Wet and Wild in Manila

A lot of people probably imagine the Philippines bathed in constant sunlight, throbbing under clear blue skies.  Well, it's true.  But the wet season here can get too wet, and even though many people merely complain of the rains, this shift in the seasons can bring forth tremendous tragedies.

The wet season has set in the Philippines and since June the country has been experiencing torrential rains. I've talked with a few people that even though this is "normal", the past years have definitely reflected some drastic changes especially as there was a time when June and July still seemed like summer.  The Philippines fall under two main seasons, the wet and the dry; June marks the wet season and the best weather normally kicks in around October until early May.  Of course, in the past years rains have been pouring in November and even in January, with the worst typhoon in the past three years, Ondoy, taking place in November of 2009.  The rains in the past weeks probably signify that the climate has re-calibrated, but frankly, I can't help but be amazed that the rains have been too much.  It's like the Philippines has been bombarded with typhoons almost every week.

We have to admit that these downpours are incredible spoilers to a lot of people's plans.  And seriously, it's hard to make plans if it's hard to predict what's going to happen.  Everybody's looking forward to the long weekend by the end of August and I myself want to do something nice for four days.  I actually thought of taking the "new" PNR train that heads straight to Bicolandia, but should a typhoon come, Bicol is normally hit first.  Anyways, who wants to take a wet weekend holiday?

A screen shot of the MMDA traffic navigator

Seriously, we cannot argue with nature but with all the flooding that's been happening, I hope that the Philippines will be more proactive when it comes to responding.  I have to at least say kudos to PAGASA for doing the best they can in weather forecasts, and I am currently a fan of the MMDA's interactive traffic navigator.  It is also helpful to be aware of the flood prone areas in the city, and post-Ondoy, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau released a map of flood-prone areas in Metro Manila.

Surviving the rains in the Philippines require common sense, of course.  Here are some things to remember to survive the rains in the country, with more notes on getting about in Metro Manila.

1. Be informed.  In this day and age, you know where to get your news.  There's the internet and there's television.  The radio, especially the AM stations, are very much active in feeding everyone with the latest news.  Twitter has been helpful as well as Filipino netizens are constantly online.  It is also very helpful to tune in to those morning shows to keep updated.

Make a wet fashion statement!

2. Be in fashion: bring your raingear.  Sure, a lot of people do not like bringing umbrellas but it will suck more ending up and smelling like a wet sock.  There are portables to store in your bag so you better make room or get wet (and sick).  What I particularly love are these "disposable" raincoats you can buy in hardware stores (esp Ace Hardware).  It is made of thin plastic and when folded right you can squeeze it in a 3 in x 5 in purse.  Maximize this raincoat by using it a number of times --- just be disciplined enough to dry it after use.

Another important note is to bring spare rubber thongs or sandals.  But if you do not want to risk leptospirosis --- or you just do not want to get your feet wet --- fashionable rain boots are apparently the trend these days.

3. Be strategic.  Arm yourself with practical information such as being aware of the flood-prone areas.  This way you can always run to alternatives if you get stuck.  For instance, if you work in Makati, the Pasong Tamo-Buendia area is very flood prone, especially the Pasong Tamo extension in the south; with this information in hand, going west of the city gives you the EDSA option or other possible side streets in the southern Manila City area.  Should there are huge problems, it always helps to ask a friend if you can crash in their place.

Stocking up on water, food and batteries is also another good measure, but please, don't go panic buying!

4. Be smart.  If it rains too hard, postpone your plans.  Life goes on; there are other days to have fun!

And speaking of fun, let's think of fun things to do during the rainy season.