Fragmented Rhapsody

Fragment 19

19
When in La Union and Ilocos Sur

It was past 7 AM when we arrived at San Juan, La Union. We had our breakfast again from a fine resto we passed by the road. The streets are already busy and jam-packed with tourists and locals even at early hour. 

I didn't like crowded places, ironic, because I've been living in Baguio City my whole life, which happens to be the country's summer capital.

But with the fresh and renewed atmosphere of La Union – I don't think I'd be complaining.

 I've been wanting to live in a place like this maybe someday. 'Yung lugar na tahimik pa rin sa pakiramdam kahit dinadagsa ng tao. Although, Baguio will always be the home to me, I'm not closing doors in encountering new homes.

"We're good," Caitlyn mumbled, squinting her eyes as she double-checks the paper of our check in record. "Tara na sa rooms."

"Wait nga lang," Dominic groaned, struggling to balance the bags he's holding.

Alam kong hindi sa kaniya lahat 'yon. Ang iba ay kay Caitlyn. And for the love of God, I don't know why she packed too much. Parang mangingibang bansa siya sa dami ng dala niya. We're just away for 2 days but she packed like she's staying for 2 weeks!

"Wow...you brought more than the necessary," sabi ni Lucifer habang nakakunot-ang noo.

Natawa si Alfred sabay abot sa ibang hawak ni Dominic. "Akin na nga 'yung iba."

"Thanks, baby Alfred," si Dominic at lumingon sa kaniyang pinsan. "Ilang villa kinuha mo?"

"Six."

Halos lahat kami ay napabaling kay Caitlyn sa kaba at gulat. Is this girl serious? I know she's filthy-rich but that's just too much!

I heard Octavian laugh beside me as he snickers his arm around my waist, sniffing my hair. Agad na nalipat ang atensyon ko mula kay Caitlyn papunta sa kaniya. Kumalabog ang puso ko sa kaniyang hawak, buong atensyon ay na sa kamay na na sa aking bewang. Octavian and his swift moves – they could possibly kill me in surprise.

Bahagya ko siyang tiningala at naabutang nakatingin na rin sa akin.

"Pwede tayo roommates?" he whispered, smirking.

Inirapan ko siya. "No."

Rinig ko ang halakhak niya. "Joke lang, Ma'am!"

"Kidding! 2 rooms lang syempre! Kayong apat na lalaki sa isa, kami ni Nat sa kabila. I got you a luxury room," she cheekily uttered.

After settling the divisions, we went out of the reception area and looked for our villas. 

Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa is like a tropical-modernized place. All the villas are built in a one-floor structure. It gives an airy and fresh space just by looking at it. Kulay abo, itim, puti,  at cream ang dominanteng kulay ng mga bahay. The walls are constructed using cements but the roofs are designed with mixed nipa hut-like and usual steel bolsters.

The rooms are on a different talk – it feels like I'm in Bali with the hand woven textiles and essential containers. I must say, Caitlyn chose really well.

After resting for almost 4 hours, the six of us decided to have our lunch. Sobrang ganda ng lugar sa totoo lang. The dining area of the resort is facing the vast, blue sea. We can even spot surfers and tourists from our table. This place is literally a breath of fresh air.

"Happy birthday, Caitlyn...happy birthday, Caitlyn..." the five of us sang along in a beat as the staff of the resort hands out a vanilla cake to the birthday celebrant in the dining. "Happy birthday, dear Caitlyn...happy birthday to you!"