Tarlac City, Central Luzon
Tuesday — 9:00 AM
The morning sun had barely risen when convoys of black SUVs and service vehicles began arriving at a cleared, leveled field just outside Tarlac City. Rows of white tents had been set up overnight, flanked by security personnel and camera crews from every major news outlet in the country. Banners bearing the emblem of the Aurora Line fluttered in the breeze, their simple, elegant design—a rising sun over a track—already becoming a symbol of hope.
Matthew Borja stepped out of the lead SUV dressed in a sharp, tailored charcoal suit, his coat left unbuttoned in deference to the sweltering heat. As he adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, Angel approached from the tent's interior, tablet in hand and sunglasses shielding her eyes.
"They're ready for you," she said with a small, approving nod. "Media's in position. JR East's delegation just arrived. And yes—your shovel is polished and waiting."
