Barangay 19

While we were gone last weekend there was a fire in Barangay (District) 19 which is just a few blocks from our hotel. They area is tightly packed with small family homes and narrow alleyways. All in all, 62 residences were destroyed and 17 people died. The residents did not have much to begin with but all of it was lost in the fire.

Yesterday, Jaana and I took around town to snap a few last minute pictures before we leave tomorrow. Although the entrance to the barangay was closed off and guarded by the police we were able to visit an area where the displaced victims were being held and donations being accepted. Despite what had happened to them, the people still had smiles on their faces - their ability to deal with adversity is amazing. The children were running around an empty lot and playing games with each other. We ran over to a store and bought bags of candy to bring to them. I also had a small bag of toys that my boys had picked out from their stuff for me to bring with me. The kids were so excited! They swarmed around me and were dancing and cheering for the candy and toy cars. A small bit of excitement in an otherwise difficult time.