When I went inside the church, I thought that it becomes smaller. Because I have the impression that it was bigger since the last time I went there which was around more than 12 years ago. One by one familiar faces approached us, but besides the relatives and the Jucal’s, I do not remember the others.

Manong Alpha led the lesson study and because the assigned elder was in Manila at that time, he was still asked to be the speaker for the divine service. They have to grab the opportunity since its been a long time since he last visited his home church. Jimer rendered the special number, Manong Eman the presiding elder, Manang Fe the offertory and Joy-joy for the homily. It’s more or less a family program he he he. We were able to meet Paris, Sally and Adonis Jucal, long time acquiantance way back in Pasig.

After the service, we all went to Tiya’ys place where we all had our mini reunion. We’re all glad to be able to meet the elders, Auntie and Tiya’y and for them to see the girls and Rabin, especially for Auntie.

This family trip is not planned.  Well you couldn’t say technically a family trip since the girls with Rabin and nanay were already in Himamaylan since Wednesday, Jimer is in Iloilo finishing some work and I was in Manila.  Due to the demands of living a normal life, we have to give up the opportunity of traveling together and spending more vacation time.  I was able to get permission for leave of absence for today only, that’s why I was the last to leave Manila.

Uncle Asher, Auntie Diding and Manong Alpha with Brix met me at the airport.  Since I will be meeting Jimer in Bacolod, I waited for him at SM Bacolod but the problem is, we do not know when he will be finished.  So from  12 noon I wandered inside the mall, and was surprised that I’ve been familiar with its every nook and corner.  Well who wouldn’t be if you have nothing to do for almost 8 hours!

When Jimer finally arrived around 8pm, I could almost cry not of relief in seeing him, but because at last, I can leave the mall. I asked him if he can still travel for more than 2 hours to Himamaylan, I estimated we’ll be there around 11pm. But he’s so tired already from traveling all day in Iloilo so we decided to spend the night at Manong Alpha’s place. So we texted him to give us instructions how to get there, and he told us that it would be convenient to get in a taxi but will cost us around P300. Outside the mall, we met a security guard and asked him for directions. He told us to ride a jeepney bound to Mansilingan, tell the driver to drop us at the terminal to Handumanan. Imagine, going to a place you do not have any idea where at 9 o’clock in the evening and where we have a minor communications problem (for I cannot speak direct Ilonggo), this is just the adventure that we’re waiting for!

To cut the story short, we were able to make it to the last trip to Handumanan and slept at Manong Alpha’s place, though not included in our itinerary for that day. The next day, Sabbath day, we traveled at least 2 hours to Himamaylan c/o Uncle Asher. At least I was able to enjoy that scenery, the baybay, endless sugar cane farms, greenery every where, a far cry from the city life.