Entry XV: Convention Converse
It was still dawn, and the sky outside bore a soft, pale hue as I got out of bed. The world was still cloaked in sleep, yet there I was, already preparing for the day ahead. Everyone else in the apartment was fast asleep, their breathing deep and steady, the occasional shifting of a blanket the only sound breaking the silence. I tiptoed around them quietly, picked up my towel, and went straight to the bathroom to take a bath.
The water was cold, but it awakened every inch of me, shaking off the drowsiness that lingered. Afterward, I dressed in my uniform and sat near the small table by the window, munching on some biscuits I had brought with me. It wasn't the most glamorous breakfast, but it was enough to sustain me until we reached the convention venue. I sipped on the remaining water in my bottle and gazed outside the window as the streets of Nueva Madrid slowly started to stir with life.
By 6:30 a.m., the rest of the apartment began to show signs of movement. One by one, my companions woke up, some groggy, others rushing in a panic after realizing the time. The convention was set to begin at 8:00 a.m., and in a place like Nueva Madrid—where traffic congestion was a part of daily life—we had to move fast. The venue was several kilometers away, located in a massive mall complex situated in the adjacent city. We decided to take separate taxis to avoid any delays, and we left our large bags at the apartment.
During the taxi ride, I learned something unexpected. Apparently, the class vice mayor, class auditor, and treasurer weren't staying at the same apartment with us. Instead, they were lodged at a luxury building owned by the class auditor's family. While it did sound tempting to stay somewhere more lavish, I was content where I was. To be honest, being around them for too long could feel toxic. I wasn't trying to distance myself out of pride or bitterness, but more of a sense of peace. I preferred humility and companionship with others who, like me, weren't too concerned about status. We were here not just to attend a convention, but to experience something new—something memorable.
The taxi snaked its way through the busy streets of Nueva Madrid, a city that never truly slept. After nearly an hour, we arrived at the enormous mall where the convention would be held. Calling it big would be an understatement—it could easily house six football fields inside its walls. We followed the signs leading to the function halls, where the convention would take place. Before we even stepped in, we were greeted by rows of booths and tables filled with engineering merchandise. It was a paradise for every student engineer.
Inside the function hall, the crowd was overwhelming. Students from different parts of the country filled the vast space, chatting excitedly and snapping photos. More than half the room was already occupied, but we managed to find a good spot. As the convention officially began, a hush settled over the crowd. The lectures started—one after another, topics spanning various fields of civil engineering, safety, sustainability, and innovation. It was informative, though at times, mentally exhausting.
By late afternoon, we were allowed to return to our apartment. Tired and hungry, we hailed another taxi. But the ride back turned into a confusing ordeal. I noticed the direction was off—we were heading east when we should've been going north. I spoke up, and it turned out the driver had mistaken Zamora Street for Barangay Zamora. It was an understandable mistake, but it cost us valuable time. Thankfully, the driver understood and rerouted us correctly.
On our way back, a senior sitting next to me started a conversation. He asked if I was from the Inner City High School. Surprised, I confirmed. Apparently, he was an alumnus too. He recognized my face and even mentioned one of my former classmates, who had been crowned king during the intramurals back then. It was a surreal moment—meeting someone from my past in such a far-off city. He patted my back and told me to keep doing well. That small exchange lifted my spirits.
Back at the apartment, we all went straight to bed. Our bodies craved rest after the long day. I repeated the same routine the next dawn: woke up early, took a bath, ate biscuits, and watched the sunrise while everyone else was still asleep. The last day of the convention had arrived, and with it came the same traffic congestion. We packed our bags before leaving, knowing we wouldn't be returning to the apartment.
The morning portion of the convention was once again filled with lectures. But in the afternoon, a different activity was lined up. While the fourth-year students participated in a Tower and Bridge Building competition, we first to third-year students were allowed to explore the mall. With curiosity bubbling inside me, I wandered off alone, immersing myself in the grandness of the mall. Every store, hallway, and installation felt like a city within a city.
After two hours, I returned to the convention hall and found our fourth-years hard at work on their structures. I stayed to support them. Though their structure didn't win the competition, it held its ground. That alone made us proud.
When it was time to return to Nueva Sevilla, we retrieved our bags from the apartment and met once more at the mall. This time, we split into smaller groups. Engr. Lim instructed everyone to meet at Duffeye's for dinner before boarding the shuttle. Since the officers had their own circle of friends, I found myself joining another group composed mostly of second-year students. With us was the BSCE 1-Tesla mayor and one of her classmates.
While others went shopping, I stayed behind with the classmate outside a store. There, I struggled to unlock my combination lock. It was stubborn, unyielding. Her classmate and I took turns trying various combinations until finally, it gave way and opened. We laughed at our persistence and shared a lighthearted moment.
Then, I asked him, if what to do if my class officers are tricky to handle. He told me that, whatever what happens, I will have the authority, yet be understanding to them.
Eventually, everyone regrouped at Duffeye's. We ordered, shared stories, and laughed about the mishaps and highlights of the trip. As the evening set in, we boarded the shuttle and began our journey back to Nueva Sevilla. Tired but fulfilled, I leaned my head against the window, staring out at the distant lights of Nueva Madrid fading into the horizon. This trip wasn't just about a convention; it was a collection of memories—the kind I knew I'd carry with me for a long time.
And just like that, we headed home.
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