Thoughts came in my mind after the destructive Typhoon Odette( @1st Month)

In my 28 years of existence in this world, I'd been exposed to difficult situations in life but it does not mean that I already reach the highest point of consequences. What happened last month gave me light and hope that I am not a useless human but a worthy and a blessed one. Filipinos were known as happy people. They remain smiling despite of the challenges they are facing and this shows a good intention to be positive.


December is the month of joy and celebrating the Christmas Day but it was a twist plot when we received news that changed our lives forever. It was 17th of December when the typhoon Odette entered on its landfall in Cebu City and Cebu province most specifically in the South Provinces, they were affected and I was there to witness it all.


This is going to be an interesting blog because this can open our eyes in the reality and does regrets practiced after the calamity? Each individuals has its own story to tell and we expect grief and sadness from those people were totally affected. Give me a chance to show my thoughts to everybody and I am hoping that each and everyone will realize and see how meaningful "LIFE" is. I know that this is a bit late but today is the perfect time to express as it marks its first month when it left lots of pain to the society.

The following are my top THOUGHTS that possibly everyone experienced:

"NO EXEMPTION, WE ARE ALL EQUAL"

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In this world, the society itself categorized people according to their wealth but in the eyes of God, we are all "EQUAL".

Having a FIRM house does not mean it can stand in long term because there are weak houses that remain unbothered.

Having a HUGE amount of MONEY does not give you an assurance because there are people who have NOTHING but with EVERYTHING that's kind-hearted ones, respectable and humble.

Typhoon is a natural calamity. It does not give us a signal that we will not be affected the same as what we expect last time. We were reminded what to prepare and what to do but because of having a mindset that "Everything is going to be okay" does not help by its surprise.

Glass windows and hallways can be broken.
Huge and old trees can be smashed.
Hectares of land or farm can be flooded.
Mode of transportation can be flushed,
And this all can be done in a snap.

The typhoon itself will not choose its own favorite and that is why there are no exemptions when it comes to like this.

THE EXISTENCE OF GREEDINESS

All Photos were personally took by @missdonna


It saddened me to see it in my two eyes publicly on how people practicing greediness. There's a pain in my heart how abusive they are and never left something to others. The night after the typhoon, people were in panic buying. The roads were covered with line wires, electricity posts, huge trees and other dangerous debris. This gives a reason why they cannot access as government officials and staff need to do a big job and clearing roads is one of their top priorities. This cause as well of not delivering the goods and there's an out of stock from different stores. There was one time when I went to the Bakery shop to buy some bread. I can hear group of women begging to someone not to take all the bread as they need it too but sad to say the other lady refused to share some. This breaks my heart. Since bread is one of the survival foods to have during the calamity.


Second worst thing was, Hoarding of Gasoline. Galloons of gasoline were distributed to people with no limits and I totally disagreed from the gasoline station of not organizing the process. So I let someone to inform this concern in the municipality, Police Department and Bureau of Fire and Protection to put their eyes on this matter. People are lining up for hours, no social distancing and one thing I worried the most is that gasoline is a main source to create a fire that can possibly resulted to a big accident for everyone and I don't want that to be happened because it will add another problem. I was glad they took an action and it came to a point that one person is only allowed to buy at least 5 liters of gasoline.


In this time of crisis, it is supposed to be the time for sharing but there are few who are purely giving what they've got. As a human being, I always believe in a good karma the more I give, the more blessings I will receive. It is not necessary for us to have a money to help. God provided us a body that is very useful. I am hoping that everyone will share kindness as what others did and not just thinking for its own benefit but for the rest as well.


PATIENCE and BE CONSIDERATE



After the typhoon, we were like a box of crayon but one color left and that is black. It was full of hopeless on how we can stand and recover from the typhoon. Life became boring, the world is dark and silent. They said teachers were most likely experienced on how to manage patience to their respective students but everyone experienced it from the second week of December 2021 up to this present.


Communication was cut. There are no signals and internet connection for us to be updated of the news. I experienced to go to the mountain for me to have a chance to get a signal even if 1 bar but it was already a big help for me to contact my family inside and outside the Philippines. There is no electricity but I don't find it too difficult because I am used to it and that's the best thing from an experienced one. Living in the province has a good benefit because the weather is cold and that's why it's comfortable at night. When it comes to cooking food, we can have it in the dirty kitchen where in modern kitchen appliances are no longer needed. The important is, we can cook in a simple way and eat foods to give us strength.


Water is essential. What's the use of faucets if it's not functioning? We have to wake up early in the morning to fetch some water. In this time of crises, we have to be mindful on hoe to spend our money. People who are not having enough money to buy water can't avail water from refilling stations so they are increasing the price in double. God is wise and smart enough as he provided us the natural resources. For our drinking water, we will have to travel in the mountain areas and fetch a fresh one. For bathing and washing, we use "puso" (an old way source of water), "river" and "tabay" or deep well. Arguments can't be out on the situation and I salute to those people who remain calm, patience and consider the situation why all of this were happening.


LOVE and KINDNESS is above ALL


A landslide caused by continuous rainfall in Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines


I was touched how parents sacrificed to give the best for their children that even though they are in the state of hopeless but they are still kicking for what tomorrow brings for their family. I salute for those people who shared their houses to those who lost homes. I can see the unity of everyone and those actions was already shows what LOVE is and if there is love then there is kindness too. I think it is the time to set aside our anger to those we had conflicted with because to survive from this kind of typhoon is a second life that we must be thankful and cherish. This is not the time for hatred but it is the time for sharing and loving towards another. I do hope this everything we'd been through will teach us a great lesson and let that lesson will always be our reminder on how blessed we are.


Let me share some greatest lesson about the typhoon,



Life is not always easy, there are rocks that we must face and learn to survive from it.

Everyone's downfall is a source of strength why we must stand for it.

If you are having enough, then learn to share some for those who have nothing.

and lastly, always look for a brighter side of life , be positive and think what's the best for you and the rest of your loved ones.


Collage presentation were edited through Canva

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