New Year's Resolution

An ideal New Year's Resolution to all the people. Live life to the fullest and more blessings to come this 2013. HAPPY NEW YEAR. (Photo credits: www.facebook.com)

2012 Yearender Bits

There are many opportunities happened to me this 2012. Beside of all the struggles and challenges I encountered, 2012 was an enlightening year for me because of the realizations that after the struggles, there will be a new hope and blessings to come. In addition, a lot of memorable experiences that I encountered this year which made my 2012 a wonderful year. Here are the memorable moments that I had this year:

I joined in Saranggola Blog Awards where I had two entries. The first one is "Ako si Jonathan, Laking Cavite" under the Sanaysay/Freestyle or Essay category which tells about facts in Cavite which I am truly proud of it. The second entry is "Engrandeng Gala sa Timog Katagalugan" under the Maikling Kuwento or Short Story category which tells about the story of a young boy who made his grand tour of the Laguna Loop within one day plus the first time experiences he encountered there. I didn't win the contest but I will improve and join again this 2013.

I established my two new travel blogs in Blogspot. The first one is my Tagalog travel blog which is "Talaarawan ni Mister Commuter" which is originally in Wordpress but I decided to transfer it to Blogspot (hopefully in 2013 all the posts there are transferred). The second one is "Travel and Paper Perspectives" which is my travel blog for foreign readers where I used English as medium of communication. These travel blogs have the purpose of promoting tourism in the Philippines through the online world.

The first quarter of the year was filled with travel where I passed most of the towns in the Laguna Loop. Last April 2012, I had my Visita Iglesia in the Laguna Loop where I visited the Baroque Spanish-era churches of Pila, Santa Cruz, Magdalena, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Majayjay, Luisiana, Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Paete, Kalayaan and Pakil.

In addition, I also had a chance to visit historical places in Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. In February 2012, I visited Fort Santiago in Intramuros in order to took a glance of history in the Walled City to Luneta Park. I also had a tour in Taal, Batangas last April where I saw the largest Catholic Church in the Far East and visited the Spanish heritage houses in the town proper plus the religious pilgrimage to Our Lady of Caysasay Church. In May I took a roundtrip from Trece Martires City passing the towns of Maragondon where I visited the Bonifacio Trial House and in Kawit where I took a tour at the Aguinaldo Shrine. Then in June, I took a visit at Rizal Shrine and the tallest Rizal statue. (I will blog it for next year in my official travel blog)

I also had a chance to extend my gratitude of appreciation to my new friends in Twitter for retweeting my status and insights regarding reality shows plus the views from different parts of the world regarding my blog posts. This 2013 I'm looking forward for more posts and travels.

Couch Potato Review: X Factor Philippines Review

From almost thousands of hopefuls who auditioned from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and down to hundreds of aspiring singers who competed in the boot camp. Then, twenty of the best singing acts who stand out to become contenders in the Judges House up to the top twelve acts mentored by judges up to the final three. In the end, KZ Tandingan from Davao del Sur won the first season of The X Factor Philippines.

The top 12 acts of The X Factor Philippines Season 1.Left - The Groups mentored by Gary Valenciano: (Top to bottom) Daddy's Home, AKA JAM, Takeoff Upper Right - The Boys mentored by Martin Nievera: (L-R) Gabriel Maturan, Jeric Medina, Kedebon Colim Center - The Girls mentored by Charice: (L-R) Allen Sta. Maria, Jerrianne Templo, KZ Tandingan Lower Right - The Over 25's mentored by Pilita Corrales: (L-R) Joan Da, Mark Mabasa, Modesto Taran Source: Google Photos

The Top 3:

• KZ Tandingan (Girls, Davao del Sur).  She received a standing ovation during the auditions with her performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Ready or Not." She is one of the most consistent contenders in the first season because of her distinct style and voice which is jazzy and soulful as well with the fact that she can create her own version of the song she took. She stand out with her performances of "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse as well with her cover versions of "Eternal Flame" by Bangles, "In The End" by Linkin Park, "Kisapmata" by Rivermaya and "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele and she truly owned these songs and received positive feedback from the judges. In the end, she declared as the winner of the first season of The X Factor Philippines. Her studio version of "Killing Me Softly" reached number 1 in ITunes beating PSY's "Oppa Gangnam Style"
• Gabriel Maturan (Boys, Zamboanga). He is one of the coolest and versatile voices in the competition. Starting from auditions to the final 3, I considered him as the best male singer in the contest. He impressed the judges with his audition piece "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz up to the Bootcamp singing "On and On" by Stephen Bishop. He showed his tender side with Christian Bautista's "Everything You Do". Then, his best performances in the contest will be "One Day In Your Life" by Michael Jackson (Top 11), "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" by Rivermaya (Top 6) and "Moonlight Over Paris" by Paolo Santos (Top 5). However, during the top 10 week, he didn't gave his best performance with his rendition of The Script's "Breakeven." Therefore, he received a lot of positive feedback from the judges and he was never been in the bottom 2. His grand finals performance of Fantasia's "I Believe" was simply amazing, In addition, his version of Bruno Mars single "It Will Rain" (Top 12) was soothing to the ears and easy to remember that is why it is number one in the radio charts in the Philippines.
• Daddy's Home (Groups, Marikina City). This group of fathers composed of Doc Eric "Doc E" Dacanay, Allan Mitchell Silonga, Jerome Icatar and Herbert "Ebet" Silonga are professionals, performers and responsible daddies. They did an impressing job during the auditions especially with their rendition of Gary Valenciano's "Sana Maulit Muli"and they performed again with the Boyz II Men hit "I'll Make Love To You." They have that R&B vibe and each of the members are truly talented and musically gifted with amazing voices. They can own the songs they took especially with their rendition of the songs "Till My Heartaches End" by Ella Mae Saison (Top 12), "All At Once" by Whitney Houston (Top 9), "Will You Still Love Me" by Chicago (Top 7), "Tell Me" by Joey Albert (Top 5), "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins (Top 5 - Survival Performance) and "Gaya ng Dati" by Gary Valenciano (Top 3). Avid fans of the show and netizens tagged them as "Boyz II Men of the Philippines" because of their style which is R&B and their soulful singing voice. Although they finished 3rd place, they have regular guestings in some TV and radio shows. I hope that the songs they sang in the live shows will have a studio version especially "Tell Me" and "Against All Odds."

Eliminated Acts 

Over 25's

• Joan Da (San Pablo City, Laguna). At first, I expected that she will be eliminated in the bootcamp round or in the Judges Home because of her distinct style. Then in the top 12, she gave the viewers a surprise with her acoustic performance of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" and it was entertaining. She proved her versatility and musicality in the following weeks especially with her performances of "At Your Best (You Are Loved)" by Aaliyah (Top 9), "Nobela" by Join the Club (Top 8) and "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson (Top 7) and she owned these songs because of that character in her voice and she is creative in making her own versions. However, she is one of the contestants who is always making in the Survival Performance and she is always saved by the judges with her renditions of "Chasing Pavements" by Adele (Top 12 along with Jerrianne Templo in bottom 2) and "Grenade" by Bruno Mars (Top 8 along with Takeoff in the bottom group). She finished in the 7th place after Allen Santa Maria was saved by the judges. I hope that Joan sang "Nobela" in their compilation album because it sounded original and it showcases her vocal quality and musical style.
• Mark Mabasa (Manila). He is one of the strongest contenders in the Over 25 category because of his versatility (especially in singing rock and upbeat songs) and strong vocal prowess. He is a stand-out in the Bootcamp with his rendition of "It Girl" by Jason Derulo as well in the Judges Homes with "The Last Time" by Eric Benet. In the first week, he performed "Kiss From A Rose" by Seal and he received positive feedback from the judges. But in week 2, he was eliminated through deadlock by getting the lowest number of votes. His studio version of Jeremiah's "Nanghihinayang" was truly heartfelt and strong.
• Modesto Taran (Cagayan de Oro). He did an emotional impact (especially with Charice) with his rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". He had that timeless classical voice suited for singing standards. He received a standing ovation in Week 2 after his performance of "Habang May Buhay" by After Image. His rendition of Anthony Castelo classic hit "Balatkayo" in their compilation album was truly suited his voice.

Groups

• AKA JAM (Manila / Cebu). This girl group was formed in the selection of top 20 during the Bootcamp stage. The members namely Alyssa Quijano, Katrina Velarde, Auriette Divina, Jhelsea Maine Flores, Ashley Campbell and Monique Lualhati originally auditioned as solo acts but failed to make it to the top 20. Most of the members are familiar faces in television especially in other talent search and singing contests as well with TV series. They have that best blending of voices although they have different musical genres, the packaging and the pretty looks and the song choices which all of them are considered as winners. They did great performances from Judges Homes ("Seasons of Love" from musical "Rent") as well with top 11 ("This is My Life" by Shirley Bassey) and top 10 ("Survivor" by Destiny's Child). Their best performance is their version of "Got to Be Real" by Cherryl Lynn in top 12 where the judges and the audience gave them standing ovation and positive reviews. But in top 10, they were eliminated via deadlock where they got the lowest number of votes against Daddy's Home. They got very good rendition of the song "Missing You" during the Sing-off that is why they are not deserving to go home. Therefore, they have regular guestings in TV shows and radio after X Factor.
• Takeoff (Manila). This boyband is formerly known as "Voyz Avenue" who appeared regularly in TV5 shows before they auditioned in The X Factor Philippines. The members of this boyband are Neo Domingo, Gerald Yranon, Russell "Ice" Medina, JZ Zamora and Raffy Calicdan.  They have that energetic and entertaining auditions where they took Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" proven that they have the total packaging and the talent where they can sing and dance as well with the fact that they are versatile. They passed the bootcamp with their performance of "Do You Remember" by Jay Sean. However there are some performances in the live show which are quite predictable and sometimes they did not hit the notes which leads them to bottom 2 twice. They were eliminated in the top 8 through deadlock over Joan Da. Their version of "Dreaming of You" by Selena was truly a knock out and definitely one of the best performances in the season. In addition, their rendition of the song "Stay" by Carol Banawa is beautiful and it reached the number one in a radio station in Dagupan.

Boys

• Jeric Medina (Paranaque). He did a good auditions with his performance of "Love of my Life" by South Border. His best performance during the live shows was in top 9 where he sang "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley along with his acoustic guitar and soothing voice. He proved also that he can sing rock and alternative especially he took the rock version of "Careless Whisper" by Wham. He's got the rockin looks and a soothing voice to sing ballads and soul. There are times that he did his best performance but there are times that he didn't reach the notes. 
• Kedebon Colim (Cebu). He made a spectacular impact with his auditions where he took "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction and there is a magic in his voice although it is not sounded great. He is one of the most controversial contestants where netizens and avid fans of the shows thought that he didn't deserve to stay in the contest because he is the least talented but he is funny. 

Girls

• Allen Sta. Maria (Nueva Ecija). When she auditioned, she is like a replica of another X Factor contestant which is Cher Lloyd because of the swagger and her radio-friendly voice. She proved that she is versatile where she sang dance hits, rock and even an OPM ballad. The most memorable performance that she did is her rendition of "Waterfalls" by TLC (Top 9) and for me her best performances are "Hanggang May Kailanman" by Carol Banawa (proven that she can sing ballads) and "Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith (where she proved her swag and confidence in stage).
• Jerrianne Templo (Mandaluyong). I remember her as one of the grand finalists of "Search for a Star" where Rachelle Ann Go emerged as a winner when she was 13 years old. Now, she auditioned in The X Factor Philippines with her powerful rendition of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." She made it to the top 12 but she was eliminated first. However, I love her revival of Jaya's "Kung Wala Na' and she sang it with feelings and she owned the song.

Notable Contestants

• Paulo Castro. A man with a quirky but sophisticated fashion and a voice which is similar to the late Michael Jackson. He is one of the most consistent performers from auditions where he sang "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Smile" in Bootcamp. He proved his versatility with his rendition of "Kahit Kailan" by South Border but he was eliminated.
• Cristine Ledesma. I am rooting for her to make it on the live shows with her stunning and sophisticated looks and her classy and sultry voice to sing classical standards. She received positive reviews with her auditions with her performance of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" but she was eliminated in the Judges Homes. I hope she joined again in the second season.
• Sweet Bliss. The all girl singing trio composed of Noreen, Macy and Sor. They are also consistent in terms of their song choices and they have the blending, the vocal dynamics, the packaging and they got what it takes to be the next divas in OPM. They auditioned in Cebu with "End of Time" by Beyonce, "One Night Only" from the Dreamgirls and "Perfect" by Pink in Judges Homes. I am looking forward to see them in the second season.
• 5th Avids. They have the perfect blending of voices for a girl group especially with their auditions where they sang "Shackles" by Mary Mary.
• Jeffrey "Osang" Soliven. This guy is truly spectacular. He is a gay but he''s got a rockin voice!!! Wow! I hope that he made it to the final 20. He is very memorable with his performance of "Bombastic."

I'm looking forward this 2013 to have the second season of The X Factor Philippines.

Christmas Greetings

Now playing, here's Jessica Sanchez with her version of "The Christmas Song" Once again, Merry Christmas to all! Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays

This is a beautiful rendition of "The Christmas Song" by Shannon Magrane, American Idol season 11 finalist. Dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley as well with the victims of Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR! Happy Holidays.

Inspiring Quotes

Source: Facebook (Golden Words of Paradise)

Engrandeng Gala sa Puso ng Timog Katagalugan

"Ano kayang mangyayari bukas sa solo kong gala?"

Tumunog ang alarm clock ni Brett ng alas-singko ng umaga, hirap pang gumising gawa ng weekend pagod dahil sa trabaho. Pero ito ay naiibang araw para sa kanya kaya dali-dali siyang bumangon at nag-ayos ng sarili. Subalit kakaunti lamang ang kinain niya na almusal pero marami siyang baon sa kanyang shoulder bag: dalawang piraso ng chicheria at candy pero dala nya ang talaarawan, digital camera, mga baterya, mga towel, mga bolpen na may kulay pula at itim, mapa, pocket money at ang Bibliya. Nakaayos na ang lahat kay Brett kahit sa pananamit niya.

"Anak, may nakalimutan ka ba?" tanong ni Claire, ang ina ni Brett.

"Wala naman po. Lahat kumpleto na" ang sagot ni Brett.

"Naku, di ka pa nag-aalmusal kailangan mo munang kumain" nag-aalalang pinaalalahanan ni Claire ang binata.

"Ma, ako na po ang bahala. Busog pa po ako" ang sabi ng anak.

Maya-maya pa ay umalis na ng bahay itong si Brett patungo sa kanyang destinasyon. Kahit parang hindi nag-almusal itong si Brett pero alam niya ang direksyon na kanyang pupuntahan. Sumakay ng tricycle at bago sumakay ng jeep, hinanda ni Brett ang kanyang pera pambili ng almusal sa isang fast food chain para take out. Pagkatapos noon ay sumakay siya ng jeep mula sa Cavite patungong Calamba na sakop ng Laguna. Mabilis lang naman ang takbo ng biyahe at nakarating siya sa Calamba sa loob ng mahigit 45 minuto.

Mula sa Calamba ay nagdesisyon na si Brett na puntahan ang unang bayan.

Nagtanong siya kay Manong Driver, "Manong saan po papuntang Victoria"

Sumagot itong si Manong, "Sakay kayo papuntang Santa Cruz"

"Salamat po!"

*** *** ***

At sumakay na si Brett sa jeep patungong Santa Cruz. Natagalan pa ang biyahe niya bago makarating sa kanyang patutunguhan dahil traffic sa Los Banos at tumitigil ang jeep sa bandang Bay para kumuha ng mga pasahero. At napuntahan na niya ang unang bayan na kanyang bibisitahin. Tumigil siya sa junction kung saan makikita ang mga makukulay at naglalakihang mga pato at itik, ang maliit na bayan ng Victoria. Nakita niya ang mga naglalakihang mga istatwa ng itik gayundin ang mga pato sa isang duck farm na malapit sa tabi ng lawa.

Mula sa Victoria, sumakay siya ng jeep patungong Santa Cruz. At nasakyan niya ang jeep ay isang kakaibang driver. Kumbaga ito ang pakiramdam niya noong unang beses na makakita ng babaeng jeepney driver. Sa kasong ito, isang Amerikanong driver ng jeep na nagngangalang Carter ang bumungad sa kanya. Umupo siya sa tabi ng driver. Nagulat siya at sinabi ni Brett sa kanyang sarili "Wow! Isang foreigner na nagmamaneho ng jeep!" Ngumiti ang driver sa kanya at nagmamaneho siya ng jeep patungong Santa Cruz. At maraming tinanong si Brett.

"How long did you stay here in the Philippines?" tanong ni Brett.

"I am staying here for two years and I am living with my Filipina wife who lives here" sagot ni Carter.

Manghang-mangha na parang nabigla si Brett kahit siya ay nagtatanong pa rin. Kumbaga ito ang pakiramdam niya na ang isang dayuhan ay nagtatrabaho bilang isang jeepney driver na ginagawa ng mga ordinaryong tao.

Habang bumibiyahe, narating nila ang bayan ng Pila. Nakita nila sa bayan na ito ang mga lumang bahay na ginawa pa noong panahon ng Espanyol at ang plaza na may pagkakatulad noong panahong iyon. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kuwentuhan ng dalawa noong panahong iyon. At ang ibang mga pasahero sa dyip, kahit kakaunti lamang sila ay mayroong nakikinig sa usapan nila. May natutuwa at meron naman na walang pakialam.

"These heritage houses are made since the Spanish period, as well with the plaza where the church and the town hall are near to each other which represent the unity of State and Church. I learned that in our History subject when I was in high school and college" binahagi ni Brett ang kanyang kaalaman kay Carter.

"Yup, that is why I love living here because the Philippines is such a beautiful country and it is rich in culture" ang sagot ni Carter.

"By the way, why did you chose to drive a jeepney aside from managing a business" muling nagtanong si Brett.

"This is a temporary job while waiting for an opportunity because I want to work hard for my family and to support my wife who is working in Manila as Sales Supervisor as well with my two kids" pinagmamalaking sagot ni Carter.

"Wow! Your such a hardworking person. Your such an inspiration to us because you can do that kind of job as a foreigner but I can't do that" paghangang sinagot ni Brett.

Natuloy pa ang kuwentuhan ng dalawa at napag-usapan kung ano ang buhay niya sa Pilipinas at kitang-kita naman na masaya itong si Carter sa kanyang ginagawa bilang driver. Pagdating ng Santa Cruz, tuluyan nang naghiwalay ang landas ng dalawa.

"Bye! See you next time. Keep up the good work" At nakipagkamayan itong si Brett sa Amerikanong jeepney driver.

"Thanks! Nice meeting you also!" ang sinabi ni Carter.

*** *** ***

Alas-diyes pa lang ng umaga, sulit na ang biniyahe ni Brett. Mula Santa Cruz, sumakay siya patungong Nagcarlan. Mahigit 30 minuto ang kanyang hinintay bago makarating sa Nagcarlan. Mahaba-haba ang biyahe hanggang narating niya ang Nagcarlan. Habang bumibiyahe patungong Nagcarlan, nakaidlip si Brett sa biyahe dahil napansin niya ang Manong na natutulog sa biyahe. Hindi pa naibibigay sa kanya ng Manong Driver ang sukli kaya hawak din niya ang wallet. Hindi niya namalayan na nawalan na siya ng pera. At paggising niya at bumaba siya sa bandang Pagsanjan dahil nawalan siya ng pera.

"Nakita nyo po ba ang pitaka ko? Hawak ko po siya habang hinihintay ko po yung sukli" nag-aalalang sinabi ni Brett. Ngunit di makasagot sa kanya ang mga pasahero at napansin niya na bumaba na ang matandang lalake na katabi niya sa jeep.

Salamat na lamang at mayroon pa siyang natitirang 800 sa secret pocket at ang mga mahahalagang dokumento ay di niya dala lahat.

Sa Nagcarlan niya nakita ang isa sa mga lumang simbahan sa Laguna, ang St. Bartholomew Church. Pumasok siya sa lumang simbahan at nakita niya ang isang matandang babae na naglilingkod sa simbahan.

"Ay papasok po ba kayo dito?" tanong ng matandang babae.

"Opo. Ano po bang meron sa simabahan?" tanong ni Brett.

"Isa ito sa pinakaluma at pinakamagandang simbahan sa Laguna. Lalo na kung aakyat ka sa kampanaryo ng simbahan. Makikita mo ang tanawin ng buong Nagcarlan gayundin ang Bundok Banahaw" sagot ng ale.

Nagsimula nang puntahan ni Brett ang nasabing kampanaryo. Sa una mukhang madali lang pero noong akyatin na niya ang pinakamataas na bahagi ng kampanaryo kung saan nandun ang kampana, medyo nahirapan siyang dumaan dahil ang hagdan ay gawa lamang sa kahoy at lumang-luma na ito. Natatakot siya baka biglang bumagsak siya. Ngunit, matagumpay niyang narating ang pinakamataas na bahagi ng kampanaryo at nakita nga niya ang bayan ng Nagcarlan mula sa kampanaryo.

Sunod niyang pinuntahan ang Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. Malapit lang ito sa simbahan at nakapasok siya sa nasabing lugar. Naroon ang isang tour guide mula sa isang ahensya ng gobyerno. Ikinuwento ng tour guide ang kasaysayan ng Underground Cemetery, pero natatakot si Brett na pumasok sa loob ng sementeryo. Nasa ilalim pa ito ng kapilya at madilim ang lugar. Siya lang ang mag-isang turista noong oras na iyon. Pumasok siya at nawala din ang kanyang takot. Pinagmamasdan niya ang nasabing sementeryo at kakaunti lang pala ang nakalibing dito. At may napansin siyang parang isang pader na parang pintuan. Pinaniniwalaan kasi na may lagusan patungo sa simbahan ang nasabing sementeryo.

*** *** ***

Sa Nagcarlan, nagtext kay Brett ang kanyang ina. "Anak, bili ka ng lanzones at rambutan kahit tig-isang kilo" At mukhang pumayag naman si Brett sa pabor ng kanyang nanay. Pumunta siya sa susunod na bayan ang Liliw kung saan makakabili siya ng mga lanzones at rambutan. Pero parang gusto niyang unahin ang bayan kung saan makakita siya ng talon o waterfalls. Sumakay siya ng jeep patungong Liliw at mula doon ay sumakay siya ng tricycle patungong Majayjay.

Pagbaba ng tricycle, bumaba siya at tiningnan ang simbahan ng Majayjay. Masyado itong malaki at mataas pero magandang simbahan. Isa ito sa mga pinakalumang simbahan na ipinatayo sa Pilipinas. Mula sa plaza, pinuntahan niya ang isang lugar na pinaniniwalaang produkto ng sapilitang paggawa, ang Tulay Pigue. Masyadong madamo ang lugar at madulas ang daanan dahil umulan noong panahong iyon. Naging tour guide ni Brett ang isang walong-taong gulang na bata.

"Tara po pupunta po tayo sa Tulay Pigue" ang pag-imbita ng bata. Tahimik niyang pinagmamasdan ang bata at marami siyang sugat sa mukha. Nakita rin niya ang kanyang ama na umiinom lamang ng alak kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan. Nais sanang tanungin ni Brett pero sa loob-loob niya baka mapahamak pa siya. Dahil sa madulas ang daan patungo sa tulay at malapit na rin ito sa bangin, nagtanong si Brett "May ahas ba dito?" at sinagot niya "Kapag tag-init po" Idinagdag pa ng batang lalake "Kapag nakarating na po kayo sa tulay, makikita niyo na po yun taludtod at makakarating na po kayo sa ibang barangay at bayan." Sinubukan niya na dumaan sa nasabing tulay at sobrang liit ng daanan nito, kasya lamang ang iisang tao. Noong natapos na ang pagpunta sa tulay, binigyan ni Brett ng pera ang bata. (Pero sana nasa mabuting kamay ito at di kunin ng mga nakakatanda sa kanya na nang-aabuso lamang sa kanya). Nagpasalamat ang bata at alam niya na magagamit niya ito bilang baon.

Bumalik siya sa bayan at pinuntahan na ang sinasabing Taytay Falls. Sumakay si Brett ng tricycle at mahaba-haba ang biyahe at napansin na lang ang tricycle driver na nagkrus dahil dadaan kami sa bituka ng manok. Parang roller coaster ang biyahe sa Majayjay. Pataas-pababa. Maliit ang daaanan. Pakurba. Bangin na ang nakapaligid. Nagdasal din ako na sana ligtas ang biyahe namin. Dahil sa sobrang takot. Narating rin niya ang Taytay Falls pagkatapos ng mahaba-habang biyahe patungo sa paanan ng Banahaw at isang mahabang canopy walk sa liblib na kagubatan. Sulit din ang pagod pero di ako naligo. Nabighani siya sa simpleng kagandahan talon at ang malinaw at malinis na tubig nito na dumadaloy mula sa Banahaw.

*** *** ***

Alas-tres ng hapon, pumunta na siya sa bayan ng Liliw pagkagaling ng Majayjay. Marami nang tao doon at namili ako ng tig-isang kilo ng rambutan at lansones. Namili din si Brett ng isang pares ng tsinelas at isang bayong dahil marami na akong dalang mga produkto galing ng Laguna. Ito din ang unang beses na namalengke si Brett sa buong buhay niya. Nasanay siya kasi na lagi ang nanay niya ang namamalengke. At ang hamon pa dito ay dapat 300 piso lamang ang budget niya. Pagkatapos mamalengke ay pumunta siya sa simbahan ng St. John the Baptist Church kung saan siya nagdasal ng pasasalamat sa ligtas na biyahe. Nagtungo siya sa isang bantog na kainan sa Liliw. Mula doon, sumakay na siya muli ng jeep patungo sa kanyang huling bayan na kanyang pupuntahan ngayong araw.

Nakarating siya sa Magdalena. Pinuntahan niya ang sentro ng bayan sa Magdalena. Nakita niya ang simbahan ng St. Mary Magdalene Church at pinuntahan niya ang lugar kung saan makikita ang bolo at sumbrero ni Emilio Jacinto na may bahid ng kanyang dugo. Nalaman din niya na ito ang Little Hollywood of Laguna dahil dito ginanap ang ilan sa mga lokasyon ng mga lumang pelikulang Tagalog. Bumaba sa isang bantog na bakasyunan. Tiningnan niya kung may tao at nakita nga niya ang dalawang kabataan na doon papunta.

"Magandang hapon po! Saan po kayo papunta?" magalang na tanong ni Brett.

"Papunta kami sa isang museong bahay doon. Tara sama ka sa amin" ang sagot ni Caitlin, isa sa mga kabataang pupunta sa nasabing museo.

Sumama si Brett at doon niya nalaman na magkakaroon ng pagpupulong sa nasabing lugar. Si Caleb, isang youth leader mula sa Liliw ay nagkuwento ng maraming bagay tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Laguna. Nang napasok na nila ang bakasyunan, nakilala ni Brett ang isang ginang na naging saksi ng kasaysayan ng pag-unlad ng Laguna, si Mrs. Ledesma. Noong una ay natatakot si Brett sa pagkikita ng nasabing ginang.

"Magandang hapon po!" ang pagbati ni Brett na medyo kinakabahan.

"Magandang hapon rin sa iyo, iho. May maipaglilingkod ba ako?" ang magalang na tanong ng Mrs. Ledesma.

Tumahimik siya. "Tara, libutin natin ang buong bahay" ang pagyayaya ng nasabing ginang.

Nilibot nila ang buong tahanan. Maraming naikuwento ang nasabing ginang tungkol sa panungkulan ng mga nakaraang gobernador at natutuwa siya sa katotohanan na binisita ni Brett ang lalawigan para matuklasan ang kultura at mga magagandang tanawin dito. Sa bandang huli may naibigay na liham ang nasabing ginang at nagbigay si Brett ng isang woodcraft mula Paete bilang alaala na sila ay naging magkausap sa loob ng maiksing panahon.

"Alam mo iho, nagpapasalamat ako na pinuntahan mo ang aking tahanan. Ang bahay na ito ay naging saksi ng kasaysayan sa loob ng mahigit tatlong dekada. Naging saksi ito ng pag-unlad sa lalawigan. At napanatili namin ang likas na yaman sa bayan kahit may mga nag-alok sa amin gawin itong urban na bayan" ang pagbabagagi ni Mrs. Ledesma.

"Wala naman pong anuman. Alam nyo po, marami po akong natutunan at nadiskubre sa bayan na ito. Masarap balik-balikan dahil sa yaman ng kultura at mga magagandang tanawin. Dito rin po ako natutong magtangkilik ng mga produktong sariling-atin at marami po nito sa Laguna. Sa uulitin po makakabisita po ako diyan" ang sagot ni Brett sabay nakipagkamay siya sa nasabing ginang at sa dalawang mga youth leaders.

Sumakay na si Brett sa jeep na maraming baon na pasalubong at mga alaala na babaunin niya sa kanyang pamamasyal sa Laguna.

*** *** ***

Tapos na ang pamamasyal ni Brett at nagdesisyon na siyang umuwi. Habang pauwi patungo sa kanilang tahanan, marami siyang natutunan sa paggagala na iyon. Marami siyang nakilalang mga bagong kaibigan. Doon siya unang natutong namalengke sa kanyang sarili. Naging handa kahit nawalan siya ng pera at kalmado siyang hinarap ang sitwasyon.  Higit sa lahat, natuklasan niya ang kasaganahan ng kultura at likas na yaman sa puso ng Katimugang Tagalog, ang bayan ng Laguna.

Kinagabihan, pagkauwi niya sa kanilang tahanan, maraming dalang mga pasalubong si Brett para sa kanyang nanay at sa buong pamilya ganun din naman ang mga kuwento na laging maaalala ni Brett. Kaya sa susunod muli na paglalakbay!

Ito ang aking pangalawang lahok sa Saranggola Blog Awards 2012 sa kategoryang Maikling Kuwento.

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