In 55 years, this is the first time that nanay took interest in attending her elementary school alumni homecoming. I was excited to go too as it is also my first time to see Bagtason in 30 years. The last time I had a glimpse of the place was when we saw lolo Pidong off to his final resting place.
Day 1:
Our timetable was full, we opted to alight at Ilaures where we can get transport to Bagtason directly. It was 4-ish when the blue bus (KJAD Tours) dropped us at the stop and traffic was slow so we paid for a full trip that cost Php 120. It was steep according to my cousin but no matter as I was able to ask the driver to stop so I can take in the breathtaking sight and capture it with my phone.
A two-lane paved road traverses along the riverbank. It was as long as the eyes can reach. The river is flanked by majestic mountain ranges that loomed like sleeping giants against the waning daylight. I kept my excitement at bay as I wasn't still sure how to make hiking even possible with all the festivities.
The house was manned by my rather drunk cousin when we arrived as the olds had a windfall and went out to buy some tobacco. Mother hurried off to her friend's house to answer the call of nature while I went in the 'hinabol' shop. Unfortunately, there was very little items to choose from as everyone got busy with the preparations for the fiesta, the women weren't able to remit their finished projects. Well, at least now I have an idea on how much to prepare if I wanted to buy some.
Patadyong with flowers - Php 2,000.00
Patadyong - 750.00
Cloth, 1 meter long - 200.00
Shawl - 350.00
Hankies - 70.00
Coin Purse - 20.00
***
I went out of the shop when I spied my aunts pass by on their way back home. There was a lot of hugging and kissing. I have lost count the number of hand-kissing I got from nieces, nephews and grandchildren who elected to visit that day, most of whom came from nanay Purin's side of the family. Boy, I have never felt that old in my lifetime.
Dinner was a loud affair. Single-handedly, Bongbong cooked KBL, chicken adobo, and another dish in really big batches. Manong Seller dominated the talk which was rally hilarious until such time when he has repeated his stories five times already.
Slowly I made my way inside our appointed room, which only window opens towards the plaza. The program was about to begin and the music from the humongous sound system reverberated making sleep impossible. I was left with no choice but to witness the rather novel affair.
The local elementary school took charge of the program which purpose is to raise funds for the school needs. Each table was sold for Php 1,700 and it came with a broiled chicken and a case of beverage. There were five muses from different groups representing DSWD, Sanggunian and the other three I forgot. Whoever raised the most money wins the crown. The amounts I heard were staggering and it amazed me at how generous these people are.
Finally, exhaustion took over and I drifted off to a dreamless sleep. I woke up at dawn to the sound system still providing music to merry-makers who bested the twelve dancing princesses where dancing is concerned.
Day 1:
Our timetable was full, we opted to alight at Ilaures where we can get transport to Bagtason directly. It was 4-ish when the blue bus (KJAD Tours) dropped us at the stop and traffic was slow so we paid for a full trip that cost Php 120. It was steep according to my cousin but no matter as I was able to ask the driver to stop so I can take in the breathtaking sight and capture it with my phone.
A two-lane paved road traverses along the riverbank. It was as long as the eyes can reach. The river is flanked by majestic mountain ranges that loomed like sleeping giants against the waning daylight. I kept my excitement at bay as I wasn't still sure how to make hiking even possible with all the festivities.
The house was manned by my rather drunk cousin when we arrived as the olds had a windfall and went out to buy some tobacco. Mother hurried off to her friend's house to answer the call of nature while I went in the 'hinabol' shop. Unfortunately, there was very little items to choose from as everyone got busy with the preparations for the fiesta, the women weren't able to remit their finished projects. Well, at least now I have an idea on how much to prepare if I wanted to buy some.
Patadyong with flowers - Php 2,000.00
Patadyong - 750.00
Cloth, 1 meter long - 200.00
Shawl - 350.00
Hankies - 70.00
Coin Purse - 20.00
***
I went out of the shop when I spied my aunts pass by on their way back home. There was a lot of hugging and kissing. I have lost count the number of hand-kissing I got from nieces, nephews and grandchildren who elected to visit that day, most of whom came from nanay Purin's side of the family. Boy, I have never felt that old in my lifetime.
Dinner was a loud affair. Single-handedly, Bongbong cooked KBL, chicken adobo, and another dish in really big batches. Manong Seller dominated the talk which was rally hilarious until such time when he has repeated his stories five times already.
aunts and cousins
Slowly I made my way inside our appointed room, which only window opens towards the plaza. The program was about to begin and the music from the humongous sound system reverberated making sleep impossible. I was left with no choice but to witness the rather novel affair.
The local elementary school took charge of the program which purpose is to raise funds for the school needs. Each table was sold for Php 1,700 and it came with a broiled chicken and a case of beverage. There were five muses from different groups representing DSWD, Sanggunian and the other three I forgot. Whoever raised the most money wins the crown. The amounts I heard were staggering and it amazed me at how generous these people are.
Finally, exhaustion took over and I drifted off to a dreamless sleep. I woke up at dawn to the sound system still providing music to merry-makers who bested the twelve dancing princesses where dancing is concerned.
No comments:
Post a Comment