Rough Groove

Cebu

I was already nursing a slight fever when I arrived at the airport in Davao loaded with two bags, a plastic full as well as two boxes of fruits that I have promised my mother to bring. Already, the exoticly sweet scent of the durian was palpable. But people here don’t mind. It is a common smell!

As predicted, I exceeded my 20 kilo baggage allowance by 12 and it was surprising to note that the cashier gave the exact change! (usually, cashiers here rounds off the few cents to the next peso). All the time at the airport, I was as if my patience was running thin: the long queue for booking the flight, paying the boarding pass, waiting, waiting, waiting…

We left 1140H and as much as I want to rest and take a nap, I just can’t. When we were over Bohol, brooding clouds were already forming, pregnant with rain that in a few minutes, water streaked across the plane’s window, while our ride became bumpy.

The familiar islets between Cebu and Bohol came into view. Every time I pass over these strips of land, I’m always thinking: can these islets be the result of Bohol breaking away from Cebu over millions of years ago? The result of the movement of the Philippine plate?

The international airport in Cebu seems to have seen better days. But what was irritating was that when I was about to claim my baggage, not a single cart was available. Where were these? I asked one guard and he said, just go outside and get those left by other passengers! Just bad service.

“Ma, you drive. I’m not really feeling well.” It was already 1330H and we proceeded to Casa Verde to have lunch. We were just 4 in the van: other than me and my mother Editha, my sister Elaine and her daughter Enicka as well as my cousin Jasper. William, Jasper’s brother will also be coming over from his medical duties at the hospital.

Casa Verde near Velez Hospital is known for its affordable, delicious and big servings of baby back ribs. It was already 1400H when we reached the place but unfortunately, we were told that they ran out of the dish during lunch that we have to settle with other orders. Well, except for the creamy leche flan, oreo and blueberry cheesecakes, the rest of the food were not so good. Either too hard or too salty.

We headed for home.