Paradise Island

The young people are traveling far away and they were aboard a cabin cruiser driven by a millennial named Mang Berto they are on their way to Pangasinan and will take them another day before they even reach the far side of the island called Paradise Island to conduct a documentary video on tourism in the Philippines on their subject Philippine History and Geography.

The group of friends composed of Diannelyn B. Tiama, her half-brother Jonathan Bustos as well as Alejandro O. Sales, and transfer student Marielle P. Jalla got together for the first time while they were joined by students in the other section: Jhun Mark R. Malabunga, Marvin Ocado (Diane's ex-boyfriend) and her date Myka May Maravilla.

It is still quite an awkward situation, on the one hand, every moment that Marvin and Dianne meet is disgusting. Especially now that her ex-boyfriend is with another woman on their long trip. Although Dianne is still in the healing process, she has just endured the constant avoidance of why she can somehow cope with a little emotional pain. Dianne is still in love with him. She needs to let go of the feeling and move on.

"Mang Berto, how long is our trip?" Alejandro asked as he stared out at the depths of the sea.

"The place is still a bit far and it will take us another day before we reach that Paradise Island according to this map." Mang Berto replied while looking closely at the map but despite this, he felt a bit heavy as if his chest hurt.

" Are you okay, Mang Berto? You seem to be feeling bad, how can I let you rest? " Alejandro's advice was worried as he looked closely at Mang Berto's situation.

"Mang Berto, isn't drinking lambanog bad with you?" Marvin said as he approached the two men.

Mang Berto drank almost three glasses of lambanog yesterday before they traveled he stumbled into a corner where his former friends called him. He also drank a lot but that was the only thing that could have caused his illness, whatever they ate and drank on the cabin cruiser had no effect.

"It doesn't exist, it may just be caused by the extreme heat of the weather. I will feel better too. " He comforted the two young men as he turned the steering wheel of the car.

"Well !!!! drink up, gentlemen ...... May suddenly appeared in front of them holding a goblet with only alcohol. Her shapely body was obvious while wearing a backless bikini and torn shorts. Her porcelain skin was even more pronounced by the color of her clothes.

"Whoa !!!! what are you drinking? Alejandro asked, obviously surprised by May's sudden appearance.

"Hey ! There's nothing wrong with that, we're not young anymore so we can't drink. Besides, boring !! let us break the silence. Come on !!! Drink up !!! " he continued to give the wine but Alejandro looked enticed so he drank the wine straight from the cup.

" Go. Good boy. So come on guys.... Come here to the cabin. Manong Berto excuse me huh," May waved her hand to show they need to leave.

" Alright! Alright, kids. And tomorrow we will reach the island. " Mang Berto said.

By that time May had already lured the two young men to the lower part of the cabin where the other party mates were located.

There is a bedroom in the lower cabin, especially the two separate bedrooms for women and men and also the room for the living room. Better spacing for a small party session.

The cabin cruise is owned by the father of Jonathan and Dianne and Mang Berto is just one of their parents' trusted staff so the young people are entrusted with his care.

The room was filled with loud sounds, scattered junk foods, crackers, and biscuits, and three large bottles of gin were exposed throughout the living room. Young men danced with May while Dianne and Marielle sat on one side and chatted with joy while sipping the bottled wine.

" Oh girls come and join us, it looks like May is the only one who enjoys you." Jhun Mark cheers while enjoying eating chips while dancing at the table.

Jhun Mark and his nickname were JM is an easy-go-lucky and party-goer and he is also one of the top students of the other section, although he is not like others who are very hard and diligent in their studies, he is still focused. in his education even though his learning strategy and technique are still effortless and seemingly mysterious.

"No thanks !! were fine !!!" Dianne replied.

"By the way, how are you here in the Philippines Marielle? Tell something about yourself "asked Dianne who looked curious about her new classmate.

"Well, my parents started a business here in the Philippines so I ended up here. We are happy and I hope I have many friends at school. " Shy recounting this to Dianne.

Marielle is a Filipino American and it is not easy for her to quickly adapt to nature and culture in the Philippines but she tries to adapt and mingle with her new acquaintances especially at the University she is currently attending.

"I hope you'll be our friend too." Alejandro replied.

Meanwhile, Alejandro is a genius freak and good at operating and handling gadgets made by his eldest brother following the luxury of his parents, all the gadgets that he hated for a few months are given to him, because of being a patient child and even a rich child, he knows how to live and does not choose a friend.

"Yeah for sure. Hehe " Marielle replied softly.

"Why ? Will the three of you just chat there or will you join together?" Jonathan was somewhat annoyed at what he saw the three colleagues doing.

Jonathan, on the other hand, is running for cum laude and like Jhun Mark, he can study, hang out and play at the same time, but as the eldest brother, he has learned to sacrifice for the good of his family and his education.

"We should carry them three for more fun." Naughty idea by Jhun Mark.

Jonathan, Jhun Mark, and Marvin went down to the table and they quickly lifted Alejandro up to the table with both arms because of that, the women continued to laugh. But when they thought that their friends would not do it, they were mistaken, Jonathan and Jhun Mark followed to lift Marielle, the girl blushed a little with embarrassment... she immediately went up to the table but Dianne... .their eyes were right. of Marvin and at that moment he was with May, clasping her arms as if unwilling to let go. At that point, he did not wait for his friends to pick him up but went up to the table alone. She joins Marielle in dancing while she can't take her eyes off Marvin and May.

May grabbed the gin and handed it to Marvin, while the young man shared in the drink and felt a strange taste in the wine he was drinking.

"Did you mix anything here?" Marvin asked May.

"Nothing! It's just a drop of love my dear." It was obviously red with excessive intoxication. But she still didn't beat the flirtation and she tightened her grip on Marvin even more. He's a priceless possession. May twisted her hands in each direction and gently brought her lips close to Marvin's.

"We found love in a hopeless place .......

We found love in a hopeless place (Loud sounds can be heard)

She quickly pulled Marvin away and showered him with a series of kisses on the lips. Loving and worldly.....She seems to be out of circulation but she doesn't care what others who see them say. Marvin didn't refuse even though he was shocked by what May did because of the tight grip on his shoulder he couldn't lie down. Those moments were on fire and Dianne witnessed the even more insulting feeling that Marvin continued to give her.

Dianne was very annoyed but she had no choice but to retaliate. She also danced with Jhun Mark and showed that she had to be happy so she drank a lot of alcohol, flirted with Marielle, Alejandro, kept up with her brother's mocking.

They drank alcohol, danced while they were so drunk that they didn't care what they were doing. It was almost dawn at their party and they didn't realize what time they were asleep, they also forgot. the presence of Mang Berto who is busy re-operating the vehicle but unbeknownst to them the old man is gradually weakening and at any time he can die.

The poison mixed with the alcohol he drank seemed to have taken effect, he had been fighting it for days and it was time to charge. Traces in his form are fading, dizzy, and almost paper on the very pale.

Moments left, Marvin came out of the cabin with his long polo shirt open, his voluptuous chest exposed and bulging muscles while rubbing his eyes and yawning several times. He was still a bit sleepy from the party last night. He stared at Mang Berto as if he was having difficulty standing, but soon he was almost out of balance.

"MANG BERTO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU? " Marvin caught its head as it nearly fell to the floor. He shook the man several times to his surprise Mang Berto gradually closed his eyes as blood came out of his mouth.

"MANG BERTO? GUYS HELP!" She cried out with a slight tightness of voice as if at any moment she could cry.

The crowd heard Marvin scream. They appeared one by one at the location of the engine. They found Mang Berto lying next to Marvin.

"Oh my God... AHHHH" Marielle shouted.

"What happen Marvin ???" Jonathan immediately backed up and was shocked by the incident.

"I don't know! when I arrived, I noticed that he just lost consciousness then all of a sudden, he was no longer breathing. I think he was poisoned by alcohol. " Marvin was stunned as he narrated. Only now has he experienced such a thing. It is even worse than crime.

"Oh my God! Guys the engine didn't work, " Jhun Mark whimpered while controlling the steering wheel while Alejandro was pressing the devices next to the steering wheel. Nothing still worked. He picked up the walkie-talkie and press it but there was no signal on the other line.

"Guys, I think we are trapped. " Jhun Mark's voice trembled.

"What? we are close to the island and it is only a matter of time. I can already see the mountains and the island. " May said while looking through the binoculars at what he could see in the distance.

"Oh my God. Mang Berto!" Dianne was crying as well as Marielle.

"Oh my I can't believe this, " Alejandro came out of the cabin cruiser when someone saw him in the distance and he waved as if asking for help.

"So what are you doing?" Jhun Mark asked but when he noticed a small boat coming he suddenly shouted.

"HELP! HELP!" he waved too.

There are fishermen nearby on a small boat. The sun was shining brightly and it was difficult to catch fish but from a distance, they noticed a cabin cruiser laden with young people waving and asking for help so they hurriedly paddled towards it.

"The engine of our cabin cruiser was damaged so we couldn't get out of here again, our driver died for an unknown reason. Maybe we can ask for help? " Marvin's polite narration to the two fishermen.

"Are you tourists?" one of the fishermen asks.

The young people agreed.

"Can you take us to Paradise Island as well as our dead comrade?" Alejandro ask.

"Oh okay," the fishermen said. He looks kind.

"Thank you " they replied at the same time.

Two fishermen crossed the youths in their boat. They took two passengers each. They went first: Marvin and Alejandro. The island is only about two kilometers away. It is easy to get to all of them.

The corpse was followed by Jhun Mark, followed by: May and Marielle and the last delivered were: Jonathan and Dianne at the same time their equipment.

The boat almost ran aground on the sand at those moments, because the low tide was approaching and the sun was scorching. The resort is also a few minutes away from where the fisherman brought them. Jonathan paid the two fishermen they did not accept the money instead Jonathan thanked them all before saying goodbye.

"It's nice here." Alexander marveled at the charm of the island. The sands shone with super whiteness that was mistaken for grains of salts. The sea is blue, very clear you can almost see clams and starfish on the sharp and gigantic rocks and also small fish hiding in the depths.

"This is like we are in a paradise...." Jhun Mark smiled as he rolled his eyes. He cannot believe the mystery of the beauty caused by the island.

"Have you already gone to paradise? Hehe," Jonathan asked while the body of Mang Berto's assistant Alejandro was removed.

"I thought you were going to hell," Marvin replied.

"SHUT UP." from that moment Jhun Mark punched Marvin on the head and burst out laughing.

"It's so hot. I'm so thirsty right now," May complained while lifting her bag and wearing the expensive shade.

They all continued to walk and their soles were almost white even though they were all wearing slippers. But May still could not be stopped from speaking.

"If Mang Berto wasn't stupid and we felt sorry for his death, we wouldn't be like this. How far is that naughty island? " Her words are beyond the limit, although some are true, they still shouldn't come from a woman like him.

At that point, Jonathan's head heated up completely.

"Damn !! You even brought a feeble-minded woman." Jonathan whispered to himself but Marvin didn't miss it. He heard it clearly and said it completely.

"What did you say, man?" he asked Jonathan.

"Nothing!"

"I heard you." Marvin stopped walking and rushed at Jonathan.

"Nothing. I said: YOU STILL HAVE A FEEBLE-MINDED DATE. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE THE WOMAN YOU WANT TO BRING HUH? " Jonathan's mouth was already burning with anger and his eyes were almost narrowed at the stare at Marvin.

"Next time Marvin, choose the woman you will proudly present to your friends and make my sister proud of your decision. Do not pick a cheap and feeble-minded woman. Please tell me you don't have a bad taste in women. "

"What did you say?" Marvin grabbed Jonathan's polo collar and was about to punch it in the face.

Jonathan let go of the corpse and Alejandro almost lay down on the sand.

"Whoa, stop it guys. " Jhun Mark grabbed Marvin's waistband and pulled him away from Jonathan for a moment even though the young man was struggling with his grip. Afterward, the two men are still silent and keep staring at each other. But Dianne had already intervened, she stopped in front of Jonathan.

"Brother, Marvin is right. Please let's not fight anymore." She spoke harshly to show the weaning of the two of them.

Marvin is taller than Jonathan. His physique is muscular so he was immediately included in the university baseball team, his appearance does not deviate from the brown Filipino worries mixed with far-Indonesian. Marvin is not talkative and he is also a leader in his blood but since he and Dianne separated, it seems as if everything has changed, he has become hot-headed and sad. Jonathan, on the other hand, is in the form of a typical Filipino, white but his skin color is only moderate compared to the mestizos. so he is a member of the swimming team at the same university they attend.

"Right, silence your judgmental brother. " May's mouth was full of recklessness.

Dianne turned to May and spoke.

"If you keep your mouth shut and you just walk. Give some good treatment to other people, and have respect for Mang Berto's corpse. He is not the one to be blamed for the accident, he just did his job. "

At that point they were silent for a moment, Jonathan lifted the corpse again Alejandro without even looking at Marvin. May also started walking again, ignoring the litany of Dianne's words, she just seemed to be talking to the air and she felt that what she was saying was meaningless, this is Marvin's ex-girlfriend and she will be his partner. Dianne was drawn to the young man's attention even though they no longer have a relationship.

Until now Marvin still does not enter into a serious relationship, he remains single even though he and May have dated and the girl feels that there is still love left for Dianne. Something she really can't accept, she loves Marvin so much and she will do everything for him to win his heart whatever it takes.

The sun was so hot, everyone was feeling thirsty and hungry as they walked along the sand toward the resort. The men's polo shirts and shirts were soaking wet, Marvin and Jhun Mark couldn't stand the extreme heat and sweat running down their bodies, they took off their polo shirts.

Suddenly, the mouths of Dianne and May closed as the two young men looked up. They bit their lips when they looked at what was in front of them. Body, heaven. They can still clearly see how the granular sweat flows from the senses down to the seemingly molded abs that any woman can handle will darken their eyesight.

Jonathan's eyes twinkled.

"Guys I saw the front area of the resort. Look over there. " Jonathan said while Dianne and May's thoughts returned to sanity. They all saw the front of the resort with a sign in front: PARADISE ISLAND: WHERE YOUR PERFECT AND DESIREABLE DREAMS COME TRUE.

"WOW HUH," Jhun Mark was amazed as he removed the shades from his eyes.

The resort is beautiful. There is a big summer vacation house were some huts on its side, etc. Cottages with different designs, there are also tree houses the guests can rest under tall trees.

"Welcome to our Paradise Island Resort and Hotel." A baritone voice appeared in front of them. They were shocked for a moment when a man appeared wearing a white shirt and a fancy hat full of jewelry on his body. Look like big time. No wonder he could be the owner of this resort.

"By the way, I am Aldren Maximo Asuncion, I am the owner of this resort but, you can call me Mr. A. " He approached Jonathan first, to which the young man responded kindly. He shook hands as well as colleagues.

"We are college students at the University of the Philippines... and we are here to make a documentary video about Pangasinan tourism. We thought the Paradise Island Resort can give us a lot of details... in fact, it has also been reported on TV and other international features. It reigns the popularity... sir ....... Jonathan's clever statement, he is good at sales talk, he can turn anyone around with his flowery speeches.

"Yes, of course, you can. So you stay here right? "

"Yes sir, but we have a problem. " Jonathan and Alejandro showed Mang Berto's body.

"Oh no, corpse? "Mr. Aldren's eyes widened when he saw the corpse.

A long story, but Jonathan tried to explain to the resort owner what happened in the shortcut version he could and how they got to Pangasinan. At first, Mr. Asuncion struggled with how to believe what Jonathan said. After a while, he only helped to reorganize the cabin cruiser and give a proper funeral to their companion with the help of his many stewards at the resort.

They took the body to a private cemetery and buried it in a remote area. Because of power and influence, the owner could easily make its small tomb. After that, they returned to the resort.

"Sir, can I use a phone? Our cellphones are low and there is no signal. We just need to contact our parents regarding the cabin cruiser, Mang Berto, and my brother and I's whereabouts. " Jonathan's generous statement.

"Oh sure... Go ahead." Mr. Asuncion said.

"Thank you, Mr. A. "

"Welcome!"

The telephone was in the front area near the guests 'receiving area and there the two brothers called.

"Ringggggggggggggggggg !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Hello, Ma..Pa... .this is Jonathan... .yeah !!!!! we're here in Pangasinan right now on Paradise Island... .yeah we're safe !!! I'm with Dianne now... ..yeah... .yeah ...... their parents seem to have a lot of questions on the other line.

"Ma... Pa... Mang Berto is dead... .we don't know why but he spit blood and he coughs hard, hardly breathing for a few days... we think he was poisoned by what he drank before we could travel... yeah !! We manage a grave for him in the nearby cemetery... Ma... .Pa... I'm so sorry, the cabin cruiser is broken... its engine is broken but don't worry the Resort Manager will help us to fix it... Don't worry Ma... Pa... I'll take care of my little sister... .do you want to talk to her? " Jonathan handed the phone to Dianne and there he walked a little in the direction of the brother to talk privately with the parents.

Their conversation lasted a few more moments. After that Sir Aldren called his stewards to provide them with proper guest rooms.

"Manang Estella, her niece Rigor as well as Manang Erlinda and Manong Carding will take care of your rooms and your food and drinks here at the resort. Have fun for your few days to stay here. " Mr. A happily said.

"Thank you." At the same time, the young people are grateful.

They followed the two resort stewards.

Manang Estella pointed out a large Guest Room for the ladies.

"Oh No! I have a date with me." May said while holding Marvin's arms tightly.

"Ah, the young lady is that so? are you in love? Oh, go ahead there is another room across. You are just there. " The old maid said.

Dianne and Marielle entered the room. The room was very spacious just for the two of them and they covered a long and large bed with a lampshade on the side and had a large wall tv and aircon as well as two cozy windows.

"Dianne I'll go out first, I need to call my dad." The language is Marielle.

"Okay." Dianne's response.

Manang Estrella left Marvin and May outside a room.

"Are you out of your mind? Why did you do that?" Marvin's voice was high and his forehead was almost furrowed.

May rolled her eyes. "You're my date ok? What's wrong with you if we share a room? "

"Oh he's fine, but downstairs I'll sleep, in bed you sleep."

"Ah what?" May was surprised.

"Yes, I will request beddings."

"Don't argue if you don't want to leave you in this room." Marvin sighed as they let their luggage into the room.

May frowned and nodded as she helped Marvin enter their luggage.

The space in different rooms is a bit smaller compared to the women's room. There is also Aircon, a wall tv but not that big but they have large windows and one bed. They can still put beddings on the floor.

"You are so comfortable right now huh, you look like a king. "

Jhun Mark was already lying on the big master bed at that time. He could feel the soft mattress and pillows while Alejandro opened the laptop. Jonathan punched Jhun Mark in the face with the remote control.

"Yes, you are fine, Alejandro doesn't even help us carry luggage. Señorito JM."

"Ouch huh, I know you can handle that. Oh come on, I just give you a drink tonight. "

"That's Alright. Wait, where is Marvin?" Jonathan asked.

"Look at you dude, you almost wrestled before and now you are looking for him." Jhun Mark said while pressing his cellphone.

"You know, I feel sorry for him. I was shocked earlier, because of the art of his date. What is that huh? "

"There is no signal here. Anyway, Jonathan....Marvin just dated May and his cousin left him just to join the group presentation of the documentary video. He is not Marvin's type but he is a burden to that woman no matter what happens to him here on the island. " Jhun Mark said.

Jonathan was silent for a moment as if he realized what Jhun Mark had said. He has become more guilty of his actions lately. That is how he wants to apologize to his friend.

Jonathan has been protective of Dianne since she and Marvin broke up. His brother knew that Diane was very hurt by what Marvin did to her. Though the young man was his best friend, he was also very hurt by his sister's feelings, especially now that she is possibly jealous of another woman like May.

"May was probably with Marvin in the same room. I've heard them before but I'm sure nothing bad will happen and Marvin won't do anything wrong. Trust me. " Alejandro replied while busy typing on his laptop.

"Hmpttt," Jhun Mark and Jonathan were just watching basketball while lying in bed.

It will be past seven in the evening and the roar of music can be heard in the distance.

TSUG! TSUG! TSUG!

"What's that?" Marielle asked Dianne.

"I think there's a party downstairs," Dianne replied.