Leyte 2013

November 8, 2013 Typhoon Haiyan struck the Visayas Region with sustained winds of 315 km/h (195 mph) (unofficial) making it the most powerful to hit land.

A week after the typhoon struck, we were given a chance to help those who were badly affected by the devastation. The company where my husband works arranged a relief & medical mission, rescue & relief mission. There were 3 groups sent via land, air and sea all equipped with relief goods, medicines and extra transport particularly for the relatives of the employees who resides in the affected areas.

My personal contribution was to gather clothes and food that can last for months. I asked my family and friends for donations and my husband was the one who personally assisted with the repacking and of course, who went to Leyte to extend a helping hand.

Please bear if I didn't mention any names, particulars even the town's location, this is in respect to the privacy of the individuals involved in this mission. Let the pictures tell the story of my husband's life- changing experience when he joined a team of experts for this trip.

Relief and Medical Mission: Haiyan 2013

Briefing by the Mayor in one the towns of Leyte

The people gather at the town's park at night.

The municipality was able to preserve some fuel to run a generator that gave light around the small park where the residents gather. This was also for security reasons since there was no electricity, and  at that time, in other towns, there was rampant looting.

Medical Assistance

Haiyan may have destroyed houses and other structures that served as shelter and security to the people.

The only source of livelihood --- gone.

With the immediate help that came from the private sector and aid from around the globe, the people of Leyte and other affected provinces was given a chance to start all over again.

There's Hope

Time To Rebuild

A New Beginning Awaits

I know God will never let the Filipino people down. Even if reconstruction is slow, in our hearts we've already stood up the moment Haiyan left the country to build a stronger foundation and keep faith as a firm source of inspiration. Moving forward.

Bangon Pilipinas!

 Maybe some of you noticed the image at the right sidebar of this blog. Photo taken by my husband as his team was preparing to leave Mactan, Cebu for a relief and medical mission in Leyte. Among the pictures taken from his trip, this is one of the most moving and symbolic. In line with the C-130 Cargo Planes from the Philippines and other countries, the Philippine flag stood highly. There is hope, a new Philippines will rise and the world is going to witness it.

After the typhoon, a lot of rainbows from different parts of the Visayas region were seen. I had my fair share of this grace that came from Above... This rainbow and sunshine I saw from my window gave me assurance that my husband was safe helping those in need...

We Filipinos are high-spirited. We may encounter calamities of sorts, but after the great battle, we look up and still smile for the second chance, the life we celebrate as we move forward to brighter days.

We Share Because We Care

There were lists of the "dos and don'ts" when it comes to donating that's been circulating. It's unbelievable how some people who are accepting donations will suddenly put a limit on the amount and type of donations that should come in. And these are announced via social media and sadly, on television as well. I am pertaining to "some" public figures, organizations and institutions only.

Clothes: may it be second hand or brand new. If you think your warehouse of relief items is overflowing with clothes, keep sorting and pack those for future use. It will still come in handy. The Visayas Region is big. We still have the survivors from the recent earthquake and families who don't have homes who can surely make use of those "excess clothing".

The "below 100 not advisable" no. of canned goods or other items: We understand the importance of providing in quantity. However, the message that has been cascaded can be misconstrued and demotivate people who just want to help and may not have the quantity that is being requested for.

That YOU Prefer Monetary Donation:  We understand the practicality this option can give in terms of rebuilding efforts and transportation/ travel expenses. However, it begs me to question the motives when at this point in time, our primary goal is to make sure that goods will reach the people in need. With so much monetary donations, it is sad to see that there are several towns in Leyte that have not received any relief goods day 5 after the storm.

If you volunteer or do work for charity, just do it, give all you can, don't complain and never underestimate the capability of those who want to share.

There should be no limitations to the act of selflessness. 

There's a reason why you're blessed to be instruments to help those in need. Whatever is handed thru you for additional help, please... accept it. 

For some good vibes: 
Priest Takes 3- Day Trip for Typhoon Victims

We Share Because We Care

Box of Hope is now in progress

The rescue, relief, retrieval & medical team my husband's going to be joining will leave for Tacloban soon.

Ways To Help Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Like everyone else, my husband and I are doing our best on finding ways to help our brothers and sisters at the Visayas Region. One important opportunity that knocked at our door was the relief efforts my husband's company will make as they will send employees with relief goods at the most devastated areas. When I heard about it, I cried because now I have a way to directly send help for our fellow Filipinos in need. If it's going to be allowed, I will encourage my other half to join the group as representative for our whole family and friends here in the Philippines, from America and the rest of the world.

The aftermath Typhoon Yolanda/ Haiyan has left in our country was heartbreaking. It broke my heart in an instant and I can't get over it. Spreading information on how to help and donate is one way to ease those troubled hearts. If you can, please continue to send these important and reliable information within your network as we go through this deep adversity.

In sending out donations please be advised to entrust your goods, cash or in kind to reliable groups and organizations. People whom you feel will bring your donations safely and directly to the people in the Visayas Region.

To the rest of the world... Thank you... We are truly grateful and appreciative of the continuous support and united relief efforts you've been showering our beloved country.

Please check the links below for the list of trusted international and local assistance.

American Red Cross

How To Help Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Ways To Donate and Help Typhoon Haiyan Victims

#YolandaActionWeekend! 

Abs-Cbn Sagip Kapamilya

GMA Kapuso Foundation

Alagang Kapatid 

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 It will take time to rebuild, but hope and with continuous prayers, the Filipino spirit will never fail the nation to keep moving foward.

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

Power of A Prayer

For my fellow Filipinos...

We will get through this...

Bayanihan Spirit will prevail....

We will never leave any of our fellowmen who are in great need...

With a prayer, miracles will come and we will make it happen.