The Road Trip

Chapter 5: The Filipino-style Reunion (Part 1)

Travis and I didn't stay out long. We actually had a decent conversation at the beach watching the sun take its rest after a long day of shining. I got to know about him more and by more I mean really a lot. I figured that I judged him too soon and it was wrong of me. 

All the while that I talked to him, he was really funny. Despite the scary appearance of his inked skin, he told me that there was a meaning to each of them but thankfully he didn't tell me everything. He asked me about what I wanted to do with my life after graduation and if I was interested in going to Canada for a vacation. 

Honestly the topic about Canada was something that I least expected to come out. We have just hung out for two days and here he was, giving me hints that he wants me to go to Canada. Too obvious, boy... obvious but in a suave-kind-of way. 

We went back to the beach house and Mamita was really overjoyed that we stayed there until the sky has finally changed from a strong hue of orange to the subtle pinkish-purple shade. Her eyes were literally twinkling at the sight of us walking in the beach house together and laughing. Travis was really humorous and I can't help but crack up every time he tries to joke around. 

"I think both of you are hungry," Mamita starts as she waited for us to take our places at the table. Travis and I sat opposite each other as Mamita took the seat at the head of the table. 

"Yeah, I am actually famished. All the talking made me so hungry," Travis quipped. "So before we dig in, can you tell me what these delicacies are?"he pleaded. 

Yes, the table was quite full and Mamita obviously outdid herself with the dinner tonight. There was roasted chicken (Mamita's specialty), sinigang na hipon, dinuguan and some breaded pork chop. There were also some fried veggies, Caesar salad and my personal favorite, tempura.

"Di-nu-gu-an," I said as Travis struggled to follow the pronunciation. 

"Di-no-go-an? right? What is it?" 

"It's actually stew made from the blood of the pig and the offal with some vinegar, chili and special spices. It's good, I promise."

He hesitated at first but then tried to take a spoonful of the stew and tasted it. He was was really serious while tasting it. He's clearly not used to this kind of food. 

"So how is it?" Mamita asked. 

"It's great. It has some kind of zest that I can't explain but I love the taste." He clearly got his bowl and got some more of the dinuguan.

"If the taste is too strong, just eat it with the rice."

The three of us ate in peace with Mamita giving me meaningful glances from time to time. I rolled my eyes and continued to eat but something tells me another person in the room was also stealing glances. I looked up and found Travis smiling at me and winking as he ate a spoonful of rice with dinuguan. 

Dio! Just the smile of this guy makes me full already. Busog na ako! Quota ka na!

After dinner, Mamita excused herself to rest. She had a long day and decided to ask one of our house help to do the dishes for today. I went on to make some coffee and brought it to the balcony with me. The wind was cool and the moon was brightly shining. The sky was so full of stars, something that I didn't get to see much in the city. 

I was enjoying my cup when someone's voice got my attention. 

"Mind if I join you?" It was Travis holding his own cup of joe. I shook my head and he took a seat next to me on the lounge. "The sky looks great."

"Yeah. It does."

"Thanks for today."

I looked at him and nodded. "You're welcome. You don't have to thank me though. It was all part and parcel of the tourist guide thingy."