RAMBLINGS OF THE MIND
Ed limped toward the cabinet to get a good look at it. It was a photo of a mother carrying two babies in her arms. The mother was very beautiful and the babies were about one year old, apparently twins. The picture was old, and the right side was torn. Ed stared at it for a long moment. When he realized who they were, he felt dizzy, all of a sudden his legs were like spaghetti. And he almost fell to the floor. Filemon caught him in time, and put Ed back to the chair near the window to catch some air.
It was still about noon, so Filemon thought they would rest for an hour. He looked at Ed, whose eyes were closed, but definitely awake. Deep in thought, and arms shaking. Shaking? Filemon stared at Ed and couldn’t believe his eyes. Ed was indeed shaking… and crying too!!!
“Filemon, you asked me what I can offer to our town. I don’t think I have a straight answer to that,” Ed said softly, almost a whisper.
“Oh my God, you don’t have to shake and cry over that. Come on, Ed,” Filemon replied, more with excitement that it was only about that, over which Ed was shaking and crying.”
“By the way, I know of a place where we can best discuss that topic,” Filemon said and suggested they now go to the Campalabo Sandbar. Filemon continued to describe it, “It’s a strip of white sand 20 minutes away from the mainland. The islet spans one hectare during low tide and is smaller during high tide. It’s rich in marine life, and holds a spectacular view of the beauty of the town’s coastline. The islet is near the marine sanctuary so the area is best for snorkelling. Although I’m not sure you’re up to it,” Filemon looked at Ed who was still tired but he was not shaking anymore.
“From Campalabo we will go to one of the beach resorts in Tajao, and watch the beautiful sunset,” Filemon laid down the last stage of their tour. But he noticed that Ed kept looking at him.
When they reached the town, Ed saw the beautiful serene plaza in front of the Municipal Hall, and all the childhood memories flooded into his mind like the waters from Liki Falls. He even remembered jumping from the dike during high tide. During low tide, he recalled how his friends made some kind of formations out of sand. His favorite was a race track, with undulating curves and lanes, big enough for his slippers to pass through. The dike looked just like how it was before, but definitely cleaner. There were no more plastic bags nor rubbish, and it smelled a lot better now than it did before, Ed thought.
Filemon and the limping Ed boarded one of the boats on the shore. On their way to Campalabo, amidst the roaring sound of the motorboat, Filemon asked, “You have seen much of Pinamungajan. Is your life abroad much much better?”
“In some ways, I can say yes,” Ed said. “There is not much pollution, where I live. You cannot see garbage thrown all over the place. There is no traffic, and even if there is, the drivers still stay on their lanes. Parks and gardens are everywhere, well maintained, and they are free.”
“So what is it that you can offer back to your town?” Filemon asked, still noticing that Ed kept on staring at him.
“There are a lots of ideas and concepts that we see happening abroad, which can always be implemented here in our town," Ed answered.
"With the right mind-set of the people, things can really be done, as we see them happening in other countries," Ed explained further.
"Those who have been overseas may have some good ideas that they can share. I sure have some.” But before Ed could continue,
“Here we are, sir, Campalabo Sandbar!” the boatman shouted,
