MARIKINA – As most of the city was submerged in mud last November after typhoon Ulysses, clearing operations became the priority of the local government, and recently the national gov’t attempts at a flood control plan – all amid the still very much active pandemic. Right away, mobile outreach group Manila Street Love rallied to take part and help out families affected by launching the Mabangong Buhay Project (Pleasant-Smelling Life Project). Last February 20, MSL drove to Sto. Nino Brgy. Hall in Marikina to turn over 1000 bundles of germicidal bars and 150 bottles of hand sanitizers. Likewise, together with the country’s top disinfecting group – Cleanzone PH – MSL team provided disinfection service to all the 8 barangay vehicles used to transport patients for swab testing. “We have to disinfect these vehicles regularly. That’s why we are so grateful for this free service, which guarantees 90 days of active disinfection. That’s a lot of money saved for our constituents,” said the barangay officers who welcomed us, headed by Chairman Rizaldy Josef.
Soap has been crucial more than ever, with soap and water being considered the best way to rid our skin of germs and virus. “These soaps are so important for our families, more than ever. Even the sanitizers, that’s why we are distributing them to the students who are doing an activity later here at the barangay covered court,” said Chairman Rizaldy.
Manila Street Love started getting pledges late last year from its community of supporters consisting of entrepreneurs and selfless individuals known as ManilaStreetLovers. A Filipino cop from Guam by the name of Rico Santos, Jac Licauco of Fastpoint Enterprise, Jorel Calixto of OAMCP Medical Clinic, and US-based non-profit Sama Sama Foundation were among those who chipped in to realize this project. The volunteers who drove to Marikina were lead by MSL Founder and recording artist Diana Dayao aka Diana D., together with MSL Chief of Design, Tear Cordez, JT Garcia, Reenah Tolentino, Miya Tan, Jorel Calixto and Martin Pulgar.
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As music and charity are always a magical tandem, two concerts for a cause were realized thanks to the Pinoy-pride streaming app, kumu. The virtual show featured known acts such as Luke Mijares, Eloisa, Nef Medina, Q-York, Garth Garcia, OPM icon Jim Paredes, and Manila Street Love founder Diana D. for the launch of her new song Lumapit Ka. Search for “Mr. Mabango” injected more fun for this virtual event with Black Eyed Peas’ DJ Rocky Rock emerging as the winner.
“We all deserve a clean start, and oftentimes that’s the first step to rebuilding what’s been broken. If you had a chance to uplift someone from the puddle, it’s easier with more than two hands, so cheers to the community we call Manila Street Lovers,” said Diana Dayao, MSL founder. She adds that “mabangong buhay” or pleasant-smelling life stands for clean and free from debris and virus life, hence the 1000 soap bars and disinfection service. We’ve proven this more important after the floods, after volcanic eruption, and amid pandemic. Just make sure you can smell still, haha! Wanna join our cause in helping one of the most neglected and underprivileged in the society – the streetkids and homeless one street at a time? Visit us at www.manilastreetlove.com or check out our FB page at fb/manilastreetlove. Thanks to the consistent support of old and new volunteers and partners, we have even reached way beyond that. The pandemic may have blocked borders and faces, but not our hearts. Keep safe and keep the love alive guys!
