Motoring heroes of Typhoon ‘Carina’ demonstrate the power of community

Supertyphoon “Carina” struck Metro Manila with unprecedented fury, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction. The intensity of Typhoon Carina was unlike anything the city had experienced in recent memory, something that is reminiscent of Typhoon “Ondoy” back in 2009. In just a few short hours, entire neighborhoods were inundated, and major thoroughfares became impassable rivers. Homes were flooded, cars were swept away or rendered useless, and essential services were disrupted. The city was plunged into chaos as residents scrambled for safety and resources.

In this time of crisis, several groups, companies, and individuals rose to the occasion, providing much-needed assistance and relief to those affected. Their efforts not only alleviated immediate suffering but also demonstrated the power of community and the importance of helping one another.

Celebrity and actor Gerard Anderson is no stranger to rescues. This real-life superhero was seen rescuing a family stranded inside their chest-high flooded home and carrying our a young child wearing a pink hoodie through a video uploaded by @TmaeOsanomae. “Sasama ang nanay mo, tara (Your mother will be with you. Come here),” Anderson said “Okay, ako ang bahala sa’yo (Okay, I’ll take care of you),” the actor said right after.

Another hero who stepped up during the flood was bus conductor Alfie Sta. Ana, who volunteered to wade through chest-high waters to buy food and drinks for a bus bound for Cubao but got stranded in Marilao, Bulacan for several hours. After coming back and bringing food and drinks, he went back to the murky floodwaters risking his own safety in search of rescuers in the area. The now viral Facebook post was made by one of the bus’ passengers, a certain Chloe Dela Cruz and shared photos of Sta. Ana wading through the floodwaters, thanking him for his valiant efforts, above and beyond the call of duty.

Firefighting volunteers played a crucial role in rescue operations and the aftermath of the typhoon. These brave individuals not only risked their lives to save those trapped in flooded areas, but also contributed significantly to the cleanup efforts. They worked tirelessly, using water hoses to clear debris and mud from streets and homes, ensuring that communities could begin the arduous task of rebuilding. One such individual was Jerwin Guan, who not only volunteers his time but also funds his team of volunteers called the Golden Fire & Rescue Volunteer, through his restaurant Golden Chicken House based in N. Domingo, San Juan. Seaoil is a huge supporter of these volunteer groups by providing fuel for its vehicles.

Aside from this, he also used his food business to provide relief food whenever he can. Guan fed some 800 people in his community in San Juan at the height of the flood. He and his best buddy Brian Tang of Brixton Hills Fire Prevention Association based in Quezon City actively volunteer their personal resources not only to help during the flooding but are always on call whenever a fire emergency arises in the metro.

The CCF Tulong Tayo Ministry exemplified the power of faith-driven community service. This group coordinated extensive relief efforts, distributing food, water, and essential items to those in need. Their outreach extended beyond material aid, providing emotional and spiritual support to families grappling with the loss and uncertainty brought by the typhoon. Their commitment to service and compassion highlighted the importance of holistic support in times of crisis. CCF is a Christian church with international satellite churches and its main church and headquarters based in Tiendesitas, Pasig City.

There were some off-road communities, known for their rugged 4×4 SUVs and pickups, mobilized quickly to aid in rescue and relief operations. These vehicles, designed to navigate challenging terrains, proved invaluable in reaching stranded individuals and delivering essential supplies. The off-road enthusiasts turned their passion into a lifeline for many, showcasing the critical role that such specialized groups can play in disaster response. In coordination with CCF, volunteers like Joel Pedro of Overland Kings, Sam Liuson of Black Rhino PH and Concept One Wheels and Justin Uy of Vinyl Frog PH selflessly used and risked their own rigs and organized several more of their like-minded 4×4 vehicle owners to leave the comforts of their own homes at times like these.

Ford Philippines lent its Ranger pickup trucks to Gawad Kalinga to help in their relief operations to various communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces like Cavite and Pampanga that were affected by Typhoon Carina. Aside from this, Next Gen Ranger Philippines (NGRP) Club initiated donation operations which was supported by Ford PH through provision of a drop-off and sorting facility at Ford EDSA and Ford Alabang and supplemented donations from its own employees.

Recognizing the dire situation, major malls like SM and Ayala Malls opened their doors to the public, offering free parking spaces and charging stations. This gesture provided immediate relief to countless motorists who needed a safe place for their vehicles and a way to stay connected with loved ones. These malls became temporary shelters, offering a respite from the storm and a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge.

A very low-profile classic car collector based in Quezon City lives in a flood-prone area so he built himself a two-story garage to house his mancave and car collection. But during the last typhoon, he opened his garage to safekeep his neighbor’s cars and amazingly, was able to fit some 30 cars safely from damaging floodwaters. All the other cars that were stranded along the roadside had to endure the onslaught of Carina’s waist-high waters.

Just like the big storms in history that it followed, the story of Typhoon Carina is one of devastation but also of resilience and unity. While the floodwaters tested the limits of Metro Manila’s infrastructure and the resolve of its people, the response from various sectors of the community showcased the best of humanity. From the corporate generosity of malls to the bravery of firefighting volunteers, the ingenuity of off-road communities, and the compassion of faith-based organizations, these motoring heroes exemplified the true spirit of bayanihan—working together for a common good. —ALVIN UY