Dolor is a Spanish word which means pain, grief, or sorrow. Its plural form is dolores, and it is said that a woman bearing such a name is bound for many heartaches. Indeed, in the past week, that is pretty much the feeling or sentiment prevailing among the residents of Dolores, Eastern Samar. The cause for such overwhelming sorrow is another female name, Ruby.
It’s unfortunate that such a lovely and seemingly innocent name could cause this much grief to an entire rural community. The people of Dolores are hardly heard of, especially when it comes to controversial issues. At most, they are quiet but hardworking, typical of people living in the countryside where major political scandals can hardly be discussed given the more serious problem of where to get the next daily meal.
Yet, Ruby has found Dolores to be the perfect albeit unwilling target of her wrath which she has since unleashed in several other largely rural areas. Why she has done so remains unexplained and unacceptable especially for the people who were directly hit by her fury.
For many ungodly hours last week, Dolores and her inhabitants were beyond the reach of human help. The enterprising members of media though have found ways of getting through to them. This allowed the public to get a first-hand glimpse of the kind of destruction that one woman’s wrath can inflict on those who dare stand in her path.
These days, Dolores continues to grope through the pile of debris that Ruby has left for her. Damage all across the town can easily reach hundreds of thousands even as the more painful process is dealing with the loss of innocent lives.
Ruby has already left, surprisingly showing significant weakness after dumping all her raging anger on the hapless Dolores. There is simply no place for sorrow during this most joyous season of the year; unfortunately, Ruby found it fitting for Dolores to live up to her name.
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