98, 1.8, 16 of 17, 5

98 deaths and 1.8 Million worth of damages in 16 of 17 regions of the Philippines.

So far, these are the numbers in brief that Typhoon Paeng (international Nalgae) brought to our country. Not just one region but almost all the regions from North to South, East to West.

In one month, we have had 5 tropical storms starting with Maymay, Neneng, Obet, Paeng and now Queenie who still raced to make it this month. You can check here daily weather reports.

While this is not common in the tropical regions, it is still sad and heartbreaking to see the devastation done by such storms especially those that pack with intensity and coverage.

We haven't had electricity since yesterday and it was only just this evening that it was restored. That is the extent of my worries so far. Nothing compared to the flooded or eroded areas.

We had to conserve our phone batteries because we couldn't charge. We have no back up. I think the good thing that I can take from that is it happened on a weekend and we don't have work. No work to worry about.

Kudos to all our linemen who are working 24/7 in calamity like this in an effort to restore power. People can't understand how much work needs to be done, extent of damages in multiple areas and not just one. Yet, they demand that they be attended to at once. Our linemen can only be in one place at a time.

When calamities hit, while it is understandable that we all have needs, we should set aside being selfish and try to be of service and help instead. Look at the bigger picture. The world does not revolve only to you.

As you are aware, there was a tragedy that happened in Seoul regarding a crowd surge/crush killing 154 and injuring more.

I have read comments in posts about that where in they said to post also about the result of the storm here in our country so that it will gain more attention about the situation.

I understand the helplessness and frustration of those who commented such but I find that selfish. Since day one, posts are already online about the effect of the storm in the country until now. What attention do you still want? We couldn't just brush off what happened in other places too. Let us be more understanding.

There were also those who still has the nerve take advantage of situations like this. Some would scam others by posting pitiful posts and posting their accounts where one can send money. While some are legit posts, there are those who are not.

When giving donations, go to trusted channels that you are sure your donations will reach the victims. Scammers are everywhere. They work nonstop.

This is the longest weekend of suffering by far. It was supposed to be a time to be with families and loved ones but we were left with surviving the storm.

In this time of need, continue to be resilient and pray for each other. Let kindness be stronger than the storm.