Life's a Beach

August 11, Circa 1990’s.

I boarded an Air Philippines flight bound for Caticlan, Aklan en route to the world’s most beautiful beach- Boracay. This was part of the prize given by the multinational pharmaceutical company that I was then employed with as a medical representative for being chosen as 'Employee of the Year.'

It was already dusk when our group of eleven tourists arrived at Lorenzo’s Resort. I immediately unpacked my things and put on my swimming trunks and went straight to the clear blue water and pristine white sand of the world’s famous beach.

There I met Chip, who introduced himself as the resident consultant of the resort and Wanda, an American of Chinese-descent. Both are quite articulating, intelligent and well versed on any topic under the sun! We talked about anything, from current events to trivia to history and science.

We were so engrossed in our discussion on the reported high levels of Coliform bacteria in the waters of Boracay that it was already past 10 p.m. when we realized that we have talked for almost 3 hours!

I went back to my cottage, ate my dinner and took a quick hot shower. I then went to the bar and ordered a glass of Mezcalero and Tequila Sauza Blanca.

There was a local band with a lead singer who looks like Bob Marley playing reggae, ska and calypso.

From the corner of my eye I saw Wanda sitting in a corner table holding a glass of Kahlua on one hand and puffing on a stick of Virginia Slims looking amused at several local and Caucasian tourists doing the Limbo.

Our eyes met and she gestured for me to join her. I ordered a glass of Jose Cuervo this time while she had a Zombie and Daiquiri.

At 10 minutes to midnight we decided to go to the beach. When we get there and found ourselves alone we decided to go skinny-dipping into the cold waters and made love in the sand.

The following morning we decided to go snorkeling and skin-diving. The waters are very clear and the underwater views are breathtaking. The whole day we played in the waters and frolicked under the sun. We were already sun-tanned when we decided to call it a day. Due to sheer exhaustion we just slept the night away.

On the 4th day of my stay, a low-pressure area developed in the Pacific and was later sighted by the weather bureau and signal no. 1 was immediately raised in the Visayas including Aklan. The authorities advised us to stay indoors and not venture into the sea but Wanda was the athletic and adventurous type and asked me if I can join her canoeing around the shores of Boracay. I decline noting the foul weather and the dangers of going into the sea in this particular situation.

Nevertheless, she decided to go on with her plans and went into the rough sea. Only a fool will do that kind of thing in this kind of weather I said to myself.

Suddenly, a thought flashed into my mind. I went back to my cottage and got my Scuba gear. I rented an outrigger and followed Wanda off to the open sea.

A minute later I saw her about 150 meters away off the coast of Boracay. I dived into the water and tailed her. When I finally reached her, a surprised look flashed on her face that later turned to fear as I grabbed her down with me into the deep blue waters of the rough and stormy Visayan sea.

She struggled a bit but soon gave out the futile fight.

I watched her cold and limp body with open eyes and mouth agape as the strong current into the wide and rough open sea was carrying her.

I then went back to my cottage as if nothing happened.

At 4:30 p.m., the resort manager declared Wanda missing but the foul weather prevented the local authorities from launching a search and rescue operation.

The following day, when the weather finally calmed down, the coast guard launched a massive search and rescue operations in the area, but it was only on the second day when her body was found and by that time my vacation was over and I was on my way back to Manila with the happy thought that what happened to Wanda will forever be buried in the crystal blue waters of that island paradise called Boracay.
#081601

Edge of the Blade

I have not ventured outside of my den for ages now. Nowadays, I’m really on the edge and I think I’m once again losing my grip and I need to do something before it’s too late.

I turned on the radio and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue was playing and quietly, I drifted away...

I soon found myself inside a dark room full of people, all of them are wearing black and they're all staring at me! But wait a minute; they all looked so damn familiar!

I got out of bed, put on my shirt and combed my hair…

It’s time.

What is Love?

“Love is a many splendored thing”, as the old saying goes.

But my answer to that is the song “I want to know what love is” by Foreigner.

So, here I am at 2 o’clock in the morning cruising along the lonely stretch of Quezon Avenue looking for the proverbial girl of my dreams.

Then I saw her, with a lit cigarette stick on her left hand, heavily made-up, in a red mini skirt and black tops. She was a stunner with her long black and silky hair falling down to her shoulders waiting for somebody to pick her up.

“Perfect”, I muttered as my 4x4 halted to a slow stop.

I rolled down my power windows and asked her if she care for a ride?

After a few exchange of pleasantries and small talk she agreed to join me for a night of adventure.

I found myself traversing the empty Aguinaldo Highway in Imus, Cavite en route to Tagaytay City. We arrived at my rest house at 10 minutes to three in the morn.

She went directly to the shower while I went straight to the cooler and grabbed a can of Heineken to quench my thirst.

The sight of her beautiful and naked body with the cool and silky voice of Billie Holiday in the background greeted me as I entered the Mediterranean- inspired bedroom.

She rose and met me across the room. We kissed and caressed each other.

The sweet scent of Victoria’s Secret lotion on her soft skin soothed my tired mind and body.

We made love in the carpeted floor until we fall asleep.

The sound of rap music coming from the Boom Box next door woke me up from my sleep. I got out of bed, put on my robe as I made my way out of the bedroom and peeped through the slightly ajar next door and saw her on the treadmill.

I headed for the kitchen for a cup of hot chocolate and French bread.

When I pulled the drawer, I saw the sharp and glistening Solingen set of knives that brought home from one of my travels abroad.
.
The sight of the human heart on my left hand jolted me back to my senses.

It’s only then that realized that it’s Valentine’s Day.
So, what is Love to me?

“Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”





Note: this story was to be my Valentine’s Day post but heavy work loads in the office prevented me from posting it on time. I will update you about my latest adventures next time.