IN DEEP SH*T—LITERALLY

Tropical storm Ondoy brought us the highest rainfall since 1967. It's been raining incess antly since last night, and the three-hour rain this morning was equal to two weeks' worth of rain. Cars sank under the flood, and water has reached as high as 20 feet in some areas, forcing people to take refuge on their roofs. 

My mom and my sister were stranded on the road and in the mall for 12 hours. My cousin and her husband were caught in a serious jam at the bridge. A friend's house was flooded, and another one was stuck in the bus.

The whole ordeal is a nightmare, even for me who was warm and comfortable at home with my two sibs. There were no tv signals, so we just listened to online radio stations to monitor the situation. We heard people calling the stations as they pleaded for help in the affected areas.

This is perhaps the worst thing I've seen since the typhoon Milenyo back in college (but that's another story). The thing with this though, is that it made me value the basic things even more. Having shelter, food, and a family everyday is automatic for me, and I take them in mechanically. It's oddly funny how I needed a scare like this to put things in perspective. As I write this, my mom and my sister are finally safe at home. It was a huge relief when I saw the car wheeling into our garage. 

Also, there are stories of people extending their help to the strangers by rescuing them on rubber boats or providing shelter. Volunteers are now stocking up on food and clothes to give out to those who've lost everything.

Tomorrow's another day, and here's to hoping that we'll get brighter skies ahead.