Odette was wind; loud howls like jet planes passing overhead, strong enough to rattle the metal roofing next door and persistent enough to make itself felt. The noise was enough to keep anyone up most of the night.
The early morning brought no electricity and dead data - no communications. That was just the beginning of the typhoon's damage. Traveling south, every downed tree, light, or electric post pointed to a damaged building or flattened home nearby. Dazed people gathered on the street in the gray pre-dawn light.
Odette was wind; loud howls like jet planes passing overhead, strong enough to rattle the metal roofing next door and persistent enough to make itself felt.
Despite the destruction and uncertainty, every person that day spoke with a feeling of gratitude that it was only a lost roof or the lack of sleep that bothered them. They thanked God their family was safe and kept their eyes on what was more important - lives rather than things.
A Gift of Hope
SB19 released their first Christmas song, 'Ligaya', two nights after the typhoon. Throughout the Visayas and Mindanao, A'tin clung to the promise of the music video's release. Saving battery power and looking for a good signal loomed large in the minds of those fans looking for hope amidst the darkness – and they found it.
'Ligaya' isn't quite as grand as the last two music videos produced by SB19. It lacks the dominance of 'What?' and the untamed power of 'Bazinga,' but makes up for it in spades. Shot under a film grain filter, it features the five members of SB19 dressed in colorful sweaters in a brightly decorated Christmas Village. There is no choreography, but they are doing what they do best: enjoying the warmth of each other's company and playing together as the snow falls all around them.
'Ligaya' brought a ray of hope and joy. It spoke of a happiness which cannot be seen, of family and friends supporting each other, and simply of love making everything better. SB19 couldn't have known the release would be in the middle of a disaster, but true words were sung and brought comfort to many that were listening. It wasn't just memories of Christmases past but a promise for the Christmas soon to come.
A Little Joy at Christmas
The timing of the typhoon wasn't a fluke. As Christmas approaches, God wants us to remember what true treasures are: friendships, family, gratitude, helping hands, hope, and happiness, and to keep all of them close to our hearts.
['Ligaya' is] a gift of hope that they shared gifted without even knowing how much it would be needed. We all need 'Ligaya' in our lives and in our own way.
Whether you felt the pain of Odette this Christmas season or have had your own battles, so many A'tin have felt uplifted by SB19's 'Ligaya.' It is a testament to the bond between SB19 and their fans, and a gift of hope that they shared gifted without even knowing how much it would be needed. We all need 'Ligaya' in our lives and in our own way.
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