Chapter 2: The Pre-Drench Chain Gang on a Hula-Loop of Coron | Palawan

Unknown October 16, 2012

I quickly roused when the alarm clock sounded at 5:30 am, I saw seeping of natural lighting at the small opening of the window curtain. It rained hard the previous day and throughout the night. I've left the possibility of a sunny island incursion around the Calamian Islands inside the cold case folder in my head. Well, how could I complain at how things were shaping up to that point. Although, Lauren and I were still unknowingly fidgeting with our romantic fate at that time. A Lumineer moment was taking shape all along and on this particular day, things were just about to get even better.

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The Kids of Gubat, Sorsogon Decides To Read

Unknown October 10, 2012

“So many books, so little time.”
― Frank Zappa

In the case of the students of Rizal Elementary School in Gubat, Sorsogon. It used to be the other way around. There were no books because there wasn't a library in the first place. All that has changed now. Remember this Book Sharing Project a couple of months ago? well, people heeded that call and donated large sums of money and used books. The end result is a brand new library with painted walls, newly-constructed bookshelves and more importantly, books that will make any kid beam with delight and whisper to him/herself "So many books.."

the new library

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Dante Varona Unchained at San Juanico Bridge

Unknown October 07, 2012

I remember when I was growing up in our old neighborhood in Paranaque, there was this tricycle driver whom everybody calls "King". He has disheveled features: long black beard and a semi-handlebar mustache that matches to a thick hair that appeared to haven't felt the sweep of a comb for years. He has an air of a mysterious man who doesn't talk much, but was widely known for having a short temper--especially if you pay him a 20 peso bill for a 1 peso tricycle fare. There were murmurs going around, probably made up by adults to scare off kids like me, that he was the mysterious stuntman named Dante Varona. Urban legend says that after Dante Varona jumped off from the highest point of San Juanico Bridge, blood flowed out of his eyes, ears and nose and was almost feared dead. Afterwards, he vanished into a recluse under the guise of a new name and profession.

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Chapter 1: Pre-Lumineers' Arrival in Coron | Palawan

Unknown October 01, 2012

This was my third time in Coron, Palawan–and the most charmed of it all. If any, I should be writing this in a routine manner with eyes closed and using only one hand, while the other one makes a salami sandwich. Narrating the 'I did this, we did that, went there and ate at this place, stayed at Coron Eco Lodge'. However, this trip of the ordinary. It was in fact, a 'some kind of wonderful happened and exploded like fabulous roman candles' kind of journey.