Greet

"Can you believe it, Chelsea? I'm finally doing it! I'm going on a solo trip to Mindanao!" I excitedly exclaimed. I know my eyes sparkling with an excitement. Sino bang hindi!?

Ngayong summer vacation na, nag-iisip ako kung saan ako magbabakasyon lalo na at sagot daw nila Mom at Dad ang expenses. They even suggested na baka gusto kong mag Japan since doon magbabakasyon ang iba kong mga pinsan. Pero no'ng tumawag sila Lolo at Lola na baka gusto ko raw magbakasyon sa kanila ay hindi na ako nagdadalawang isip na um-oo. Isn't it exciting---to explore Mindanao particularly its provinces?

Bumuntong hininga ang kaibigan na ikinakunot naman ng noo ko. "Minna, are you sure about this? I mean, I've heard that Mindanao can be dangerous..." aniya sa maliit na boses.

"Chelsea, any place can be dangerous if you're not careful. It's all about being aware of your surroundings and taking the necessary precautions. Besides, I've done my research. Mindanao has so much to offer, and I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to explore it just because of some misconceptions. Isa pa, nandoon naman sina Lolo at Lola!"

"Minna, baka nakakalimutan mong first time mo pa 'tong gagawin na b-biyahe mag-isa. At doon pa sa malayong probinsya. Naku!" Chelsea rolled her eyes and sipped on her favorite booba tea.

"Hello, malaki na ako. Kaya ko na 'to."

"Ang ibig kong sabihin, kapag papunta ka pa roon sa grandparents mo. Hindi madali iyang b-biyahe kang mag-isa sa hindi ka pamilyar na lugar, ano. Nag- iisip ka ba?"

Ngumisi ako. "And that's makes the adventure more thrilling!"

Inilingan nalang ako ng kaibigan. Sa totoo lang, kinakabahan din ako. Pero sign na siguro ito para umalis ako sa comfort zone. Next school year ay mag c-college na ako. Hanggang kailan ba ako magiging dependent sa mga magulang?

Tama.

Hindi ko na rin kasi mahintay sina Mommy at Daddy. Besides, they already agreed. Susunod nalang daw sila sa probinsya. Ang pupuntahan kong grandparents sa probinsya ay mga magulang ni Mommy. Noong una, gusto rin sana silang dalhin ni Mommy sa Manila at patayuan ng sarili nilang bahay but they refused and still choose to stay in the province of Bukidnon.

"May signal ba roon?" wala sa sariling untag ni Chelsea.

"Ang OA mo naman. Porket probinsya sa Mindanao wala nang signal? That's insulting!"

"Nagtatanong lang!"

"Syempre, 'te meron! Mas malakas pa nga ang signal nina Lolo at Lola everytime mag f-facetime kami," irap ko sa kan'ya.

She chuckled. "Kung sabagay."

In my bedroom, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation as Mama and Papa helped me pack my things for my upcoming vacation. My bed was scattered with clothes, travel essentials, and a map of Mindanao spread out on the bed. Really, Dad? I chuckled.

"Bakit, anak?" kunot noong baling ni Mama sa akin as she carefully folded a shirt and placed it in my suitcase.

Dinampot ko ang mapa. "Anong gagawin ko rito?"

Mama laughed and shook her head. "Dalhin mo nalang 'yan para maibsan ang pag-alala ng Dad mo."

Kahit hindi ko naman talaga kailangan 'to ay nilagay ko nalang din ito sa bag. Mapa? Hind ko naman lilibutin ang Mindanao. Para namang mag t-treasure hunting ako doon, e.

Nilingon ko si Dad. He checked the travel documents and made sure everything was in order. I sat on the edge of the bed, watching them with a mixture of gratitude and nervousness.

"Minna, remember to pack enough clothes for the duration of your trip," Mom reminded me---neatly arranging a stack of t-shirts in the suitcase. "And don't forget your sunscreen and insect repellent. It's important to take care of your skin and protect yourself from any possible bugs."

Yeah, right. Muntik kong makakalimutan na probinsya nga pala ang pupuntahan ko.

I nodded---taking mental notes of my mother's instructions. "I'll make sure to pack everything, Mom. Thank you for helping me."

Dad joined in, placing a travel-sized first aid kit into the suitcase. "And Minna, always keep your phone charged and with you. We want you to stay connected with us and your lolo and lola throughout your journey. They can provide you with extra guidance and support if needed."

Even Dad looking me cooly, I know deep inside of him he's sick worried. I smiled. "Noted, Dad."

Mom and Dad exchanged a knowing glance. I can see the love and concern for me clearly and evident in their eyes. They wanted me to have an amazing time, but they also wanted me to be safe. Of course.

Napatingin ako sa huling bagay na nilagay ni Mom sa bag ko. Mom gently placed a travel journal and a pen in my backpack. "Don't forget to write down your experiences and thoughts along the way, anak. I suggest to use this rather than a cellphone. It'll be a great way to remember your trip and share it with us when you return."

I smiled gratefully at my parents, feeling a mix of excitement and comfort in their presence. "Thank you, Mom and Dad. I promise to take all your advice to heart and stay in touch with you and lolo and lola."

Dad zipped up the suitcase, "We believe in you, Minna. Just remember to trust your instincts, be aware of your surroundings. And most importantly, enjoy every moment of your adventure."

"I will, Dad..."

As we finished packing, they enveloped me in a warm embrace as I can feel their love and support. They knew this trip was an important milestone for me as their one and only daughter, and they wanted me to have the best experience possible in life. Ang swerte ko ba?

"Ang laki mo na talaga. H-Hindi pa ako handa," gumagargal pa ang boses ni Dad pagkasabi niya no'n.

Pabiro kong inikot ang mga mata. "Dad naman!"

We laughed as Mom jokingly said that maybe one day, may maipakilala na ako sa kanila but of course my Daddy wasn't happy. Hinalikan nalang siya ni Mom to cool him down.

Who know's, hindi ba? Baka nga pagka uwi ko rito, may madala na akong boyfriend. Wala sa sariling napahalakhak ako sa sariling ideya.

"What's funny, Minna?" striktong tanong ni Dad.

I glanced at Mom and winked at her. Mom shook her head and 'shh' sign me na ikina simangot naman ni Dad.

"Mag-ingat ka, Minna. Iyong mga bilin namin sa 'yo huwag mong kakalimutan!" si Mommy as she waved her hand with Dad.

"Opo. I love you two!" kaway ko pabalik sa kanila at pumasok na sa airport. This is it!

Nang mag boarding na ako ay tinawagan ko si Lolo at Lola. They instructed me na pagkababa ko sa Laguindingan Airport  to Bukidnon ay sasakay daw ako ng bus or taxi. Manila to Bukidnon in a plane lang ang tinanggap ko. Pero, of course, bus ang pipillin ko pagka apak ko sa Bukidnon at papunta sa lugar nila Lolo at Lola. Mas exciting kaya 'yon!

As I stepped off the plane at Laguindingan Airport, I felt a mix of excitement and fatigue from my long journey. I made my way to the bus terminal, eager to continue my adventure to Pangantucan where Lolo and Lola lived.

Sa mga oras na 'to marami paring mga tao. Iyong iba nakatulog sa paghihintay iyong iba naman ay kadarating lang tulad ko. Nang ma ispatan ko kung sino ang dispacher ay hindi na ako nag aatubiling lapitan ito.

"Excuse me po," I asked the dispatcher, "Anong bus po ba ang sasakyan ko papuntang Pangantucan?"

"Second trip kasunod nito," turo niya sa isang bus na puno na. "Malapit na rin 'yon kapag naka larga na 'to. Hintayin mo nalang saglit."

"Salamat po..."

Feeling a sense of relief, I found a comfortable spot to wait. However, the exhaustion from my long trip started to catch up with me, at hindi ko na rin talaga nakayanan ang pagod at antok. The clock struck 10 PM, and I fell into a brief nap.

Suddenly, I jolted awake, realizing that I had slept longer than intended. Kinuskos ko ang mga mata at sandaling nakaramdam ng panic. I saw another bus pulling into the terminal. Ito na yata 'yon!

I hurriedly gathered my belongings and rushed towards the bus.

Nang makahanap na ako ng magandang puwesto sa bus, I felt a sense of relief and excitement. The bus started its trip as I slowly leaned my head against the window, hoping to catch some rest during the long ride. The rhythmic motion of the bus, combined with my exhaustion, lulled me back to sleep.

Hours passed, and when I finally stirred awake, I was greeted by the soft breeze of the wind. The bus had come to a halt, and I looked around, trying to get my bearings.

Confused and disoriented I  turned to the man sitting beside me. I was ready to tap him when I realized he is not just a man. He is a very handsome man! Nakapikit ito at parang natutulog. He is wearing a black headphone and has that type of hair that barely a bangs because it covers his forehead. Brown ang buhok nito ay medyo messy pa. It made him look better...No hotter though. Tumikhim ako. Ano ba, Minna!

Naka white polo shirt din ito with a minimal Lacoste print on it. His biceps? Holy shit. Grabe. Not to mention he has a beautiful side view angle with his well define jawline. His nose, shit. Napalunok ako.

Bahagya pang naka kunot ang noo nito na para bang sign iyon na maldito o strikto siyang tao. Grabe, may mga gwapo pa lang mga taga probinsya?

"May problema ba, Miss?" biglang untag niya.

My eyes widened.  "A-Ah. Sorry, " kinakabahan kong sagot. Shit. Gising siya?!

"M-Magtatanong lang sana ako kung Pangantucan na ba ito?"

Mas lumalim ang pagkakunot ng noo niya. He slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head on me. Knowing that our seats are not that spacious and this is just a two seated seats and he is tall as hell, sobrang lapit lang namin!

"Hindi," ikling sagot niya. "You are in Lanao del Norte, Miss."

Kinakabahan akong napatingin sa labas ng bintana. What the hell? Maling bus ang nasakyan ko?! At madaling araw na!

"It seems like you are lost, Miss. You just greeted the dawn here in Lanao del Norte," he playfuly said followed by his manly chuckles.

Shit! Anong gagawin ko?!