The Farmer in me…

Long before I went to the city, I was this hardworking and dedicated farmer’s son. Like my father, I myself have known the hard ways. From tilling the soil, collecting golden snail in the field and planting crops were few of those I used to do back then. Early in the morning during weekends, I and my siblings play an equal share of chores in the farm. Some feed the chickens, some water the plants and the others, spend time uprooting the weeds. Things were simple then and at times customary that I complain how boring it was to be living an agricultural life. But far beyond my expectation, this kind of life which before, I find tedious became unexpectedly yearned about.

My parents who are both graduate of Agriculture, tried with all might to persuade me to take same course as them. With the experiences of day-to-day activity on the farm, perhaps gave them the idea that maybe, I’m going to like it. Yes, I could have an easy grasp of things if I would take that course in college because I have had a background even when I was in High school. I took this as my major subject occupying two hours of my schedule in which we spend one hour in the field and one hour in the classroom. Hands-on experience is what I call it; with your bare hands you need to touch the soil, mix it with chicken dang and you get a fertilizer in an instant. And also add to your list the skill of growing pigs and broiler chicks and other little creature that can be useful in the farm. Well, you need to be an I-can-do-it-all kind of person so you can withstand those sorts of hard stuff in Agricultural arts.

While trying to contemplate on why I haven’t agreed to what my parents wanted me to take up, I sort of blame myself on how I gained this independent silly head. I could have enjoyed more, if only I have listened to them. Perhaps, you my readers can guess on how I utterly miss doing all these things. The innate farmer in me is longing to come out.

Just recently, my father sent us a sack of newly milled rice. It’s harvest time in our province and I almost forgot. During this time of year people there is busy taking business in the farm. Well, I miss it.

That fleeting Moment…

There seems to be an upsurge of tranquility in my surrounding today. Only the rustling of leaves and the sound of melodious music on the radio fills the air. It’s not often that I would wake up in the morning having this kind of refreshing feeling. Perhaps a cup of coffee would match the beauty of the day so I let myself be enamored by its creamy goodness while staring at a perfect morning setting. I can feel a renewed inspiration and it seems to be the perfect time to reminisce about those honeyed bits of memories that come to pass.

The sun goes up and still I’m mired staring at it letting some good old flashbacks to spring in my thoughts. The picture of a glittery summer came forth and started registering in my mind. It has been so long since I have enjoyed this phase of time when everything seems to be so agile, spirited and unruffled-that was when I’m still a kid.

Now summer is here and it won’t stay for long, however, there are certain things I need to get done before its wrapping up stage. I wanted to feel like a child once again and relive the blithe moments of the past.

Having this kind of puerile feeling is the best of what I can remember as far as memory can lure me. This is when I still can goof-off on the streets with my playmates. This is when I still can play hide and seek at night and this is when everything is not so serious.

Time is fleeting and so the moments enclosed with it. We can’t have endless summer but we can yearn for it to come back and if it did we can promise to make the best out of it. If of age we seem not to fit anymore, still we can stretch ourselves and feel young and by this we can freeze the hands of time.

The sun is still up and its heat brought me back from my waking memory. What a nice day to remind me of the things I miss.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Freezing in the sun…

The Bato Springs Summer Escapade…

The itch of going somewhere cold this summer is thriving in me. Perhaps it’s the humid ambiance that caused me to feel this way. My body needs a plunge, may it be on the sea or in the river. Any of the two would surely satisfy my cravings.

 The persistent itch continues to hover in my body until my work friends came to entice me for a summer escapade. Their invitation is too perfect and very timely for a man who’s thirsting for a refreshing out of the town trip.

 Came Tuesday morning, the waiting and preparing is finally over. We’re heading at Bato springs in San Pablo Laguna, a two-hour drive from our location. We rented a Jeepney so we can save time and transportation costs since each of us were in a tight budget.

 

 Upon our arrival, we are greeted by the harmonized scent of nature. The aromatic river breeze, the sweet smell of leaves and the fragrance brought by the newly mowed grass is giving the place a vibrant summer feel. Although  Bato spring is a man-made resort still it feels natural because of the fresh water running down from the ever idyllic Mt. Banahaw.

 

 As we ambled through the amazing landscape of Bato springs, we were astounded on how it resembles into a small rural setting wherein native chickens carefree settling anywhere and cows grazing abundantly on the other side. There are also few fruit stalls that sell fruits freshly picked from the garden that gives the environment a seemingly primitive effect.

 

Familiar with that oh-my-God feeling when you get soaked with ice cold water? Same feeling you’ll get when you plunge at the river pool and bathe with the man-made falls in Bato springs. Its freezing cool water ignites a tedious vein and brings a life to a dull spirit.

 

 

Rushing off into far off places does not entail big budget. It’s on the matter of strategy and good planning. We had a pretty nice choice of place, somewhat refreshing and cost efficient.  Truly, this trip has quenched our hearts deepest thirsting!

Hooray Summer…

The anticipation was over and at long last summer has started flaunting its glory. The scorching heat is now evident and its rhythm can now be felt. Summer in the Philippines has officially begun, this is the season much celebrated and most awaited not only by the locals but also by the foreign people who visits the country. This is the time for relaxation and festivities where in vibrant and colorful parties shake your pulse. As this phase of time unfolds let me welcome it by saying HOORAY Summer!

Excited to be in the scene, I goaded my girlfriend for a leisurely visit at a park. We chose a place where in we can have a free and unlimited view of the sun. We huddled on the grass, laid our prepared snacks and began our picnic. The sun was smiling, constantly giving warmth and the soothing wind seemed to blow perfectly.

What a nice day it has been, too perfect for a summer start!

 

Going against the current

Marbog,Panganiban Catanduanes.

I am happy to see visible improvements in my hometown but I am even more gratified to see that my adored places are still the same. Perhaps in the coming years industrialization would soon emerge but I hope it wouldn’t affect the way of our nature. I still want to witness the green of the fields and the blue of the oceans. I want things to remain that way no matter how fast we press forward to progress.

walking against the stream..

Marbog River…

 I hope that rivers won’t run dry and may it remain cool and fresh as time goes by. Though change is inevitable I still like to go against the current and try swimming against the stream. Many for sure would hunger for advancement in life but if it entails losing those idyllic gift natures can offer I’d rather hold on and make things stay the same.

There’s no Place like home

Today I’m having a restful morning as I keenly watch the peaceful environment which for so long I have been itching for. I have this usual yearning to savor this kind of beautiful feeling, the feeling of familiarity and being at home. Once a year I ensure myself to go for a break so I could have the chance to freshen up and cleanse my thoughts from the clutter I used to face in my job.

Going home every Christmas has been my therapy and it has been a way too effective for me. There are so many things I can do while I’m at home, things that can bring me comfort and even happiness. I can’t help myself but agree to what the old adage has to say. Truly there’s no place like home.

Tarahid Creek, San Pedro Panganiban,Catanduanes.

The scenic and the unadulterated background of my hometown is the very thing that I would surely miss if I go back to the city. Its virginal beauty that displays a pastoral environment and its people’s blithe and untroubled way of living is somehow magnificent and irresistible to crave for.

into the wild…

Marbog Panganiban,Catanduanes

A man with his push-net trudging on the street.

Untroubled faces of Panganibanons…

Where in the world you can find such a laid-back place wherein you can enjoy things without pressure? It’s for sure in your own dwelling, a place where your heart is. For me I found that in my hometown which I consider my haven, my paradise and my source of peace.

A Christmas to Remember

My mom lit the dimly room and the light from the candle shone through the four corners of the house. It was a quiet December evening with winds sweeping on our window curtains. The moon outside was at its brightest and the shadows of dancing trees were so alive. I’d thrown a gaze towards my mom as she sat near the window, humming a Christmas song and thoughts about Christmas suddenly loomed in my mind. Only few days to go and soon it will be Christmas day and yet I can hardly feel it as if it’s not coming.

Photo grabbed from the net

There was no air of Christmas joy in our house and so with our neighborhood. Blame it on the typhoon that ravaged our province, causing every power lines to shutdown. The earth was void during night and if without the moon for sure it was all gloomy outside. My town folks seemed to have neglected this occasion with no preparation at all. Everyone was busy minding their own business to cope with that unwanted phenomena.

“Would there be really a Merry Christmas? That was the thought that hovered in my seven-year old brain. For a kid same with my age, the beauty of Christmas depends on the lighting of Christmas tree, Christmas decor in every house, Christmas songs on the radio and gifts of every kind. But in the absence of it Christmas is spiritless in the eyes of children.

I sat beside my mom as we were both watching the night until a question was raised by my young inquisitive mind. “Why does typhoon often pass by at the end of the year? Why would God allow it if it can make a lot of people sad especially on Christmas?

My mom drew a smile on her face and scratched my head. “It has to do with our Island’s geography, that’s why.” She muttered.” And who says Christmas wouldn’t be happy? We’ll make it happy and you’ll see.” She reasoned further.

As far as I could remember Catanduanes Island is often visited by typhoon during November and its overburdening effect lasts up to the next year. I couldn’t agree more to what my father has perceived that our province was really a typhoon capital of our country.

The evening of Christmas Eve came. Still there was the silence and the bone chilling breeze that stayed to surround us. The usual spaghetti, fruit salad and Leche Flan we habitually see on our table during Christmas were never there. My mom on the other side busied herself on her homemade doughnut as an alternative for the grand repast. My father was preparing the bamboo cannon outside as he pulled some sticks to create a bonfire. My siblings and my neighbor’s kids slowly huddled down with us witnessing the first blast of my Father’s cannon.

Photo grabbed from the web

The bamboo cannon created a huge thud awakening our town. It seemed to be a great replacement for firecrackers. Cheers and loud laughter ignited the night. Little by little the presence of Christmas air started to be felt. The church bell rang and everybody was on the street chatting, cheering and singing.

My family gathered altogether, brought the food outside, prayed and later eat. It was a simple celebration a plain but happy one. In the absence of bounty and in the midst of misfortune still there’s joy and to experience it one must try to believe it.

The night was filled with delight and truly my mom was right. God wouldn’t allow Christmas to be sad especially for us kids.

The bed was already prepared and it’s time to sleep. “It was a Christmas worth remembering” I said to myself. I then curled up on my bed and fell asleep.