Picking up the pieces

They just can't believe it. Somehow it amazes them as it intrigues them. Filipinos can afford to smile and be cheerful despite the tragedy that struck. This is how the U.S. Marines described their experience in the relief centers when they came for assistance. And this made them smile, as captured on the photos, of their experience.

We Filipinos are known to be resilient in the face of calamity. Some can even find humor in the fact that since we are so used to calamities in every way, we can afford to smile on it.

Of course, it's not a smiling matter if you have dead family members, or lost houses and important properties. But somehow, we have learned to keep things in stride.

"Ganyan po talaga, kelangang tanggapin," commented a Marikina resident taxi driver. He only had a day to clean up everything and then he's off the next day to work. "Pag hindi po nagtrabaho, baka mas walang perang panggastos."

This is how we Filipinos rebuild our lives. We pick up from the pieces and continue with what we have. Resiliency. Acceptance. And with smile on our faces.

Foreigners are amazed in seeing this. And it's a good thing. Let them know that nothing keeps the Filipinos down. We always comeback. We always pick up the pieces.