For some folks, it was their high school days that were the most memorable moments in their lives. Of course I realize that some would say it was when they were in college. Oh well, whatever. But for me, it was definitely in high school at Agusan del Sur College (ADSCO), my alma mater that I enjoyed the most. I was carefree and did not really think so much about life, religion and all that stuff. I just wanted to have fun haha! It’s maybe because I was in my own hometown where I had lots of friends and the place was very familiar to me. In college, away from home and living in a very big city of Manila, I felt lost, alone and only had a few real friends.

Every morning, I’m reminded of my high school alma mater as I drink my hot chocolate in my favorite mug. It was given to me by the school’s president. I was also given a wrist watch. Isn’t that great?

When I visited Cabanatuan City last Sunday, I did not expect to see so much damage and destruction along the way. The place was hit by typhoon Santi. And yesterday, another major earthquake of 7.2 magnitude shook Visayas and Mindanao. Hardest hit was Bohol where the epicenter was. As of last night there were already 93 reported dead and hundreds of casualties. Many more deaths are expected as reports come in.

Good Samaritans Still Exist

President Noy Aquino and some of his cabinet members are now on the way to Tagbilaran to asses the situation and help the victims. Some centuries old churches and buildings were destroyed both in Cebu and in Bohol. It’s sad to see these historical and tourist sites ruined. On the other hand, I’m just glad to see that despite the calamities, there are still a lot of “good Samaritans” — good people and organizations who are ready and willing to help those who are in need of help at this time. I’m glad that civic-oriented groups and churches aside from the government are getting ready or are already helping victims of calamities.

Yesterday morning was one of those regular visits that I normally do in Cabanatuan City to attend church. But I was in for a surprise. I was shocked by the devastation I saw along the way. Typhoon Santi had just passed by Nueva Ecija and as I drove along the Tarlac-Sta. Rosa Road, lots of trees have been uprooted and lots of houses were destroyed. Some of the trees that fell down were blocking the way and traffic slowed down somewhat.

Typhoon Santi Devastates Cabanatuan

As I reached Cabanatuan City itself, I saw more trees were uprooted and a lot more electric posts were down. Some say it would take a month to restore electricity since numerous lines are down throughout the province. I heard that the governor had already declared the province to be in a state of calamity.

Thankfully, the folks I visited seem to be all doing fine despite the devastation caused by Typhoon Santi. The church members shared their recent experience with everyone. Many farmers have been affected by this typhoon. They were about to harvest their rice—the main product of this province. It’s going to be a tough time for many farmers in the coming days ahead. We ended up praying for each other.

More photos at this link.