July 29, 2008 EARTHQUAKE

It was indeed a strong shaker that hit Southern California shortly before noon today.
I was on the topmost floor of the 9-story tower of the Loma Linda University, waiting for Ampy to be discharged after an overnight hospital stay for a routine physical exam.

Suddenly the building started swaying while I was walking towards the Nurses' Station. There was this overweight blonde nurse right next to me who got excited and said: "Earthquake!.. I need to hug somebody!" I thought shewas kidding, but went ahead and put her arms around my neck, almost wrestling me to the floor. The swaying lasted for about 12 seconds. She then let go and asked: "Are you OK?" I said yes, but actually I got a little scared, not only of the quake but the fear of a heavy body landing on top of me.

I then ran to Ampy's hospital room where I found her squatting on the floor with her arms draped over her head. She said she was worried the heavy Zenith hospital TV would fall from the ceiling.

I checked the California Integrated Seismic Network website when we got home.It was a 5.4 magnitude at 11:42:15 AM with the epicenter in Chino, in San Bernardino County. It's about 30 miles from my location.

Well folks, that's life in California. Something we have to live with. An earthquake can hit anytime without warning. We'll just have to be aware and be prepared.

And avoid standing next to an overweight blonde nurse.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Ako si Antonio, dating taga Chicago
Nagsawa sa lamig at sapin-saping snow
Lumipat sa Fresno, dala ng pagkakataon
Yun pala naman ay sobra ang init doon.

"Lipat tayo sa LA..." ang sabi ko kay Ampy
Mahusay na trabaho, nasa malaking city kasi
Marami doong makikita at mapapasyalan
Magagandang tanawin, panahon ay ayos lang.

Pero...

Talaga palang Wild Wild West dito sa LA
Drive-by shooting at car chases sa freeway
Madalas na mapanood ang mga ito sa TV
Hindi movies ito, kundi tunay na nangyayari.

Narito ang Disneyland, Universal Studios at Hollywood
At iba pang mapupuntahan hanggang abutin ng pagod
Dito'y marami ding nagbabakasaling maging artista
Kasabihan nga hindi ba, kahit ipakain sa buwaya.

Sobra naman ang presyo ng real estate dito
Paano ka namang makakabili, kung maliit ang sweldo?
Baka naman nagdidildil ang iba... ng hot dog at hamburger
Para lang makabili ng bahay sa Rancho Cucamonger.

Pero...

Ayos lang dito sa Southern California
Maraming kababayan, lalo na sa West Covina
Mga tindahan ng bangus, bagoong at pandesal
Para kang nasa Pilipinas, may estatwa pa ni Rizal.

At saka...aba, teka, tila yata nahihilo ako
Bakit gumagalaw itong computer table ko?
Yumayanig itong building... naku po earthquake ito!
Diyan na muna kayo, kailangan akong tumakbo!