Pandoraspace

I was driving home from work at 6:00 p.m. last night.  It was raining and I realized I had ceased to believe.

Since Wednesday, government officials, CNN, ABS-CBN, family and and friends have sent warnings about Typhoon Parma, a.k.a. Pepeng.  Along with those warnings came requests to pray that that Category 5 Super Typhoon skip the Philippines.  We did not need anymore rain or wind after Typhoon Ondoy.

Although I said a short prayer for everyone’s safety, I lacked conviction that anything could be done to avert the storm.  The predictions about the path of Typhoon Parma and its strength seemed so definite that I actually wondered, while driving home, how any prayer could help us now.  I caught myself thinking this thought, and before I could even think beyond it, another thought came to mind.  I thought damage was inevitable in Metro Manila.  Ten minutes later, I heard a prayer for Typhoon Parma to be averted being said over the radio.  Again, I felt that such act was futile.

From the time I left the office until I slept at around 11:00 p.m., the rain did not stop.

I woke up with the same hopelessness I had when I went to bed. Then, I tuned in on CNN and was surprised to learn that Typhoon Ondoy was no longer the super typhoon we expected and that it is veering farther away from  Metro Manila.  On the social networking sites, friends were also reporting that the Typhoon will skip Metro Manila. I was stunned, grateful, and then, humbled.

Prayers work.  I do not know why I had forgotten that prayers do work since prayers have helped me many times in the past.  I am also reminded of a thought I had in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy.  The thought:  At the end of the day, one realizes that, no matter how many precautions we take, how we live our lives or how much we try to control what happens to us, we can never predict how and when we will die.  This is a reminder that our lives are not in our hands but in the hands of a greater being out there.

This photo (by Carmela Aquino) of a man saving a child during the height of Typhoon Ondoy is one of many images posted on the internet showing the victims saving other victims.  There are also many stories of bravery being told.  My own officemate (whose house in Cainta was inundated) swam through the murky floodwater to get to Mercury Drugs Store to buy food for his stranded neighbors.  The most poignant story account I have heard so far is that of the young man who, at the height of the storm, swam through flood waters to save thirty lives.  That young man is Muelmar Magallanes, also a victim of the storm.  He died saving the life of an infant, the thirtieth life he saved.

I was in the supermarket on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and as the days passed, I saw the supply of water, instant noodles and canned good dwindling.  There was a mad rush to buy relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. In the many Relief Operation Centers, there were countless young people accepting donations and packing goods to delivered to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.  On the social networking sites, there were, and still are, countless individuals keeping the stream of information on where aid is needed most going and urging others to help.  Somehow, help has reached those that need it.

While there are still the opportunists and apathetic among us, I tell you now, I have never been so proud to be a Filipino as I am today.  For in times of great tragedy, many among us find it in themselves to help others.

*Photos of Ateneo Relief Operations by Ojai Ramos

HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED:

Temporary Logging: Temporary lodging places are available at Ateneo Faculty Housing (4266001 loc. 4036 c/o Ms. Sofie Castro) and New Dorms (4266001 loc. 5930 c/o Mr. Mon Bunag). Shelter also provided at the MVP Student Center.

Rubber Boats: Mr. Angelo Olondriz manufactures rubber boats and speed boats. Here’s what he says: “If anyone still needs help please contact Lifeline. The boats are stationed with them now. They are concentrating on medical emergencies. Thanks. They will contact me if they need me. Their number is 16911″

Trucking needs (c/o Jon Panaligan): For trucking of relief goods (in huge quantity) and direct distribution to ondoy victims, please call or text 0918-9286656, 0922-6883328, 0917-8997448, 216-9718.

Medical Assitance: Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health is looking for areas that need medical assistance. Preferably areas that have not received any yet. We are planning

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE:

ATENEO TASK FORCE ONDOY will continue operations until this Friday. They need water, rice, canned goods, water, toiletries, men’s trousers and shorts. The also need more vehicles and volunteers to transport donations.

POVEDA is asking for assistance in finding the two missing Poveda teachers: Ms. Rom Metila (184G MH del Pilar St., Palatiw, Pasig City) and Mr. Glen Mangali (24B Catalina Subd, Pasig City). If you can help, call Poveda and look for Ms. Beng, Ms. Emma Melgarejo or Ms. Java. Poveda: 631-8756 to 58

LA SALLE GREENHILLS Urgent Needs: Donations of FOOD, WATER, JUICES, MILK, MEDICINES, BLANKETS. They have more than enough clothes. Bring to Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills on Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong. They also need more vehicles to transport donations. For more information, call 09175295706.

TO WHOM DONATIONS MAY BE COURSED:

FROM JENNY OLIVAR: “Baguio Achievers’ Academy and BAA-PTA at 15 S. Laurel St., Baguio City (Tel. [74] 442-9300) welcomes donations for most wearable clothing, blankets, new pairs of slippers, food (noodles, rice and canned goods), water, or anything that will help to alleviate the plight of the victims.”

FROM PADMA PEREZ: “Dear Baguio people! Canned goods,clothes & anything in good condition being accepted at the executive office, Baguio Convention Center. Office opens 10 a.m., no noon break starting tomorrow. Goods to be brought to Marikina, Pasig & San Mateo, Rizal. Extra hands needed on Thursday to sort & repack goods. Thanks!”

FROM RICO HIZON: “To all Pinoys in Singapore, PNB, LBC and i-Remit are waiving remittance fees for donations to the Philippine Red Cross, Gawad Kalinga, DSWD, Kapuso Foundation, and Sagip Kapamilya. Their offices are located at the 2/F & 3/F of Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road. Please pass this info to fellow Filipinos and Non-Filipinos who would like to help. Thank You”

FROM RAYVI and ALMA: “DLSU now runs a call center open for pledges and any form of support. You can call 523-6158, 526-4611 loc. 128. We also need empty bottles with caps for water. you could also text 0916-4204748 0916-4204748.”

This was posted on Ateneo de Manila University’s Facebook page:

How to send relief for typhoon Ondoy victims from the U.S.A.

Donations for typhoon Ondoy victims from Ateneo alumni U.S.A. residents may be sent to the Ateneo de Manila University through the Philippine Jesuit Foundation and the Ayala Foundation USA. These two foundations issue U.S. tax deductible receipts. PJF and AF-USA are duly registered and qualified charitable organizations in the U.S.A. Donations to the PJF and to the AF-USA are deductible gifts under the U.S. Tax Code Section 501(c)(3).

For donations by check: Issue the check to “Philippine Jesuit Foundation”
On the memo line please write: For “Ateneo Task Force Ondoy c/o OSA & SLB”
“OSA” means Office of Student Activites, Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University
“SLB” means Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

Send or mail the check with the donor’s (1) full name, (2) email address, and (3) postal address to:
Cristina Tabora
Executive Secretary, Philippine Jesuit Foundation
236 West 27th Street, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10001, U.S.A.
Telephone (212) 627-2788, (212) 233-0888
Downloadable PJF Donation Form available at http://www.philjesuit.net/illhelp.asp

Please email Cristina Tabora or or Julie Calderon to inform them that you have sent or mailed a check to them. The PJF has waived the 3% service fee for all donations toward the relief of typhoon Ondoy victims. Full donation amounts will be remitted by the PJF to the Ateneo as quickly as possible within the week for typhoon relief.

For donations online: Open the Ayala Foundation USA website http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now.asp
Click on the “donate now” button, click on the credit card icon, and select Ateneo de Manila in the drop down menu. Write “Ateneo Task Force Ondoy c/o OSA & SLB” for your choice of beneficiary. Please email Marivic Padilla or or or call her (+650) 598-3126 for step by step assistance or to inform her that you have made a donation online.

Marivic Padilla
Administrative Assistant, Ayala Foundation USA
255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
Telephone (+650) 598-3126, Facsimile (+650) 508-8898
AF-USA Donation Form available at www.af-usa.org/forms/Donation_Form.pdf

Donations through the AF-USA online through credit card will be remitted to the Ateneo as quickly as possible within seven days net of AF-USA 5% service fee and credit card charge.

Donations through the PJF and the AF-USA are monitored by the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, Alingal Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.

Thank you for your donations.
Jun Dalandan
Director for Alumni Relations

* * *

Office of University Development and Alumni Relations
Alingal Hall
Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights
1108 Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone (632) 426-6001 local 4085, 4084
(623) 426-6081/82
Facsimile (632) 426-6080
email: alumni@admu.edu.ph

Some rescue and relief operation centers and individuals have made the following requests:

1.  As many of the victims have no means of cooking food, those donating food are requested to send ready-to-eat food that does not spoil easily.  Make sure that the food packaging could be opened by hand.  Suggested items: Crackers, bottled water (small bottles that even children could carry), canned goods with flip tops, apples, oranges, bananas, plain ham  or cheese sandwiches (no mayonnaise or vegetables that could spoil easily), cookies, bread, dried fruits and hard candy.

2.  For those donating clothing, please send basic and simple clothing.  Nothing complicated.  Suggested items: Slippers, cotton t-shirts and shorts.  Towels and blankets are also needed. Please pack the clothes in plastic bags to waterproof them.

3.  The La Salle Green Hills Relief Operations Center is in need of people who have 4×4 vehicles and are willing to pick-up and deliver food.

4.  The La Salle Green Hills Relief Operations Center, Ateneo de Manila University Relief Operations Center and Xavier School are requesting for more donations of food and clothing.

5.  Ateneo de Manila University Relief Operations Center is in need of plastic bags and packing tape.

6.  FROM ABIE CO: Somebody is looking for a person/s who is willing to transport 100 packs of bread from a bakery on Bacoor, Cavite to any drop-off point for donations.  Please contact 09175109906 for details.

7.  FROM RICO HIZON: PLEASE PASS “To all Pinoys in Singapore, if you would like to help our kababayans impacted by the floods, the drop off point for relief goods is Afreight Cargo, #03-09 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road. Contact Person: Maureen Schepers 6235-1011/91117855. This initiative is in cooperation with the Filipino Association of Singapore (FAS). Thank you”

8.  FROM RAYVI and ALMA: REPOST: DLSU now runs a call center open for pledges and any form of support. You can call 523-6158, 526-4611 loc. 128. We also need empty bottles with caps for water. You could also text 0916-4204748 0916-4204748. Please repost this. Thank you!

For the past two days, we have been worried about our relatives who live in Town and Country Village in Antipolo.  In the afternoon of 26 September 2009, our relatives sent a message that floodwaters had gotten into their home and had risen up to the fifth step on the first floor. Nevertheless, they were safe on the second floor.  When the rains continued into the night, we tried calling our relatives but we could not contact them because phone lines in their area were down.  We were worried.

By the afternoon of 27 September 2009, a cousin and some friends braved the floods and drove all the way to the entrance of Town and Country.  From the entrance, they paddled a rubber boat to bring help to our relatives.  Thankfully, my relatives were safe albeit traumatized by the whole situation.

A cousin who was rescued had the presence of mind to take these pictures of the havoc wrought by typhoon Ondoy in Town and Country.

All things considered, my relatives are still more fortunate than others.  There are still many out there who need rescuing.  Please help me continue to pray for them and those who have lost everything.

This message was posted on techie.com.ph (by Alora Uy)

Here are some emergency hotlines for those in need of help and phone numbers, account numbers, and addresses for those who’d like to help the victims of tropical storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana). We’ve compiled everything our Techie friends posted on Facebook, Twitter, and Plurk.

For assistance/rescue operations

ABS-CBN: +632 416 3641
Air Force: +632 853 5023, +63908 112 6976
Bureau of Fire and Protection Region III: +6345 963 4376
GMA-7 Kapuso Foundation: +632 981 1950-59
Jam 88.3: +632 631 8803
Meralco: 16210, 16211, +63917 559 2824, 920 929 2824
Metro Manila Development Authority: 136
National Capital Region Police Office: +632 838 3203, 838 3354 (especially for rubber-boat requests)
National Disaster Coordinating Council: +632 912 5668, 911 1406, 912 2665, 911 5061, +63917 733 4256
PAG-ASA: +632 433 8526
Petron and San Miguel Corporation: +63917 814 0655 (please look for Lydia Ragasa. They’re lending choppers for rescue operations)
Philippine Coast Guard: +632 527 6136
Philippine National Police: 117
Sen. Manny Villar: +63917 422 6800, 917 241 4864, 927 675 1981
Sen. Dick Gordon: +63917 899 7898, 938 444 BOYS
Taguig City: 1623
*For Marikina and Cainta victims: +63917 540 8929. Please text your name, address, age, and current situation

For cash deposits

ABS-CBN Foundation: Banco de Oro account – Branch: Mother Ignacia, account name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., account number: 5630060113
Citizens’ Disaster Response Center: Metrobank account – Branch: Examiner (Quezon City), peso account number: 3636007413, dollar account number: 2636001583, swift code: MBT…CPHMM
Philippine National Red Cross: Metrobank account – Branch: Port Area, peso savings-account number: 1513041631228, dollar savings-account number: 1512151002182, swift code: MBTC PH MM. Bank of the Philippine Islands – Branch: Port Area, current savings-account number: 4991001099; branch: UN, dollar savings-account number: 8114003094, swift code: BOPI PH MM
World Vision Organization: BPI account – savings-account number: 4251004215. BDO account – savings-account number: 270043411

For cash donations via SMS

Red Cross: Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart). Friends in the US and Canada who wish to help in the rescue/relief operations may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1 800 435 7669. Donate through the Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations
TXTPower: Via Smart Money SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092, and Paypal is.gd/3GvuN

Accepting relief goods/help in packing relief goods

ABS-CBN Foundation: USA toll-free 1-800-527-2820
Assumption College: San Lorenzo Village, Makati City
Ateneo de Manila University: College covered courts, Katipunan, Quezon City
Aranaz: Rockwell and Greenbelt, Makati City
Ascend Super Club: Bonifacio High Street, The Fort, Taguig City
Binalot: Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Call Tetchie Bundalian at +63922 857 3277 for more info
Camp Aguinaldo: CRS Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Caritas Manila: Jesus St., Pandacan, Manila. Near Nagtahan Bridge. Phone numbers: +632 563 9298, 5639308
Carla Suiza: +632 211 9749. Needs empty five-gallon water containers with caps to build flotation rafts
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: All branches
De La Salle Zobel: Gate 7, Molave Street, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City
DSWD National Capital Region office: Quiapo, Manila. Phone number: +632 734 8634-35, +63915 291 3722
Embassy Superclub: The Fort, Taguig City
Greyone Social and Trilogy: Greenbelt, Rockwell, and Rada branches
Junior Chamber International-Manila: Baypark Tent, Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Kapuso Foundation: GMA-7 Compound, Quezon City. Phone number: +632 981 1950-59
La Salle Greenhills: Gate 2, Greenhills, San Juan
Lingkod Kabataan: 118-B Scout Rallos Street, Kamuning, Quezon City
Luca: All branches
McDo: All branches
Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas: Balay, Expo Centro, Edsa corner Gen. MacArthur, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Call Clare Amador at +63928 520 5528 or Jana Vicente at +63928 520 5499 for more details
NU107: G/F, Suite 102, AIC Gold Tower, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig City
Our Lady of Solitude Parish: Villa Canacao, Kawit, Cavite. Please look for Father Henry
Pelicola.tv: +63922 835 7441, 917 620 5103, 917 892 1982, 917 938 7800 (for those who live in Ortigas, Greenmeadows, and Kapitolyo)
Philippine Army: Philippine Army Gym, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Philippine Daily Inquirer: 1098 Chino Roces Avenue corner Mascardo and Yague Streets, Makati City. Phone number: +632 897 8808 local 260 (please look for Megi Garcia)
Radio Veritas: Veritas Tower West Avenue corner EDSA. Phone numbers: +632 925 7931-40
Sagip Kapamilya: 13 Examiner St., Quezon City
Santuario de San Antonio Parish: Rooms 11 and 12, Makati City
Seaoil: All stations
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah: Ateneo Cervini Dorm, Katipunan, Quezon City
Southville International School and Colleges: Tropical Avenue corner Luxembourg Street, BF Homes International, Las Pinas City
Team Manila: TriNoma, Quezon City; SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City; Jupiter, Bel-air Village, Makati City; Rockwell, Makati City
Smart Wireless Center: SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, SM Megamall, SM Muntinlupa, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Festival Mall, Alabang Town Center, SM Southmall
Valle Verde 1: Clubhouse, Pasig City
Victory: Unit 501, Galleria Corporate Center, Quezon City. Phone number: +632 631 1212
White Space: 2314, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. Phone number: +632 844 7328
World Vision Organization: Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. Call Pam Millora at +63917 862 2320
Xavier School, Xavier Street, San Juan. Phone number: +623 723 0481
7-11: All branches

It was only Strom Signal No. 1 in Metro Manila yesterday but heavy rains poured non-stop from early morning until nighttime.  Our street was flooded and I could see that the water level had risen to as high as the wheels of the cars parked on the street.  This was the first time the flood was this high.  It appears that my family and I were the lucky ones.

When I began watching the news, I was horrified to discover that EDSA was flooded, the Marikina River swelled, the underpass of Ayala Avenue was flooded to the street level, people were stuck in Paranaque, NLEX and SLEX for hours.  Metro Manila and more than twenty Provinces were declared in a state of calamity.  Click here, here, here, here and here to see videos from YouTube.

A quick check of family and friends revealed that an aunt had to evacute from her home in Quezon City because the floodwaters reached the second floor of her home, a cousin was stuck in traffic in Paranaque, two people who work for my parents barely survived when Marikina River swelled and swept away their houses and everything they owned, my uncle and his family were stuck in the second floor of their home as floodwaters were slowly rising and my sister’s friend has been stuck in a bus in NLEX for more that twelve hours.  Despite this, they are alive and so is everyone else in my family.

There are, however, many who are still waiting for help to come.  Please help me pray for those who need help.

I am posting the numbers you may call if you or any of the members of your family need help during these time and the persons you could contact or places you could go to if you want to extend any assistance.

HELPLINES:

Sen. Dick Gordon (text FULL ADDRESS for rescue): 09178997898 or 0938444BOYS

Sen. Manny Vilar rescue text hotline: 09174226800, 09276751981

Rubber Boat Request: 838-3203, 838-3354

Rescue dumptrucks: 0917-4226800, 0927-6551981

Bagyong Ondoy: 734-2118, 734-2120

PAGASA: 433-8526

NDCC: 912-5668, 911-1406, 912-2665, 911-5061

Red Cross: 0938-444-2697, 0938-444-2697 and 0917-899-7898

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

From Louie Aguinaldo: “We are starting a Relief Operations Center at La Salle Green Hills beginning 9am tomorrow, Sunday, September 27. Basically, we are turning LSGH into a drop-off point for donations and from there we intend to pack them and coordinate distribution to flood victims…”We would need volunteers for the following: 1. people to help spread the news that donations are accepted at La Salle Green Hills, Gate 2 along Ortigas Avenue.
2. people to help man the Relief Operations Center. This would involve collecting, receiving, sorting, and repacking donations. This would also include helping in coordinating the distribution of goods. So far, the Relief Operations Center will be open throughout the day, it will be decided tomorrow if we will keep it open 24 hours.
3. For those that want to help organize this, we are having a meeting at 9am”

“From Karen C: Ateneo is now accepting DONATIONS for the victims of ONDOY. Donations may be dropped at the MVP LOBBY. For all students who are stranded/ those who need help (as well as those who know of other students who need help), please TEXT your/their name/s, …location and contact number to 0908-8877166. The MVP Building (HQ)is open to all those who have difficulty going home tonight.”

<MANOR TYPHOON RELIEF DRIVE>>. QC/MARIKINA IS ONE OF THE WORST HIT. PLS SEND YOUR DONATIONS FOR CANNED GOODS, CLOTHES, MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND OTHER EMERGENCY SUPPLIES TO MANOR SUPERCLUB, EASTWOOD CITY QC (10AM- 9PM) STARTING TOM SUNDAY AS YOU SOON AS YOU CAN. LETS DO WHAT WE CAN TO HELP.

Two Sundays ago, I asked my dad to drive me to Sto. Cristo Street in Binondo to pick up a few boxes of fruit to give as thank you gifts.  Unfortunately, the first few fruit stores we saw were closed, and because we were hoping to find one that was opened down the street, we ended up driving through Divisoria.  While we did not find a fruit store that was opened and we got stuck in the Divisoria traffic for quite some time (and my dad was irritated at me for putting us in this situation), I did come away with images of Divisoria on a Sunday afternoon.

This image is of a small child sleeping under a cart full of slippers.

Undamages balut (duck eggs) are seven pesos a piece while basag na balut (cracked duck eggs) are five pesos a piece.

A vendor snoozing on the job.

A small boy carrying linoleum.

Goods for sale in and about 168 Shopping Center.

This website defines the Filipino word lamon as “to eat with gusto - more like a swine.”  Lamon is exactly what Monk and I did at Cavite after a grueling work morning.

As usual Monk played a bad trick on me. He told me that he would pass by for me at 5:30 a.m. because of the traffic in the Southe Express Way but he arrived well past 6:00 a.m. Grrr… We concluded our business in Cavite by lunchtime, and before we headed back to Manila, we ate at LZM.

For months Star, Monk and a host of other friends have been raving about the bangus (milkfish) at LZM. Although I am not a fan of fish, I was curious to try this bangus that people were raving about.

By the time we got to LZM, Monk and I were starving and poised to pig out. I suppose sleep deprivation makes one want to pig out. We ordered the boneless bangus, Bulalo (boiled beef and marrow with vegetables), salted red eggs and a mountain of steamed rice. I wanted to order the lechon kawali (deep fried pork) as well but that was a bit too much.

While waiting for our food to arrive, Monk and I started making our own sawsawan (dip). Monk mixed calamansi, which according to this website is a “small, very round citrus fruit that’s ubiquitous in the Philippines”, soy sauce and sili (tiny hot chili peppers). I mixed patis (fish sauce), calamansi and sili.

The bulalo was fine but I think they popped in some beef bullions, which altered the taste of the broth. I prefer bulalo without the enhanced flavoring as the beef shanks, when boiled for a long time, can adequately flavor the broth.

Now the bangus did not disappointment. In fact, it was so tasty and tender that I ate half of the giant bangus served to us. I ended up eating the bangus with rice sans the sawsawan because the fish needed no extra flavor to enhance its taste. Monk and I barely spoke while we were eating the bangus like swines. This bangus is definitely something worth coming to this place for specially if your are in the mood for a lamon.