It's More Fun in the Philippines Part 2

Yup! You guessed it. After waiting for hours in the airport lounge where our departure time has been moved several times only to end up being cancelled along with 3 other flights because of a storm in Kalibo. We're actually cool with that thinking it's better to be safe than sorry. We didn't have time to go back to the hotel so we went to the Mall of Asia to kill some time.

We stayed at the mall just roaming around until midnight and then headed back to the airport. Our flight moved from 6 in the evening to 5 in the morning the following day. We have no other choice but to stay in the terminal and wait. My friends and some of the passengers started sleeping on the benches while I, on the other hand, sleep on the floor using a cardboard as a mat and my bag as a pillow. Finally, the counter opened and we all started checking in.

Within an hour, we landed in Kalibo International Airport and the agency's van picked us up and drove for 2 hours all the way to the jetty port of Caticlan. After paying the necessary fees, we got on a boat that will take us to the island of Boracay.

After the boat  ride, we hopped on a service vehicle taking us to our hotel.

We arrived at La Carmela de Boracay around 11 in the morning. We were so tired that one of my friends can't help himself and doze off at the waiting area. I keep asking the reception staff to give us the keys to our rooms so we can freshen up and catch on our sleep, but we have no idea what's keeping them. They keep saying that we are ''no show'' and they're preparing the room which should have been done since yesterday unless, they gave it to somebody else.

Anyway, after incessant discussion and us demanding to speak with the manager, they agreed and opted to transfer us to the ''upgraded'' rooms and have them provide us complimentary breakfast since all of these things would never have happened if our flight wasn't cancelled - which is basically not our fault.

Some of the most unforgettable moments for me are the funny ones we had together, the jokes, the laughter, the conversations we had whenever we go out to eat. I remember them giving my best friend a nickname - hot chocolate. It started when Farhan, keeps asking Arvin what drink will he be having and his constant reply is hot chocolate. The time came whenever we buy him a drink, we don't even ask anymore since everybody already knew what he wants.

The place is crowded with people swimming and basking while some of them are getting a massage just along the beach. It's funny because I would normally see photos and videos of this beach full of green moss/algae, but the storm did a good thing and washed it away ended up cleaning the shore.

And the party begins at nightfall! Mustafa, Arvin and I bought beers from a convenience store, took it with us and jump from one bar to another all the while talking with random strangers. I mean, why would you stay in one specific pub when the entire beach is the pub!

When it started to rain, I worried a bit thinking my friends might get disappointed because of the bad weather. Surprisingly, I saw them enjoying it. I then realized back in Oman, people were having fun walking in the rain because it's something that only happens on rare occasion and that's what makes it special. I was relieved.

It seems surreal that we are all together and be in awe watching the breathtaking and magnificent display of fireworks as we warmly hug, shake hands and greet everyone around us a ''Happy New Year!''.

Nothing is more euphoric than having that glorious dance in the rain as we follow the band of drummers on the beach. Suddenly, a drunk girl came out of nowhere and all eyes are on her when she started to dance wildly in the middle. That everyone, is the icing on the cake!

Everything happened so fast that we're already on our way home the next day. The hotel graciously allowed us to stay longer, and we could, if it wasn't for the plane that we need to catch. There is indeed truth to the known expression ''time flies when you're having fun''.

Back in Makati, they asked me where's the best place to buy gifts and souvenirs for their loved ones and friends back home. It's a good thing that Arvin suggested for us to go to Greenhills where my friends used their bargaining techniques and bought tons of stuff!

On our way back to the Clarkton Hotel in Angeles, Pampanga, we dropped by my place where my friends got acquainted with my family. With still a little time to spare, we also went to SM Fairview and Robinson's Novaliches. It was also their first time to ride a jeepney!

I can't thank them enough for visiting me here and made an effort to meet my family and friends. Mind you, I sure miss them a lot! Part of me wishes that they would never leave or could have at least stayed longer. Yet, we'll see each other soon and have more adventure over the coming years.