While You’re Watching Netflix, They’re Drowning: The Post That Missed the Storm

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In times of disaster, every word we utter carries weight. Every post, every statement, every piece of advice echoes louder when people are suffering, scrambling to survive, or praying for a miracle as floodwaters rise around them.

Recently, a social media post encouraged people to save, prepare, and plan for the future. A noble message on any ordinary day—commendable even. But in the midst of a calamity, where families are trapped in submerged homes, parents are carrying children through waist-deep floodwaters, and pets are left behind on rooftops—timing is everything.

Yes, preparedness is crucial. Yes, we must think ahead. But preaching about savings and future comfort while others are clinging to rooftops for dear life reeks of tone-deaf privilege. There’s a fine line between offering wisdom and parading comfort in the face of another’s suffering. And in this case, it crossed it.

You are lucky—safe, dry, perhaps curled up watching Netflix while the rain drums gently on your roof. But not everyone shares that comfort. Some are scraping mud off the few belongings they salvaged. Others are risking their lives in the storm because missing a day of work means their families won’t eat.

To those who speak during crises—know when and how to engage. There’s a stark difference between speaking because something needs to be said, and speaking just to say something. In moments like this, the former uplifts, the latter alienates.

And while some may label this as "sawsaw," let’s be real—speaking up with intention, with heart, and with context matters. We all want to be heard, but let’s not drown out the voices that truly need to be amplified.

So yes, we get your message. We understand the core of what you meant. But next time, before you hit "post," ask yourself: Is this the right moment? Is this helping anyone right now? Or do you just want a pat on the back?

Because when people are suffering, the most powerful thing you can offer might not be advice—it might just be silence, compassion, or a helping hand.

Not a star. Not a medal. Just humanity.

You're PROBABLY Posting This Wrong: Disaster Etiquette You NEED to Know (Before You Get Canceled!)

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

When natural disasters strike, the digital landscape often becomes a double-edged sword. While social media can be a powerful tool for disseminating crucial information and rallying support, it can also amplify insensitivity and disconnect. The images provide a vital guide on what not to post during a flood or natural disaster, urging a thoughtful and empathetic approach to online presence during times of crisis.

This guide highlights several types of content to avoid and offers constructive alternatives, emphasizing that genuine support and awareness are paramount.

The Perils of Insensitive Content 

Insensitive Challenges or Trends

During a disaster, avoid engaging in TikTok dances or trends, particularly when using flooded areas as an "aesthetic" background . This can be perceived as using someone else's hardship for clout, trivializing their suffering for personal gain or online virality. The focus should be on the real-world impact of the disaster, not on creating trending content.

Fitness, Aesthetic, or Beauty Content Without Acknowledging the Crisis

Posts like "what I eat in a day" or "outfit of the day" may seem harmless, but when shared without any empathy or awareness of the ongoing crisis, they can attract significant backlash. While not inherently wrong, such content can appear tone-deaf and disconnected from the harsh realities many are facing. It’s crucial to consider the context of your audience and the broader situation.

Travel Content in Sunny, Safe Places

Avoid posting about beach trips, out-of-country vlogs, or staycations during the height of a disaster. Such content can appear out of touch with the struggles of locals who might be stranded, wet, and worried. At a time when communities are grappling with devastation, showcasing leisurely activities in safe havens can create a sense of disconnect and resentment.

Bragging or Overly Positive Vibes

While positivity is generally encouraged, phrases like "good vibes only," "grateful no matter what," or "manifesting abundance" can come off as dismissive of real struggles, even if unintentional. When people are losing homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones, overly positive or privileged posts can seem to invalidate their pain and experiences.

Luxury or Lavish Lifestyle Posts

Avoid sharing content related to shopping hauls, expensive vacations, luxury food, or designer items. This kind of content can be insulting to those who are struggling, displaced, or have lost belongings. It creates a stark contrast between your comfort and their distress, highlighting a lack of sensitivity to their dire circumstances.

Jokes or Memes About the Disaster

Making light of a natural disaster through jokes or memes that mock the flood or show people in distress for entertainment is highly inappropriate. This behavior minimizes the trauma and danger that victims are enduring. It's crucial to remember that a disaster is a serious event with real human consequences, not a source of comedic material.

Irrelevant Promotional Posts (Hard Selling)

Avoid "buy now!" content or any hard-selling posts that ignore the crisis, especially if they are unrelated to the situation. It can appear as though you are capitalizing while others are suffering, prioritizing profit over people's well-being. Businesses should consider pausing aggressive marketing during such times and instead focus on community support if possible.

What to Post Instead 

During a natural disaster, your online presence can be a force for good. Instead of contributing to insensitive content, consider posting:

Helpful information: Share details about evacuation centers, emergency hotlines, and safety tips. This provides crucial aid to those affected and helps organize relief efforts. 2.  Donation drives or relief efforts: Promote and participate in fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer opportunities. Amplifying these initiatives can significantly impact the lives of those in need.

Messages of empathy, support, and prayer: Offer words of comfort, solidarity, and encouragement. Simple messages of care can provide emotional support to those grappling with loss and uncertainty.

Educational content on climate awareness or disaster readiness: Use the platform to educate your audience on climate change, disaster preparedness, and resilience. This helps foster a more informed and ready community for future events.

By choosing to be thoughtful and empathetic in your online actions during a crisis, you contribute positively to the collective response and demonstrate true solidarity with those who are suffering.

"Suspension or Showmanship? DILG Chief Jonvic Remulla’s Class Cancellation Post Sparks Controversy and Clashes with DepEd"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the thick of heavy monsoon rains and flood advisories, one announcement cut through the downpour—not with urgency, but with unexpected flair. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, once known for his laid-back tone as Cavite governor, found himself at the center of a digital firestorm after announcing the suspension of classes and government work with a post that many say missed the mark.

"Mga Abangers, Sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay naka-idlip nang sandali. Oh eto na inaabangan ninyo!" began the art card posted on his social media account. It was meant to humorously build anticipation before revealing the actual list of areas where classes and work were suspended due to torrential rain and flooding. But what was likely intended as a light-hearted message quickly sparked backlash from netizens who expected sobriety during a time of public concern.

Actor and social media personality Jake Ejercito didn’t mince words. “There’s a time and place for trying to be funny—this isn’t one of them,” he wrote, echoing the sentiment of many who felt Remulla’s tone lacked the seriousness expected of a national official responding to a weather emergency that left commuters stranded, streets submerged, and communities reeling.

The Cavitean Playbook on the National Stage

This isn’t the first time Jonvic Remulla has used an informal and conversational style to communicate official matters. As Cavite governor, he became somewhat known for his “relatable” online posts—peppered with slang, emojis, and colloquialisms—especially when declaring class suspensions. It was a style that earned him both fans and critics, but it resonated with his constituents.

But now, as a Cabinet Secretary with nationwide jurisdiction and heightened responsibility, his tone is being held to a different standard. His critics argue that what may have been acceptable in a provincial context can feel dismissive or tone-deaf when adopted on the national level, especially during natural calamities.

A Post and a Proposal: Centralizing Class Suspension Powers

Ironically, the controversial announcement comes at a time when Remulla is pushing for the centralization of authority to suspend classes—a move that would place such decisions under the DILG's domain rather than being left to individual local government units.

The Department of Education (DepEd), however, was quick to counter the idea. In a public statement on July 21, they firmly maintained that class suspension decisions should remain a localized prerogative. The logic: local government executives are in the best position to assess weather conditions on the ground and respond accordingly.

In this brewing tug-of-war, the art card post only added fuel to the fire. For observers, it raised a pointed question: If the DILG is to be granted power to suspend classes nationwide, shouldn't it demonstrate communication that is prompt, clear, and appropriately solemn?

The Politics of Presentation

Communication from public officials during a crisis isn't just about relaying facts—it's about leadership, tone, and trust. Remulla’s choice of words may seem like a minor social media blunder to some, but to others, it underscores a deeper concern: the seeming trivialization of a situation that disrupts millions of lives.

"Class suspensions aren't just about giving students a break," said one X (formerly Twitter) user. "It’s about safeguarding lives. We want certainty, not comedy.”

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that Remulla’s style is simply an effort to connect with the youth and be more relatable. They claim his personality brings a refreshing break from the typically rigid tone of bureaucracy. “At least he’s not robotic. He talks like a human being,” one comment read.

Bigger Than a Meme

In the age of virality and algorithm-driven relevance, it's easy to forget that public service isn't a popularity contest. The Remulla art card episode is a cautionary tale of how the medium can overshadow the message—especially when lives are potentially at risk.

As rains continue to batter large parts of Luzon, what citizens need is timely and clear information—not riddles wrapped in slang. The future of Remulla’s centralized suspension proposal may hinge not just on bureaucratic processes, but on public trust—something far more delicate than a cleverly crafted meme.

And while Jonvic Remulla may have idlipped sa kabusugan, the public’s hunger is not for wit—but for wisdom in leadership.