I just wanted to write and let everyone know that I am safe and well. Typhoon Durian has been on the news back home in Australia, as well as around the world, and I wanted to confirm that the typhoon did not hit Manila.

Unfortunately, Durian did create havoc in the Bikol region. The last time I heard, there were over 300 deaths. Entire communities have been covered due to mudslides near the Mayon volcano. And because of the damage inflicted on the power network, there is a real possibility that some families in the region will not have electricity this Christmas.

Once again, life is put into perspective.