SENDONG. A year after.

I've often wondered how it would be a year after typhoon Sendong devastated homes and wasted lives in our city. It sounds horrendous hearing victims tell their tale on that fatal night. In a split second, a wrong decision could take away your precious life. And it's quite amazing to know, no one has exactly the same story to tell.

As I woke up at 3am today, I sadly recalled how frantic we were seeing muddy water getting inside our home. Though our home was elevated, it was already on my breast level that time. If we had to climb through the 5ft perimeter fence to get to the roof of our one-storey home, we will have to swim as water may be deeper outside. It left us no other choice that minute but climbed on the railing to get on top of our van in the garage. It was the immediate move I could think of that time.

A picture of the white van that saved our lives and the little black car we bought ten (10) days before the flood. It was a frightful experience seeing muddy water around you with the other car totally submerged into it.

Notice the wall that pictured where the water level may have stabilized. We had a difficult time the next day getting the dog who was wise enough to swim her way inside the window grill. She was still shaking as we removed the last jalousie for her easy way out.

This is just one (1) of the horrendous sites I have ever witnessed in our neighborhood. Somehow, I am very grateful that this did not happen to us.

Having dinner and a break from it all. We had to get up and be strong because no one else would do it for us.

Once again, I am grateful to the Almighty for answering prayers even before I utter them.

For friends and relatives who prayed and gave us strength.

Let's celebrate life!  

Philippine Independence Day 2012.

June 12, 2012.  It was unlike other Independence days when we used to wake up early and head for divisoria or the main streets to witness the city parade. This time we went to the mall to evade the unfavorable weather. We wanted to just sit and watch a show or maybe just go around the mall for something interesting and patriotic to commence the historic event. And we got what we came for.

Look here. This is a showcase of paintings. It illustrates the era when Philippines was under the Spanish Regime and the uprising to regain freedom.

The Cry of Balintawak which is also known as Cry for Freedom and later on shown in the form of a cultural dance. 

Students in filipino costumes serenading the audience with wonderful filipino master pieces. 

BEST ATTRACTION OF THE EVENT.

Who would have thought that what looked like a queen size bed covered by a huge filipino flag was actually a bed of "vjandep buns?" http://www.foodamn.com/2011/10/camiguin-vjandep-pastel-buns-with.html

I fell in line, too for free pieces of it.  Could you tell where I am in this photo? I'm in between the guys in green and red shirts. 

Happy 114th Independence day. 

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 

The current school year 2011-2012 has just ended. We've been jubilant seeing son as he graduated and had our share of pride on him being a recipient of special awards.

This is my 2nd time to enjoy summer. Behind me is the kiddie pool right next to the adult pool. I can't help missing our van in family outings like this. Imagine being jampacked in a little car when you are so used to have more room and comfort while on the road. And we had to choose what is necessary to make things easier for all of us.

Anyway, I had fun time with my siblings with each of our families. I'm wishing and looking forward to more summer outings.

This one's a sample of the fun I just had.

JS Prom 2012

Everyone in the family had been anticipating for son's JS Prom last Feb. 25, 2012. It wasn't just because of what every junior and senior high-schoolers look forward to but because most of the family's kids will be going in said event. With very few days left before our young man bids goodbye to his high-school and yours truly just looking back to those days when I had to wake up early to help him prepare for school and the meetings and activities I willingly attend for the love of my child.

A pose with his cousins Nonah and Eman. All three (3) of them are seniors in the same school. If during his junior year he opted to wear contacts, this year he chose to wear his eyeglasses.

Look at Eman's gray contacts!

Little did I knew he had an ex-girlfriend already. To note that they are civil to each other makes me more proud of him.

The lady in red is his girlfriend. Oops! Save some comments. I don't want to compare. lol! :)

It's amazing how time flies. Son and I had been together in his endeavors and I've witnessed how he stands out in every activity he has to attend. Soon he will be in College and mom here keeps hoping whatever we had started would be a good foundation for achieving his goals.

Moving On

It's been a long time since I last came in here to post highlights in my day-to-day musings. Typhoon Sendong has caused so much change in my life. I've never seen so much muddy water in our home until that traumatic event. It has threatened to take our lives and even now have me thinking what my family would have been if all of us were asleep that time.

But then, since I prayed unceasingly the moment we were on top of our van in the garage and beg for God's mercy to save us, I am full of gratefulness that we end up safe.

This was taken shortly after the flood started to subside. Someone has to get inside the house to see what could still be saved. Luckily, my digicam was in a safe place.

We climbed through this railing to get on top of our van. It was the immediate act I could suggest as soon as we got to our front door. Beside our white van is a Daewoo Matiz we purchased ten (10) days before the flash flood. And it was totally submerged in muddy water.

And here we were, barely a week after it all happened. We needed a break!

However traumatic it may have been to all of us, the thoughtfulness of relatives and friends who responded to our needs was very rewarding. It is indeed a fact that in times of our lowest do we realize who will be there in times of our need.

Our refrigerator is sill functional despite it all. But who would want it after all the dirt it has accumulated?
We feel more confident buying a new one, for a change.

It's amazing how this set floated and wasn't washed out of our home. You should have seen how we washed and sun-dried it for days.

I thank God for those special people and most of all, for God's compassion for listening to my prayers.