It’s been almost two months since a freak flood hit Metro Manila. Lives, abruptly thrown in turmoil at the height of the deluge, are now coming back to normal. Memories of ruined homes and lost possessions are now turning to thoughts of getting back on one’s feet.
Marikina city, cut across by one of the major Philippine rivers, was one of the badly hit locations. This prominent shoe-making community has since evolved into one of the top clean and green cities.
Taking a quick drive around town, one gets the idea that sights do abound here, as with major destinations such as Manila. Places to see include the River Park, a whole stretch of river bank converted into a sight-seeing park; the Shoe Museum, which also houses thousands of pairs previously owned by Imelda Marcos; the Doll Museum, an international collection of dolls; the Butterfly Farm, for nature lovers willing to take a short drive from the heart of the city.
One of the newer attractions in Marikina is one located near a major traffic intersection, a quaint wall, half enveloping a fountain, and loaded with chimes of different sizes. These chimes are not just a refreshing sight but also pleasing to the ears, as they’re programmed to automatically play familiar, native tunes once every hour. I myself would pass here often, usually on my way to work; groups of young people normally hang out near the fountain; occasionally, an elderly retiree would sit down by the fountain’s edges enjoying the cool mist given off by the water spout.
Then the murky brown waters came. People regardless of age, gender, religion or social status; structures of all types, of different purposes and regardless of size - all were sitting ducks for the deluge that occurred. The once noisy city of people, places, and sights were all reduced to a silent, humbled lot: melodious chimes, included.
The flood eventually subsided in a few days. What was left was a thick cake of earthy mud. The clean up took entire weeks, but the aura of despair still remained for some time after that.
If I counted correct, its been a month and 12 days since. I again am passing by the chimes that have become a symbol of Marikina living. Before I gotten far, a familiar clanging lilt filled my ears and I realized that it was the fountain chimes back on-line. Though lugging a bulky laptop messenger bag while crossing the street, I managed a glance back at the sound machine. Then I noticed the young girls and boys splashing water, and a person, well on in age, crossed legged, seemingly thinking about retiring, and what could be his retiring income. With a smile I knew, we’re back to normal.
Tags: flood, philippines, recovery