This is a continuation of my previous post which discusses my first time experiences. I decided to create a new post for the last experience so readers won’t be bothered by my previous long entries. So here goes…

Sunday, 3:00 am January28, 2006, when 6 of us left Pototan, Iloilo to go to the main road. We’re supposed to wait there in a waiting shed for a passenger bus going to Caticlan. We are going back home and we’re taking a passenger ship to take us to Pier 8 in Manila. As we waited there, a van stopped in front and asked as to where are we going. My uncle said “Caticlan Seaport”. Luckily, the driver said that he had 2 passengers going the same way as ours. We later decided and agreed to take the van instead of the bus. It will took us at least 4 hours from Pototan to reach Caticlan seaport. Along the 4 hour journey, I saw many fascinating places and scenery. One which resembles like that of the route going to Baguio city where we go through zigzag roads. Several mountains show it’s beauty as the sun gently rises in the horizon. In my mind at that time, I want to get down from the van and take a picture with me with the mountain as the background. However, I never tried to ask the driver.

We reached Caticlan seaport at exactly 7:00 am. That was 4 hours earlier for our departure which is 11 am. We move on to the ticket area to purchase for ourselves and for our remaining companions who will be joining us returning back home. They are the second batch because they already rented a vehicle to take them there. The ship will be taking was the Virgin Mary of the MBRS Lines. It arrived 30 minutes late to the dock of Caticlan. We went in and quickly put my things down on my bed to explore the ship. The ship depart from the port, passing by the island of Boracay. It was a nice view though especially seeing people on their yacht and the island’s long white sand beaches. 3 hours passed and we arrived at Odiongan, Romblon in the island of Tablas. We transferred to another ship “Matilde” of Montenegro Shipping Lines which came ahead of the Virgin Mary. We’re supposed to stick with the Virgin Mary going to Manila but we found out that it will arrive there at 4 am. My mom learned that if we take Matilde, we will arrive in Batangas seaport by 1 am plus the 1.5 hour bus travel to our homes in Laguna. This is much faster than the Virgin Mary. We have to do this switch since we have 3 of us working the next day. Some of us split into groups, one on the Matilde and the rest going to Romblon and Looc where they temporarily stayed.

We entered Matilde and my mom, who happens to know the parcel, inquired tickets for the remaining 11. We put our things down on our designated bed and waited for the ship of depart at 5 pm.

It’s almost 5 pm when the ship sounded it’s horn. Prompting the departure and for the ship’s crew to be ready. Immediately the crew stand steady to their posts as the porter on the pier detaches the ropes. It was windy that time and the waves became rough. As the last roped detached from the port, the ship moves to the right hitting the pier. Then a second time. The wave was pushing the ship on the right side as we leave the port of Odiongan. The strong wind shifted to the right side of the ship, hitting passengers located on the center of the 2nd and 3rd deck. Some of us were located in the middle of the ship on the third deck and the wind was blowing so hard. We noticed there are no installed “trapal” or trampoline to shield the passengers from wind and rain. What an inconvenience! Some of the ship’s crew instructed all passengers that were affected that they can move on to the air conditioned rooms located on the second deck. By the time we hit the open seas, the middle part of the ship were deserted. Only a few managed to stay and covered themselves with blankets. The waves are getting rougher as hours passed by. Around 6 pm, rough waves hit the ship, sending water splashes in the form of droplets in the wind which in turn moves inside towards the passengers. It was like a shower inside as I cover my face with my jacket. Soon, the passengers began to collect the plywood on the deserted beds and mount it around their’s. So the chances of getting all wet will be minimized. We followed the trend because we have no choice at all.

My bed was located on the middle along the path of the wind and the splashing water. So I have to find an empty bed away from the wind. I found an empty bed not far from the CR. It’s no bad at all because the stinky smell is moving away from me. I take a nap there with my eyes closed and my mind open. 1 hour passed, I open my eyes and startled to see a foreigner staring at me. He claimed it was his bed that was emptied earlier because he moved downstairs to the air conditioned room. He found out that the air-con was malfunctioning so he decided to go back to his bed. He showed me his ticket number and I promptly let him sleep there. I moved to another location and slept there for at least 3 hours.

10 pm that night, still my eyes are closed but awake. Trying to feel the environment around me as the ship sways tremendously from side to side. Then, an event that never in my life had been experienced before. The ship swayed violently to the left side as large waves hit the ship to it’s right side. It made me say literally the word “SHIT” loudly as I saw passengers belongings slide to the left. At that moment, after 2 seconds of that event, I thought the ship will capsize. Thank God the ship went straight up again and I pretend nothing had happened. My cousin Roner and my auntie were aware what just had happened. We joked about it as we gather our belongings. Some of our plastic cups and softdrink cans were missing. I guess they were floating that time in the rough waves of the ocean. I went down to the 2nd deck to see if there’s some commotion happening there. What surprised me was that all the passengers on that deck were already wearing a life jacket. I guess they were shocked about what had happened recently and decided to wear one just to make sure. I told my mom and didn’t mind about it.

We reached the bay of Batangas, a one hour remaining journey to the port. The wind died that moment and the sea began to calm. Finally, a sign of relief. We ready our things as the ship sound it’s horn. We are docking now to Batangas seaport. We rode a bus going to Alabang and unload ourselves in Shell Mamplasan in Binan where my brother and Father waited to fetch us. Some of our companions live near the said vicinity and it’s convenient for them. We said goodbyes to one another and I head inside the car. We reached home along with our “pasalubongs”.

Later that day, I found out that the waves we encounter were caused by strong easterly winds. That winds produced gale which produced waves from up to 2 to six meters high at that time when we nearly capsized. That was based on what I’ve read on the PAGASA website. In my whole life I’ve never experience that kind of swaying in a ship that nearly capsized. Good thing God almighty spared us and I thank Him for letting us reach our homes in safety.

So that wraps it up. I finally finished my long 2 posts detailing my 3 most memorable experiences this 2007 and perhaps in my whole life. Thank you for reading.as/a/span