OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Midway through August and I realize that I have yet to take a trip abroad this year. I have taken several local trips though, and find that I am not missing out on the touristy fun and adventure because really, there is so much to love in the Philippines.
Let me start off by saying that lechon for brunch is a great way to start a long drive! Yes, I once said that you must not overstuff yourself prior to a trip but when in Dipolog City, there is little sense in saying no to a welcoming lechon. But my story doesn’t end with a hearty meal because 25 minutes after filling the vehicle with a tank full of gasoline, I was faced with an unforeseen problem. The engine lost power and sputtered. The “check engine” light came on and when I plugged the OBD scanner, my suspicions were confirmed. Bad fuel caused my drive to take an unexpected halt, when I was high up in the mountains with no mechanic to run to my aid.
I had two options, none of which sounded very appealing. Either drive back to Dipolog City (which was more than an hour away), drain the fuel tank, then proceed as planned or continue driving to Cagayan de Oro City, albeit slowly. After saying a short prayer and consulting my mechanic in Manila, I decided on the latter. So there I was, both nervous and relaxed and I drove from Zamboanga del Norte to Misamis Oriental, constantly monitoring the condition of the vehicle.
I safely arrived in Iligan City past six in the evening. I called my cousin, Iligan City Councilor Pisyong Larrazabal, asking if he and his family could join me for dinner because even if my fuel ordeal was far from over, my growling stomach had to take precedence. We ate at Sunburst Fried Chicken restaurant, which incidentally, serves to die-for crispy chicken skin. Having momentarily and conveniently forgotten I had eaten lechon just a few hours earlier, I ended up eating a whole order of chicken skin. After a short rest and taking some medicines, I took off for CDO, regretting that I did not bring home an extra order of chicken skin, which my elevated blood pressure surely thanked me for. I decided to sleep in CDO instead of Iligan because I had an early morning meeting. As soon as I woke up, I had the car washed because I needed the get the salt out of its under chassis.
After my meeting, I was off again on what turned out to be a pleasant and leisurely drive from CDO to Davao City. I had filled up the tank with new fuel and the vehicle drove better.
I did notice the tourist rest area built by the Department of Tourism when passing Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, something that travelers will surely enjoy after a long and tedious trip. Pit stops that allow us to stretch a little and take a needed pause when crossing provinces.
Day three turned out to be more relaxed. Spending the day to just sort out the fuel of the vehicle and clearing faults, I had time to prepare for Friday Vinyl Night, which happened at Boondocks Café in Matina Town Square. They have a vinyl night every Friday, where DJs play classic disco songs from the 80’s and 90’s. It is always fun to play in unknown places, where I find odd comfort in being with strangers who just come for the music. There is no agenda, no talk of politics, elections or personalities. Just carefree and chilling with the music amid friendly strangers.
My last day proved to be worth every minute spent on the road as we drove to Panabo City to help deliver in water filtration systems donated by Waves for Water (W4W). Waves4Water is a program that donates water filtration systems to different small and far-flung barangay villages in the Philippines, helping Filipinos have clean, drinking water for years. What they do deserves another space but for now, one word will suffice. Amazing.
I am often asked why I endure the back ache of a long drive when I can just take the plane and in a matter of hours, I am comfortably ensconced in where I want to be. I used to think that this was a hobby, until I eventually realized that it is also a cause. To see the Philippines without the rose colored lens that brochures often sell. To visit barangays that have yet to enjoy the sweet taste of clean water. To somehow, in ways both quiet and modest, make a tiny drop of difference in a world too jaded for its own good.
Off the Beat: Sharing a medley of songs from different decades.
Playlist:
1. Got To Give It Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke vs. Marvin Gaye
2. Sugar - Maroon 5
3. Never Knew Love
4. Stand Up & Sing
5. How I knew - Re-Tide
6. Red Alert - Basement Jaxx
7. On Ne S’aimers Plus Jamais – Larusso
Click the link to listen: https://www.mixcloud.com/goyolarrazabal/goyos-mix-aug-8-random-songs/