In behalf of the Filipino people, THANK YOU.
The world will be a better place to live in if love, kindness and generosity prevail.
Message from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:
I made the decision to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to the Philippines at a scale of approximately 1,000 members, Japan’s largest relief dispatch in history.
We are providing an ongoing stream of assistance to bring relief to the people of the Philippines from the enormous typhoon damage.
A medical team began its activities in the affected area yesterday. Last night, rescue workers from the Self-Defense Forces also arrived in the area. Today, medical equipment will also arrive in the local area on an SDF aircraft. The hardship of the destruction from a major catastrophe is not simply someone else’s problem.
(Originally posted in Japanese at 17:34 on Wednesday, November 13, 2013)
Just met tatay Ricardo Artiaga. Taxi driver here in Manila who came from Tacloban.
He apologized for having swollen eyes since he was crying for the last two days - he was not able to get in touch with his family, children and grandchildren eversince Yolanda came.
He told me that his other child here in Manila already checked the list of survivors from ABSCBN and GMA7 but was not able to find in the list any member of his family. He plans to go back this Sunday to Tacloban to check the area since it may really take quite sometime to have a comprehensive list of survivors.
From there I figured that there's a reason why I was moved to take the cab instead of taking the train going back to Makati and why I had spare money in my wallet. I immediately asked manong to take me to the nearest market. And from there I got him a phone/charger, bought a Smart SIM card and loaded it with credit good enough for a week. The lady storeowner who found out my cause also donated a pair of slippers to manong.
When we arrived at Makati, before alighting I handed him over the phone and slippers [and told him to use the phone so he could get in touch with his kid here in Manila when he gets to Tacloban and also so I could get in touch with him just in case I find something about his family]. I was telling myself "Ronjo utang na loob wag kang iiyak." But manong broke down already. And shet I broke down as well.
He was thanking me and was thanking the Lord. But honestly deep in my heart I knew that I should be even more thankful because we are all spared here in Manila.
I am sharing you guys this experience because I want to remind everyone to have a little more push and to be more selfless when giving. Do not just give anything you have in excess. The families in Tacloban and Visayas have lost EVERYTHING. What's a little sacrifice from our own wallets and savings?
So when the time comes you have an opportunity to give, I say go and seize the moment. Lord has blessed you to have an opportunity to bless others - let's do our best to make the most out of our chance to be a blessing to others.
ps:
He's planning to go to Tacloban this Sunday, Nov17.
(bus fee is 1600 one way, he said.) (for those who are planning to go to Tacloban on the same day maybe you could give him a ride )
Smart Number: 09183455547
--and for those who are actively participating in relief operations, maybe you could help me check if his family is doing well in the province.
Wife's Name: Lucia Artiaga
Address: 94 Anibong, Rawis, Tacloban City Leyte
psps: He had very little sleep for the last few days as he's overcome by worry. The reason why he's working right now is for him to be able to save up for his travel so he could bring something home.
pspsps: Please help me pray for his family and the rest of our fellows in Visayas.
Lana: Ya Jo how much my one riyal in the Philippines?
Inday Jo: Maybe 11 or 12 pesos.
Lana: Really? 11 or 12 for 1 riyals? (namangha talaga siya)
Inday Jo: Yes
Lana: Oh, my god! The children can buy food in my one riyal?
Inday Jo: Yes, they can buy food Lana.
Lana: Yes! Yes! (yumakap sa akin) Give to the kids that i saw crying in the news Ya Jo, Yes! Yes! (lumundag sabay taas sa kanyang kamay at sumayaw) im so happy ya jo, i wil tel my clasmate to gve one riyal 4 u to send in the Philippines.
Inday Jo: (natameme ako at niyakap nalang siya) Thank you Lana.
Lana: Im a gud girl now ya jo sa?
Inday Jo: Your an angel!
Naputol ang madamdaming usapan dahil dumating ang school bus. Thank You Lana!
