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.