The rains of August

After languishing in the searing dry summer of the U.S., then on to the uncomfortably humid tail end of summer of Cebu, I now thankfully welcome the soothing rains at the onset of August. True, one starts to worry of possible leaking roofs, unchecked clogged drains, and uncovered containers forgotten in the garden.   Let us now  do the checklist for umbrellas in all the cars, raincoats for the schoolchildren, gardeners and messengers, medicines for cough & colds, comfort food for cold rainy days/nights, and warm clothes for everyone in the household.

Traveling on steep mountain roads may be tricky at this time. Be sure to check on the brakes and the maintenance of the car. A 4-wheel drive is best if rugged roads are to be traversed along the way.  If you must go on a long drive into secondary roads, be sure to bring along emergency tools and gear that will serve you well, just in case unforeseen circumstances may occur — some rope, a complete set of car tools, bottles of water, some biscuits, fully charged mobile phones, strong walking shoes, etc.

I remember when the machine of my friends’ car was overheated just when we were about to get out of the commercial center in Orange County (California).  Good thing that we were able to get back to the parking lot in front of a Target outlet so it was pretty easy to give directions for help to come within the half hour. They were as much strangers as I was to the place since they drove from Glendale (a 2-3hour drive) to see me. I wish we had that efficient a service here, especially outside cities where help is most needed. 

The yellowing in my gardens has turned verdant practically overnight with the quenching first rains of the season.  I spot tiny emerald shoots peeking out of brown mush that used to be lush orchid plants.  Time for renewal…new life…a fresh promise of fragile blooms from these epiphytic herbs. Maybe a visit to the orchid gardens of Moalboal down south is due, to replenish what plants have been devastated by the summer just passed.

Maybe a trip to the mountains of Dalaguete is possible before the coming of the rainy season, or even to nearby Busay hills where flowering plants abound.  I had just been through those hills in thick fog in the middle of the day early this week, when I attended a session of the PNP Values & Leadership Seminar at their training camp in Barrio Gaas.  I was totally charmed by the array of flowers along the way, for sale or as decorations at the roadside houses.  Nature is at its best on those hills…and they are just a hour’s drive away!

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbu — the Southern Trail just took place last weekend, in time to enjoy the trek before the rains truly pours down unceasingly.  I am sure the participants had their fill of southern hospitality as I had a couple of years back when I joined the 2nd Suroy Suroy – Southern Trail.  It was – and is! – a real feast of the senses when town after town would offer their most delicious dishes and delicacies, the best of their cottage industry and natural resources, a glimpse of their cultural festivals with historical backgrounds, their ancient churches and extant structures, their ancient tales and lores.

It is good to partake of what we have to offer to visitors so that we can take deep pride in who we are against the lushness of our surroundings and the richness of our traditions. 

Mabuhi ka, Sugbu-anon!