I spent last weekend in Los Banos, Laguna following a sudden invite from a former classmate. We've been planning to meet up since last November but found it hard to sneak the date in our busy schedule. Last Saturday was different. I woke up at 5:30am (instead of the planned 4:30) and left Cubao at 6am. I was lucky to have arrived just as the bus was driving out of the terminal.
We chatted a lot as soon as we saw each other. Four years of just chatting on Facebook was not enough. I cooked curry noodles for her and then we went to UPLB for some yoghurt treat. In the afternoon, we went to Laguna Hotsprings to take a dip in one of Pansol's hotspring resorts. I wanted to submerge my body in the hot waters hoping for the complete healing of my knee which was slightly injured from my last waterfalls hike. But disappointingly, the water was not hot. But we were treated to a surprise fish spa when late in the afternoon, some janitorfish were biting off our dead skin cells. Cute. It was so relaxing I fell asleep. LOL.
While in the waters we talked a lot, catching up on each other's lives. It was comforting to know that I can ask even personal questions and get honest answers. Purely girl talk, plus more. ;)
We had a quick nap before we had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and I had their version of tom yum. The shrimps were overcooked but they were in fairly good size so I couldn't compain much. Then off we went to the UP Fair, my first ever. And we both laugh at how I had to travel far to experience UP Fair!
There were lots of people but I didn't mind because being with her is so much fun. Perhaps next year I will try to see for myself what UPD Fair is like. And maybe, just maybe, ask that guy out. (That guy with whom I became close to in Bacolod. He inspires me a lot, and it's pretty rare that guys inspire me this much.)
The following day, my friend and I took a long walk inside UPLB and had breakfast at IRRI canteen. I sneaked a peek at the museum and it's awesome!!! Since I have a bit of grudge at IRRI for not helping the local farmers, I asked that uncomfortable question to her and she clarified that that is PhilRice's job and that IRRI is an international organization. Well that explains things. We really cannot rely on our government to level the playing field and provide a bright future for everyone, which is why I never want to work under it despite the many offers.
It was super hot like the day before and I was afraid I might get dehydrated but we still walked, being pooritas that we are. We had lunch at a Thai resto where I got to eat awesome pad thai. My friend's order of beef noodle soup is also very delicious so I will be ordering that the next time I drop by.
I left Laguna around 2pm, fearing I might get stuck in heavy traffic if I go home late. It's Valentine's Day after all and I would also like to spend the day with my family. Turned out ny sisters went out and so I ended up attending mass with mom and bro.
At night, I finally was able to draw a younger version of my yaya and me as a baby. Hot tears fell but I hope this way I am able to honor her memory on this day of hearts. Because of all the people in the world, she was the one who loved me the most. And this week, falling into contemplation yet again, I thought about how I was able to go through the challenges of life because of her, and how, despite her passing, we seem to be closer than ever. Because I refuse to forget even though it hurts a lot, even though when thoughts of her pop in my mind, I am sure to get teary-eyed and lately it's been hard to control.
So I'm dedicating a drawing and the song "There You'll Be" to the Light of my life. Happy Valentine's Day, yaya. I miss you everyday.
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