We've always suffered the worst storms, and yet, we still choose to rise and smile even though we've lost belongings and lives dear to us. It's unthinkable how someone can do that. We are resilient. And that's how others know of us.
As the Philippines with the most typhoons, we can't keep everyone from recognizing us with that characteristic. And that's expected for a tropical country like the Philippines. We find the reason to smile no matter how many typhoons may come our way. Everyone knows well that it is the best thing we can do after the storm. In someone's perspective, it is our way to show that there is hope and that there is tomorrow waiting for us.
As of this day, November 01, 2020, we are yet experiencing another super typhoon, which I know will devastate properties and communities in the country. The world hasn't yet recovered and healed from the pandemic, and now, we are facing another misfortune. I can't help but say that many lives will suffer again.
I've lived here from the very start, and I was born here. And I know how devastating these storms could get. I've witnessed how courageous the people are after the storm. I've seen how people help each other get up and rise from an unsightly circumstance. One after another, everyone is wholeheartedly helping one another in the best way they can.
And that what tugs my heart. In front of a storm, everybody is one. We have this what we call "bayanihan" where everyone unbelievably feels a sense of unity. And that's what I admire from us Filipinos. No one is poor nor rich. Everyone is equal. Everybody has a sense of responsibility. And that also is another trait that I want everyone to remember and practice even after the storms. We can do it if we want because we can. We already know-how, so why choose not to?
Like what I said, we are resilient! Everyone can overcome this. We can overcome every misfortune that is happening in the world. It is possible. After the storm, I know we will be stronger than who we are from before. That's who we are, and that's who we've been all along.
Note: I wrote this with the intention to uplift even a single person whom I know can't find peace in these times of crisis. Please do remember that no matter where you are, there would always be people who will encourage and give you hope to be stronger.
