Severe weather conditions are proving to be a great equalizer. Even celebrities Glaiza de Castro and Alexa Ilacad were not spared by the wrath of the monsoon rains that inundated large areas in Luzon.
De Castro was reportedly in a video shoot in Quezon City, while Ilacad was with companions in Marikina City. Both cities were among the most affected in Metro Manila due to nonstop heavy rainfall over the weekend.
De Castro is known for her role in GMA show “Contessa” and Cinemalaya film “Liway.” Meanwhile, Ilacad is a rising singer-actress with appearances in some movies and shows.
Video shoot in Quezon city
De Castro shared that there seemed to be a large pool forming outside the house they were using a venue. She posted a photo of her van later seen partly submerged in floodwaters.
According to Pep.ph, the Kapuso actress was taping for a show in a house on Macopa St. Corner Biak Na Bato in Quezon City when flood waters started to rise.
By 7:45 p.m., she reported that she and the group had gotten out of the house safely, but there were still people trapped inside.
“Nakalabas na kami ng location pero may mga naiwan pa dun at kung may alam kayong matatawagang extra boats na pwedeng mag rescue, please let me know. Salamat po,” De Castro said.
Their group was pulled to safety by a small lifeboat later that evening, as seen in a popular video clip De Castro posted on Facebook.
In the post, the “Liway” actress detailed how she and the crew braved the downpour to get out of the property, and then waited for help to arrive at a Jollibee branch in the area.
As she thanked those who supported in the ordeal, De Castro said she was familiar with the inconveniences and dangers when the weather goes awry, having grown up in a flood-prone neighborhood.
“Sana magsilbi itong paalala na bagama’t hindi natin mapipigilan ang sakuna, mayroon tayong magagawa para kahit paano, mas mabawasan ang sanhi nito,” she said.
Trapped in Marikina City
Meanwhile, Ilacad sought help on Twitter for her and her companions to be rescued from a chest-level flood in San Roque, Marikina late at night.
She said that while they were on the second floor of a restaurant, floodwaters started rushing in.
At 12 in the morning, Ilacad updated that they had made their way through the flood until they reached the Marcos Highway.
Finally, at 2 a.m., the Kapamilya actress informed her fans that all of them got home safe and thanked those who responded to her call for help.
“To my Star Magic family, and to all my loved ones, thank you so much. I love you. Na appreciate ko ang bawat isa sainyo,” Ilacad said.
Massive flooding caused thousands of Filipinos to displaced in Metro Manila and some provinces in Luzon.
The water level of the Marikina River also reached critical alarm level 2 before going down to alarm level 1 on Monday. — Artwork by Uela Badayos