My excitement was palpable as I embarked on what was supposed to be a delightful 2 to 3-day vacation in the picturesque city of Baguio.

Little did I know that Mother Nature had other plans in store, and my dreams of leisure and adventure were about to be dashed by none other than Egay, a relentless super typhoon wreaking havoc on Northern Luzon.

As I journeyed towards the mountain city, I decided to be thrifty and booked a transient accommodation through Facebook. It seemed like the perfect way to save money while enjoying an extended stay.

However, upon arriving in Baguio, I received a message from the lady caretaker, delivering the disappointing news that the entire city was grappling with a major blackout, courtesy of Egay’s wrath. The power outage had also affected many areas in Mountain Province, leaving the city in darkness and its residents struggling to cope.

Quickly thinking on my feet, I opted to change my destination and found solace in a motel along the famed Session Road. The area was known for its array of hotels and accommodations, and I felt relief wash over me when I learned that Hotel 45 had a generator backup. At least, I wouldn’t be stumbling around in pitch-black darkness like many others in the city.

However, the weather gods had no intention of granting me an easy escape. The rain relentlessly pounded the city, and the winds howled with an almost eerie intensity.

My plans to explore the charming streets and nearby Burnham Park were quickly thwarted, as stepping outside meant being instantly drenched in the downpour.

This was hardly the ideal time to bask in the splendors of the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” Baguio, typically a vibrant and lively destination, was now locked down, prisoners to the mighty force of Egay’s rampage.

As the night wore on, I found myself confined to that tiny spot along Session Road, the motel now a safe haven amidst the storm. I tried to find solace in the thought that at least I could charge my phone and stay connected, thanks to the generator. Still, my heart went out to those less fortunate, enduring the darkness and uncertainty.

The next day, I weighed my options and decided to cut short my vacation. It simply wasn’t worth prolonging my stay in the midst of Egay’s fury. The city’s energy was palpably dampened, and even the most adventurous souls had been tamed by the storm.

As I made my way back home, I noticed that many residents were flocking to hotels and motels with generators. They sought the comfort of power to recharge their phones and gadgets after nearly two days of darkness. Egay had cast an unexpected spell over Baguio, leaving its mark on the hearts and minds of everyone it touched.

Though my vacation had been far from what I had envisioned, the experience left me with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the people and the power of nature. Baguio may have been shrouded in darkness, but its spirit remained unyielding. And as the city slowly emerged from the grips of Egay, I knew that the sun would eventually shine again, and the magic of Baguio would once more beckon with open arms. Until then, we would remember the rainy escape that tested our spirits and brought us closer to the heart of the mountain city.