I just want to share the touching story of Tatay Ricardo Artiago, a taxi driver in Manila who came from Tacloban city, Leyte. Thanks for the touching story. Credits to Ronjo Solis.
Here's the story. (*full article source from Ronjo Solis)
[Update as of 2013Nov20, 2330H]
Just met tatay Ricardo Artiaga. Taxi driver here in Manila who came from Tacloban.
He apologized for having swollen eyes since he was crying for the last two days - he was not able to get in touch with his family, children and grandchildren eversince Yolanda came.
He told me that his other child here in Manila already checked the list of survivors from ABSCBN and GMA7 but was not able to find in the list any member of his family. He plans to go back this Sunday to Tacloban to check the area since it may really take quite sometime to have a comprehensive list of survivors.
From there I figured that there's a reason why I was moved to take the cab instead of taking the train going back to Makati and why I had spare money in my wallet. I immediately asked manong to take me to the nearest market. And from there I got him a phone/charger, bought a Smart SIM card and loaded it with credit good enough for a week. The lady storeowner who found out my cause also donated a pair of slippers to manong.
When we arrived at Makati, before alighting I handed him over the phone and slippers [and told him to use the phone so he could get in touch with his kid here in Manila when he gets to Tacloban and also so I could get in touch with him just in case I find something about his family]. I was telling myself "Ronjo utang na loob wag kang iiyak." But manong broke down already. And shet I broke down as well.
He was thanking me and was thanking the Lord. But honestly deep in my heart I knew that I should be even more thankful because we are all spared here in Manila.
I am sharing you guys this experience because I want to remind everyone to have a little more push and to be more selfless when giving. Do not just give anything you have in excess. The families in Tacloban and Visayas have lost EVERYTHING. What's a little sacrifice from our own wallets and savings?
So when the time comes you have an opportunity to give, I say go and seize the moment. Lord has blessed you to have an opportunity to bless others - let's do our best to make the most out of our chance to be a blessing to others.
ps:
He's planning to go to Tacloban this Sunday, Nov17.
(bus fee is 1600 one way, he said.) (for those who are planning to go to Tacloban on the same day maybe you could give him a ride )
Smart Number: 09183455547
--and for those who are actively participating in relief operations, maybe you could help me check if his family is doing well in the province.
Wife's Name: Lucia Artiaga
Address: 94 Anibong, Rawis, Tacloban City Leyte
psps: He had very little sleep for the last few days as he's overcome by worry. The reason why he's working right now is for him to be able to save up for his travel so he could bring something home.
pspsps: Please help me pray for his family and the rest of our fellows in Visayas.
--------------------------------------
[Update as of 2013Nov16, 2330H]
--------------------------------------
--a very kind soul has arranged tatay Ricardo's transportation..
--Tatay Ricardo and his daughter are expected to be in Tacloban by tomorrow morning, 2013Nov17.
--there will be a couple of people accompanying tatay during his trip as well!!
-- There were a lot of people who offered to help tatay Ricardo! (the figures are overwhelming. Help literally came from all parts of the world)
--and perhaps the best news I got for today came from her daughter who messaged me a couple of moments ago:
"oo nga po pla may gud news po pala ako,,knina po tumawag na po sa akin c mama...sa waks at nakatawag po cla masayang masaya po ako ng ok cla duon...dibale ng nawala ang mga bahay nila basta wag lng ang buhay..."
"..nakwento nya pa po na muntikan na clang mamatay duon mabuti at nakakkapit daw po xa sa puno ng mangga.."
(i literally cried after reading the text)
Mga kapatid, maraming salamat po sa mga nagdasal para kay tatay at para sa pamilya niya. This is a miracle indeed. And without everyone's prayers and effort to extend aid to him, things would have been totally different right now.
At this moment I am reaffirmed that there will always be reason to hope. And more importantly a reason to believe that the spirit of generosity, charity, and love will always be a part of every Filipino's heart.
Tatay Carding is just one of the many kapatids who needs our support. Let us not get tired and doubtful when extending our help to everyone who needs it.
ps: please continue to pray for him and our friends in Visayas.
psps: the one who took care of tatay's transportation from Manila to the province is a government officer <-- let me say thank you very much for your humility, generosity, and kindness.
pspsps: thank you for staying with tatay. God bless!
[edit] tatay Carding told me that the money he got from all who supported will be used to help move the other survivors to a different location. I 100000% trust tatay's words.
-----------------------------------------
[Update as of 2013Nov20, 2330H]
-----------------------------------------
--sorry for the late post.
--hi guys, tatay was able to meet his family last Sunday 2013Nov17. finally
--his wife and kids in Tacloban were able to make it through the typhoon by hanging on to a tree. (This is indeed a miracle. if their strength wavered even for a second, or if the storm got even a little stronger, or if the branch got weaker and snapped, or if any object that was drifting smashed through, then we wouldn't be witnessing tatay Ricardo and his family's reunion.)
--They were able to make it back home in QC last Monday, 2013Nov18 by riding the C3. (they fell in line sunday night)
Many many many thanks for those who have prayed for manong. And if not for everyone's effort in spreading tatay's news, his story right now would have not been the same -- the people who extended their help and prayers would not have been able to do so, and media men would not be there to accompany and protect tatay Ricardo in his journey. Maraming maraming maraming salamat po.
Let us always keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open - there are many many other tatay Cardings and fellow Filipinos who are very much needy of our help. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Love to hear what you think!
