inarawan, rizal

we were driving along a common destination: antipolo viewdeck, facing the metro and wait until the daybreaks. with just limited cash in our pockets and a load of enthusiasm, we bravely hit the road in the middle of the dusk.

its been really a very exhausting week for me. although there were really nothing much to do, which is probably the point. i just feel my soul drained dry of all the spirit to take another step further.

now, i could think of a million reasons to drop everything down, turn my back and just take a break. i couldn't really care much now. all i could think of is just to pause and completely shut myself down.

we were driving for more than two hours already and there were still no familiar landmarks ahead. we've took wrong turns and went back countless times, but were still persistent to continue. until the road ahead began to be darker. the number of vehicles decreased and we began scaring each other but the excitement flared on me--- once again.

probably, i have been thinking too much lately. scared of what is waiting ahead. i keep on analyzing too much that i have overlooked spontaneity. i realized that there are things that we could never foresee, factors that require risks and above all, a potential courage that needs to be awaken.

we were still driving. but no view deck nor elevated view of manila. there were just two lads struggling to find their way in the middle of a dark road, somewhere along the boundary of rizal.

it was already 3 in the morning and we're still unsure where to go. it seemed like were already far from our supposed destination. we passed by a sign stating sierra madre resort, 14kms. ahead, that doesn't sound right.

so we decided to park the car, spend the entire time there and wait for the sun to rise. there were only a couple of houses along the road and i could hear dogs barking outside. probably out of exhaustion, we easily retired inside. there were times that we would wake up, checking if the sun is about to rise and it was a long 3 hours, before the sun illuminated and revealed the entire scene. we were surprised to see that we were actually parked on a view deck but instead of overlooking the cityside, it was the otherwise and instead of facing the east we were looking at the west.

but what was infront of us was far greater than we have expected. we saw mountains over mountains, running green terrains reaching the clouds, scent of wet grass and morning dews that delighted our senses and the mild morning breeze greeted as the car proceeded.

in a way, i missed the laid back life in the province, where life is relatively simplier.

then we passed by this small house and saw an old woman at her backyard.

i asked jepoi, when was the last time you watered a plant?

he just smiled. he forgot, i guess.

we decided to go back home to manila. but thought of dropping in libis for the famous eat-all-you-can breakfast buffet. as we pigged in to our plates, i have realized that somethings going to change--- atleast for the better.

i have decided to file my resignation this week for the promise of a simplier life. period.