To survive the heat wave, follow the science of staying cool

Ah, summer in the Philippines—or should I say, the "dry season"? Let’s face it: our habit of calling March to May “summer” is as accurate as calling a jeepney a spaceship. 

I theorize this is a vestige of our American colonial mindset, where we subliminally adopted the four-season calendar despite the reality of our sun-kissed archipelago, which really only has two seasons: dry and wet. (Though I’d argue we have a third: the world’s longest Christmas season, stretching from September to December, aka the glorious “Ber” months.)

But no matter what we call this season, one thing is undeniable: it’s hot. Scorchingly, sweat-drippingly, melt-your-Halo-Halo hot! And with climate change turning up the planetary thermostat, it’s only getting hotter.

So, how do we survive this heat wave without morphing into puddles of perspiration, apart from the government occasionally and mercifully declaring "No Classes" in schools? 

Fear not, dear reader, for I bring you a mix of practical tips, scientific wisdom, and a dash of my wild imagination to keep you cool, collected, and maybe even a little whimsical.

Hydrate Like a Chinese Sage (Not a Frat Bro)

Let’s start with the obvious: drink water. But not just any water—skip the iced water, iced tea, and soft drinks. Iced water shocks your system, and soft drinks? They’re basically liquid sugar with a side of regret.

Instead, take a cue from ancient Chinese tradition: sip warm or hot tea. Green tea, in particular, is a rejuvenating elixir that cools you from the inside out. It’s like your body’s own air conditioner, minus the electricity bill. 

And no, cold beer doesn’t count. Alcohol dehydrates you faster than a cactus in the Sahara!

Revive the Salakot: Fashion Meets Function

Remember the salakot, those iconic wide-brimmed hats handwoven from nipa or other local materials? I’m reminded of this old, bygone tradition thanks to 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe’s yummy classic Kababayan bread, shaped like a salakot.

Early Filipinos were onto something. These hats are like portable shade, protecting you from the sun’s relentless gaze. Let’s bring them back! 

Imagine strolling down the street in a salakot, looking like a tropical superhero. Bonus points if you pair it with a fan made of anahaw leaves.

Architectural Wisdom: The Nipa Hut Revival

Our so-called “modern” and Western-inspired homes often feel like glass and concrete boxes designed to trap heat.

Meanwhile, I strongly believe the traditional and humble Filipino nipa hut is a masterpiece of natural ventilation! High ceilings, slatted floors, and large windows allow air to flow freely, creating a natural “aircon” effect.

Architects and homebuilders, please take note: let’s bring back these design principles. Who needs 24/7 AC with our atrociously high electric rates when you can live in harmony with the tropical breeze?

Siesta Like a Pro

The Spanish conquistadors may have introduced the siesta, but we’ve perfected it. Take a cue from early Filipinos and embrace the art of the midday nap to avoid stupefying heat and conserve energy.

The sun is at its fiercest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so why not retreat to a cool, dark room and recharge, even for 20 minutes after lunch? I encourage this habit of post-lunch short naps for my office employees, though I haven’t yet mastered the art myself.

Siesta is not laziness—it’s survival during hot days. Plus, dreams are healthy, relaxing, and a source of creativity!

Plant Trees: The Ultimate Climate Hack

Here’s a stark reality: our cities are heat islands, with concrete and asphalt absorbing and radiating heat. The solution? Plant more trees!

Not only do trees provide shade and beautify our concrete jungles, but they also cool the air through transpiration.

Let’s use political will to reforest our shockingly denuded rural hinterlands and green our urban spaces. It’s tragic that government bureaucrats and politicians in the past did not seriously implement reforestation, especially since forestry and lumber are renewable resources, as shown by perennially reforested areas in North America and other places.

Please plant more trees! Imagine a better future where every street is lined with trees, and every plaza is a mini-forest. It’s not just a dream — it’s a necessity.

Embrace the Power of Water (Outside Your Glass)

Take a page from early Filipinos’ playbook and use water to cool down. Dip your feet in a basin of cool water, take a quick shower (Spanish colonizers centuries ago were reportedly scandalized by the daily river baths of Filipinos), or splash your face. It’s instant relief, no electricity required.