I echo my kababayan’s plead for bayanihan.
This is NOT the time to point fingers. It was unexpected. The government was overwhelmed with calamity issues and cries for help and rescue, as I’m sure you and I and were. It all happened so fast. Nobody expected it to be of this magnitude.
It is NOT the time to gossip or accuse anybody of doing something selfish or politically motivated or of selectively rescuing people. You weren’t really there. You don’t know the true story. The best you could do is formulate theories. It’s so easy to criticize.
We’ve all seen the pictures. Our hearts go to those whose suffered lost of a loved one, property damage (either partial or total destruction), and other inconveniences.
At a calamitous time like this, we have to DO something. If you are physically here in the metro (which was most heavily hit) and very much able and have the means, GO and make yourself useful.
Ikaw, ano na ba ang ginawa mo?
While walking through the flooded streets last Saturday, while firmly holding my wife by my side, I can’t help but feel sorry for those vehicle owners stuck on the flood, especially the owner of that really beautiful blue BMW, half of which was submerged in water. What a waste. Most of them are inside their submerged vehicles. There really is nowhere for them to go. At least my wife and I are going home. They had no choice.
I’m sure a lot of people suffered. Most lost their homes, others a loved one. I can only imagine what they are going through. I can only hope that they were able to compare life insurance and chose wisely.
Times like these bring out the best in every Filipino.
Ok almost. A little birdy (tweet!) told me that Mikey Ayoko was busy buying liquor while the rest of his kababayans (fellowmen) were in dire need of help. At least we know what his priorities are, no matter how retarded it may seem. What can you expect from the First Gentlepig’s son?!
Anyway, Filipinos are bringing back the bayanihan spirit alive. Neighbors who used to ignore each other are extending a helping hand to those in need. Filipinos all over the world are sending help via pledges. Privileged folks are lending their SUVs to rescue people and bring food and clothing. Celebrities are doing their share. Food and beverage companies are giving thousands, if not millions, of pesos worth of donations. It really is something. And it makes me feel proud that Filipinos haven’t lost that bayanihan spirit. It was just waiting for the right time to show itself.
After typhoon Ondoy leaving so much destruction, it’s time to get up and start building once again. There’s always hope. There’s always a future. One just needs to raise an arm, or two, and start the healing. God always takes care of His people. If we lost something, then by God’s grace I’m sure we can expect something much more in return.
We feel so blessed that God’s protection was upon us. Even while braving the flooded streets, I was silently praying for protection, and less rain, as my wife and I walk. My wife’s feet already had blisters from walking waist-deep waters. Walking through murky water isn’t easy. We were able to burn a lot of calories, I’m sure (just like diet pills). And then a small favor came. We were able to get help from a few people with pedicab. We sat inside while they pushed the pedicab. Once we got to higher ground, it was one tricycle ride away, and we were home.
God is good.
I was feeling lethargic for the past few days. I don’t really know why. I was feeling somewhat burned out. I felt like we needed to rest, to go out of town and spend a day or two just sleeping, reading, watching TV, and eating. I wasn’t getting a good night’s rest for several nights that it’d be no surprise I’ll need acne treatments soon enough from breakouts caused by lack of sleep.
Yesterday, I had this terrible headache. And later that night, my wife served this simple meal that I was craving for. A hearty chicken noodle soup, which was perfect for the rainy weather, paired with some fish tinapa, and a heaping cup of rice. We also had a lot of pineapple juice, and some mangoes and grapes for dessert. By 9PM, I was in bed snoozing to dreamland.
This morning, I woke up feeling refresh and fully charged. It’s still raining, which I like, sans the flood, and I have a good feeling that it’s going to be a great day!
Just when we thought we’d be short on cash, my blogging money came to the rescue. We didn’t have a lot of overtime work last pay period, and so our salary was a bit lower. Thank goodness I have this “other work” where I earn some money from blogging. My earnings from blogging have tremendously help our finances that I’m thinking of making another blog. Remember that sofa/couch we bought a few weeks back? Well we used the money I earned from blogging to pay for that.
But then blogging isn’t as easy as it sounds. While making/opening a blog does not need a business plan writer, it still takes time and effort. You’re got to plan your posts and do research. But after all that initial hard work, one is greatly rewarded with earnings.
Last night, after buying some dibidis at the nearby Ruins, which seriously needs furnace filters because it was totally humid inside, we were yet again in our current favorite coffee shop Kopi Roti in Pergola Mall. Because I wasn’t in the mood for kaya toast, after ordering our kopi, I dragged my wife to Figaro, which was right across the courtyard, hoping to find some good pastries to go with our kopi. We ordered their classic bread pudding to go, which I asked that they warm for a few seconds. The pudding and the vanilla sauce that came with it was not too sweet. And while we like La Cocina’s version better, it was still good paired with our kopi for a light night snack.
Did you notice that half of September has gone by? Before we know it, Christmas is already here. Have you set aside your Christmas funds? My wife had this terrific idea of allotting funds for Christmas. That way, we don’t have to scrimp on gifts. Starting early this year, we’ve set aside a little money each month for our Christmas fund, all stored in that big BDO bank with wireless alarms right around the corner. Imagine how that fund has grown today. And early this month, we’ve started making our list (and checking it twice, hehe). I did mention that this year, and most probably in the coming years, we plan to just give our parents hard cold cash gifts.
And right this very minute, my wife and her mom are in Divi shopping for some Christmas gifts and decors, among other things I’m sure. 
And they plan to hit Dapitan Arcade too! Too early? I don’t think so. It’s actually the best time to go. Less people and you get first dibs on some items, all cheaper too. And the best part, our monthly budget isn’t ruined with this shopping escapade since she’ll be using the Christmas fund. I hope she finds great stuff.
Have you started shopping for gifts yet?
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