The day started with an early Saturday church activity. Two other groups met up somewhere else, including us it makes three. Small groups eventually caught up with one another at the station, a place on where large vehicles depart. A bit late because of the light to heavy traffic, we reach Alfonso just outside Tagaytay’s boundary. Without knowing where to turn right, we decided to walk and search for the right path to take. Looking for a rough road our first sign which will lead us to the destined place where we should all go. Then we found it. A ten minutes walk from the main road. We finally reached it, the place where we found “BLUE”, the place where all of us should go.
It was a nice and beautiful farm where vegetation is rich, the soil is healthy and the eco system is so alive. The sun is about to set but the happiest event of the day is just about to start. Finally we saw the people waiting, three new people that I haven’t met nor seen in my entire life, but the feeling of a stranger didn't hit me. Sir Paul “The Board rider playing djembe guru”, Ma’am Jells “The Silent Diva of Kindness”, and Robbie who they call the High Priest who I call “The Hard Rockin Wordsmith Fairy”. Even though they are not talking that much at first they didn’t fail to make me feel that I’m welcome.
When introductions are made, and the others setting camp the rain pours down for a while, as if nature is welcoming and celebrating with us. As if she is saying “Come be one with me, I am one of the members of your family”. After camp was set, all of the people find their places near at the “kubo” to rest. Struggling with the fire Sir Paul is the main man who tried his best to maintain its flare. Even some of us were tired, sleepy and hungry, the place was filled with laughter, teasing is a common language and the guitar was playing with a giggling melody. Then another surprise came. Someone came by to visit us. It was Sir Poncie “The Legendary Smiling Face Sweeper”, even though he needs to be elsewhere important he still came by to meet and jam with us.
After eating, the best part of the gathering had come into place. No one had expected that it will be the welcoming ritual for us new breeds, paper pots with candles on it was placed, the lamp was dimed and suddenly the place looked like a fairy land. A welcoming ceremony was made. Thoughts were shared and papers written our names on it were given. We continued laughing, teasing and singing. After hours of socials and getting to know each other some decided to rest and call it a day. Others left awake and continued laughing, teasing and singing.
Time passed by until the sun greets us “good morning”. Comrades who fell asleep woke up one by one. Again laughing, teasing and singing rises up like the morning sun. Breakfast was served with “sinangag, itlog na maalat, kamatis, tuyo, bicol express at PINAKURAT.” After eating we decided to pack up, in mountaineering terms we “break camp.” The gathering ended up with the best picture taking that I ever had.
On my way home until I reach my bed thoughts were repeating, “Ang swerte swerte ko at nakilala ko kayo, ang mga bago kong kapamilya sana magkita-kita po ulit tayo.”