Photo Essay on Typhoon Ketsana (a.k.a. Ondoy) - Metro Manila, Philippines

I remember it clearly. It started around 7pm. September 25, 2009 -- A Friday night.





It started raining hard around 11pm. From what I remember, I think the rain did not back down. It was this hard (Please see video above)

September 27 morning came. Other than the heavy rainfall, we are very thankful to God that we do not have any scheduled activities for that day.

At around 4pm, it was still raining hard. (The video above was taken around 4pm on September 27)


That night, we went out to buy food. There were still electricity in other places. Ours didn't have any.


At around 8pm to 9pm the rain stopped a bit.. and it rained again.. and it stopped. In the dark, I composed this blog using my mobile phone (read it here)




The next day, we need to go somewhere else and this was my chance to take photos. Photos to expose Ondoy's wrath.


This is E.rodriguez in Quezon City. Doesn't look like a major road as of taking that picture.


You can see watermarks in this establishments (Wheels Inc and Kia New Manila) window.


New cars and old cars were equally not spared.


Despite the damage, it's still great to see some people smiling.


Wherever you are, water can go anywhere. Gate or no gate.


Even this bus was not spared. High or low, water can get to you.


As we go by, the road conditions got worst. More mud as ever.


Convenience store - racks and everything destroyed.


Emergency room - Also destroyed.


This used to be the hospital ramp - that day, it became a parking lot.


Rescue vehicles - still not spared...


Waiting sheds became temporary shelters...


From Boomtrap to trashtrap.


Below this bridge lies gazillions of trash as it is evident above it.


Sight for the day: Dirty cars.


On higher grounds where it doesn't usually flood, you can still see how high the flood reached.


Floods submerged the entire first floor of this bank in Banawe near Retiro.


I guess the elevation is not enough.


Yes, elevation not enough in Banawe St. for Ondoy.


It was that high, he said.


Businesses incurred losses. Including this pet shop in Banawe.


Even bigger businesses was not spared. This establishment covered their inventory. They sell exotic cars and several other luxury vehicles. Sources said that they weren't able to save any.


Restaurants suffer...


This famous hopia shop is closed. Closed when they should be peaking sales -- it's the mooncake festival month.


Restaurants let out their furniture hoping that the sun would dry them up fast.


Mighty mart: Not mighty versus flood waters.


Trash dangled from several establishments.


Trucks and cars are no match for Ondoy. They all became powerless floating vehicles.


More trash above high ground as evident in the photo above. Retiro Corner C3.


Destroyed road along Quezon Avenue.


More devastated roads...


More destruction caused by typhoon Ketsana.


South Luzon Expressway: Sandstorm up ahead?


No.. just dirt flying up the air.


Billboards are down. Good job. Except for that one. Don't support that brand!

Part 2: Same day, Sunday afternoon, it rained a bit. Result?

Even dirtier cars...


Dirt road turned into very muddy road...


Floating debris on the road...


Really, really bad driving conditions...

The next day... thank God it was sunny!!!

Dirty cars caused by Ondoy.


Even more dirtier cars.


Even this drugstore wasn't spared...


Our warehouse wasn't also spared..


Funny, this coke bottle stood up by itself. It was filled with flood water. Anyone care for a water sample?


Disaster c/o Typhoon Ondoy.


Good thing that glass door didn't break!


From the inside.. this is how it looks like..


So, can you point out to me how high the flood was in here?


Bye Flatron. May you be flat again.


A grocery parking lot with stalled cars..


Water-sealed Toyota Vios headlights -- water sealed from the inside.


Ouch! Brand new!


But, life must go on...


We must learn from our mistakes...


Even this dog lost his home..


Good thing that dog and that pup still has a home...


As dirty as this looks like...


We must all stand-up and recover...


Let that bayanihan spirit motivate us all...


With perseverance, we all could start again!


Don't just sit there, sulk and do nothing..


Continue to learn...


Continue to play...


Because as long as we have God, surely, the sun will rise again and so will we.