A few days short of two months from the day the flood came. Lives abruptly strewn in disarray are now starting to be rebuilt. Where once people, filled with thoughts of hopelessness and dismay, have now set their minds on recovering.
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 came the day of the flood; it was not particularly choosy of its victims; young and old, men and women, wealthy and destitute, Christians and Muslims, homes and hospitals, schools and stores, practically everything in its path, city sights included. Proud boasting of residents here were left muted, leaving voiceless even the chimes.
The waters took a few days to subside, but left a considerable amount of mud upon its exit. It took weeks on end to complete the clean up job; though it took a while longer for the air of despair to melt away.
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.
