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

Unknown October 16, 2012

The alarm clock sounded pass 5:30 am, I saw a tinge of natural lighting accompanied by the sound of rain seeping through the small gap of the curtain inside our room at Coron Eco Lodge. It rained hard the previous day and throughout the night. I've left the thought of a sunny incursion around Coron inside the cold case filing cabinet in my head. Well, how could I complain at how things were shaping up to that point. Although, still unknowingly - we both were at that time. A Lumineer moment was taking place all along and this particular day was 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

Unknown October 01, 2012

This has been my third time in Coron, Palawan. 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 wasn't anywhere near average. It was in fact, a 'some kind of wonderful happened' kind of trip. We agreed to be better of as friends post Palaui trip. It culminated when Lauren and I finally realized we'd be living our life more amazingly by traveling with friends. And a song by the Lumineers, listened on a pair of earphones shared between us two, while waiting for our plane back to Manila, has opened our eyes to this wonderful awakening.