Invincible

I heard the news today, oh boy. People woke up to a deluge of water and wind spilled upon them. When everything was said and done, lives were lost and dreams shattered. Children cried for their mothers, fathers mourned their loss, families were never even given a chance to say their goodbyes. The waters may slowly subside, but there are things that words won’t be able to convey. While some of us had a perfect getaway, our people clung to trees for dear life, saving what little they had for a future that’s been left uncertain.

This past weekend, I was in a resort island. True, the trip their might have been hellish, as there were times when waves could have easily capsized the ferry carrying us. I thought we had a hard time. I thought that I would’ve drowned anytime a massive wave struck our cardboard ferry. I actually had it easy.

Typhoon Ketsana (named “Ondoy” locally) struck the capital and the neighboring provinces like a vengeful entity bent on cutting a swath on anything unfortunate to come to its path. The damage has in unimaginable, and the victims’ future even bleaker. While this tragedy may have beaten us to a pulp, it sheds a tear to my eye to see people go out and help each other even in the blackest of nights. The tragedy damaged lives and dreams but hope still lingers on. As a people, the Filipino never ceases to amaze me. The Filipino spirit lives on, proof that we as a people don’t break due to adversity.

To those who’ve tirelessly helped during this difficult time, may you have more strength to help those who have lost hope. To those who’ve lost their lives so that others may live, may your sacrifice live on and reflect on our countrymen. You are an inspiration; the stars burn brighter because of you.

To the Filipino people, keep that fire burning. Stay invincible. I’m proud be one.