JEAN WAS HERE

     The day after Valentine’s Day, I found myself in the shore of Patar Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan with five of my girlfriends. It was my first time to be away from home with only few of my classmates with me, in a strange place I’ve only known in books and maps. We were there with a specific goal in our minds. Yet, as were watching the sun rise across the waves of the sea and shivering from the cold breeze the early morning brings, we cannot help ourselves but to savor the moment and let our plans slip away from our minds for a while. Knowing me, one would probably raise an eyebrow and wonder why I was there or think that I just got lost and can’t find the way back or that I ran away from my family, because I was known to be extremely a homebody. I admit that I’m not an outgoing person. I am someone who would rather stay home to finish a book, or listen to mellow music or enjoy my favorite television programs alone than be outdoor and deal with the rowdiness of the street, the heat, noise and smoke. I wouldn’t be able to handle that. And I never really liked travelling, to be honest, because I usually get sick and vomit. And when Kristine Joy Nebre proposed her project to the group, I actually hesitated, but not for long! I wouldn’t deny the fact that I also got excited with the thought that we can escape and enjoy ourselves away from the chaos of other school works. Also, our group also thought and discussed the proposed project. Through our collaborative effort and a little guidance from our teachers, we’ve decided to push through with the project and start the exploration at once. And so, we were there. I was there. We arrived exactly 1: 31 AM of February 15, 2014 at Mr. Armando De Vera’s residence, which I am fond to call ‘Tatay’. I was consumed with how nice he was that he let us rent their other house for a very cheap price considering that we are completely strangers to each other. He was always making sure we feel comfortable. Because of his incredible hospitality, I didn’t find it difficult to adjust in an alien place such as Bolinao. Hours later after our arrival (Mind you, we didn’t sleep), we decided to take a walk in a nearby beach called Patar Beach. It definitely started my day. Words cannot really describe how I felt that very moment. I was inhaling air exaggeratedly, I was gasping for more air simply because I was dumbfounded by the idea of what will happen to us. The thrilling adventure ahead is waiting. Then, I started uttering, “Thank you, Kri for bringing us here. Thank you, Sir Tyrone and Ma’am Acel for letting us come here. Thank you, Mother and Father for bringing me into this world.” Yes, I know, it was funny if you can hear my monologue. But kidding aside, one should not forget that we were there for a purpose. So we went on to our first day of expedition. . . . And Bolinao didn’t fail me! I had an amazing time. Even if we weren’t able to visit some places (the museum is under renovation and Tara falls is closed that day), still we enjoyed it! I was hyperactive the whole time that, I think, maybe my friends find me annoying. But who cares?! I was enjoying myself and no one can blame me for being so frenzied. Seriously, because of our experiences that day, I was motivated to help the fine- living Bolinao to reach its peak in tourism industry. But it is also very essential to tell you that we also encountered some problems such as lack of road signs which can cause the tourists to get lost. We encountered this when we were on our way to Bolinao Falls. Tatay didn’t know how to get there. But I think that the problem that needs to be solved immediately is the road. It’s not well constructed yet and I believe this would be a downfall to the municipality because they are making it harder for the tourists to reach their destination. Who would want to travel in a rough road? The second day of expedition. . . It was our last day to explore the beauty of this beautiful town. I’m not satisfied because I think Bolinao has lot to offer and 2days is not enough but we have to finish it because my parents are probably looking for me by that time. We met a lot of people, mostly the owners of beach resorts. We had an interview with them and learned a lot about the place. They are also generous to let us in without payment. The accommodations were all free! Of course, we also had a stop to buy pasalubongs to our loved ones left in Manila. And we decided to take a rest in the Bolinao Lighthouse. Again, the overwhelming feeling overpowered me again. I was right all along when I decided to come in Bolinao. We were at the top and enjoying the view of the West Philippine Sea. I took a deep breath and inhaled the marvelous splendor of God’s creation surrounding us. Bolinao is lucky. Philippines are lucky. Filipinos are lucky to have such a magnificent gift from God. Again, I must remind you that I am an introvert who is used to be left alone at home. And I was in Bolinao. For three days. Wandering in a strange place. Without my parents. But with parent’s consent. Indeed, It was a life changing experience. I was in Bolinao. I was here. Jean was here.

ME ON BALSA AT BPMICN