Yesterday Was One Year After

Sunday started bright and cheerful. Our village was celebrating the feast of our patron saint and there was a parade down the main street. Drums were beating, ribbons were streaming, lots of people were cheering and laughing. My daughter joined part of the parade with her titas, albeit in her pajamas, and was happily stomping her feet and waving her blue flag. What a beautiful day, I thought, with the sun shining and kids dancing on the street. What a great difference from exactly one year before, when dark clouds rained a fierce storm and floodwaters rose, covering the same happy street these happy people were trodding on.

It was one year since Ondoy/Ketsana let loose its fury. One year since my daughter was evacuated to a neighbor's house, to escape the rising waters. One year since my father spent the night on our rooftop, helplessly watching the flood rampage our home. One year since I spent the night away from them, furtively waiting for news that they were safe, praying that angels would keep them from all harm.One year since we all came home to a mud filled house, our belongings either destroyed or damaged.

We have all since recovered from that fateful day. We have cleaned our home, washed our clothes, replaced those that were gone. In a way, we have recovered, but each time strong rains come, we cannot help but fear it could be a repeat of last year.

Yesterday also found us attending a first-year birthday party of a friend's son. This friend of mine delivered her first child at the 2nd floor of her home, attended by only her husband, as flood waters rampaged on the first floor. I remember being part of a brigade calling the Red cross, media, and chopper services to bring her out of Cainta so she could deliver at the hospital. But there were no longer any boats, or even choppers available or able to reach her deeply flooded village. How scary and painful it must have been for her. Looking at her son now, I cannot help but agree that he is indeed a miracle baby, a bright light in that dark day.

I do count myself lucky that I have not lost a loved one or my home last year. I still grieve each time I remember all those lost lives, hopes and dreams. Countless tv specials and articles have been written about Ondoy, it truly is something we cannot forget. How long until a disaster like that should happen again, I do not want to imagine, but is something we have to be ready for. Sigh. Yesterday was one year after. I hope there will never be a yesterday or one year ago again like that.


You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord: "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust"
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Yesterday Was One Year After

Sunday started bright and cheerful. Our village was celebrating the feast of our patron saint and there was a parade down the main street. Drums were beating, ribbons were streaming, lots of people were cheering and laughing. My daughter joined part of the parade with her titas, albeit in her pajamas, and was happily stomping her feet and waving her blue flag. What a beautiful day, I thought, with the sun shining and kids dancing on the street. What a great difference from exactly one year before, when dark clouds rained a fierce storm and floodwaters rose, covering the same happy street these happy people were trodding on.

It was one year since Ondoy/Ketsana let loose its fury. One year since my daughter was evacuated to a neighbor's house, to escape the rising waters. One year since my father spent the night on our rooftop, helplessly watching the flood rampage our home. One year since I spent the night away from them, furtively waiting for news that they were safe, praying that angels would keep them from all harm.One year since we all came home to a mud filled house, our belongings either destroyed or damaged.

We have all since recovered from that fateful day. We have cleaned our home, washed our clothes, replaced those that were gone. In a way, we have recovered, but each time strong rains come, we cannot help but fear it could be a repeat of last year.

Yesterday also found us attending a first-year birthday party of a friend's son. This friend of mine delivered her first child at the 2nd floor of her home, attended by only her husband, as flood waters rampaged on the first floor. I remember being part of a brigade calling the Red cross, media, and chopper services to bring her out of Cainta so she could deliver at the hospital. But there were no longer any boats, or even choppers available or able to reach her deeply flooded village. How scary and painful it must have been for her. Looking at her son now, I cannot help but agree that he is indeed a miracle baby, a bright light in that dark day.

I do count myself lucky that I have not lost a loved one or my home last year. I still grieve each time I remember all those lost lives, hopes and dreams. Countless tv specials and articles have been written about Ondoy, it truly is something we cannot forget. How long until a disaster like that should happen again, I do not want to imagine, but is something we have to be ready for. Sigh. Yesterday was one year after. I hope there will never be a yesterday or one year ago again like that.


You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in His shadow for life,
say to the Lord: "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.