Them, us and me during these hard times

Recently, the Philippines is in a the state of calamity due to the two super typhoons that hit the country, Ondoy and Pepeng. A lot of people, especially in the Metro Manila, have been greatly affected by the typhoon, losing their houses, cars and even loved ones.

After hearing the news, I was like, "really? Naa diay?". I was totally clueless that a typhoon was hitting our country, considering the fine weather we're experiencing here in Cebu. But after I've seen posts from Twitter and Facebook, the pleading help from the typhoon victims, the destructions made by the typhoon, the rising flood, I felt sadness.

I even felt even more worried when my mom texted me saying my brother was in Cainta and they were affected by the flood. I was really scared coz I can't contact him. I really prayed everything will be alright. Especially that Cainta was one of the most affected areas of the typhoon.

When I saw there were people who have lost their homes, their pets and even their loved ones, I was really moved to help. I would really feel bad and sad myself if I was in their position.

So I decided to help. When I saw there was a relief donation center in USC-TC, I went home, grabbed 2 huge boxes, and searched my old clothes and shoes. I also encouraged my roomates to give their unused clothes and put it in the box. It was my first time to give donations aside from money or food. It was really fulfilling.

There were a lot of relief donation centers scattered everywhere in Cebu. Even on bakeries they accept donations for the typhoon victims. Truly, I was proud for the Cebuanos for extending their help for the victims. The people were really united in helping each other out.

And there's something I realized. We should not be moved to help only during hard times. We should also help other people even if there were no typhoons, or any calamities. We should help people every single day. And even more thankful when people help us. According to William James, "Act as if you want to make a difference. It does.". We should make a difference every single day, and one of it is helping each other thru good times and bad times.

Now that the weather is coming back to normal, I hope that the Filipinos will be more bonded as ever. The typhoon tested the Filipinos' will to help each other. Truly, we have it in our hearts the value of "bayanihan". And as for me, it made me grow more as a person.