Monday, March 4, 2013

Pico de Loro

Pico de Loro was beautiful. It was so far and so isolated. The sunset that capped Elle and Mico's wedding was gorgeous. The cove itself was a nice slice of beach paradise as land surrounds almost completely a small inlet of water perfect for swimming. The isolation was emphasized by the cacophony of birdsong one could hear almost everywhere. We were there to attend the wedding of Mico and Elle both of whom were direct reports when I still a team leader in the Learning domain of IBM. They first met at IBM and it was with great joy that I came to celebrate the union of two people I used to manage and mentor.

I prayed hard during the Mass. I thanked the Lord for the sacrament of marriage. A wedding ceremony never fails to make me cry. The ceremony was beautiful in its own way. It was held in a chapel overlooking the cove and with a direct view of the setting sun. Mico and Elle were visibly happy. I pray for their happiness. I pray that they may have courage and strength as they go through their journey as a married couple.

The only thing that marred the weekend was the expenses. I could not help but feel that I was being fleeced as I was asked to pay for so many things while we were there, from guest fees, to cash cards to even the use of towels. We shrugged it off as typical SM way of doing things, simply lacking the class and generosity one experiences from other hospitality providers.

Yesterday, before we went back to Manila, I floated on the water and listened. I thanked the Lord for bringing Elle and Mico together and bringing my family to such a beautiful place. I listened to the waves and the birds. I thanked the local spirits for their hospitality. I never fail to be amazed at how beautiful my country is. Only three hours away from home was another slice of paradise. I hope to climb Pico de Loro - the parrot's peak as Martin de Goiti called it five centuries ago - some time soon and admire Hamilo Coast once more but from the perspective of a bird.