How are you guys? I haven’t written
anything in a week. But it’s ok, I’m not at all frustrated. And no, this is not
a writer’s block it’s too early for that. And, I did not go on a whole week
vacation like the sun. In fact, what I did was far from going on a vacation at
all. But no complains I enjoyed every minute of it.
The past week was a devastating
catastrophe.
photos are from the Facebook Account of Victory Ortigas
The horror of Typhoon Ondoy less than
3years ago is still fresh from the memory of its many victims, and just when
most of us thought it was the worst, in comes Habagat. During Typhoon Ondoy the
village where I live was also hit with flood, I’m just blessed to have been spared
from all physical and material damage. Yet it made the non-stop rain of the monsoon
rain very unsettling for me. I was worried, not for myself but for those who
will be (or are) affected by the flood. Many are
still recovering from the nightmares of Typhoon Ondoy ― then yet again, another
fury of nature.
So I was gone for a while. I decided to use my writing time to respond to a more urgent call. It was fulfilling.
(Some photos are by Ms. Ners Padua and from the Victory Ortigas Facebook Account, used with permission.)
The waiting for the rain to stop was
tormenting. I wanted to help. I wanted to do something. But caution and safety
was an utmost priority. So, I waited until it's safe. While waiting I tried to
do what I can, blogging and Facebooking useful information. But it was just
simply not enough. I know I can do more.
On Thursday, I decided to launch my
own volunteer group; invited officemates and friends to join me in my cause.
I’m glad a few responded. On Friday, I searched for organizations where we could
volunteer, from all the big and known organizations to the small organized
communities. But all of them had either enough volunteers or had already stopped
or changed the course of their operation. Still I looked for other references
and made a few calls until I found my answer.
I’ve gotten in touch with Victory
Ortigas who gladly took us in. So, on Saturday we marched to their center with
nothing but enthusiasm, undivided time and joy; totally embracing the
opportunity of being able to help. Victory Ortigas is a Christian Denomination.
Now that’s something I wouldn’t even try to touch — I’m afraid what little I
know about them wouldn’t even be enough to give merit to what this church really
is. So I’ll live it to you to get to know them (you may check them here). And
I’ll live it to them to promote their mission.
But this is what amazed me. In my
several posts about the monsoon rain I have included the line “One arm
reach-one”, meaning to hold-out one arm to another one so that that arm would
hold-out one arm to another one; in essence making us one in facing adversity.
I’m a Catholic and two of my invited
friends Kathy and Jackie are also Catholics. And another one of my friends Jen,
is INC (Iglesia ni Cristo) and we volunteered in a Christian Church. Indeed, one
arm reach-one.
Truly, compassion knows no boundaries;
it knows no social status, no degree, no age, no gender; not even race, faith
or religious beliefs. Everyone can. Anyone can. In unity we can. We are Filipinos. And
yes we are resilient to adversity. We may be separated by faith and religious
beliefs but that shouldn’t divide us as a nation.
I encourage everyone to participate,
to share whatever you can, whatever little you can in helping rebuild our
communities; we will rise above this faster if we all do our part. The
government is just one part of this nation and the bigger portion is “the
nation”, “WE” the Filipino people. And it is OUR job to HELP fix our country. Let’s act!
And let’s act now!
I dedicate this post to my friends who
took the time to help in whatever way they can. I know my words are not enough
to commend the nobility of their act.
*Jaki
Jaki. Most days before each week ends what we usually talk about is “San tayo sa weekend or let’s plan our next destination…”. But when I told her I’m volunteering she was as eager to join me as she would on my out of town trips and even helped in inviting for more volunteers. Thank you for taking the time, for adjusting your schedule to join me in this cause. A BIG THANK YOU to you.
*Kathy and Jaki
Kathy. What I can’t forget about what
she said when we were talking about volunteering is this, “Gusto ko talagang yang mga ganyan, magvolunteer. Ba’t di na lang ganon gawin natin para may meaningful activity naman
tayo on weekends. Hindi yung gastos lang tayo ng gastos, mag-GK(Gawad Kalinga) tayo.”
It was a clear message of the willingness to give more, to be more. What you
did is a step towards that goal. You can be more. A BIG THANK YOU to you.
(Some photos are from the Victory Ortigas Facebook Account, used with permission.)
*Jen with the Victory Ortigas Volunteers
Jen. For a long time I’ve been
thinking why I see myself in her. And on Tuesday it was revealed. Resilience. She
was stranded in her office for 3 days since Monday last week. Yet, when I
called to check on her and hesitantly told her about my volunteering she automatically
said YES to join me. What you did may pale from the more difficult task as
moving people from their houses, but sending out food and clothing is equally
as important. I salute you, for setting aside your own worries, your own
fearful experience to be able to give to others who are more in need. You made
me very proud. To a true compassionate woman, Kudos to you.
(Photos are from the GK Facebook page and tagged photos to him by Angel Cleric and Met Dong-as)
*Jam with the Gawad Kalinga Volunteers
Jam. He volunteered for Gawad Kalinga.
You define the true meaning of volunteerism. He braved the strong rains and
floods to fulfill his commitment to his cause. If that isn’t courage, I don’t
know what is. You made a lot of people proud. From GPU, hats off to you brave
man and to all the GK volunteers.
The Men and Women of Victory Ortigas
An Out Pour of Blessings
The loads of groceries were delivered
to the center almost every hour. (I’m just worried though with all the plastic bags used
in packing the goods. I hope we can find a better and effective alternative)
photos are from the Facebook Account of Victory Ortigas
Let's take care of each other.
Live Life!
Mai
This is from a song sang in the service I have attended at Victory.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
***God is King. He is greater than all our troubles and worries.
Still
by Hillsong United
by Hillsong United
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
***God is King. He is greater than all our troubles and worries.
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