I have had my Honda grown dusty and haggard for several days in the garage due to a barely thriving, ultra-battered battery.  Dust thicker than ashfall powdered the exterior.  Tires ever-gray scream for clean-up.  Knowing that it will exhaust all my energy pushing and the fast-slowing time in rural Bicol, I gave up my chances starting this car.

Great thing it was meeting people with innate generosity and kindness.  They somehow excite time and make the clock beat faster.  I was on a meeting yesterday when I was offered a free ride by two Bicolano brothers, both coordinators in an agency in Bicol.  I got a free ride, an interesting discussion about the political upheaval in Manila, and an offer to tour myself for the coming weeks for free.

Early this morning I texted them for help.  I need to jumpstart the car, and having them come over to give me a push is extremely needed.  In a few minutes, there were a bunch of guys waiting outside my unit ready to haul that Honda out of the garage.  Gratitude overflowed.

They even went an extra mile–literally.  We had our convoy to the car fix-it shop.  They waited; tey offered a free ride back, and; they reminded me that in case of emergency, they are ready to come.

Now there goes the Bicol Express.