As I was looking forward to going back into the city and being spoiled by all it has to offer. I know I'm spoiled and weak by saying this, because the country isn't that bad. Everything we ate was fresh, I mean sure things were a little rough, but that's part of it! The morning began, and I started becoming sad and anxious. My chest was tight, and I started getting homesick, not for the states but for my family in Gumaca. I started talking and bonding with Tita Elsie the night before, and it made me realize that I wanted to get to know her more. Not that I didn't like her, I just never knew her! I wanted more time to catch up with Tita Lita, and of course, the uncles. Tito Robert told me so much about the family I didn't know, and it made me feel great. I wish they were in the same city so that we could always have them in our lives. I wish....more than anything that I can succeed to make this a reality. I know it's not up to me to take care of everyone, but I want to give back to my family. I want to give back to those that deserve it. Most of all to my Lola and Mom. Anyway, TIto Ric starts instructing Ate PR and Ate Nilda how to load the van and packed the bags real tight. We had a long day ahead of us and it's a hot one. I thought it would be an easy trip that wouldn't take too long, because it felt like time flew by on our way to Gumaca. As I waited for everyone to load the van, I stayed behind to guard the car. I watched this dog basking in the sun when his owner brought him his food. It was leftovers, bones, all sorts of animal parts. I feel like PETA would freak the fuck out if they saw this treatment, but it was normal, and all the owners could offer. It reminded me how tough life is in the Philippines, and for someone as depressed as I am, it really brought new meaning to the world 'struggling.' Right before we took off, Tito Robert took me to the side and asked if we could come back again so we could spend more time before I leave. I told him I'll try cause there may be some down time. I told him I'd try...but sadly I knew it wasn't going to happen. I was sad to leave them behind, and it's inspired me to try even harder so that we can afford to visit more often. We said our goodbyes and I hugged everyone. I told Tita Elsie that she could speak to me whenever, and hugged Tita Lita tight. She was a really fun auntie growing up, and she's badass so she doesn't have social, which means I've had ZERO contact with her within the last 18 years. Damn man.
We took off, and Tito Ric showed us around the new roads, the cities we past, Tito Bhoy's hometown, and took occasional bathroom / coffee breaks. When we were about two hours out of the city, Tito Ric took us to dinner, where, I can't remember. It was a beautiful setting, and Tito Ric was kind enough to treat us to food. I'm bad at picking what to eat, so he chose for everyone. It was Bulalo and Kare Kare (two of my least favorite Filipino foods) but I didn't complain! Now, what happens next was caused both my delirium and the fact that I was getting more comfortable around the family again. Mom was chewing on the bone marrow, cause that's her jam, when Tito Ric warned her to be careful. He told her it was fattening. LOL. Mom looked really sad and stopped eating, to which I interfered. Mara: aw come on Tito, I saw you eat a whole bag of Halls candy! One bone marrow won't hurt! Everyone starts laughing, but he continues... Tito Ric: No that's really bad for your heart! Everyone continues to laugh..... Mara: well why did you buy it then?! If it's bad for you. He pauses, thinks about it, and doesn't have an answer. BOOM ROASTED HAHAHHAHAA. Idk it might not be that funny to anyone else, but it sure as shit was to us. It was getting late, and that road trip was looooooooooong. I started feeling a bit sick at the end, but I think it was mainly caused, I couldn't poop and hadn't in three days. When we finally got to the city, we unloaded the car, organized, changed and fell asleep! Til next time!
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November 2021
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