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Saturday, November 22, 2008

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Navigating at Negros Navigation (Day 1)

Posted by Jessie Morales Valenzuela

The sun calls for a lovely day, I was very excited for my journey to Manila. Happiness filled me in even though I was penniless. I am left with only 700 inside my pocket. Day 1 I was at the hospital then because my niece was admitted since the 29th of December. My mother was also sick. It was the worst feeling I got for this year. How could you be sane when two of your love ones are suffering from an illness when you know they are not worth it? In the dawn of that day, I went back to the hospital from a drinking and f**** session with a long time friend. It was our first time and nobody anticipated that we would end up in bed. Awesome! I have been wanting to get laid with my friend ever since the time we met. At around 9 in the morning, I kept myself busy for my departure. I was off to the port at 12noon because I was told that the Ship will leave at exactly 2PM. I waited. Until 2Pm came but the ship was nowhere to be found. I was dripping with my perspiration until 3Pm passed and 4Pm was almost approaching. Finally, Negros Navigation came together with a heavy rain. Ahah! It was a blessing, I guess! We weren't allowed to go yet so I just decided to stay. I have already consumed almost one pack of my favorite Marlboro red cigarette but I was still sitting. Boredom came to my senses until I they signaled us to go on board. Whew! The long wait was finally over. I settled myself to the economy section of Negros Navigation and took a power nap. The waiting drained my energy as well as my sanity. I felt strange. Probably, it was due to the excitement and the feeling of uncertainty. And so, the ship took its route via Bacolod. I was irritated to know that we were delayed for 4 hours. But then, I didn't have a choice. The economy section was full of different folks from different walks of life. There was a variation of smells to cite and mine was astounding. How I love the sight. I positioned at the back deck and lit a cigarette while sending messages just to keep myself busy. It was nearly dark and drizzling. The mood of the cold breeze enveloped my sanity to loneliness and I couldn't help but wander just to get rid of such emotion. I could see some familiar faces who were beside me during the waiting. We just exchanged smiles and nodded. When I got into the Tatami section, passengers were almost drowsing off to sleep or snoring. I guess, anger and tiredness brought them to a deep sleep. I went back to my bed since we already arrived at Bacolod port. I had to watch out for my things, it might be stolen. It was the only thing I have with me. My life is in my bag. Anyway, I forgot to mention the reason of my travel to Manila. I am going to have my papers get authenticated at DFA and attested at UAE embassy. I was hired as a Marketing coordinator for a Hotel Division in Dubai. I am simply lucky to be given such opportunity and better pasture. I mentioned that my life is with my bag since my documents were in it. People from Bacolod already settled in. It was almost 9PM. Most of them also experienced losing temper just like what happened to me and most of the passengers from Iloilo. I planned to drink a can or two of beer to help me sleep but I didn't notice I was already asleep until i woke up at 2Am. I thought we were already sailing. But when I tried to go to the deck and see, We were just about to leave the port of Bacolod. I was really at rage and furious because I know my friends who will fetch me from the Port in Tondo, Manila don't want to wait for me when darkness settles in because the location is knowned to be dangerous. Only a good thing, I have my companion who always calms me down. And so, Marlboro red is off to the rescue. Then, I slept.