When I heard about the devastating news about the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Bohol I was very sad. First because it’s my home country- Philippines that after the flood here comes another tragedy. Second, it happened to the two of my favorite places that are so close to my heart. My father’s origin is Bohol and I used to live and work in Cebu for several years. This two provinces has a huge part in my heart. I was so sad and disappointed.

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I was crying when i saw the photos and the videos of the victims and places damaged by the earthquake. It was heartbreaking. You would ask yourself, why God let those churches damaged by the earthquake? Of course we cannot question anyone because it was caused by mother nature. And it was all in God’s plans. Bohol is a very peaceful place and most buildings are old especially churches. It’s sad to accept that those historic old churches were damage and collapse. They were built years ago during the Spanish era in the country. I have even visited few of them especially the famous Loboc church.

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Bohol is a very special place for me because I have a lot of childhood memories there. It’s my fathers hometown. And I remember when I was younger we always come there every summer. My father is the youngest among the five siblings. He work in Mindanao and met my mom and got married. As a family tradition, each summer we spent it in Bohol, all of us family. We usually spent 1-2 months there. I remember in my childhood years I was always excited when classes ended because it’s time for a family summer vacation again. I remember knocking at my grandparents house in the middle of the night as we arrived in Duero, Bohol. I can see at their faces how happy they were. They were old but they were still very strong that time. I remembered how happy I was too. Being able to see my Nanay and Tatay again. They were so good and they love their grand kids so much! We spent whole summer there playing and just relaxing. Every day we always listen loud music from their stereo, you know those music from Yoyoy Villame. I really like it!  We go to church every Sunday and then swim on the beach. I used to play with my cousins. Disco on fiesta nights and torch prayer parade nights before the fiesta in May. I also remember having a bath at the flowing water. We make kites and fly them. We ride bicycles. Pick up fruits from the trees. It was so beautiful there. I cannot forget those memories. They are still very fresh in my mind. I cannot remember when was the last time I visited Duero. My father didn’t come there more often anymore since my grandparents died. But I am looking forward to visit there someday. Last time I visited Bohol was in 2010, but I didn’t visit Duero our hometown.

Cebu on the other hand is special to me because it was there where I had my first job and live there for several years. The Sto. Nino church were also damage by the earthquake. It is where I always pray and make wishes. I built my career in Cebu. I meet lots of friends and I made so many memories there too. And it’s where hubby and I met for the first time. I was there last August. It was a very lovely place. And it’s sad how a place change in a huge tragedy. Although there is not so much there as compared to Bohol, still it’s sad how it happened. People were experiencing aftershocks. And i know it was hard to handle especially during night time. Your house is shaking, how can you sleep?

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The earthquake caused a lot of damages especially in Bohol. It also killed few people. With this tragedy we just keep praying and remain faithful to God. Everything has a reasons. And I hope those historical old churches that were damaged will rise again and repaired soon as we can. Boholano and Cebuanos are very religious. I hope our churches will rebuilt soon.

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Aftershocks are still everywhere in Bohol and Cebu up to this day. I hope this tragedy will end because people there have suffered so much already. I hope this tragedy will help us remain strong with our faith and beliefs. Even our churches were down and damage our trust and faith to God will still remin and always strong. Everything happens with a reason. Together we help rebuild this town again and live life normally.

Prayers to the Philippines!!!

(I do not own the photos) 

( I somehow think of maybe collecting donations from people who wants to help through this blog, but i don’t think i can handle the responsibility enough. Anyway, you can contact Red Cross in the Philippines or University of Cebu if you have something to help. That would means a lot! Thank you!)