The Road to Manaoag

(Saturday, November 24, 2012)

Edmund and I left our house at exactly 9:30 am. I was anxious because my daughter’s cellphone has no signal. I want to know where exactly she is. She left at 2:30 am to join a day tour to Mount Pinatubo.

I thought we agreed to bring driver Tony because he is very knowledgeable with the route since he goes to Manaoag every so often driving for his cousin who’s afflicted with cancer.
but Edmund preferred to bring Deo, who hasn’t driven to Manaoag at all. But no problem he says, there are directional signs. Okay Deo it is.

NLEX traffic was light.

Eversince an oil tanker or a truck carrying petroleum met an accident somewhere in the Middle East last month, I am so scared every time I see an oil tanker on the road.

It’s hard to relax or nap when the driver doesn’t know the way. The last time Deo drove to the north was when there was no SCTEX yet.

Since Edmund’s the one directing Deo, I could relax and sleep however my sleep was intermittent because I would be awakened when Deo abruptly steps on the break. He has a habit or reflex na para syang nagugulat, so nagugulat din ako, kaya ako nagigising.
We were already in Villasis, Pangasinan when I opened my eyes.

Edmund said this city is progressive.

If the presence of nice commercial buildings is one indication, then Pangasinan is indeed progressive.

Is this their city hall?

There was a small sign on top of the stop light at the next corner that says MANAOAG so we turned left.
We asked for direction at the gas station to be sure. Yes, this road leads to the Our Lady of Manaoag.

After 30 minutes of passing through residential areas and open fields, we reached our destination.
First stop is the toilet.