Hello everyone!
Hope all are safe and well! ☺️❤️🙏
Once again, I’m happy and excited to join the ASEAN Hive Community Challenge #173 ASEAN Expressions. Grateful for the chance to take part again. ☺️
These past few days, the Philippines has once again been put under threat by another strong typhoon, this time named Typhoon Opong. According to PAG-ASA, different parts of the country are now under tropical cyclone wind signals ranging from #4, #3, #2, down to #1. The latest updates I saw from GMA News show the official signal warnings in each affected area, and I’ve included those photos here in this blog.
As of now, Metro Manila, where I am currently staying, has been placed under Signal #2.
Meanwhile, Leyte, where my family lives, is under Signal #3.
Seeing that made me worry a little because Leyte is often hit harder during storms compared to Metro Manila. I tried to message my family to check on them, but they haven’t replied yet. Maybe they’re already asleep, but I’m still hoping everything is fine at home. 🙏
Here in Manila, I don’t feel the effects of the typhoon yet. The winds are still calm, and the weather seems normal for now. But I know that can change quickly overnight or tomorrow. That’s why I’m silently praying that the typhoon weakens, or if possible, just melts away and disappears without causing damage to people’s lives and properties. 🙏
When I saw the wind signals again, it reminded me how important it is to understand what they mean. A Signal #1 usually means strong winds are expected within 36 hours. It may not be too strong yet, but it’s already a warning to prepare. A Signal #2 means stronger winds, so you have to secure light objects and make sure roofs and walls are safe. A Signal #3 is already damaging, the trees may fall, houses can be affected, and electricity might go out. And Signal #4 is very destructive, which means everyone in those areas needs to evacuate if necessary and stay indoors at all times.
Whenever there’s a typhoon, I believe it’s always better to prepare early rather than regret later. Here are some basic things we should do:
✓ Keep flashlights, candles, and fully charged power banks ready in case of power outages. ✓ Store drinking water and easy-to-cook food. ✓ Secure roofs, doors, and windows at home. ✓ Prepare a go-bag with clothes, medicine, and important documents in case evacuation is needed. ✓ Stay updated with news from reliable sources like PAG-ASA, ABS-CBN and GMA.
As Filipinos, we are used to facing typhoons every year, but each storm teaches us something new. I always remember the Filipino saying:
Pagkatapos ng bagyo, sisikat din ang araw which means After the storm, the sun will shine again.
It’s a reminder that no matter how strong the winds and rains may be, there is always hope waiting at the end. 🙏🙏
In times like this, I also hold on to my faith. I believe that God is our ultimate shelter, stronger than any typhoon. Whenever I feel worried about my family in Leyte or uncertain about what might happen, I just whisper a short prayer:
Lord, please protect us. Calm the winds and spare the people from harm. 🙏🙏🙏
Faith gives me peace, because I know that storms may be strong, but God’s love and protection are even stronger. 🙏🙏
For me, what matters most is the safety of our families and loved ones. I may be far away from Leyte right now, but my prayers are always with them, especially when a strong typhoon is coming. 🙏
May we all be safe and spared from harm. 🙏
No typhoon is stronger than the Filipino spirit.
After the storm comes the rainbow.🌈
Have a Blessed Thursday everyone! 😀😀😀💖💖💖
Thank You Lord for the blessings and love!
Be grateful in every little/simple things and you’ll find happiness you ever wanted! 😀😀😀
Everyday is worth to be grateful of!
Praying for the safety and wellness of all.
Heal Our Land Oh God!
Lovelots, @shikika