On Typhoons Ondoy and Sendong - Helping always Helps

When Typhoon Ondoy struck two years ago, it was devastating. Floodwaters inside our house was up to Ramir's neck and he was 5'10. Good thing we had a second floor. We couldn't go down for 3 days. There was no electricity, our CR was submerged in water, we got food and water from Ramir's parents. Our car also went underwater. After the flood subsided, we're left with a long list of things to clean and repair. It was very traumatic.

Our Ondoy Experience. Date stamp of photos: September 27, 2009.  Typhoon Ondoy entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on September 24, 2009. It brought the most devastating flood we have experienced in Malabon.

Whenever there's a typhoon, the vision of Ondoy would always haunt us. I lived in Malabon all my life and I must say we're used to flooding but nothing prepared us for Ondoy. Looking back, an important  part of our Ondoy experience was the help we got. I was thankful that ABS-CBN gave out emergency cash to its affected employees. Our officemates collected money and bought us gift packs. Our neighbors helped us out in cleaning and carrying back our things. Friends checked out on us.  Family members were there at our beck and call. It's true, things get lighter when people help out and share the load.

When I learned how Typhoon Sendong wrecked havoc in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, my mind scoured for ways to do my share in helping those who were affected.

First is to offer prayers. When there's helplessness and uncertainty, prayers would always be a mighty weapon.

The second in my agenda is to come up with a public service advertisement asking for donations. It's SOP. To be able to craft an advertisement material that would make a difference or help out someone or touch lives - this, I consider to be the most special part of my job. And I would always be grateful for the opportunity to work in a media company that makes it a point to be at the thick of the action every time there's a calamity.

The third is to actually "practice what you preach." Donate. So we did. And since it's Christmas season, we grabbed the opportunity to teach charity at home. My daughter R has some stash of cash because of aguinaldos. I told her it would be nice if she can donate some of her money to the victims of the typhoon. Our conversation went something like this:
Mama: Andami mo namang napamaskuhan, baka gusto mong magbigay sa mga victims ng bagyo.
R: Ayoko nga po.
Mama: Masama yung madamot. Sige na.
R: E ayoko nga po e.
Mama: E bakit ba ayaw mo?
R: Ipapambili ko ng regalo to sa inyong lahat e. Sa 'yo, kay Papa, kay Yayay, kay Ate Lyka, kay S.
Mama: A ganun ba? Thank you ha. Gusto mo magbigay ka na lang ng konti para may pambili ka pa rin ng gifts. Sige na. May matitira pa rin naman sa yo e.
R: O sige na nga po.
I chose a crisp 100 peso bill.
Mama: Ok na ba to?
R: Ok.
I didn't see her reply coming. I was starting to get frustrated because she sounded like a bratty selfish kid. I was caught unaware. I don't know if I was able to put into words why it was alright to give to people whom you don't know personally. But I'm glad she agreed. I also don't know if her mindset was right or wrong. I'm just happy she's thinking of buying for others than buying something for herself. (On Christmas Day, R treated us for dinner.  We told her that the treat can already be considered as her gift to all of us. And we all thanked her for the hearty meal. The rest of her money she agreed to donate.)

proof of donation

Fourth is to actually spread the word. Thus this blog post. Cash, in-kind donations, time, effort - I'm sure there's always something to offer. No person is too poor that she can't give anything. Here are the pertinent information that you might need to be able to give back this Christmas.

This Christmas season, may we learn to count our blessings. And may our hearts be open to share them. Happy Holidays!