PBWeekend: Candle Light, A Light of Hope

There was no electricity all over the city since Saturday. This is caused by the typhoon Ondoy, which is until now, our fellow Filipinos are still struggling to survive. Many were stranded in the streets, malls and even in their own houses, which is the last place you'd thought unsafe to stay. Many lost their houses, cars, properties and more importantly their loved ones. There are still a lot of Filipinos out there searching for their lost friends and family members. This devastating calamity surely affected all sorts of Filipinos in the Metro Manila and Luzon areas. Even those whom we can consider as the high society were not spared. I can just imagine those Filipinos who are not considered to be part of the high society. May God keep them and bless them.

But this social differences does not stop Filipinos from helping each other. The local government, social groups, and the media were all united to give a helping hand to the victims. In the midst of torment, Filipinos become united, remains united. Differences were put aside, and all are working together with one common goal.

The pictures above were taken last Saturday. As I was staring at the candle light on the floor of my room, I was praying for my sister-in-law and my nephew. Its almost midnight, and they are still out there.

My nephew was in the mall near his school; he went to the school for a dance practice. We never thought that the area would be flooded, and worse, the water is rising too fast. It was a good thing that they were able to cross to the nearby mall. I fugured later on that it was safer for my nephew and his cousin to stay in the mall, there were security guards keeping them away from the flood water. The guards closed the main door of the mall and nobody was allowed to go out to come in, while they feel that it is still unsafe.

My sister-in-law went after my nephew at 3pm. She was hoping to come near the mall and try to get my nephew and his cousin away from the flood. It was 3am when she finally got home. She was all wet (and stinky). She was stranded in the wet market near the mall where my nephew was stranded. The water was too high and was rising fast. It was a good thing that there were butchers in the area, who were also stranded, helped her to the top of the stall.

It was already 8am when my nephew and his cousin finally got home. They stayed in the mall overnight. My brother and cousins were waiting for them outside the mall, in an area where there's no flood water and where they can see what's happening inside and around the mall. At that moment, there was really nothing left to do but watch, wait and pray.

Thank God my family are safe. I am really greatful that nothing bad happened to my nephew, his cousin and my sister-in-law.

Let us please pray for those who are still experiencing tribulation brought by this dreadful calamity. May the Filipinos continue to hope, live and dream; inspite of the challenges at hand. May God continue to keep us safe, give us courage and bless us with hope & faith.