The First 15 Days

Port of Hilongos

We're the last batch of passengers who were allowed to take the ferry ride to Leyte from Cebu.  It was around 3 AM when we arrived at the Port of Hilongos, where Iyo patiently waited for us.  He's a relative of Robert and the one who brought us to the home of the Dala in Hinunangan.  Our last recourse was to travel back to Manila by land, but as we reached their place, we learned that the bus companies and the ferry ride from Samar to Sorsogon have already halted their operation. Furthermore, in accordance with the protocol of the LGU, we're declared as Person Under Monitoring (PUM) and required to undergo a 14-days quarantine.

Day 1 - Before the arrival of the healthcare worker

During the afternoon the greatest obstacle revealed itself.  It was not only the National Capital Region, but the entire island of Luzon was placed in a month-long state of total lockdown.  After braving through air and sea, we have reached the end of the line.  At first, it seems to be a very unfortunate moment for all of us- frustrations and uncertainties engulfed our world.   

I already knew then that this would be a very unique experience that could happen in a group of people.  This is something that could be hardly forgotten and worth being called an experience of a lifetime.  All throughout as much as I could, I made sure to capture each moment.

Quarantine Period

The scenery from the second floor

The next 14 days of our stay were cyclical. Eating, watching old movies, listening to 90's greatest hits, drinking sessions at night, sleeping, and waking-up became our mundane tasks. During the afternoon, a healthcare worker from the barangay was visiting us to check if we develop symptoms from that bug.  Fortunately, aside from the "long-lasting" sore throat of Kae, all of the others remained in great shape. 

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Cheers for a longer stay!

Similar to Manila, the LGU at this time had also implemented a liquor ban, but we managed to find a "very faithful and law-abiding seller".  Thanks to the mother of Robert in Manila for the 2 cases of San Miguel Beer in these trying times!  

Day 5

Day 6

Each day the numbers of reported new cases were drastically soaring.  It was during these times when we realized how lucky and privilege we are.  Someone in a greater form actually brought us in a much peaceful and safer place, away from the threat of the pandemic.  The entire province remained Covid-19 free until the time of our homecoming in Manila.  

On a personal level, I was constantly receiving messages and calls from my family, relatives, and friends asking my whereabouts and status.  In the end, they would only get a usual reply from me telling them that I'm alright and nothing follows.  Yes! I was completely fine.  Now I know that I'm capable of going away from my hometown for a longer time, without suffering from homesickness.  Perhaps someday, I might find myself building a new life in a foreign land.

Day 7

The mobile signal at Brgy. Bangcas-B is sporadic, and within our home, there are only 3 hotpots. One of which is located on the ground floor where Melvin used to have random chit-chats with Ms. M.  Oh, how heart-melting to see a sweet couple without a label!  Unsurprisingly,  those "romantic sparks" eventually faded away in Manila.  Maybe everything was just a deceitful work of malevolent magic cast by a playful element.  So what happened next?  Well, Mr. Ghosting showed up!  Now that they have him, in the absence of a so-called "label", I'm pretty sure that everything will be alright! Amen!  Video call pa more!

Tokay Gecko

This was the first time in my life to see tokay geckos.  Many of them can be spotted inside the house during the night time.  The one in the first photograph is still small and young, while the other one has an approximate length of around 10 to 12 inches.  They have sharp teeth, which are ready to bite in self-defense when provoked.  After our quarantine, I heard stories about people in the sitio bitten by them.  

Day 8

General cleaning!  

Day 9

Most were already beginning to change forms for having a sedentary lifestyle in the past days.  Simon the fireman was the first one who became alarmed about this; so he immediately started to exercise and lessened his carbs intake. He reaped the fruits of his hard works after our 2-months stay and triumphantly developed a thor-like body... Seems hot and yummy?  He's currently in the 30s and still on the quest of finding the love of his life.  Interesting right? By the way, what I've been trying to say earlier is he developed a thor-like body in the Avengers: Endgame! 

Thanks!

Most were sleeping upstairs when someone from the LGU came to see us and handed the first wave of relief goods.  I asked them to say, cheeeese!

Day 10

Day 11

There were other locally stranded tourists all over the country, but in fleeting confidence, I could assert that our group was among the luckiest.  We found refuge near the heart (literally and metaphorically, this place has a heart which I'll show in a separate blog) of Hinungan at one of its peaceful sitios. We didn't starve!  The shoreline is just 3 minutes away and in some times, we had the opportunity to visit other landmarks after our quarantine.  

Most LSIs have a different and even miserable tale to tell.  As of this writing (August 16, 2020), there are still many stranded tourists longing for their homes.  Many don't have at least a shelter to sleep in, some are starving, and worst, some have gained wings and seen the light while waiting.  

Day 12

For 2 months, I survived without wearing any underwear, wearing the same shirt for 2 days, and the same shorts for around 2 to 4 days.  I know how to do the laundry, but I find it to be very boring work.  I'm only turning on the faucet if there's only a pair left inside my bag.  Sometimes, Memz and the washing machine were saving my day!

Day 13

Ahead of time, we're already planning some of the places we would be visiting after the 14-days quarantine.  However, 2 days before the march, the LGU decided to implement a modified protocol, quite similar to what was actually taking place in Luzon.  All plans have been blown away! At least we can freely go out and enjoy the sea breeze.  

Day 14 to 15

We're free! Happy Graduation day everyone! 

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