It’s 8 PM Sunday October 4. I’m trying to write an appropriate message — a thank you one — for all the people who donated to our grocery runs. But I honestly do not know where to start. What I do know is that after all this, and about 24 hours (not straight) of helping out a number of relief centers and ops get volunteers and trucks, I want to take this time to talk about how things are on this side of the computer screen.

We raised more than $8,000. I’ve never seen a miracle until now. It started out, like most amazing things in this world, with a single very simple thought. My in-laws gave us $300 to take to Makro to shop for relief goods which we would take to Ateneo. This is simple enough. Makro is a few minutes away, and so is the Ateneo. My wife said to me: maybe you can ask your brother, or your other friends if they want us to buy stuff on their behalf? I said, that might work. I did not think of using Paypal, but somehow that came about.

So, we thought that as long as the balance is posted — which for Paypal is instant — we’ll put it on our card. I have foreign clients who use Paypal and, while I do get the money, it takes days. The people here do not have days. They have hours.

And so back and forth we went. A few hundred became a few thousand and inevitably brought us to where we are now. The last week, Clarissa, my sister-in-law and a host of other people came together to get relief goods with your money to victims of Ondoy. Many friends and family in both coasts of the US rallied behind us risking getting thrown out of meetings or (worse) hidden on their friend’s Facebook newsfeed with emails, messages, SMSs and door knocks. They helped raise the brunt of our donations. A few very kind souls were able to mobilize these funds as far as Sta. Cruz Laguna and areas nearby.

Along the way, I was humbled by giants. They possess a tireless commitment I have had a great honor of seeing. And, if there’s one thing good I take away from this experience is that this country, on this fateful week, has somehow rallied its greatest heroes. Among those – Bong, Kristelle, Edsel, Angel to name a few – are some of the finest human beings I have ever met.

Which brings me to you. If you are reading this, somehow, some way, you sent us a bit of yourselves. It’s hard to put into words, really, but here goes: along my usual drive on the way back from work, I stop at a light. That intersection is Ortigas Ave., which was flooded neck-deep at the worst of the storm. Virtually every day I stop there, a little boy knocks at my window, with his open hand, asking me for some spare change. I *always* say no.

The last week, I was that little boy. We came to you, and you gave, without thinking twice. I know I will forever be changed by this experience, and the people who ate your food, drank your water, took your medicine and slept on your mats will have been too.

Good night and may you all continue to shine.

P.S. Our photo album is here