TraveLORE: Tagaytay Day Trip 2016

01/25/16

Summer was on our heels. Thus before we finally soaked in sweat-inspiring summer days, we set off to a cooler place to relax ourselves. Tagaytay was just few hours from Manila. People frequented this place so it becomes the least option for escapade. But Tagaytay had many good things to offer. We were just right in time when we went here; that day was recorded as the coolest temperature so far, for 2016! I wasn’t completely prepared because I went there in shorts and I was freezing cold.

It would be more convenient if you have a car but it was a lot fun commuting from one place to another. We almost memorized the places. I asked my friend Benj for places that were worth visiting. He suggested the following: Pink Sisters, Bag of Beans, Caleruega, Mahogany Market, Picnic Grove, People’s Park, and Skyranch. Here was an account on how we traveled from one place to another (just in case you wanted to go backpacking too – try it, it would be fun!). My mother, cousin, and I went to MRT Taft Bus terminal and rode bus bound to Nasugbu via Tagaytay. The bus set off at 6:30AM – we knew then that we will be late for our itinerary. At 9AM we reached our first stop: The Pink Sisters.

The Pink Sisters of Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (9AM-10AM)

A place for prayer, we confessed though that our first intention here was to look for nuns in their pink holy habits. We wanted to see the pink sisters but we never see one. The place was quite and relaxing. It was so peaceful that we were talking in a hush voice. We didn’t want to disturb the serenity of the place – it was shameful to be the source of any noises there. You could feel the holiness and sacredness of the place, it reflected the life being lived by the Pink Sisters.  We prayed and contemplated in silence then we wrote a prayer request and dropped it to the prayer request box. Hope we could attend the mass next time and experience the famous delicious cookies that people talked about.

How to go here: Ask the bus conductor to drop you on the street going to Pink Sisters. It’s near the Olivarez terminal. 

Caleruega Church (11AM-12:30PM)

A peaceful place to go – Caleruega was a serene spot for retreat and a romantic venue for wedding events. Not only quiet but also beautiful, Caleruega was love; this rustic place breathed the air of nostalgia. There was an entrance fee of PHP30/head, but that’s just a small amount for the sceneries that were worth more bucks. We were awed by the shabby-chic but polished structures of the Transfiguration Chapel, Fountain Compass, Hanging Bridge, Gazebo, and lots of other must-see sights. We were given a pamphlet to guide us through our tour. We strolled and savored the breathtaking views while enjoying the chilling temperature. From Caleruega you'd see the stunning sight of Mt. Batulao from afar. These beautiful mountain ranges towered over the stretch of fields below it.







We walked around while taking picture. Our last stop was in the Koi pond and the Hanging Bridge. There were still many places to go but we got an itinerary to follow. Our stomach was already grumbling in hunger.

How to go here: From Olivarez terminal, we rode a jeep bound to Nasugbu. Fare is PHP25. Traveling time is 45 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off at Evercrest. There’s a tricycle terminal there. Fare is PHP20. You can arrange for the tricycle driver to fetch you later because there’s no tricycle that passes regularly in Caleruega.

Mahogany Market (1:30PM to 2:30PM)

Since we missed our breakfast, just imagine how hungry we were by this time. Mama wanted to buy meats and I wanted her also to try their special bulalohan. Mahogany Market was famous for its bulalohan. We chose an eatery and ordered bulalo good for 4 persons. It costs PHP350 with unlimited bananas. We devoured 2 cups of rice each while enduring the strong winds that brought an icy chill. The bulalo soup got cold quickly; it was really a freezing day for me (blaming my shorts and light top garb).

How to go here: From Evercrest in Nasugbu, we rode a bus bound to Pasay. We were dropped off at the Mahogany Market. Fare is PHP25.

People’s Park/Palace in the Sky (3:15PM-4:30PM)

It used to be called “Palace in the Sky”. We paid an entrance fee of PHP30/head. We were warned that it was super cold up there and for the first time that day I had goose bumps – real goose bumps. As we walked up there I’ve considered backing out. It was deadly cold! The view up there was beautiful, a consoling reward. You'd have a glimpse of the Taal Lake and of the scenic views of Tagaytay and Batangas plains. There was a horse parked there named Alden. Just like in Baguio you could ride Alden for a picture taking. It costs PHP20. Before we reached the topmost part of the park, we saw the mists slowly creeping like a smoke. 








The clouds were getting upon us, surrounding us. In just few minutes we were covered by the white backdrops. When we got on the topmost part, the strong wind lapped on us with drizzles of rain. When we were about to go down, there was a sudden clearing so we stayed a bit longer to take photos.

How to go here: From Mahogany Market, we rode a jeep going to Olivarez. Fare is PHP13/head. From Olivarez Terminal we rode a jeep bound to People’s Park. Fare is PHp17/head.

Sky Ranch (5:15PM-6:15PM)

By this time we were already feeling a bit under the weather – perhaps due to the colds. As we went down, the chill was lessened. The afternoon sun showed but it was nearing to set off. We were planning to ride the bus bound to Pasay but as we traveled our way back to Olivarez terminal, we felt better again. So we pushed with the plan to visit Sky Ranch. I was really looking forward to this place because I wanted to take a photo of the Sky Eye. I wanted to try it but my two companions didn’t want to. Anyway, we paid an entrance fee of PHP50/head for the Sky Ranch (it was PHP80 on weekends).  









We just stayed in the covered hall because it was drizzling in the open area. I loved the carnival feels of the Sky Ranch, the rides were just few but they were a colorful sights to behold. It was nice seeing the sunset while hearing the screams of the people from the Drop Tower ride. Kids would surely enjoy this place while the adults would treat this as a dreamland of their inner child.

How to go here: From People’s Park we rode a jeep bound to Olivarez Terminal. We got off at Olivarez Plaza and rode a jeep bound to Mahogany. Before reaching the market you will see Sky Ranch (I suggest you go to Sky Ranch first before you go to People’s Park).

Sky Ranch was our last stop. From there we rode a jeep bound to Olivarez terminal, then got off at the plaza. You'd see a bus lined up there, near 7 eleven. We rode the one bound to Pasay Baclaran. There were still other places to go to but we were out of time. You could add to your list the Picnic Grove and Starbucks Twin Lake (the view there are said to be breathtaking).

Tagaytay Day Trip Itinerary & Summary Expenses:

6:30AM – MRT Taft Bus Terminal, ETD – bus bound to Nasugbu via Tagaytay, Fare                             PHP86/head

9AM – ETA Olivarez Terminal, Walked to Pink Sisters

10AM – Rode jeep bound to Nasugbu, Fare PHP25,

10:45AM – ETA Ever Crest, rode Tricycle to Caleruega, Fare PHP20/head

11AM – Caleruega Church, Entrance Fee PHP30

12:30AM – rode tricycle bound to Evercrest, Fare PHP20

12:45AM – Evercrest, rode Bus to Mahogany Market, Fare PHP25/head

1:30PM – Mahogany Market, Lunch Budget: PHP200/head

2:30PM – rode jeep to Olivarez Terminal, Fare PHP13/head

2:45PM – Olivarez Terminal, rode jeep to People’s Park, Fare PHP17/head

3:15PM- People’s Park, Entrance Fee PHP30

4:30PM – rode jeep back to Olivarez terminal, Fare PHP17/head

5PM – Olivarez Terminal, rode Jeep to Sky Ranch, Fare PHP8/head

5:15PM – Sky Ranch, Entrance Fee PHP50

6:15PM – rode jeep to Olivarez Terminal, Fare PHP8/head

6:30PM – Olivarez Plaza, rode Bus bound to Pasay, Fare PHP86/head

TOTAL: PHP635/head

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Buwan, Ulan, at Sumpang Alaala

ni: Uel Ceballos, Circa 2014

Lumipas na ang dilim

Sumisilip na ang mga bituin

Dahan-dahan nang nagbubukas ang mga ulap

Binibigyang daan ang malamlam na sinag ng buwan

Parang halik na tumama sa pisngi ko ang liwanag

Kasabay nun ang paglitaw ng mga mumunting kislap sa langit

Mga sandaang butil na nagsasabog ng ngiti

Mayabang ang kabilugan ng buwan

Nagparaya na ang kanina’y nagngangalit na ulan

Malamig pa rin ang simoy ng hangin

Bakas na iniwan ng mga nagdaang patak

Lumipas man ang ulan o magkubli ang buwan

Ang sinumpang alaala ay patuloy lang iinog

Sa pagsasalitan ng tag-araw at tag-ulan

Sa pagtatago at muling paglitaw ng buwan

Oo nga’t natapos na ang kabaliwan

Hinilom na ng kapatawaran ang nakaraan

Subalit patuloy na mananariwa ang kahapon

Sa tuwing bibilog ang buwan at bubuhos ang ulan.

Mang Miroy Trailer ~ Short Film entry to Cine Republica 2016

A short film entry to Cine Republica 2016
Film by:Uel Ceballos
Co-produced by: Cine Republica

Starring: Omar Flores, Danico Marc Calacat, Ivy Nava, George Magsaya, Shekinah Balbido, Shiba Gonzalez

Directors of Photography: Valentino Nool, Jr, Raya Querijero
Assistant Director/ Co-producers:John Lester Malabanan
Musical Scorer/Video Editor: Raya Querijero
Co-Producers: Keenan Ceballos, Rosemarie Ceballos

OST: "Ikaw lang ang Babalikan"
Written by: John Lester Malabanan
Vocal & Composition by: Karmel De Vera

TraveLORE: Conquering MT. MACULOT ~ Year end Climb 2015

Mt. Maculot is famous for its sought-after views; but several news breaking accidents happened in its vicinity thus, delaying me for hiking this mountain. However, as they say it, hiking isn’t about conquering the mountain but one’s self. I’ll forever have this craving and endless curiosity; I need to seek the glory of this mountain. Thus, before the yearend of 2015 I made a spur-of-the-moment invitation to my hiking buddies.

“Tara, hike tayo! Mt. Maculot!”

I was fortunate that four of my dear friends said yes with no further ado. We gathered at Alps Bus Station Edsa Cubao to ride a bus bound to Lemery, Batangas. It was 5AM in the 31st of December and the people kept on coming. We transferred to the DLTB and found it with fewer passengers. It was half past 5AM when we set on the road; the travel was smooth and quick, by 7:30AM we were already dropped off to the 7 eleven store of Cuenca, Batangas. From there we found a tricycle that brought us to the Brgy. Hall where we registered ourselves in the cost of PHP 20 each. The tricycle waited for us because the jump-off was still a long way from there. After leaving one valid I.D we were introduced to our guide, Mon. The rate for the guide was PHP 800 for the traverse climb (rockies-summit-grotto). 

When we reached the jump-off, we paid the tricycle PHP 20 for each person. We met there the two ladies who asked to hike with us because it would cost them expensively if they would pay for PHP 800 guide rate. The guide charged us then PHP 1000 for 7 pax (the the two ladies included) so we would only have to pay PHP 150 each. That was quite fair enough. Before we set off we offered a prayer to guide us all the way to the mountain, and later to our descent. With our new found friends, Vanessa and Raquel, we started the hike in the cold, misty morning of December.

We have three first time hikers with us so we had to stop and rest every now and then. It was my first time to hike on a December and it was refreshing, feeling in your skin the blend of chill and sweat. I wore a long sleeve top just in case the sun burn us later. There was a buko palamig for PHP 10 in every stop over. Though the weather wasn’t scorching, we were often in need of a drink and the buko juice was always a taste of heaven. Mon entertained us with his stories about the Maculot (though we were unsure if all of it were facts or some were just bluff). 

WAY UP THE ROCKIES

We reached a spot, where the view of the Taal Lake was almost complete. We took some rest there while expressing our admiration to the beauty laid before us. From there we had to climb a steep part but thank goodness for the rope that was placed there for support. The soil was dry and slippery; the clouds were threatening us with an impending rain. I just couldn’t imagine then, sliding my way down through the mud. But we were traversing anyway so I hoped the other side was better. 

We stopped at the campsite to have a quick lunch. The pancit canton there was as precious as gold, believe me. Make sure you have packed foods when you hike if you want to save some bucks. After eating we proceeded on our trek going to the rockies.

“Huwag kayong madidisappoint sa view sa rockies ha.”

Mon told us as we were nearing the infamous rockies of Maculot. Of course he meant the opposite because we literally dropped our jaw when we reached the spot. The rumor was true; it was beyond beautiful. Many hikers were still enjoying their times on top of the rockies so we waited some few moments before we climbed. 

The way up was a bit challenging because of the big boulders that we needed to climb. But it would all be worth it on the top. 

It was a complete view of the Taal Lake on one side, and the towering height of the Mt. Maculot on the other. It was like being in between of two Gods; but of course we only have One. We were lucky that despite the cool December, the day then wasn’t much foggy. Rockies is a stretch of mass, rocky land, that was chilly on one end while hot and humid on the other. Couldn’t explain the reason but it was how it felt up there. The nature's hues were gentle in the eyes – with the cloud-reflecting blue lake, trapped artistically in a Godly moulded crate, and the fertile greenery that covered the mountain of Maculot – were all too much to behold but you wouldn’t mind having an overdose of it all. 

UP, UP, UP TO THE TOP!

If only not for the itinerary that we needed to follow, we could stay there much longer. However, we were not ready to camp overnight so we had to go down before sunset. We went back to the campsite and trek straight to the trail opposite the rockies. It was the way up to the summit. Most of the hikers were only seeing the rockies then they were starting to go down. But not us – we, the daring, brave-hearted, strong legged women were set off to conquer the Mt. Maculot summit. The trails up were steeper assault but we managed, of course, kami pa ba? Hehe. We had a sweet company by the way, not Mon our guide (though he was cool and nice, really), but Tiger, the dog of the store owner in the campsite. He trekked with us and I kept telling him to go back because the hike would tire him out. Hard-headed as he was, he proceeded and even overtook us for most of the times. 

When we reached the summit, the sun was also at its peak. The view up there wasn’t as breathtaking as the view from the rockies, but still a breathtaking glory. The fulfilment was genuine when you were able to reach the summit. It makes you a conqueror, not only of the mountain, but of yourself, of the odds. And for it there was nothing that you could ask for at the moment. You would just want to stand there, stare, breathe, and stare again. 

I found a plastic cup there and I used it to give Tiger a drink. He was so thirsty and I felt sorry for him. I thought he’d be going back to the campsite but he still went with us on our way down to the Grotto. It was a stressful descent on steep, rocky slopes. A time came that I was engulfed with tiredness, feeling my knees trembling and losing their strong balance. Much more when reached the area where we needed to slide down through a rope. Bring hand gloves when you go in Maculot, it would be a relief for all those rope moments. 

Finally, when we reached the jump-off site, we just washed ourselves and went off to the Lomi-han. We had a good, cost-saving dinner there and rode a jeep to SM Lipa. In there, we rode a bus bound to Cubao and slept all throughout the travel. Muscles were soared, knees still trembling, but it was a worth it climb and we would keep on asking for more. 

Itinerary and Expenses:

5AM      Gather at Cubao Bus Terminal

5:30AM Rode bus bound to Lemery Batangas ~ PHP 124

7:30AM Arrived at Cuenca Batangas, rode tric to Municipal office ~ PHP 20 (per pax)

7:40AM Registered our names and left one valid I.D ~ PHP 20 

            Hired a guide PHP 1000     ~    PHP 150 (per pax)

8AM      Started the Trek

10:30AM Reached the Campsite; Had lunch (packed lunch)

11AM     Reached the Rockies

12NN     Started the trek to summit

1:30PM  Reached the Summit

2PM       Started the descend

4PM –     Reached the Grotto

4:15 –    Resumed descend

5:30PM  Got back at Jump-off

6:30PM  Dinner ~ PHP 100

7PM       Headed back to Manila, rode bus at SM Lipa Bus terminal ~ PHP 143

Summary expenses: PHP 557 :)

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Hindi Ko Na Mahal Ang Tag-ulan

Ni: Uel Ceballos

When it rains, we cry.  

Gising na ako nang alas-otso ng umaga. Doon ako umuwi kagabi sa bahay nila mama sa Fairview. Maulan kaya nakakatamad bumangon. Sa wakas, natapos na rin ang mga umagang ginigising ako ng maalinsangang panahon. Gustong-gusto ko ang ginaw na dulot ng umagang maulan. Alas-nuwebe na ko bumangon. Tumungo sa kusina at nagtimpla ng kapeng 3-in-1. Isang pakete na lang pala ang natitira. Kailangan nang mag-grocery. May stock naman ng kape at creamer pero hindi na ako marunong magtimpla simula nang masanay sa instant mixes. Tuwing susubukan ko, may kinukulang sa lasa. Minsan kung hindi kinukulang, sumusobra naman. Napapasobra ang pait, minsan napapasobra ang tamis. Hindi ko na maalala kung kailan ako huling nakapagtimpla nang tama.

Nag-vibrate ang cellphone sa lamesa. Galing ang text kay Lester, “Push tayo mamaya Sheng, ha. 2PM sa Megamall,” sabi niya sa text.

Alas-dos impunto, nakabihis na ako palabas ng bahay. Alas-dos y media, lulan na ako ng bus. Sa MRT Ortigas Station na ako bababa para kaunting lakad na lang papunta sa Bldg. A ng Megamall.

“Sa Krispy Kreme tayo gurl,” panibagong text ni Lester. Nasa POEA na ang bus na sinasakyan ko nang bigla kaming pababain ng konduktor at palipatin ng ibang bus. Hindi ko alam ang dahilan pero basta na lang kami pinababa. Kung hindi gutom, malamang naje-jebs yung driver. Hindi naman kasi nasiraan.

“Badtrip naman!” ang tanging naibulong ko na lang.

Bumaba na ako pero hindi lumipat ng ibang bus. Sa usad pagong na gapang ng mga sasakyan, baka tubuan na ng pakpak ang cocoon kong kaibigan sa kaaantay sa meeting place namin. Frustrated butterfly pa naman ang bakla, hindi pa makapag-out. Nilakad ko na lang mula Robinsons Galleria hanggang Megamall. Umaambon-ambon lang kaya hindi na rin ako nagpayong. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, masarap talagang mag-emote sa ulan. Kasabay ng pamamanhid ng hita, nakarating na rin ako sa Megamall. Pagkapasok sa SM Supermarket ay saka ko inisip kung nasaan nga ba banda ang Krispy Kreme. Kahit buwan-buwan akong nakakagala sa Megamall, palagi pa rin akong nalilito. Problema ko talaga ang pagkakaroon ng sense of direction. Hindi na ako nagtanong sa guard dahil pakiramdam ko malapit na ako sa lugar na hinahanap ko. Ewan, nakakatamad lang talagang magtanong kung minsan. Hanggang sa dalawang beses na akong nagpabalik-balik mula Bldg. A hanggang Bldg. B at saka apat na beses nagbaba-akyat ng mga elevator, hindi ko pa rin makita ang--

Ayy putragis! Ayun ang Krispy Kreme! Anak ng pating, nandito lang pala.

“Anyare, award ang hitsura mo. Bakit antagal mo?!” pang-ookray ni Lester.

“Nalimutan ko kung saan ‘to banda,” sabi ko habang hinahawi ang ngarag kong bangs.

“Kala ko d’yan ka lang sa likod ng Shang-rila manggagaling!”

“Hindi ako galing sa condo,”

“Ay warla?!”

Hindi na ko sumagot. Dumiretso na ko sa counter at umorder ng makakain.

“Aba, wala kang kape?” nagtatakang tanong ni Lester.

“Ano ba, lahat na lang pinapansin mo?”

“Confirmed! May problema nga.”

“Ikaw ang nakipagkita kaya ikaw ang may problema,” pag-iiba ko sa usapan.

Kagaya ng pauli-ulit naming topic sa parehong sulok na iyon ng Krispy Kreme sa Megamall, iyong boyfriend na naman niya ang problema. Kung tutuusin may iba namang nagkakagusto sa kaibigan ko, mas gwapo at mas disente. Kagaya ng dati, iiyak lang si Lester hanggang sa mauwi sa paghagulgol. Mauubos ang tissue ng Krispy Kreme, magtitinginan ang mga tao, at maiirita ang lahat sa perwisyong dala ng pag-atungal at malakas niyang pagsinga.

Sanay ako sa ganitong sitwasyon dahil may pormula nang sinusunod. Sasabihin ko lang ulit kay Lester ang mga sinabi ko noong mga nakaraang paghagulgol niya. Humigit-kumulang na tatlong oras, subok na ang ganitong tagal ng payuhan at huntahan tungkol sa pag-ibig ng bakla. May pormula na rin si Lester sa ganitong sitwasyon. Pakikinggan ako, tatango, sasang-ayon, tatawaging “tanga” ang sarili at magdedeklara ng pagmo-move on. Ganito ulit ang magiging eksena namin sa susunod na tatlong buwan. Repeat until we get old and die.

 “Gusto mo samahan mo na lang ako manood ng ‘Singin in the Rain’ sa Resorts World,” pag-aaya  ni Lester nang palabas na kami ng Krispy Kreme.

Hindi na, sabi ko. Mas gusto ko ngayong bumalik na lang sa higaan. Wala rin ako sa mood na makikanta sa gitna ng ulan. Naglalakad na ko palabas ng SM nang maalala ko na kailangan ko nga palang mag-grocery. Sa SM na lang ako mamimili para magamit ko yung SM Advantage card na pinilit ipabili sa akin ng saleslady noong nakaraan. Habang naglalakad, naramdaman kong lumuluwag ang kanang sapatos ko. Pasimple kong sinilip at nakita kong nakabuka na ang gilid nito, mga ilang hakbang pa siguro at iluluwa na nito ang paa ko. Wasak ang sapatos, parang ako.

Dahan-dahan akong humakbang hanggang sa makarating sa department store. Kebs nang abutin nang siyam-siyam, mailigtas lang ang sarili sa kahihiyan na maglakad sa mall nang nakapaa. Mag-a-alas sais na ng gabi. Halatang galing sa trabaho ang ilan sa mga nakakasalubong ko. Kasing-saklap ng wasak kong sapatos ang hilatsa ng mga pagmumukha nila. Hindi nakakatulong sa nakaka-bad shit kong pinagdadaanan. Nakakunot ang mga noo, mga nakatulala, at may mga thought balloon ng bills, grocery, school, at bumbay. Ganitong mga mukha ang nakakasalubong ko sa MRT kapag alas-siyete ng umaga, wala pa rin palang ipinag-iba sa gabi. Lalo pa nga sigurong pinasasaklap ng mga nakaka-bad shit nilang mga boss.

“Kukunin niyo po ba ma’am?” nakangiting tanong ng saleslady habang hawak ang kulay silver na flat shoes. Tiningnan ko ang babaeng nagtanong, parang nginudngod ang nguso sa pagka-pula at animo’y may pasa sa mata dahil sa makapal na purple eyeshadow na inilagay.

“Sige. May ibang stock ba kayo niyan?”

Nagpaalam ang saleslady na titingnan pa raw niya sa stockroom at saka ako iniwang nakaupo sa bench ng department store. Perfect ang silver shoes na iyon, bagay sa edad ko. Silver. Twenty five. Nag-people watching na lang muna ako habang sinusuklay ng daliri ang hanggang bewang at kulot na buhok. Dumaan sa harap ko ang isang babaeng buntis. Hindi ko pa nararanasang mabuntis pero sa tingin ko nasa lima o anim na buwan na ang dinadala niya. Morena at may pagkakahawig sa artistang si Izza Calzado. Mahaba at itim na itim ang buhok. Elegante manamit pero mas nabaling ang pansin ko sa 3 inch high heel shoes na suot nito.

“Ay, nakapaa yung babae,” wika ng batang babae na kanina pa pala nakatayo sa harapan ko. Sigurado ako na nasa pito o walong taong gulang ang bata. Maganda, tisay, halatang may lahi. Mahaba ang buhok na may naghalong kulay ng blonde at itim. Kasama niya ang mas batang babae na mukhang kapatid niya.

Ngiti lang ang itinugon ko sa mukhang malditang bata at saka ako tumingin sa relo. Luminga-linga para sipatin kung nasaan na ba yung saleslady na kausap ko kanina. Magkakalahating oras na, wala pa rin. Nabubwiset na ko.

“Wala kang pambili ng sapatos?” sige pa rin sa pagtatanong yung bata.

“Angelina, Shane, we’re going!” boses iyon ng babaeng buntis. Lumapit ito sa dalawang anak pero hindi niya ako pinag-aksayahang tapunan ng tingin. Lumakad na sila palayo habang sinesermunan ng nanay yung mga bagets.

“Did I hear you speak in tagalog?” tanong nung babae sa mas batang anak.

“No! Angelina did!”

“Angelina, I will tell your dad about it!” parang may tonong pananakot ng nanay sa anak. Si Angelina yung batang maldita.

Sumasakit lalo ang ulo ko sa mga nakikita at naririnig ko. Nilinga-linga ko ulit yung saleslady habang hinihilot ang kumikirot kong sentido. May mamimili sa kalapit na counter na dino-double check ang biniling kapote. Binulatlat muna saka sinipat kung may damage at saka muling ibinigay sa bagger. Maingat na itinupi ng bagger ang kapote bago ipinasok sa bag.

Naalala ko kung paano magtupi ng kapote si Conrad. Mula sa pagkakasabit, ilang beses niya itong ipapagpag saka ilalatag sa sahig at sisiguraduhing nakalapat ang bawat bahagi. Paplantsahin ng kamay ang bahaging gusot. Unang itutupi ang mahabang manggas, isusunod ang hood. Kapag hindi nakuntento sa ayos ng pagkakatupi ay uulitin niya ang proseso mula sa pagpagpag.

“Ang OC naman!” minsang puna ko sa kanya.

“Aba siyempre! Baka masira. Mahirap mag-motor nang walang kapote tapos umuulan pa,” sagot niya sabay ngiti. Lumitaw ang linya sa gilid ng mga mata niya at saka yumuko sa tinutuping kapote. “Palibhasa kasi ikaw ang hilig mo lumusong sa ulan nang walang proteksyon,” pahabol pa nya. Inangat muli ang ulo at saka ngumiti. Nalusaw ang puso ko sa pagpapa-cute niya. Ang gwapo ng kwarenta na ‘to. Bakit ba lalong tumitikas ang lalaki sa ganitong edad?

Sa wakas, ayan na ang saleslady. Wala na raw ibang stock. Iyon na lamang nasa display ang available. Tinitigan ko ang saleslady nang mga ilang segundo. Parang kinulang kasi yung purple eyeshadow nito at gusto kong dagdagan.

Konti lang ang mga namimili sa supermarket ng mga oras na iyon. Dahil siguro Miyerkules, kalagitnaan palang ng linggo. Madalas kasi Biyernes o kaya ay weekend namimili ang mga tao. Kumuha muna ako ng pushcart at saka nag-ikot. Madalas kapag nag-go-grocery, inililista ko muna ang lahat ng mga kailangang bilhin. Pero wala akong dalang listahan ngayon. Iniikot ko na lang ang iba’t ibang section saka inaalala kung may kinukulang ba akong supply sa kusina, sa banyo, o sa kwarto.

Mas gusto kong nag-go-grocery mag-isa. Nakakapag-ikot ako nang mas matagal at nakakapag-isip. Kapag kasama ko si Conrad hindi ako pwedeng magtagal sa pamimili. Mabilis mayamot yun at magutom sa pag-iikot. Pero kapag ako lang, kinukumpara ko muna ang mga presyo at saka ko pinipili kung saan ako mas makakamura. Madalas naman akong mag-ikot nang mag-isa. Kumportable ako na ganun. Parang ang weird lang ngayon dahil nakakaramdam ako ng labis na panlalamig. Nanunuot ang lamig sa kaloob-looban ng katawan ko samantalang hindi naman ako ginawin. Siguro masyado lang talagang malakas ang aircon sa mall.

Inuna ko ang toiletries at saka pumunta sa pasta section.

“Hon, pasta na lang tayo for dinner?” tanong ng isang babae sabay kuha ng pasta. Inilagay ang pasta sa pushcart na tulak-tulak ng asawa niya.

Couple iyon na nasa bungad ng pasta section. Nakakaramdam ako ng pagkairita, sana matapos na ang araw na ito. Pagdating sa canned goods section nakakita ulit ako ng magkapareha.

“Okay kaya ‘tong Spanish Sardines nila?” tanong ng lalaki sa babaeng kasama. Nakaharang ang pushcart nila sa dadaanan. Kailangan ko pa bang magsalita para itabi nila? Ang weird talaga. Bakit ba ganito ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Iniwan ko na lang yung pushcart sa isang tabi at saka kumuha ng mga delatang tuna at Spanish na sardinas. Isang lagabag ang narinig ko at nakita ko na lang na gumugulong na ang mga pinamili ko. Ayun ang pushcart ko, parang ako kapag lasing. Nakabulagta sa sahig.

“Angelina!” sigaw ng babaeng buntis na nakita ko kanina sa department store.

Nabangga ni Angelina ang pushcart habang nakikipagharutan sa kapatid niya.

“I’m sorry,” paghingi sa akin ng depensa nung babae. Nagmamadaling umalis ang mag-iina at naiwan akong kasama ang mga item kong parang confetti na nagbagsakan. Unti-unti akong nakaramdam ng paninikip sa dibdib. May kung anong naiipon doon na gustong kumawala. Huminga muna ako nang malalim saka isa-isang dinampot ang mga natapong laman ng pushcart. Walang crew sa bahaging iyon. Naglaho ring parang bula ang mga tao. Walang sinabi ang ghost town na setting ng pelikulang “I am Legend” ni Will Smith.  Lalong sumidhi ang kagustuhan kong makauwi.

Nasa counter na ko nang mapansin kong naparami pala ang mga binili ko. Pinalagay ko sa dalawang ecobag. Sinukbit ang isa sa kanang balikat at binuhat ang isa pa sa kaliwang kamay. Gusto kong maiyak sa bigat ng mga dalahin ko. Lalakad na sana ko palabas nang may bigla akong naalala.

“Shit! Sa Fairview nga pala ang uwi ko at hindi sa condo,”

Nasa likod lang ng Shangri-la Mall ang condo pero ayokong matulog dun ngayon dahil hindi naman uuwi si Conrad. O siguro, ayoko na rin talaga doon. Nagpaalam si Conrad na sa sunod na linggo na makakauwi. Nasa bakasyon siya ngayon, sa rest house nila sa Batangas kasama ang asawa’t mga anak.

Lumabas na ko ng supermarket. Ang hirap maglakad na bitbit ang mga pinamili. Puno pa ang lahat ng bus na dumaraan. Malabo akong makasakay nito kasama ng mga pinamili ko.

“Kuya, pwede ba ko makasakay ng taxi dito?” tanong ko sa isang guard na malapit sa kinatatayuan ko.

“Meron naman ma’am kaso matagal,” sagot nito habang sumesenyas sa mga sasakyang nanggagaling sa bahagi ng St. Francis Square.

Tumayo ako sa tabi ng guard. May mga nagdaraang taxi pero may sakay lahat. Malayo ang taxi bay at hindi ko na kayang lumakad pa kasama ng mga bitbitin ko. Tinutulungan ako ng guard na makapara ng taxi. Tatlumpong minuto na ang nakalilipas nandoon pa rin ako at naghihintay. Umaasang may daraang taxi na walang karga. Gustong-gusto ko nang makauwi sa nanay ko. Nanghihina na ang katawan ko sa pagod at gutom. Alas-otso na pala at hindi pa ko nakakapaghapunan.

Lalong naninikip ang dibdib ko sa puntong nahihirapan na akong makahinga. Panay ang hugot nang malalim. Para bang sa bawat hugot ng hangin ay nag-iiwan iyon ng espasyo sa dibdib upang makahinga ulit nang maluwag. Tuloy-tuloy bagama’t mabagal ang pagdaan ng mga bus at kotse sa kalsada. Hindi maubos-ubos ang mga taong naglalakad sa paligid. Lahat gumagalaw, walang naka-steady. Kahit ang guard sa tabi ko ay panay ang wagayway ng kamay. Ako lang ang nakatayong parang tuod sa gitna ng mga tao at sasakyang walang pagod sa pag-usad. Mundo ko lang ang nakahinto habang ang paligid ko, patuloy sa paggalaw.

Nakaramdam ako ng maliliit na patak. Umuulan na. Kumilos na ako upang lumakad pabalik sa loob ng mall. Bago ko pa nabuhat ang mga bag at bago pa ko nakapaglakad, lumakas na ang pagbuhos ng ulan. Tuwang-tuwa ito sa pangungutya habang binabalanse ko ang dalawang mabigat na bag sa magkabilaang kamay. Dalawang dam ang nagpapakawala ngayon ng tubig, isang mula sa itaas at isang mula sa ilalim. Naghahalo ang malamig at mainit na patak sa mukha ko. Naalala ko si Conrad. Mabuti pa siya, may kapote, walang dapat ipangamba sa ulan.