typhoon yolanda
Wow, it's been a while! Between the hectic schedule I've been keeping lately and the wonky internet connection at home, I haven't been able to write much lately. I've been a little more active on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, simply because the apps are installed on my phone. But I don't feel comfortable writing a blog entry from there so I would just make mental notes of what I'd like to write about, like the Sloan's Halloween adventures, our shirts getting distributed, and the Philippine Quill Awards, among others.
Except now that I actually have my laptop in front of me along with a decent connection, I just can't bring myself to write about those. Maybe later. There are more pressing matters.
Surely you've had your fill of news about Typhoon Yolanda - why it was such a big deal even before it entered our country and why we're still talking about it until now.
The news about the devastation it brought and the stories of the survivors have brought me to tears many times this past week. What happened and is happening in Tacloban is heartbreaking. And it's not just Tacloban, but many other provinces as well. Our family's house in Capiz, which was also badly hit, was also damaged, along with the poultry and agricultural products. They have no electricity until now.
That people keep on complaining, criticizing, and bickering on social media just adds to the heavy feeling.
And so, what I would like to write about now is how some of the most awesome people are reacting to the situation. Have you read about the wonderful things that people all over the world are doing in an effort to help in the relief and rescue operations? Several countries have donated and sent help; Viber offered free calls; the Empire State Building was lit up in our flag's colors; Four Square sent a message of encouragement; a Japanese kid donated all the contents of his piggy bank; tourists who were supposed to go on a Boracay holiday opted to help repack donations in Red Cross; and so on. Grabe ilang beses na naman akong naiyak, but of course tears of joy naman dahil sobrang touched ako :)
A college classmate, Faye, coordinated with friends who have vehicles and organized Oplan Hatid, in which survivors who were flown from Tacloban to Villamor Airbase (to be nearer resources) are brought to their destinations. Great idea, diba? :)
Another friend, Clarice, together with her friends from a mommy-support group, gathered donations for a special needs center in Kalibo, Aklan. They were able to raise a really significant amount, plus boxes upon boxes of in-kind donations which are now en route to Kalibo. Awesome, right? :)
There are many other stories and hopefully I can write about those too. Let's all help in whatever way we can. Donate, volunteer, and most of all, spread good vibes! GUYS, KAYA NATIN 'TO :) Be a blessing to someone. There are so many opportunities! Let's not pass up the chance :)
Except now that I actually have my laptop in front of me along with a decent connection, I just can't bring myself to write about those. Maybe later. There are more pressing matters.
Surely you've had your fill of news about Typhoon Yolanda - why it was such a big deal even before it entered our country and why we're still talking about it until now.
 |
| The storm surge caused devastation in Tacloban. Photo care of canberratimes.com.au |
That people keep on complaining, criticizing, and bickering on social media just adds to the heavy feeling.
And so, what I would like to write about now is how some of the most awesome people are reacting to the situation. Have you read about the wonderful things that people all over the world are doing in an effort to help in the relief and rescue operations? Several countries have donated and sent help; Viber offered free calls; the Empire State Building was lit up in our flag's colors; Four Square sent a message of encouragement; a Japanese kid donated all the contents of his piggy bank; tourists who were supposed to go on a Boracay holiday opted to help repack donations in Red Cross; and so on. Grabe ilang beses na naman akong naiyak, but of course tears of joy naman dahil sobrang touched ako :)
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| A rainbow after the rain in Tacloban! Things will get better, just hold on! Photo care of straitstimes.com |
I'm happy to share that many of the people I personally know have also been doing awesome things to help out. For example, my former officemate Charo contacted suppliers of items such as blankets. medicines, and water to get a good deal, then she gathered pledges from people who would like to chip in. This is on top of volunteering at repacking centers and sharing relevant information on social media. Meanwhile, her husband Jovan uses his own vehicle to pick up donations of friends who are unable to go to relief centers themselves. Isn't that amazing? :)
A college classmate, Faye, coordinated with friends who have vehicles and organized Oplan Hatid, in which survivors who were flown from Tacloban to Villamor Airbase (to be nearer resources) are brought to their destinations. Great idea, diba? :)
Another friend, Clarice, together with her friends from a mommy-support group, gathered donations for a special needs center in Kalibo, Aklan. They were able to raise a really significant amount, plus boxes upon boxes of in-kind donations which are now en route to Kalibo. Awesome, right? :)
There are many other stories and hopefully I can write about those too. Let's all help in whatever way we can. Donate, volunteer, and most of all, spread good vibes! GUYS, KAYA NATIN 'TO :) Be a blessing to someone. There are so many opportunities! Let's not pass up the chance :)
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