December 17, 2011

Midnight was a scare; the winds were blowing really hard, the rain sounded like it was trying to fill up the city. And to my surprise- that was actually what happened! It was the morning after my angkong’s (grandpa) 40th day since he died, I woke up at around 6AM since my aunt, uncle and cousin who was visiting from Cebu were already making chit-chats that early. We all went out to check on the outside since it was ironic that midnight felt like a thunderstorm and suddenly the morning was bright and chirpy. Boy, we were wrong.

Minutes later, the streets were filled up with our neighbors, running around frantically, shouting and telling everyone that the water was coming. “Naa na ang tubig! Kusog kaayo!” Two of my aunts rushed outside and checked on the scene. True enough, they saw the huge wave of water slowly drifting its way to our subdivision. They quickly went back inside our house and told us to wake up the two kids - my niece and my yaya’s son. Since our neighbors were already making their way to their roofs, we decided to do the same. We climbed up the ladder and got on the roof- just like what the typhoon victims in the news do. I never thought I would experience this scene. I was nervous, but I didn’t have the time to actually tell myself that this case is unlikely and that it was right to be nervous, after all.

When we got up the roof, water started to rise. Minutes later, Paulo and his cousin arrived below the ladder we used and told us to walk our way to their home since it was safer (they live nearby, about 2-3minutes away, and their house has three floors). We gave them the kids first, and they piggy-backed them all the way to their house, with their body submerged in water (waist-high, I think). two of our househelp tried to follow but when they reached the middle part of the subdivision, water was almost above their waists already so they decided to go back. Minutes passed, and we were all there, sitting on top of the roof, waiting for the water to either rise or submerge- who knows?

Luckily, our neighbor has a room on their roof deck, so roof-to-roof, we made our way their and waited until the water submerged. After about three hours, we went down and opened our eyes to a muddy house+muddy things.

Above: View from the roof. My uncle’s car submerged in water (this was when the water was still rising).

The whole experience was devastating. I find myself panicking when it rains. I can’t imagine what I’d feel if there was a blackout again. Much worse if it’s accompanied with strong winds and rain! But still, I am grateful. After seeing the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong, I cannot imagine how blessed I am to still have my family with me. Our house damage is minimal, and most of our clothes are still there.

Since we’re victims ourselves, we’re still trying to find time to buy things to donate to those who need help. What I can do now is to pray unceasingly. After all, God will always hear our prayers. always. God bless Cdeo, Iligan, and all other areas affected by Typhoon Sendong. I pray that a tragedy like this may not happen again. As a nation as a people, we can do this. Let’s help uplift one another. Bangon, CDO. Bangon, Pilipinas. :)