Day 6: Drama in Sagada

Since arriving in the Philippines, the days have really passed us by. After a day of caving and hiking yesterday, the whole gang (or most of us!) have been suffering from muscle ache due to the intensive workout we had trawling all over Sagada. There was nothing hilarious about the painful condition we were in but it was just so funny each time someone goes down a flight of stairs, followed by moans of “owws” and “oohs”. I myself am guilty of that, going down the steps while tightly hanging on to the railing for support. Honestly, I could not decide which was worse; going up exhausted or coming down and feeling the pain.

Later, the first drama of the day began. When visiting the Sagada National High School, despite the less well-off conditions of the place, they still find it in their hearts to extend their hospitability and kindness to us. The gesture of serving us with biscuits and drinks touched all of us. Mindy was so welled up in emotions that her tears just flowed out. It was then that everyone decided to chip in and presented them with a token of our sincerity.

The second drama began shortly after we returned to our cottages. Max and Maxine were caught dancing Bollywood style in the garden outside. Zeck appeared and both were engaged in a “very violent” and fast paced fist fight while Maxine could only watch helplessly at the side. Later, even Dr. Yeoh got involved and was doing his part in “beating” Max up. Sounds fun? Remember to catch the latest production from Aron, with his film Kadhal Sagada :)

After completing the short film in record breaking time, we all gathered again in Aron’s cottage, this time to play werewolves and vampires. No, it does not involve any painful transformation or physical biting. Instead, it was a suspenseful and strategic game of forming alliances and winning. Very survival material minus the physical challenges and mental exhaustion. The whole game was full of drama, right from the part where many were led on to suspect the other and concealing one’s true identity to me having been “killed off” yet again before the end of the third round of each game.

Phew! What a day! Tears, violence, love, betrayal and suspense all rolled into one. This journey so far has indeed been a rollercoaster of emotions. Not bad, I actually feel a little more grown up and independent :) By the way, kudos to Feeza for her hawk-like observations and excellent reasoning! ;)

By Pooi Yarn