1. Boracay, a small island in aklan Manila.
2. Rizal park, in roxas bolevard Manila.
3. Ocean Park Manila.
"Why are these the only places you want to go to, Mara? Aren't there so many tourist spots in Manila?" says Kiray, Mara's close friend who has just read the list of places she would like to visit when she arrives in Manila.
"Don't worry, it's the least I know. If I had money, I'd be a traveler there, would you believe, Kiray?"
Kiray nods in agreement, "and the biggest place you want to go is?"
"The Singapore Flyer!" both exclaimed in unison, raising high hands and hugging, sticking their cheeks and smiling with their eyes closed.
"I'll miss you, Mara. come home soon. If you can bring a husband." Kiray teased after that took off her embrace.
Mara squinted at Kiray's words, agreeing with the girl's suggestion, "I will not marry until I am twenty-five!" she reasoned.
"Why do you keep waiting for twenty-five, you're not sure you're alive until it comes up."
Mara just hit Kiray's top, "come on! I will continue to live even when the meteors fall back to earth, and I will marry men who can take me to those places of dreams!"
Yes, they live in a village called Cabanatuan City, right in Nueva Ejica. So there will be no such places as Mara hoped for in Manila, tomorrow she will go there and begin her dream of coming to these tourist sights. Little hope for a twenty-three-year-old girl who wants to be free and live her own life in the heart of the Philippines.
***