Anyway, it's been two weeks—more or less—since I went to Cebu for the much-awaited gathering my friends down south had set up. They called it #RetardCon2013 for no reason; not that we minded.
The whole idea of the trip came about during a post-Cosplay Mania dinner.
Most of us in the trip are cosplayers, photographers and whatnot. It was called a con, but it really wasn't. Instead, it was simply a break from the usual con stuff; it was a date with nature.
Our original itinerary was to be Bantayan Islands, but thanks to that damn super-typhoon, the trip was almost jeopardized. Good thing there was Plan B. Instead, we went to the Bigsand Camping Grounds at Moalboal.
In the end, there wasn't an event for one of our clients that will coincide with it, because the event we were supposed to organize got cancelled. It was a good thing for me (but probably some bad news for the company). But here's the thing—they scheduled the company Christmas party on the Saturday of my Cebu trip.
Since I've already booked my flight andmy leave of absence got approved anyway, I chose to get retarded instead.
Just like when I went to Malaysia, I brought my Wreck-It Ralph toy for the trip. My flight was scheduled at 11PM on the 12th; good thing it didn't get delayed. My good friend Marko had the same flight as me.
We also saw Abu at the airport; he was booked on a different flight. We agreed to assemble in Cebu when our flights arrived there.
It was while I was asleep when Ian (unofficially known as the sole member of "Batch 1.5") arrived. I'm not really sure if I got my arrival details correct, as my mind was still probably flying elsewhere in Dream Land.
Achievement unlocked.
And because I was still fatigued, I chose to rest a bit more after eating lunch. We ate longganisa that time, but it wasn't the typical one I know.
We made up for the inactivity at daylight with the "retardation session", aka the "drink-till-you-drop" time. It was a night of retard stories, trashtalks, barbecue and booze. I admit I'm not that resistant to alcohol anymore, and I found the mix strong enough to get me drunk; awake and aware, but drunk.
It was around past midnight of Saturday when the second batch of "retards" arrived; their arrival signaled the beginning of more craziness. Katz and Bessi were with the batch; they were the only ones I know from that group, aside from Ikki who I only know by face.
I think I slept at around 4 or 5AM that day; Paolo said that we need to wake up early for our trip to Kawasan Falls. I don't remember how early I got up, but I'm sure that I was still groggy when I did.
We stopped by the market that morning to buy rice and meat for our barbecue at the falls. It was only then that I got formally (or informally) introduced to the rest of Batch 2: Val, Gracie, Ally, Hya, Dodie, Jesse, Leleng and Mark.
It was also then that I had one of my "retard moves" recorded on video.
Then we reached the first falls; there are three in total. We were warned about how deep some parts are, and they were not kidding! Those of us who can't really swim had to rent life vests; mine was cheaply made at that.
My first instinct when we arrived at the third waterfall was to find a good spot to take a picture of Ralph. (Yes, I brought him with me all the way to that place.)
I took this picture of the others before the weather threatened of a rainfall. There was no one around to ask to take a picture for us, so there.
More follies later, we wrapped our Kawasan Falls experience with the picture below. It's just disappointing that the guy I asked to take this pic apparently didn't know how to count. It didn't help that my camera doesn't have flash, either.
We were supposed to set up a campfire, but thanks to the rain, all the firewood we gathered were rendered useless. But that didn't stop our fireworks.
And since the day wasn't over, I got pranked by fate yet again; I fell into a pit dug by some trolls aiming to take revenge after falling to a first pit my companions set up. Apparently, I was the one who took the bullet for them; and it's something I still kinda feel bitter about.
Sunday was our final day at the camp grounds, so we had to pack up as early as possible as the trip back to Cebu City will be long and winding. I had my things ready before I took this picture for the final time.
I think it was around 10PM that Sunday when we all went out to dine. I had eight more hours before I fly back to Manila, yet I stayed up with the guys because sleeping would only increase the risk of me missing my flight back.
Aside from the two of us, Katz, Chesra and Hya were also supposed to fly back to Manila; they were on the same flight as Quakey. They slept earlier ahead of us, yet he had to call them up and alarm them that day. We met up at the airport and parted ways as I was flying on a different plane.
But for now, we're back to the real world.
I could go on and say some more stuff, but I'd rather protect what's left of our reputations. Instead, I'll just thank the guys who endeavored to push this through, as well as the guys who have been my compatriots in this retarded odyssey.
Until then, let's remember: think moderately.