Sep

Wrath of Typhoon Ondoy

grace on September 29th, 2009

It’s been 3 days since Typhoon Ondoy struck the Metro. We have our own stories / experiences about this tragedy. Probably something that we can’t forget for the rest of our lives! I don’t know what’s with me but I’m always in the office every time something bad happens! From earthquakes, flood inside the pantry, fire in the basement and now this…

I reported for work last Saturday (Sept. 26, 2009) even if it’s raining. I really don’t have any idea that there is a storm coming! My hubby just escorted me to the office since it’s his day off. We were not aware of what’s happening outside until one of my agents went home because of the situation of his family. One by one, my agents called their families to check on their status and it wasn’t good! Flood is rising fast every minute… I also called home and fortunately, they’re doin’ ok. I called my parents in Cavite and they were also doin’ fine so it was a big relief for me! Around 2pm (my logout time), I decided to just stay in the office. There was no where to go. Agents from other accounts reported that they were already in 20th ave. but the jeepney went back and dropped them off to Eastwood because the way to Cubao is no longer passable. While waiting for my office mate’s log out time, I stared at the Marikina River behind our building as it slowly swallow the houses down. Praying for the river to stop flowing! This is the first time I’ve seen such a horrible sight! There were washing machines, fridge and roofs streaming along the strong current.

Around 4pm, me and my office mates went to Yellow Cab to eat. We were unable to see the effects of Ondoy to Eastwood but the guards says that our other building, TechnoPlaza One’s basement parking is already full of flood that came from the river. It even reached Techno’s lobby! We went back to the office around 5pm and the river went higher! It swept almost all of the houses beside the river! During this time, all systems are down in the office. No phone lines and lights are only running on generator. I can’t remember the time wherein the lights went pitch dark! There were 8 of us who were stranded in the office (Ken, Apple, Lawrence, Kakee, Ric, Tex and Jerome). We went to 7-11 to get our dinner because all of the restaurants are closed! After buying our dinner, we went back to the office and stayed there trying to get sleep. Around 9:45pm, I received a call form my hubby telling me that roads are already clear and that he can come and fetch me. I was delighted to know that I’ll be home and be with my baby soon… My hubby arrived past 10pm. We dropped off Ric at SandiganBayan and Tex at Mindanao Ave. I was so thankful that I am finally home but I pray for those people who were greatly affected by the flood!

Nobody’s prepared for a disaster like this but I guess God wants to remind all of us that He exists and that we should not forget about Him.

Here are some ways to donate: (for full details, please visit RED CROSS)

Monetary Donations

1. CASH or CHECK
Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters in Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross. We can also arrange for donation pick-up.

2. BANK DEPOSIT
Account Name: The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross

PNRC PESO ACCOUNT

ALLIED BANK
Intramuros Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 1941-01347-1
Type of Account : CURRENT
SWIFT CODE : ABC MPH MM

BANCO DE ORO
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT :    453-0018647
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE :    BNOR PH MM
BANK OF PHILIPPINE ISLAND
Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT :   4991-0010-99
Type of Account :   CURRENT
SWIFT CODE : BOPI PH MM
METRO BANK
Anda Circle Port Area Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 151-3-04163122-8
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : MBTC PH MM
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Sta. Cruz Branch
PESO ACCOUNT : 3623-3680-0011
Type of Account : SAVINGS
SWIFT CODE : PNB MPH MM