Aftermath Of Typhoon 'Ondoy'

Who could have prepared for a downpour of rain that lasted almost 24 hours with it's peak downpour on the morning of September 26, 2009 that within six (6) hours the amount of rainfall is almost equal to the average rainfall in a month.

Despite of the damage, loss of life, and trauma that this typhoon has brought to many of our countrymen I would like to share some lighter side of this tragic event:

1) I couldn't stop thinking what more could have happened if this peak of rainfall happened during the night when everyone is sound asleep. I see that it's better (not that it is) that it happened during the day. For sure it could have been more devastating if it happened at night;

2) I do understand the sentiments of the people affected by the sudden release of water by the dams but it got me thinking what more could have happened if the operators of the dam waited longer after everybody got warned about the release of water. I guess it was a choice of picking the lesser evil (not that it is right) to benefit more. What if the dam collapsed even with warning more damage could have been done. Imagine tons of water raging down with mud, concrete, and other debris; and

*** UPDATE: 10/15/2009 ***
Found an article that I think have the same sentiments as I have: 'Metro flooding: were the dams to blame?'

3) I can't imagine if it happened on a weekday when almost everyone is out especially the working force. Where families are literally apart because of work, school, or had to simply stay at home. The few people left at home could have been at higher risk of not surviving. I can say no more to what effect if this has gone by not on a weekend.

To us, that have gone by dry be thankful. Say our own wishes and prayers for the affected by this unwanted and unexpected turn of events.

New Exercise Route (Coming Soon)

So, I have spent most of my working career in Ortigas and those times it was fun to walk around -- even going to work. Times have changed. A two-way street has changed into a one way street, there were more cars than ever and a lot of FX plying around, and one cannot miss that over pass that was built to cross Julia Vargas and Emerald Avenue. Such a steep climb and don't forget it's slippery when wet surface.

Another is nearing it's completion and I bet no one can miss this especially those going to Megamall. Yup, it's almost finished -- the overpass over at the once intersection of Juila Vargas and Bank Road (I think). Currently, there's these pedestrian lanes on the four corners of the intersection. Then again it's cars versus pedestrians. Of course you know who won -- the cars.

This will soon change my afternoon walk from my office to the bus stop. Can't wait to try it.. as if?! Happy overpassing soon.

Foot Bridge/Overpass (Relatively) Too Low

I now usually travel by bus on the south bound lane of EDSA and will alight the bus before the intersection of Meralco Ave. and EDSA then will just cross EDSA going to Galleria Mall.Admittedly you have to be a courageous pedestrian to cross EDSA even if there's a pedestrian crossing lane.

Anyway, had anyone used the foot bridge or overpass that's located at the intersection of Meralco Ave. and EDSA near the EDSA Shrine/POEA? I have tried it twice since it was built and it altered my daily commute. Aside from altering may daily commute, I have noticed that when I was forced to try it, that it crossed under the fly-over and MRT. On this part, where it literally crosses under the fly-over and MRT is relatively very low. At an instant, I found this way very annoying. Anyone with at least the same height as me (around 6 feet) will surely hit his/her head on the concrete from the fly-over or MRT rail support. I'm sure anyone coming from Galleria going to take the south bound transportation will have to cross the relatively low foot bridge or overpass unlike before and I'm sure are annoyed but can do anything.

Another realization came to my mind when the rains in the metro started pouring heavily. If those were relative low for a tall guy. What happens to people with average height cope up when they bring their umbrellas and use that foot bridge or overpass. I haven't tried it and I might not be able since I purposely avoid using it.

What about those people with handicaps. I can't say much about it but in my opinion, MMDA surely prioritized the vehicular traffic over pedestrians. There was once a sign boasting that foot bridge or overpass as having able to improve travel time which supports my previous statement.

Try it once and let's hope you don't bump your head and forget you're in Metro Manila.