Storm Signal #10

How do you find peace in the midst of a storm? A signal #10 storm.

Thinking that the storm warning was just a fluke, I started my day early in search of breakfast. There was no rain, just the occasional mist. The wind was normal too. It was a normal day.

I headed for the first breakfast spot—closed. Walked to the elevator—off. Many, many, many flights of stairs later to the next breakfast spot—also closed.

“Hmm…that’s weird. It’s almost 10am. What time does this city wake up?” And so I was off to another breakfast destination. This time, it was open! I had my second round of egg tarts, and so the world was delightful again!

The original itinerary was to take a cable car to another island, but that didn’t seem wise given the storm warning, so I decided to just visit temples and gardens. A few train rides later, I was greeted by a guard who looked at me like I was crazy for being out that day. He told me that everything was closed because of the typhoon.

I resigned myself to at least have lunch at this Michelin-starred restaurant. That kind of place should be open. Also closed.

But it wasn’t even raining!! At most, it was misty. And it wasn’t windy either. What was going on?!

I tried visiting a couple of museums, but all of those were closed too. I was so confused. How could this be a signal number 10 storm? Why were all these news outlets making people panic by saying that it could be the strongest storm in Hong Kong in at least 50 years?!

With some food and water secured, I went back to the hotel and slept. And then the storm came.

At around 11pm that night, I started wondering if 7/11 stayed open, so I went down and checked. The wind was definitely angry by then. 7/11 was closed. Then I noticed a small kiosk that was open. Immediately, I spotted Ding Dong, Mang Juan and La La. When I turned around, I saw Kopiko and Lucky Me Pancit Canton. Whuuut?!

In the middle of a signal number 10 typhoon in Hong Kong, the only thing open was a Filipino kiosk. Even 7/11 was closed. Let that thought sink in for a moment.

This speaks volumes about the hard work and resilience of Filipinos, especially our fellow Filipinos abroad. Wow talaga.

All of a sudden, I felt so safe. I felt so grateful. I felt at home. And I knew all would be well. After thanking the Filipino family for staying open for all the hungry tourists nearby, I went back, said my prayers, and slept peacefully that night.

PS: In hindsight, I think the reason why I was so perplexed by the "lack of storm symptoms" was because it would stop raining when I arrived at a new destination. Or it wouldn't rain until after I've left. It couldn't explain it. I was just immensely lucky.