Realization

Everyday, I am checking online the update about the Sendong Flood in CDO. Yes, I am very affected because I have relatives and friends that are still missing.

I am thankful that my immediate families are safe. But everytime I watched the videos about the missing persons and those who are still looking for their friends and relatives it really breaks my heart.

I realized that we should be very grateful for every little things we have. Treasure each moments we have with our families. We give time to our families and friends. We should not be materialistic. We should appreciate our life and be always thankful.

I pray to God to heal the people of CDO.

A Very Shocking Day

Around 2 a.m my cousin from Cagayan de Oro called me to inform that there is a flood. We are very worried because some of our relatives are living near the river. I checked online news but it seems that it is not updated so I just slept. Early morning, I received another call that the whole village was wiped out. I was so worried!

Luckily my relatives are safe! They got a chance to save all the kids before the water went up so high. I really can’t imagine myself what they are going through. I am worried for my little cousins and the babies.

When I was 4 years old, while we are still staying in CDO, I also experienced the flash floods and since then we avoided staying near the river.

I really wish that they can overcome this tragic moment and I pray so hard to God that they will be heal soon.

I already sent clothes that is supposed to be my Christmas presents for them and I know that they will need more. If you want to help my relatives and friends at CDO please leave a comment.

Here are some of the pictures I got online. It really breaks my heart!

A woman holds the dead body of her child, killed in the raging storm

Residents rest in an evacuation centre after their houses were washed away by flashfloods caused by typhoon Washi in Cagayan de Oro, southern Philippines

A general view shows a village hit by flashfloods caused by typhoon Washi in Cagayan de Oro in southern Philippines

Residents gather near the body of a resident recovered from flashfloods caused by typhoon Washi in Balulang village in Cagayan de Oro

Residents carry a dead person who was drowned in flash floods brought by Typhoon Washi, locally name as Sendong, in Cagayan De Oro city

A body covered by a cloth lies along a main street in Macasandig town, Cagayan De Oro city

 

Pictures are from Yahoo.ph

 

>Inner Thoughts

>July 14, 1979, I was born here in CDO. I am the eldest daughter and granddaughter in my mother side. It took 6 years before my parents conceived me and because of that I am the favorite of my lola and titos and titas. When I was a kid I always dream to be successful. To go away in this place because I believe that my success is not belong here.

After graduating elementary, I am a full scholar in Cebu and so I have to leave my comfort zone. At first it was hard because I was used of being surrounded by people who loves me and give me so much attention but I know I have to stand alone. After finishing high school I continue my college education in Laguna and since then I seldom visited CDO. I miss everyone but I have no choice but to f0llow my dreams.

Eversince I left, I know in my heart that I will be coming back in this place but not the childish me but a new me. Some of them thought that I change a lot. I carry myself well from being nothing. Of course I don’t forget them.. they are my inspiration. They love me even more because despite of everything I always end up staying with them.

There are times that I wanted to build a house here where we can settle but I know this is not the right time. Or…. this is not the right place for me to stay for good. I love here but I can’t stay long. There are part of me wanted to stay but still I can’t continue to live a life here. I know my heart belongs somewhere…

But this place is my home…. na kapag napagod na ako alam ko may uuwian din ako but for now… let me continue my journey.

Until next time…

>Lazy Day

>Last night after dinner we decided to go back to a coffee shop near in our hotel because they offer free internet. I order a coffee while my husband order a san mig light. Two men came with big camera. I love the camera he own. He keeps on checking his cam then suddenly talk to us. He first smile to Gareth and told us that we have a cute baby. He is speaking bisaya and of course I understand him but I can’t reply a straight bisaya so I decided to speak in tagalog. That is really my problem because I can’t speak straight bisaya with strangers but with my cousins I can speak bisaya but so barok (they are laughing at me) but at least I am trying. So para hindi maging barok nagtagalog na lang ako baka matawa pa sila sa bisaya ko.

Anyway, the man started taking Gareth pictures but Gareth is shy type. He don’t want strangers to take him pictures and he shouted but the man continue his work. I just let the man do his work.. its his passion and deep inside of me I am dreaming of owning a camera like he own. 🙂 The man gave me his calling card and decided to have him during Gareth 3rd Birthday this November when we come back.
Today we decided to stay in our hotel since it’s our last day here and tomorrow afternoon is our flight. I give Gareth time to rest and while I am writing this entry he is beside me sleeping. My husband is not here because he will be spending his tuesday with friends.

So here I am enjoying my time alone with lanzones and mangoes.

>Bad Weather

>Since yesterday the weather here in CDO is not good. There is flood everywhere. I visit my Aunt and they are affected while my other aunt is affected by landslide. It is scary but all of them are safe.

I visit my sick Uncle Danny and I am glad that he is doing well now. I am praying for his fast recovery.

We will be leaving here in CDO this coming wednesday and I hope the weather is fine.

>Cagayan de Oro Update

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It’s a busy week. We attended wedding and meet my relatives and spend more time with them. It’s nice to be with them again. I really miss them. I wanted to try white water rafting but the river is not that clean because of the flood effect last week and I don’t have a budget for it anymore. 🙁

Although I am on a vacation I still have to do my work. I need to.

My cough is bothering me and last night I tried Lagundi Syrup and I hope it will be better soon.

(picture taken during the wedding day of Lawrence and Lalay)