Moment 83 - University of Santo Tomas, Espana Boulevard, and Recto Underpass during typhoon Ondoy

It was the last week of August 2009 when typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila and who could have thought that even without a typhoon, Metro Manila and the rest of the provinces in Luzon will suffer the same fate again after three years.

The University of Santo Tomas, a silent witness to the countless history of the country for 400 years, was not spared during that time.   The entire campus was completely drowned with the rushing water coming from all directions.  By 6pm of August 26, 2009, the water inside the campus was already waist high and still rising.

The following morning, we roam around inside the campus and the water was still knee high.  Water was everywhere and the busy life inside the campus was put to a standstill.   The university was in a helpless state while waiting for the water to recede.  And today, August 8, 2012, history repeats itself.

scenes inside UST during Ondoy

Espana boulevard is always on the news come rainy season.  Every time Metro Manila is flooded, Espana boulevard is one of the areas that is not spared.  During the time of Ondoy and the recent monsoon rains, Espana was once again filled with water.

During the time of Ondoy, while there was still enough light, we forced ourselves to go home.  I, for one, was very much worried about the status of my place.  I have had enough share of flood-related incidents and I don't want to go home and feel helpless with my stuff floating in flood water. 

We bravely walked in the flooded Espana, staying in the middle of the road to avoid open manholes.  We became part of a line of individuals, trying to conquer the whole stretch of Espana going towards Rotunda.  Even though we knew that the water was dirty, our main objective was to get home and safeguard our things in the event the water comes in.  Luckily, my place was spared from the flood.

The following day, Espana boulevard was still flooded but up to the knee level only.  That time, buses, cars, and jeepneys bravely plunge into the flooded lanes of Espana and there were some vehicles that got stranded somehow.

As we watched the scenarios along the stretch of Espana, staying on the center island most of the time, the frenzy of life were evident around us.  And for the recent monsoon rains that repeated what Ondoy had done, most likely, the same treat unfolds along the stretch of Espana boulevard.  I was not able to witness this one because I was still recuperating from flu.

scenes along Espana during Ondoy

 

The highlight of my experience during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy was at the Recto underpass in Manila.   The Recto underpass was converted into a giant swimming pool and the people within the area were delighted for a free swim.

This time of the year, nearly after three years, the same thing happened again.  As usual, just like before, the frenzy was there again.  Young and old alike rushed to the Recto underpass and enjoyed a free swim.  This only shows that Filipinos still find time to enjoy and have fun even in the face of a calamity.

 scenes in Recto underpass