The Boyfriend Project, Part 8

THERE is no denying that I like to travel.

Seeing the world, meeting people, observing and studying cultures.

As a writer, traveling provides me with so much information, data, and details that make my work pop.

It also gives me so much confidence.

That sense of I have experienced things, so I can write.

***

Up to a certain extent, I admire writers who can just write from imagination.

But for me, writing and imagination is just half the fun.

Life and living is a wonderful thing.

And if I can afford it, travel is definitely a better education than the classroom.

***

“To travel is to know” is my motto.

To be sure, I’m scared of traveling.

The world of the unfamiliar is big and scary.

But I’m also excited and curious.

And curiosity always wins.

So, I gather my courage and just explore.

***

It’s the same with love, or finding a boyfriend.

If I don’t dare, I wouldn’t know.

And so, I gather all my courage and audacity, and put myself out there.

Wear my heart on my sleeves, if necessary.

***

Who isn’t scared of being hurt?

But you see, I’d rather be bruised and scarred than not having lived at all.

Love is never easy. 

I get that!

Do you?

***

Sept. 23 –

Dear FBF,

I’m taking my sweet time in San Jose, Antique. 

I fell in love with the hotel here. 

It’s called The Pinnacle Suites & Functions. 

You should have been here with me. 

The owner, Marlene, treated me to a healthy lunch, and made me eat the sweetest atis fruits ever. 

(I’ve got to get back at you for the English name for atis; I think there is one, but it escapes me at the moment.) 

[Update: Atis is sugar apple, or sweetsop, in English.]

***

I went to Zumba with my writer/artist-friend Alex in the early evening, and we had dinner at The Plaza Cafe, where I met my former student at the university, Farah.

She owns the place so dinner was on the house. 

Alex and I had coffee at King’s Cup afterwards. 

I had a good night’s rest. 

I love The Pinnacle’s huggable pillows! 

***

Breakfast was great this morning: simple but filling.

Antique spoils me! 

Marlene is a gracious hostess. 

She’s taking me to lunch at some Japanese place. 

Then, high tea later to celebrate Alex’s birthday. 

I really wish you were here! 

***

Sept. 25 –

Dear FBF,

It’s the weekend, and I wish that I’ve found you already.

Wouldn’t it be great to spend the day together on the beach, drink wine under the stars tonight, and maybe watch a movie tomorrow afternoon? 

***

Sept. 27 –

Dear Potential BF,

I wish you have a passport already. 

Because I really want to travel with you. 

Now, I’m thinking, maybe I should just postpone my Southeast Asian trip to next year so you can join me?

Meantime, let’s have more fun in the Philippines! 

How about that? 

***

Sept. 28 –

Dear Potential BF,

Understand that you are just “a potential” at this time. 

I like you already, but you must feed the fire! 

I hope to see you again today. 

***

Two days before (the September 2015) deadline, and there’s that last line— 

“I hope to see you again today.”

Spoiler alert: Of course, nothing big came out of this.

Otherwise, why would I still be republishing this as The Boyfriend Project of 2022?

***

But, as with all things Peter Solis Nery, the journey, my dear, is all that matters more.

So, join me in the final installment of this series in my next outing. 

There are lessons to be learned, and prayers to be heard.

If only to affirm you all that Love is not a noun, but a verb. (To be continued)/PN