geric von's: Gearing Up!2100, Saturday, 24SeptemberApartment ...

geric von's: Gearing Up!
2100, Saturday, 24SeptemberApartment
...: Gearing Up! 2100, Saturday, 24 September Apartment I felt restless. Tomorrow will be the day that I had been waiti...

The Enemy, Pedring

2000, Tuesday, 27 September

BSA Tower Residence, Makati

            I made this journal earlier than the time I regularly wrote things that happened because I have nothing to do.

            I was awakened by a cold damp in my feet. I thought I urinated but it was the strong gust of wind that brought drops of rain inside through the window. This morning, we have our plated breakfast in the hotel, and after some time of grooming ourselves we left. Our mission for this day is at the Supreme Court but upon arriving there, we were frustrated by the fact that the Supreme Court was closed and we could see heel-high water, flooding around the vicinity. Typhoon Pedring, the reported spoiler of the day, already casted its ravaging spell. Left without choice, Commander de Pio commanded us to brace ourselves for we will reroute and change our course. We will go to Robinsons which is just a walking distance from our situated place. At that time, a traffic jam is taking place, and so we are told to go down and walk the path going to Robinsons. Most of us wore shoes and denim pants. I ponder on how to tread the water without getting my shoes wet. I ponder until I noticed that we are a few left inside. At that instance, I suddenly remembered that I have slippers left at the side compartment of the bus, and so, I praise God for that. I was able to walk on the deluged path without getting my shoes wet.

            The Robinsons at that time is almost full of people – regular shoppers or agrounded individuals. Upon arriving there, we go directly at Cabalen’s Restaurant, Eat all you can. After that we are permitted to wander but with the condition that we should be back at 4 in the afternoon for the bus will arrive. Jeremy and I saunter around bookstores. First, we go at the National Bookstores and then at Booksales. We stayed their reading books and before 4pm we proceeded buying some groceries. When we got back to our meeting place, we are told to wait the others and when we’re completed, we left Robinsons. The vehement raining weakened but the strong outburst of the wind continued.

            We walked for about 25 minutes and when we finally get inside the bus, I rest. I kept bowing inside the bus for I can’t bear fighting the drowsiness I felt. I felt sucked up because of the terrible paroxysm of the storm. When we arrived at the BSA Tower, we are tasked to res for a while for we will be going to Greenbelt to have our dinner there.

            Presently, I’m full and I decided to roam around later to avoid dissolution. This is our last night in Manila. Although this day was spoiled (courtesy of Pedring of course), still, the fact that some experiences have brought happiness in my heart will be the cherished memories that we will reminisce as long as I live. Bonne nuit!

Start of the Assault!

2100, Monday, 26 September

BSA Tower Residence, Makati

            I woke up this day at 3 in the morning. Jeremy is awake already and after a while we decided to take a bath to avoid hassle and to make ourselves prepared for the arrival at the port in Manila. After taking a bath, we get some of our provisions, two cups of noodles, and we proceeded to the dining area to heat up our stomach. After that, though shivering, we go outside at the upper level to take a view of what is an open sea if dimmed. From a distance we could see the glittering lights of faraway lands. We spent about 30 minutes outside and when we could see that the coruscating lights tend to become bigger, we hypothesized that we are nearing to our destination. We get inside and after some time, an announcement was made that by and by, we will be reaching Manila. Everyone inside became disorganized. Some are rushing to and fro. They are stucked for bathrooms are limited. When at last we arrived, we are grouped in one place. There, we are stranded and delayed for the bus that we contacted was late. Because of time-constrain, we just spend 15 minutes in the hotel and off we go at Wendy’s to have our breakfast. We filled ourselves with supplications and we go to our first “mission,” The Office of the Tanod Bayan. There we are cordially welcomed by the staffs and we did have a symposium-like discussion that centered on topics concerning the Office of the Ombudsman. Atty. Ma. Rhodora verbalized things with regards their institution. Indeed we learn so many information that day.

            When we left, I noticed the ascending attitude of the weather. If previously, raindrops is what I can see, now, a heavy downpour of rain has befallen upon us. We stopped at the Chef’s Quarter to have our lunch which is a French-inspired cuisine. Again we’re energized and we proceeded at the House of Senate – our second mission.  There, in the Senate, what catched the attention of the visitors is not the grandeur or honor that the place inherently bears but the Senators themselves. Magnanimous and prominent individuals are seen deliberating on issues that our country is facing. For others, I could say that they become satisfied not because they are able to be at the Senate but they’ve become contented for the reason that idolized personalities, worth mentioning Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., was seen in person.

            In the Senate, we are able to roam around their historical exhibits and observe a part of their session. We are also fortunate to meet one-on-one Sen. Angara, where in I was one of those who took courageous act of answering his question although I’m not just sure if he will truly sponsor those individuals who’s able to please him with good answer to his question.

            We dine at Sky Dragon Seafoods and Restaurant and then proceeded to rest. We planned to visit the Ocean Park but due to the intensing weather condition, we directly trail our way home.

            After arriving at the hotel, we are guided to our respective rooms. Upon entering, I am amazed with its loftiness and magnificence. But then, what’s facetious there is that I immediately find the CR to be “comforted.” My roommate, Noelito also needs to be comforted. Lucky for him because there were two CR’s.

            Presently, I’m here, conveniently lavishing the commodiousness of the room.

I’ll slept. I’ll pray that tomorrow will not be spoiled by the weather. Magandang Gabi.

Air Force 1

2100, Sunday, 25 September

On board NN St. Michael the Archangel

            I want to make it a habit to document through words the things that occurred when the clock ticks at 9 in the evening. I hope I could make it until the end. Anyway, before I was comfortably lying here in this air-conditioned room of this ship; before we depart from the port; before I get out from the taxi coming from my apartment, I did woke up in a tranquil and monotonous surrounding. The sun is obviously up and most people are still magnetized on their respective beds.

            I immediately took a bath to fully awaken my senses. I texted my “comrades” if they are also up already and they replied saying that, we will meet at the extraction point at exactly 0600 hours. I just ate biscuits and took a sweet sip on my hot drink. After that, I proceed.

            There are others who are able to make it earlier in the meeting place and so we have little chit-chats as we patiently wait for our other companions. By and by, our “captain,” Captain Carl Myson “Caloy” Dulla and our “commander,” Commander Shim Lester de Pio came into sight. When all are accounted for, Commander de Pio transacted some things and off we go. We are brought by a shuttle bus to the ship that we will be riding. Upon positioning our things inside, I rested for a few minutes. In a little while, I felt a shrug and a weak force of inertia and before I knew it, the ship had already started its journey.

            Jeremy, my “mistah,” together with our other compatriots, explored the most upper portion of the ship where it is open. There we began to have a vast and almost limitless view of the world. Buildings and infrastructures from the mainland slowly shrunk and after some time, disappeared.

            Blue. That’s the theme color of I have seen around. Whether I look up or look down, a melancholic feeling tends to overwhelm me. We proceeded taking pictures with varieties on poses and on different places and angles. One comical scene we did was posing as if we are waiting for a GO signal to assault a certain place which came out to be restricted area. Lucky we are, no ship personnel is around. Our amusing pose was inspired by the movie we are able to watch earlier. Air Force 1, a movie that told us about the bravery of the President to handle critical happenings after treacherous assaults and conspiracies took place on the plane he is riding. Of course, that ludicrous idea was spearheaded by yours truly and Jeremy, the subtle pair of the troupe.

            For others, the Air Force 1 mania is already done after those farcical poses of ours but for me and Jeremy, the fun of imitation continues, and the depth of our attachment for that movie seems unfathomable. Our companions retired for a while on their respective beds while some entertained themselves on other things. Unnoticed, Jeremy I and cunningly inspected every compartments, quarters, and premises. We even tried opening the door of the ship on its side for it’s not tightly secured but instead, a thick rope trundle the knobs. We tired ourselves strolling, and after that we  also rest on our respective beds.

            We are told that we will be treading the seas of Manila the following morning. So, Jeremy and I reserved our energy for tomorrow’s departure. Amidst the enjoyment of our soon-to-be-drunk brothers/sister-at arms, I drown myself picturing out the scene that I will be waking up tomorrow. Queries like, what would be the mission that we will be having tomorrow? How will our base look like? Can we be triumphant in this venture of ours? Tomorrow will absolutely answer my questions.

            I can feel the slowly rocking of the ship. The waves are getting bigger. We are on the open seas. For now, it’s ‘taking a break’ that is resounding within my head. Buenas noches!

Start of the Assault!

2100, Monday, 26 September

BSA Tower Residence, Makati

            I woke up this day at 3 in the morning. Jeremy is awake already and after a while we decided to take a bath to avoid hassle and to make ourselves prepared for the arrival at the port in Manila. After taking a bath, we get some of our provisions, two cups of noodles, and we proceeded to the dining area to heat up our stomach. After that, though shivering, we go outside at the upper level to take a view of what is an open sea if dimmed. From a distance we could see the glittering lights of faraway lands. We spent about 30 minutes outside and when we could see that the coruscating lights tend to become bigger, we hypothesized that we are nearing to our destination. We get inside and after some time, an announcement was made that by and by, we will be reaching Manila. Everyone inside became disorganized. Some are rushing to and fro. They are stucked for bathrooms are limited. When at last we arrived, we are grouped in one place. There, we are stranded and delayed for the bus that we contacted was late. Because of time-constrain, we just spend 15 minutes in the hotel and off we go at Wendy’s to have our breakfast. We filled ourselves with supplications and we go to our first “mission,” The Office of the Tanod Bayan. There we are cordially welcomed by the staffs and we did have a symposium-like discussion that centered on topics concerning the Office of the Ombudsman. Atty. Ma. Rhodora verbalized things with regards their institution. Indeed we learn so many information that day.

            When we left, I noticed the ascending attitude of the weather. If previously, raindrops is what I can see, now, a heavy downpour of rain has befallen upon us. We stopped at the Chef’s Quarter to have our lunch which is a French-inspired cuisine. Again we’re energized and we proceeded at the House of Senate – our second mission.  There, in the Senate, what catched the attention of the visitors is not the grandeur or honor that the place inherently bears but the Senators themselves. Magnanimous and prominent individuals are seen deliberating on issues that our country is facing. For others, I could say that they become satisfied not because they are able to be at the Senate but they’ve become contented for the reason that idolized personalities, worth mentioning Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., was seen in person.

            In the Senate, we are able to roam around their historical exhibits and observe a part of their session. We are also fortunate to meet one-on-one Sen. Angara, where in I was one of those who took courageous act of answering his question although I’m not just sure if he will truly sponsor those individuals who’s able to please him with good answer to his question.

            We dine at Sky Dragon Seafoods and Restaurant and then proceeded to rest. We planned to visit the Ocean Park but due to the intensing weather condition, we directly trail our way home.

            After arriving at the hotel, we are guided to our respective rooms. Upon entering, I am amazed with its loftiness and magnificence. But then, what’s facetious there is that I immediately find the CR to be “comforted.” My roommate, Noelito also needs to be comforted. Lucky for him because there were two CR’s.

            Presently, I’m here, conveniently lavishing the commodiousness of the room.

I’ll slept. I’ll pray that tomorrow will not be spoiled by the weather. Magandang Gabi.

Gearing Up!

2100, Saturday, 24 September

Apartment

            I felt restless. Tomorrow will be the day that I had been waiting for. We have a “mission” that will take place on a far away land. I began to ponder and ask myself: Am I prepared?

            We have been ordered by our “captain” to pack a few things necessary for our survival but then I don’t know if I’ll be able to survive with those things only so I gear myself up with some extra belongings.

            Previously, I was oblivious of what will be taking place the day after for I attended our Sabbath worship and all that was in my mind was to worship and praise God. I was just surprised when the sun set for it seems that I was overflowed with mixed feelings – tense and excitement. Before going home, I bought provisions and necessities so as to satisfy what I felt lacking when our “mission” will commence tomorrow.

            When I got home, At first, I don’t have the appetite to prepare my things and in fact it came into my mind that I would not be able to go for I felt I’m going to be ill but then, it’s just a feeling and the reality is that I’m not sick and I have to go tomorrow.

            After packing my things, and ensuring that all is prepared, here I am, translating into words the preceding words that transpired and will transpire.

            I’m not sure about tomorrow. I don’t have an idea. I can’t do anything that would put me at ease after gearing up, EXCEPT, of course PRAYING. Good Night!