The first time I’ve been to Leyte, I remember leaving with the memory of the best tasting pineapple shake I’ve ever had.
 
That was until the storm happened and everything changed.
 
Every single thing.
 
Although I was happy to have lent a helping hand on my second visit, I left feeling that something’s been taken away from me.
 
I remember the faces of the children eating the relief biscuits packed before my very own eyes. And of coconut trees with their leaves torn apart.
 
When I came back for the 3rd time last month, hints of the storm still remained… But they are remarkable people with resilient spirits.
 
They’ve started over and rebuilt what was lost little by little.
 
Years from now, the storm will always be remembered but for now…
 
I pray that it slowly fades away.