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.
One hard-hit place is Marikina city. Seated on a valley where a river runs through, it was once the premiere shoe producer of the Philippines. Over time it would also become one of the country’s cleanest and greenest 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.
A recent addition, situated in the vicinity of a major traffic intersection in the city, is a wall of bells, or chimes that are automated to play native Filipino tunes every hour, by the hour. This fronts a water fountain that has become a favorite hang-out spot for young and old people alike, who enjoy the cool mist emanating from the water spout while enjoying the hourly tunes. I, personally, enjoy walking by this place, on my way to work. I would catch a glance of people, like kids just playing around the spot, or elderly citizens lounging around the fountains edge.
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.
Flood waters stayed for a couple of days, and in its exodus left a few inches of sticky brown mud. It would take weeks to clean up the whole city, and a little longer for the veil of gloom to be lifted.
Forty three days have passed since that day, and there I was passing that landmark yet again. While crossing the street, a familiar clanging tune suddenly resounded. It was the sound of the Fountain Chimes, resurrected from the grave and back on-line. Seemingly, the air of gloom began to disperse. Even with a heavy laptop messenger bag in tow, my pace quickened a step as I noticed young boys monkeying around the fountain, while a graying haired person lolled about, probably with thoughts of retiring, or how to source out a retiring income. I thought, ahh yes, back to normal.