Bicolandia's Weather Man
Published: January 7, 2008 | Author: Ronald James Panis
Total Views: 8140 | Rating:
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Across the Philippines
Published: January 7, 2008 | Author: Ronald James Panis
Total Views: 8140 | Rating:
NAGA - WHEN asked about the
downpour that gatecrashed the New Year's celebration in Naga City, David Michael
V. Padua said it was just a cold front coming from China which is being sucked
into Australia where a storm was brewing.
In his website, Typhoon2000.com (or maybagyo.com), Padua also indicated this type of weather as part of the cool Northeast Monsoon breezing over the country while accompanied with some rain showers - hence the very wet welcome and first few days of 2008.
Thank God for meteorologists, or those weather wonks from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). They're here to tell us the hot from the cold fronts without speculation and soothsaying.
But Padua is neither a meteorologist nor part of Pagasa. He is a regular Internet system administrator working for one of the renowned colleges in this city who is in possession of a great knowledge and obsessive zeal for the weather.
Coupled with an impressively wide technical know-how accumulated through years of reading and studying, and vast connections to weather monitoring stations, Mike has many times proven to be of an invaluable help to the typhoon-stricken area of Naga.
This was initially evidenced in the coming of Super typhoon 'Unding' (international name, Muifa) in November of 2004 which charted a new course in his hobby. It was the first time when his fervor for the weather was utilized for the sake of the Naga community.
Padua recalled that after having wrought its havoc when it hit the Bicol peninsula days before, 'Unding' was reported by Pagasa later to be treading a different direction away from the region.
A subscriber to the Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC/U.S. Navy & Air Force) and United Nation's Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Padua read from its updates that the storm which had intensified further was on its way to Naga again - and in just a matter of hours.
In his report published in his website, he noted that Unding followed a rare-clockwise loop, which is reminiscent of disastrous 'loopers' like typhoons Aning of December 1982 and Naning of December 1993.
Padua called up the local Pagasa station to share the reports he collated from the international weather stations; Pagasa however told him their monitoring showed otherwise.
When no warnings were still raised, Padua decided to inform Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo of the possible nighttime approach of 'Unding.'
“I explained to (the mayor) that our city must be under storm signal number 3, which means that winds of more than 100kph can be expected in at least 18 hours, and we were only six hours away from the destructive winds (of Unding),” he wrote in his report.
Robredo then called an emergency meeting within the afternoon and later told radio stations to broadcast the imminent danger Naga was in, as Padua's alert practically screamed. At around 10 in the evening, the typhoon arrived, bearing gust rates at 130 kph and rain rates at 18 inches per hour high (as Padua's Davis Vantage Pro weather station recorded). Naga was once again in disarray, but loss of life, Padua said, was averted.
Two years later, when the destructive Reming (codename 'Durian') tore its way across Bicolandia - most especially in Albay and Legaspi where it ravaged the province via a massive lahar (volcanic material) flow -- Padua saw it as again a defining moment of his 'hobby.'
“I gave a blow-by-blow account (to radio stations),” he told Philippine News, adding that he gave updates as well every 30 minutes.
Thanks to his effort, he became a primary source for weather in Naga. The city also lauded him with awards: from the mayor for his help during 'Unding,' from the Naga City group of businessmen for his heroism during his 'Reming' watch, from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association.
In fact, certain government officials have offered to replace his weather instruments that Reming destroyed . Mike said it is what these officials told him is the least they can do to show how grateful they are of his unique ardor.
Mike said he has been a “typhoon enthusiast” since he was 5.
“I was already fascinated [by the weather] then,” he recalled.
He narrated how he would observe the sky outside his house, as well as track the course of storm through the radio. He would do newspaper clippings too to find additional data.
True to the 'weather man' he was to become, he reported the latest results by writing down the signal number on the blackboard. This was when he was in Kindergarten and Grade 1.
As he progressed in age, so did his uncommon interest. He devoured books with hurricane-like ferocity. With the local Pagasa station (a flood forecasting center in the neighboring province of Naga) sponsoring seminars and workshops on typhoon tracking, he attended them with such intensity and left a trail of awed professionals, particularly because of his fascination with this kind of work at a very young age. He got to befriend some of Pagasa's seasoned meteorologists as well.
He later on created a huge tracking chart which he placed in Naga College Foundation, the academe he's currently part of. In his high school years there, every time Bicol was under the threat of a typhoon, he would be asked to do rounds and update his fellow students. Some would even ask him, 'Michael, asan yung bagyo [where's the typhoon]?' to which he always had an answer - and an accompanying chart presentation.
Even in college, this hobby ensued. He studied BS Geography in UP instead of Meteorology which was offered as a master course. In UP, he became famous as well for his charts and up-to-date knowledge of the weather.
He returned to Naga after graduation, and taught meteorology as well as general radio communications in NCF. It was as Internet Center Administrator in 1997, which was the same time the Internet Age went full throttle in the Philippines that his comprehensive site was born.
He later on got to meet and make friends with people like Gary Padgett, creator of the Global Tropical Cyclone summary. He also became part of a worldwide tropical cyclone discussion group, which has 70 members from weather centers around the world. He also has setup his own weather station.
Of course, Mike has had his share of criticisms. But he doesn't mind.
“If the government wants me to stop, I will,” he said about going on air.
Some say his reports confuse people, but Mike is unperturbed.
He said, “Information is information, it won't hurt if one gets to have more options, especially if it means saving lives in the end.”
In his website, Typhoon2000.com (or maybagyo.com), Padua also indicated this type of weather as part of the cool Northeast Monsoon breezing over the country while accompanied with some rain showers - hence the very wet welcome and first few days of 2008.
Thank God for meteorologists, or those weather wonks from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). They're here to tell us the hot from the cold fronts without speculation and soothsaying.
But Padua is neither a meteorologist nor part of Pagasa. He is a regular Internet system administrator working for one of the renowned colleges in this city who is in possession of a great knowledge and obsessive zeal for the weather.
Coupled with an impressively wide technical know-how accumulated through years of reading and studying, and vast connections to weather monitoring stations, Mike has many times proven to be of an invaluable help to the typhoon-stricken area of Naga.
This was initially evidenced in the coming of Super typhoon 'Unding' (international name, Muifa) in November of 2004 which charted a new course in his hobby. It was the first time when his fervor for the weather was utilized for the sake of the Naga community.
Padua recalled that after having wrought its havoc when it hit the Bicol peninsula days before, 'Unding' was reported by Pagasa later to be treading a different direction away from the region.
A subscriber to the Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC/U.S. Navy & Air Force) and United Nation's Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Padua read from its updates that the storm which had intensified further was on its way to Naga again - and in just a matter of hours.
In his report published in his website, he noted that Unding followed a rare-clockwise loop, which is reminiscent of disastrous 'loopers' like typhoons Aning of December 1982 and Naning of December 1993.
Padua called up the local Pagasa station to share the reports he collated from the international weather stations; Pagasa however told him their monitoring showed otherwise.
When no warnings were still raised, Padua decided to inform Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo of the possible nighttime approach of 'Unding.'
“I explained to (the mayor) that our city must be under storm signal number 3, which means that winds of more than 100kph can be expected in at least 18 hours, and we were only six hours away from the destructive winds (of Unding),” he wrote in his report.
Robredo then called an emergency meeting within the afternoon and later told radio stations to broadcast the imminent danger Naga was in, as Padua's alert practically screamed. At around 10 in the evening, the typhoon arrived, bearing gust rates at 130 kph and rain rates at 18 inches per hour high (as Padua's Davis Vantage Pro weather station recorded). Naga was once again in disarray, but loss of life, Padua said, was averted.
Two years later, when the destructive Reming (codename 'Durian') tore its way across Bicolandia - most especially in Albay and Legaspi where it ravaged the province via a massive lahar (volcanic material) flow -- Padua saw it as again a defining moment of his 'hobby.'
“I gave a blow-by-blow account (to radio stations),” he told Philippine News, adding that he gave updates as well every 30 minutes.
Thanks to his effort, he became a primary source for weather in Naga. The city also lauded him with awards: from the mayor for his help during 'Unding,' from the Naga City group of businessmen for his heroism during his 'Reming' watch, from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association.
In fact, certain government officials have offered to replace his weather instruments that Reming destroyed . Mike said it is what these officials told him is the least they can do to show how grateful they are of his unique ardor.
Mike said he has been a “typhoon enthusiast” since he was 5.
“I was already fascinated [by the weather] then,” he recalled.
He narrated how he would observe the sky outside his house, as well as track the course of storm through the radio. He would do newspaper clippings too to find additional data.
True to the 'weather man' he was to become, he reported the latest results by writing down the signal number on the blackboard. This was when he was in Kindergarten and Grade 1.
As he progressed in age, so did his uncommon interest. He devoured books with hurricane-like ferocity. With the local Pagasa station (a flood forecasting center in the neighboring province of Naga) sponsoring seminars and workshops on typhoon tracking, he attended them with such intensity and left a trail of awed professionals, particularly because of his fascination with this kind of work at a very young age. He got to befriend some of Pagasa's seasoned meteorologists as well.
He later on created a huge tracking chart which he placed in Naga College Foundation, the academe he's currently part of. In his high school years there, every time Bicol was under the threat of a typhoon, he would be asked to do rounds and update his fellow students. Some would even ask him, 'Michael, asan yung bagyo [where's the typhoon]?' to which he always had an answer - and an accompanying chart presentation.
Even in college, this hobby ensued. He studied BS Geography in UP instead of Meteorology which was offered as a master course. In UP, he became famous as well for his charts and up-to-date knowledge of the weather.
He returned to Naga after graduation, and taught meteorology as well as general radio communications in NCF. It was as Internet Center Administrator in 1997, which was the same time the Internet Age went full throttle in the Philippines that his comprehensive site was born.
He later on got to meet and make friends with people like Gary Padgett, creator of the Global Tropical Cyclone summary. He also became part of a worldwide tropical cyclone discussion group, which has 70 members from weather centers around the world. He also has setup his own weather station.
Of course, Mike has had his share of criticisms. But he doesn't mind.
“If the government wants me to stop, I will,” he said about going on air.
Some say his reports confuse people, but Mike is unperturbed.
He said, “Information is information, it won't hurt if one gets to have more options, especially if it means saving lives in the end.”
Comments
Joma boñaga said,
January 30, 2008 at 03:03:20:09 AM
i would like to thank mike for what he have done to all bicolanos,keep it up mike.mike for governor!joke lang!
Weathergaines said,
January 28, 2008 at 04:04:29:29 AM
You don’t need to become a good meteorologist to make an accurate and official weather forecast. It’s merely proper understanding, good observation and comparing of different collected data’s to ensure its accurateness.
I heard one time in one radio station that what PAGASA doing is collecting different data from different stations, analyzing it and initializing forecast based on collected data which is called a real time forecasting which is not useful for me in forecasting the movement and possible strength of one typhoon and/or tropical disturbances.
For me, what iam doing first is to collect all necessary data (such as different satellite images, vortices, shears, its upper and lower wind level strength, Sea Level Pressure, ocean heat content, Sea Surface Temperature, Surface wind analyses, Total Precipitable Water, Temperature anomalies and wind gradients) and compare to previously one, analyze other factor influencing it (from the position of ridges and trough, to the strength of outflows and shears) and study before making possible forecast.
Just like Mr. Typhoon itself, he did it not to benefactor himself but each people living in this country.
That’s why rather criticizing him, we need to acquire people like him because like me there are more people who are WEATHER ENTHUSIASTIC who’s only objective is not to observe and make forecast but to SAVE LIVES.
Robert Narito said,
January 30, 2008 at 03:03:19:53 AM
Brod Salamatonon tabi saimo ta dakulaon ang naitabang kan saimong webpage na maybagyo.com. Sana ipadagos mo pa asin mas lalo pang pagayonon ang saimong trabaho.
Robert Narito
Jeffrey nicerio said,
January 30, 2008 at 03:03:18:22 AM
thanx po mr. mhike padua.. sobrang accurate ng bnbgay mong information about sa weather natin d2 sa bcol.. Keep up d good work..
Mhay said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:16:10 PM
Mhike is really the best Mr.typhoon in the whole wide world! very humble that's y a lot of pipol like and appreciate him especially US his friends. Go go go mhike congratz ur the BEST!keep it up po!!! we love you KILKZ!!! God bless!!
Tein said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:16:10 PM
i remembered Unding. Without Mike Padua's updates that time, we wouldnt be prepared for the return of Unding. When we heard that Unding will re-enter Naga, i informed my sister who was still in Ateneo that time, and ordered her to come home at once. She arrived home safely but some of her dubious classmates opted to proceed with their weekend night out. We were able to secure our house and sustained minimal damage during Undings wrath. We will forever be grateful to this selfless, highly reliable gentleman. Thanks Mike and I hope you wont be unnerved by the few critics out there. More power!
Enet chuan said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:16:10 PM
I really like his forecast it is very accurate. I myself is an avid admirer on this guy. good work man!!!
Peng Dimazana said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:16:10 PM
I congratulate you for your rare kind of interest. You have contributed much to the cyber world because of your expertise in forecasting. Just keep on and more power to you. May God bless you and your family always!
said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:16:10 PM
ur cool men. kagaya mo din ako. i was also interested in typhoons and making videos when a typhoon strike. everyday im looking ur website if theres is typhon brewing in the pacific. im dreaming to become storm chaser like u. keep up the good work!--Denver
Jerry Alzate said,
February 03, 2008 at 22:10:41:58 PM
I can't believe that the government would try to stop Dr. Mike Padua. It was my utter disatisfaction with Pagasa's infrequent and often times erroneous typhoon warnings that led me to Dr. Paduas site. I admit to being a weather buff and am truly envious that we don't have something like the weather channel that they have in the USA. Dr. Padua's site more than makes up for this void.
Roger Madrigal said,
February 03, 2008 at 22:10:41:58 PM
Hi,David Mike,
Your are doing a splendid job. Am glad that your are also from PeyUPS like me.I started to visit your website about four years and where ever I meet people with computers, I would suggest that they visit T2k.com. Your corroboration with international weather forecasters gives you optimum credibility. Your graphics are very helpful. I have a salt farm in SJI Occ. Mindoro and critical weather infos are very important to us. We have there a satellite PAGASA but I think of no consequence to our town.
Midbid ko ang Tena family sa Quipayo, Calabanga. And the present President of Sta Isabel U, Sor Asuncion Evidente,DC, PhD, [Ilongga] was a Hi-school classmate of my wife. Pls extend our regards. I think she took her PhD in UP.
More power to you and God Bless. Dakulaong salamat.
roger
Adonis s. manzan said,
January 27, 2008 at 21:09:07:41 PM
dr. mike padua is one good creation of God. I share the same experience since i was still in my second grade. Dr. padua's untaunted defiance over wrong information usually issued by pagasa, but no offense to those people in pagasa, but frankly speaking sometimes a little error means life and death to some of the unweary.
I am elated to have Dr. padua's works ease up the inconsistencies in weather forecasting in this country. To say the least, i am glad to have a reliable source and a comprehensive weather network backed by international weather bureaus.
Jun Tamayo said,
February 03, 2008 at 22:10:41:58 PM
The government should give Mr. Padua an award! His forecasts are accurate and dependable. PAGASA must learn from him. He is a one man team and does his thing for free. Mabuhay ka Mike!
Jojo olpate said,
February 08, 2008 at 02:02:49:56 AM
wearhterman mike, sir, salamat ta may bikolano na may talintong nasa saimo, ika an masasarigan sa panahon nin calamidad, ika an gustong madangog sa radyo kan mga bikolano sa panahon nin subasko, kami minasarig sa impormasyon mo, orgulyo ka kan mga bikolano.. more power& god bless you....
Cousin Dina said,
February 08, 2008 at 02:02:49:56 AM
Way to go, Cousin Mike. We admire your great passion for typhoons, not just for the science of it but in the aspect of saving lives. That's what makes your talent more special. God bless. P.S. Ever thought about YouTube weather reports? Hmm....
Art_Angelo said,
February 03, 2008 at 22:10:41:58 PM
I really like his forecast it is very accurate. I myself is an avid admirer on this guy. His findings are very accurate. good work man!!!☺☺☺
Steve_a said,
February 08, 2008 at 02:02:49:56 AM
very useful info from mike padua, like animals need oxygen and plants need carbon dioxide to survive, keep it up, don't mind those who criticize you! mayo lang sinda maginibo! Their just a whole bunch of morons and idiots!
Irma Mondonedo Dennington said,
February 14, 2008 at 02:02:24:55 AM
I heard about you and your work thru my brother,Toto(from Pamplona),I am fascinated,yet don't know how to thank you,until now,when I accidentally found this article.Thanks and may you have more success in your work,and a happy and haealthy long life.
Jamil otero said,
May 19, 2008 at 01:01:46:47 AM
You're a big asset for bicolanos..Thank you Mike!
Penaflorida said,
February 14, 2008 at 02:02:24:42 AM
I really appreciated his work as forecaster kc npk accurate tlga on how he deliver his info. . God bless. . .
MANNY OF NAGA COLLEGE said,
February 18, 2008 at 02:02:12:12 AM
MIKE SALAMAT SA FORECAST.
Leo said,
February 18, 2008 at 02:02:12:12 AM
am so proud of him...... am always using his predictions and news bulettin on my radio program. pinoy ito!!!!
anyway, mike i need your number please... i want you to make a feature story live radio program tayo... pwede ba?---- DZME 1530 kHz.
Robert kaiser said,
February 18, 2008 at 02:02:12:12 AM
Mike deserves all the recognition. Excellent web site that is not only well maintained on a timely basis but also improves with time. He is a pioneer who keeps on achieving. When storms head our way, your site is the number one for information. Thanks Mike for your tireless efforts. Nobody or agency does it better.
Emman gonzales said,
February 25, 2008 at 20:08:12:29 PM
sobrang pagkaraya sa destrosong dara kan mga bagyo! alagad sa tabang kan website ni mr typhoon mike padua, nawara ang kahandalan kan namamamanwan,ipadagos man lugod kan kagurangnan ang marhay na kaisipan ni sir mike! mabuhay an website mo!!!
Rica Sales said,
February 25, 2008 at 20:08:12:19 PM
MIke, you are a God given savior of mankind in times of typhoon calamities.. had it not been for you , probably there are hundreds of lives wasted.. Thank you so much. As a BIcolano, we're so proud of you. Your unselfish effort is truly commendable.! Keep up the good work.
Bel nachor said,
February 25, 2008 at 20:08:12:05 PM
I am very thankful and proud of you Mr.Typhoon!!! Just keep it up! Giving the right info is not about the "degree" that we hold...its about our (heart)passion with our interest. Your such a great!!!
bel nachor
Ning alcantara said,
February 25, 2008 at 20:08:12:05 PM
the region needs more people like you. certainly your "hobby" is helping your kababayans. mas credible ang updates mo dahil bicol based. thanks, mike! tunay kang uragon!
Nathan mulleda said,
March 03, 2008 at 20:08:08:39 PM
Mike's website (http://www.maybagyo.com/) helped me a lot during Reming's wrath last year. Using my mobile phone as a modem (we don't have DSL connection yet in San Fernando, CS), his website provided updates about the typhoon's whereabouts for me and my family.
Even here in Metro Manila, I still consult his site and communicate the information to my family in Bicol for warnings.
Thanks Mike! You save lives.
Perry andrade said,
March 03, 2008 at 20:08:16:51 PM
I am very proud of you mike, for having a kababayan like you, your a verry good help to our fellow bicolanos interms of giving lates info of weather up date.
Thanks mike.
perry
Engr. Rosite "Ross" N. Basino said,
March 10, 2008 at 22:10:46:40 PM
Typhoon2000.com is one of the few accurate sources of my information when typhoon hit or about to hit our beloved Bicol Region, in my location in the Sultanate of Oman. I'm very thankful for your effort in maintaining the website. Mabuhay ka!! Oragon talaga ang mga Bicolano!!
Aaron bais said,
March 17, 2008 at 21:09:23:42 PM
what's wrong with a non-weatherman if he surely finds a best forecast?
i'm here at typhoon2000 in every fair, good and bad weather. thanks mike, keep this page!!!
Arlon alarcon said,
March 24, 2008 at 22:10:18:48 PM
thanks for having a bicolano weatherman!
Charles b said,
April 07, 2008 at 21:09:18:57 PM
d best ka brad!!!!!
Wilbon ebon said,
April 14, 2008 at 20:08:43:40 PM
sir mike thanks alot alam mo lahat lahat ng forecast mo about typhoon ay 100% tama nag papasalamat din ako sa website na , bago dumating ang typhoon melinyo dito sa manila nabalaan ko ang mga kapitbahay at mga kaibigan ko regarding typhoon melinyo. alam nyo sir mike kung hndi ko sila binalaan baka merong patay sa kanila , nakalikas sila ng maaga dahil sa imformation na sinabi ko about typhoon melinyo, at ang imformation na iyun ay galing sa typhoon2000.com lahat ng bahay ng mga sinabihan sirang sira , sir mike lahat ng taga rizal ay saludo sa iyo at ipinagmamalaki ka namin, thanks alot mabuhay ka your a real hero.keep up the good work
Leo said,
April 28, 2008 at 03:03:04:22 AM
i make sure that i am online with Mike's website before i go on-air in any of my radio shows at DZME(1530kHz AM)....... actually i am eager to see him in person the man who is now well-known as the "weather man" in the Philippines.... keep it up Mike!!!! God Bless!!! and God Bless the Philippines!
Martin Gomez said,
April 28, 2008 at 03:03:04:11 AM
Your site is most convenient, informative and up to date. Keep up the good work. You do save lives.
S pleta said,
June 23, 2008 at 21:09:54:14 PM
Mabuhay ka Mike! Dahil sa website mo, nakakahanda kami dito sa CAVITE! I have been endorsing your website to my friends.
during the time of Milenyo, when our subdivision was submerged, I realized that PAGASA and news were reporting only reporting present positions of the typhoon. They did not bother reporting predicted paths. (Note: I was comparing your information in your website with the actual weather reports in the news).
It was only recently last year that news bulletin report forecasted position and strength of typhoon.
More power to you. And thanks for being our sentinel.
Jessel said,
June 23, 2008 at 21:09:54:14 PM
Typoon is a nature which GOD's willing hindi natin mapigilan but pwede natin ma iwasan thats why we need people like Mike V.P. thanx sir,Pinoy n saudi constant monitoring your web for the sake of our loveones & property.mabuhay ang bikolano / pilipino
Dante de Castro said,
July 14, 2008 at 21:09:51:56 PM
It's been along time that i've missed a lot of actual surfing on the weather conditions worldwide since the expected shut down of our land line phone during typhoon reming. But now we have our broadband connection in the Municipal Agriculture Office of Ragay, CS and this helps me a lot whenever i daily monitor the weather disturbance in the Western Pacific region. Thanks a lot to the Bicolano weather Web thru Mr. Typhoon. Godspeed!
Emily Marasigan said,
July 07, 2008 at 21:09:27:11 PM
Mr. Weather Mna, you're one of a kind..... Keep up the good work. GOD Bless ALways........
Noli Vizcocho said,
July 07, 2008 at 21:09:27:11 PM
On behalf of our group the BB-PICAG Phil., Inc. of Baguio City and Benguet would like to thank you Sir Mike for providing us your timely weather forecast through your website that help our operatives to be more vigilant and get ready in any eventuality. We link your website to our own www.picag.org website. More power to you Sir!
Engr. Dione said,
August 20, 2008 at 21:09:26:41 PM
salamat po sir... talagang sobrang hanga kami sayo at ang laki ng naitutulong mo sa amin...
Amy Fe P. Aquino said,
September 03, 2008 at 22:10:18:22 PM
Hi sir. On behalf of the mining company i belong, the FCF MINERALS CORPORATION located @ Runruno, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. We thank you for you have a great part on weather forecasting. Knowing the weather condition is necessary in our project..... Will you please sir send an email to me if there is a tropical cyclones that will threaten Philippines specially within our vicinity. THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. WEATHER MAN. CONTINUE TO BE A BLESSING....GODSPEED..
Roger said,
September 10, 2008 at 22:10:01:37 PM
mike, mabuhay ka you are the best oragon ka bikolano
Manding Lalaguna said,
November 21, 2008 at 00:12:10:58 AM
i'm so proud of you padi, ORAGON u tlaga. every time na may maraot na panahon, na hanap akong bareta...pero mas na tubod ako sa forecast mo. keep up the good work and u may have a good health always...GOD BLESS
Michaeldennistan said,
October 29, 2008 at 22:10:09:46 PM
Certified Oragon! Congratz WEATHER MAN! You deserve it!
Dakulang katabangan an saimong gibo! Make safe!
May God Bless, may u reap a hundred fold grace and blessings
from the Lord whom you serve.
Nicky Guinto (Lucena City) said,
October 29, 2008 at 22:10:09:46 PM
Honestly, everytime a typhoon comes I only believe in his forecasts because for many instances, I have proven some of PAGASA's forecasts to be unreliable. Since the time I browesed on his website, there was no particular instance when his predictions were wrong. They were all reliable!
Just recently, typhoon Frank ravaged the southern tagalog area, which was already predicted by him beforehand. Sadly, PAGASA was then firm on their forecast track that it will hit Mindoro and not the CALABARZON area. Thank goodness, we were able to prepare for Frank.
DR. RUDY E. VILLAMIL said,
October 29, 2008 at 22:10:09:46 PM
Besides our country is an archipelagic island, within the region of the so called "ring of fire" ,just besides an ocean trench and near the equator that receives the highest heat from the sun explain that we are vulnerable to natural calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tropical cyclones/typhoons.This is without mentioning further the impact of a rising sea level posed by global warming.
I am a Dagupeno (Dagupan City) a coastal city and and the exit mouth of the Agno River Basin .We produce the tasteful/delicious bangus.
The recent havoc which TS "Cosme" left this year in my hometown and of Santa Cruz ,Zambales claiming lives, properties and livelihood worth of milions of pesos is a wake up call!
My accidental visit to your website made me to learn and discover that our national weather forecasting agencies is inutile .
Thru your website I learned that a similar typhoon had the same path and destructive effect- the 1998 TY "Gading" which hit Dagupan City by surprise! And 10 years later TS "Cosme" came. The the difference was the former blown the roof of my house while the latter down my house.
I also learned that typhoons have several projected path which from time to time changes its directions.
The question is, has our national weather agency learned lessons from this incidences?.To my evaluation they did not, because they have not warn the public sufficiently and likewise even the NDCC only showed-up when then the damaged was their.
Typhoon 'Frank" of this year further proved that again our national weather forecasting agency did not do their homework and their mandated tasks. Imagine,in the event of a typhoon they seem to lost track of the real time location of the "eye of the typhoon" as indicated by their website which gives public warning by 24-12 hours basis period.How would our sea vessels captains/navigators who are not meteorology experts make accurate decisions ,where would they get their basis and informations since they are only equipped with simple gadgets.
Sad to learned was, when their head admitted in a TV news program that even now they include the use of "leeches " /a nature's way of observing and evaluating weather conditions as basis. The hundreds of millions loss from agriculture and infrastructure way back from the time "dopler radar" or similar instruments exists, if computed could mean several dozens of these instruments strategically posted already .But in your case Mr Padua the information you provide through your resourcefulness is inexpensive. Why can't the people manning our agency cannot do this ?
May your tribe increase Sir!
I was inspired by the service you did despite our country is economically poor but rich with human resources worth of diamonds like YOU!
May I share to you our group's weblog for you to know us more. And seek your permission that personally I do used the information in your site as reference.
God Bless You!
RUDY E, VILLAMIL,DVM
Founderm DAGAT, Inc.
http://dagat.wordpress.com
RUDY VILLAMIL said,
November 21, 2008 at 00:12:10:58 AM
Hello Mike,
Thanks for accommodating our views and insights in your web and likewise for acknowledging and counting on us (DAGAT group of Dagupan City)as Typhoon WATCHERS in our locality with your forecast website tool as instrument we use!
In another, having overlooked a certain matter, may I submit a minor correction in my submitted comment/observation which posted like this -
"Sad to learned was, when their head admitted in a TV news program (pls delete- TV NEWS PROGRAM, instead insert- NEWS PAPER) that even now they include the use of "leeches " /a nature's way of observing and evaluating weather conditions as basis. The hundreds of millions loss from agriculture and infrastructure way back from the time "dopler radar" or similar instruments exists, if computed could mean several dozens of these instruments strategically posted already .But in your case Mr Padua the information you provide through your resourcefulness is inexpensive. Why can't the people manning our agency cannot do this ?"
Reference :
Philippine Star - Friday, July 11,2008 (by-Helen Flores With Perseus Echeminada/Philstar"
"Meantime, in a separate interview, Nilo said that despite the absence of Doppler radars, it is still possible to predict an incoming typhoon through the help of nature.
Nilo told reporters during the weekly Usapang Daungan at Danarra Hotel in Quezon City that when a typhoon is approaching, leeches float because they are sensitive to the low temperature of the atmosphere.
"When the temperature of the atmosphere drops, leeches will float," Nilo said.
Aside from leeches, which are usually found in muddy waters, gamugamo (moths) are also harbingers of an incoming typhoon, Nilo said.
The behavior of animals was among the signs monitored by tribal folk in predicting natural disasters, added Nilo."
Till then,
RUDY E, VILLAMIL,DVM
Founder DAGAT, Inc.