"The true meaning of love is not really in spending every moment together, but in realizing that if you can't be with your beloved, you'd rather be alone." - C.R.M

I am speechless talaga when it comes to this woman. She really knows her way, mas lalong mapapahanga ka sa kanya. Imagine, I was the one who asked her to go on a vacation with me, but now, it was her taking me out again.

Bakit ba kasi sa Italy pa kami napadpad! It seems that she knows everything about this country and she has a lot of connections too.

I was surprised when she picked me up by a Bugatti Divo, for all I know it's worth millions of euro and it was a limited edition. You can't buy one, if you don't own a Chiron.

When I asked her if it was her, she told me that she just borrowed it. Sinong billionaryo ba ang mga kaibigan nitong babaeng to para pahiramin siya ng ganitong karangyang mga means of transportation.

While I was busy with the questions in my head, I noticed that she pulled off in a nearby Marina area.

She looked at me nervously. "Are you still smarting that I ruined your plan?" She asked me apologetically.

I let a small sigh and cupped her face. "I'm just a little upset but I guess kailangan ko ng masanay sa mga pasurprise mo."

"...Anyway, where are we babe?"

She gave me a bright smile. "Come let's go out and explore the place." She invited me happily and went outside to open the door for me.

"Benvenuti in Costiera Sorrento!" Maligayang pagbati niya sa akin.

"Anong ibig sabihin nun babe? Hindi ko kasi maintindihan, Sorrento lang ata naintindihan ko. So you mean, we are in Sorrento?" agad kong tanong sa kanya.

She nodded cheerfully. "Yes, Welcome to Sorrento Coast, babe! I'm sure you'll love it here."

I don't know why but I can see that she's really happy dahil sobrang nagraradiate yun sa mukha at mga mata niya.

"So anong gagawin natin sa Sorrento, babe? Teka nga, I'll check on what's the best thing to do in this place." Tanong ko sa kanya as I immediately check my phone.

She just smiled at me na as if walang narinig kasi hindi man lang ako sinagot sa tanong ko.

"Sobrang saya ko talaga na nakasama kita dito. I've spent a lot of time here before. Are you hungry? Let's hit my favorite restaurant here." Pag anyaya niya sa akin.

I just nodded since I am busy with my phone. Pero based sa sinabi niya that she used to stay here eh sa malamang she knows what are the things to do here exactly. Hay naku Tanch! Hayaan mo nalang kasi siya. Pakiusap ng other self ko sa akin.

"Whatever!" I whispered to myself na parang narinig niya kasi bigla akong nilingon. At may kausap ata ito sa telepono niya, hindi ko lang masyadong maintindihan kasi she's speaking the native language of this country.

"Sono nella Marina. Paolo è in giro? Chiamalo per me, digli di riservarmi un tavolo." I said to the other line.

"Va bene. Lascia la macchina lì, sono solo sul lato opposto della strada." the person on the other line answered.

I looked around and saw him. Maybe the crew have arrived, tamang tama lang ang dating nila.

"Grazie, sei il bezt." I thanked him.

He briefly chuckled. "She's a pretty little thing huh? Don't forget about our introduction soon."

May bilin pang nalalaman ang mokong na yun ha, before the line ended. Nilingon ko naman siya and he waves his goodbye to us. Hindi naman ito napansin ni Tanch kasi busy si ate sa phone nya, as much as I want to introduce them now but I want to save it for another time.

"Nakakuha na ako ng reservation. Come on, I'm rather famished." Pag anyaya ko sa kanya at sabay hablot ng kanyang kamay para maglakad papunta sa dulong bahagi ng Marina.

Namangha siya ng bigla kaming tumigil sa paanan ng isang woodbridge papunta sa isang seaside resto dito sa Marina area.

"Wow! Ang galing mo talagang pumili ng lugar. What a beautiful place - a seaside resto to enjoy the Italian summer. Ang dami palang tao dito noh?"

"Yes, Babe. Dinadayo talaga ito dito dahil sa ganda ng ambiance at sobrang ma eenjoy mo ang mga masasarap na pagkain nila without breaking the bank. Visitors do really love this place because aside from its authentic Italian food experience, it also offers the picturesque view of Marina Grande. Plus a total perfection served with a backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius." Pagkukwento ko kay Tanch at nakikita kong interesado naman siya.

Ristorante Bagni Sant'Anna, Sorrento, Italy

Agad kaming sinalubong ng Maitre d' with his infectious smile. "Buongiorno Signoras! Do you have a reservation confirmation?" Tanong sa akin in his Italian accent.

I smiled in return "Ciao! Is Paolo around? Tell him, it's me Sarah."

"Eeeeh! You're Sarah signora? This way please." He guided us through the far end of the restaurant where there's no other crowd.

"Where's Paolo?" I asked the man who just helped us.

"I am Piero Conti at your service Signora. Signore just left with Don Alessandro and he ordered to look after you." he explained politely.

Shoot! Bakit di ko sila nakitang umalis kaya I decided to ask more.

"We just arrived but we didn't see them leave?" asked curiously.

"Eeehh, Don Alessandro arrived with his boat and they went off through the dock."

"Ohhh! That explains. Anyway, thank you Pierro." I smiled a little bit.

He smiled in return and gave out the menu to Tanch and then to me.

"Thank you!" I said as soon as I received the menu. Although I am very familiar with their menu, I still wanted to check if they offer a new set of dishes.

I looked at the beautiful woman with me. "What do you want to have, Babe?"

She gave me a heart warming smile that sends me right to heaven, if such exist. "What can you recommend?" she answered, still wearing that smile.

"Oh leave it to me. I know just right." I told her.

I turned my attention to the waiting man. "Piero, can we have Veal Scallops Sorrentino and Caprese Salad for appetizer then two poached-grilled Sea Bass and Baccala Al Vapore for main. Please add one homemade Pasta, I want my friend to try it." I simply glanced at Tanch habang ine enjoy niya ang kanyang sarili sa paligid. I find her really cute when she's taking selfies.

"... And for dessert, Creme Brulee for her and wild strawberries for me. Grazie!" Pagtatapos ko sa aming order ni Tanch. I'm sure she will love it.

"Is that all Signora?" tanong ulit niya sa akin.

"Give us a glass of the house wine too. That's all."

"If that's the case, I'll take my leave now, Signora." Pagpapaalam niya sa akin.

Agad kong itinuon ang atensyon ko sa napakagandang dilag na kasama ko ngayon.

"Hi beautiful! Sobrang busy mo naman jan." agaw atensyon kong sabi sa kanya.

She covered her face immediately. "Shhhh! Wag ganun Babe, nakakahiya."

I scratch the back of my head. "Eh sa sobrang Ganda mo talaga today. You look stunning on your knee length summer dress and with your bare face. It's not so often na makita kitang ganito." I told her truthfully.

"Thank you for the compliment madam CEO." Nahihiya niyang saad sa akin.

I grinned a little bit. Why not teased her this time. "You know what Tanch, I really admire your skills. You manage to know where I am and follow me all the way here. I bet you really missed me that much." I know that sounds too conceited but I don't really mean it, I'm just messing with her.

"Hoy! Ang yabang mo. FYI, hindi kita sinundan noh! I was just dragged by someone in this beautiful country. I'm glad she did kasi nandito ka naman pala."

"Oyyy. Itinanggi niya na ang lahat pero hindi niya talaga itinanggi na namimiss niya ako." Dagdag ko pang pang aasar.

Her face becomes serious. "Bakit ko naman itatangg kasi? Eh sa totoo namang namimiss kita. Ang daya mo kasi after mong umamin sa letter mo, iniwan mo ako agad." Pagtatampo niya sa akin.

I burst into laughter. Ang cute niya palang magtampo parang batang inagawa ng lollipop.

Now, she's giving me dark looks. "Bakit ka tumatawa? Hindi kaya nakakatuwa. You being away made me feel so alone. Nawalan ako ng gana, Babe. Dun ko narealized na I would rather be alone than suffer in someone else's company." Oh shoot! It caught me off guard, ganun na pala ang nangyayari sa kanya when I was away.

I smiled apologetically and squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, we will have fun together. Let's create beautiful memories, and let's start it with this.

I took out my phone and we took a picture. "Well this one is for the books, our first photo together."

"Dito rin sa phone ko, para meron din tayo." Sabay abot ng photo niya sa akin. Agad naman akong tumayo at tumabi sa kanya for better angle.

"Here, ganito para background natin ang Napoli Bay."

Then I remember I have my Leica with me, so I asked her to pose. Hindi naman niya ako binigo kasi game na game siya for an almost photo shoot. I adore this quirkiness of her, like a lot. Hindi niya lang alam kung paano niya ako napapasaya.

"Let me see kung maganda ba kuha mo." Agad kong inilayo ang camera ko, ayaw kong ipakita sa kanya.

"Later nalang." Sabay tago ko sa camera.

"Sarah, ano ba! Let me see." Nakanguso niyang pakiusap.

"Oh too bad, our food is here so later nalang talaga." I grinned when I saw Piero with a waiter na bitbit ang mga order namin.

Agad naman nilang hinanda ang mga pagkain. Sa naamoy ko pa palang na aroman ay naglalaway na ako.

"Enjoy your meal, Signoras. Also, Signore already took care of the bill, he said it's a warm welcome from him.

"Oh really? Please say thank you to Paolo on my behalf. Gratzie. We'll manage from here."

I said with full enthusiasm.

Nakakatuwa na sobrang warm parin ang pag welcome sa akin ng mga ka kilala ko dito. Although kay tagal naming hindi nagkita ay hindi parin sila nagbabago.

"Sana all may galanteng signore." Taas kilay na bungad sa kin ni Tanch just when the Maitre d' left.

I briefly chuckled "A friend owns this restaurant. And believe it or not, I used to work here for a period of two weeks to a month every summer."

"Really? You used to work here? How come? Don't get me wrong I am just really surprised." Tanch asked in disbelief.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, I work in the kitchen as an assistant to the chef. I usually come here when the bustling coast Amalfi is stressing me out." Pagpapaliwanag ko sa kanya.

"So you like Sorrento more than Amalfi Coast.?" Pag usisa niya. She seem interested sa buhay ko dito noon.

"It's not like that. Sorrento for me is like a simpler Amalfi, same beautiful place, same fantastic food, great beaches but lesser crowd."

I can't help but to be amazed also while nagkukwento ako kay Tanch. Namissed ko tuloy yung buhay ko dito noon. Noong hindi pa naging magulo ang buhay ko. "...But I know you'll love Amalfi, if we still have time, we can go sailing there."

"Sobrang saya naman ng jet set lifestyle mo maam." Panunukso niya sa akin.

"Okay, first thing first. Pray muna tayo, para makakain na tayo at ng makagala na..."

Nakita ko siyang yumuko. "We thank you for this food, Father. And for this beautiful food and companion. Amen."

She just smiled at me pagkatapos isa isa na niyang chineck ang mga pagkain sa harap namin. "Thank you Babe, for this lunch date. Wag puro ikaw, baka mamaya pwedeng ako naman."

"Tanch, do you know my name?" Tanong ko sa out of nowhere.

"Anong tanong ba naman yan Sarah Joy Garcia?" Kunot noo niyang tanong.

"Well, mabuti ng kilala mo ako kasi baka makalimutan mo na when you taste their Sea bass and home made pasta. Try it." Pag anyaya ko sa kanya.

She immediately took a slice and devoured her food. I can see na nagustuhan naman niya, panay subo kasi si ate niyo. Great! Sabi ko sa sarili ko.

Nakangiti akong minamasdan siya habang kumakain. Ngayon ngayon nalang din ako nagkaroon ng ganang kumain din dahil sa kanya.

"Sino ka nga ulit?" Nakakaloko niyang tanong sa akin.

Nagtawanan kaming dalawa na parang kami lang ang andito.

"Sabi sayo eh. So what do you think about their food?"

"Babe! They're to die for!" Eager niyang sagot sa akin.

"I told ya. Diba? Enjoy mo lang yang kain mo, nakakapagod ang activity natin after this. Kaya kain ka lang."

"Bakit Babe? Anong gagawin natin?" Now sobrang curious na siya kung saan kami pupunta after this.

"Mamasyal." Tipid kong sagot sa kanya.

"Ou nga, mamasyal. Pero saan nga? Nakita ko na magandang puntahan ang Capri Island if andito ka lang din naman sa Sorrento."

Nagpanggap akong nagiisip. "Hmmm. Capri Island... Ou maganda nga. Do you like hiking?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Really, Babe? Hiking? In this hot Italian Summer?" Naasar na naman si Madam.

"Sabi mo kasi Capri Island eh. Ma eenjoy mo ang mga breathtaking views ng Capri if maghihike tayo, which is pwedeng pwede naman nating gawin if gusto mo. By all means, tour guide mo naman ako today." Nakangiti kong salaysay sa kanya.

She remained silent, di niya talaga nagustuhan yung suggestion ko. Hindi ata mahilig sa outdoor activities tong babaeng to.

"...How about cliff diving?" Dagdag kong suggestion sa kanya.

"Your bluffing, right? Babe, sa mababaw nga na tubig hindi ko I'm scared to death na. Cliff diving pa kaya? Hay naku, Sarah ha! If yan lang din naman papagawa mo sa akin, hindi nalang tayo pupuntang Capri." Nakasimangot niyang sabi.

I laughed a little. "Eto naman hindi na mabiro. Don't worry, Babe. I'll take you to Capri after this. Happy now?"

She just nodded and smiled a little bit. Sus ang cute naman ng Tanchellie talaga pag nagtatampo. "Ikaw kasi eh. Ang hilig mong mangasar sakin."

"Hush now! Let's enjoy our lunch so we can go to Capri immediately."

We did enjoy our lunch and I promised her na babalik kami ulit sa restaurant na ito, to try their other dishes.

*AN - If you happen to visit Sorrento, please visit this resto. Ciao!

After namin matapos kumain niyaya ko na siya agad para umalis.

"Tarah na! Let's hit Capri Island baby!" I said to her as I dragged her going to the dock of the resto.

"Capri, here we come!" She announces with full joy.

Agad kaming nagpaalam sa staff ng restaurant at sakto namang naghihintay na doon ang sinasabing yacht tender ni Alesso.

Wow! I can't believe it. Finally in Love, ang pangalan ng tender na ito, so he is not joking at all sa kwento niya kanina. He indeed is in love.

After namin matapos kumain ay agad akong niyaya ni Sarah umalis papuntang Capri. May naghihintay na raw na boat na maghahatid at magsusundo sa amin.

Yun na nga, may isang magarang motor boat ang naghihintay sa amin sa dock ng restaurant na pinakainan namin.

"Good Morning, ma'am Sarah! And to you ma'am." Bati sa amin ng crew ng boat, parang hindi naman to Italiano eh. In my opinion, base sa mukha parang Irish naman to.

Agad naman niya kaming tinulungan sa para sumampa.

"Let's visit Capri first, head straight to Faraglioni." Sabi ni Sarah sa lalaking crew.

"That's great maam, since the M/Y is waiting just outside the rocks." I heard the crew answered in Italian to Sarah. Kaya itinuon ko nalang ang attention ko sa Marina since hindi ko naman sila maintindihan.

"Good thing, we will just passed by the archway and we will take some photos then that's it. Anyway can we still make it on time?" I also heard Sarah answered in Italian.

Hay bahala nga kayo!

The crewed smiled as if he's very sure of what he is about to say. "Of course ma'am. You'll be amazed how fast it can go later."

Sarah returned her attention at me after nilang magusap. Nadatnan naman niya akong nakataas ang kilay at naghihintay ng paliwanag.

"Oh! We just talked how long it would take to get there. Don't worry we'll be there in 20 minutes. Settle your first na po kasi this thing is such a beast in the water." Tinulungan niya naman ako agad para makapwesto ng maayos.

Excited na akong iexplore ang Capri island. It would be my first time there, at sobrang special pa nito kasi I am with my special someone.

Habang busy akong nakatingin sa paligid, hindi na nga nagtagal at nasisilayan ko na ang isang isla. It must be Capri Island! Just Wow! I have no words for it. Sobrang ganda niya talaga, may nakikita nga akong nagclicliff diving at ang lakas ng alon na humahampas sa mga bato. Sobrang tapang naman ng mga taong to.

After a minute or so, biglang bumagal ang takbo ng boat kaya napalingon ako kay Sarah with matching nangungusap na mata if andito na ba kami.

"Tanchellie, Dyosa ng Kagandahan, Welcome to Faraglioni Island, it is also known as the 1st tunnel of love. You see, there's an archway below it and we'll pass by it and we can take photos."

I am at a loss for words, it's amazing and I am beyond grateful to visit this wonderful creation of God. Just Amazing!

"Ma'am, you should know that kissing your beloved under the archway as we pass through would bring good luck and eternal time together." Nakakagulantang sabi ng crew.

Bigla akong napalingon kay Sarah na medyo nahiya naman sa sinabi ng crew. Ghad Tanch!

"Is that so?" Nahihiya kong sagot sa kanya.

"Come on, let's take a picture together. And caption it with "From Capri with love." Dali na Tanch." Panunuksong sabi sakin ni Sarah.

"Teka lang kasi noh, aaura ako wag kang magalala." Nakangiti kong sagot sa kanya.

So we took a lot of pictures together, may solo photoshoot rin na naganap. Ayaw patalo ni ate mo gurl na sobrang sexy sa suot niyang white blouse with rolled up sleeves and short khakis shorts buckled with boho leather belt and paired with a summer cowboy hat. Hay nalang! Kay gandang dilag naman nito!

After namin magtake ng photo, we passed by the archway na, at tumigil ulit kami para magpicture. We asked the crew para kunan kami ng pictures. We were sitting together at the bow while staring at each other. I love this person so much and I know she feels the same way too. This is the real paradise, her eyes are all that reason why this is a beautiful life. It felt the same sa kung anong naramdaman ko sa kanya when we first met. Our eyes locked, our hearts filled with love, our smiles drew happiness; never really wanting to let go, right here then we managed to forge our own eternity. Just as when I was about to let go, I felt her lips brushed against mine. "I want to spend eternity with you." I told her.

She only managed to smile at me as we passed the archway. We bid our goodbye to the tunnel of love but our love...

"Our love will stay." she finished for me.

"Sarah Garcia oh, sobrang sweet." kinikilig kong sabi sa kanya.

"Sige asarin mo pa ako Tanchellie, papaulanan kitang halik jan."

"They're here ma'am!" agaw attention ng crew samin.

Laking gulat ko nalang when a stunning luxury yacht was waiting right beside us.

"Come on, now love. We are late." Sabi ni Sarah habang tinulungan ako. Sa sobrang pagkabigla ko ay hinayaan ko lang siya sa ginagawa niya na di ko na malayang nakalipat na pala kami dito sa marangyang yati and now standing toe to toe dito sa deck.

M/Y Finally in Love and there's an arabic equivalent of the name to it.

Magtutuos tayo Sarah Garcia! Sigaw ko sa sarili ko.

I wiped a tear as I faced her. "This is too much".