Learning It the Hard Way

It's God's way for us to realize things fast. I mean, really fast.

I was amazed how Albayanos prepared for Typhoon Pablo, days before it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Though PAGASA says, it may not directly hit Albay, authorities already planned its preemptive evacuation. 350,000 individuals will be evacuated a day before Pablo will be felt in the province. Obviously, Albay learned its lesson when Typhoon Reming struck the province, six years ago. Fortunately this time, with the preparations plus prayers of the Bicolanos, God spared Bicol Region from the strongest typhoon for this year. But it didn't spare Mindanao. Hundreds died, again, days before Christmas. Remember last year? Tsk tsk. When will we ever learn? Complacency on the part of the local government and on the residents as well

Just today, the whole world was shocked when pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquaio, was knocked out by Mexican boxer and, should I say, his greatest boxing rival, Juan Manuel Marquez. Really? Knocked out? And hey, during the 6th round? Immediately, it became the trending and hottest topic worldwide. Some even posted on their timeline the famous line from Howie Day's Collide. True enough, even the best fall down sometimes. But, we should realize that God maybe teaching Manny a lesson, and sad to say, in a very hard way. This may not be a good year for Manny but we must give him the full respect and honor for what he has done. A true Filipino knows how to accept defeat. He is one hell of a fighter! Mabuhay ka, Pacman.

This may also not be a great December for many Filipinos, especially for those who have lost their families in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. And for those who have bet on Manny. Some may lost their millions. But come to think of it. Everything happens for a reason. May it be good or bad, life is teaching us a lesson. But most of the time, bad things teach us best.

For the typhoon victims, you are always included in my prayers. May you still find reasons to smile despite the tragedy. Just stand up from the fall, after all, Filipinos are best known for that. For Manny, we can never have it all but I might say, that you made us proud.

For the copers, some of you maybe going through rough times but just keep fighting! #positivevibesfor2013