***With tears flowing on my cheeks, I watch everyone. I watch you. I watch your every move. I know your stories. I feel your grief. I hear you cry for help. I know your next move.
While everyone was busy reposting and re-tweeting their call for help, some people decided to be the knight in shining 4×4 of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. Up in their muscular rides loaded with food, medicines, clothes, and what-have-you, some actually went out on the streets reliving the ancient spirit of Bayanihan that was started long ago by our great forefathers. But I’m neither one of them. I stayed home during the entire ordeal watching your every move. Analyzing everyone. With eyes and ears glued to every Bagyong Ondoy updates on TV, I knew what was going on. When the internet connection resurrected, I knew better. This post is gonna be a new one. They say a picture says a thousand words, and what can be more believable than pictures to retell the story???
Ondoy Five Fast Facts:
- Typhoon Ondoy’s international name is Ketsana.
- It is the 15th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, slammed into the eastern side of Luzon Island from the Pacific Ocean before noon Saturday (September 26, 2009) with maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. (From WWF-Philippines)
- The 15th weather disturbance that hit the Philippines in 2009 dumped a total of 455 millimeters of rain in Quezon City alone in 24 hours, compared to the 250 millimeters of rain that Hurricane Katrina brought to New Orleans in Louisiana in the United States in 2005. (From Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- The volume of rain dumped byOndoy in barely six hours, was almost equal to the average monthly rainfall of Metro Manila – 392 millimeters. (From WWF-Philippines)
- The Philippine capital of Manila was battered by the heaviest rainfall (Ondoy) it has experienced in over 40 years. (From WWF-Philippines)
The Victims
The Help
Offline
Online
Ahhh!!! The power of internet, need I say more? 🙂
In every show, there are always…
The Scene-Stealers
The Orcom in everything
The Press Release
Soon after the tragedy, ABS-CBN’s corporate communication department issued a press release containing their vow to be of service to the Filipino people in times like this. ABS-CBN was quick in sending their deepest condolences to the victims of typhoon Ondoy and a public statement like is true to the KAPAMILYA promise of the station.
The Corporate Social Responsibility
Many corporations responded quickly to the situation by donating their products or even cash to the victims via the Sagip Kapamilya fundraising activity hosted by Tina Monzon Palma, Fr. Tito Caluag, and Kris Aquino during the morning of September 27. Most of the corporate donors were endorsed by Star Magic talents such as Kim Chiu for Payless, Gerald Anderson for Del Monte’s Fit ‘n Right, and KC Concepcion for Garnier. Unilab, Petit Monde, Bayo, San Miguel Corporation, Flawless, Puregold, SM Save More, Asia Brewery, Bench, Penshoppe, Jollibee, Folded and Hung, Avon, and many others also contributed (cash and in kind) to help our countrymen during this very difficult time.
While some people may think that these giant corporations donate for some selfish reasons, now is not the right time to question the intention. And for those who really want to help, even if there are no cameras rolling, please still do your part. Ondoy victims still need your help.
In times like this, please help. Set aside your personal interests and ambitions.
And as for your help:
Click here.
They are waiting for YOU.
Be a knight.
Save a life.
P.S.
You might want to click here for some very helpful flood safety tips:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods-safety-tips.html