On Friday Dec 16th, just before Zeriko and I waited for my ride, I really felt nervous for some unknown reason. I wanted to watch The Big Bang Theory with him and my sister but my heart was just pounding loudly, telling me “not today, not today.” You know that feeling that’s something’s going to happen and not for the right reasons. So I followed my instincts - rode the jeepney alone and silently praying that something didn’t happen at our house (or to anyone for that matter). When I arrived at our house, I checked if there’s anything missing, checked if the appliances were plugged out, etc. Everything seemed OK and a few hours later, my parents arrived and a normal night went by. I slept early because I had a tiring day and I wasn’t able to eat dinner.

I usually sleep like a log (not conscious of my environment; just blackness when I sleep, no dreams). Around 1:30AM, still with eyes closed, I wondered why the lights were still on. Minutes later, my sister woke me up. I ignored her at first but when she kept on complaining about her things getting wet, that’s the time I opened my eyes and got out of bed.

Water was creeping in at our bedroom. That’s when I panicked. Our house is elevated by roughly 5 inches and for water to get in, that could only mean that rain had been falling for hours. We hurriedly put our things to higher places. I had to prioritize my books and other school papers. Other family members were busy with the appliances and pulling out plugs. My father told us that we had to leave the house because it’s not safe. I could only grab my small backpack. I had to shove in my two thick Accounting books, Bubu (my stuffed toy walrus), extra clothes and underwear, my money for the upcoming convention and an SD card. Within minutes, the water level was from ankle to waist. The current of the water outside was really strong and it was still raining outside.

After everyone had gotten their backpacks, we secured our flashlights and cellphones and were now ready to leave. But something’s wrong. Our door won’t open. It won’t budge at all. The wooden door must have absorbed water causing it to expand or maybe something about the water pressure. My brother kept on transferring from our main door to back door, trying to see which door was easier to open. My mom was having a fit about death and not being able to get out and saving us which, I admit, really made me more panicked about our situation. I burst into a tantrum and shouted at my mom to stop saying such things because that doesn’t help at all. (I know it’s rude. Sorry, I was panicking too *sad face*) I could see the water from the door slit gushing into our house. The door still won’t open and adrenaline’s still keeping us alert. Good thing, our digging bar was inside our house and we used it to open the door. *think opening a soda bottle*

By the time the door opened, my mom was first to get out by stepping on the chairs outside. I followed my mom and was asked by my dad to get the rope from the garage cabinet (just in case the WORST scenario happens). By the time we got outside, my first concern was our dog, Wiggles. She had been howling and barking and was restless, frantic, and scared. My brother had to carry her (and boy was she heavy). The main road was like the Agus River with its strong current. We had to go the other way and walk towards Celdran Village where there’s higher ground. We passed along other people, smiling and greeting us “Salom sa ta sayo sa buntag.” Afterwards, we reached higher ground and slowly walked to Tubod, where our nearest relatives were. Wiggles was still getting restless but good thing she was alive and being alive was the only thing that really mattered.

It took about 45 minutes for my uncle to finally hear us as I kept on ringing their door bell and shouting at their names (not to mention I got a hoarse voice with my cough and colds). They were fast asleep and they couldn’t hear us because their room was airconditioned. My tita gave me a change of clothes and I couldn’t resist the urge to sleep. I was with my mom and sister on the bed.

When I woke up, I was alone in the room. The sun had already risen. The others went back to our house to see how much damage the flood caused. Only my mom was left, still talking to my relatives how we escaped from the flood. Somehow, the shock subsided when Tita made my favorite breakfast in the world - corned beef. *grins* My family members came just in time to eat and showed us pictures that my father and sister took of our house and the community after the flood:

When we were still trapped and trying to open the door, our refrigerator fell down. That was really shocking. See how muddy the floor is.

Our room. All books under my cabinet can’t be used anymore because it’s been damaged because of the water and mud. The pages stick to each other and I think it can’t be helped. I still can’t get my books out found on the bottom left side of my cabinet. I think it absorbed too much water causing it to expand and the drawer above my books can’t be opened. (Until now, this problem hasn’t been solved)

The front yard. Mud, mud, mud everywhere.

Other things washed away by the flood and everything gathered at the gate.

The community wasn’t alone with what we experienced.

Good thing this lola right here survived the flood. I immediately thought of her when the house near them was gone.

Neighbors starting to clean and searching for things that they can still use.

The fence of this house had toppled down. Just goes to show how strong the current is.

But the damage to those people who live near the river is just unbearable. This is the river near Tubod Bridge. Some houses have been swept away and people who live near depend on the river for their living.

But there had been worse events. Other barangays such as Hinaplanon and Sta. Filomena had the worst damage and everything is just as you seen and heard on the news.

I spent this Christmas break cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning. I’m supposed to be studying for exams scheduled next year but the dirt and mud won’t seem to stop. However, this doesn’t compare to the other victims who celebrated their Christmas by grieving the loss of their loved ones.