The Rainbow in Coron, Busuanga Island

"The Rainbow in Coron, May 28,2007", photo by Orlando

Three years ago, I discovered Coron, Busuanga Island and its neighbouring Calamianes Islands on a work and play tour with friends Beatriz and Nancy. Both love coming and going in this island while it was my first time. I was awed by its pristine waters, the beauty that until now, I cannot find any appropriate word/s to describe. This is where I have rediscovered the bliss of being in commune with nature, and the joy of playing inthe sand, swimming, snorkeling, boat ride, sight seeing and appreciating everything which is wonderfully made.

Five days after that fantastic trip, we have to leave(we only planned a three-day trip). Although I was not excited to go back to Manila, my travel companions(now very close friends) have important tasks given their huge job responsibilities- so we went to the then very simple and quiet airport. I was quiet and thankful for the strong rains, rendering zero visibility for the pilot who has to reroute to Kalibo prior to landing at the lone Busuanga Airport.

We were with an islander, Orlando who had been a close friend of my then travelling companions and he was quiet amused at how I instantly liked the island so much making me planning for a relocation at Coron town as soon as possible. While waiting for a couple of hours delayed flight, he kindly showed as around souviner shops where I got a lovely earring made of indigenous material at Beatriz' prodding. Then we saw the rainbow and the islander that he is, he boldly declared that our flight will push through. Growing up being mostly staying indoors reading lots of books or simply doing music, I was practically awed by the sight of the rainbow. I jumped with joy and took my camera out yet my excitement was too much I was unable to get a nice shot after many attempts. Unable to contain my excitement I called my sister and tried to describe the rainbow that I saw. Amused, she told me that when we were kids, the sight of the rainbow is so lovely and always been a delight to see from the old farmhouse's playground with the Mount Apo in the background. She pointed out that I missed a lot of rainbows because I rarely went out to play under the sun. Gleefully, she cited the colours forming the hues of the rainbow and I laughed aloud in agreement.

Orlando was kind enough to take a nice photo of the rainbow that I have seen and appreciated for the first time. And the sight of the rainbow has made me realise what I had been missing- I have not been enjoying my life as fully as I can because of past hurts and disappointments. The sight of the rainbow was like an instant healing experience for me. While identifying the colours myself, I promised myself to take full control of my life. I decided that no outward circumstance/s, no failed relationship/s can emotionally cripple me -the way I had been before. Right there and then at the sight of the beautiful rainbow, I promised myself to leave any form of despair and that I will be happy no matter what. I will go on with my life and look forward to seeing more rainbows in the future.

True enough, minutes after seeing the lovely rainbow, the boarding call came. SeaAir, the same airline that took me to the island for the first time, had to fly me back to Manila. I was unable to relocate that year and a year after until I gave up. But I made it a point to visit Coron around the same time. I have enjoyed going back in this island around this time to recharge, rediscover myself and simply to enjoy the nature and its people, renewing my friendships year after year. And knowing how safe this island has been and happily noting a lot of positive changes especially in the infrastructures and numerous flight selections, I did not mind going back alone, just like what I did last year.

I have entirely changed my perspective in life after the sight of this rainbow. And although I have not seen any rainbow again anywhere I went, this sight that I witnessed in May 28, 2007 at 6:01 PM has remained in my heart. And happiness has never left me since. Everyday is always a celebration.

Elena Off to A Happy Place: Sydney

the famous Sydney Opera House- at night

As I post this blog my dear friend and soul sister Elena is on her Philippine Airlines flight to one of the happiest place on earth, Sydney in the Land Down Under probably for good. Few hours earlier I waited for her up at Starbucks in ABS-CBN where she used to work as a legal officer. It was like a dream.

at Sta Maria Ilocos Sur Church, UNESCO World Heritage

The busybee as she has been, she was in too much a hurry to share a drink with me- we just drove to her place and a quality time was spent. Few years back, I had to meet her very shortly in Ortigas where she used to work at Roco’s law firm on the day of my flight to Melbourne. It was like a déjà vu.

Time really flies and it has flown quite fast. I came back not too long ago and we had our unforgettable reunion travel to Vigan, Ilocos Sur where we had a “visita iglesia” on a holy week. day. The poor communicator that I am, we lost contact again but when we met last year, we clicked right away- very much like old friends are. Yet she gave me a pleasant surprise- I was introduced to the love of her life which after twists and turns, has find her. Jay, it turned out is a lovely person who then- is off to Sydney in few days time.

Sydney- definitely a happy place

Seconds after we met, we warmed up on each other and I had become very comfortable enough to tell him that when his then girlfriend and me were much younger and carefree in our dorm back in UP, we ventured to the possibility of going to Oz, in whatever way possible.

my favourite photo-taken on a cruise in Sydney

When a call for audition for “Lion King” musicale for Sydney came, we submitted our resume with the hope of being called as member of the choir or as a dancer. We would be happy to do anything just to be in Sydney.

always great to have a walk at the Darling Harbour

The audition team never called us up, so I called them up to ask why we were not given the chance to do the audition and I was told that we had no background in music. The positivist that I am retorted “ but we’ve got the talent”. Regardless, no call for auditions came and we went on with our lives. Jay can’t help but laugh with delight while Elena was quite embarrassed but join the fun recollection of events in our coffee session in the Shang Plaza.

the central train station in Sydney

It was also autumn when I first set foot in Sydney in a tour with friends. But the most memourable was when I took the bus for an eight hour trip alone, from Melbourne in Victoria to New South Wales where Sydney is. I wanted to be there for the fireworks display to meet the new year. Yes, Australia is a tourist friendly and in my case, an international student lovely place, where travelling alone is safe, nice and easy.

view from the train station, on a summer

I will be missing Elena whom I had shared a lot of short but sweet and meaningful moments. But I am smiling now because I am sure that she will be very happy with her husband Jay as they start to build their family. And the Opera house is always there to remind me and Elena of our younger days when we were full of wishes and dreams. I realized that I was not considered as a choral member for the “ Lion King Musical” because I had to become an international student and Elena, as a migrant down under.

one is never lost in Sydney

One of these autumns, I will fly again to the land of “no worries”, to walk in the lovely parks of Melbourne, shop in its boutiques, go to my favourite places and catch up with my Aussie mates. But this time, it would be more exciting to walk in the Darling Harbour in Sydney, ride sunset cruises passing the Opera House and simply sitting in its vicinities for a cup of tea and some timtams.

this is where i will meet Elena -in Sydney

This time, it would be more wonderful because I will have Elena and her family to join me.

Ma-an Gorospe