13th Super Typhoon Yolanda Commemoration, Remembering the Miracle of Survival

It has been more than a decade ago since the signal number 4 super typhoon Haiyan, international name stormed the Eastern Visayas region. On this historic day, I remembered the stories of survival of families and friends. The traumatic experiences and miracles of how the survivors endured hunger, fatigue and stress of every kind.

One of the Yolanda survivors, my dear cousin shared how their ancestral house was washed out by the raging storm surges brought by the overflowing waves of the sea to the land of Leyte wherein General Douglas McArthur became famous of his words "I shall return".

When I was able to visit region 8 I never miss the chance to go to this place wherein the shipwreck of Eva Jocelyn was displayed. It went viral during the aftermath of the super typhoon Haiyan. As the impact of the storm surge was very strong to the point that this ship was even moved from the sea to the land, as a result it became iconic later on due to the damages it had, it was decided that this thing and place become a commemorative item in remembrance of that day.

On the later years, there were people telling that what happened was actually geo engineered or weather modified it was hard to believe but because of the advancement of the modern technology it might be possible

The shadows of the past is still haunting I had friends who did not survive the tragedy and churchmates whose lives were ended early because they were not able to evacuate themselves to a safer place before this super typhoon land fell.

Looking back, it was terrible and horrible as thousands of lives were gone. I had friends who were missing and were suspectedly the ones whose dead bodies floated under the San Juanico bridge.Mass graves were created to bury the bodies of those who were unidentified even the identified.

But through it all, a temple of the Lord in Eastern Visayas region is under construction and is ongoing those who died will be remembered and when the temple will be dedicated the vicarious work for them who were on the other side of the veil will be performed.

There is still hope for the souls of men who believes in His infinite atonement as joint heirs of the Only Begotten Son.

This place has been a symbol of the resilience of Eastern Visayan people, their endurance and strength after the tragic catastrophe.

Nations around the world helped the Philippines during this trying times, we never forget.

It was the time that many people all over the world united to send whatever help they can.

It was when stories of unsung heroes were left untold until shared in the social media.

It was when both the rich and the poor were equal in terms with the traumatic experience they suffered.

It was when people with helping hands and initiative without hesitations were among the first ones who rescued and extended their time and effort to do their moral obligation.

It was when people with pure hearts and good intentions roll up their sleeves and put the shoulder to the wheel for those who lost their homes, livelihood even a loved one.

It was when the spirit of volunteerism was truly felt by those who needed it most at that time when hope is all that they cling for to continue to live.

All who came to help blessed the lives of those whose hope was already lost.

All who volunteered tirelessly proved that humanity still has hope and that human beings still care for each other no matter how difficult life has been.

Yolanda might crushed a thousand lives but millions out there were willing to share a part of them.

Haiyan broke hearts of individuals and families but millions still showed love, care and support for their fellowmen.

Photos are mine.