Rainy Season in the Philippines: June

June ushers in the rains in Manila and the rest of the Philippines.

Somehow, one expects the rain to relieve the high heat of summer. It's not that much of an improvement, though, because the weather has turned humid instead.

Bring your umbrellas whenever you venture outside. Be careful with your choice of footwear, too. Make sure they can stand not only going through puddles but also going through flash floods. Yes, that happens often even in main thoroughfares.

Wear something cool and just layer on your rain jacket. I suggest something lightweight. Remember the humidity.

Have snacks and a drink in your bag because traffic is going to get worse, especially because June is also school-opening month. These snacks and the drink will also save your tummy if you get stranded because public transportation is going to be packed and some of them could get stuck in flooded areas.

In case you get stranded, hope that it's at one of the many wonderful malls. The airconditioning will make you want to stay inside. The great shopping finds will also make you forget your predicament.

When outside, what I always try to look out for during these rainy days, though, are children happily playing in the rain. It's no longer a common sight these days and it brings back memories of simpler and more laidback times especially in the provinces.