The Eye of the Storm: Tata Poldo's Untold Tale
In a small barangay nestled in the heart of the Philippines, a young boy's life was
forever changed by the wisdom and kindness of an old man named Tata Poldo. The
boy, along with his friends, would often visit Tata Poldo's humble abode, bearing gifts
of Pancit Canton and cigarettes in exchange for the old man's vast knowledge and
assistance with their school assignments.
Tata Poldo, despite his lack of formal education due to the poverty that plagued his
youth, was a self-taught genius. He had acquired his wisdom through an insatiable
hunger for knowledge, devouring books, dictionaries, and newspapers at every
opportunity. The boy, drawn to Tata Poldo's intellect and gentle nature, would
frequently forego playing with his friends to spend time in the old man's company,
absorbing the ideas and stories that filled his young mind.
One day, as the boy shared a simple meal of bread with Tata Poldo, the old man
began to recount an extraordinary tale from his past. It was a story of a super
typhoon that had ravaged their barangay many years ago, a storm so powerful that it
had seemingly erased the Bicol region from the map.
As the storm raged on, Tata Poldo sought shelter in the church, a faithful follower of
God. While the rest of the barangay huddled in the halls and covered courts, Tata
Poldo and his fellow worshippers braced themselves for the worst. But then,
something miraculous happened.
In the midst of the howling winds and relentless rain, a calm descended upon
Barangay Gabon. For one entire day, the people experienced a perfect, serene
weather. The sun shone through the clouds, birds sang, and not a drop of rain fell
from the sky. It was as if the eye of the storm had settled directly over their small
community, granting them a reprieve from the chaos that surrounded them.
Some believed they were indeed in the eye of the storm, but the absence of rain and
the stillness of the air suggested otherwise. The people of Barangay Gabon took this
opportunity to gather supplies, repair their homes, and pray to God for protection.
They knew that the calm would not last, and they were grateful for the chance to
prepare for the storm's inevitable return.
As quickly as it had arrived, the peaceful day passed, and the super typhoon
resumed its assault on the barangay with renewed ferocity. The winds tore at the
buildings, and the rain pounded the earth, but the people of Barangay Gabon faced
the storm with renewed strength and faith, thanks to the inexplicable gift they had
received.
Years later, as Tata Poldo shared this story with the young boy, he realized that he
was now the sole keeper of this untold tale. The old man's words had imparted a
sense of wonder and mystery that would stay with the boy for the rest of his life. And
as he grew into a man, he carried the memory of Tata Poldo and the miracle of the
eye of the storm, a testament to the resilience and faith of his beloved barangay.
