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).
