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| Basco Lighthouse |
I felt like my heart got stabbed by a knife many times as I witness how the beautiful paradise got strucked by a magnitude 5.4 earthquake. Everything was like a blast! I can't imagine how my dream vacation turned out to be like this.But whats more hurting is to saw the people here, mourning for their lost. A tear fell from my eye all of a sudden. I couldn't refrain myself from not getting hurt. Why does it have to be like this? Why do they need to experience such tragedy?
I woked up early in the morning and prepared my things from my clothes, money, and all my other necessities. After preparing, i took my last glimpse on the mirror. I just wore a simple dress with my flat shoes. I put my shades on with my beach hat above my head, then i held my luggage and walk out of the room like a Mondragon. I'm ready to go. Wait for me BATANES!!!
Excitement rushed all over my body! The next thing i knew, the plane already landed and i just found myself smiling at my camera then i took my first shot stepping out of the plane. With my close eyes, the breeze welcomed me first making my long wavy hair dance along with it. But what's more mesmerizing is the moment i first laid my eyes on this beautiful paradise. With that i lifted my camera and clicked for the perfect view. How can it just be so wonderful?
I couldn't wait to tour around!! After a while, i was on my way now towards the stonehouse i rented for my 3 days stay here. But my feet automatically stopped as i saw the people here wearing a wig or more like a headgear made from palm-fiber. I approached the old lady infront of me who was harvesting her dried fishes, to ask what do they call that thing. "Ahm, excuse me ma'am?" She shifted her gaze on me then smile. But before i could even ask her my question, i saw a boy approaching her who seemed to be her son. I've heard them talking wherein the boy was asking permission to her mother if he could stay at their farm and take a rest there.
"Okay Edwin, but be sure to come home early."
"Yes mom!" Edwin replied cheerfully.
After that, she looked at me again. "What is it that you need pretty lady?" she asked me with a genuine smile plastered on her face. Then i asked her bout that thing and she said that the headgear they are wearing is called 'Vakul' which protects them from the heat of the sun and rain. I thanked her and already left.
As i entered the stonehouse, i didn't have time to roam around the room anymore. I just left my luggage there and went out with my camera going to the Basco Lighthouse. Before i could even went here, i am already planning of going there at the Basco Lighthouse because it is one of their famous tourists spots. And as i climb up hill towards there, i can also see many tourists like me with excitement on their faces heading to the same direction i'm taking.
"Click. click. click..." I've taken many shots for this perfect scenery. I'm on top of the tower and i can feel the wind blowing my hair. I love this feeling away from stress. However, after all the travel and the tiring walk going here, I suddenly felt my feet aching. That's when I decided to go back and take a rest.
But, a sudden shaking of the ground occured. My knees tremble in fear. Voices screaming for help, children crying and shouting. I immediately stumble and fell into the ground.I tightened my grip on the tall grasses for me to hold while the ground is shaking. I chose to be calm even though I'm on the verge of crying. I'm thankful I was in an open space and it kept me safe throughout the whole duration of the earthquake. It was very strong that it made the ground cracked. After the shaking, I let another minutes passed afraid for the aftershocks.
My clothes got dirty and I also got bruises. But I just ignored it though it hurts a bit and run as fast as I can back to the village. Police, medics, rescue teams and other help started to come. I'm quite relieved because of that but i can't contain myself at peace knowing that i'm safe but i can't do anything to help the others.
"Did you saw my son?!"
"Sir, i'm already nervous...i can't find my son!"
"Sir! help me please," the woman said begging the policemen almost crying. Who wouldn't be? If i was on her situation right now, i would probably feel the same. But then, realization hits me. I realized that she was the woman i talked to a while ago and she's talking about her son who asked for her permission to take a rest in their farm.
The Police and the rescue team assured her that they will bring him back. However, besides her missing son (Edwin Ponce), there were also 8 casualties due to the earthquake. After all the search and rescue operation, they've finally found Edwin. I should be happy with the news. We all should be happy. But instead of rejoicing, we all are in a deep silence while hearing Edwin's mother cry out loud begging him to wake up and open his eyes once again. But he never did. His life had already come to its end. And that's the saddest thing on the part of her mom. To witness how an unexpected tragedy take your love one away from you and that you couldn't do anything except to cry.
After that event, the people are already on the process of moving on. Slowly, they are recovering and gathering the broken pieces of their lives. There is a time for everything. Thus, there's a time for healing. If I will be given a chance to be back here for the second time, I would love to see the Ivatans smiling again reaching their eyes.
Note: This was my feature article about the recent Earthquake in Batanes...hope you enjoyed the trip👋😊
Checkout for my next blogs and visit yhanzee.blogspot.com
BYERSSSS
Wow😍
ReplyDeleteWow😍
ReplyDeletehahaha thank you😊🤣
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