seemingly quiet…
En route to a popular coastal destination…
I could not help but stop driving to take a snapshot of this idyllic scenery….or so it seemed.
I thought I was lucky to have captured this moment only to realize that I am one of the many drivers on this road who broke the aura of tranquility this vista exudes.
I sit and eat and
through the glass wall
I watch and see
all creatures, you and me.
Cheerful ones sprint
jump and run
Mothers and infants
twinned by prams
Slow and fast-paced,
some swift and rushed
All of them today
Apace on their way
Each with a purpose
come what may
Those steps and gaits
intent on a final end
All creatures, you and me
I watch and see.
through the glass wall
I sit and eat.
Inspired by observing people one fine day.
A quiet stream
The weather may be muggy today, but it’s tempting not to stay indoors. So I decided to drive around and take photos of the town where I’ve lived for the last 13 years. Then I met Kevi and Santa. Here is the other story.
I took a stroll into the woods and stopped by a quiet stream to cool down. A dog was already there doing the same. Its kind lady owner allowed me to take a photograph of her dog having fun.
As I took the shot, my attention got diverted onto a couple at the shallow end of the stream. Their backs were turned to me and both were busy getting something from among the overgrown bushes in the water. This scene felt familiar. It took me back to a river in a town where I grew up. What I needed to do now was to verify a wild guess!
The woman noticed me and signaled that I follow a narrow path leading to where she was standing.
Whoah! I was right! The couple was gathering fresh and (oh, well, call it organic) watercress! I knew it!
Watercress is called tungsoy in my Ilocano dialect.
Here’s a flashback to my neighbourhood in La Trinidad, Benguet Philippines. Many residents plant watercress in a river for free! Then it was sold fresh and in bundles. By the way, for those who grew up in the same neighbourhood, they would know exactly what river I was referring to.
Back to the present: Where I currently live, watercress is packed and sold for making vegetable salads. Some people are not aware that it can either be sauteed or steamed.
The couple from Nepal spoke broken English but I was able to get their names; Kevi and Santa. They generously gave me a bagful of freshly picked watercress! From a stream where you’d never expect was teeming with such nutritious green.
Not unless you have the slightest idea, then you’d never know.
Thank you, Kevi and Santa. Watercress happened to be one of my favourites. I hope we’ll meet again.
Here is the first story in one day.
Where? Pls follow the sign
It’s the dry season in this tropical part of the world. At this time, monsoon rains are raging somewhere. Schools (except some universities) are on holiday, too. What could be a more ideal time to hold a family reunion than now. Therefore, you’ll find that in the Cordillera Region of the Philippines, a lot of Igorot clans organise such an important event during the months of April and May.
there is more to this than meets the eye
It should be a massive gathering for this Kankanaey clan that I proudly belong to. I am grateful to those who have painstakingly put this family tree together, which I’m sure took some years of research. I am now aware of my definite place within six sub-clans.
The sixth family reunion was held just a few days ago where it all started: Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet in the Philippines. I am emotional as I write this because I wasn’t there. The one and only clan reunion I have ever been to was the fifth. It was a year ago when I flew halfway ’round the globe and took a grueling 10-hour road trip just to be there. I may have been half-asleep but immensely glad and proud that I made it.
Hometown Fortress, Dakiwagan mountain
Surrounded by the Hometown Fortress, my family danced, ate, chatted and took photos together. Just like last year but with more memories to look back to.
2017
I have no excuses for not being a regular attendee to my family reunions. But like many other traditions, it should not be allowed to die out. The sad fact though is that a lot of us either live far away or lead busy working lives in the city. So a big kudos to those who make it and try to keep the tradition afloat.
2016
My family is important to me. Blood is the tie that that binds us. Reunions make the tie unbreakable.
the front entrance
The building has seen better days but I now consider it a landmark.
This is the first and only Catholic Church that I have known in my hometown of Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet, Philippines. It has spanned four generations (and counting) of my lifetime. It is a pleasant surprise that it’s able to withstand the test of time.
sidewall. the building is surrounded by a wide lawn with a volleyball court on the opposite side
Here’s something else to behold: Hometown Fortress
OPINIONS MATTER 