It’s not just extreme heat, but also relentless rain. Located near the Pacific Ocean, the province of Tuguegarao, Cagayan faces frequent arrival of typhoons. For me, this was nothing out of the ordinary; I had grown up knowing the drill: classes suspended, workplaces and establishments closed, and windows and doors of our home boarded up by Papa. Everyone else in the family was busy herding the animals indoors, bringing out candles and flashlights for the inevitable power outage, and restocking on essential food and water. Then came a day or two of completely grey views from the window and the eerie howling of the wind. The time of year when typhoons would come has been predictable and they’ve become a part of the annual rhythm of life for my family and the people of Tuguegarao.