It's January 1, 2009. The sky is downcast and there's a light drizzle outside. The wind is drearily cold and I can hear a few firecrackers being lit outside, leftover of last night's revelry. There are a couple of neighbors who are enjoying a karaoke amidst howling dogs. My family has gone to sleep early and I'm the only one left silently tapping the computer for this entry.

It rained last night during our Media Noche but the dark sky remained well lit by Dragon and China-made firecrackers. We bought a box of our own (around PHP750) which only lasted for less than 15 seconds. We were hoarse blowing our cheap 'torotot' and my nieces were quite drenched while running around with their lit 'lusis'. Around us, the well-to-do neighbors, delighted us with their own firework display. There was a short power failure last night at exactly 11:55pm but it didn't dampen the spirit of how we greeted the New Year. I think the total darkness even added drama to the event because it highlighted the colorful lights of the fireworks around us (and the fumes as well).

Filipinos hold this belief that a rain in a New Year signifies blessings. I wanted to think 2009 will be a better year. I have to although economic forecasts say otherwise. It's the year of the ox and although I feel sorry for the ox whenever I see an ox cart in the Philippines (that white beast weighed down by a cart of various native wares -- banig, duyan, walis, etc), I do not have a choice but to remain positive about it. An ox is a resilient animal. We then will be resilient in 2009 as well.

Tomorrow, I will be returning to Saudi Arabia. It saddens me, really, because I will be leaving behind my ailing parents and my growing nieces. I don't know what will be in store for all of us and all I can think of now is to pray that 2009 will not be a difficult year as most people believe it will be.