If you have a minute, please heed our CALL FOR HELP.

AN: Now, I know that most of you who have me on their alert, must be expecting an update for this story. Which is why I am already apologizing at this point. Yes, I am aware of how many months have already passed since my last update but, as you all know, I'm already in college and my priorities have changed. But no, I will not leave FP nor will I leave this story unfinished. But that matter shall be explained another time.

Time to get serious.

PLEASE HEAR ME OUT.

I'm speaking in behalf of all the FILIPINOS out there who just experienced the wrath of the Typhoon Ondoy (intl. Ketsana) last Sept. 26, 2009 up 'til present. Although the Typhoon has already taken a brand new course, the damage that it left was truly devastating. According to statistics, last Saturday's rain was equivalent to a month's worth...

Currently Ondoy death toll reached 296, damage pegged at P4.8B Leaving thousands of people stranded, with damaged properties, homeless and relatives missing...

Like in UERM alone. the flood reached the 3rd floor of the Hospital building. All the patients had to be transferred. The power was out and there was shortage in food, water and medicine supply. Those on lifesupport hand to be 'manned.' Imagine the tension the staff was experiencing while using ambubags...

Outside, people were screaming for help... It was like a giant washing machine... cars with people still inside where in a whirlpool and they were struggling to get out....

I can't even begin to explain how it felt when we were trapped inside our dorm but, what was most heartbreaking was, the following day, my sister and I realized how lucky we were that we didn't pursue our plan to go to our University because of our practices and such. It turned out that more than 3,000 people were stranded for 24 hours in UST. And what was worse was, there was a shortage in food and water supply and it became really difficult for rescuers and donations to reach all the people inside the Universitu because groups of people were trapped in different buildings and the water reached above waist level already.

The thing is, we wanted to help, but we too were trapped.

Although the University was just across and I mean directly across our dorm, we couldn't do anything but pray hard.

It was also saddening because it was my eldest sister's birthday that day and all phone lines including mobile lines were dead. It was sad enough that we couldn't come and see her...but it became worse when we couldn't call her and see how she was doing. It was only late in the afternoon that we got word that even after her intern duty in the hospital, she had to stay there overnight due to the flood and power outtage in her unit. It was also expected that our parents from the province couldn't come and see/get us at once. It was only this day that we got home. But, I'm not complaining. I'm thankful that we're unharmed and that our house is in tact.

I've read countless of stories and watched endless videos of the torment the other went through during the storm.

If you guys wanna watch and see some pics and vids, just check my profile page, links are there.

I'd share with you some stories and such but, there's really too much to do. And there's really only much I can do. As of now, I can only spread the message and pray for all those who need help. We're doing our best to donate as much time and material goods as we could and we hope that you, dear reader can do the same.

I'm sure that even Spike and the gang would do whatever it takes to help out. Believe me, if they were real, I'd have them spend ALOT on aid and security.

It was a very unexpected calamity that hit my country and countrymen. Even Vergil couldn't have seen it coming... That's why, I do hope at any given time, we are all prepared and and ready to help those who need us. True enough that us, human beings have a fault in the flooding as such. It is also due to pollution that normal weather disturbances begin to increase in intensity. Truly global warming is taking it's toll on us... Which is why, from now on, we have to learn to be more careful and prepared. We never know what will come...

Let me congratulate you reader, for taking the time to read this. You've already made a difference. Even a simple note or message could make a frown turn 360.

I applaud everyone who helped out and those who want to help out. You're all heroes.

Please don't take my posting this as a publicity stunt to obtain more comments/reviews. In fact, you are not obliged to. As long as you got the message, it would be fine with me.

Let's all be considerate and heartless.

We can all make a difference.

Let's pray, let's act, let's not lose hope.

Let us empathize and sympathize.

Let us be one.

Again,

Thank you!

-LadyWinchester, Filipina

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

-Fix You by Coldplay