There’s Tragedy Then There’s Miracle ---- Cherrie Escraman

STAR chief photographer Val Rodriguez captures scenes of the devastation in the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol

                 It was a calm and peaceful day, filled with fun and excitement. You know why? Well it was the Fiesta of Talisay City. This is the only time when you can see the grandest of parties and the abundant supply of LECHON.

                 Alright this is where it all happened. As I was sleeping in bed, (as usual) a sudden shake awoke me. Lucky for me, I immediately jumped out of bed despite that I was sick that time. It was a very strong shake that lasted for quite a while. Adrenalin was rising, terror was visible, screaming and shouting was in the air. Then, it all stopped and it was dead silence. We were still in the state of shock.  So, we got back in and moments’ later shaking was felt again. But this time there was nothing to worry about because they were just multiple aftershocks, but don’t let your guard down still be cautious.

               Apparently, to be honest, that strong quake made me paranoid. Actually it was my first time to feel a quake like that. It was stronger  than last year. Afterwards flash reports everywhere, on the radio, on the television and a lot more. But sad to say, the most affected was BOHOL. The fault system was discovered in Buenavista, a 5 km stretch throughout a mountain. A lot of lives were lost, a lot of infrastructures damaged and a lot of people injured and missing.  It’s just sad to see families not together during Christmas and events to come. How heart breaking to see what they’re going through.

            After the quake that shook Bohol and Cebu, electricity and water was down. For the following days to come, a lot of people starved and famished and were in desperate need of food and water. No houses  to live in, no hospitals to be brought to, and of course all that’s left are crumbled debris of historical churches. My mother even shared a story about people going after the delivery truck full of canned goods, begging to give them some for them to eat. Fortunately, the driver explained not to take them all but he could spare them eight boxes of canned goods. Just imagine the heavy burden they have to carry each and every single day.

          But on the bright side, a lot of people and private sectors  donated and helped out - cash donations, trucks loaded with water and food and miscellaneous to lessen the burden they are facing now. As much as possible they are doing everything just to provide the basic needs of the residents of the places which were isolated due to heavy damage. But inspite the calamity, Boholanos still has the strength to smile and be happy. Always believe that there is always a rainbow after every rain. Now that is what we call a true miracle.