runningpinoy

Typhoon Ketsana, also known as “Ondoy” in the Philippines, was one of the most devastating typhoons in recent history particularly in Metro Manila where all-time-high rainfall was recorded.  Places that never experienced flooding saw unimaginable levels of water, and elsewhere were just nothing short of a disaster.

As for running, the extremely bad weather unsurprisingly caused races to be postponed, including the much anticipated New Balance Power Run.  And announcing its deferment was just timely—the weather was turning from bad to worse and after several hours people were stranded on their roofs.  Although a lot of runners were disappointed, looking back it was a good call by the organizers.

Seeing all the damages and the misery Ketsana has brought was really disheartening.  Suddenly all motivations to run was just carried away.  How can anyone run when at the back of your mind someone you knew was stranded atop their flooded home?

If there were things that this ordeal brought out were the best and the worst in us.  The worst was the act of selfishness—people were just thinking of how to save themselves resulting in more hardships for others and delays in distribution of aide.  It was back to basic instincts—self-preservation, every man for himself.  But then later on the best in us was revived—the act of selflessness.  Suddenly the Tagalog word “Bayanihan” was in use and exhibited.  People themselves started reaching out to help one another because in a way all of us are affected by this calamity.  I myself had a chance to see firsthand some of these genuine acts of kindness and to my surprise even those whom I know were affected by the flooding are even lending a hand.

Angel Brigade (in coordination with Harvest Foundation, Isdanco Foundation, Mased Association) Drop Off Center for Calamity Relief Goods

There’s still a lot of work to be done, and it would be done faster if all of us lend a hand, and most of us can help in our own way.  Even runners are doing their share for the community:

• Team Hardcore and the TKO.250
  Hardcore runners will be running for the victims of typhoon “Ondoy.”  They will be running four marathons, two half-marathons and a 200 kilometer marathon relay.  For every kilometer they will run, the donor will give Php1. They will run a total of 250 kilometers making the total donation amount of Php250.  You are welcome to give more.  Read More
• Rio dela Cruz and Timex
  All 2009 Timex Run registration sites will be accepting your generous donations.  I am also opening my home at 46 D. Macapagal St. Vista Valley Subdivision, Sto. Niño, Marikina City if you wish to send it in bulk.  All participants, including friends and family, are invited to the distribution of relief goods on November 15, 2009, 1PM, at the different barangay halls and evacuation centers in the hardest hit areas in Marikina.  Read More
• The Rescue Run
  It isn’t a race.  There are no race bibs, no souvenir t-shirts, no swag bags, no finishers medals, no prize money.  In lieu of registration fees, we will ask for donations, depending on the distance you intend to cover: Php300 for 3K, Php400 for 5K, and Php500 for 10K.  All proceeds will be donated to the Philippine National Red Cross for typhoon Ketsana victims.  Read More

Even races were not spared of Ketsana’s havoc.  Here’s the list of races that were affected by this typhoon (courtesy takbo.ph):

Ketsana may be out of the country but the country is still not out of the woods yet.  As of press time another typhoon, Parma (“Pepeng” locally), is slowly making its way into Northern Luzon.  Everyone is hoping that it would pass through peacefully so that we can all start the recovery process and claim back our lives.

As of 02 Oct 2009 15:29 GMT

Agencies and Numbers

National Disaster Coordinating Council
(02) 734-2118, (02) 734-2120
ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com

Department of Social Welfare and Development
(02) 931-8101 to 05 loc 506, (02) 951-7119

Philippine Coast Guard
(02) 527-3877, (02) 527-8481, (02) 527-6136

Philippine Air Force
0927 964 5098, (02) 853 5023

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
136

Philippine National Red Cross (for donations)
143, (02) 527 0000

Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
(02) 924 0386, (02) 928 7860

GMA Kapuso Foundation
(02) 982 7777 loc 9901 & 9905

Sagip Kapamilya – ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
(02) 411-4995, (02) 415-2272 loc 3765