Mabuhay!

I don’t like goodbyes. Like most issues, it may have something to do with my early childhood. I may have issues with people not physically being around and then being expected to have a connection with them. Unfortunately, this background along with my non-digital native place in time, Facebook and other social media has not made these feelings any less true, although I attempt to use them. But on the other hand, I do try to really make a connection with people when they are in my presence. I want to see everyone’s presence in my life as a blessing and I want to get the most I’m capable of and that they are willing to give, in those moments.   

Our last full day in Bacolod was a restful one in the morning and full of festivities in the afternoon. Our main guide, Donah invited us to the Founder Day festivities that just happened to be on our last day. It was a duel celebration. There was singing, slide show, pictures, more pictures, of course eating, and more pictures. I want to remember each of the faces from this memorable experience so I’m glad we took a lot of pictures. Randdie, our co-host, also attended the farewell ceremony and he came bearing even more gifts- a beautiful bracelet, obviously specifically chosen for us, very similar to the necklaces. The entire event was so kind and thoughtful and yet another example of why Bacolod is known as the “City of Smiles.”

I donated over 50 new, mostly fiction, popular young adult books, so there was even more pictures taken in the library with the librarian. When we made our way out of the building, following lots of hugs, pictures and good-byes, I headed toward the open court where a comedy show was entertaining hundreds of CSA-B folks. More comedy, singing, dancing performances followed. I took one more look at the fire ravaged gymnasium then said goodbye.

We had dessert before dinner. Our main host, Donah and our co-host, Randdie treated us to the best dessert place in the Philippines - Calea. It just happened to be right down the street from our hotel so it’s probably a good thing we didn’t realize how close until the last days of our stay. Actually when we mentioned where we were staying to the Mayor a couple days before, immediately pointed out how close we were to Calea and that we would have to pay a visit. At Donah’s recommendation, we each ordered in Filipino way, a different dessert to taste and share around the table. We got a great sampling of what they had to offer. So we said our thanks and goodbyes to our lovely guides, and headed back to our hotel to prepare for dinner at 21. The four of us enjoyed our dinners out and prepared for packing the next day.

The next day when Donah and her husband Raymund picked us up, they came bearing gifts…again. They are just so generous. They’d had us over for dinner, we’d met Donah’s mom and sister who had prepared a wonderful meal. Then there’s all of the time, with the weekend getaway and the planning of our visits, if I think on it too long, I would just cry from how overwhelming the generosity has been with them. Cute couple. Donah arranged for a driver to take us to the airport and they escorted us and waved us off.

Mabuhay!