The worst of times bring out the best in people. People from all walks of life, from all regions, all ages are uniting to help. I wanted to cite a friend, a young and attractive Cebuana who moved to Manila. She has literally been transformed, in my eyes, as a symbol of how everybody is reaching deep down and trying to find ways to help. Cacay has created for herself the position of Typhoon Ondoy FB newscaster. In between her time posting, coordinating , and relaying updates, messages, instructions, she still volunteers at different crisis centers. I want to share the contents of these posts so everyone can see how the help is coming from everywhere, Here is a sampling of her FB page:

Cacay Moras Sydney: Donations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy can be brought to Homebush from 7am-5:30pm on Saturday, October 3. We'll be home, collecting and repacking the whole day. Address: 303/5 Stromboli Strait, The Waterfront, Homebush Bay, 2127 If... possible, please give donations in unsealed boxes. Thank you! Contact: allorangefilms@yahoo.com to check if you can deliver at another time or date.

Cacay Moras Ed Alunan 09189347489, chairman of the Subdisvision & Housing Developers Assoc would like to know what areas require construction eqpt to clear mud/debris. Pls quickly send all inquiries to him. Pls repost.

Cacay Moras People in Hong Kong,you may help by going to Cathay Pacific City, 8 Scenic Rd. Lantau Island. A collection box on the second floor is being organized by the Staff of Cathay Pacific. Please continue to send as much as you can. Cash donations are also accepted.

Cacay Moras THE CHEFS ARE STILL ROCKIN' FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE FLOOD. PLEASE KEEP THE DONATIONS ROLLIN'! Send pork, chicken, onions, potatoes, garlic, etc., or cash to Global Academy, Timog Commercial Center, Timog corner Panay Ave, QC (tel 3326751).

Cacay Moras Donations needed - UP mountaineers has 3 trucks tom @ 8am (Power Up Tandang Sora) but we haven't gotten goods depot to commit quantities to us. Please let us know via mobile (09178344425, 09185653992) of supply lines we can tap. TNX TO APRYLLE DUMAS FOR THIS ! [and thanks Sandy]

Cacay Moras CEBU: To those who sent their donations to ORANGE BRUTUS, Thank you! Sent the 1st batch to the container today. Please continue to share the love and donate. We will be accepting donations until Thrs, Oct. 1. which will all be sent to RED CROSS IN MANILA.

Cacay Moras URGENT! BAUTISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Marikina DESPERATELY needs medicine! CANDIVEC CREAM, ANTIFUNGAL CREAM, HYDRATE TABLETS, AMOXICILLIN CAPSULES, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, MEDIPORE PLASTERS. Any of this n any amount. Infection is kicking in. Drop off poin.........ts: The Dusit Hotel addressed to TANYA KROPP or to me: TWINKY LAGDAMEO@LPL Bldg, Eisenhower St, Greenhills, San Juan. Can text me at 0920 920 2998. Pls pass

Cacay Moras Reposting: Ateneo de Manila University : "We need a WAREHOUSE OR REPACKING AREA (short-term use) somewhere near Katipunan/C5/Libis. This is for a group forming a separate relief effort to reach Ondoy victims outside of Metro Manila. If you have......... any lead...s, place offered on volunteer-basis, please contact me ASAP. My number is 0917.525.5487" - Reposted from EDSEL RAMIREZ.

Cacay Moras BANGONPILIPINAS! A musical relief to Ondoy Victims at MANDALYONG GYM,Mandaluyong City. Oct.1 6pm. Featuring: Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Imago, Silent Santuary, Paraluman, Aurora, Delara, Typecast, Spongecola, Mayonnaise, Kenyo, Concrete Sam, and many mor......e! Pls bring relief goods (food, clothes, water, shoes, etc.) to enter! Thank you!

Cacay Moras Cebu: ►ONDOY LIVE AID tonight at The Outpost ◄ ► ONDOY LIVE AID at VUDU tomorrow night. ◄ FORMO Restaurant & Lounge is a drop off center for relief goods/donations. Share. Donate. Help. It will make you feel better.

Cacay Moras Ancie Pamintuan: WE DID IT!!! ENDERUN HAS SENT OUT 6,000 MEALS AS OF 5:08PM!! WE DID IT!! WE ARE GOING TO KEEP GOING UNTIL EVERY LAST MORSEL OF FOOD IS GONE!! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS A POSSIBILITY... EVERYTHING FROM NOW ON IS A BONUS!! ENDERUN HAS SENT OUT A TOTAL OF 14,000 MEALS TO DATE!

Cacay Moras CEBU: Nina Kokseng-Misa to those who sent their donations to Orange Brutus, Thank you! Sent the 1st batch to the container today. Please continue to share the love and donate. We will be accepting donations until Thrs, Oct. 1.

Cacay Moras Gina Ugarte: PAL shipping donations from Australia FOC! Sydney Delivery point for donations in kind: Revesby Press 3/50 George Street Granville. Ph:9760 0933. Urgently seeking donations of clothes, blankets, canned goods, medical supplies. ...Please segregate clothing according to: infants, girls, boys, women, men, shoes! Please call 0414-736-231.

This is not about Cacay but everybody who has taken the effort to go out of their way to help. You can see how people in these messages are coming, from all sectors, banding together to help. The worst of times are indeed bringing out the best in people. Thank you.

But it’s not yet over, a lot more is needed. Please help.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at stirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com