I haven't packed for Boracay yet, and it's already 3:12 in the morning. My flight is at 8:10 a.m.

I had come from a long day of running errands and tying up loose ends which I had put off due to my lolo's passing, and so, I wasn't in the mood to feel festive the night before my first trip to the island. To add to the exhaustion, I had just come from helping out the law school choir prepare for their concert in December, and then having a round of beer at Grilla's afterwards.

With too much on my mind— the death of my lolo besides— I am now looking at my half filled tote bag, wondering what else I missed: three boardshorts, my aquashoes, underwear, of course, toiletries, shirts, sunblock.

Ever the scatter-brained person that I am, I am just thankful that there are some people who (quite unexpectedly) did the packing for me. And so, tomorrow, together with my other stuff, I will be bringing:

1. A new pair of Havaianas,

2. An ipod, on loan, with a sunset songlist to match,

3. Aloe Vera Gelly, in case I get sunburned,

4. A long list of must-do's,

5. And lots of good wishes.

What would I do without such foresight? I'm done packing now, thank you very much. I think I'll be bringing everything that I will need.

(It is, in fact, and truth be told: one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me.)

So: expect that I will smile, bask in the sun, disconnect, and not think too much! I just know I will fall in love with Boracay, and I will bring back lots of stories.