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| Clouds of smoke continue to appear from the center of Taal Volcano after its January 12th eruption. (Image Source: CNN Philippines) |
On the afternoon of January 12, 2020, after spending my own time having
a brunch in a birthday party a few walks from my home, I returned and checked my
Facebook only to be surprised by a surprisingly alarming report that Taal
Volcano has experienced a phreatic eruption. Later that night, I witnessed first-hand
the massive surge of volcanic smoke and thunderstorms within that literally
awed me as if I am experiencing it for the first time which is true to be frank.
The next day, I saw clouts of ash across streets and houses around the subdivision
I am living in now but outside it got the worst beyond.
This introduction is my account of what me and my family have experienced
on the first two days of the Taal Volcano eruption that has affected thousands of
people, homes, plants, vegetables and animals in towns near the volcano and
within the danger zone. On the other hand, there are so many stories of heartbreak
and suffering from people who have been evacuating or running away from their homes
when the eruption occurred. Most of them were saddened and eventually shed
tears worrying about their foreseeable future when the eruption subsided. Then
there are many fresh stories of positivity and good vibes not knowing when the
eruption will occur again even further.
Most of these cases including a number of people from different parts
of the country and walks of life striving their own efforts to offer the best
that they can to help the thousands of evacuees staying in schools, churches,
homes and other places across the province including a cockfighting arena in the
town of Bauan. There are some who are walking around the city or performing
within the streets offering cash donations for the benefit of the eruption
victims. On a sad but understandable note, the unpredictable Taal Volcano
eruption has pushed the city governments of Batangas and Lipa to officially cancel
their respective festival activities. Heck, even international celebrities are
taking their time to offer their prayers for the safety of the volcano eruption
victims upon learning about the news.
Recently, I have seen personal videos showcasing the effects of the
Taal Volcano eruption and requests from several residents who have opened their
own doors to their relatives and friends who happen to be from the towns
affected by the eruption literally covering my Facebook news feed. There were
also content showing the love and hospitality of Batangueños to their fellow
Batangueños such as a kitchen offering free food to evacuees staying in the
Divino Amor Redemptorists Church downtown, several college students in the
Public Market area offering donations and a woman who sewn hundreds of face
masks for the victims. These are just some of the things that will inspire more
to do their own in any occurrence in the foreseeable future that can affect the
lives of many.
We continue to reap stories of heartbreak from the victims of the Taal
Volcano eruption and positivity from the people who want to help them in the
best way they possibly can. But the best that anyone can be awed by in these
times is the naturally strong, resilient and gentle spirit of the Batangueños
which nothing can break. In conclusion, I urge my fellow trubists across the country
and around the world to continue praying for the safety of thousands who are
still struggling to maintain their positivity and moving on with their own
lives as the Taal Volcano eruption remains unpredictable and uncertain. Bangon
Batangas!!
