Chapter L: Lockdown
The morning air over Caluipat is cool and quiet. A thin layer of mist still hangs above the rice fields as the first rays of sunlight slowly creep across the horizon. Roosters crow from neighboring yards while distant tricycles hum along the highway, and cicadas and crickets chirp throughout the vast forest of the mini zoo in front of the intersection.
The walls of the unfinished house is now plastered since this is one of the most significant in order to protect it from leaks and to lessen it. Inside the unfinished house, Mark wakes earlier than usual. He stretches his arms and sits on the edge of his rustic bed. He jumps and opens his drawer. For a moment, he simply stares at the bicycle uniform inside it. The black-and-blue jersey, padded shorts, and gloves. The helmet resting hanging on a rebar jutting out of a column.
A small smile forms on his face. Cycling has become one of the few activities that always clears his mind. As he reaches for the uniform, memories begin flooding back. He remembers one of the most enjoyable rides he has ever experienced. This took place about a year ago, and it was with his cousins, uncles, and one classmate.
Back then, the day begins at Pantay Este. The sun haven't risen from the horizon yet a gloomy light gray clouds spread out through the dawn sky. Rico, Mark, and Mark's classmate Joseph arrive first. The old BMX and the Trinxx bicycle roll to a stop outside Elric's house.
The modern yet 'something from a commercial stall cover' gate opens. Adrion steps outside first. Behind him comes Aldric. A few moments later, their father Elric appears carrying a jug of water. Jonn also arrives shortly and joins them afterward. Soon, the entire group is gathered.
"Ready?" Elric asks.
"As long as nobody leaves me behind," Adrion says dramatically.
"You are always behind," Aldric immediately replies.
Everyone laughs.
"See?" Adrion points.
"Proof."
The ride begins as the bicycles roll down the road together, going out of Pantay Este and heading towards Brgy. Nag-ayosan, passing by the Tobacco Plant, and the old Spanish bridge. Their destination is Mindoro Beach along the coast of Hermosa. The journey is long, but nobody minds, and the roads are quiet. The weather is pleasant, not sunny nor rainy. And the company is good.
Going into the end of the spacious road, they pass by the Hermosa Airport. They enter Brgy. San Pietro and finally Mindoro. As they pass by a concrete arch, they finally reach the coastline. The ocean stretches endlessly before them. Blue water sparkles beneath the sunlight. The waves crash gently against the shore.
As they continue the journey, Mark immediately notices something. Cycling on sand is terrible. His tires sink with every turn and the bicycle wobbles. His legs work twice as hard.
"This is impossible. I guess this is why Anakin hates sand", he complains.
Adrion is beside him.
"I couldn't agree more Bro."
They both struggle.
Meanwhile, Rico, Elric, Jonn, Joseph, and Aldric somehow continue moving forward.
"How are they doing that? Nagrigat ipagna. (It's hard to drive on.)" Mark asks.
"They are probably not human, though skills" Adrion replies.
The two continue suffering together.
Eventually, they reach what appears to be a damaged seawall. At least that is what Mark initially believes. However, as they approach closer, Elric explains the truth. The seawall is not damaged but a small estuary cuts through the area where a creek meets the sea. Instead of damaged, it's discontinued.
As they look at the estuary, water continuously flows between the two. The cyclists carefully cross, though rocks are in between the waters. Some of their shoes get wet, yet nobody complains. It is part of the adventure. Upon emerging on the other side, it's no longer Hermosa's jurisdiction, it's Sta. Catalina Beach.
They walk through the sandy terrain, and eventually see a concreted part so they could continue their journey. The roads continue winding through the town. As they continue going on the long road, they see a shrine dedicated to Sto. Niño. They stop by, and pray. Rico, Elric, Jonn, Aldric, Adrion, and Mark remembers that this is the shrine that Mercy would go especially after going to the beach to see and offer prayer to Sto. Niño.
The group pedals beneath trees lining up the road to the Sta. Catalina town proper. Large vegetable plantations and seedlings line up the side of the road. Eventually, they discover a small roadside eatery, a simple Sinanglaoan (Sinanglaoan is an eatery where people sell Sinanglao). The aroma immediately captures everyone's attention.
"Mangantay pay. (Let's eat first.)," Rico announces.
Elric and Jonn look at each other and say, "WEN! (YES!)".
The cousins plus Joseph are almost cooked though since it's gonna be cholesterol again. The bicycles are parked near the entrance, and as they take a seat, it turns out that it's self-service. They go get some bowls of steaming Sinanglao, and instead of chunks, it's a whole meat. The cousins are glad that it is goat meat and not beef, because if it's beef, something else would be beefing with the system.
As they settle in their seats, the rich aroma fills the air. Mark eagerly takes his first bite. The warm broth immediately restores his energy, though each has a knife and scissor to cut the meat.
"This is worth the ride," he says.
Joseph nods.
"Definitely, Dude."
For a while, everyone simply enjoys the meal. There's no rush nor pressure, just food, laughter, and family.
Then, another memory follows. Mark going to Puerto Beach in Santolomingo with Rico. They spend hours exploring old ruins near the coast. The ancient structural outline that stands silently against the sea breeze. The remains of an old port built by the Japanese during WWII. The exposed steel turned into something rustic and jutting out like fangs of the sea. Mark remembers feeling small while standing there. The ocean before him, the ruins behind him, and the realization that countless generations have walked the same ground.
Just as 5am hits the clock, the memory fades and Mark returns to the present. He finishes wearing his cycling uniform. Today is another cycling day and another adventure.
Outside the gate, Rico is already waiting before the slope going up to the road. The old BMX stands proudly beside him. The Trinxx bicycle waits for Mark.
"Ready, Apok?" Rico asks.
Mark grins.
"Always."
They set off and the roads are peaceful. The weather is cloudy, yet birds fly overhead. Vehicles remain sparse. As they go out of Quirino Blvd., they turn right to the National Highway, and passing by the old Banggai House, still in disarray.
Their destination today is Ban-awang Bridge, one of the most impressive structures in the province. The bridge was built by the Americans, and it was bombed during WWII. It was then repaired and inaugurated. Though the bridge has been through the challenges of weather and climate, and was affected by Typhoon Feria in 2001, the same typhoon that Meric and Rico climbed to the roof due to the flood. Yet, it remains to be a heritage structure until today.
As they approach, the bridge gradually emerges from the landscape. Massive brick piers supports the underside with 4 spans, and 3 steel arcs. It's supposed to be 4, but the third span got swept away during Typhoon Feria. Elegant lines stretching across the river. Mark slows down. Even after seeing it before, he remains amazed.
"It looks huge."
"It is huge," Rico replies.
The two spend some time admiring the scenery. Water glimmers below and the breeze feels refreshing. For a brief moment, everything feels perfect.
Eventually it's getting late so they begin to ride home. The roads are familiar and the bicycles roll smoothly. Then comes the cursive slope, a downhill section with lots of trees. Mark gains speed and acceleration is getting faster and faster. The wind whistles past his ears. For a few seconds, he feels unstoppable. He wants to decrease the speed. Without thinking, he squeezes the wrong brakes, the front brake. The front wheel immediately locks, and time seems to slow.
The bicycle doesn't stop, so as Mark. His body launches forward and flies over the handlebars. As he wants to avoid his face, he raises his head and hands forward. The bicycle comes tumbling forward and Mark hits the asphalt. The impact and friction creates a hole in his gloves, scratching his hands and knees, and bruising his chin. The pain is like an electric current going through all of his bones without breaking. The world spins, and everything becomes a blur.
"APOK!"
Rico stops his bicycle, and rushes toward him. The bicycle lies twisted nearby. Mark slowly lifts his head. His palms are scraped and his chin burns. Blood appears yet not severe, but enough to frighten everyone, especially his mother.
"Can you stand?"
Mark nods weakly. Rico carefully helps him up. Mark still manages to ride his bike and so Rico accompanies him returning home like nothing happened.
At home, Meric nearly panics when she sees him.
"What happened?"
Mark explains, and Ben examines the injuries. Thankfully, nothing is broken yet only bruises and scratches. Still, the sight of her injured son deeply unsettles Meric. That evening, she remains beside him, just to make sure he is alright.
A few days pass, Mark recovers slowly. His bruises begin healing and his scratches dry. Life returns to normal.
One morning, Rico and Jonn go on one of their challenges which is to climb Mt. Caniaw or Radar in short. It's steep, yet it stretches unto the summit of the mountains that can be viewed from Hermosa. They invite Mark, however his injuries remain fresh. Meric immediately refuses.
"Not yet."
Mark sighs, but deep down, he knows she is right. Jonn and Rico go to Radar.
The next day arrives, and dark clouds gather overhead. A light drizzle falls to the ground yet soft like snow falling down. Meric looks outside.
"This weather isn't good."
Jonn, Ben, and Mark agrees. But Rico remains determined. He insists on going to Radar again.
"Jonn, mapan mo kaduaen ni Papang, lallalo napan kay man dikalmanen. (Jonn, go and accompany Papang, especially you two just went there yesterday.)", Meric tells Jonn.
An hour passes, yet the house remains quiet and the store is busy. Suddenly, Meric's phone rings. She answers immediately, and she thinks it's the agents for products or other customers, but it's Jonn. His voice sounds tense.
"Manang"
Her heart instantly sinks.
"Apay? (Why?) What happened?"
"It's Papang."
Jonn explains everything. The climb initially goes well at first and the roads are difficult but manageable. At that time, Rico seems fine, strong, energetic, and confident. However, during another ascent near the summit, things suddenly change. Rico becomes dizzy, and stops cycling. His balance falters, and falls. Then he ends up vomiting. Nearby hikers notice, and other cyclists gather around. Concern spreads quickly. Jonn tends to him quickly, applying the basic needs if anyone is in that condition.
Fortunately, one of the cyclists happens to be a doctor from the Provincial Hospital, and Jonn knows him. The doctor immediately examines Rico. His expression grows serious, but not hopeless.
"Good thing he vomited."
Jonn remembers those exact words. The doctor explains that the body's response may have prevented something worse. Without treatment, the pressure and heat could have become significantly more dangerous.
An ambulance is considered, but reality quickly becomes obvious. The location is remote, and far from the city like 15 kilometers including the base to summit of Radar. Waiting would take too long.
The doctor makes a decision, he rides down the mountain and retrieves his SUV. He drives back up the summit, and returns for Rico. The act leaves Jonn deeply grateful, and he assists. Sometimes strangers become heroes without warning.
At home, Meric remembers when her mother also went to the hospital due to her diabetes. Mercy loves sweets, yet at the end of the day, she balanced her food, and went home fine.
Hours later, Rico finally returns home, exhausted and weak. He is still attached to the dextrose, yet still walking and talking. The family breathes easier. Meric sighs in relief. Mark quietly hugs his grandfather. Even Rico appears humbled by the experience, at least temporarily.
The following days are calmer as recovery continues and Rico grows restless as always. He wants to go outside and wants to move. He wants another adventure like Tom Sawyer would do. Everyone repeatedly tells him to slow down. Sometimes he listens and sometimes he does not.
Then one day, comes another Sunday morning. Mark prepares for choir practice at the Cathedral. His polo shirt is neatly prepared, his music sheet is ready, and everything appears normal.
However, as Mark steps into the store, Meric suddenly freezes. She is staring at her phone. Ben is beside her and his expression changes. The atmosphere inside the room shifts. Mark notices immediately.
"Mommy, Daddy, what happened?"
Neither answers at first yet they continue reading. News updates, government announcements, and emergency bulletins from the provincial government. Words that will soon change everything.
Finally, Ben looks up. His voice is quiet.
"The province is going into lockdown."
The room falls silent. Mark blinks.
"What?"
Meric slowly lowers her phone. Mark doesn't believe it so he chats Michael, his best friend and classmate, even Raven.
"Dude, all of us can't go out. We're all on lockdown", Michael responds.
"The pandemic has started", Raven follows.
The reality settles heavily upon her shoulders. A disease that has been appearing in distant news reports, a disease that once felt far away and flew here, a disease now arriving closer than anyone expected. It's COVID-19.
As they turn on the television, it soon confirms it, even the radio repeats it. Neighbors begin discussing it in their homes. Social media explodes with reactions. All are still on halt like schools, churches, business, and travel. Everything faces uncertainty.
Mark sits quietly. His choir activities may stop. Classes may change. The routines he knows may disappear and the future suddenly becomes unclear.
Outside, the afternoon sky grows darker. Clouds drift across the horizon. A strange stillness settles over Caluipat. Inside the house, the family remains together, getting updates for what is about to come next.
Only knowing that life is about to change once again. And just like every challenge before, they will face it together.
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