By Jan Vicente B. Pekas

Beneath the embrace of a thick blanket is the only place to be during this cold season. Instead of being groped by the harsh wind at every turn, and an unforgiving cold that pushes you further into the realm of sleep. Sometimes, it’s easier to give in to that same cold and let it guide you to the soft grip of a mattress and get lost in a sunny dream.
If not for all our responsibilities and duties that drag us out into that raging weather, then things are good as a lot more water could be preserved in the tank. When there is constant pouring of the rain and continuously not taking a bath, then we can save a lot of water for the coming dry days due to el nino.
Yet, like a drug that shackles one’s body, our comfortable dream can lead us further into the depths and instill in us the demon of sloth. Sometimes, we can lose sight of our real dreams, ones that have stayed in reality, and can only be achieved in the same plane of existence
To reach for all our ambitions, we all go out and tackle on any challenges, whether that be the cold rain that drop from the grey skies or the invisible wind that affects any who stand on its path. Despite the heavy downpour in this city, a great number of people still insisted on going out and confront mother nature, after all, we all have to make a living somehow.
Even when one gets drenched without even 10 minutes of walking outside, Filipinos go on and walk ahead. Students go ahead and get wet just to catch their classes. Store vendors must resist the winds that threaten their livelihood, and employees must shield their own uniforms and get to work on time.
Though the typhoons of the past left scars on this battered country, the Philippines still remain standing, continuing and moving ever forward to the future. A heart made of gold may last a long time, but the heart of a Filipino will last longer.
The pine trees may be taken down for now, yet many still remain upright, and in time more will sprout again, and shield the people of this city. Stronger rains may come in the future, typhoons will continue their trek into these mountains, but they will not outlast this country.
The Filipino will go on despite the rains outside, and if the storm is harsh and cruel and the cold comes with greater force, that just means no bathing for a week.
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