caught off-guard

as i watched the latest reports on tropical storm Ondoy on TV last Saturday night, my heart wrenched at the harrowing sight of flooded streets, submerged houses and cars, drenched people, hungry and cold. i could not help but feel sorry for the children. the most i could do was pray for them.

most were caught off-guard of the flood brought about by Ondoy. Marikina city and the province of Rizal were among the places hardest-hit by the tropical storm. In fact, two of my officemates live in those places.

My family and I were among the lucky few who live in a 4-floor apartment complex here in Makati, high enough for floodwaters.

last night, i started rummaging through my closet for old, unused clothes to donate to the survivors and victims of the storm. i hope whatever little i can give will help them pull through this disaster.

and i salute those unsang heroes who died of service to their fellowmen like 18-year-old MUELMAR MAGALLANES, who saved at least 30 people, including a mother and her 6-month-old baby; Army Private First Class VENANCIO ANCHETA, who saved 20 people in Laguna; Army Cpl. ADRIANO REGUA; Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit militiamen JOEL HERNALIN, ERINEO OLAGUER, FLORENCIO DEQUINO, and PEDRO FALCON in Barangay Nanguma in Mabitac town, Laguna; and two more CAFGU militiamen who were still missing.

May they all rest in peace and God take them all to His kingdom. Let us all pray for all our fellowmen who were victims of tropical storm Ondoy, and do our part in extending help to them no matter how little they are.