that tonight’s gonna be a good night.. that tonight’s gonna be a good good night..’
A good night indeed as I ended the week-long trip with 9 other friends who had become like a family. It all started with a plan to visit Davao City on their festival celebration. Shared it with some friends and waited for the date.
Our first stop was Quezon, Bukidnon. We were well-taken cared of, always invited for meals, given a warm welcome, greetings, etc. We were always full and we never missed any meal. All 10 of us slept in the living room of the house we stayed since not one of us wanted to get separated with the group. There were feet on someone else’s body, persons curled up in the sofa, feet banging on someone’s feet, etc. Yet no one ever complained. Talks that lasted till the wee hours of the night. When at that time, folks were already sound asleep. Walking from our place of stay to our destination instead of taking a ride. Taking a bath early in the morning so we won’t get caught up when the water shuts. Adopting ‘sparky’ the dog. Seeing old friends, familiar faces, exchanging hellos. All of those made our 2 days stay enjoyable.
Then off to Davao City. On our first night, visited my favorite place in the city, Jack’s Ridge. It was a rejuvenating experience. Seeing the lights on the distance, enjoying the view with some of the friends I consider family, etc. The following days at Davao were spent at Mergrande Resort. Days of seeing glad faces because of our presence, short but meaningful talks, little bonding time with the group, practices that were full of laughter, being amused with each other, etc. There were also faces I long to see and talk and were happy because I had fulfilled my word, even to the point of surprising them because I hadn’t told them of my plan. Yet it was fun. Had meat and fish for meals almost everyday that my stomach craves for fruits and vegetables. As one friend said, ‘nangala sa prutas‘.. hehe.. Well, who wouldn’t crave for one anyway, for a fruit and vegetable eater like me. So on the last day, we had fruit fest. Manong Obet prepared it for us and we helped out. It was so yummy, the best indeed. Our last night was spent walking through the downtown area, from Boulevard to Bankerohan, and all other areas we had pass and circled through just to sit and enjoy eating a durian. It was yummy. That made my night. With that free dinner, free ride, mind boggling finger game for one person, talks of anything while walking, sitting on anyplace to have a talk, teasings, laughter, Baywalk, amusing smiles, priceless moments indeed. There was never a sad moment with them. Shrugging off any unwanted event.
Not to mention, my precious V3 cellphone with my old smart sim, Sony cybershot cam, money, ATM cards and an identification card were snatched from my wrist on our first night at Davao City. We were even bold enough to run after my robber only to be stopped by residents of the street the snatcher passed through. I was thankful we were safe, all 4 ladies. Worse could happen as our friends told me. I was thankful no one is hurt, no one was being stabbed, being dragged on the street, was abused, no one was bitten by a dog while running after the teenage robber or anything. We were all safe. It was not a traumatic experience for me, and I don’t know why. I even passed the same street on our last night at the city. I was even amazed because I wasn’t panicking. I was composed and had remembered everything, described the persons’ attire, height, my pouch’s contents, what happened, etc. The police officers had identified the kid because of it. I was even thinking what I should do next and what needs to be done immediately. I was very glad. All my friends who comforted me gave a thankful sigh we were safe with relieving words that they’ll help in any way. Expect for one, unexpectedly, which made me cry, among other things that happened that night and the next morning. It was an eye-opener experience. Not the snatching incident, but what happened after, the people’s reactions and support. Had guy friends whose eyes would say, if they’d want to say it words, ‘I could have prevented it but I wasn’t there because I chose not to come’. In a way, we were thankful they didn’t because for sure they’d run after the kid and what would happen to them if they had ran him over. One friend’s mother whose sibling was a high-ranking police officer said that the kid belonged to a sindicate group in that area. So imagine their force. Oh well.
Things do happen whether we want it or not. But the snatching incident didn’t hinder the fun and enjoyment I had with the people I’m with and the people I visited. I had a great time at Bukidnon, though the sun was scorching hot yet the wind was so humid. We were always full, courtesy of our friends, an old friend in college who also happen to be a church member. Had a wonderful time at Davao City with old and new friends. Long-missed talks with people I seldom talk to, I missed that, the topics, everything. The events we missed because not one of us wanted to be excluded and be left out from the group. Where one goes, the rest follows. The out-pouring support and care they gave made my experience a less traumatic one. The practices for our songs that though we were bored and tired yet the presence of each one of the group made it all festive. The special music we did at Bukidnon which we gave justice also when we gave it at Davao City, without much practice yet sounded nice they said.
I am back safe and sound. I missed my tour family. Missed waking up Mari in a different way, which was effective by the way, even if she gave me a punch and an angry sigh after. Hehe.. Peace mar.. Manong Obet took care of us, standing up to his role as our kuya. Thank you Bet. The prodigal son who was once separated from us for a while yet came back because he misses us. The surprised Isai and the teasings. Hehe.. Missed the people. Yet, I was happy I spent my days with them. Thank you guys. Though my phone and cam was lost, the memories you left me with were priceless and could never be replaced.
I terribly miss the Cugman boiz. Forgive me for rambling about them in this blog, again. They had been a source of joy so maybe more entries may be posted about them, bear with me. Anyway.. It has been weeks that I haven’t talked to majority of them. Though we sometimes see each other in their place but there’s just not much time to talk anymore. Either they are busy with their studies or I am busy with my work and master’s program. Huhu.. I miss them so much. I miss our lakwatsas, I miss our music jamming, I miss our teasings, I miss going to adventures with them,
I miss their loud laughs, I miss eating with them, like we used to do. There’s the text messaging anyway, but nothing beats spending time with them. Right now, I’m glad they are fine and doing well with their studies, except for one, and in their life as well, except for two. Though admittedly, I can’t always be there for them, but as much as possible I’d like to be there to give them support. At least in my own little way, I gave them a smile and a light heart.