It’s summer time and to begin it with, a trip to Waterfront Beach Resort in Morong, Bataan. An invite was sent to the one big circle but only the Magic 4 made it – Rocel, Anabelle, Angie and of course myself. Rocel and I have been planning this for some time already. The last time the circle had an outing was in 2004 where we went to Vigan – Laoag – Pagudpud. Although, we were bigger in number the last time, just the same time we had fun and just happy to be with great companions.

We took the Genesis as our official transport. It took us 3 hours to go to Balanga, Bataan and another hour to go to the resort. On our stop over, we encountered one of the best halo-halo we ever tasted. We make it a point to have another glass on our way back to Manila. We also have met a lot of interesting characters during this trip. There’s lola “the direction guide-dess” from the waiting shed, manong Ernesto of Penalco (a local electrical supplier) who has been our angel, the chambermaid who has been Angie’s photography apprentice, and the casuy vendor who attested that the “Chop-Chop Lady” (which was sensationalized years ago) happened in one of the famous nearby resorts and not really in Laguna (the atmostphere just became gloomy after hearing her story). For me, these are inexpensive spices that made the experience unique and special.

To Rocel, Angie and Anabelle, thank you for spending the weekend with me. It was a good adventure and a liberating getaway… looking forward to the next!

This trip is a beginning of a good ending for me. For some time, I have been checking my self if I am still “unwell” and sensitive with Voldemort’s recollections. Last Friday, I went to a KTV with officemates. Just as I wanted it, I can sing along (they have been warned) and dance. On this trip, I enjoyed the long travel with good friends beside me. We all just been talking, giggling and enjoying the ride. I am free.

“Change is hard. Change is hardest to those who are caught by surprise. Change is hardest on those who have difficulty changing too. But change is natural; change is not new; change is important.” - David Schlesinger of Reuters published in The World is Flat