Humbled

Not so long ago last year, our dear country has faced many a tragedy in only a matter of months. But we have proved time and again that no earthquake, siege, or typhoon can weather the Filipinos' resilience and bayanihan spirit. We've seen their strength, hope, and willingness to help one another amidst the adversities, and it's at moment like these that make me proud to be a little brown sister. And to be immersed on the ground and to witness then document these said inspiring stories makes me love my job even more.

By February, after seven months of working for the government and enduring hours on the road to get to places, I was finally en route to the field via airplane. My first plane ride on the job, I thought, that's definitely worth the celebration! Looking forward to more time actually doing the job than waiting forever to get somewhere to start on it. (Plus, all the miles I'll be accumulating too...)

The team and I went to Northern Cebu for the little island spared from the wrath of Yolanda due to the outstanding evacuation measures of the local government. It was a bummer we didn't have much time and the weather wasn't cooperating for us to enjoy the lovely Camotes. We got back to the city and stopped by for a quick Zubuchon lunch before taking a ferry to Bohol.

In the faraway town of Inabanga, we recalled the terrible earthquake that damaged simple homes and centuries-old churches within kilometers distance, as well as the famed Chocolate Hills and Bilar Man-made Forest. Although they were the hardest hit, the residents of Brgy. Anonang, most especially their captain, risked life and limb to keep each other safe. And despite losing a lot, they still gave what they had left wholeheartedly and it made me feel smaller yet more humbled than ever.

Truly a humbling experience, a humbling life.