As of this writing, typhoon Frank (international codename: Fengshen) was lowered to storm signal no. 2 in Metro Manila (where I live) same with provinces such as Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Ifugao, Aurora, Rizal and Laguna. It was signal no. 3 this morning. There will be no classes for all levels tomorrow.

Power was out in my area at 5 am this morning until 2pm. Good thing that I always have emergency kits ready for this situations. Wake up call? Nah, maybe for other people but not for me. I have candles, batteries, flashlight, AM/FM radio, emergency lights among other things in my house. I learned this from my Tatay who was always been ready for possibilities.

Speaking of radio, since there was no electricity, I monitored the news update at DZMM Radio Patrol. I heard of MV Princess of the Staras owned by Sulpicio Lines that was found this morning at Sibuyan Island in Romblon province after reportedly lost and nowhere to be found yesterday. The said vessel with estimated 700 passengers and crew was bound for Cebu. I also heard President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo confirming to Coast Guards if they released warning to the coming storm yesterday. This is another maritime tragedy just like what happened at MV Dona Paz and MV Dona Marilyn in the past. Lets pray for more survivors.

I also heard of floods, evacuation areas, homeless filipinos, brownout, local politician reporting their current situations, Mount Pinatubo preparations. Whew! There were many things to be done for typhoons, my emergency kits is so simple to be kept at home but monitoring the situations outside always matter to me.

typhoon Frank Princess of the Stars maritime tragedy