We had a pretty fair weather the past week. By Sunday,December 2, we had blue skies and the sun was bright. However, I am subscribed to K’s weather and more on Facebook. Karen, the Facebook page owner, warned of a possible super typhoon.
This was my Facebook status on Sunday morning.
Glad to have shared that update because there are many who are unaware of the situation.
That afternoon, I went out to buy items we might need during the storm. Good thing I compiled all the infographics when monsoon rains flooded Metro Manila last August. I had to read them again to check if I got everything on my list.
The weather was nice. This was Monday morning December 3, 2012, 8:43AM.
By the 12 noon of that day, Signal #3 was issued for Caraga Region.
Source: National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council
I have to commend PAGASA for issuing the warning ahead of time. Schools have suspended classes immediately. We have to be prepared even if we had a beautiful day as pretty as this one.
Look, a rainbow over Butuan at 5:08PM on December 3, 2012!
Pablo was expected to make landfall at 4AM of December 4, 2012. During that time, there was on and off rain in Butuan. It was not catastrophic. We had experienced severe raining compared to that morning.
This was how our street looked at 9:49AM of December 4, 2012.
There was a brownout so my aunt did a little project. She turned non-functioning wall clocks into picture frames. Talk about time management! 🙂
The period between 11AM to 2PM was the scariest because that was when we felt Pablo passed by. The power was still out and we can hear the winds rattling the roofs. There was no rain but there was fear that the strong winds could really do some damage. When it looked like the winds calmed down, I went to sleep. I do not know if it was a dream or not but I could still hear rattling of roofs while asleep. When I woke up at 3:30PM, it was quite in our house so I bugged everyone that we should eat snacks. After all, we did some grocery shopping. 😀 Power was still out and it was a little dark outside at 5:30PM. The good thing: no rain and no wind.
We got bored so we had a little candle light photography.
Actually, that is not a candle. It is a homemade light which is the safer and smokeless alternative to using a candle. You can make your own smokeless light. See photo below.
At 6:19 PM, the lights were back on.
The streets looked like nothing happened.
Thank you, God!
Not everyone experienced the typhoon the way we did. There are kababayans who need our help. I hope you find it your heart to extend your help to those who are severely affected by typhoon Pablo.
The government calls for donations.
I believe typhoon Pablo can’t stop Christmas.
Glad that there wasn’t damage to your place during Pablo
Thankful we are not hit by Pablo..
Pablo may have left some homes miserable but May those oeople be comforted by God in their needs. I am glad Butuan is unharmed and safe.
I am thankful for that. My heart goes out to Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
Yeah, we are grateful that Pablo didn’t hit us. But my heart is breaking over what happened in Cateel and ComVal. 🙁 Let’s pray for them, and if you can, please extend some help.
True. We should all help in whatever capacity. It is heartbreaking to see the devastation.
i learned something new from this blog.. the light.. it’s amazing! hehe XD thanks for sharing!
It really works!
We’re thankful that Pablo had not devastated our city unlike with Sendong. But it still sad to know that Compostela Valley had been greatly affected. 🙁
I remember that homemade light. My mom taught us how to do it. Pero wala nako ni nadumduman dah ug nigamit jud mi candle although nibalik ra pud electricity mga past 7pm.. 🙂
Those devastated by Sendong were prepared. Glad to learn about zero casualty in those areas.
Maayo kay way long brownouts sa inyong lugar. 😀
*clears throat*
♫ There’s a rainbow always after the rain ♫
And yes, it happened literally. I’m glad you and your family are fine. We’re all praying for the better, especially for the ones affected.
Likas sa mga Pilipino ang bayanihan, hindi natin pababayaan ang bawat isa; and God especially, hindi niya tayo pababayaan. Everything happens for a reason.
In our case, there was a rainbow before the rain. 😀
I’m happy to know that your family is safe. I’m hoping for a good weather, especially this Holiday season.
Thank God that we were not hit by Pablo. But it’s good to be prepared as we don’t know when a calamity would strike.
I’m glad to read hopeful stories about the Pablo aftermath.
That candle on the jar is very good idea.
CE 12/4
Thank God you are now all safe there as the storm has passed…You have clever ways here to survive in case of emergencies. Keep it up!
Glad to know that you were all safe. I feel bad for those in Compostela Valley though.
That’s also a great DIY candle. Is there any specific ratio for the salt and cooking oil? Does it have to be cotton cloth or can cotton pads be used?
We use cotton. It is easier to wrap it around the toothpick. Cotton pads are often wrapped around a plastic material. It is difficult to light such material.
good to know that you’re safe.
Good to know you are sound and safe. I always pray that our KABABAYANS in Compostela Valley can recover from this tragedy.
It’s so nice to know you were really prepared for the typhoon, I love how you gathered all info about it. And also you were even productive making photo frames and DIY candles. I have yet to try it. 🙂
My father uses the same lighting of used oil but he uses strips of old clothes as a wick which is hold by a floater made from tin cans shaped like a star with rubber on the edges. What’s the use of rock salt?
The rock salt will help you use less oil and it keeps the wick in place.
I like the idea of the homemade light. I will probably do that