Everyone of us has a story to tell about Typhoon Ondoy that visited our country last September 26,2009.

The damaged it left behind in Metro-Manila and nearby branches is beyond description that those who have suffered and survived the ordeal will live with unforgettable story to tell for the rest of their lives.

Even Google created a web page for this:

Ondoy Typhoon Victims
Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims in the Philippines”

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy brought a month’s worth of rainfall to Metro Manila and nearby areas in just a few hours, causing severe flooding which resulted in the loss of many lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. This site compiles relevant information about the disaster, including a volunteer-maintained map of persons needing rescue and a list of relief organizations accepting donations, so that more help can be provided where it is needed. You can also keep track of the latest news on Google News and YouTube.

I am perhaps one of the few lucky people who had not suffered from the fury of Typhoon Ondoy because I did not report for work that day.  I am not feeling well so I decided to take a day off. Thank you, my Guardian Angel!

Everything seems normal that day because we are used with the typhoon signal no. 1 being given by Pag-Asa and almost always the effect came after the signal is lifted.

What can you expect with this corrupt government that would spend the government money in planning to buy Presidential Plane or would prefer to have a lavish U.S. dinner than buy a lifeboat that can be very useful in these times of calamity. Oh! Never mind, kumukulo ang high blood ko.

It seems normal to me with the contentious fall of rain since I woke up until I received a phone call from our manager at Libertad Branch that they are closing shop because the flood of water had entered the store. It was about 11:30 A.M. He could not contact our District Manager and he is asking for my advised. I tried contacting our DM but the message I got was that it cannot be reach.

Ed is a newbie Manager so I assisted him of important things to do in times like these. After calling our AVP and informing him of the situation, it was decided that they could go home by 2:00 PM or after all the instructions to him was carried out. I also learned that at the same time our Mandaluyong Branch was already in knee deep of flood water and had to closed shop also. They are trying to save everything they could to prevent damaged of stocks.

By 1:30 P.M. I got word that our branch was also under water. So the same instructions were given to my staff before they leave for their safety and the stores security. Our other Metro -Manila branches like Blumentritt, Paco, Angono, Novaliches, Baclaran, Muntinlupa, Antipolo and Burgos have also closed shop due to rapid rise of flood water. All phone line by this time were not functioning making communications with one another impossible. Cell phone signals are also having a problem.

I spend my time at home monitoring news reports from T.V. and radio about the situation brought about by typhoon Ondoy. I got really scared for my personnel when I saw how flooded the streets are and heard those frantic calls of victims for help.

I tried calling and texting them to check their situation or if they manage to arrive home safely. It was already 11:30 PM when I got a reply from my supervisor that she is safe at her home. One staff replied that she was in their Barangay spending the night over together with her two kids. One stockman replied that he is now on his way home because he was able to find a ride. It was 11:35 P.M. Our company driver with our delivery van was still stuck in Nagtahan Bridge. He was advised not to proceed with the delivery but got caught in a non-moving traffic. He was able to take his dinner right in his van because of some enterprising food vendor. Those personnel that was not able to reply were the one I was more worried about.

The next day, Sunday I learned that four of our personnel survive swimming in the flooded water and reach home about 6:30 A.M. Our driver reach our motor pool about 6:00 A.M. Our Office Supervisor arrive home with only her rooftop showing. Our salesman was able to save his TV set from damage but did not notice that his cell phone fell from his pocket and fall on the water, now damage also. They all have their own stories to tell and are all just thankful that they survive the fury of Ondoy.

Our Branch personnel voluntarily give something for our co-employee but it is not enough. For the mean time, we are all happy just being together again sharing our own stories to those who would like to listen.

Related Post:

Barrio Bayanihan For Ondoy Victims

Surprise Visit

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Typhoon Ondoy aftermath: Here’s How You Can Help

Help Ondoy victims Recover from Trauma

Lessons from Typhoon Ondoy