My feet found its way to the
shore of Chavayan… I walked barefoot, sinking lightly with every step on its
white sand. I let the rush of the waves draw me nearer and let the refreshingly bubbly water splash coolly
onto my feet. Aaah… it brought back a childhood feeling of being playful to the
movements of your surroundings and of being carefree to the realities of life. It triggered my widest smile which turned to happy chuckles... full of satisfaction, I laughed my heart out to the moon
that shined early as if to witness this rare moment of me being one with nature.
I reached an area along the shore
with this cut-out Styrofoam that proved to be a perfect shore bed. I laid there
for a looooong time… just smiling… just full of wonder and love and
appreciation and an overwhelming feeling of contentment.
Batanes is a breathtaking place
and Chavayan is its magical land! it has the power to bestow peace to whoever
enters it. Its surrounding spells protection… the rocky mountains, the
commanding sound of the waves, the towering trees, the care of its people, and the
laugh of its cheerful children.
But then, when I thought that I had a
feast of this mystical place already… I heard a group of people singing ‘Ave Maria…’
loudly and then fading. An unseen force seemed to pull me up to follow the
voices. From a distance I saw the barrio people being led by the image of our lady of Milagrosa into
someone’s home. The whole community is going to pray together for that home
owner’s welfare and they will do this every day until every house and home is
visited and prayed for.
I was speechless. Truly… I found my peace in the remoteness of Chavayan.
05.12.14
