#BangonMadridejos

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http://youtu.be/6Hw0tTK0RSU

A little background on Madridejos, It's the last/end part of Bantayan Island (located at the Northern Part of Cebu). My dad grew up in that area and I believe lived a great childhood. When they get together with his high school friends and remember all the times they had during 'those days', they would share a laugh or two. I'm happy of how my dad was raised. I don't really know what experiences made him into the corny-fun dad he is today, but I'm pretty sure the town had something to do with it.

Yolanda badly hit that area on November 8, 2013. Around 90% of the structures in Bantayan were destroyed. I must commend the rapid help that reached them the days after the storm, and the organizations like Bangon Madridejos (a page in facebook) that constantly updates whatever was happening over there.





December has now come and it's sad to note that only a limited number of houses have lighting. It was pitch dark when we visited there. The only light to guide your way if you didn't bring a flashlight would be the stars. You can just imagine the situation.

With the help of the Ribbon of Support from Christchurch, New Zealand headed by my sisters and their friends, they were able to reach about Php 35,000 from selling the ribbons! This amount was then forwarded to buy bags, notebooks, ballpens, pencils, towels, slippers (which was badly needed) and of course ham for Christmas! A little salu-salo with the family for Christmas is more than worth it!

We were astonished to see a hundred kids and some parents eagerly waiting for the arrival of the goods and the start of the party. I had the chance to interview them! Noting some of their answers when I asked:

Q: "Unsa man inyung na bati pag bagyo/ Nag-unsa mu pag bagyo?"
A:
- "Nahadlok."
- "Nakulbaan."
-"Namakuate mi." (evaucated)


Q: "Unya naunsa man inyung mga balay?"
A:
-"Naguba."
-"Natagakan ug kahoy"
-"Wala na."

Q: "Unsa man inyung ganahan karong pasko?"
A:
- "Gift!"
- "Bag."
- "Kanang kuan lang te, lapis."
- "Tsinelas"
- and my personal favorite, "Kalipay lang jud."

Hearing their stories about the storm just shakes my heart. It's not easy being young and going through a lot. This would mean starting from scratch. But these kids, they're tough. They're stronger than you can ever imagine. They can smile like nothing's happened. They manage to laugh and sing and play, and it's such a beautiful view. :)

We first let them eat, because they might be starving from all the waiting. So we gave them spaghetti and bread paired with softdrinks (don't get me wrong, but they too missed softdrinks!). After eating, we proceeded to give them gifts which we packed earlier, along with the ham for noche buena.

Hopefully, the party gave them a little break from all the troubles they've been facing. It might not be much, but it's from the heart.

Our prayers are always with you!

#BangonMadridejos #BangonPH