Mayora Arlene of Bustos called me up and asked if I would like to go with them for a short trip, I quickly said, “Yes.”
At around five o’clock in the
morning, Elene, her daughter was so prepared that the car rolled at about less
than an hour reaching University of Santo Tomas. This is the alma mater of
Elene and gladly knew that the Mayor of Bustos, so as Madam Arlene finished
their studies at this same institution, the oldest Catholic school in
Asia. Having eaten my breakfast,
hurriedly I took some pictures of the grandeur of the facade o the school.
Ten minutes passed and we were on
the road again straight to Juliet’s home. She is the househelper of the family
that longed to visit her own family for a three-day-vacation. The mayora
intended to go with Juliet of course with Bella and I with Alex our driver on
our way to Pagbilao, Quezon. It was a
400 kilometers from Bustos and a four hour drive.
Mountains of greens, clean
surroundings, breath taking views and cool breeze of the air filled our
enthusiasm until we reached the place.
Juliet’s family hut is located by a half
kilometer walk on a muddy, watery, slippery trek through the summit of a not so
high mountain. Simple living, house made of nipa and bamboo, surrounded by
mango trees, rambutan and even dragonfruit stems. With no source of
electricity.
We had a short talk with her family, their way
of life with the mountains, had our suman sa ibos as merienda and we bade goodbye.
It was barely 15 minutes late for
lunch so we looked for a place to eat. We found FIESTA MEAL STOP in Silangang
Mayo in Lucena where we were served with Tulingan wrap in banana leaf, dinuguan, sinigang na baka, and my choice
ginataang pusit. Just before we left the place, the Mayora bought
pasalubongs like longganisang Lucban, pastillas, kalamay or tikoy made from
Lucena, broas and other sweet products. On our way we bought rambutan and
lanzones.
We then stopped a while to a church and offered prayers to St. Francis of Assisi in Sariaya, Quezon
At around four o clock in the
afternoon, we found ourselves dining in Guilbert’s Place in Tabang, Plaridel.
We were served with Fresh Buko Juice. Our main course consisted of Fried
Chicken wrapped in Pandan leaves, Pork Chop, and Sizzling Balot.
