memories in the high seas...

Way back in 1993,our journey to and fro Iloilo City and our hometown in Polomolok, South Cotabato started. Moneywise and most accessible means was through the high seas. The trip took two-three days with stop over in either Cotabato City or in Zamboanga City. Of course, we liked it so much. It became our venue for reunion and getting new friends from Manila down to Mindanao. For instance, via MV Zamboanga, t'was a small passenger ship, that I practically came to know all the people aboard. But, got an embarrassing experience someone said hi and I just stared blankly, to realized we just had our pictures taken together. Sorry, I forgot.

Of, course, got here some adventures and gimmicks to tell. For example, have dared to get a side trip to Zamboanga City, joining a group whom I really didn't know to Pasonanca Park wishing to see the tree houses that has a poem "The Tree" by Joyce Kilmer on it. To my dismay, saw only one. Just realized, I was not listening well to our history teacher, that it was singular, no "s" at the end of the word "house". Duh!
Got also a playing "con" story with my close friend in college... outsmarted the inspection crew in the ship, switching tickets as to hide one of the passengers we knew who had no ticket on board. After which, we got an ice cream for our successful mischief. Whew! Never again.
Of course, we also experienced Christmas and New Year's celebration on board. We all just slept, listening to the crews enjoying themselves with their simple fireworks.

The trips were not good all the time. There were times, big waves would hit and flood the ship. One time the ship tilted, maybe it was overloaded or the loading was not even, meaning heavier on the other side. We just don't mind it, we laughed among ourselves that we walked like a drunken man. Unmindful, free-spirited, come-what may, we reached our destinations.

Taking the ferries, to and fro, has its comfort and discomfort, especially on peak season, when fare were high that the only accommodation you can afford with was the economy, the cheapest, esp. with Superferry. What we do, we look for friends billeted at the class A or Cabin accommodation. After the ticket inspection, we flocked there and spent the whole night playing cards. Of course, most of us won't sleep. Some stayed at the bar and disco till wee hours. Then, asleep the whole day through.

After years in college, I would still take the ferry going back home. Sometimes, with the intention of passing by Zamboanga, despite threats of whatever it was, to see the replica of our Lady of Pillar from Zaragosa. The last ferry trip that I had was when I took a land trip going home via Cagayan de Oro.

How, I missed these trips. I like the seas so much. Seeing the stillness of the sea, watching dolphins and other sea creatures, makes me want to be always in the middle of the sea. Except, amidst turbulence. Jack and Rose story is not welcome here, tsk!tsk!tsk! But, deep swimming in the middle of the sea is what I've been dreaming of, but not in that tragic scenario.

For sure, my friends and classmates in high school and college, have their stories to tell too. Varying and more colorful! T'was an experience of a lifetime.