On 27 Nov, I returned to my office after a long weekend. If not because of the series of unfortunate events, I should be at Boracay Island now. But actually all my friends and colleagues were supportive instead of been sarcastic. I went out with ex-army friends during the weekend. He told me that, after reading my blog on “My Worst Holiday”, he would have make the same decision if he is in that situation. In my office, a few colleagues encouraged me that my friend in Manila would understand the agony I gone through; reconciliation would not be an issue.And yesterday, TV Mobile on SBS bus reported that Typhoon Mitag killed 22 Filipinos. But if what Joshua told me is true, he will not be affected. According to him, Boracay Island is surrounded by islands thus having similar strategic location like Singapore. Based on the original schedule, we should be spending three days (26 – 28 Nov) in Boracay Island.
This evening, while I was on my way back home, the TV Mobile in
SBS bus reported another shocking news – the army stormed a Manila hotel held by the rebels. Now this is really upsetting. The bad news from this country just keeps coming up none-stop. According to our original schedule, we should have leave Boracay Island on 28 Nov and spend two days at Sonya’s Garden. So I hope that Joshua and his family didn’t head back to Manila. But even if they did, most probably they are staying in another hotel not occupied by any rebels.I actually thought of calling Joshua but I knew that he does not turn on his mobile phone during his holiday. Besides, I really don’t know what to say if I call him. This is because I might be perceived to be sarcastic because my instinct is, in a way, quite correct. I had emphasized many time that I don’t have the peace for this trip. In any case, I serious don’t think that anything could happen to Joshua and his family. This is because he is very familiar with The Philippines and he knows how to get help from our embassy if there is a need. We have a friend currently working in our embassy in Manila.
As for me, with this experience, I am not sure if I would ever visit Philippines unless the government is able to establish political stability. Notwithstanding the probability of future visit to Philippines, I still need to prepare a thousand dollar cheque for the damages when Joshua returns from his holiday. The damages can only be alleviated if he is able to change his hotel room. And I hope for the best.
