We Can Be Heroes

Hey guys, I'm blogging from our apartment in Cubao. I'm safe and dry don't worry.  No flooding here, I live in one of the highest areas in Quezon City. My family is here though! They had to evacuate yesterday morning when the floodwater reached our garage (our garage is elevated by the way, so imagine the water level) in Marikina. They had to battle waist deep water (with strong currents!) to get here. I'm just glad they're here now, safe. :) My sister is stuck in their house though, so I'm still a little worried.  Hope the rains stops soon and floodwater subsides ASAP. Anyway, I've been monitoring tweets the whole day, the news and cries for help are just heartbreaking. :( A friend of mine, Ed Lorenzo, texted me and a few blogger friends if we want to help in our own way. Been talking to them the whole day, finalizing details. So at last, here's what we came up with!

The kind people/management of Moonleaf volunteered their shops (specifically Maginhawa) to be the drop off point for donations. But you can still drop off your donations at my apartment -- ACL Suites, 13th Avenue Cubao Q.C. I will also ask Paul (the PR Guy, yes) if he can lend one of his trucks, so we can pick up donations from those who cannot leave their houses. Will update you on this. But starting tomorrow you can bring donations (see list of items needed above) na to Moonleaf until further notice. I will personally be there with Mich (thanks babe) and other blogger friends to accept them and also start packing. This is a joint effort with the Pino/Brgr Project peeps (thanks Ruben!). We're still finalizing if we'll hand over the goods personally or we'll just let Gawad Kalinga or RockEd take them. Rest assured they will all go to the right people, those who are truly in dire need. Dapat!:) We're also open for monetary donations (thanks Jaja of Jhajing for donating money earlier which we'll use for supplies, food and water!). Text or email me for details.

In the meantime, here are very very important reminders and numbers that could help save lives!

Emergency contact information

• NDRMCC Hotlines: (02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668; +63917-8916322
• Red Cross: If you need to be rescued, call 143 and 527-0000. Put a white blanket outside your house so rescuers can locate where you are.
• MMDA: 8820925
• Philippine Coast Guard: 0917-PCGDOTC (0917-7243682)
• Navotas Rescue: 281-8602 / 281-4174 / 281-8573
• Valenzuela City: 292-1405
• Malabon: 281-4999
• Caloocan: 288-8811 loc 2295
• Navotas: 281-1111

For shelter maps, where to donate, flood extent, check out this detailed map by Google!!!
http://www.google.org/intl/en/crisisresponse/2012-08-philippines-flood.html

Evacuation centers & Relief Operations:

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/weather-alert/9981-list-evacuation-centers,-relief-operations-in-metro-manila

Use these hastags for faster response!

I also noticed the dedication of Mother Divine Lee and her team in sending rescue and help to those in need. They've been on twitter the WHOLE day. It's now nearly 4am and they're still calling and rescuing people. Grabe, I salute you! RESPECT.:) Here's Mother D's informative blog entry on how to help!!! http://divinemlee.com/post/28886221703/help-if-you-can 

They also made a google document where you can input people that needs immediate help and rescue. This is updated consistently. Organization is key!!! And pls, only seek help for people who really wants to be rescued. Saw her tweets that a lot of people she called doesn't need rescuing or evacuation naman. :( Sayang sa time, mas madami pa pwede tulungan.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnhyUWjV0L-edGkxNDgyY2R2bkg0cVpNMW12bHAzRUE&pli=1#gid=0

I've been thinking kanina how we can pack relief goods without using plastic bags. Coz you know, more plastic = more garbage = clogged sewers = more flood!  Thanks to my twitter & facebook friends who replied, I know na how! From Jenni Epperson's blog:

http://www.jenniepperson.com/blog/relief-goods-bag-ideas/

That's all for now. Let's update each other! And hope to see a lot of you and your donations tomorrow. We need all the help we can. Thanks and God Bless us all.