Back in Baguio

The week before Reymond passed away, we were in Baguio where Reymond spent three days climbing the roads of Marcos Highway, Ambuklao and Halsema. Photo here shows one of the steep roads he had to traverse in order to complete this ride. It was a glorious 3 days of biking for him and his biking pals and he enjoyed this adventure immensely. He left on a Thursday with our daughters (his visa to leave the house!) but I had to stay on for work until Friday. For the love of Reymond, I rode on a bus to Baguio Friday evening and was able to catch him before his second ride out that Saturday. It was important for me to be there during his rides -- especially one as risky and dangerous as this. After his Xterra accident in October, I swore never to leave him during any of his races. Although this was not a race, its roads and terrain were enough to put me on that bus. I was determined to be there no matter what.

He died the week after this epic Baguio ride. Of course we cannot help it if people have their own opinions about what happened to Reymond. Some say that the stress of the ride the week before was too much and that he was over fatigued. Maybe. I don't know and I don't think anyone can actually say it with certainty. All I know is that he loved Baguio and that I'm sure he was glad to have conquered its roads before he passed away. 

Fast forward to 13 weeks after March 10. My daughter Annika is invited by her CISV Chapter to have a despedida in BAGUIO. I really wasn't too sure how I would react to being there again. I prayed and I asked God for strength and grace. True enough, he heard my prayer.

Good friend Marissa, who is Baguio based, made sure that I would have only good and happy memories on this trip to Baguio. She made the extra effort of making sure I was never in a situation where I would be sad or defenceless. She saved me so much heartache and I'm hoping I can repay her soon. She is my rock in Baguio and I will always keep coming back there because of her. As if that isn't luck enough, my other pal Maggs also lives in Baguio. Both keep me sane and I will always have great memories of Baguio because of them.

It was also my first 'vacation' Post-Reymond. I could not have chosen a better place to unwind. Four days of pure bliss. I was so happy to be free from the stress of work. It also gave me time to just enjoy doing nothing. I absolutely loved this particular trip.

It was great to be back in Baguio.