Love Rain

When Ondoy happened last September, it devastated the homes and lives of both rich and poor. It was the one calamity that I really felt brought the country together and brought out a sense of community in everybody.

Seeing this photo always puts a smile on my face, not because of Ondoy but because I remember that week of GIVING and SELFLESSNESS that went on at my house. People I did not know were coming in and out, bringing food, helping us make rice meals and sandwiches, and going to areas struck in the worst way by the storm.

It makes me believe beneath all the cynicism, anger and depression people have, there is hope, love and happiness.

--Erica Paredes