Couple in 5k-kilometer celestial walk, makes stop-over in Dagupan
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TOUR
WITH only a buri hat and umbrella above their heads, a couple from Batangas is eyeing to be the first Filipinos to have toured the whole country on foot pushing a three-wheeled cart containing their clothes, utensils, medicines and other belongings, in a project under the auspices of the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour (PLAT) and sanctioned by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Jay and Meralyn acknowledge the presence of Punch journalist Butch Uka while walking along Perez Boulevard. (Punchphoto)
Jay and Meralyn Abrera were seen in Dagupan City along Perez Boulevard in the evening of January 6 on their 20th day of walking, from their hometown in Batangas, Batangas on December 6. They had just arrived from Alaminos City to spend the night in Dagupan.
In an interview with PUNCH photojournalist Butch Uka, both Jay, 51, and Meralyn, 45, said they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,. “Our cause in joining the Ultimate Adventure Tour and seek to complete the celestial walk challenge just by walking is to strengthen our marriage. While walking together, it actually brings us closer and will prove to all that separation is not the solution for a couple to settle their differences but love, companionship and understanding,” they said.
They said the barangay officials gladly offer them shelter at night after showing their documents attesting that they are participating in an ultimate challenge tour.
“It is in barangay halls where we also take a bath and a wash our clothes and have a little sleep,” said Meralyn.
Their push cart displays logos of the organizations backing their tour. They also put up a poster “Piso para sa Paglalakbay Challenge” inviting the public to donate to their cause.
According to Jay, they walk every day, except on Sundays which is their rest day, and on days when one is unwell.
Jay said the celestial walk’s route will also bring them to San Fernando City (LU) to Vigan City, Laoag City, to Aparri, Cagayan and then to Isabela province… and through Visayas province…and Mindanao.
From Mindanao, they will go down on another route in Visayas again till they reach Batangas where they came from.
Asked on what they expect as prize for completing the challenge, the couple said it is only the consolation of being included in the exclusive group of “Loopers” officially awarded by the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour. (Leonardo Micua)
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