Lost in our own survival Olympics
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Sep 2014
THE New York Times on Saturday called the monster flooding caused by superstorm Mario a diluge that brought Manila to a standstill.
Correct, but not really a standstill, because the general scene was of soaked, shivering citizens sucked in a frantic, friendless race to save themselves and whatever they could snatch back from the raging floodwaters.
It was, like in the maddening procession of the Blessed Black Nazarene of Quiapo, to each his own as survivors, numb to cold and hunger, try to stay afloat after being driven out of their flimsy slum dwellings.
**
Not everybody was ready and willing to jump out mindless and escape.
There were many who stayed put, as flood rose brow-high, in a grim bid to save their belongings from professional looters.
There was a desperate tug-of-war from all sides, a smash snarling scene which could always rival a wild, wild spectator event on television.
Welcome to the poor people?s survival Olympics.
**
Of course, it?s no simple coincidence that the superstorm is being played out at regular intervals, as though nature has been rehearsing for it.
?It?s the Lay of the Land,? explained a respected Filipino professor who advises the government on disasters. ?The metropolis has been built on flood mains and rivers.?
When we have this much rainfall, Mother Nature reclaims her rivers back, so much so that we are driven off, he explained of the primitive structure.
**
Meanwhile, out in South Korea, the Philippine delegation joined in the revelry of the colorful opening for the Incheon Asian Games on the same day that superstorm Mario submerged and tormented much of Metro Manila.
As expected, national attention will be centered on the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team, and how it would uphold its newfound status in world sports.
It was totally unexpected, but the head of the Philippine delegation, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, made a bold prediction that the country would be able to bring home at least seven gold medals, a big jump from the three golds it salvaged in Guangzhou four years ago.
There was nothing clear if Garcia based his lofty projection on a revolutionary approach to training.
Or will they be riding on the same primitive sports structure that has caused them to be savagely run down to the ground by dominant Asian sports powers through the decades?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025