Part XXV
He drove to this huge shed that reminds me of the same training shed I used to sit with my detail while waiting for range. Amongst the participants were some locals and many foreigners. From their distinctive accent and the guide’s hopeless command of English, I was able to tell they were from China.
Dharreyll led me to the bench and asked me to wait there while he make the arrangements. Another excellent personalized service worth learning from.
While seated at the bench, I looked at the staff giving a briefing on the routes, the safety considerations and the costs involved. There were two available packages. The first which costs PHP700 takes about an hour to complete. There will be a guide who will lead everyone in his detail to travel on shorter route making stops at various checkpoints. There was also the second package which requires 2 hours to complete and naturally longer and more to see. The checkpoints are also twice as much as the first one. Henceforth twice as expensive. The Pinoy’s safety officer’s English as usual carries a heavy Philippino accent but not beyond the boundaries of comprehension. I looked at the time on my watch and decided mentally to take the shorter package in order to make it for dinner.
So I sat at the bench waiting and waiting. Dharreyll was trying to cut into the horde of Chinese cramped around the Pinoy manager who was trying to explain the packages in vain.
I’d have not minded even if I have to wait an hour for the previous detail to return with the ATVs and buggies. But having a dinner appointment made with two of my biggest clients, I wouldn’t want to be seen a flippant and unable to be punctual. “Is everything OK?” I asked Dharreyll.
“There’s a problem. The previous group is out and you need to wait for them to come back. This is not really an issue. But the Chinese tourists are now arguing with the staff because the guide has very poor English and they cannot communicate. And they refused to move over so I cannot talk to the manager and register your name on the indemnity form.” From his tone, I could tell that Dharreyll was equally upset over the commotion at the counter.
About 10 people men and women all of them in their late 20s or early 30s were crowding the tiny counter. Their guide being a member of the tour group was unable to speak and understand English effectively. I stood there for a good 10 minutes hearing the Pinoy manager repeating the same message again and again. The same old description of the 2 packages the previous staff said during the briefing.
At that point of time, I just wanted to enjoy an afternoon at the hills with a drivable machine and take some pictures. The guide with his poor command of English was still trying to pretend to understand the Pinoy manager making the whole scene a circus.
“这样我们就不玩了 (We will not participate if that’s the case.)” I overheard one of them saying. But the guide refused to let it go as though it was a slap on his face that the whole group was forfeited their chance to enjoy an afternoon at the hill due to his poor command of English.
I walked over and interuppted the guide, “这位菲律宾经理是在跟你解释这两个配套 (The Philippino manager was trying to explain the two packages to you)” Then I proceeded to explain in detail the packages to the guide short and sharp. To their astonishment, the simple message was deciphered within less than a minute. Needless to say, the guide was utterly embarrassed. And his friends started to blame him for withholding the fact that he didn’t understand the Philippino manager. One of his friends turned and shook my hand in appreciation for my timely intervention. The other lady asked where do I come from.
“我从新加坡来 (I come from Singapore)” I replied to this youthful looking lady in her sunglasses.
Part XXVI
“你的英语哪里学来的? 好历害啊! (Where did you learn your English? That’s really awesome!) The lady in the sunglasses added.
I proceeded to tell her that most Singaporeans are bilingual. This bit of information really took her aback. She thought all Singaporeans speak Malay only since it’s in the Malay peninsular. Her medieval information amused me but I told her the Malay language is our national language but it doesn’t necessary mean all Singaporeans are proficient with the language. Our conversation highlighted her ignorance to the South East Asian region and naturally aroused her interest to get to know me better.
But I took the initiative to introduce myself to her.
I told her that she can call me Jack and she stretched out her hand and shook mine. “我叫苏宁 (My name is Su Ning)”
We proceeded to make conversation at the side of the counter and I found that she’s working in a factory as a logistic manager in Hangzhou. She just started to pick up English recently and will be very glad to get to know more people who are proficient with the mastery of the English language.
Our conversation was broken by the timely return of the previous batch of participants. Dharreyll came to me and advised that I should take a buggy instead. Then he gave me a wicked smile. Su Ning was initially supposed to share the same buggy as her friend. I thought I might as well invite her to share mine. She was caught surprised by the invitation and felt caught in a dilemma to share with me or her friend. Fortunately, her friend was kind enough to cede the young lady to my companionship.
http://www.pixslam.com/show/3862/3b6...70265b2e9e34/0
We followed the guide up the hills and stopped along the checkpoints to view the picturesque spectacle that encircles the island. Su Ning and myself had a good time chatting away on the short round trip. Her friends seem to be rather conscious of the circumstances and maintained their distance from us. Occasionally giggling away after stealing a brief glance at us.
Part XXVII
Sequel of The Hunt
It will be an overstatement to call this a hunt since the fruit fell into my lap after I accidentally exploited the situation and gained leverage.
Our communications did not end even though the round trip on the ATV was concluded. Su Ning casually remarked about having lesser enjoyment due to an overcrowded beach during our expedition around parts of the island. She thought it’d be great if there’s a beach that has not much people.
I spoke to Dharreyll and he said, “It can be done Jack. Just ask your new girl to come into the van, I will bring you two there.”
I approached Su Ning and told her about the possibilities of seeing a quiet beach on this seemingly crowded beach haven. Her friends told her to go and enjoy herself and jokingly say they will not be bothered even if she’s gone.
“不会把你丢进海里喂杀鱼 (I won’t dump you into the sea to feed the sharks)” I added on to the jokes.
“不是这啦! (not this)” She replied apparently shy about leaving with a man she barely knows.
Enjoying your story very much.
Wish I had the chance to see and be part of it… in the future.
Cheerio!
Part XXVIII
Dharreyll drove the two of us to the back of the island near the golf course. Hidden behind the poorly maintained golf course was a beach unknown to many. Totally deserted and remote. Here we saw the blue waves splashing itself onto the shores. A few boats can be seen drifting near the coast line. We could see the thick island vegetation from afar. Erect two posts and hang a hammock between them will be the best form of relaxation one can possibly imagine.
http://www.pixslam.com/show/3862/f55...a166ffe73420/0
“好蓝好清澈的海水 (What a clear blue sea)” Su Ning remarked.
“是啊，我看这种画面只会在时代杂志或纪录片里看得到 (indeed, I think, such splendour can only be found in Times magazines or in documentries.)” I replied cohesively. We proceeded to walk along the beach somehow treating Dharreyll as oblivion.
She walked to the splashing shores and started to kick the water and picking up seashells.
“你觉得有蓝海的沙滩都有一种让人全身放轻松的感觉吗? (Do you think beaches surrounded by blue coloured seas have the capabilities to allow anyone to feel fully relax?)”
“这就得要看你为什么会来到海边 (It will depend on the reason you are at the beach)” This induced interest in Su Ning who asked me to elaborate. Being raised in an island surrounded by the sea, we often have the privilege of going to the beach for all sorts of reasons. For leisure or to seek sanctuary from problems. I asked Su Ning for her reason to come.
She hesitated for a while and broke the silence, “为了忘记一个男人, 一个负心的男人 (to forget a man, a heartless cad)” Indeed, the tranquility inducing beach with the soothing sounds of splashing waves lapping on the stretch of white sands can reduce even teething problems to insignificant trivialities. Su Ning walked along the beach with me by her side starting to pour her woes bit by bit. I could tell that she has been unable to vent her bottled up frustrations. Her previous unemployed boyfriend of 5 years whom she fed and clothed was caught in bed with another woman when she returned from work. Not once but thrice. The toll of such shocks proved to be overly taxing. She gave up the relationship no matter how much it pained her and drove him out of the apartment she rented with her own salary. Unfortunately their story did not end. Her previous boyfriend began to stalk her at her office and his pursuit turned into threats. His nonsense doomed every single bit of chance that could’ve redeemed him from his atrocities.
While the emotional carnage worsened, she was invited by her friends to join a few guys on a trip to Boracay. Citing the need to make use of a hard earned opportunity to relieve herself of the torture she was needlessly subjugated to. But the frustration of having to deal with the male friends of her own female friends can be rather exhausting. She explained that the only English speaking member of the group led them into many misunderstandings during their trip into Philippines. Yet the conceited member refused to acknowledge his impoverished mastery of the English language. A problem mounted on top of another problem.
“既然你这次来到这里是为了散心，不如今晚跟我一起去忘掉烦恼什么都不去想只顾着让自己开心 (Since your motive here is to find relaxation, why don’t you join me tonight and forget all your problems)” I suggested to Su Ning hoping she’ll obliged although given the fact that she was here with a group of friends, it’d be rather risky as she might ask her male friends along.
Part XXIX
To my surprised, she readily agreed to join me alone.
She agreed to join me for dinner at the beach restaurant in my hotel and we’ll proceed to roam around station 2 for the night spots to help ourselves fully enjoy the trip.
Romance or Lust
Girls often mix romance into lust and guys often mix lust into romance. Nonetheless a good cocktail since the two genders compliment each other in terms of needs. One has a hole that needs to be penetrated while the other has a tool that needs to stick into a hole.
Su Ning turned up in a sexy beach outfit. Her red bra could be seen clearly in her white shirt with the top 2 buttons disconnected.
Geoffrey and Andrew on the other hand reaped an impressive catch after their water sports activities. They got to know two Taiwanese girls during their water sports activities and managed to invite them for dinner. The introduction at the table was friendly and the ladies although do not know each other were bridged by our friendliness. Due to the language disparity, our conversations were mostly connected by multiple translations. But I did my best to keep Su Ning well accompanied. Pulled out her chair for her, got her drinks and served her food. Dinner was well received by Su Ning and we went off alone after that to look for a club to enjoy the evening.
Part XXX
Dharreyll had been standing by all these while although we didn’t want to make him look starved, asked him to join us at the table. He made arrangements for Su Ning and myself to visit station 2 together after 10pm.
Su Ning and myself decided to stroll along the beach and marvel at the sunset.
http://www.pixslam.com/show/3862/5c7...76e910c4ee70/0
The breathtaking spectacle raised Su Ning’s spirits dramatically as she expressed that to be accompanied by someone she likes while watching the sunset is the epitome of romance. It wasn’t hard to fathom her thoughts as the view was indeed magnificent.
“你的前男朋友不陪你看日出日落吗? (Don’t your ex boyfriend watch the sunrise and sunset with you?)” It somehow struck a raw nerve as Su Ning remained silent for a good few seconds. It suffice to cause me worry with that brief silence. Then she broke the awkward conversation void, “能不能不谈他吗? (Can we don’t talk about him?)”
Realising the mistake I made, a back up plan was imminently in need. I suggested walking down the beach as I recall seeing very mesmerizing sand sculptures and loud beach bars along the stretch. She smiled and obliged. While we strolled down the beach, I sent Dharreyll a text to inform him that we will be heading towards station 2 by the beach and I will meet him somewhere there.
Su Ning and myself indulged in tremendous conversation during the walk. We spoke about life, work and eventually how did I land myself in Boracay.
“你的生活还蛮精彩啊! 那么你这次是怎样来的? (Your life seems to be rather exciting! So how did you come to this place?) “我搭飞机再转小船来的 (I came by flight before transferring to boat)” We both roared in laughter with my literal comprehension intended to amuse Su Ning.
“不是啦!我问得是你这次是因为工事或私事来的? (No of course, I was trying to ask if you came due to official matters or on private issues?)”
I pondered for a while and replied that it’s a little of both. I went on to explain my relationships with Geoffrey and Andrew. Su Ning was rather pleasantly surprised that I enjoy a good relationship with my clients.
Part XXXI
The walk down the beach basking under the romantic sunset helped to lift Su Ning’s spirits tremendously. And she could feel my intention to help her feel happy with the trip. Efforts as such reduced the distance between the two of us. We got more and more comfortable with each others company.
The breakthrough didn’t take place until we were in the little town in Station 2 where all the retail shops were situated. There was a slight drizzle earlier and caused mild water accumulation in some spots. While we were walking, I suggested going to a bar to take a break and have a drink. Our pace was indeed unhurried. We came to a small ponding and I extended my foot to the other side with ease. Su Ning was although wearing sandals, it doesn’t look as tracking worthy as mine. I stretched out my hand showing my intention to hold hers.
Su Ning placed her hand on mine and stride across the ponding.
“谢谢 (Thank you.)” She thanked me. With her hand in mine, I did not let go. I clasped my hand with hers and wrapped my fingers into the space between her fingers. She smiled and did not react negatively… Thankfully, the conversations earlier and my observation to her body language helped very much.
We walked to a nearby bar for some drinks and I thought Dharreyll should be heading to some pubs with Andrew and Geoffrey and their Taiwanese friends.
Part XXXII
The Move
Our walk around finally came to an end as we came to a nice bar. We were served by a waiter after I pulled a seat out for Su Ning.
“你们新加坡人都那么有风度的吗? (Are all Singaporeans so gentlemanly?)” Su Ning finally blurted out the question which I believe was in her mind since this afternoon.
I thought for a while and replied, “什么‘ 风度’? 我们的国家是被大海包围，所以风度比较多吧。(What ‘degree of wind’?” Our country is surrounded by the sea, perhaps that increased our degree of wind.)
“你很滑稽哦! (You are very amusing!)” Su Ning remarked jovially.
“你看终于笑了(See… you are finally smiling)” I broke into a brief chuckle. Her spirits are finally considered fully raised.
Dharreyll and the rest arrived at this time after they received my message. He leaned towards me and asked how was my progress. I told him that it was still in the infancy stages and the whole union is still fragile. “You should bring her in for a dance. She should be quite a good dancer.” I looked at Dharreyll feeling how bizarre it is for him to make such a judgement by merely looking.
Part XXXIII
The crowd in the bar were very spontaneously dancing away on the dance floor. Many were considered tremendously intoxicated as I see them swaying their bodies to the music. Male and female alike, we are mere biological beings that conform to the demands of nature; a need to mate.
The raunchy but fun dance moves on the dancefloor seems to beckon to both myself and Su Ning. I gave her a wink and took her hand. We quickly moved to the dance floor populated by people of many nationality and started to hop like the rest.
The delivery of DJ Colette’s ‘Think you want it’ adds on to the vibrancy of our pumping desire. I didn’t know Su Ning could dance pretty well. Although the lack of illumination was overwhelming amidst the inconsistently coloured lightings, I could still feel the jealous stares of many other men while Su Ning danced to the beat and to my body. The crowded dancefloor prompted her to dance closer and almost having to rub her body on me always.
Our perspiration took the better and we moved back to our table.
“很好玩啊! (That’s fun!)” I told Su Ning who nodded in agreement. Geoffrey and Andrew then raised their liquor and gave me a cheers. Su Ning spontaneously joined in. So did the new Taiwanese friends.