CAPIZEÑO SMILES: A Beacon of Hope

By: Lawrence Clark Fernandez

(Photos by Jean Benedicto)

We Filipinos are known across the globe for our resiliency and determination, a trait that somehow allows us to enjoy the lighter side of things amid insurmountable obstacles. As a country we are no strangers to storms and typhoons, but once in a while there are calamities that test our resolve. We survived Frank, Ondoy, and Yolanda, and we will surely survive Ursula.

As Panay heals in the aftermath of Typhoon Ursula, Capizeños (one of the hardest-hit areas) somehow manage to smile. And with their smiles they unknowingly provide us a beacon of hope that we would eventually overcome this hardship.

Ilongga photographer Jean Benedicto shared in her post: “There’s always a bright smile and a dose of positivity over calamity. As a photographer, I want you to see these pictures reflected on mine. Whatever background you see, I will always be happy because life is more essential than material things temporarily destroyed. We still have a life to restore everything, regain the happiest emotional state and to rejoice because we are still blessed.”

As one user commented: “Ursula ka lang, baby ka lang ni Yolanda”.

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