The Perfect Strangers

One late afternoon in December, while having snacks over a cup of coffee ️ after class at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Chu, Lilly and I are discussing our first out of town trip and we're all getting excited. I know it was kinda late for summer, but no one can stop us. We need this! Seriously, we badly need this break. After weeks of planning, series of dramas, cancellations and re-bookings, here I am on my way to Batangas Port on a rainy Thursday afternoon. It was a challenge for me to go on with this trip and yet it thrills and excites me more. Ooopssie but there’s one thing that scares me a lot. And that’s riding a ship overnight again. This time I’m all ALONE. As in A L O N E ❗️❕❗️❕❗️The last time I rode a ship was back in college, when I had my on the job training on board with SuperFerry 12. I really don’t get sea sick but thinking and getting the negative idea that it might sink, that scares me a lot. YAY! I was having my first dinner on board; I had pork adobo because the rest of the food choices did not look appealing to me. Pork adobo wins! Hehehe. While having my dinner as the ship started to cruise suddenly I saw this sketchy looking guy seated on the far right side of the cafeteria. He was looking outside the window. I wonder if he could see anything because it was too dark outside. He looks kinda sketchy to me because of his all black outfits and oops... He was wearing slippers. Seriously ang jologs ni kuya! And yes, medyo judgemental ako sa part na 'to. Anyway, the coffee they served is sooooo good. Or am I just a coffee addict, that even the smell of 3 in 1 excites me. ~smiles~ I set my alarm at 2:00 in the morning; I need to be at the ship lobby before we dock at Romblon Port. It was exactly 3:00 o'clock in the morning when we arrived. My long wait is over for this trip. Updating my bucket list : - Be in a place where no one knew me ✔️✔️✔️ - Travel alone ✔️✔️✔️ - Visit a place I can’t even pronounce. - Find Love? "But I want to fall in love in Namsan Tower. Kinda surreal, but who knows I might fall in love with this island.” ~smiles and shrugged her shoulders.~ I had a good night's sleep though, thanks to the calm and cooperative waves. "So many things to do and so many places to visit. Romblon here I come and I am soooo ready for you.” ~Giggling with excitement~ As the captain of the ship gave his greetings, “Welcome to Romblon!” If I were to describe my emotions right now, I would choose the emoji with hearts around the face. Hahaha. As I disembarked the ship, I looked up in the dark sky and found a star shining brightly as if it’s welcoming me into this island. Then I whispered, “Please help me find her.” My two hands on my chest like I am saying my morning prayer. I walked out of the port gate and found locals asking me questions I can’t even understand. Manong 1: Sir, may hotel na po ba kayo? Manong 2: Sir, tricycle po para paghatid sa hotel. Manong 3: Sir, Plaza Hotel po. All I did was to decline their offers by saying “NO!” Meanwhile, Zee was walking past the intersection trying to capture everything she could on her trip. I was walking past the plaza and found a big round marble seal placed near the intersection. It was Romblon's official province seal. From there I crossed the street to look for Romblon Plaza Hotel situated on Manuel Roxas Street when I noticed a man’s shadow trailing me. I could feel my heart beating fast and negative thoughts are continuously coming. I decided to run faster until I reached the hotel and hid behind its mini front garden. I rang the doorbell and the receptionist was half awake when he opened the door. As I was about to enter, the sketchy looking guy walked past me and entered the door ahead of me. "Aba! Ang kapal ni nito inunahan pa ko! Argh!" Upon reaching the reception area, he showed a small paper and the receptionist gave him his room keys right away, while I waited behind him. I told myself, “Oh shoot! Is he really staying here? The same hotel? Oh God, please have mercy.” He was still having a conversation with the receptionist and for the record, he did not remove his mask at all. Ang bastos din ni kuya eh noh! ??? Receptionist: Sir, here’s your room key. We do not have an elevator. If you need something, you can always ask the receptionist on duty. Sketchy Guy: ~looking around and nodding~ Thank you. Receptionist: Welcome! Enjoy your stay. ~smiling sweetly~ Me: ~talking to myself. Landi naman nito.~ Then he left. I did not notice that the receptionist was already talking to me. Because I was too busy staring at him. Receptionist: May reservation po mam? Me: Ahh, uhhh... Yes! ~handing in my receipt~ I have confirmed the booking under Chu Li. Receptionist: Salamat po. Upo ka muna mam hanapin ko lang. Me: ~umupo habang napaisip bakit hinahanap pa eh bakit si kuya ambilis naman ibinigay ang susi. Favoritism din ‘tong si bakla eh.~ Okay. Salamat. Receptionist: Mam may balance ka pa dito na 2K. Me: Ito po. Salamat. ~handing 2K~ Receptionist: Salamat. ~handed me my receipt and room key.~ Me: Salamat din. My hotel room is on the 3rd floor of this building and looking at the stairway makes me feel dizzy. I find it too tiring to use the stairs. Tiring kasi walang exercise. But I have left with no choice. While going up I was wondering what floor he was on so I could avoid him. I entered my room then I immediately checked if water was okay and I put down my bag and dialed my manager’s number. Sketchy Guy: I arrived safely. ~talking in a monotonous voice~ Manager: Where are you? ~sounded really worried~ Sketchy Guy: Ummmmm, I can’t tell you. Manager: Why? ~sounded surprised~ Sketchy Guy: If I do, you’ll be standing in front of my hotel room by tomorrow morning. ~laughs~ Manager: Okay. I will no longer ask where you are but you have to assure me that you’ll be okay. And please if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. Sketchy Guy: Yes. Thank you. Bye. ~walking around his room and finally opening the door of his patio.~ Manager: Bye. As I stood outside my patio, I cannot help but think of the possible probabilities that I will and might not find her. Should I go ask the local police? Should I have her photo printed in the local newspapers? If I do that there is a higher possibility that these people will recognize me and I can no longer find her. ~thinking and feeling hopeless.~ "God, please help me find her.” While I pleaded to God to help me find my woman, I heard a woman’s voice on the other room’s patio. She sounded weird. Along the hotel hallway, Zee was updating her vlog. "Hello guys, I am about to enter my room. ~showed her room keys and put the keys on the knob and twisted it to open.~ Wow! My room has a TV, a dining table, bed and closet. A typical hotel room in the province I guess. But it's nice. ~opens the patio door~ Here’s my small patio, it overlooks the port area and the whole neighborhood. Byers for now guys. If you want to watch my Romblon adventures just click on the subscribe button. Stay tuned for more updates." ~feeling like a pro travel vlogger!~ After a few hours I started to roam around the streets, I was holding my camera and asking people questions, eating in local restaurants and shopping at local markets. Seeing their life here made me think of my childhood days where my mom and I would go shopping at local markets and eat at local restaurants and the food was really tasty. Romblon does not have SM or Ayala malls, hypermarkets, bakeshops such as Red Ribbon and Goldilocks, the ever busy fast food chains, 24/7 ATM Machines, buzzing jeepneys and taxis. All of those are not found here. Because of that I can experience a Romblon kind of life. Exciting, isn't? ~smiles~ While walking on the street, I notice that there is something odd on this side of the island, am I seeing Puregold? "Uy galing naman nila Bossing umabot na dito." Habang papalapit ako sa building, bigla kong nabasa "Welcome to Romblon City's Municipal Hall." OMG! I am sooooo doooomed!!! Yung napatigil ka, tapos napa-smile ka na lang kasi hiyang-hiya ka na, tapos pambawi na lang yung nagtanong ako ng "Manong, bukas na po ba yung munisipyo?" Then the old man replied, "Bukas na po mam! Tuloy po kayo." (We're open ma'am. Please, come in.) Seconds laters, I found my greatest alibi, "Manong balik na lang po ako bukas kasi naka-shorts po ako nakakahiya po pumasok sa loob. Salamat po." (I am dressed inappropriately today. I will be back tomorrow. Thank you.) then I slowly walked backwards feeling ashamed of what I did and what just happened. Ang gaga mo don Zee! ~laughs~ Anyway, my first vlogging day was totally an epic fail. I should stop this I guess. Vlogging is not for me, so I decided to just follow my itinerary for the day. While passing through the plaza to look for Manong Ariel - Chu's boss referred him and my rent was kinda cheap compared to others. I saw the sketchy looking guy again sitting on the bench wearing a khaki short, white shirt and navy blue striped polo, and slippers. The slippers he was wearing on the ship. Mukhang mamahalin pero available na din sa palengke and his outfit will not be complete without his black New York Yankees hat and his infamous black face mask. I think I have watched all the people passing by this plaza and none of them was her. ~sigh~"어디야?" (Where are you?) As I watch these kids playing their local game. Hitting a can with their slippers really relaxes my mind. Sketchy Guy: How do you call that game? Kid 1: Tumbang Preso! Sketchy Guy: Tttt.. Tum.. Kid 2: Tumbang Preso. ~speaks slowly~ Sketchy Guy: Tum... Tumbang Presyo? Kid 1: Hindi. Kid 2: No no no. Preso. ~Speaks slowly~ Sketchy Guy: Ah ah ah. Tumbang Preso. What does it mean? Kid 2: You know policeman? Sketchy Guy: Yes. Kid 2: Oh that bang bang bang ~his fingers trying to give a gun shape~ the bad boy. Sketchy Guy: Oh, okay! Kid 1: Ayan! Berigud Daoming Si! ~all the kids laugh~ Sketchy Guy: ~smiles~ who’s Daoming Si? Kid 1: You know Meteor Garden? Sketchy Guy: No. Kid 1: Oh baby baby baby? You know? ~sings an F4 song~ Sketchy Guy: No. ~smiles~ Kid 2: Why you not know? My mother loves Daoming Si. Sketchy Guy: I haven't watched it yet. Kid 1: Ohhhhh. Someone called me from the back. One of the tricycle drivers asked me. Tricycle Driver 1: Sir, do you want to go around Romblon? Sketchy Guy: ~Smiled and said~ No. Tricycle Driver 1: I am a beri good drayber? I can take you to BonBon Island, Fuerza San Andres ~pointing on top of the hill~ using this ~pointing to his tricycle~ Sketchy Guy: Sorry. Maybe later. Thank you. Tricycle Driver 1: Okay, sir. Just look por me okay. I am Kuya Pogi ~smiling happily~ I stood up from the bench and walked past the queue of tricycles when I saw this lady staring at me. She’s so weird. I really don’t like the way she looked at me. I saw him again at the plaza near the tricycle queue. I think he was talking to the drivers. As he crossed the street our eyes met. I was staring at him, curious about who he is “Sino kaya yan? In Fairness mukhang may itchu” ~landert~ As he passed by me, stares back sarcastically. “Shoot! Did he? Did he just? Fudge!” ~I looked back and said~ “GAGO!” ? But the sketchy looking guy never looked back. As my Romblon adventures continue. I could feel the vibe through Manong Ariel’s sounds ~Sun Is Shining by Bob Marley~ My first stop was at Bonbon Beach. I am really excited to see that long stretch of sandbar and was actually thinking twice if I should cross. When I saw Bonbon island, it literally captured my heart. I could count the tourists who were there. As I continually walked along the coastline and finally reached the sandbar. I saw a guy wearing a navy blue striped polo with a white undershirt and khaki shorts, staring blankly at the vast horizon. I can't help but utter "Di ka mahal nun.” ~in very mapang-asar way~ Just to tease him, I didn't get the chance to peek who he was when I said that. I just continued walking. There was a part of the sandbar where I decided to lay down with my two hands under my head. I watched the gray clouds passing by, and little by little I could see the light blue shades of the clouds coming out. ~smiles~ I took my phone out of my bag and played, Love by Allen Stone. I closed my eyes, trying to feel the vibe of the music. All I could hear was the waves of the sea, the strong wind blowing and footsteps of tourists passing by. Unconsciously, I turned my head on my right side and when I opened my eyes, I saw a guy laying side by side with me, but our bodies are totally facing in different directions. Pero yung face to face kayo. Yung kita mo eardrums and pores na maliliit pa sa tigyawat ko. Ganern! His face was covered with his bucket hat. I was surprised, took my phone and immediately stood up. Loko to ah, makatabi, close ba tayo kuya? As I walked fast towards the highway where Manong Ariel was waiting, I heard someone running behind me and shouting, " Excuse me… Miss…. Miss… Excuse me. Can you please take me with you today?” I turned my back and saw that one person I least expect to see and meet on this island. My heart was beating so fast, that I didn't even know if I would cry or smile as he said "Please?" In a very nakaka-awa face. The world stops as if I was in a movie. He slowly walked towards me and asked again, "Can you please take me with you today?" and right then and there, all I could say was "Yes! Tara! este...Let's go!" We went to Talipasak Island. The water was crystal clear and the whole resort looked relaxing. Before getting a dip, we stopped by the resort cafeteria for lunch. Me: Let's have lunch first. Stranger Guy: Okay. Me: Suplado neto. Manong Ariel, kain po muna tayo ng lunch. ~inviting the tricycle driver to join them on the table~ Manong, order ka lang ng gusto mo kasi siya magbabayad. ~pointing at the stranger guy~ charoot. Manong Ariel: ~Reading the menu~ Mam, hamburger at kape na lang po ang akin. ~smiles~ Me: Manong, sigurado ka? Samahan na natin ng Spaghetti yan ah. Manong Ariel: Sige po mam. Salamat. Me: You? ~looking at the stranger guy~ Stranger Guy: Mmmmmmmm….. I'll have a clubhouse sandwich and coke. Me: Okay. Ate ganda. ~waving for the waitress~ Waitress: Yes po mam. Ano pong order nila? Me: Isang spaghetti, hamburger, kape, clubhouse sandwich, coke, carbonara and samahan mo po ng malamig na kape. Salamat po. Waitress: Okay po mam. After a few minutes our food was served and we ate happily except sa isang bitter sa tabi. After eating, we decided to go near the coastline and of course I took my camera out for selfies and to capture the beauty of this island. Stranger Guy: ~he stood up and walked towards the sea as if he was trying to drown himself~ Me: Kahit anong gawin mo hindi ka malulunod ang tangkad tangkad mo noh! ~As if naintindihan niya ako.~ After 5-10 minutes, I could only see his body floating upside down and I was getting nervous. I was calling him, but he did not respond. I was hesitant to go check on him. I tried to look for a lifeguard, but it's just me and him in the area. "Lord, please help me. I don't know how to swim, but I can't let him die today." I immediately dropped my phone and ran towards the sea. I dived in and checked if he was okay. I kept on shouting while gasping for air in between but still no response. I tried my best to swim in the shallow part of the sea where I could see his body floating. However, my skills were not good enough. I was drowning. While exerting all my might for my consciousness to keep up with me, my mind still worries about him. "Is he okay? He should be okay.... He can't...he..." Then...it was all dark. I woke up and found myself lying on a bed in a community clinic. I was alone in the room. I could feel my whole body aching and I can only move a little. Someone was about to enter the room so I pretended to be asleep. I knew someone was standing beside my bed, but I couldn't hear anything. As I opened my eyes, I heard that familiar deep and soothing voice making my heart skip a beat saying... "다시연락주세요 나는이일을하기위해모든것을할것입니까? 대중이우리에대해알기를원한다면내가할것입니다. 나는당신을책임질것입니다. 나는당신을어떤비용으로든보호할것입니다." (Please take me back? I will do everything to make this work? If you want the public to know about us I'll do it. I will be responsible for you. I will protect you at any cost.) I don't know, but my heart aches for him. When he turned his back to check on me, I was already sitting on the bed...crying. "Are you okay?" he asked. I answered back by hugging him tightly with all my remaining strength, the hell with these body aches. I need to do this, I should do this.... I MUST DO THIS!!! I whispered in his ears as tears fell from my eyes, "모든고통을견뎌냅니다. 걱정하지마" (Endure all the pain. Don't worry, you got me.)