Kalibo

January 14-15, 2012 | The trip was almost impossible to happen. Final thesis defense was scheduled inappropriately. Good thing, the universe conspired, the panelists approved our papers the day before the big bomb started. 

The group crowded Madge at seven thirty. The alcohol from last night's second beer session with Vincent and Sir Bel finally wears off my system. The bus left sometime around ten in the morning, Sir Bel dozing off every once in while, my battery draining anytime, the two girls Carmi and Chrizzi gossiping and Vincent all hooked with 127 Hours. Overall it was a three-hour trip before the bus finally stopped at Batan, Vincent's hometown. 

The group crashed by Vincent's place for a lunch, the road was nasty, the girls had to put up extra effort riding the motorcycle. Noticeably, the weather was at its best, the temperature was definitely below the city's usual scale. 

From left to right: Me, Chrizzi, Carmi, Vincent, Sir Bel

Hooray! The team finally headed off to Kalibo, Carmi completed her endless checklists, the team all set up, the ferry boat transported the group to the next town. A local PUJ along the nearby dock was waiting for the team and the rest were again bound to travel from Dumaguit to the promised land. 

Kalibo was extra special. The team was pumped up with the festive atmosphere. Anyone who dared to enter the  sinful city definitely get drunk. The multitude cared less other than jumping in along the streets with the rest of the crowd who also cared less other than street dancing, chugging some beer and drum rolling. 

Sad-sad meant do not be shy, join the carefree crowd, dance your heart out and drink all you can. The time was running severely fast, cigarette packs were all empty. The team straight forwarded Magsaysay Park, Chrizzy throwing up on her cowboy hat, it was time for Sir Bel's snake dance. The Iloilo's Band Remix set the mood dragging everyone's feet to the dance floor. Exactly twelve midnight, the anticipation rose, the annual fireworks display highlighted the town's celebration, it lasted long enough satisfying one and every dreamy eyes. The band was announcing one last song, the crowd more lively than the usual, one by one, people began reaching other people's back and shoulders, the rest tailing behind in random, they were definitely snake dancing. The team finally left the park to catch some sleep.

No more alcohol for us the next day, except for Sir Bel and Vincent, they just can't get enough. The team had to attend the mass. The bishop's homily gave me goose-bumps and some chicken skin.  At the end of the holy mass the archbishop stressed out loud the powerful phrase - Viva Sr. Sto. Nino! Drum rolls automatically filled the air in response and the tribe warriors dressed in rainbow colors began dancing. The crowd began cheering - another sad-sad have just started. The people were again dancing down the street. The festivity seemed never ending. The people will drink the night away but for us, it was already time to leave, time to finally go home.

I was able to survive the trip with only five hundred pesos in my wallet. The team seemed generous, they never left me hanging. LOL.This time it took us four long hours to reach the city, and another one hour for me to get my ass back to Banate. Time was really fast, I arrived home late in the afternoon, Kult was very welcoming as usual. The night ended with my blackberry broken and a thought of coming back to Kalibo.