AC Calatagan Outing: To Go or Not To Go?

AC Gangsters were slated to troop to Calatagan, Batangas last May 17 (Saturday) for a much needed R&R. But, as our excitement reached its peak as Friday arrived, something came up.

Actually, two things came up. The names? Cosme (L) and Dindo (R).




The friggin' tropical cyclones really had to arrive at that date. Naturally, my parents were terrified (especially since their friend recently lost a relative and his girlfriend in a drowning accident in Pagudpod because of strong waves. This incident was publicized because the couple were board-passers in last year's board exams. They went to Pagudpod as their celebration I think, and this is what happened).

So there. My once a year chance of going somewhere (a little) far from Manila was thwarted by elements beyond my friggin' control. RATS!

So then came the task of convincing my parents that the typhoon won't directly hit Calatagan. BUT, the problem was, the eye of the typhoon was in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, which was technically near Calatagan, especially if you rely on common knowlege (to get to Mindoro you need to go to Batangas Pier so obviously they are in the same side of the map).

As of 1500 Hrs, 16 May 2008, I was not part of the group leaving for Calatagan in the morning. Oh my gosh, I was a "loooooser"!!!
As I sulked in the office, I continued browsing for whatever information I could find to prove that the storm would not directly hit Calatagan. But I knew the chances were pretty slim. I was resigned to the idea that they would just be bringing me pasalubong from the trip.

There is a God.

With the help of my friends and my fiance, we were able to gather enough proof (haha!) that the storm won't hit Calatagan at the time that we're there. I don't know where Jon got the image, but somewhere in the depth of the Pag-Asa website, there was an image that shows the track of the typhoon, missing the Batangas area. I sent it to my dad (and demanded that he go online to see it harhar) and I told them that Jon was the one who found it (yes, they trust Jon's judgement more than mine, I guess).

Lo and Behold! My parents consented -- but there had to be a trade-off: that I won't go swimming in the deep end of the sea to avoid the waves (they had to say this because they knew I loved to swim and go farther to sea). So of course, to ease their mind, I agreed, and I had every intention to make good of the deal.

Hey, what's staying near the shore compared to missing all the fun and gossip that was about to commence?!

Yup! It's definitely a GO!!!!!~~

Calatagan, here we come!!!!!!