Nachos and Quesadillas

Behind my “LUGAW.”

September 27, 2011. Tuesday. Laguna, Philippines.

Today is such a gloomy day. The cold breeze and moist environment makes everything seem sad. The swaying trees accompany the moaning winds. Waters are leaking out of my glass window because of the unstoppable rains. But despite all these, I’m still composed and eating my nice hot lugaw while watching television. Besides, this day is a life saver…

Last night, constant brown outs and light ins were alternately switching places. And I already knew, (well, at least my instincts were telling me) that classes would be cancelled. And mind me I’m in third year high school. And for that to happen, storm alerts should raise up to signal number two. For me and most of my schoolmates, it would be another prayer answered if ever that happens.

This morning I woke up because of the heavy whistling winds and rains. I looked up the clock and found out that I fell behind my schedule of preparation for school. I got down to grab breakfast, and mama immediately told me that our province was declared to be on storm signal number two. Last night it was just signal number one and my little elementary bro was mocking me for having classes since they have none. Now, my prayers were answered! Hallelujah! Of course, when I learned about this, my reflex action was to jump for joy and celebrate. I instantly texted my friends and they were jumping for joy as well. Soon, my inbox was flooded with text messages saying: “Confirmed no classes for UP Rural High School. Please pass the message.”

Do you know why most of us are happy? Not that we don’t care for those unfortunate ones whose lives will be heavily affected. Our conscience also bugs us with the sight of flying roofs, destroyed crops, homeless people, landslides, and floods. But we are also constantly flooded with requirements every single day.  And the fact that we have a one- day break out of this crazy flood, feels like having a life saver come rescue us. It’s an instant escape from our stressful reality.

Now, I don’t have to face my English class interview and I don’t have to feel butterflies in my stomach because I didn’t fully prepare for my Literature class recitation for Portia’s line in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” But I’m mentally torn apart. Should I feel guilty because I feel happy even though at the back of my mind, I see others suffering because of “Pedring” (name of the storm)? Should I?…