It was one great tragedy that happened in my hometown, Iloilo. It was a flash flood that went from ground to neck-high in 5 minutes. It happened one Saturday night...
I was still at was at work in Manila, when my best friend called and told me that Iloilo is experiencing the worst flood ever. I immediately called my dad, I expected the worst, yet it never occurred to me...My dad said that they are already staying on the ceiling of our house, just below the roof...they said they had no electricity, all our things drowned by the water, and that I had to get off the phone, since they might still need the phone.
It was like a movie, it played on my mind, it was raining hard, they are soaking wet in darkness, on the ceiling of our house, wondering if the rain would stop or the water would subside. My dad, mom, sister, uncle and our helper were all trapped there...I don't think they slept during that night.
So, I didn't text them or call them, because they might need the phones. Although, I really wanted to. I sent them loads for their phones, hoping they really won't need to use it.
I wasn't able to concentrate on my work that night, I called and texted my other cousins in Iloilo, asking for updates, asking if the rain already stopped.
The following Sunday morning, my mom texted that the flood has subsided, however nothing was spared from the flood, all our things gone, my dad's business, cars and appliances.
I was just so glad that everyone was ok. My mom said that in the nearby area where my lola was, my uncles and aunts had difficulty in saving my bedridden lola from the water. Fortunately, they had a 2-storey house.
My mom and dad said it was really a traumatic experience, and I told them not to worry, since I prayed hard to God that they will all be safe.
I never really knew how it was when Hurricane Katrina hit Florida, now I know that it wasn't easy what they had to go through.
My bosses at work heard about the news, I was so touched that they were concerned about me. I even cried when I was telling my boss about it. I was trying to sound nonchalant, but couldn't help it.
They highly encouraged me to take a Vacation Leave, although I know I would have tons of work when I get back. So, I did. I had a ticket booked to Iloilo 2 weeks before the typhoon for my dad's birthday, but I canceled it, since my mom and dad insisted that we don't need to go home yet.
The flood drained everything from us and left the house and our things with mud.
But, I guess this is the turning point of our lives. It's something that would challenge me and my family. Something, that would shake us and remind us what really matters.
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