Watching the aftermath of the tragedies that hit Visayas breaks my heart. It was October 15 when an earthquake with a 7.2 magnitude shook Bohol and less than a month later Typhoon Haiyan almost washed Central Visayas out.
People lost their loved ones, shelter and livelihood washed out, no running water, gut-rutting stench from decaying bodies, looting and so on... I wonder how they manage to survive a day and where they get the courage to face another. And to think Christmas is just around the corner, perhaps they don't want to celebrate it, or perhaps this might be their saddest one.
We're grateful that we don't live there because if we do I can't imagine how I would handle it. I know it's not enough to be grateful. Being in a relatively better position, we can do something, we can help.
And amazingly people from around the world acted so fast; donating, organizing charitable auctions/ plays/ concerts/ dinners,sending medical aid, lending transportation vehicles and more creative ways. It's simply overwhelming. We couldn't thank you (world) enough. With this help, Visayas shall rise again.
I also like to believe this is the true meaning of Christmas.
I want to share this video of ABS-CBN's Christmas Station ID (gave me goosebumps all throughout the song) and the lyrics are found below. (Pardon, I can't seem to format and put it in the center)
Bawat Pasko'y may dalang himala
Malakas mang ulan, ito'y titila
Bubuhos ang pagpapala
May kapiling ang nangungulila
Ano mang lungkot, tayo'y aahon
May lunas sa sugat ng kahapon
Sa isa't isa'y mayrong paglingap
Mga pangarap, ngayo'y magaganap
Laging masaya ang kwento ng Pasko
Kahit sino ka man, may nagmamahal sa'yo
Ngayong Kapaskuhan ang pangako ko
Sa puso ko'y magkasama tayo
Sa iisang awit ngayong Pasko
Magkayakap ang tinig ko't sa iyo
Sa 'ting himig, ipagdiriwang ang pag-ibig
At ito ay tatawid sa buong daigdig -
See more at: http://www.tsapsuy.com/2013/10/abs-cbn-christmas-station-id-2013-theme.html#sthash.3LmwtaM6.dpuf