It was a terrible weather. It was signal number 5, packed maximum sustained winds of 225 kph with 315 kph gusts. Most tall trees were broken, uprooted or defoliated; Coconut trees were stooped, broken or uprooted. Few plants and trees survived. There was flooding everywhere.
“Lord, please keep us safe. Please let us transfer to a safer place.”, prayed by Christopher Hansy. Little that he knew that the family will evacuate to Eastern Visayas State University. And little that he knew that the event will totally change his life. It is safest there. They were early to the location. The storm will last for 5 days according to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).
They were a family of three. They were to occupy a Biology classroom. The Biology building was filled with people. Some were sad with the event. Some have to leave their pets and livestocks.
I have to leave Spot, our precious dog. “Spot, I am sorry but you cannot come, we cannot bring you with us.” Spot followed us to the university.
“Sir, is that your dog?”, asked by the security guard. “Yes, indeed.”, I said. There were crying. “Can we keep the dog?”, I asked.
Many died in the storm. They were not expecting this much. Some were not ready to leave their belongings. Some evacuated too late. It is believed to be a cause of demons. The typhoon name or names rather is Ising and Joling. Fujiwara effect is observed.
It is again like the time of Noah. But this time innocent people died. How could this be? None like in history of the Philippines. Over 10, 000 people died.
Nay, oh Nay,
We seldom see a body at sea.
Blay oh blay
The passion at me.
Ising and Joling, a 5+5 = 6.
Devastated at mix.
Why oh why?
Noah at try!
There are many poems and songs created for the lost souls. News was everywhere. Who is to blame? A cult at play. They have summoned a demon. No one knows. People are searching for a lead. Will they found out the cult?
Praying was unstoppable. Everyone decided to pray. They pray all the time. Only few breaks yet prayer was the occasion.
It was decided that they go to the ancient sage. He only appears to the bravest soul. He is believed to be living in the Mt. Talinis. It is believed that there are many monsters seen and unseen and also spirits residing there. Many have tried to search for the ancient sage to confirm their bravery and failed.
There was a call to search for the sage. It was believed that he was imprisoned. Unless the bravest heart appears, he could be released in the mountain. He holds an overwhelming power. Demons die within sight.
Many registered to be part of the search. All abled body registered. Even thirteen year-olds volunteer. All ready get set.
Christopher Hansy also registered. He said his goodbyes. “I am sorry Spot but I have to leave.” “I have to go mom and dad.”
All they went. “Brother, what is your name?”, Billy asked. “My name is Christopher and Hansy is my last name, brother.” “Good luck to us. I hope we get to see the sage. I hope we get to convince him to fight the demon.”
The courageous hearts reached 512 coming from EVSU (Eastern Visayas State University). It was quite an exciting journey, they got to ride a ferry. The destination is to another island. Billy and Christopher enjoyed the walk to the ferry. They got to exchange their stories.
“You know the greatest fear of men?”, asked Billy. “What is it, Billy?” “It is not losing or losing the ones you love but having no hope. People may leave your life but their hope remains in you. So it is our task to continue the hope.”, “Let us continue the things what our love ones hope for.”, Billy said. “Great, where did you get that?”, Hansy said. “I get that from my grandfather who passed away.”, “He is my inspiration. I got to be courageous each day.”, Billy said. “You were raised by a good man.”, “Was it painful that he left?”, Hansy said. “Pain is there but also I remembered one of the quotes of Buddha – Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” “I know my grandfather lived a courageous, passionate and wise life.”, Billy said. “My grandfather is a theologian. His name is Adam, named after our forefather and prophet.”, Billy added. “You know, I want also to be a theologian.”, “, Hansy said. “Me too.”, “I even tried entering the seminary and I just stayed there for 1 year. The subjects was very hard. We got to study philosophy and theology.”, “I did enjoy my stay there and made a lot of friends.”, Billy said. “But why did you leave, was it because of the schooling?”, “How was it?”, Hansy said. “It was not because of that but because of a woman. She offered me an apple. She was the prettiest.”, “She was a total stranger and yet she gave me an apple.”, Billy said. “There is nothing wrong with that. It should be added in the corporal works of mercy. Give what is in your excess or something like that. Give what delights your neighbor and God.”, “If all were like that. I guess this world would be a better place.”, Hansy said. “I hope we get to defeat the demon and the cult but first let us got to see the sage.”, Billy said. The walk is more than 100kms.
They arrive at the ferry station. Taking a deep breathe, each enter the ferry. The trip was free for the captain knows why are they there. The ferry was exclusive for the searchers for the ancient sage.
At night, when most are asleep, some had nightmares that they were dying. Will they continue the search? Many decided not to continue search at an early stage. They will stay with the ship when it goes back.