The "Habal-Habal"

The cool December gentle breeze soothed our skin. We docked past ten in the evening. The waves pounding the seawall sounds astonishing. Everyone likes to jump immediately to bed after five hours journey on a fast ferry. My eyes tired and almost closed.

Aside from the tricycles and motorcycles parked at the waiting area, none other stayed that late, particularly the jeepneys. I was compelled to take the prevalently known "habal-habal". Basically, it's a single motorcycle added with accessories to cater more passengers. I don't subscribe on how it was called by the locals. Habal term is a street word for making love. It is usually used when one wants to have a sow cohabit with a boar. That goes beyond what our local mode of transportation implies.

My two boxes of gifts to my relatives and neighbors had nothing left to turn down what the driver asked for my fare. It costs three times more than the usual amount on daytime. I understood his plight. The peril he faces, transporting me safely with minimal light to guide us in the dark night costs even more. No price can pay for it.

We took the shorter distance from the wharf to our town. The route everybody wouldn't want to try. Passing mountain slopes and ravines. I could see the moon smiling from above with the stars. The light kept our path clear and distinct. The twinkling lights from downhill reminds me of the bright decorations hanged on the Christmas trees. The freezing coldness became more intense every time we're covered with towering canopies.

We talked whatever comes to mind. The brutal Maguindanao massacre. The political clan in our province dishing out money to the barangays for their parties. It sounds traditional politics. The duel in the political arena next year. Everybody is interested. A prominent showbiz figure threw his hat on the ring joining the race. They claimed their roots came from our province. The pomp and pageantry of our town he said is a must-see display. Decorations wrapped the century-old acacia trees at the heart of the town. I have to see it myself.

I disembarked safely. Gave the driver what is due and an extra amount for the holiday.