There was the 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Then just more than a week ago, the super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). It has been harrowing and petrifying in my country recently. It’s the kind of time when I wished the superheroes that always saved the world in movies and TV series would become real and hopefully do their jobs. But nay, that is real fantasy-fiction and we can’t evade the powerful force of Mother Nature. And as the world continues to revolve and evolve, we will also experience more of these catastrophes in the future. All we need to do is be prepared all the time.
The horrendous 7.2 magnitude earthquake left the island of Bohol, Philippines in devastation. Hundreds were recorded dead, historical landmarks ruined, homes destroyed, and roads, buildings and other infrastructures were damaged. The island is still in almost total darkness. And though the local and national government, private organizations and generous individuals work hand in hand to help the Boholanos rise from the fall, it would take a long time to heal everything.
But while Bohol is starting to pick up the pieces from the devastation, super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) battered several towns of the province just few weeks after the earthquake. But in Bohol’s neighboring provinces, the typhoon claimed thousands of lives, left cities and towns [almost] windswept, and people in desolation. I know the victims would later move on from the tragedy, but I wonder how they will start a new beginning.
Cebu City was partly affected by the typhoon. I can still recall that at 4a.m. on November 8, 2013, the heavens had already shown something ominous. I couldn’t establish a connection with the Internet, which impede me to work from home. Then, the downpour and the sun didn’t even got the chance to show its might. We knew it was coming.
Throughout the day, I was in my boarding house [made of light materials], listening to the howling of the strong winds and the pouring rain. The sound of it was like rolling boulders from the hills. I saw flying tin roofs, tree branches breaking and falling and few residents from the neighborhood securing their properties amid the life-threatening phenomenon.
My family kept on updating me on the progress of the typhoon until it finally took a landfall in the northern part of Cebu. Super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was absolutely strong. All I could do was get ready with my emergency bag [containing extra clothes and a blanket, a litre of bottled water, a loaf of bread and biscuits, chocolate bars, few easy-open canned goods, small flashlight, and a small medicine kit] and fervently prayed. Then, the rest was a painful history.
In the past few days, I was following the Facebook posts, tweets and news on the Internet relating to the aftermath of the recent super typhoon that hit the Philippines. It is heart-crushing to see the ruins and hear the agonizing stories of the victims. There is no greater pain than seeing your brethren in such unspeakable situation. Everything is heartbreaking.
My country has been battered not only by these disasters. The political turmoil is also disappointing majority of the Filipinos. Even in times of urgency, there are still many politicians who think about their own personal and political interests. Each time I read posts on Facebook about the recent issues with the Philippine government, I could only sigh in frustration. At times, I regret I never voted for the past many elections. But then I was thinking, it doesn’t matter.
Now, the least we could do, aside from getting angry and questioning at how the government is run by our current leaders, is to help our brethren in our own little ways. Sharing a bit of our blessings and time are already huge contributions. After extending myself to different organizations in their relief drives, I realized that it is more fulfilling to be selfless for those who really need. I know that the Filipinos will survive these crises. In time, those who are directly affected will smile again and embrace hope for a brand new beginning. May these tragedies teach us many lessons that we could use to effect change in our country, community and home.
My condolence goes to those who are mourning for their dead, especially in the province of Leyte. May the souls of the dead peacefully rest. For those who survive, don’t lose hope and hold on to your faith in God. For all of us, let us continue to extend help, prayers and bring awareness across the globe. Aside from that, let us do something for our environment for it really needs our immediate attention. Let us always read the signs of times, have the nose for news, and be prepared for any disaster.
In behalf of the Filipino people, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the help that came and are still coming from all over the world. Thank you very much and mabuhay kayo!
The Cuthing Edge 
My heart goes out to you and all those who have been affected. See this is how the people in England respond when we get some strong winds or heavy snow. People go into a panic and empty the shelves in the stores. People here just don’t understand the actual meaning of a disaster. Only weeks ago we were hit by a mere 90mph winds which blew down a couple of trees! The whole country seemed to be in shock and were terrified of what was to come. Omg people take a look at the world! Are we actually in danger?? Well I don’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong, a couple of people died, and my condolences. But even when we get a heavy snow fall the country goes into grid lock! Why? Because people panic. People forget how to operate in a normal manner! The news itself causes panic and it spreads. Grow up my fellow country men and take a look in the mirror. Take a look at the world, and then, decide whether you are lucky enough to be here!
Your story should go out to everyone living the way we do my friend. Because I tell you now, you are all heroes. God be with you all
Thank you very much, trailrage. Disasters like earthquake and typhoon not only happen in my country. Different forms of calamities are also occurring in different parts of the world. I don’t want to speak genius but I believe there are explanations and reasons for these. Whether it is from scientific and religious perspectives, we need to open our minds to world realities. But as ordinary individuals, we also need to do our share in understanding the force of nature, and do something to protect ourselves. As to our safety and survival, we need to be aware, be prepared and always hold on to our faith.