thoughts on Ondoy's visit

it was far beyond imagination - the endless rain starting Friday would create such huge devastation in Metro Manila. The typhoon "Ondoy" brought heavy downpour of water, torrential rains and enormous flooding. It is indeed a nightmare we, Filipinos, would never forget.

Yesterday morning, all I knew that it was blissfully cold here and I think was too ideal for just bumming around. I never had an idea how bad the situation was in Manila. I never knew until I read tweets of the worsening flooding in Manila. And I immediately checked the telly for some updates. It was really a shock for me. Floods reached above the second floor of houses! Residents were on their roofs while waiting for rescue. Kids, lolas and lolos - everyone. No one was (in those affected areas) ever saved from the wrath of Ondoy. Even celebrities faced it.



Now thoughts, thoughts, thoughts: Uhm, the whole thing brought me to a realization that:

* Bayanihan is still very much alive. We Filipinos value so much this trait that in times of dire need, everyone has been taking part in sharing and helping. I saw GMA and ABS-CBN doing telethon and finding ways to help our kapamilyas. I am amazed with the outburst of help from businessmen, corporations and celebrities. They have pledged to share goodies (food, blankets, clothing, medicine and batteries). "Filipinos turned to various Internet sites not only for the latest news updates, but also to share information and to call for help. The “Ondoy" experience showed that the Filipino sense of community really can overcome any storm. Indeed.

* We Filipinos must learn from this tragedy. The message is very clear - We all should take care of our mother nature - seriously. Some put it as a revenge from nature. This should serve as an eye opener for all of us. Let us all arise and do our share - even in our own ways. Proper waste disposal, segregation, lessening use of plastics etc... See, ways are endless! P

* I am still blessed. A significant part of this incident is realizing that I am blessed and loved by the Lord. It really is something to be thankful - that I am dry, safe and alive. Mindano has been saved from horrendous effects of Ondoy. I've been blobbing out these in my posts. But hey, it's really good that we acknowledge and thank His beautiful blessings.

We must all learn from this nightmare. Probably, all our eyes are now wide open. Lastly, we also pray for the victims. I could not be there present but my prayers will do great wonders.
AMDG!

PS: As of this writing, Ondoy has left 51 dead (from NDCC).

life's curveballs

have you ever gotten yourself into a situation when you are completely torn between truth and happiness? it is crazy, right? how did you deal with it?

i know this interesting couple whom the girl is a dear friend. they are perfect, in love and so much together. and their relationship has already surpassed major bumps. they have been through a lot - of time and strife alike. Oh, perfect and in love. That's what I actually thought - until one gloomy afternoon. I was busy browsing my facebook and twitter accounts and too taken replying to comments and posts. Then a pop up for chat in facebook. Yes, this girl friend actually chatted with me. So we went through our series of kumustahan. Then one peculiar phrase "We broke up!" caught me by surprise. Wow. I immediately asked if she's alright and how it all boiled down to split up. I assumed that it was just a burn out issue. But I was wrong. It's another he-cheated-on-me story. Damn. I was fuming. How could the guy managed to deceive her? But I played cool and said maybe someone is just up to create a story and break their relationship. But she said everything was true and stated the "evidences" supporting the alleged betrayal. It seemed true then. I actually checked out myself. It really seemed true - that he was a cheat, - that there was a betrayal. I feel so sorry for my friend. I could feel her frustration and anger. It even came to a point when she considered of getting even. I could not find the right words to ease her pain. So I said "Well, it happens for a reason."

Few days afer that incident, I made kumusta to the girl. I was happy that the angry note (and tone) was not anymore evident. And good thing revenge was out of the picture. Yey. From the talk we had, eveything she said assured me that she's going to hurdle the mess and be fine. She said about how that incident has brought her back to the Lord. How she has not talked with the Him because of too much fun in her vacation. And so I said, that must be the reason why all these happened. "Tinapik ka lang ni Lord." She instantly replied, "Ang sakit ng tapik ni Lord!"

This couple has talked things out already. The guy has explained his side - that the "story" was exaggerated. (But I heard this guy has dated another girl, and they were seen a couple of times already!)

Fast forward to today: They are officially together again! For Pete's sake!

Now my dilemma is this: Should I tell my friend that her boyfriend is a cunning liar?! Should I tell that he dated GIRLS while in a relationship? And when I'll do this, i'll be ruining the happiness of my friend. This will break her heart once again. The truth or her happiness?

But this is what plays on my mind: If the guy loves her, he won't have time to look around!