AIKO MELENDEZ
There’s something about the rain that makes us all melancholic. As an old song goes, “Listen to the rhythm of the pouring rain/Telling me just what a fool I’ve been …”
Indeed, we are all guilty fools for not being kinder to Mother Nature. The recent bad weather was really a wake-up call. Pitter patter, pitter patter … we’d better get better (at taking care of our planet, that is).
Last week’s monsoon rains put us all in an introspective mood (or what I call ‘muni muni’ mode). So I asked some celebs what their thoughts were during the heavy, steady downpour.
AIKO MELENDEZ: “I wanted to help the best way I could. I was thinking of what else could happen and of being prepared. I prayed to God for guidance for my family and for the whole nation.”
JOEY REYES: “This problem is overwhelming. We should have learned from the experience of ‘Ondoy.’ There is a need to address real problems such as waste management, garbage disposal, ecological protection and urban planning. The floods cannot be stopped, but the damage they create can be alleviated to save lives and property. If we choose to stay in flood-prone areas, then be ready for the consequences. We must deal with the problem with resolve and direction. Relief goods and acts of generosity, they are never and can never be solutions.”
JIM PAREDES: “I feared the rain would enter my house the way it did during Ondoy. It was hard to sleep. At the same time, nahiya ako sa sarili ko, at how petty my concern was while many were fighting for survival. I wanted to help. I felt oneness with the suffering of others.”
RUFA MAE QUINTO: “The rains came on the first death anniversary of my Lola Luisa. She always told me to help the needy; that’s why I put up my RMQ77 Foundation. I thought of ways to help the flood victims, and tried to stay positive. Tomorrow is another day.”
JED MADELA: “Having experienced Ondoy a few years back, memories of that day flashed through my mind. I started to worry about my house since I was out of town for work. I could not focus; my mind was on the safety of the people and pets at home. On the other hand, I realized how the Lord protects me. He seems to make sure that every time calamities happen, I am away and safe somewhere else.”
BENJIE PARAS: “Ondoy is back. People will die, families will be affected. Innocent children will suffer. But I guess it’s all our fault—with all the trash we throw everywhere, with all the drainage systems we destroy and the forests we abuse.”