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People at work asked me why I was in Boracay and what I did there. I told them I was in an assignment in Antique before I went to Boracay, and I did what any Boracay first timer had to do, enjoy the sun, sand and the sea. I got images to remind me forever of the beautiful island…

like the sunrise…

and the sunset..

But there are things that one couldn’t capture because there’s no need to. Like the promise I made to Our Lady when I visited her quiet place and the other things that only the heart can keep.

One more time for Boracay…

Oh ma mi miss kita… wag kang mag-alala
at ako ay babalik sa ‘yo sinta…

Boracay Island

I couldn’t take my little ones to Boracay. But wherever I go, they are always in my heart and in my mind. Even in my digital travel companion.

So in the morning of my first day here, I did something for my dear ones because I miss them so much and I wish they were here with me.

And since their names will be swept away by the gentle and tender waves. I let someone put their names to where I could “carry” them proudly around.

When I was asked to choose from the hundred designs offered by the artist, I declined. For me, there was neither word nor design worth putting in that part of my body except those of my little dear ones.

Boracay Island

Three more hours and the 29th of February will be over. I’m here in Boracay Island with my friends. This is going to be a night to remember…

I was feeling kind of low today over something that’s really disappointing. I knew I’m going to feel better somehow and this image of my sister set it right. She’s in San Diego right now for a short vacation. She told me happy, inspiring tales. Just what I needed to keep me up.

My classmates in college used to call me ‘Julie Andrews’ because my nickname was Julie [now its Jules] and when they did it, I blurted ‘the hills are live with the song of moooseeekkk” and we had a blast.

Back when I was new at work, one of my co-teachers [now retired] called me ‘Julie Andrews’ when she wanted to make small talk. One time, I didn’t just blurt the classic song but I also did the classic Julie Andrews’ twist pretending I was on a hill. She was almost scandalized because she thought I was kind of demure. 

Call me ‘Julie Andrews’ anytime. And you’ll see my version of Maria von Trapp. 

It took me four hours to reach Taal, Batangas from Buendia, Pasay City. It was my first time to visit the place and I asked the bus conductor three times to tell me exactly where to get off. There were less than ten passengers in the bus when I finally reached my destination. The first thing I saw was a luminous cross from afar. There was no one around except one tricycle driver who asked me if I wanted a ride. Seconds later, I heard someone calling my name. It’s the person who invited me to be there.

The next morning, before I did the task assigned to me, I was able to stroll around the area. Taal Basilica is one of its major attractions. Rich in cultural heritage, it is considred as a religious bastion of the place. 

Before I leave, I took this shot. The night was fast approaching. And the luminous cross of this hallowed edifice began to give its silent but powerful radiance.

Batangas City, 07 Dec. 2007

Utik-utik. Pakaskas. Layang-layang. Plantsado ang dagat. Words to remind me why this place is unique…