Sweet Pacific Breezes (Provincia de Marina Series #4)

Kabanata 10

Kabanata 10

Sweet Pacific Breezes

I sometimes wonder what drives people to do things so generously. Minsan iniisip ko kung kailangan ba talaga iyon o sadyang nasa puso nila ang tumulong. I did not grow up with my parents but through my Uncle's stories, I've come to know that my parents were generous people. Kahit walang kapalit, tumutulong ang aking mga magulang sa mga taong nangangailangan. I was inspired by my parents story to do good things for others but sometimes, I always think that doing good things a lot could cost you something.

I never imagined that I'd be a part of an organization who helps educate people in conserving the marine life. I thought I didn't need people to understand how I should take care of the things that God had given us. I've come to love the organization more than anything else. The charity works,   the workshops, clean-up drives and even unexpected meetings were something that I've always anticipated. Naging likas na sa akin na tawaging pamilya ang MAW kasi kinalakihan ko na iyon. And I didn't expect that someday, I'll be leading other people to take care of marine life.

Seeing people now, caring for the environment, I can't help but feel proud that I was part of MAW. Isa ito sa mga bagay na talagang ipinagmamalaki ko. I will never be ashamed for standing up for the environment.

"We got so many volunteers today!" Doctor Pedrosa exclaimed as he stood beside me. Sa kaniyang kamay ay isang sako na naglalaman ng mga basurang kaniya ring pinulot. I also have a piece of sack on my hand. Iilang basura pa lang ang nakokolekta ko sa ngayon.

"Must be because of Doctor Camporazzo? I heard he brought some volunteers," Doctor Pedrosa added.

Speaking of the devil, I spotted Isidore near the shore, picking up pieces of twigs. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko habang pinagmamasdan siya sa ginagawa. He wasn't on his flashy scrub or coat. In fact, he looked so simple today with his black shirt and pedal shorts. Nakasuot pa siya ng rubber shoes na kulay itim. I didn't expect to see him today as I always know that he's busy with some other things. Maliban sa research na ginagawa namin, may iba pa talaga siyang pinagkakaabalahan. I often watch him as he speaks in front of his monitor. Ang alam ko kasi ay may pinapasukan siyang program. He's still studying despite managing a clinic and doing research.

Noong isang araw ko nga lang nalaman na sasali sila sa aming clean-up drive. Since they've already acquainted with MAW, they've also signed up to volunteer at any relevant events, gaya nitong clean-up drive. Kaya kasama rin namin ngayon ang iilan sa mga empleyado ng clinic. Si Doctor Gino ang naiwan sa clinic at dalawang assistant.

"Inaaya ng receptionist namin sa clinic ang mga customers doon kaya siguro marami ang dumating. It's a good thing, Doc. Kakaunti na lang ang gawain natin kasi marami naman tayo," I said without taking my eyes off of Isidore. Tapos na siya sa pamumulot ng mga malilit na sanga sa pampang at ngayon ay isinasalin niya na iyon sa sako na hawak ng isa nilang kasama.

Doctor Pedrosa laughed at my sentiment. "That's what you call networking, Cleora. By the way, how's your research with Doctor Camporazzo? Marami ka bang natututuhan sa kaniya?"

"I'm learning a lot from him. Hindi rin biro 'yong research nila kasi ang daming ginagawa. Hopefully, we could gather some significant results."

Truth is, no matter how cold Isidore is, he was dedicated to his work. I wasn't just there to help him on his research but I was also there to learn from him. I like his approach when doing his part on the research. Kahit minsan, nahihiya ako na marami siyang nagagawa. He knows the ins and outs of the papers as well so he was more guided than I am. Kung may iilang detalye man akong hindi makuha, he was willing to help me understand it.

The past few days that we've been acquainted with each other has helped me know him well as a researcher and as a boss. Sa unang tingin pa lang naman, alam kong seryoso siyang tao. His cold aura just confirms my first impression on him. Kapag oras ng trabaho, oras talaga ng trabaho. Sometimes, he would just ignore the way I humor him with work. Kapag binibiro ko siya sa email ay hindi niya rin iyon papansin. He would often reply late—and when I mean late, kapag tapos na ang working hours ko. Ganoon siya ka-dedicated sa kaniyang trabaho. I bet he had read my nonsense messages the moment he received them but would reply late just for the sake of his so-called work etiquette.