Silence That Follows A Flood
It’s been almost two months since a freak flood hit Metro Manila. Lives, abruptly thrown in turmoil at the height of the deluge, are now coming back to normal. Memories of ruined homes and lost possessions are now turning to thoughts of getting back on one’s feet.
One hard-hit place is Marikina city. Seated on a valley where a river runs through, it was once the premiere shoe producer of the Philippines. Over time it would also become one of the country’s cleanest and greenest cities.
Upon surveying this locality, it can be noted that it is also comparable to historic Manila, in terms of number of tourist destinations. First and foremost is the Marikina River, which was rehabilitated and beautified into a riverside park. There is also the city Shoe Museum that houses thousands of pair of shoes, including a considerable number from the collection of Imelda Marcos. The Doll Museum that houses dolls from all nations and the Butterfly Farm are sights that are not to be missed, as well.
A recent addition, situated in the vicinity of a major traffic intersection in the city, is a wall of bells, or chimes that are automated to play native Filipino tunes every hour, by the hour. This fronts a water fountain that has become a favorite hang-out spot for young and old people alike, who enjoy the cool mist emanating from the water spout while enjoying the hourly tunes. I, personally, enjoy walking by this place, on my way to work. I would catch a glance of people, like kids just playing around the spot, or elderly citizens lounging around the fountains edge.
Then came the day of the flood; it was not particularly choosy of its victims; young and old, men and women, wealthy and destitute, Christians and Muslims, homes and hospitals, schools and stores, practically everything in its path, city sights included. Proud boasting of residents here were left muted, leaving voiceless even the chimes.
Flood waters stayed for a couple of days, and in its exodus left a few inches of sticky brown mud. It would take weeks to clean up the whole city, and a little longer for the veil of gloom to be lifted.
If I counted correct, its been a month and 12 days since. I again am passing by the chimes that have become a symbol of Marikina living. Before I gotten far, a familiar clanging lilt filled my ears and I realized that it was the fountain chimes back on-line. Though lugging a bulky laptop messenger bag while crossing the street, I managed a glance back at the sound machine. Then I noticed the young girls and boys splashing water, and a person, well on in age, crossed legged, seemingly thinking about retiring, and what could be his retiring income. With a smile I knew, we’re back to normal.
National Time And Signal chime in Lewisporte Collegiate
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