

Miss Ukraine and Miss Angola' scariest and exciting moment 

Miss Angola ranks 2 online while Shamcey Supsup of Miss Philippines tops the online voting with 7.5% votes.

                                      Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup tops online with 7.5% votes

2011 Miss Universe top 5

Official and Final Miss Universe Top 5

Miss Universe 2011 : Miss Angola 

1st Runner-up: Miss Ukraine

2nd Runner-up: Miss Brazil

3rd Runner-up: Miss Philippines :(

4th Runner-up: Miss China

Oprah Winfrey says via NBC News


" I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Queen and Queen portion after having been trimmed down to 5. Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point!


The prediction of Missosology's was right about Ms Shamcey Supsup's rank. Anyhow, I would still say that Shamcey has brought home the bacon. Congratulation Shamcey Supsup. Congrats PHILIPPINES!


Next stage, will Shamcey sign a contract for GMA or ABS-CBN. Lol!

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Miss Universe 2011 Final Prediction

I have been following with the blog posts and commentaries of Missosology.org. And finally, this online organization of artist and pageant experts have released their final prediction of the Miss Universe 2011 competition where our very own Shamcey Supsup was predicted as the 3rd runner-up.


Here is the Missosology's Top 10 final prediction.

Miss Universe 2011: Miss Ukraine, Olesia Stefanko

A haunting look, dramatic face, a type of eyes you can stare into all day and never get tired of looking into, which just so happens to be rare attributes for a delegate to have. The entire hall is stunned by her physical beauty. Olesia generates mass appeal & instantly becomes the centre of attraction which makes almost all delegates fade in comparison when standing next to her. She made all the right moves, right down to a sublime gown that flowed beautifully. She won the swimsuit competition hands-down, without contest, and was nearly the most ideal delegate to cross on that stage.

1st runner-up: Miss Peru, Natalie Vertiz

She has a tiger-like hotness to break onto the scene at any moment. She looks stellar in every type of outfit under the sun. Natalie gave us head-to-toe perfection donning an Atelier Versace inspired-gown. The freshest of them all, she's the picture of "upper-east side" preppy refinement. There's no denying that she's a formidable beauty with no real weaknesses. Started out subtly, and escalated throughout the night to end strong and solidly as others dwindled, she shone more and more brightly!

2nd runner-up: Miss Malaysia, Deborah Henry

Why do we love the sizzling Malaysian known as Deborah Henry? Is it her natural beauty, perhaps her sheer elegance or maybe it's her very intelligent interpretation of social issues that so many people respect. Perfectly associating grace with her gorgeous royal blue gown on the catwalk, it is her bearing that makes her so special & a winner in our eyes. We smell success for Malaysia this year! Debby is hungry for the crown!

3rd runner-up: Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup

Shamcey slogged her way to the top but her status didn't just fall into her lap. She won over the critics & experts in a way not thought possible until now. For the evening gown round, she brought out her secret weapon. Her sheer nude gown embellished with silver floral-patterned sequins which hugged every inch of her delicious curves made her look absolutely divine! Quietly stunning, Shamcey can nonetheless pose & sashay anyone off the stage. Her inner serenity, mesmerizing fluidity and ferocity when it comes to her body language go hand in hand. She can be dynamic, she can be modern, she can be powerful, but she’s always amazing.

4th runner-up: Miss Netherlands, Kelly Weekers

Standing out in the crowd is 5'11" tall Kelly, a platinum blonde haired model, whose lifestyle is one of living and breathing fashion. When described, the image of a life-size barbie doll, one who struts the glitter lined catwalk at a Victoria's Secret fashion show or a classy model on the high couture runways of Milan and Paris initially come to mind. She spiced up her overall packaging with a gown that plays well onstage.

Top 6: Miss Puerto Rico, Viviana Ortiz

What a star! Her million-dollar looking structured ivory sheath lit up the stage and gave her a very sweet boost. She was the clear winner of the evening gown round. Viviana's jaw-dropping editorial beauty transcends in many ways. She was a seductress who turned it on, amplified the volume & handled herself brilliantly all throughout the competition.

Top 7: Miss China, Luo Zilin

Luo is famous for a number of things, but the first item that springs to mind is her famous physical caliber. Aside from meeting many influential people in the pageant industry, she managed to score an intensive training with the Miss Universe Official Runaway coach prior to being flown to Brazil, hence began what would eventually become a hugely respected footing in the pageant. She’s got diva-esque presentation skills in a way that she knows how to own it -- but with natural, demure, commanding quality rather than a rehearsed, aggressive one.

Top 8: Miss Costa Rica, Johanna Solano

From the wilds of Costa Rica comes Johanna Solano, one of the most gorgeous Central American girls on the competition. It's Johanna's admirable body figure that gave her the most recognition. Our sentimental favorite starts to shine with her infectious smile & her effervescent charm. Just a tip: her prelim competition gown is totally a no-go, deal breaker and devastating to her solid chances.

Top 9: Miss Australia, Scherri-lee Biggs

Have we gotten ourselves a new powerhouse? There's no doubt that in Australia, you'll find engaging & topnotch beauties in abundance. Scherri is certainly the most likable contestant due to her carefree and fun public persona. Her relaxed and clean look cultivated a distinguished glamour, perfectly suited for the times.

Top 10: Miss Greece, Iliana Papageorgiou

If the term supermodel had existed when Iliana walked the runway, she would have been the poster child. She definitely tops this year's crop in terms of modeling chops. Iliana slowly but surely took the competition by storm with her surprising pleasing personality offstage and undeniable flare onstage. She's so down to earth in a very un-model like way.

Good Luck Shamcey Supsup,Philippines!

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Remembering 911:Story of Heroism

There were 3,000 people in different races died after the horrible terrorist attack where 2 planes were hijacked and hit the twin towers. We have heard so many heart breaking stories from the family of the victims. But now, I have gathered some short amazing true stories from the people who could have died but were saved by the bell.


Robert Matthews from Nofolk, Virgina, narrated the following story to a local radio station two years after the terrorist attack.

“A few weeks before Sept. 11, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her.

“Shortly after I said  ‘Amen,’ we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home.

* * *

“I received a call from my father, who was a retired fireman of New York. He asked what my wife’s flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help.

“I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ.   

* * *

“Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father’s name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, ‘I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.’

* * *

“He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one who found his wife and freed her.

“‘There is something else you need to know,’  he said. His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthews in honor of the man who saved their lives.”

* * *

Robert Matthews concluded, “God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.”

What’s needed is a firm faith, believing, and trusting in Him even if there seems to be no rhyme or reason to certain happenings.

Osama Bin Laden has perished but his demonic events on earth are still hunting our minds,hearts and our wills. The freedom is still uncertain to realize since Bin Laden has been teaching thousands of black minds whose purpose in life is to dismantle Christianity and the power of the state.

Remembering 911 is a moment of reflection reminding the world to continue to fight against terrorism. I am just quite not so sure if Philippines, my dear country, is capable enough in countering such terrorism act knowing this country has been doing all its best in combating against the long-running rebel's organization (NPA).

For me, I have known the best weapon above all-- PRAYER. Holding on with the creator is the key to surviving the battle between good and evil.

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Crocodile eats an old man in Agusan del Sur

A 20-feet long crocodile was captured in Baranggay Nueva Era Bunawan, Agusan del Sur with the help of the residents and the local government under Mayor Edwin Elorde last Saturday night (Sept.3,2011).

The floating community in the Agusan Marsh.

Residents also suspected the crocodile as responsible for preying on a Carabao and an old man folk. The victim's brother believed that his brother was killed and eaten by this crocodile.

The local gov't was permitted by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) to set a trap after receiving series of reports that crocodiles are preying on carabaos in the area.

PAWD reminds the locals also that crocodiles are also declared protected animals. Hurting it is against the law.

I have been planning to visit to Bunawan,Agusan Del Sur specifically in the Agusan Marsh. The floating community there gives me a rush of excitement to take photos of the vast waterlilies floating on a lake with this floating community.

But, after what had happened, I don't think if I still can manage to visit a place where crocodiles are just around. No one knows. In 2009, crocodiles bumped the boat and attacked the students while on their way to their floating school at Minaba Lake,Agusan.

There is just a big question on my mind. Why does PAWD protect crocs.In my opinion, crocs are the cancers of the society. They attack and kill living things. That is why, we eliminate crocodile in politics because they are dangerous in the society.

Whatever the reason why there is a protection to crocs, I still don't get the logic.

Mayor Elorde said they will keep the crocodile because this will somehow boost tourism in Bunawan,Agusan. My question is TOURISM or LIFE?

If you don't agree with me please enlighten my mind.

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MMDA: Several NCR areas flooded due to heavy rains

Residents of National Capital Region surely didn't expect of such heavy rain last Sunday ( September 4, 2011)


The wrath of nature is now destroying expectations and confidence of some people believing they are safe from any natural phenomenon. 


MMDA said on its twitter account that some areas of EDSA and C-5 roads were also flooded.


Among others are:

E. Rodriguez (Araneta), not passable to light vehicles;

Parts of Quezon City Circle (gutter deep), traffic heavy at Quezon City Circle to East Avenue;

Kamias near Anonas in Quezon City;

Tomas Morato in Quezon City, "above the knee" flood;

Timog west-bound, not passable to light vehicles;

C5 and EDSA northbound, moderate to heavy due to flooded areas;

Biak-na-Bato, half-tire flood;

Knee-high flood at R. Papa;

C-5, flood at Eagle Street is knee-deep, and not passable to light vehicles;

Araneta Biak-na-Bato 13 inches deep;

C.P. Garcia going to University Avenue

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My 3,000 ft above sea level vacation

The long holiday has healed me from too much stress this city- life given me. Those days gave me an idea to forget everything I owned and think only one thing -REFRESH. And, nature is the only paradise that can exude all the ‘nega’ energies stored within me.

My ‘also-stressed’ office mates brought me to a place I have been dreaming of – an over night stay in the middle of the jungle. To have fun with the beauty that mother nature has created perfectly here in Davao City, 3000 ft above sea level.

PERFECT.was the first word came out from my mouth  as we arrived in the area while we were so amazed with a lush well preserved nature that somehow, was  slowly cleaning our lungs as we inhaled its unadulterated air.

The cool breeze and the sounds of the crickets and birds let us feel once again what is like to be relaxed. The sound of silence brought me to a point where I could say I am a thousand-meters away from all the problems and work loads I am into. It felt like I was detached from my weary mind and body that work so hard to survive in the urban world.

There in a stone stood still in this paradise, it gave me the full view of Davao City,Samal and even the grayish part of Davao Oriental. That point I told myself ” To all the negastars of my life, I am higher than you now”. Far from the political noise, polluted air, the issue of Gadhafi, GMA’s St.Luke ” HOTEL” and PNOY’ s rotten promises issues.

My mind was totally reformatted.The good memories pop-out and made me feel better while the frustrations especially Kadayawan failures were deleted even in my mind’s recycle bin. All I want to do in that paradise was to LAUGH OUT LOUD with my ‘kaberks’.

SLEEPING WITH THE “Sayaw” BIRDS

Albert poses inside the stinky Sayaw Bird Cage under the Gozostiza's house

The Pygmy Swiflets locally called as “Sayaw” birds are  known to be a territorial birds which flock together with its kind. They dance along and glide in one flying piece motion. And, that was actually I have seen in Gorostiza’s private ancestral house, where we spent our night in Hacienda de Gorostiza at Brgy. Uguis, Toril Davao City.

The sayaw birds were making territory on the first storey of the house. I was so delighted to see them and all thumbs up to the owner for protecting such species. Access to their nest is also an access to real CASH. One kilo of their nest can fetch up to 2,000 dollars or almost 90,000 pesos. Their nest is the main ingredient for the Bird’s Nest Soup.

Other countries like Cambodia,Thailand, Indonesia, Burma and even Philippines particularly in El Nido Palawan are introducing swiflet farming as serious income-generating business. For this writer? I am not promoting this business and I am actually against it.

Just below of my room, is the door of the Sayaw birds exclusive room.

Yes, hunters do not kill the birds but they definitely kill the birds’ home. Like humans, home is where the spirit of unity starts. Home is where we gather and bless each other. They may be birds but as I see how they make for a living, they deserve to be protected. Their homes must be protected as Gorostiza family does.

In the first place, why are these birds creating nests? For us to sell it?To feed human’s interest? Of course not! It took them days to perfectly build their nest and then, in just a minute , these hunters will just easily take that from them. How does it fell to realize that our efforts were useless? Pain, right?

Just like us they feel pain. They attack when somebody strike them. Like us, they create territory, government,rituals, entrance and exits. As what I have observed in the Gorostiza’s house, sayaw birds were going in uniformly to a certain ‘entrance’ hole and going out to another ‘exit’ hole. This means that they know each other. They know the rules. They know signs.

Swiftlets dance along in one flying formation before they get food. A tradition that they usually do before making difference outside, like us, we pray before we step out from our home. I pray for their survival.

The sun rose up at the back of Samal mountains. Its orange rays infiltrated to my skin while the cold touch of the morning air cooled down its heat. The sunshine was very soothing as I woke up early in the morning to face the King of the Stars.

Albert tries to reach the solar ball form of the sun. His hair says, he just woke up.lol

There in the window,while the sun shone up the sky, I saw once again the place where the battle of life keeps in combat mode.  Davao City where my real mind and body are. I wished to prolong my vacation but I have to move on. There are more battles to attend to.

A night of fun, liquors,barbeque,hotdogs, and the muddy disco on the table. A one night super laugh-in mode. A total refreshing experience.

I wish human body has an “F5″ function like a computer.  If pressed, all works are refreshed.

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