It's been a year...

As I was browsing my 'On This Day' on Facebook, I came across with this photo:

It's been a year since my last official shift at Tacloban Tower/Approach Control. I had so many fond memories of this facility: first time to be independent, first time to be away from home, first legit typhoon experience, first time to handle emergency situation, first time to see an aircraft swerve from the runway upon airborne (scary shit, I know), and first time to handle a Papal flight (a once-in-a-lifetime event). This facility will always have a special place in my heart. I am definitely missing the stunning sunrises and sunsets of this airport, it's something that we rarely have in Davao due to the surrounding terrain.

Here's what I've written in my Facebook post a year ago:

Today's shift (5am-1pm) was a mundane one - no special flights, no missed approaches, and no flight cancellations. Everything was handled in a routine manner. However, today marks my last shift here in Tacloban Tower/Approach Control. So many things have happened for the past three years (well, almost). I have learned how to be independent, gained new friends in the city, and finally mastered the Waray language (my maternal grandmother's language). To my colleagues, thank you for making this facility my home away from home. Y'all are cool and amazing to work with. I am truly blessed. Damo na salamat ha inyo tanan! Mapuli na ak buwas ha amon pero bangin mabisita lang ak dida if mayda na time. 

No goodbyes, just a resonating hello from Durianburg.

Time really flies so fast.

10.31

I have read several ghost stories on my newsfeed, so I'll share mine as well.

Last March 2, 2014, I moved to Tacloban City. Months earlier, super typhoon Yolanda wreaked unimaginable havoc in this city, killing thousands of people in an instant. The city during that time still has an unstable electricity connection except for the airport. As day turns to night, the city is plunged into darkness, and it becomes eerily quiet.

I stayed at the third floor of the control tower since the staff house was totally damaged. On the third night, I woke up at exactly 3 in the morning. As I opened my eyes, I saw a tall, dark figure standing at the foot of my bed. At first, I thought it was our office assistant (we were three in the room that time). The figure wasn't moving, and I felt like it was staring at me. The room was dimly lit, all thanks to the moon's illumination, but it was clear as a day that the figure wasn't our office assistant. I just shrugged it off, thinking that my mind was just playing tricks. The next day, I told my experience to my other roommate (my colleague and happens to have a strong third eye). She said nonchalantly, "We're six inside our room. The other three are just lost souls, probably typhoon victims. Just pray."

Weeks later, we were only two inside the room. We were both on our laptops when suddenly, we smelled something. It was a sharp, distinct smell of an Orchid flower. I got anxious and asked my colleague if she smelled something. From her body language, I can sense she was really scared. She whispered, "She's in front of you. Don't forget to pray for her eternal repose." I thought she was joking, but I was feeling cold that time. I prayed hard that night.

The following day, I asked one of the airport employees if he knew someone who loves Orchids. "We have a former employee who used to plant Orchids and other flowers near the control tower. She died during Yolanda", he said.

I still have numerous paranormal stories to share with you, but after Pope Francis held a mass here, the activities dwindled. I guess it's safe to say that majority of them found the light.

Airbus A321 in Tacloban

Just to prove that Tacloban's Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is capable to handle Airbus A321-200. Although, this type of aircraft is only allowed to park at either Bay 1 and 3 and the north or south taxiway is closed respectively due to the A321's length.

Took this photo yesterday using my Canon EOS 1100D camera, 50mm f/1.8.

PS: My panning photo sucks. Need to practice my panning skills. Used to be an expert. I guess that kind of photography skill wears out easily.

The Papal Visit Experience

Philippine 8010

No words can express how I truly felt when Pope Francis visited Tacloban City. Mixed emotions. This must be the reason why I was here in the first place. I never thought that I would have a close encounter with him. Seeing the pope smiling at the crowd and officiating a Holy Eucharist while battling the strong wind and rain was truly remarkable. Despite the inclement weather in Tacloban, he opted to pursue the trip and be with the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

That alone was a humble act already.

Even if he's the leader of The Holy See, he is still gentle and a down to earth person; never a condescending one. He inspired millions of Filipinos through his words and homilies.

It was truly a memorable experience to handle the papal flight here in Tacloban. It's not about the responsibility or the prestige on taking part of this historical visit, but it's a reminder of how to be merciful, compassionate, and to remain your feet on the ground no matter what.