Two Ateneans share where they were and what they did at the height of Ondoy’s fury.

Frances Daleon, at home

My family and I were used to floods, so when the water started entering our house, we [didn’t] panic that much.  We started feeling worried when the water kept rising, and we tried to save as many things as we could. We were more scared knowing that our brother, who had a test that day, was stranded in UST. When the water was so high already, we took refuge upstairs and waited for the rain to stop. We were praying the rosary, telling stories of past floods, wondering what was happening downstairs, and most of all, wondering about our relatives, especially our brother. When the rain stopped, we heard noises outside. We went [out] on the balcony and saw a man swimming, asking for some food. We tied a plastic [bag] filled with food on a rope, and gave it to the man.

Russel Go, coming from a party

Coming from a party in The Fort, I experienced the heavy downpour the night before. Katipunan was flooding… [my companions and I] arrived at a friend’s house and slept there. The next day, I was required to go to Ateneo for my NSTP processing session, which was around 10:30 AM… When it was nearing [dismissal], we were already worried that the rain might leave us stranded. We glanced out and saw that it was already flooded… [After class, I met up] with my friend in Xavier [Hall] and headed back to the caf… People could choose to try to go home but it was highly advised that we stay in Ateneo for security. They were opening up some rooms for people to sleep in… I decided I was going to stay [at school] because at least it’ll be more secure here for me than out there. [But I met some friends] and they were frightened to stay in Ateneo, so I accompanied them to Trinoma… I texted some people nearby to ask if I could stay at their place, but [there was little phone] signal. Finally, at 10 PM, I got a text from a friend who lived nearby, and I [slept over].

* with interviews by Katerina D. Francisco