SPOT.ph turns the spotlight on the people who took time to share what they could–time, resources, talent, homes, or even lives–to help fellow Filipinos affected by the storm. Here are the heroic helping hands we've heard about, in no particular order:
1. Muelmar Magallanes
Muelmar Magallanes, an 18-year-old construction worker, was a powerful swimmer who saved 30 people from rampaging floods. He died while rescuing a baby girl who was swept away on a Styrofoam box. His body now lies at a makeshift evacuation center in Quezon City.
Magallanes, who brought his family to higher ground on Saturday, decided to go back for neighbors stranded on their rooftops. Witnesses said he saved more than 30 people from drowning. Ms. Penalosa, the mother of the baby he saved, said Magallanes was washed away by the torrent of water. His body was found on Sunday, September 27.
2. Venancio Ancheta, Jr. and four members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
Pfc Venancio Ancheta Jr. saved 20 flood victims but could not save himself in the end as he was carried away by the flood at Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna. In the midst of rescue operations, another soldier and three members of the (CAFGU) also died: Cpl. Adriano Regua of the 59th Infantry Battalion and CAAs Erineo Olaguer, Joel Hernalin, and Florencio Dequito.
these people are amazing!
good article spot! How do we give aid to the first two heros? Can you find out?
hi, lisacheng. The best way siguro would be to contact abs-cbn or gma network. You could also check inq's website. mabuhay ka, muelmar.
we should be proud of these heroes!
Yes, I'd like to help out poor Muelmar's family. It would be great if someone could post details of how to donate money to his parents or other surviving relatives.
especially judge Ralph...gave justice to the title "Hon." Saludo ako, sir!
Muelmar did is over his limits and more than adrenaline rush. His Virtue always reveal even to the last of his might. I learned a lesson from Muelmar that don't save lives like just giving your best shot or just trying but saving lives on whatever it takes that can be done not just on calamities, but also on daily lives. Am proud of u Muelmar. Thank you... God bless your family..
I believed all Filipinos are heroes in our own little way. A big salute to all who are selfless and who faced all odds to save/give comfort to others. It saddens me that the cost of saving lives will be charged back.
at last an article that has relevance! kudos to these brave people. mabuhay kayo!
A special mention goes out to the Divine Lee, Jenni Epperson team. "Nobody, nobody, but chu" can make things happen! http://bit.ly/13wwYm http://tinyurl.com/yc2qun2
A special mention goes out to Divine Lee and Jenni Epperson “Nobody, nobody, but chu†can make things happen! http://bit.ly/13wwYm Payatas adventure http://tinyurl.com/yc2qun2
Thank you so much for all the support! We are happy to extend our help to the victims of Ondoy!
there are a lot of heroes that stood up during this time of despair... whether we recognize them or not, deep inside them they know who they are... thank God for making them His instruments!
Hands down to these Amazing heroes!
To all who care to reach Muelmar's family.. His body lies at a basketball court located at the Brgy. Bagong Silangan, near Payatas (on the way). I was able to meet his mom & family. (For more on the story pls click this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034390&id=1008025606&l=9a1b912930 Unfortunately I failed to get any contact numbers from the family (I doubt they have a cellphone)... but I know where they are located as of right now.
I don't like name games like this. Everyone has done their share, be it big or small, we all love pats in the back but we don't need to plaster signature on every work we do, most especially, after all, when it is humanitarian obligation. Only God knows who you are.
i'd like to try and say this in a nice way...but this is so unethical. what makes it different from politicians putting their name on every donations they give?
Brian, The difference is that unlike politicians, these guys didn't seek publicity, media found them. That's a big distinction. Second of all, politicians aren't supposed to label their donations because those donations are from other anonymous donors and bought with pork barrel funds in the first place. But these heroes don't owe anyone. Third, what is wrong if people like to celebrate heroism? Writing about heroism inspires others. Obviously there are countless others who helped--and I am sure you your part as well--and believe me, I think many people would love to know what these samaritans did too.
These people are amazing. Hindi tulad ng karamihan sa ating mga "publilc servants" na HINDI KIKILOS KUNG HINDI KIKITA (yung KITA comes in many forms..of course money, boto, deals, etc.)
As we brace ourselves on the coming super typhoon "Pepeng", let us continue to pray and trust God to carry us through this ordeal. Personally, all these loss remind me the pointlessness of of spending too much time striving to own material things when everything can be lost in an instant. My heart goes out to people who lost everything they have saved in their lifetime. Most of them have to start all over. Many don't know how to begin rebuilding their lives without their loved ones. It's true! Only in God are we truly safe, everything else is false security; whether it be money, a nice house, a dependable spouse or a good job. God listens to prayer. He is merciful; compassionate. (Psalm 31:22.) He does not willingly cause suffering but sometimes it's the only way to get our attention as we become too preoccupied with the cares in this world