Unexpected Reunion, Unexpected Route

I happened to stumbled upon 2 people of my friends from the past yesterday as I get my NBI Clearance and NSO Birth Certificate.

The graduate school days were too short for me as I have given up finishing the degree. I made few good friends especially Mr. Thad. Such a clever person and funny one. I never met his wife amd my goddaughter  in in person but I was pleased that he hadn’t changed even in a slight manner. Still very open to me with his thoughts. “Inaabutan mo na ako sa katawan ko, ah?” (You are keeping up with my body). I laughed and said “Yeah, I gotten so big”. I never expected that my enthusiasm towards our profession would become high again because of him. He was persuading me that it is still marketable. With subbing and part-time mentoring in two colleges, he is able to fulfill his duty as a husband and a father of three. I can sense he is enjoying his work. He also shared to me he’s taking bigger opportunity than what Philippines could offer. Our meet up in a limited time were sort of a big bang to me.

After I got the receipt from NSO, I had my snacks then headed to NBI. I saw a familiar face again and familiar head. It was Roni with HIV (hair is vanishing). I gave him a startle with “Isnabun si padi.” (You are snubbing me). Then he stared at me with a poker face looking puzzled. Maybe he was thinking “who the heck are you?”. Then he smiled, giggled a bit, patted my shoulder and finally said, “Oh, nata yaon ka digdi?” (Why are you here?). I said, ”May tig-asikasu sana.” (I’m taking care of something). I can see his gestures still moves frantically but strongly suggested a feeling of being welcomed. He told to me that he resigned from his previous work in Manila (salary not enough for his family) months ago and gladly, he is staying in the province for his new work at the Department of Health Region V office. Our chit chat led to an invitation to a night out with his friends and co-workers this Friday night (happy time at Pepperland Hotel!!!). Buruyungan na naman ini! (Drinking time ‘til drunk again!)

As I was done with NBI, I decided to walk back to NSO to obtain my birth certificate. I was feeling uneasy already. I need to be there quick. Then a path appeared before me (maybe lucky). I ask the guy if I can get through with it to the other side. He said and carefully guided me, “Yes, go straight ahead, turn left, then turn right.” Here’s what I’ve been to…

A dark narrow path (if there’s no flash out from cam) with cool gush of air. Not meant for people (public) to walk on by but I insisted.

What can you expect from canal water? Black, and dirty. Filthier if there were roaches and worms. Lucky I was, it was not-overflowing.

See how narrow and dark was it? I came out there.