Typhoon Signal Number 3

A storm hit the Philippines late this week. With winds reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph, it left thousands of my countrymen homeless. 69 people died in Metro Manila alone.  Most houses go on without water and electricity for a number of days. Even my house wasn’t spared.

A large coconut tree was uprooted and fell directly on the roof. Actually, most of the trees planted on our backyard were uprooted (I’ve got a couple of bananas, mangoes, and some flowery trees). And before I knew it, there was a large crack on the ceiling.

Yikes!!!

In the midst of the raging storm, I braved the gushing winds and climbed on top of my damaged roof. I was lucky my head wasn’t cut off by flying twigs and plywood. I tried to cover it with a large tent like material (I don’t know what to call it in English, but we call it Telon) Anyways, the material served its purpose, and it endured the battery of rain and strong winds. After the 4 hour ordeal with nature, the rain and the wind calmed down. I had a chance to come out of my house and survey what the typhoon did. Leaves, twigs, a piece of what once a roof, pair of pajamas, broken beer bottles, etc., all scattered on the ground. It took the local electric company 20 hours to bring back the electricity in my town (as of this post, some areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces still has no electricity). I watched the late night news and realized the damage done by typhoon Milenyo.

It hit me.

Land and mudslides here, toppled giant billboards there. Many are homeless and mourning the loss of a loved one.

My heart goes out to all of them. They are in my prayers.

My house is OK now..

I still have colds but I’ll be well.

Back to business, as usual.