One Great Love (COMPLETED)

23: Him, in His Hometown

JAY

Cat and I woke up minutes after seven in the morning. We had our breakfast altogether before heading out on a tour. They visited a family friend somewhere in Calatagan as well. A feast was prepared when we came. Matagal na daw kasi mula noong nagkita-kita ang mga ito. And they promised to support Cat in the national pageantry.

We visited to Calatagan Golf Club inside Baluerte Estates for lunch. A few friends of Cat's parents were there to meet them and to play golf. We were also taught how to play. It's not as easy as what we think. There are techniques as every sports have.

The whole afternoon was spent at the club. We also got to talk to their friends regarding our insights with business and politics, as well. It's mature, I know.

Also there was the vice-governor of Batangas and mayor of the municipality. They had a brief conversation with Cat on how they can help her for the national pageant. She opened about her advocacies especially promoting the municipality of Calatagan to the country and to the other parts of Asia.

"Kung kinakailangan mo ng permit to visit national heritages, or you need a tour guide, you can just call us so we can provide you one." The mayor said, smiling.

"Thank you so much, sir. I know you are also busy with the campaign but thank you for allotting time to give me the chance to voice out my plans, even if I win or not." Cat in utmost happiness.

"Ika-kampanya ka din namin dito sa Batangas." Nakangiting tugon ng vice-governor. "Please e-mail my secretary a high quality photo of yours and we will have it printed and hang it around Batangas. Lalo na sa Kapitolyo."

She clasped her hands. She looked at me, almost teary. I caress her back to send back the gesture. She was out of words. A shake-hands was a sign of a done deal.

ANDRES

Five-twenty ng umaga nang makarinig ako ng mga katok mula sa pintuan ng aking tinutulugan. Iritang-irita pa ako na bumangon dahil anong oras na ako nakatulog. Paano ba naman, ang bida-bida 'kong Lolo Jose ay nangumbida para maglagay ng padasal sa garahe. Sinuportahan naman siya ng Uncle Nacio na siyempre, kailangan makitungo ng maayos para sa boto. De, mabait talaga 'yang Uncle 'ko.

Inabot na kami ng ala-una ng madaling araw. Kahit antok na, pinilit 'ko pa din na maligo para presko. At ngayon, pinilit 'ko din na bumangon para pagbuksan ang nangbubulabog.

"Ano 'yon?" Inaantok 'kong sabi sa kumatok. Nang medyo maayos na ang aking lumabong paningin ay napagtanto 'ko na kung sino ang kumatok. "'Lo? Bakit po? Ang aga-aga naman." Reklamo 'kong sabi.

"Magbihis ka. May pupuntahan tayo ngayong umaga at doon tayo mag-aalmusal."

Hindi pa man ako nakakareklamo ulit ay umalis na siya sa aking harapan. Ni hindi 'ko nga alam kung totoo bang nangyari 'yon o panaginip lang. Bumalik na lang din ako sa loob at nagbihis. Naghilamos sa banyo at pinuntahan na sila sa tanggapan. Nando'n din si Mama, nakanganga habang nakasandal sa tumba-tumba.

"Tara na." Lumabas ang Lolo Jose mula sa kabilang pasilyo patungo sa kwarto niya at pinuntahan na kami sa gitna ng bahay—ang tanggapan.

Kinalabit 'ko naman si Mama na mabilis naman nagising. Bumaba na kami at doon naka-abang ang isa sa mga sasakyan ni Uncle Nacio. Pati ang driver ay naka-abang na din sa amin. Sumakay na kami sa loob. Doon si Lolo sa harap, kaming mag-ina sa likod.

Kinuha 'ko ang pagkakataon na umidlip habang wala pa sa aming pupuntahan. Pinilit 'kong ipikit ang mga mata 'ko pero heto't dilat na dilat pa din ako. Sa maliliit 'kong nakikita sa labas ay puro naglalawakang palayan. Panaka-naka ang mga kabahayan na aming nalagpasan.