Last month, tropical storm Glenda (Rammasun) visited our country. According to reports, the typhoon is following a path similar to the deadly typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) that devastated the Philippines in 2006. Milenyo killed 213 people and injured hundreds more. Not only that, it damaged P6 billion worth of infrastructure and agriculture. As I recall, we also had no electricity the entire day.
Reports were right. Typhoon Glenda brought strong winds damaging electric poles cutting off power supply in several parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. If the power interruption during Milenyo lasted for less than 24 hours, in Glenda's case we had no electricity for nearly 48 hours. Here is a short video. At the end of it, you'll see the view from our house and our colorful pinwheel crazily spinning round and round.
This experience drove me mad. But I managed because made me realize many things and do things I used to enjoy when I was younger.
Here is a list of the things I did during the massive black out.
Prepare for a long day without power and rotating brownouts, just in case! - When the power went out, the first we did was prepare. We had no worries with water supply. Food, on the other, was a problem. When the rain and wind weakened, we went to the grocery to buy biscuits, noodles and canned goods. Then we gathered all our flashlights and candles at home. Good thing people my grandmother's age love to gift candles. There are no worries in that part.
Of course, it's going to be a long day and still many idle hours. My list continues.
There's nothing to do? Then clean the house and declutter your closet! I cleaned the house like we normally do. But with the time I had, I was able to notice and rearrange figurines and other displays. Not only that, I was able to organize my closet.
Your tablet's battery is running low? Check your bookshelf! I love to read e-books and actual books. But this time, I had the chance to read other educational materials in our bookshelf such as the Encyclopedia, The Science Library, Sci-tech magazine, and my Earthwatch book. I even found the newspapers I kept when I went to Hong Kong to cover an event.
Can't use the laptop? Use a pen and a paper! I don't really write poems but I tried to write one. The typhoon woke me up around 1AM and words started to play in my mind.
Want to listen to music? Use a Walkman or check your tape recorder! I have this tape recorder which I used in college , OJT days and my first job. Listening to the interviews and music I recorded made me smile.
Spend some quality time with your pets! I have three hamsters left namely: Buffy Grande, baby Buffy and Chuu. When I woke up at 1AM, I went to the living room and saw them standing in the roof of their cute houses. I know they were afraid, so I played with them and place their cage where I/ they can see me.
Surprisingly, I was very productive despite the lack of electricity. This only shows that there are many things and activities we can do without power. Back in the old days, having no electricity didn't hinder people from their daily activities. Since then, I try to lessen my usage of gadgets and save electricity. It may look impossible and difficult, but definitely achievable!
