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Marguerite
Blessington wrote, “When the sun shines on you, you see your friends. Friends
are the thermometers by which one may judge the temperature of our fortunes”.
Thus for the third time in the sunny days between April and May, the Knights
embarked on their yearly journey, pilgrimage, and vacation to the pristine and
picturesque island of Boracay to renew their vows of friendship that has stood
the test of time and distance.
I would attempt to capture with my own limited memory the events that transpired
between the fateful days from April 30 to the 5th of May. The following are the
chronology of our moments as the Knights conquer Boracay again in 2003:
Early days of April
Reservations were booked and paid for our stay at Laplaya resort.
April 29-30
Khenn and James flew from Manila to Kalibo. Stayed with Khenn’s relatives.
Sleepless night for Raymund Trespicio as he prepared all the equipments needed,
new camera model, upgraded glasses, and other necessary gadgets and accessories
for his “paparazzi” getup.
May 1, 2003 Thursday
Raymund J, Doc Raca, Raymund T. arrive from bacolod at 7 am. Picked up by Rovil.
After breakfast and a little convincing, we decided to bring Rovil’s pickup
truck to boracay instead of taking the van. P200 pesos was chipped in by each
for gasoline. Fetched Jemecar Crisostomo, one of our invited guests for t
his
vacation, a change from the “boredom” and lack of spice in an all-male trip last
year. Long drive to Caticlan with the usual stop-over at Jollibee. Raymund T
leaves his book. Arrived Caticlan port at around 2 pm. joined by
the pretty but simple Sandra Hardy, another guest. Arrived Boracay under the
sweltering heat of the sun and met at the shore by James, Khenn, and Bong. James shooting video
with his brand new JVC Mini DV
video camera.
Settled in our air-condition, P2,500 per night rooms at La Playa…hmm, no need to
mention the sleeping arrangements. Walk around the island, Buns, D Mall, etc.
Played a little beach volley and met one cocky boracay native who said “kamo
tanan, ako lang isa…pustahanay, pirdihon ta kamo”. Went to our nerves at first
be we became friends. A little swimming…dinner somewhere at the D mall, the
usual budget meal. Walked around to catch a view of many beautiful faces…Paparazzi
cameras begin working. Globe Boracay Bodies contest at summer place contrasting
to Smarts’ ADDICT promotion. Paparazzi very busy.
May 2, 2003 Friday
Lazy in the morning. Trouble with air-con rooms is the temptation to stay in the
room and not go out, especially when one is in good company. Happy Birthday to
James !!!! Had sumptuous brunch of rice, dried fish, eggs, hotdogs and mangoes
compliments of James. Marie and Girlie arrive from Manila via Kalibo. They
joined us for dinner. Party time at night. Walked to station 1 and saw all those
beautiful sand lanterns including one that said “Marry
me Michelle” and a dinner
table for two with matching wine. Corny way of saying, “I wanna get laid
Michelle…” hahaha. Beachcomber is now Pier 2, stayed for a couple of drinks.
Moved to Cocomangas where there were lots of people and a good party. Dancing
time. Too crowded. Girlie unable to teach rovil her new moves from manila. Walk
along the beach. Back to cottage. Brownout until 3 in the morning. Generator
unable to sustain cottages.
May 3, 2003 Saturday
Aborted boat ride plan. All were too lazy to do so. Some disappeared to shop. Some went on to haunt for pretty faces to take a picture of. Volleyball in the afternoon. Watched the sunset. Walk around at night. Rhea arrives from manila to join her mom and Girlie. Dinner at McSandros. Smart Addict modeling a flap due to blackout. Stand by at Hey Jude front for a couple of drinks. The rest of the group went home to sleep. Not really that fun huh…wonder why? Some stayed out for the Addict party, paparazzi taking pictures of those dancing on the ledge. The group should have gone up there…maybe next year when everybody is into it. When there are no secrets to keep ….
May 4, 2003 Sunday
Doc leaves ahead at 7 am. The rest of the group returned to Iloilo City before noon. James had to wake us up in our room. Raymund J, Khenn and James unable to get ticket for Bacolod. Stayed overnight at Centennial hotel with Doc Raca. Watched X-Men.
Days After
That was the long and short of the story of the Knights in Boracay 2003.
Following day, accompanied James to get his passport at DFA. All went back to
Bacolod only to be reunited the week after for James Birthday party celebration
in his house at May 11, 2003. This time we had lechon instead of dried fish.
The days will pass by, we will share the fun, the laughter and the spirit. We remember the other knights who were unable to join us. Mark who backed out at the last minute due to fear of SARS or fear of … ahem. (utang ka sa amon for the hotel pre!), Kevin…man, you must join the next trip. Glenn, 65% Keanu…Jake was there looking for you dude!!! Noel, you’ll have to sponsor all the expenses for one of our future trips. To the rest of the knights…and our beloved guests, Khenn, Doc, Bong and company, Marie, Girlie, and Rhea…a toast to friendship!!!! Till our next journey wherever the sun takes us. Onward Knights.
