Helping hands

For those abroad who wish to know more on how to help those who suffered from the Ondoy calamity, check out moongirl's blog.

There are so many avenues to give help. One would wish the same focus and attention were given to another big calamity which happened last year, albeit not in the main city of Metro Manila. Remember Frank? It struck Panay Island and left thousands dead. It also destroyed lots of infrastructures and natural areas, and even wiped out villages and rice lands. Many are still recovering from that.

Heroes in the midst of the storm

We read about those people we can consider heroes during the disaster that happened in Luzon, Philippines late last week. The heavy flooding brought about by typhoon Ondoy was so unexpected that one would wonder what the relevant agencies were doing prior to that. Thousands were caught unaware. They were unprepared. When disaster struck, many perished. Physically, materially, emotionally, spiritually.

Yesterday somebody sent me a link to a number of heroes who went out of their way to help others. One even died after rescuing around 30 people. For sure there are many more who did the same. They themselves and the people they helped know who they are. May God bless your hearts and lives for giving unselfishly to help others. Even if you do not know some of them.

How much more blessed we are that God Almighty, our Creator, who molded us in our mother's womb, and who knew us even before we were born, has come and provided the way to rescue us from the floods and torrents of this sinful world.

Ondoy in the Philippines

I read the news about the typhoon 'Ondoy' (international name: Ketsana) in the Philippines only last night when I returned from an out of town day trip. The net is full of accounts of people needing help and the damage and casualties brought upon by this typhoon. There are also many calls for help.

Digital Filipino has posted a blog called How to donate via SMS to help typhoon victims. This is one of the ways in which technology is being put to good use, where every person can participate in giving help, in small or big things. This particular donation will go directly to the Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations.

Just text: Red AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart).

The AMOUNT can be 10, 25, 50 or 100.

Read more about it here.

Updates on the typhoon at Philstar online.