Please stop the rain.

The rain isn't letting up and it's got me seriously stressed. The bu and his mom are stuck in their house. Stranded because the floods have already entered their household. It sucks when you realize that the place you call home cannot protect you from the rain when you need it the most because you have to worry about the flood too.

Ondoy happened almost 3 years ago. During that time the flood came in too fast that people were literally caught off guard. Unfortunately for the drainage system in the Philippines, things have not been improved. Which has me wondering what the h*ll all that construction that costs 4M is all about except make it harder for the residents. 

A few years ago when the first great flood happened it hit home pretty close. I say pretty close because the bu, my cousins and our house all had water in it. It was so traumatic because no one was prepared. My whole life I have never experienced flood remotely near our house, at that time flood was shin deep. I also believe that it hasn't flooded in my aunts house since 1983 and their house was completely submerged. I was out working that day hence the reason I wasn't home but the bu was. I've seen the water in their house enter the garage but none that wiped out the whole first floor. The scariest part was the fact that you had no way of reaching them. All roads were closed and the current was too strong for rubber boats to get near.

I think after those traumatic experiences we've all learned, except maybe the politicians who took 2 years to start scamming the people out of 4M worth of useless construction. People are more prepared. The bu was able to save more of our stuff. My cousins were able to leave their house early so they weren't there when the rains came in. Thank God our house didn't get flooded this year although our village gate is impassable rendering us hostages in our little island. I am not complaining. We are dry and safe.

our village gate as of 8/8/12
***photo from Mark Lamanilao

But see, there's always a silver lining in all this. This time around people are more prepared. They are more cooperative in the evacuation and everyone is helping out. I just thought it would be great to share a few things I found on the internet, to give us all something to smile about.

From a friend's FB status:

Heard in the news: In the midst of floods, and people panic-buying supplies... a Banana vendor slashes prices of his bananas... and then, just gives them away. When the reporter asks why he did such, he says... "minsan lang ako makakatulong" (it's not always that I can extend help to people)

From another friend's FB post:

                                       
Finally, an amazing story...my friend's dad is a Counselor of San Juan. But I've known their family for more than 10 years now and I know for a fact that even if he wasn't a politician he would still be more than willing to help. See they have a huge compound where they have their business and although it's customary for politicians to help people by donating and stuff they've taken it a step further and they've opened their compound to those who need temporary shelter. They now have 500+ people living in their compound and they are consistently cooking food to feed them. They need help, here are the details:

we currently have 500+ people and more coming to our office as an evacuation center. we need donations to feed them for the next few days. For anyone who is living near my house (a.lake aurora blvd, san juan) who is interested to donate, please send a message to my sister's number-09178087897. we can also ask our driver to pick it up from your place (if you're not too far.) thank you in advance.

 It's during these times that you smile and realize it's so awesome to be Filipino. Where everyone and anyone is willing to help.