Super typhoon Hagibis is coming. It comes with gloomy skies, heavy rainfalls, class suspensions, and one of its worst banes — baha! Murky flood water brings heavy traffic, stranded commuters, broken down cars, and disease. No matter how inconvenient it is, we still have to live with and beat the baha to get things done.
We’ve lived in Metro Manila all our lives and lived with bothersome baha. So much so that we all have our own list of baha essentials to keep us as dry and comfortable as possible.
Our Baha Season Must-Haves
Many of the things on our list seem to be common sense items to have around especially in the rainy season. However, many of them have more portable counterparts that may seem like a good option. We’re going to explain why we chose the things that we did.
Rain boots
The bota is a quintessential and classic part of any Pinoy’s baha gear. While it used to only be available in solid black, blue, or red today’s rain boots come in every color of the rainbow and even patterns and prints. They’re not just for keeping your toes dry anymore, you can use them to make a fashion statement too!
There are rubber and plastic shoe and foot covers that you zip over your preferred footwear. However, if you’re wading in water more than ankle-deep, your shoes, socks, and feet will still get soaked. You’re still better off wearing bota to keep the water out.
Motorcycle Ride Apps
It’s a pain to fall in line for the shuttle or wait for the bus when your feet are sloshing around in dirty water. It’s also hard to hail a ride if your stop is in the middle of the route, everyone else got on at the first few stops and PUVs are full by the time they pass by in front of you. Ride-hailing and ride-share apps are more convenient but surge pricing usually applies during bad weather and around rush hour. Is paying three to five times more than usual really worth it?
Here’s where Motorcycle Riding apps and groups come in. Motorcycles can take routes that regular PUVs and cars can’t. Provided that your rider is law-abiding and experienced, these rides are safe too. Now, the speed of these bikes, rain, and floods mean a very wet ride. That’s where the next item comes in.
Kapote and Rain Pants
Keep your trusty kapote close. Umbrellas will keep your head dry when it’s raining, but bagyo brings torrential rains and winds that many umbrellas can’t withstand. With a raincoat and rain pants, you can be sure you’ll stay dry even if the rain doesn’t let up. Pair it with your bota and you’re ready to wade through baha, makauwi ka lang. Winds may blow but your rain protection won’t be gone with the wind. One more thing: you can book a motorcycle ride without worrying if the rider has a spare raincoat for you.
Cane-style Umbrella
Aside from keeping the rain from drenching you, cane-type umbrellas have another unique purpose: a walking stick. Even able-bodied individuals need it once in a while, especially when navigating baha. It’s a good way to feel around ahead of you and prevent accidents like walking into open sewages and manholes. You can’t be too safe, you know? Sure, foldable umbrellas are easier to bring around, but you can’t use those shorties to poke around and feel around in the flood. Cane-style umbrellas are also often stronger than their compact counterparts. There are even “upside-down” umbrellas that can stand on their own and close overhead without giving you an impromptu shower.
Waterproof Bag Cover
We keep our belongings in our bags to keep them safe, but there are only a few bags out there that will keep them safe from water damage. You don’t want your phone, laptop, or important documents to get wet, do you? Leather bags will also get damaged if they come into contact with water. Enter waterproof bag covers. There are a multitude of styles out there for you to choose from. There are a variety of styles: somel fit over a backpack, some that slip over a handbag, some are even styled like bags for your bag. Win!
Another alternative are waterproof gadget pouches that will fit your phone, IDs, and some money. If most of the stuff in your bag can get wet, then this is a more compact and affordable option.
Other Tips on Beating the Baha
Aside from making sure you have your rain and flood gear ready, there are other ways to avoid the inconveniences that flooding brings. It’s important to keep your immune system strong so you don’t catch any of the viruses that the rain brings. Stagnant rain and floodwater make it easy for mosquitoes to multiply. Always apply mosquito repellent to avoid getting Dengue, Typhoid, and other mosquito-borne diseases. If you have any open wounds or broken skin on your feet, avoid wading in the baha to keep them from getting infected. Clean up well and shower as soon as you get home to get rid of all the nasties of the flood. Most importantly, stay safe and dry!
How do you beat the baha?