Few days ago, I told my boyfriend about my weird body clock that has been happening for the past weeks. For some unknown reasons, someone or something woke me up early morning and it’s always 3 A.M It’s weird. What’s with 3 A.M?

Until last black saturday, on the same time I woke up again. But this time was due to some noise outside. I looked out the window and saw numerous people running for their lives.

There’s a fire. It’s in the backyard, meters away. There’s no panic at first. We’re in a building and there’s a firewall.

Pero front lang yung building na yun ah. The area is one of usual scenes of Manila. Buildings, condos, beautiful residential units but what lurks behind those are the real hard life of Filipinos – the squatters area. And what only separates us from them is the firewall. It’s also the only thing that differentiates us from them coz we’re having a hard life too.

After several minutes…
The fire was spreading so fast
Kinda heading towards our area.

No, we’re not sure, Papa said.
But there’s a shade of panic in his voice.
He instructed us to “get what you can”. As fast as possible.

Damn the damn. I had the time of my life.
Grabbed bags. Clothes first, important documents, IDs.

My father was monitoring the situation.
Hookay, we still have time.
Get more.

It’s like I was answering those silly survey thing that you usually see in Friendster’s bulletin board. Top 5 books. Top original CDs. Best stuff toys. Favorite bags, belts.
Out of myriad pairs, I picked only 3 of my favorite shoes.

That moment made me realize that no matter how I love and cherish all my things – I CAN’T BRING THEM ALL.

Now you may wonder, what happened to the appliances? We intend to forget it. My father said it’s not possible. We live on the 3rd floor. Instead of bringing heavy loads, just grab the small and important ones then run to save yourself.

The next thing I know, I was sitting in the sidewalk with this stranger little kid. She’s like an angel sitting beside me, who is probably wondering what is going on in this world.

I was told to stay behind to watch some of our baggages. It’s a few blocks away where I don’t have the view of the fire incident. I was crying and praying so hard. No one is rich or middle class or poor. In the end, what matters most is – salvation. I kept on praying and praying and hoping.

And I was heard. A text message confirmed that we’re saved and it’s safe to go back home. Thanks to God. Thanks to the firewall. Thanks to my boyfriend too for helping.

I continued to pray. 1,500 families has lost their homes. I shared the same fears with them. I saw how they cry, staring blankly, wondering why. Most of them even forgot to wear slippers only to save themselves. It was a traumatic experience.

Look at the mess in my room that panic has caused. But it’s okay. I don’t mind doing the general cleaning. At least I still have the books to arrange and clothes to sort.

I’ve also made a resolution that instead of keeping my collection of stationaries, why not use them right? Hours ago, the fire was about to burn them all. I can’t bear to see them transformed into ashes. Thus, it’s better to use them now; write a letter to a friend and let them know how much they are loved & appreciated.

Coz you see, everything that you have right now is temporary. So make the most of it.

Black Saturday Fire
April 7, 2007 | Mandaluyong Area