Pilipinas, Gumising Ka

Pakikiramay sa isang OFW na ninakawan Ng Pag-asa sa kanyang pagtandà

Pilipinas, gumising ka

Titigan mo ang isang eskinita sa
Kalookan. Tigmak ng luha at
Dugo. Tumagas galing sa murang
Katawan ng isang mag-aaral na ang
Tanging pananggalang ay mga katagang
'wag na po. Maawa na kayo. May test
pa ako bukas.' Isang Pangarap.
Di na maapuhap.

   Laging madilim ang kapaligiran.
   Dahil ba sa piring sa mga mata ng
   Hustisya?
   ABA! Nanlaban sya. Nakasuksok ang
   Sandata sa boxer shorts na tanging
   Suot nya katerno ng kamisetang
   Pantulog sana. At hindi lang yan. Meron
   Pang dalawang sachet ng shabu na
   Nakuha sa tabi nya. Marahil nakaipit
   Sa kilikili o sa singit kaya. Milagro. Hindi
   Nalaglag habang kaladkad ng mga
   Naglalakihang kapangyarihan na ang
   Pangalan ay BATAS na laging butás-
   Butás at baluktot kung para sa mahihirap.

   Collateral damage. Isolated case lang.
   Sabi ng palasyo.

Pilipinas, pumikit ka ulit. 'Wag mo nang
Hangarin na magising sa bangungot na
Ito. Baka pati ikaw ay maadik sa
Drogang ang ngalan ay Kapangyarihan.
Higit na lumulusaw sa pagkatao ng
Isang nilalang.

Yolanda

The Devastation that brought forth the inherent Humaneness in Humanity

November 8, 2013 typhoon Haiyan paid a very devastating visit to Southeast Asia specifically Micronesia, Southern China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Haiyan, the strongest storm at landfall and the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed left the deadliest and most hideous destruction in its wake, smashing from island to island in Central Philippines on Friday morning November 8, 2013.

Tacloban City was hard-hit - struck by the northern eyewall, the most powerful part of the storm. And so were the cluster of islands in Eastern Visayas; in Samar down to Palawan and brushing Mindoro Islands on its way out.
Haiyan, aka Yolanda rendered 6,340 confirmed dead and 1,061 missing with more than $2.86b worth of damage.

Human kindness and compassion flowed from around the world. CNN anchors and the throngs of newscasters locally and from different countries showed before the eyes of the world the searing anguish of the victims.
Not even a week after the devastation, relief came pouring in. And the Filipinos' resilience complemented the world's efforts to help rebuild their shattered lives.

OFWS scattered all over the world, made a concerted effort to help their countrymen. Because of the widespread corruption, OFWS made sure that the donations they set aside out of their meager incomes will actually reach the victims. The Filipino Migrants in Nigeria via its council member Mrs. Dorothy Barraquias of the embassy of Ireland contacted an NGO 1 Meal SAFEC, Inc. - with their Adopt-a-Fisherman program.

It is very heartwarming to know that the 12 fishermen who benefited from the program sent their Thank You's with their pictures - as sent by Ms. Tent Laguilla, Secretary, Adopt-a-Fisherman Program.

To the unsung heroes…Maraming Salamat Po!!!

Maraming Salamat Po!!!

‘The darkest nights produce the brightest stars.’

 

This satellite image provided by the U.S. Naval Research Lab shows Typhoon Haiyan as it tracked toward the Philippines on Nov. 7. US Naval Research Lab/Associated Press

 

CNN and the rest of the media-world broadcast blow by blow the destruction inflicted upon the Philippines by Haiyan (Yolanda) even as the rest of the world glued on their TV sets already mobilized themselves to find out how to help.  Such is the remarkable inherent nature of human beings. 

After Supertyphoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, the tsunami-like storm surge continued to batter several islands.

By now, the hapless victims numbed by immeasurable pains, physical and mental, can just stare at a very bleak future. 

And at these trying times, OFWS abroad took time off from their hectic schedules to organize and raise funds for the victims and sent to Red Cross and other civic organizations. 

Each in his own way. 

Giving till it hurts:

A very touching gesture by these children, the Aetas sending bananas for the children of super-typhoon victims...

 Arman C. Muleem, an OFW flew to Tacloban City to physically help the victims.

OFW Joy Florendo of VAMED is helping in the forensics and has been giving us here in Abuja updates in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the devastated areas.

Here in Abuja, Mrs. Grace Blair spearheaded ‘Movies for a Cause’- the amount raised ($1,400) was sent via the Philippine Embassy.

From: Alex Lamadrid [mailto:alexvlamadrid@yahoo.com]
Sent: 18 November 2013 15:54
Subject: Re: scanned copy of deposit slip

On behalf of the Philippine Embassy, I would like to thank Mr. Les Blair, Mrs. Grace Blair and all Filipinos in Abuja and their friends who supported the fundraising project through movie nites at the Blairs residence.

Now that the proceeds have been deposited to the Philippine Red Cross, we can only hope that the same would somehow alleviate the suffering of some of our fellow kababayans in need. I am sure that any assistance, however small,  is appreciated by the unfortunate survivors.  

May God richly bless and reward you for your generosity.

ALEX V. LAMADRID

Ambassador

Philippine Embassy
2 Kainji Street corner Lake Chad Crescent

Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

Tel: +2348102541251

The Filipino Migrants held bets for Pacquiao vs Rios (Nov. 24).

Subject: Fundraising for Yolanda...
Importance: High

 Guys,

Baka interesado kayo na mag bet sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao vs. Rios sa Nov. 24 boxing fight.

If agreed by everybody, 100% or 50% of the winning round will be donated to the Fundraising for Yolanda…

Pakikalat lang po sa ibang email add at baka interesado din sila…Mas exciting ang panonood kase may bet sa bawat round.Pakiconfirm lang po ng bawat bet para ma-update natin ang table.

Thanks and regards.

Willy

Wilfredo Brual LNG & Power Division Nigerian Agip Oil Company 2nd Floor Pinnacle Building 40/42 Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja, FCT. Nigeria

 

…the fight…

…a tense second…

…AND RELIEF… breakfast…Bennie, Rex, John, Tickboy, Marilyn, Marisa, Medel, Melca…(Willy taking the fotos…)

 And since nobody won the knock-out bet – the entire amount was added to the amount solicited from generous citizens.

Other members of The Filipino Migrants went for an outright request for donations to the victims. Members of the International Community also held their various fund-raising campaigns for the victims. 

The Apostolic Nunciature received cash donations generously given by the parishioners and has been sent to the Philippines via Red Cross.

Donation box was opened by OFWS in Julius Berger spearheaded by Katherine Ronquillo.

Solicitations by The Filipino Migrants:

DONORS:                                                   AMOUNT:  US$5,140

Anonymous 3 Donors	Lito Nucum
Angie Alcaria	Mariam Ibrahim
Aoife Ni Fhearghail and Aidan	Marilyn Cabrera
Barraquias Family	c/o Marilyn Cabrera Richfield Technologies Employees
Barrister George Obidiaso	Medel Rumbaoa
Benjie Nadado	Mercy Subibe
Bennie Cruz	Rex Lautrizo
Branko and Gordana Kalinic	Senator Joy Emodi
Emmylou Pena	Sherwin Cayabyab
Ernel Santos	Tess Azarcon
Erwin Siebzehnrubl	Tickboy and Marisa Mercado
Gilbert Bernados	Tracy Nolan-Shaw
Ian Greenwood	Vangie Novio
John Hernandez	Vernie Pasic
John Ojukwu	Willy Brual
Jun Torres	Wilma Wilbahi
Linda   Jaber	Management - Dantata & Sawoe Construction Co.