"Find someone who believes in you when you don't."
I survived the boat ride because of Thirdy, he never let go of my hand until we reached our first destination.
"Sir and Ma'am, Welcome to the Lajala Cultural Village." Kuya Lito said as the boat docked. "We will be roaming around the Barangay which is a Tagbanua community." He continued to discuss about the Village, while Thirdy and I were removing our vests and put on our dresses.
Thirdy held my hand as we get off the boat. Then we started walking hand in hand along the stone bridge going to the main land of the Barangay. The people welcomed us with wide smile on their faces, "Magandang umaga po sa inyo."
"Magandang umaga din po sa inyong lahat." Thirdy greeted them with his killer smile. Pacute talaga tong boyfriend ko.
As we walked around the small village, it was noticeable how simple the community was. Kuya Lito explained to us that the houses here were built from clay mixed with cements which they called earth bag houses. These houses has been made typhoon-proof as they don't want to repeat what happened year 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan smote upon the area.
We were walking for a good 10 minutes when I noticed a group of kids playing around. "Hello po Ate at Kuya," bati ng mga bata sa amin.
"Hi kids." I greeted them with a wide smile.
"Kamusta kayo?" Bati din ni Thirdy.
"Okay naman po kami, sana po ay nagustuhan nyo ang pamamasyal sa aming Barangay." A taller girl said.
"Oo naman, napakaaliwalas ng inyong lugar." I answered and smiled.
"Dito ba kayo nag aaral?" Thirdy asked them and the kids just nodded.
"Sir Thirdy, Elementary School lang po ang meron dito sa Lajala, kaya maliit lang po ang eskwelahan, kailangan pa po nilang magpunta sa bayan para mag High School." Kuya Lito explained to us.
I felt so sad on how these kids battle to continue their education, I was blessed indeed to study in reputable schools, with school bus to fetch me back and forth and drove my own car when I was in high school. I can't hold back my tears, it really touched my heart.
"I know what you're thinking Babe," I heard him whisper to my ear.
"Babe, I think I'll consider this place as one of our company's beneficiary." I said to him while sobbing, he enveloped me with a hug and kissed my forehead.
"I already got the details, we'll help them together, okay?" I just nodded to him. He has a very good heart, too.
We bid our goodbyes to the kids, they kissed my cheek while they hugged Thirdy. We were shocked when a little boy approached us and said "Sobrang bagay po kayong dalawa, gwapo at maganda. Pareho pa po kayong may mabuting puso. Salamat po sa suporta sa amin. Ipananalangin po namin na sana kayo na po ang magkatuluyan sa huli Ate at Kuya."
"Ikaw talaga," the only words I said since I don't know how to react on his statement.
I heard Thirdy laughed then said, "Maganda talaga ang girlfriend ko little boy at ipananalangin ko din yan." Sabay wink sa bata.
I felt my cheeks blushed as I heard them say, "Yieee," in unison.
We went back to the boat and took off our clothes then put our vests on. He was still beside me, our hands were intertwined. I really feel safe whenever he's around.
