chuvaness

I always knew my readers had a heart. You were worrying about Bantay who went missing during the flood.



He is OK and he's back. And he's made of plaster.



Sorry to get you all worried. He was a gift from my Tita Noly. He has been guarding our home for more than a year. He still kind of gives our visitors a minor heart attack sometimes.



Our house is still a mess. Garbage has piled up in front and my driver says it's gonna take a while.
My driver's daughter lives in Marikina. He went there today and said they're really devastated. Garbage is everywhere, so basically the garbage men have too much on their hands.

Here's what I want to propose. I know a lot of you are thinking of or currently doing charity. Please give your garbage men a little something when they collect your garbage. I'm very sure they're working triple time doing one of the most hazardous jobs in the world.

Today S&R was busy with people buying relief goods. I had a lump in my throat seeing all these good people doing something for others.



One of my readers wrote this:

"Please remind those who are directly involved in the distribution of food, clothing and other goods to the victims of the Manila flood, to make sure that all 'disposables', such as plastic bags, bottles, bowls, cups, spoons, forks, styro cups, tin cans, etc. are disposed of properly. Can't help noticing it on TV—yes, flood victims throwing empty plastic cups and bowls on the muddy street! When will they ever learn?"

My two cents:
If you're gonna give canned goods, are you gonna give them a can opener?
This really worries me.

It's great that people are giving. I do think there is another way. Charity begins at home. We decided to give our staff money at home and at Pepper Lunch because everyone is affected. This is a direct way of helping. My driver can help his family in Marikina. I also found out the bodyguard's family had no food and water today. He was so grateful to buy a sack of rice for them. So before we reach out to others, find out if there is anybody in the household that needs help.

It looks like another storm is coming our way.
Watch here.

What can I do about it?
1) Pray that it gets averted, diminishes or goes away. Pray this with your families.
2) I've bought milk and diapers for our little one.
3) Stock up on water.
4) Minimize going out. Not looking forward to many events at this point. Not to mention, Fashion Week is so irrelevant right now.
5) I've decided not to buy that hat on my wish list. Before you shop, think of others.
6) Watch the weather reports.
7) Collect old clothes and stuff you would otherwise put on garage sale and just give them away.
8) Go to church and pray.
9) Show kindness to others.

We're going to need all the help we can in the next few weeks. Let's please pray for normalcy, kindness and mercy, especially for the worst-hit victims in Marikina.
I'll be posting updates on Fabella and will set up a Paypal button for those abroad who want to donate here for Marikina.