TYPHOON ONDOY

As heavy rains flooded Luzon, tears also poured down heavily as hearts and spirits were broken.


To many of us, Typhoon Ondoy brought in a lot of pain, a deep feeling of helplessness and desperation not only for loss of material possessions, but also for the loss of loved ones. Even for those not directly affected by the typhoon, one can’t help but shed tears upon seeing the videos, pictures and hearing the news that the typhoon caused.


But despite the miseries, Typhoon Ondoy brought in a lot of heroes from ordinary men; instilled unity from a divided nation; brought in the passion to help, out of citizens who were already passive with the social and political situations of our country; and most of all, it reminded us of the things that are important in life.



Many came in to save the lives of others like Muelmar Magallanes, a construction worker who saved 30 lives, Pfc.Venancio Ancheta and six more military men who who lost their lives to save another fellowmen. They were among the real life heroes of this calamity.


Countless volunteers, donors and rescuers reached out to those in distress. Public networks and private media gave in free airtime to update us all of what was happening. All these were done to help those in need.


We were witnesses to both calamity and heroism at the same time. Let us not also forget that with every bit of help that was extended to others, with every prayer offered for others, and even with one piece of old cloth or can of sardines given to others was an act of kindness, an act of selflessness, an act of true Christianity.


Typhoon Ondoy means “little boy”. It was not a super typhoon, but it brought in great calamities and pain. On the other hand, this little boy typhoon helped to bring out something big in each and everyone of us -- it was the goodness that laid deep in our hearts. Typhoon Ondoy also reminded us that material things are only temporary and in the end, we only have each other to help us through and our faith to hold on to.

May our good Lord gives us strength and lead us to discover our rainbow after the rain.