When was the last time that I have encountered such big waves in a heavy storm? If I remember correctly, that was last 2007 or was is 2006? The typhoon Millenyo. But compared to the typhoon Ondoy? I think Millenyo is still the worst. And since this is the first time I have encountered a typhoon in Manila, I got scared.

It is my first time to see huge floods that reaches your hips. And our 1st floor is being invaded by insects since it's already flooded! Plus, the electricity is out for 24 hours. Talk about bad luck. What more of it? My sister-in-law and my mother got stranded in SM Sta. Mesa/Gateway.

From what I have heard, they slept at Max's Restaurant. Thank God that there are still nice ones who would offer their work space for the stranded people.

27th of September 2009

ONE

My mother and sister-in-law arrived home safely but I was still sleeping by that time. I woke up at 9:00AM something, and I remember standing up to greet my mother and slept again. The fact that there is still no electricity gave me the idea not wake up 'til it's on. But it was getting hot so I got up anyway. Few hours after, Alexander arrived in our home! This is the first time that a guy came by to our house for no reason at all (well, except that he volunteered to help us in our home) and helped clean the car. The household asked who he was, and even accused me of bringing my boyfriend at home! But I refused and introduced them to Alex anyway. Alexander is a dear friend, who has been with me for who-knows-how-many-years-already. Regardless of everything, I am still glad everyone in my family is safe.

TWO

Lunch came and we were partially complete. My father is not around but he told us that he will be arriving by afternoon. We all prayed before eating, and this conversation happened:

Mum: Buti na lang at naligtas kami, at tayong lahat, sa awa ng Diyos.
Alex: 'Wag po kayo lagi sa Diyos asa ng asa. Dapat nasa tao din ang gawa.
Mum: Ano ba ang magagawa namin kung naistranded nga kami? Ang lakas ng bagyo. Halos malunod ang iba sa sobrang lakas ng bagyo.
Alex: Wala. Sinasabi ko lang po na huwag kayo aasa lagi sa Diyos dahil napapagod din yan.

And there there was a long silence. My mother was like.. bursting because one thing she really hates is when someone talks back to her. My brother finished first, then my sister-in-law, until the three of us (mum, Alex and I) were the only ones left.

Long conversations of mum and Alex insert here.