My Real Heroes In The Flood
I have a confession to make.
Last Monday, I didn’t have a plan to help Flood Victims.
We were flood victims ourselves. Water entered our home and damaged books and school records. My wife and our helpers were busy cleaning.
As I sat at my couch, reading text messages from friends who lost homes and loved ones, and reading the newspaper about the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced—I was paralyzed. What can I—a single person—do in the face of such a massive calamity?
But it was my wife who said, “We need to help. Where do we go?”
I didn’t answer her. I didn’t know what to say.
But that was when my friend, Sonia Lozada, called up. She said she already cooked and distributed 500 meals to flood victims in Marikina—and asked if I wanted to help. Her words woke me up. Yes, I said, I’ll join her.
Instantly, my paralysis was gone. I could do something! I stood up from my couch and began raising money for our massive feeding program. So far, we’ve given away thousands of meals and distributed a ton of relief goods in Marikina, Montalban, and Pateros.
So honestly, I’m feeling very small now.
Because I’m surrounded by huge heroes.
Check the photos below of our massive feeding program for Flood Victims.
Yes, I’m the guy in the yellow shirt, my arms crossed, doing nothing. Some people think I’m the Producer–the guy who spends and gives out the money. Ha. If they only knew. As you well know, the money didn’t come from me. You gave it to me, remember?
So what have I really done? Nothing much. Except perhaps get awed that I was standing amidst heroes. Which is why I’m showing you these photos.
Below is a photo of some of those heroes, packing meals. My friend Sonia Lozada, the large woman in the center (you can see her face only), is my big hero.
Sonia owns Trinity restaurants. Without her, our massive feeding program wouldn’t have happened. Trinity doesn’t only have great food, they’ve got great people. Her lovely children and her wonderful staff are the ones cooking, packing, and delivering the food.
Can you imagine how many large pots of adobo were cooked?
Sonia also invited her fellow restaurant owners to help–and they did. I met those generous people too. (I never knew how creative we Filipinos name our restaurants until now.) Here they are: Aling Tonyas, G-Squred, Yatai Ramen, Seazar, Dad & Mom’s, Superwok, Julies, Igmaan, Dulang, Kaymig, Claire de la Fuente, Marinold, Wok with Joe, Sharmila Sisdang, Stardish, Aling Masha… Thank you so much! And my friend Rex Robillos who owns Buns and Pizza donated 5000 bottles of mineral water. Thank you!
Here are photos of the people lining up to get food.
Check out the photo below. Do you see the happy smile on the woman’s face on the right? This woman lost everything—her house and all her material things—and she can still smile. Filipinos are just incredible.
On this night, we brought 3000 meals—but there were 6000 people in the relocation site. So people had to share with others. Just like you.
We also gave food in three sites in Pateros (see below), still underwater 5 days after the storm. It’s horrifying, but some Barangay officials predict floods may last for 6 months in their area. Pateros is the poorest municipality in Metro Manila. I learned that their annual budget is smaller than the annual budget of one exclusive subdivision in Makati.
Here are the people going home after they got the food from us, walking in blackish water. I couldn’t stand the smell, but they lived in it.
Here’s the crowd of people waiting for the food. I’m at the back just watching everybody, totally useless.
Another team was led by my friend Jodean Sola and other Light of Jesus members. They went to Montalban. Through your support, Jodean and his team gave blankets, clothes, candles, and food.
As you can see, their first need was drinking water. And that’s what Jodean gave them.
Here’s Jodean praying for the Flood Victims. More than food, they need to regain their hope in God.
This week, aside from distributing more relief goods, he’ll be back doing the difficult work of repairing their homes.
Through your generosity, we also gave funds to my friend Sigrid Aragona and the UP Mountaineers who went to Marikina (Nangka and Tumana), giving away a very precious bag to each hungry family. Each bag contained 1 kilo of rice, noodles, canned goods, biscuits, and a pouch of milk. They also bought medicines for those who needed them. Here are three young volunteers packing the relief goods. I guess when you give yourself selflessly to others, you have the right to wear those beautiful smiles.
My friend Chito Manaois and his Light of Jesus chapters in Bulacan were also feeding people in relocation sites for two straight days. Thank you my friends!
And I’m so sorry, I don’t have more photos to show you about all these other projects. So many nameless heroes! So many Light of Jesus members who just went around cleaning homes. They went around carrying rugs, mops, and pails—volunteering to clean flood-damaged homes. It was an incredible sight to see.
This week, aside from our existing teams, we’re creating new teams to do relief work. My friend Alvin Barcelona and our Light of Jesus team will be doing relief work in Marilao, Bulacan.
Hey, just to make it clear. I’m not the hero in this story.
My friends are.
You are.
Because of your love and support, we’re able to do the work that we do.
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
PS. Yes, you can still donate to our Fund Drive for Flood Victims. You can click below. (Note: My paypal account was closed by paypal itself. They say I can’t accept donations. Sorry for that. But there are other ways you can send your donations below.)
PS2. If you want to donate goods of any kind, but can’t get out of your house, you can call up Sigrid and she’ll have her team pick them up from your home. (Metro Manila) Text Sigrid Aragona at 09228231022 now.
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hi, I’m from Marilao, I want to volunteer to your activity there. Please text me at 0922-8610035.
Hi Bo.. I saw you last Monday at the drop off point near the Sta Clara Church in Katipunan. I was there with my friend to volunteer and we were deployed in Nangka Marikina that night to give away relief goods. I wanted to approach you but you disappeared suddenly before I was able to do that. This tragedy has really made all of us heroes.. we really dont need to do great things, even small things with great love is enough.
It is really touching and inspiring to see our fellow Filipinos helping others in times of distress.
Sana ganito din may bagyo man o wala.
Im grateful to the Lord for sparing us from the calamity. You see, I live in a town whose name is synonymous with flooding, and yet with all that rain that poured last week, the water level did not even reach the gates of our house. It is ironic indeed.
So I guess I have the moral responsbility to help others in whatever little way that I can, and I hope that we continuously help them. It is not enough that we give once, we must give continuously out of our love for the Lord and our neighbors.
God bless.
Dear Br. Bo,
It is in these moments that we feel that we are blessed… that we have in our small way… done something to give, to share, to be a hero and to be a true chrisian doing the real thing that Jesus said…. “Love one another as I have loved you”…
May God Bless all those who gave their hearts and answered God’s call….
Mabuhay tayong lahat….
Dear Bro. Bo,
It was incredible. I’m from Indonesia. And our brothers and sisters in West Sumatra have just suffered from earthquake 7,8SR. My community is gaining some financial support for them. Hope we can help them. There are so many victims there and the city is totally destroyed.
I hope you and your community can give us some prayer support.
May God bless Filipina and Indonesia.
Amen!! ^^
I’ve been looking forward to an update on this! Thank you so much for your sharing, plus the pix!
The Holy Spirit touches those He can especially in times of need.
Blessings,
Marite
“we must be the change we wish to see in this world…”
- Mahatma Gandhi
indeed like you borhter Bo and my co-seminarians in the theology department of the MOther Of Good Counsel Seminary did a difference too to the persons affected by the typhoon ondoy.. we help giving releif and carry the sucks of rice… we must in to realty the thoughts of mahatma gandhi…
Our place in Pasig was also underwater and damaged a lot of of our possessions (cars and appliances) but my good husband herded me and our 3 children to help in the various relief operations center (Ateneo, GK in RFM). I was initially irked thinking that there were still a lot of things that needed to be dried and fixed in our own home but I was easily reminded that I was thinking of my own comfort - what about the comfort of those who are still underwater and in darkness at night. So even if I was tired after days of scrubbing and lugging heavy things around the house, I dutifully went with them and came home joyful at being able to do our small share of the large work of giving hope and helping people rebuild their lives.
what hve you shared is such a great things you are the instruement to all that things that is the RELASHIONSHIP that you built as your teachings dba?GOD BLESS and continue with the good work
Im Ferdie of occ. mdo I realy would like to help but Im too far from the area of flood Victims I dont even have a work right now to donate of anything,….Bro. Sanchez maybe the only thing that I can give is my prayer for all the people helping hand for all the victims, and even for eveyone being affected of the calamity.
May the Gods grace be with us all.
Ferdie
I was really touched by how your group got in to this kind of support for those affected by the last typhoons. it was really a good opportunity to lend our hands to those in needs. Honestly, i was put into dump by the sheer force of realizing that “im doing nothing” to help them, Im hoping that it’s not too late for me..
God bless to all!
Hi Bo! I am from Manila.. I can volunteer and donate some for our fellow kababayans.. Kindly email me… Thanks!
God Bless the Philippines and the FILIPINOS..
Wow… i had goose bumps while reading this article….
My family and I were flood victims too. I felt the need for me to help out other by joining relief operations but I couldn’t.
I was needed at home so I just did my best in whatever I could do in there. Right now I still wonder if I should have gone out and done more……
may God bless you. i know that this is another test of faith for us. you and your friends are indeed heroes.True Heroes. we’ll pray for you. God bless..
i really don’t know that people like you guys still exist in our country. Ang alam ko lng noon ay kanya kanya n ang mga tao at wala n pakialaman. It really touches my heart upon seeing those smiles that seems untiringly serves those who are in needs and it inspired me a lot.
God bless you all. In know he will for this is a work of a true Christians.
Yes, I saw many people becoming heros. Let us pray more for the generous of the people. In my reflection today, actually “image og the Good Samaritan” is Jesus himself, you and me. Let us go and do the kindness to the peole who still need our help. Jbus.
Hi there Bo,
I’d like to have thesame confession as what you have, but the difference is I’m out of the country and can’t do anything but prayers will do and the bext move for an OFW like me in Saudi Arabia. How I wish that the Lord may allow me to come home to support my fellow kababayan not only them but my own family as well. As you know, I am a resident of Vista Verde in Cainta and been hurt by flash floods and felt so bad about it, but those pains went off as I entrust them to the Lord. I know the Lord is keeping His eyes open for those who keep calling on HIM.
Please help me to pray to come home as soon as possible.
Let us continue this works not only in times of troubles but all times to help and love one another. God Bless to All.
nakakaiyak.
heroes indeed.
i cried reading your post. God bless to all unselfishly helping our badly affected kababayans.
Hi bro. Bo,
I donated a meager amount through your paypal account. I just hope you were able to receive it before your account was closed. Thanks.
Hi Bo,
Thank you so much for posting these pics. I tried to watch some uploaded videos but its not really inspiring. I always say, we are always flooded and every year is the same.
I am glad that some communities and churches here in Canada are also collecting money to help our brethren back home who are afflicted with the calamity.
God bless you for reaching out to us spiritually.
Hello bro Bo,
God Bless to all the heroes who are doing their best to help, I wished I could be there to help as well but I am resided here in Canada. I know some people through the Couple fro Christ, I will contact a leader there and see what I can do to help. May we seek the word of the Bible.
good Morning Bro Bo,
Thanks for this inspiring photos, it’s really touched my heart. God Bless you, your Family and Friends!
Thanks,
jOY =>
Filipinos are great even in the midst of so many problems they still manage to SMILE…makakaahon din tayo sa tulong at awa ng DIYOS!!!
I am based here in France near Paris. I went home in the Philippines to have a look at my scool projects. I was caught by the flood Ondoy. I witnessed the tragedy.
As soon as I arrived home last week, I immediately called the Maharlika President Lito gomez and asked how we could help the victims. I talked to him Saturday. He met the members Sunday. Yesterday, he sent cash in the Philippines. He was able to collect money from the members quickly. The aids were sent to the chursh members sho have lost lives that I know and to ABS-CBN fund drive.
That was very quick.
At my end, I continue soliciting relief from people to be sent there there.
I have seen people, great people, great hearts, victims themselves helping one another. So heartwarming to see.
Challenges, really bring the best in us.
God bless. Bravo Bo! Bravo for all the things you do.
God bless your heart.
Susie Barbieri
hello Bo,
my husband Francis work with the Urban Missionaries, sort of an office working with the urban poor and labor relations, this made me part of the relief operations which they do. I didn’t expect that giving time and being with such victims helped me appreciate myself and my husband more. God indeed make wonders to let people value themselves through others.
both of us are now on our separate jobs but we do continue doing relief operations in our own work places in our little ways.
Thank you for giving credits to the REAL HEROES of the flood. Truly, every FILIPINO is a HERO… victim or not.
more power to you!
quel
Hi Sir Bo,
Im happy o see and hear people with Big and good heart like yours and your friends.
On these trial days we knew we could be one.
May God always bless us
Thanks for always reminding us and stirring up our senses that there is more joy in serving when done outside the comfort zone.
Our prayers for all the heroes - small heroes that make a BIG difference. God is really good!
Cecil from Abu Dhabi
I want to help in cleaning drives. Text me if you need more volunteers. I live in Taytay and can easily reach Cainta ang Marikina areas. Just text 0922-8403917
Hello Bo…our prayers from Cebu!
Beware of this Agency (TECHNO-QUEST MANPOWER CORPORATION). Located at: Finlandia Street, San Isidro, Makati City.
God knows that in my heart, i really want to help the typhoon victims and everyone who needs help but I also feel paralyzed (like you before) and cannot move because of lack of capacity and resources to give. All I can do for now is to pray and ask other more fortunate people to help. More power and God bless you all more.
Dear Bro. Bo,
Praise God, indeed at this moment God is sending us true christian heroes, I know sis. Sonia personally coz. I used to work in her restaurant in Macapagal ave. before I came here in Abu Dhabi 3 years ago, and I know how soft hearted sis Sonia is, which happens to be my ninang. We here at El Shaddai Abu dhabi already donated money and the whole parish here are already collecting donations (cash, canned goods, used clothing) that will be send there.In fact almost all communities here in Abu Dhabi ( Filipinos & foreign ) are helping hand in hand for our beloved country. Im sure the filipinos can make it and stand once again because God is always with us and He loves the filipinos very much. As one song says “THE PHILIPPINES IS FOR CHRIST”.
God bless the Philippines.
In Christ Jesus,
Bro. Allan Miranda
hlo tito bo!:) i was so happy to see my countrymen helping and supporting one another to rise up once again after that great calamity. i was so touched and inspired seeing all d smiles frm d team and d victims..can’t help but really cried for i felt pure joy in my heart dat i was able to extend my help even though i’m miles away. thank you tito for always encouraging me. God indeed would never forsake us. my prayers are constantly with you and esp to the victims. God bless u more! =)
inspiring!
God bless the Filipino people!
i would like to volunteer for the clean up operations, you may reach me at 0927-3056637
Hi bro bo.. I was really touched and cried while I’m reading your article specially those pics that will truly touch each heart… I’m praying everyday for our co-Filipinos specially for those affected areas, to re-gain hope and still, to hold on and believe to their faith that God is still with us..Helping and supporting each of us for this hard and unforgotten event of our life… That there’s still a new life waiting to all Filipinos after of this calamity..
Godbless & keep the faith! For He is always our refuge and strenght!…
hi bro…
it is heartwarming to witness how these “disgrasya” (disaster) turned to be a “grasya” (blessing) to each and one of us, irregardless of our culture or nationality. We all have been touched one way or another, in big or small part we are able to share. Thanks to Our Father who taught us how to love one another….BTW, fyi, there were still about 1700-2000 evacuees staying at the Muntinlupa Central School in Barangay Poblacion, near The Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish. Their homes still submerged in water. The school started to hold classes in shifts just to accommodate the students. I am asking for some additional help in kind such as rice, canned goods, noodles, water and medicines necessary for the children and the elderly and most especially your prayers…you can reach me @09103214639.God Bless us all.
Hi Bro. Bo,
Inspiring and very touching..
I am a reviewee at this time, but have free time of at least 2-3 days a week. I want to volunteer for any activity of your team. Please text me 09293931282. Thanks and more power!
Rgds,
SheAnn
i super appreciate this entry.. and i super appreciate also your humility, honesty and your being candid about being/feeling useless.. , i myself feel that way…
i so much wanted to be there and help the Ondoy victims but because i am a mom of 2 small kids, i can’t leave them and be physically in manila or Marikina for example to help, i had to stay here in Pampanga.. and because we’re not rich and i couldn’t buy relief goods to send to victims, i feel more useless than ever….
but i just hope that my semi-prayers-conversation with God about Ondoy, asking Him to protect the Filipinos from further problems would help in any kind of way.. i know He always protects us anyway..
always.
I’d like to praise & thank God for sparing us from the wrath of both Ondoy here in QC and Pepeng In Pampanga. Also, for God’s financial/material provisions, thus, making us d Benefactors/Giver instead of being d Beneficiaries/Receipients/Victims.
As a cliche goes, ‘ It’s better to GIVE than to RECEIVE’.
Thank you Lord for giving us d opportunity to be CHANNEL of your blessings.
i was about to give monetary but i dont think u can pick it up since im at U.S. n u said paypal is not working? how else can i send?
Hi Mr. Bo. I want to join in your activity. I’ve been looking for a team over the past few weeks where I can join. I’m a corporate man but I can volunteer on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please text me at 09062775766. Thank you.!
hello bro. Bo!!
hello bro. Bo!! I really like to volunteer to the activities of your team.Im free on Sundays,you can text me at 09286809678.Thank you and God Bless..
My own brother from Muntinlupa, my cousins at Angono, Rizal and my auntie at Pasig, all were victims and we here in abroad gave our share and help…we OFWs relatives working bonded together communicated immdtly via emails, facebook and twitter and immdtly sent our help and most of us did donate in our own little way thru other means…my prayers goes to them and to all of you HEROEs who give your time…God is pleased for we are doing what He loves best…SHARING THE BURDEN AND HELPING ONE ANOTHER, BAYANIHAN IS ALIVE. May the Good Lord envelope the Philippines with HIS light and protection and let God’s love flow always especially to our government and our chosen leaders.
If the artists in the entertaiment world offers their free service and things, the businessman offer their profits and goods to Ondoy and Pepeng victims, i pray our politicians who got millions in their pockets, may unite too and do their auctions of their precious things that they loved most and sell it to E-bay.
Chao.
Please support Ella’s plea to release the UN and Other countries humongous donations to the victims of Ondoy & other typhoons. The donations are enough to support every Filipino flood victims for a very long time until they can get back on their feet. Marami and donation na ito.
The DSWD is holding them for too long and is not giving a clear reason why they are being held.
These donations belonged to the people.
We out here from Overseas & USA, sent a lot of donations to the RP Embassies connected to DSWD. Please be pro active in tracking them down for the sake of the children who needs the nourishments from United Nations Childrens Org. If they don’t listen, urge the UN to send it to you directly. Thanks. We love you all.
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