OVERVIEW: “t’was a mixture of fun, adventure, independence, and a surprising revelation that I’ve never expected to be unraveled in an unexpected time and manner had made its way to be known…”
We left for Tacloban at 1pm in the afternoon last friday and arrived there at 5pm. Our first stop was at the Divine Word (it’s a school). Actually, I didn’t know what we were doing there. All I know was we were only following Chaelle’s mom for she kindly presented herself to accompany us at the convent where we expected to stay for the night out of Sr. Isabel’s suggestion. She is my classmate’s aunt, who happens to be a Benedictine nun that’s why we thought we were to stay at a convent. She is currently teaching at St. Scho that’s why we rode a tricycle upon going there to meet her. She said that we are to stay at the Bahay Kubo inside the school premises. Well, we already expected some inconveniences ahead because as what the name “Bahay Kubo” suggests, we know already what to anticipate right?
On our great surprise, it turned out to be the complete opposite of what we had expected. It was actually a guesthouse intended for guest speakers, supervisors, and other important visitors of the school. It’s a well-furnished and cozy native house good for 3 persons. It has a cute parlour and a dining area with a big cupboard complete with dining materials and other kitchen necessities, a refrigerator and an electric fan. Our room has 3 snug beds, a T.V and an airconditioner with a personal bathroom complete with toiletries. 2 closets with hangers, and underneath the T.V is a cabinet containing 2 additional pillows, pillow cases, towels, and blankets. We were like stunned because we were really overjoyed to know that aside from the convenience, our accomodation was totally all for free and we were also thrilled to know that we were to live in a cozy home by ourselves and act like independent grown-ups living in a real world on our own.
Right after Sister Isabel left us, we went straight downtown to take out our dinner and buy some chips at the supermarket to be nibbled at night and our needs for tomorrow’s test as well. Right after dinner we took our evening baths and dressed ourselves up for sleep and watched T.V even if we were told to sleep early. True to Sr. Isabel’s word, she returned with 2 other nuns to visit us which turned out to be some kind of an interview. I really liked the way we were treated by them. They were so kind and we really felt most welcome. They really inspired me to become one of them, seriously. We decided to sleep early which absolutely is not according to plan since we were ashamed to disobey them and so we slept early.
The alarm clock read 4 AM and nobody went to the C.R since we were still sleepy that time. When I woke up, the clock read quarter to 5 so I took the shower first and swear it was really chilly but it was so refreshing. After all of us had dressed up for the test about 6AM, we spent our time waiting by watching a horror film. By 6:30 sharp, our breakfast was served and by 7AM we left for Holy Infant College where we were about to take the test. Sr. Isabel accompanied us again and shocks it was really nerve-shaking when we saw the other examinees.
A few examinees are just regular juans like me but most of the others had good-looking faces who undeniably came from the upper class and I never expected that he would be one of them. Well, I had a hunch or some little imagination that we were going to meet there but I didn’t know that I would discover something horrible enough to tear me apart.
And that worst thing that I’ve discovered was: ” He’s GAY… totally, absolutely, and terribly a certified faggot!”
I tried not to believe that that guy was really him but as I tried to examine his appearance, I came to realize that no matter how hard I try not to believe on what I was seeing, it was undoubtly Him. Though there were some physical differences but the extraordinary similarities couldn’t just be plain coincidences. Who would ever believe that a man who acted virile would be gay? I was really distracted but honestly speaking, I pretty much lose all hopes I had in heart. It was an unexpected and shocking revelation, isn’t it? Life is indeed a topsy-turvy game. You’ll never know when it will play games with you and you’ll never know what great surprises it has instored for you to be revealed in either the most perfect or worst timing of your life. Life is just so unfair sometimes.
About the test, it was less difficult compared to UPCAT. I was able to review and answer some questions which I’ve left behind. At that time at last, the reviewers were of great help. I thought that they would never be useful anymore after the brain-racking UPCAT since those were not able to help us during that test. The atmosphere was much better and was way nicer. I still can’t forget what I brought with me during the test-a mineral water and an oreo. I don’t know why it left an unforgetable memory in me. Maybe I’m just too sentimental about everything. I really hated our male proctor because he cut half the time to the actual time alloted for each test which added to the pressure. There was also an essay writing in the english proficiency test that I actually did not expect to be part of the exam but thank God I was able to handle it. I used some thoughts from my article for the school paper plus some quotes from the recent book that I have just read from Paulo Coelho which proved to be a great help to me in that essay test.
Whether I would pass the exam or not (I’m having this feeling that I can’t make it), it would still be okay for me because it was a priceless experience that I would always carry along with me for the rest of my life. Though it would be humiliating for me and my ego if I would fail, I know that God knows what’s best for me so may His will be done and hopefully, I would abide with His decision even if it would be against my will or not.