In life’s daily grind in this progressive, COVID-free place, locals and strangers alike practically rub elbows to watch scenic sunrises and sunsets at Bayview Park in Brgy. Combado.

The exercise enthusiasts do Zumba, brisk walking, jogging, while the elderly simply pass the time leisurely going around, watching the selfie-and-groufie-perfect natural views.

Then typhoon Odette came and went on as a great spoiler, breaking the routine, although somehow the respite provided breathing space for the park.

But not for long.  In less than 24 hours after Odette smashed its destructive forces, one person, then two, then three, and more, were seen hanging around in the exact same place people used to hanging around during sunrises and sunsets.

The park was still a mess, with fishermen’s fishing boats blocking the west road, some solar posts knocked down, small trees on their side, and garbage thrown back by waves still around.

Still people began to converge for one basic reason:  there is data signal by Smart Communications where they can exchange updates and “how-are-yous” with their loved ones elsewhere.

Suddenly, the Bayview Park became a community of locals and strangers rubbing elbows back again, but this time each one bowing to her/her cellphone, or raising it up in the air, to catch a glimpse of data.

Globe users can only watch in envy and wonder --  and hopeful when can globe do the same.

There was this woman from Tomas Oppus town who, with her husband and child, came to join the community of signal seekers if only to tell her daughter in Manila they are safe and sound.

Another got word a relative sent money for financial aid to the family.

As it turned out, it was not only Bayview Park that has roaming Smart data signal, even if passing in some few minutes sometimes perhaps due to the growing number of users day in, day out.

Other pocket patches of locations in the city are readily noticeable, thus people can have some choices.

The Bayview Park location, however, was the first one to be discovered even as this claim can be subject to debate.

Reports from PIA-8 were submitted, through a reinforcement team from Tacloban led by Ninfa Quirante, OIC regional director, via this Smart data online technology.

Welcome to Maasin Bayview Park, the pioneer texting, calling site of the city. (LDL/MMP/PIA 8-Southern Leyte)