They say disasters bring out the Beauty, or the Beast in people. For the kayak guides in KayakAsia Philippines, it was the former. They are nice, friendly people who make a simple living by bringing guests on kayaking trips. Due to the disaster in their hometown, they have not wallowed in self-pity and whine (and complain that the government is not doing enough. Sounds familiar, Singaporeans?); instead they have found an opportunity to make use of their unique skills and equipment (kayaks are considered to be expensive in Bohol) to bring relief to their countrymen and women. Perhaps they have cried, they have complained, but at least they have moved on and did something good. This is the strength of the human spirit. It also reminds us the original purpose of kayaking, as a means of transport across water. With more advanced modes of transport invented, including automobiles, planes and even space shuttle, there will still be times when a simple boat and paddle is all you need, or all you have.
The following was taken from their Facebook post.
Picture from KayakAsia Philippines
This is a picture of residents from nearby Maribojoc coming from the city being ferried across the Abatan river to their homes on the other side. This was photo taken just minutes after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Bohol and collapsed many of its major bridges that connects the towns along the coastal road. With my nerves still trembling from the intensity of the strongest earthquake to hit this island in my living memory; this scene shook me even more as I stood along the riverbank to take this snapshot.
This photo can be a scene of distress or grief or whatever negative emotion there is related to when in a certain calamity. Or this can be a scene of selflessness....
These are kayak guides who work for KayakAsia Philippines Abatan River Station. Some of these guides have just seen their homes crumble into a mere rubble. One of these guides was even inside his home as the earthquake split his house beside the river into half.
Yet there they were - on the water, with a paddle.
Through their misfortune, they seek comfort with a paddle in their hands and did what they love most. They were hoping that a good deed of helping these anxious people cross the river and get to their homes suspend their own grief and loss. Every stroke takes them further away from the pain and reality of the situation they are in. Every stroke takes a stranger across the river and closer to his home. Because maybe, some of these friends, neighbours, strangers who are waiting to cross the river may have lost more than just their house - they need to see them home fast.
In situations as such, people can either dwell on their tragedy or be selfless and spread positivity. No one asked the guides to do it. They just felt the need to be at the station. Sme handed in coins for the ride, though a sincere nd grateful thank you was more than enough to take home to - to lift the spirits up which they so badly need in raising the foundations of a new home from the rubble of this tragedy. Through people like them, we know Bohol will lift itself up, again!
KayakAsia Philippines
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