Travelling for a Breath of Fresh Air

Feeling overworked and overstressed, I am looking forward to the break from work come December. I'll be flying away to Neverland and I'll be with my Zinkerbell, hoping never to come back to an existence of never ending pressure. I want to travel where there is no need to mind the time, no need to check the watch's second hand, no need to speed up for another task. I want to laze around a sunny beach, sip lemon juice and just read a good book(humourous) by the seashore.

I want to jog in the mornings, sleep back till noon and cook a step by step recipe for dinner. whew.. Enough of my wishful thinking. Now all I have to do is focus on my responsibilities and the day will surely wear on. And the next thing I'll know, it's the Christmas month! Yey 

Davao, here I come!

All Saints/Souls Day 2008

October has come and gone and I haven’t really posted a real post. The scratchy feeling of writing something is nagging me again tonight. I kept meaning to really write about the past national holidays (All Saints and Souls day) but it is now mid- month that is why I call this entry some sort of cramming.

Well, let’s start with my homeward journey to Cebu’s northernmost town, Bogo City. Naturally, during these special holidays, the North Terminal is ready to explode with passengers, all in a hurry to get to their respective destinations. A distinctive Filipino tradition is that whenever there's a special holiday being celebrated, it is instinctive and natural to go home to their own provinces. For me, the required travel also means a slight vacation on the side especially since Bogo is haven to wonderful, scenic beaches. In fact, the northward journey which starts from the town of Consolacion is jotted with beach lots and properties all along the coastline. Some towns such as Danao, Carmen and Catmon can really boast of sandy, white beaches located just along the national road. It is because of these roadside attractions that I am able to enjoy the trip despite of the heat and smoke of fuming buses and other vehicles. When we reach Lugo, vendors along the road offer us with Budbod Kabog, a local delicacy made of corn extracts which is really mouth-watering once you get the hang of it. At last, we reach Brgy. Lapaz, passed along the Shrine of Mary Immaculate, and the Municipal Hall of Bogo greets us just located at the left side the road. This is the first landmark which signals that you are approaching the Bogo proper.

Thankfully, the three hour ride to my good, old home town was over and I finally hit home. However, all my folks were already at the cemetery paying respects to our dear departed ones. My brother even texted me to follow them if I can still manage it. But the heat and dust from travel never fails to make me dizzy that is why I choose to go home first. Anyway, my plan is to visit the cemetery and light candles on November 2nd to avoid the bulk of people generally expected to make their visits on the 1st.

I had a good sleep after which a good home made meal (thanks to my Ma's ever homey cooking skills :=)). When night came, I spent some time with friends hanging out in Bogo's Pantalan, it's the ever popular tambayan of Bogohanons. I chose not to make out most of the night since my younger brother is with me. We made our way home at around 12:00 midnight. I was up early the next day. I have to pack my things again for the trip back to Cebu City. But first, I went to my Aunt's burial place, lighted candles and said a prayer, hoping that She's in a safe place with the angels above together with all of my departed folks.

Once again, I sat in a Ceres bus for the ride back to where my work, responsibilities and life are. I'll be missing my family, friends and of course, good old Bogo. But for sure, I'll be back for the next big celebration- Christmas! Definitely, another trip worth looking forward into.


XS: Time, time, time! I realize now that if only I could give up my drinking sessions, I would have access to ample time for writing.

A Second Trip to Masbate

My second trip to Cawayan, Masbate started with getting into the “Lansta”. It is a bigger version of a pump boat to accommodate more passengers. It is the usual sea carrier used to transport passengers from one island to another or to the mainland within the Philippines particularly in the Visayas Region and its neighbors. It is more like a ferryboat but faster.

Cawayan is a coastal town and is a third class municipality in the province of Masbate. It has thirty seven barangays. Our destination is the barangay of Divisoria near the poblacion, the main trading center of that part of town. The main livelihood of the people is fishing. It is known for its cheaper dried fish, shells, crabs and squids and of course, the freshness of the seafood straight from the sea is most notable compared to other places of the Region.

My first trip was decided out of a broken heart, broken dreams and a huge disappointment out of life. So I didn’t get to enjoy any aspect of the trip. I went home feeling more depressed and I never envision I’d go there again. But time is such a healer so, with the prodding of my friends, I decided to go back with no real expectations. I just wanted to enjoy the summer and my free time.

First thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the stillness and dryness of the air. I know it is summer but it certainly is drier there than even when in the city. A close friend’s brother is getting married the next morning so everybody was busy preparing everything from pans, cooking ware and kitchen utensils to the decorating and cleaning of the place. I busied myself with slicing the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beans and everything that is needed for the cooking. That way, the cook will have an easier and faster time preparing the party meals.

Early the next morning, I found myself in the church clicking and shooting the wedding ceremonies for I was the one lucky enough to have a video cam. After which, we headed straight back to the house where servers are busy preparing the table. I got a good slice of lechon skin plus all the menus on the buffet. I ate to my stomach’s content. Beer was served. After a while, they ran out of chilled beer so we have to put some home made ice. Nobody wants their beer warm specially me and my friends
.

After the party, when only the family members are drinking and chatting, we headed for a swim in a secluded beach property. Children are playing and milling about the seashore. Although the sand is not so white than I would prefer to like, I felt relaxed and contented. I always have this pristine feeling whenever I’m in the beach. Some of my friends are drinking Rhum this time. I decided to sleep instead under a small coconut tree. Hard drinks are not much to my taste and intestines. When I woke up, I felt this slight pang of pain inside my stomach. Oh! The result of my eating binge with pork oil and cholesterol. I feel I wanted to vomit. I was getting weak. They decided we go home by walking through the beach front. So I summoned all my remaining strength to reach the seawall fronting our host’s house some fifty meters from where we swam. Every step was a little prick inside my tummy. When we finally arrived, I drank some Jazz cola to appease my pain, somehow. By this time, two of my friends also were having stomach aches. Just the result of eating and drinking too much that the body can’t take. I turned in to sleep.

The next day was for packing my things for our trip back to Cebu City. After saying our thanks to our host’s parents, we drop by her Aunt’s place. Their family and some friends bade us goodbye and the husband accompanied us to the beach where the pump boat is waiting to transport us to the waiting Lantsa. Along the way, he bought us some dried fish for “pasalubong” when we get home. We are so touched by the gesture that we had nothing to say but to accept it. Such people are rare and should be commended for their hospitality and generosity. Little though they have (they fish for a living) but they are eager to share what they can. I was finally able to say my thanks to him when we reached the pump boat .

I don’t say I regret this second visit. The trip back home was pleasant enough. I was able to see islets through my scope and fishing boats milling about. I also took pictures of myself with the sea as background. This second visit was much more healing than I expected from the first. I thank God for letting me drift there once again. Indeed, I enjoyed myself for the time spent there was certainly worth it. ***