It was suppose to be a simple medical mission - we were just to examine the patients, give the medicines and leave the place. Fate however had other plans for us.

While going to a medical mission last November 22 for the Aetas in Bataan, our front wheel exploded. Literally dragging us to the side of the road. Although no one was hurt, we were all shaken. But what was interesting was that the ambulance we were managed to stop directly in front of a vulcanizing shop with a small eatery.


So we stopped by the eatery, had sarsi and hansel biscuit to pass time. We talked, all of us and shared what was an epiphany of stories. And one by one our wall shattered, and in that brief moment, 5 complete strangers became so much more than friends.

It will have to be reserved for now. The story will have to be shared in another time. Perhaps for my grandchildren or when I become too old, too cynical to believe in fate or in love.

Rest assured that I will keep with me the memories of those 5 strangers, those curly haired children, and those voices who never give up in the belief that there is still hope for the Filipino people.

I may never understand life the way my professors taught it, but maybe, just maybe it is the pit stops, the journey that makes it all worth the while.