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Submitted_by: Emma Hipolito
email: bamhip@yahoo.com
Barangay_Fiesta_Date: It used to be every 15th of May
Barangay_Captain: Irineo Salvador, Jr.
Distance_from_Cityhall: 3.8 kilometers
This is how I remember Cadena de Amor: It was laid back, simple, and beautiful; yet, nature dictates the sequence of life from day to day. From sunrise each one toils his own soil and time goes unnoticed until sunset falls. A rooster's crow signals the dawn of a bright new day. The chimney smoke advertises upon my nose, the smell of roasted garlic and onions to make fried rice. Scrambled eggs on the sides and freshly brewed homemade coffee that is so irrestible to my taste. Better make haste or I'll be late. The morning dew gleams like crystal jewels under the shining rays of the rising sun; the spiders are busy spinning cobwebs, trapping insects and wrapping them into a bun. The tall wet grassy meadows look like emerald carpet laid upon the fields. Logs of fallen trees sustain life for moss and beetles. Termites building castles which make up part of the hills. The bright yellow-chested bird, whistling from branches to branches, are looking for insect treats. The rhythmic noise of clucking chicken, blended with the hungry hog's begging calls makes a feeding frenzy for all. My daily chores are in demand, keeping pace to get it done. For everybody should be awake and about-the ants, the rats-except those nocturnal bats. As the sun gets warmer, a gentle breeze sways bamboo branches, and a squeaky sound comes from opposite directions; each node and internode are perfectly arranged into sections. Most are greeenish-yellow and some are brownish dry; the rough elongated leaves ruffle in delight. This huge mass of the world's tallest grass, make a safe refuge for reptiles at night. By the river bank, a kingfisher is patiently waiting from a tree top, for a tasty fish to surface; then swish, faster than the wind, it grabs a bite in silence. The deep side of the murky blue water blankets a bottom mystery, while the shallow flows sing to my spirit free. Currents of gleaming streams sparkle from the sun, reflecting like mirror at a glance. The pebbles decorated the stream bed like colorful marbles as if they were carefully spread. One's heart can experience an instant contend for this place has no end. Butterflies born of colors are dancing in the meadows while dragonflies flirt like rainbows. Up in that coconut tree, a gecko announcing he's carefree; but beware, nature can strike a lightning at around three. Showers that follow are so refreshing; when it stops, the canopy is as clean as can be. The sun sets fiercely, radiating crimson orange rays, commanding all creatures it's time to end the day. The crickets start chirping, the frogs are croaking, tadpoles are joyously swimming in the newly filled pond. The surroundings turn from dim to dark, fireflies light up the path on moonless night. Far and near blinking oil lamps invite moths to stay; mosquitoes humming at my ears, timing the right moment to sting if I may. A family of six gathers around the crude diner. A mount of steamed rice sets in the middle, a bowl of deliciously prepared vegetable soup, and deep-fried fish makes a complete dinner. A glass of cool tap water helps wash down a mouthful bite; where hunger and thirst cannot hide. An hour or two makes a family circle full of conversation and laughter; sharing a joke and comparing who's naughtier. A busy day had ended; a big yawn tells I'd better get rested. A mosquito net covers the pandan handcrafted mat. Pillows filled with cotton balls supported my tired head. I end up my day saying to myself: Tomorrow is a day ahead. I had a wonderful childhood and terrible misses those days in my beloved neighborhood.