Who could forget the fear and tragedy caused by the 1990 killer earthquake?
On the 34th anniversary of the killer earthquake, survivors from the heavily damaged Hyatt Hotel in Baguio came together to share their stories.
At 4:26 in the afternoon, on July 16, 1990, the bustling city of Baguio was rocked by a magnitude of 7.8 earthquake for 45 seconds.
These 45 seconds and the subsequent aftershocks changed the lives of hundreds of Hyatt Hotel employees.
One of them was Ofelia Costales, then the chief accountant, who was trapped under the collapsed building.
Ofelia Costales, a 1990 killer earthquake survivor, recounts, for over four hours, all she could do was make noise and pray.
Hermie Samuel, another survivor, can’t forget the cries of his colleagues he never saw again.
Hermie Samuel, a 1990 killer earthquake survivor, shares his story of that day.
The fear also gripped Gloria Agunos, who was pregnant at that time.
As the HR manager of Hyatt at that time, she needed to ensure the safety of everyone.
Atty. Gloria Agunos, a 1990 killer earthquake survivor, tells her experience.
Ricky de Peralta assisted in the rescue efforts.
Ricky de Peralta, a 1990 killer earthquake rescuer, explains why he chose to help save lives.
Rescuer Ray Olarte also saved several lives, including Ofelia’s.
Ofelia Costales recalls, “Ray heard me and truly saved me.”
(Si Ray ang nakarinig sa akin, talagang iniligtas niya ako.)
Their annual gatherings on Julyu 16 have become a tradition, a celebration of their second chance at life.
Ray Olarte, a 1990 killer earthquake rescuer, talks about the importance of their reunions.
Even with the fear they feel during each tremor…
They hold on to the hope and lessons left by the 1990 killer earthquake.
