Frances Gabrielle C. Reyes
Misamis Occidental High School

Few days before Christmas, a tragic calamity hit the Northern part of Mindanao, particularly two of the biggest city in the area, Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. The two were greatly devastated with the fortuitous event that took place. Millions of properties and infrastructures were gravely damaged. Thousands of lives were lost. Its aftermath was so sad that I find it hard to imagine how the people there would celebrate Christmas. Or would there still be Christmas for them?

I feel close to the two cities for different reasons. Iligan, because our research adviser happens to live there. Last year, I spent many of my weekends in that province to do laboratory work in MSU-IIT. Cagayan de Oro is a place where a number of my relatives lived. I only have fond memories of the place. We often go there when my mom treats me and my sister to some extravagant shopping spree which doesn't often happen. These, for me, are Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Looking at the pictures at how great the effects of the typhoon were, I am dumbfounded. I can't imagine the pictures show the same places I used to go and visit. The two cities were unrecognizable. Hideous was an understatement to describe the two. There were cars displaced, mud was everywhere, and of course, lifeless bodies lying on the street.

It was sad, very sad. I feel for those who have lost so much - their houses, livelihood, and worse, their loved ones. It would be hard to imagine how they would even celebrate Christmas after what happened. The festivity and glitters of Christmas would surely be at the bottom list of the victims.

However, beyond those things is the other face of Christmas. That is love, faith and hope. I fervently pray that while it would take time before the affected people heal from the wounds brought about by Typhoon Sendong's wrath, they will be reminded that never in their darkest moments did God forsake them.

As I look through the pictures again, I am humbled by how great love God has for us. Despite the tragedies that befell us this year, His love is tremendous that it will carry us through another day. His love gives us HOPE for a brighter and even sunnier tomorrow. Thank you Sendong for teaching me this lesson.