Hey there,sunshine seekers!🌻✨ Welcome to 
4th of November 2025. Just last Tuesday. It was supposed to be a regular day maybe a little wet and windy but the experience we had with Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) turned it into a heart stopping memory, a day that truly tested our resolve and reminded us what family really means.
A few days before Tino even made landfall,I felt that familiar knot of anxiety. We have been through this before and preparation is key to surviving these massive storms. I’d spent time preparing what I call our “Go Bags.” These were not just random piles of things but they were carefully packed essentials—ready-to-eat foods, power banks, first-aid and the all-important trapal (tarpaulin).Thanks to my Boss 
We thought we were safe. Our home is built on higher ground,it's also well above the flood level and we don't have to worry about landslides. We are however, surrounded by towering trees which add beauty but also a layer of danger in a storm. Despite knowing the risks we felt secure enough not to evacuate preemptively.
The Moment Everything Changed
Then came one am on November 4th. The wind didn’t just howl instead it roared like a hungry beast right outside our windows.My husband and kids were sleeping through the night and the scary and loud sound of our roof flying away.
We did not evacuate earlier because our home is built on higher ground and thankfully not prone to flash floods or landslides.However, being surrounded by big imposing trees meant we knew the wind would be fierce but we never anticipated losing the roof completely.
My 10 year old son Ace was a little hero that night. We had discussed his vital role days prior and he didn't miss a beat. He immediately grabbed the bag I had assigned him, the one containing our gadgets phones, power banks,essential electronics and our documents. In a time when communication can be life or death these devices are priceless.
My husband was also immediately on his feet. The two other essential bags. One held our clothes and the other was stuffed with blankets and rain gear items that we desperately needed for our two children, including my 2 year old daughter Chloe.
I scooped up my little girl, holding her tight and with the three bags clutched by my husband and son we ran. We had to get out and fast.
We made a conscious decision not to go to the barangay designated evacuation center. It was surrounded by too many huge trees which is a critical safety risk given the intensity of the winds. Instead,we headed for the local court or gym. It is an open and concrete structure much safer from falling debris.
Once inside the gym, despite the relentless downpour and the terrifying sounds outside, we worked as a team. My husband togeher with our family quickly assembled the plywood and travel ( trapal) we'd brought, This was our quick shelter from the pouring rain and the sharp wind to protect my children and our family from the driving rain and the wind that seemed to penetrate every corner. Huddled together and we waited for what felt like an eternity for Typhoon Tino to finally pass.
When the storm finally stopped, the quiet was almost too loud a huge change from the angry sounds of the night. We went back home and trying to be ready for what we would see.
The sight that welcomed us was devastating. Our home was wrecked. It was a crushing sense of déjà vu during a painful experience of the destruction we endured during Typhoon Odette not long ago. The walls were standing but everything else felt broken,exposed, waterlogged and even torn apart.
It was hard to put into words Seeing the place we call home turn into a broken pieces makes us feel a deep sadness and hopelessness.Yet,through the debris and the destruction, one truth stood out My family is alive.
We are safe and for that, we continue to thank God.
That feeling of safety is quickly mixed with guilt for what others lost.We feel that deep and heavy sorrow for every soul who lost their loved ones, for every family whose entire life was washed away and for every neighbor struggling with the overwhelming loss of their home.
Cebu Needs Your Compassion
Typhoon Tino has left its brutal mark. Our island, our communities and our resilient people we are hurting. We are starting again but we cannot do it alone.
Today, I humbly knocking on your heart. We are asking you, our friends, family and kind strangers across the globe Cebu is in need of your help, once again.
Whether it is a donation, a prayer or even a simply sharing this story every little bit helps us rebuild the roofs over our heads, feed our families and even to start the slow yet difficult process of piecing our lives back together.
Please help us.
We have the power to turn a wrecked house into a healing home.Let's help rebuild hope, one helping hand at a time.Will you be one of them?
That's all for today's blog,Thank you for reading until next time 😊🌻.