subtleoasis: reSEARCHING

Chino, Clemens, Enzo and I (WE) never thought that we would be having one ~~hell~~ heaven of an adventure today.

Everything happened on a THURSDAY.

We left the seminary a few minutes before 8am with cats and dogs raining over our heads. The bus trip from Bus Stop (wow, it rhymes) to Pasay Road was a breeze. The problem came when we were walking towards Don Bosco - Makati. The street was flooded - almost knee high!

Good thing I was with the Makati boys (all of my companions studied and / or lived in Makati). We easily found our way away from the flood (and away from DB Makati). We walked about 2 km to San Ildefonso Parish. Fr. Remo Batti, SDB (the parish priest) shared a few words and a pack of broas (local lady finger pastry) as we wait for Enzo's high school friend (who happen to be a Lasallian) to pick us up and accompany us to the illustrious De La Salle University - Manila.

South Gate. Chino pushed me to talk to the person on the info desk. Within minutes, our red-visitors'-tag was handed to us (Chino, Clemens and I; Enzo has a different story :D). We went straight to the accounting office and paid our due at the cashier. From there, we were almost clueless where to go next. Good thing Raffy (not sure with the spelling; Enzo's friend that was mentioned earlier) was there to save the day (again). he volunteered to walk with us to the library.

As we cross the lobby with a lot of columns and booths, I stumbled upon one of my closest classmate back in high school - Abe! A few seconds after exchanging our hi's, Ate Pat almost screamed - surprised finding me in her school. Ate has to go somewhere and Abe has something to finish so we continued walking towards our destination. But just before reaching the walkway leading to the library, Dominic saw us and joined up to the library.

We were left on our own inside the library. It was not so big as UST's but it was packed with much resources (at least those which are related to my topic). In an hour I was able to get the journals and books from where I could squeeze snippets of knowledge very relevant to my study. It took another hour for me to finish reading (skimming, actually) through half of the books I got and sorted out that which I won't be needing. I was about to start with the last half when a BIG guy's shadow dimmed my vista (peace! :)). That's HERBERT (HB), what a pleasant surprise! He's been my classmate since second year high school until we graduate. Sure, we had some rough times then but the friendship superceded everything. He was with Lisa, his block mate (?) who is incidentally my schoolmate in elementary. We took lunch together.

HB and Lisa had to leave me for they will have to attend a lecture of a Nobel prize laureate. And so, I walked my way alone to the library.

When I was walking alone on my way back to the library, I felt a sense of confidence, of familiarity. Maybe because I've been there a few years ago but the feeling was different, as if I'm just in Don Bosco. I felt comfortable, at home. Because my friends are everywhere? I can't explain why, for now, actually.

Anyway, I wrapped-up my work, placing marks on the books I ought to photocopy. Returned the useless books and have the others photocopied. I had time to read the photocopies and highlighted the important parts before Chino and Clemens told me that we have to go.

We dropped-by the McDonalds beside La Salle to meet Enzo. Chino wanted to buy some art materials so they left me alone. Luckily, Abe found me and, as he promised, treated me for a snack. But unfortunately, after Abe has bought the food, Chino and Co. arrived - we have to leave. So, Abe and I didn't have much time to talk (Abe next time, I'll inform you at once so that we will have all the time... :)).

LRT, jeepney and DBTI Makati. At around four, we arrived at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati. We were supposed to meet Bro. Melo for some chit chat about our theses (and our seminary life :)). But, when we arrived, he was not yet in the convent (where we were to meet him); thus, we decided to visit the sick Salesians confined in the mini-hospital at the convent: Fr. Miguel, Fr. Dominic, and Fr. Vic.

It was around 5pm when we left DBTI. Wanting to arrive home as immediate as possible, we opted to ride the first bus that we hailed. It was full. SRO. From Makati to Calamba, an hour trip, we never had the chance to sit. So much so that when we had to alight the jeepney that brought us to Canlubang from Calamba, my bottom felt much comfort that it wouldn't want to let go of the seat (:D).

There were a lot of things that happened unexpectedly. As they were unfolding upon our bare eyes, we thought that going-out that day was a bad idea. But in the final analysis, while we were in a way evaluating our day at supper table, we realized that the unfortunate events we experienced led to more gracious opportunities (on top of our list of good-things-that-happened-this-day was our successful research and the bonding that we had).

This reminds me of Fr. Dante's favorite verse that comes from Paul's letter to the Romans (I forgot the exact chapter and verse):