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The way out was through the window.

Mallari survived the fire by grabbing about 30 metres of rope attached to a window-cleaning platform and securing it to his belt and equipment. As his room filled with smoke and fire burned on the floors below him, he jumped off a balcony and dangled from the side of the building.

With one hand, Mallari held onto to the rope and with the other he used his phone to contact his wife and colleagues for help.

Sorry for the announcement. Happy New Year to all. Posted by Dennis Borja Mallari on Thursday, December 31, 2015

The photographer had his camera rolling as he waited two hours to be rescued. The videos show thick orange smoke and debris falling just below his dangling feet. Even the city’s skyline was below him.

When Mallari heard rescue workers approach his floor, he desperately tried to let them know he was still alive.

“When I saw lights and heard the sounds of footsteps at the floor I was in, I started tapping on the aluminum to get their attention,” Mallari told AFP.



While having a chat with Civil Defense, keep calm and see the view. Posted by Dennis Borja Mallari on Thursday, December 31, 2015

“I’m excited because it’s New Year, and (filled with) an adrenaline rush.”