Richard's Standard

Chapter 6 - Visiting Perfect Spots

Dona was shouting my name at the top of her lungs. I had texted her that we were going to visit some beautiful spots and that she would be my guide. She seemed to love the idea and was now excitedly running toward me.

I stood outside the school gate, and it was perfect timing since my Major 13 instructor wasn't around. Many eyes turned our way as Dona reached me, breathless and smiling.

"Alam mo, noong i-text mo 'ko kagabi na mamamasyal tayo, talagang 'di na 'ko nakatulog dahil sa excitement. Matagal na rin kasi akong hindi nakapunta sa Mabua. Diba, gusto mo iyong puntahan?" Her excitement was palpable.

I started the engine of my motorbike and looked at her. "Sakay na. Last na nating pupuntahan ang Mabua. Mauna na muna tayo sa Robinsons Place Surigao para manood ng sine."

She beamed as she climbed onto my bike. I didn't care what others thought about us; I just wanted to enjoy some fresh air and learn a few Bisaya words.

As we headed toward Robinsons Surigao, Dona was my cheerful guide, laughing and smiling the whole way. It seemed she had missed out on so many joyful moments that she was eager to make up for. I've never known a dull life; I've been fortunate to visit places like China, Hong Kong, Italy, Iceland, South Korea, Thailand, Canada, and Japan. Now, it was time for me to explore the hidden beauty of my own country, starting right here in Surigao City.

We were now wandering through Robinsons Place Surigao, a six-level shopping complex offering all kinds of services. Before heading to Robinsons Movieworld, I remembered I needed to buy clothes for Dona. She felt shy, but I insisted she pick any dress she liked, as I had promised to treat her since she was my tutor. She only chose a few items, so I decided to help her pick some outfits that I thought would suit her color and figure.

This was a new experience for me—putting my blessings toward someone else. I used to just accept money without much thought, but now I realized there's nothing wrong with sharing what I could afford. I even suggested she choose some makeup kits, but she insisted she didn't need them, saying she only used powder and lipstick. I respected her choice; after all, some women are naturally beautiful without makeup.

After buying everything, we dropped our bags off at the baggage counter since we were about to watch a movie. Today was the release of my favorite film I had been eagerly waiting for: Avengers Meets X-Men. I was sure it would be the highest-grossing movie of 2040.

Once the movie was over, I couldn't help but highlight some of the most exciting scenes—like when Thor and Storm fell in love, Captain Marvel was defeated by Dark Phoenix, and Hulk became friends with Magneto. There were plenty more memorable moments, but I didn't want to spoil anything for the fans who hadn't seen it yet.

Our next stop was the breathtaking view of Surigao's Battle of Strait. The scenery was stunning, with a refreshing breeze all around. In front of us was the vast, blue ocean, which I learned was part of the Philippine Sea, nestled between Bohol Sea and Leyte Gulf. The area was also surrounded by coconut trees, and colorful flowers lined the sides of the road. It was spacious enough for plenty of selfies. At the far end, a stone marked the history of the battle that took place here on October 25, 1944. According to some locals, this place holds a wealth of information about its past. I should definitely ask Dona more about it.

But I noticed her taking pictures with her phone, and I was sure the shots were blurry. I offered to let her borrow my phone, but she declined, saying she was fine with her own.

"By the way, what's the history here?" I asked her suddenly.

She put her cellphone back in her bag and faced me. "Ang totoo, ang memorial na ito ay itinayo ng mga tao ng Surigao sa malaking tulong ng City Government nila para maipakita sa mundo ang hiyas na iniwan ng mga ninuno natin noong World War II. Sabi rin kasi ng mga kaklase kong tubong Surigao, maaring nanggaling daw ang pangalang ito sa Negritong lider ng isang tribo na si Solibao. Nang magtanong daw ang mga Espanyol kung ano ang lugar na'to, nagkaroon ng pagkalito. Ang pagkaka-intindi kasi ng mga mangingisda ay si Solibao ang tinutukoy pero ang pagkakadinig naman daw ng mga Espanyol ay Surigao. At may isa pang maaring galing talaga ito sa Espanyol na salita na 'surgir' na ang ibig sabihin ay walang katapusang galaw ng tubig sa parehong daluyan nito."