Braving the Storm
Something tells me this isn’t going to be a restful weekend.
Last Saturday, Joey and Rey woke up to muddy water rushing into the Shelf. Powered by panic, they were able to lift and save most of the furniture from being soaked with newly discovered super-strength. Outside, streets became rivers and cars floated past. The neighbors shoveled water from second-floor balconies. Phones rang incessantly with worried messages from families and warnings from friends. All of this happened as we sat warm and cozy at the Mistula Complex, unmindful that the Philippines has been declared under a state of calamity.
As they heard stories from friends, Joey and Rey realized they were luckier than most. Sonny kept his neighbors from drowning with a rope. Trisha slept inside a car as the roads became impassable. A truck rammed into Adrian’s front gate. Nix’s piano floated as their house filled with water. A soldier died after rescuing ten people. Lala’s cat drowned inside a shoe cabinet. Friends who’ve lived comfortable lives slept on top of roofs and thrived on donations. The Manikako girls’ plans to help out at the relief centers were cut short when they found out they are typhoon victims themselves; all their supplies got buried in the mud, and the group of mothers who sew and pack their dolls are nowhere to be found.
And today, we brace ourselves for another storm.
This time, I refuse to sit comfortably inside the Mistula Complex and wait for Typhoon Pepeng to bring us even sadder stories. There has to be something I can do to help. Anything at all. In my own small way.
I am a Filipino, after all, and no storm will break my spirit.
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October 4th, 2009 - 05:22
Oh, I’m so worried about you guys after seeing the news about the second storm! I hope you’re all well. I’ll be praying for you.
Aw, Uno, you make me proud. But I’d rather you don’t go out in the storm! Stay inside!
October 6th, 2009 - 14:55
Don’t worry, Fae, I have an umbrella!
The second storm didn’t hit us as hard, thank goodness. It blasted strong winds to another province down south, but did not deal as much damage. Prayers do work!
October 4th, 2009 - 06:17
Damn, it just gets worse, doesn’t it? I’m not religious so I can’t do much in the way of prayer, but my thoughts do go out to you and those over there, and I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for the Manikako mothers.
October 6th, 2009 - 15:15
The Manikako mothers have been found! They were trapped inside their community, which was heavily flooded and had no electricity for days. One of the Manikako girls is going to attempt to send them relief rations today.
Thanks for the positive thoughts, Isabel. They worked!
October 4th, 2009 - 11:56
it’s good to hear that your alright!!!! how about your cat? are they alright too?
October 6th, 2009 - 15:16
Thank you. The cats live on the third floor and slept through our entire ordeal.
October 4th, 2009 - 13:26
Glad to hear you’re okay…although Gods, I feel really bad for Lala, and many others who suffered.
Good thing Pepeng didn’t hit us too bad. Many people cannot last another storm
October 6th, 2009 - 15:18
It’s gotten to a point where it makes me guilty to say we weren’t flooded as much. If only good luck can be shared.
October 4th, 2009 - 14:45
such a big heart from a little guy like you, Uno… you’ve gained another fan in me. stay safe, and let’s pray for other people, most especially those who were severely affected by the storm.
October 6th, 2009 - 15:21
I’m not even sure where my heart is, but it’s there somewhere. I’m going to ask the rest of the crew to help.
Thanks for joining Black Rosary!
October 4th, 2009 - 15:13
I’m so relieved to hear that you guys are doing okay. I’ve been following the news of the storms and flooding and such, and have been sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Stay safe!
(Of course Uno has an umbrella. Why wouldn’t he?)
October 6th, 2009 - 15:42
Thank you so much, Pix! Your thoughts and prayers kept the storm at bay. Now we’re going to try and help the others.
The umbrella isn’t mine; I just borrowed it from Veritas. I would’ve preferred something less conspicuous if I had the choice.
October 4th, 2009 - 15:29
It’s good to know you guys were alright. We were also luckier than most.
It’s great that Joey and Rey were able to save the important furniture. And I’m glad your TV room downstairs is safe.
I wonder what you’re gonna do to help… ^_^
October 6th, 2009 - 15:53
I’m happy to hear that you and your family didn’t get soaked, Anj.
The flood got into our viewing den, but Rey managed to haul all the appliances upstairs before any of them got damaged. Until everything is re-wired, there won’t be any home movies for us! But that’s fine. We’ll live simply for the meantime.
October 4th, 2009 - 15:43
what a big heart you have Uno… not all people would think that way, after what we’ve all been through. you’ve gained another fan in me. keep it up! and let’s pray for those people who are in dire need of help.
thank God you’re safe with your humans.
but it breaks my heart as well to see those people who lost their home, their loved ones, and their own lives…
October 6th, 2009 - 16:14
Thank you. I will not pretend to understand the pain of losing everything you’ve worked so hard for overnight. But that won’t stop me from lending a hand, however small my hand is.
October 4th, 2009 - 16:49
…I could have sworn I left a comment here.
Anyway, luckily Pepeng didn’t hit us so hard here…we don’t need another calamity right now
October 6th, 2009 - 16:22
You did. This is my blog’s digital Hitler blocking everybody, including myself.
October 4th, 2009 - 19:42
Uno… those words were so… moving.
Actually, anyone would find super-strength when they learn they’re in danger. Humans are like that. Anyhow, I’m so glad you guys are safe, and your new house, too. Let’s all hope and pray that a storm like that never, EVER visits us again.
BTW, nice umbrella!
October 6th, 2009 - 16:24
Thanks. I’ll tell Veritas that. This is her umbrella.
October 5th, 2009 - 07:19
Glad to know that all of you guys are safe.
October 6th, 2009 - 16:27
Thanks, JayJay. How are you? I hope you and your family made it through both storms safe and sound.
October 5th, 2009 - 10:33
I’m channeling all of mine and Sana’s and Ama-kun’s strength, spirit and hope into you and the rest of the Mistule crew, Uno. I’m awfully glad that Joey and Rey escaped the worst of it. Please do your best to survive the second bout! Stay safe and strong!
October 6th, 2009 - 17:16
Thanks for the boost of positivity, Steffi; we survived!
October 5th, 2009 - 14:57
It’s a good thing that Pepeng decided to spare us his wrath.
I’m really glad almost everyone’s okay. I don’t know what I would do if it was otherwise… ;_; I can’t even think about the possibility. I really admire the strength and courage you all have…
October 6th, 2009 - 17:36
It’s a good thing that Pepeng decided to spare us his wrath.
I wish I can say the same for the people of Tuguegarao.
Although I honestly think we can’t take anymore beating from another storm here in Rizal. God, give us a break.
I’m really glad you and your family are safe, Bea!
October 5th, 2009 - 19:32
Fortunately, Pepeng changed direction. I just hope it won’t come back.
October 6th, 2009 - 17:52
It went to Tuguegarao. We were following its progress the entire day out of sheer paranoia. Pepeng does not seem to be as merciless as Ondoy, based on what we saw in the news.
There’s another storm in the horizon, but it’s not expected to make a landfall in the Philippines. Hey, maybe I should add this to my list of hobbies: storm tracking.
October 5th, 2009 - 23:57
I’ve been keeping tabs on your blog and praying you guys made it through! I saw the news and it broke my heart. While I feel sad for the people who suffered, thank heavens you’re alright! Some of my comments on the earlier posts are not showing up properly which is why I worried even more! So happy to know you’re safe. *hugs*
October 5th, 2009 - 23:59
Whew! The comment went through!
I sent a small donation to the link you provided on the earlier post. It’s not much, but I hope it helps.
October 6th, 2009 - 18:01
Thank you so much, Amber! I’m sure your donation will go a long way.
I’m sorry about the commenting bug! My guess is when two people post at the same time, the blog gets confused and clams up. I hope it doesn’t stop you from leaving comments!
October 6th, 2009 - 09:00
Good luck, Uno. I wish you the best in this time. Hopefully the storms pass by soon, and no one else is hurt or missing.
October 6th, 2009 - 18:03
Thank you. The storm has passed, and the Manikako mothers have been found. Finally, some good news!
October 7th, 2009 - 12:59
what an inspiring post.. Thank you Uno for inspiring me
and I am so glad, you guys are alright
October 9th, 2009 - 18:10
Thank you, Bing, from the bottom of my heart.
October 8th, 2009 - 10:12
Because you chose to stand up and face the challenge, I hereby declare you, Uno of Mistula, a Filipino HERO!!
Hero!Hero!Hero!Hero!
October 9th, 2009 - 18:29
Salamat! I’ll look forward to my monument. Please make it taller than I am so it’s still visible even when the streets are flooded.
October 9th, 2009 - 09:54
..good thing the typhoon didin’t hit us hard here in negros..
is lobo ok??
October 9th, 2009 - 18:32
What, you only care about Lobo?! Gah.
October 9th, 2009 - 18:35
I’ll drown him in flood water just so we can say “he’s not okay” for a change.
October 10th, 2009 - 14:45
DX
October 11th, 2009 - 23:46
Haven’t had internet access for a week, and gah.
I’m glad to know you’re safe, but Uno, if whole trucks were being washed away, I don’t think you should go out with just an umbrella…
I pray for you guys and your friends to be safe.
October 16th, 2009 - 20:06
I forgot to ask how are the kois?
November 3rd, 2009 - 20:37
GO UNO! ITAAS ANG BANDILANG PINOY!