Be Cool - BIKOL Part 1

I was born in Legazpi City and after my mother gave birth to me on October 1979 my parents decided to settle down in my father’s hometown, Polangui, Albay. On year 1989, my parents decided to move in San Pedro, Laguna. Technically speaking, I spent my first 10 years in Bicol region and the other 17 years in San Pedro Laguna. The first 10 years of my life gave me the most unforgettable, memorable and happiest memory I ever had…It’s so weird that every time I would visit Polangui, Albay it gives me the sense of pride and happiness which I cannot explain. Here are some of my favorite memories in Bicol.

Basud Day Care Center near chapel besides railroad - I would hear my mother telling me that every time my aunts would visit us, I would get lazy going to school. The best thing happened here was during my graduation (by the way the graduation rites was done in another school, I think it was Magurang Elementary School). My parents gave me a gift -- a beautiful umbrella and we had our family picture after the ceremony (which we kept in a small circular frame). The umbrella is gone now, but the happiness brought to me by that memory subconsciously inspired me to strive harder in my studies. I really love my family, they are my inspiration…

PNR Station at the back of our house - Hahaha..it’s so funny to recall that during my younger days, I would envy those people who were able to ride the train. Every time I would cross the rail road and the train is there, I try to sneak and get inside. I would imagine how beautiful it is to travel in a train. The funny thing is until now; I haven’t ridden in a train to Polangui Albay. But GOD gave me an opportunity to ride a plane to Vietnam and Cambodia…

Polangui North Elementary School – I love this school. This is where I spent my first grade until I finished my third grade. I was so proud going to this school as many of my cousins also went there. My older cousins already made their positive mark on that school. Thanks to their effort as I felt I’m also special as I was carrying the same surname they got. Hey, I love it so much now, I can remember the name of my teachers; grade 1 - Mrs. Briones, grade 2 – Mrs. Posis…sorry I forgot the name of my grade 3 teacher. Special thanks also to our service tricyle named 357, it made going to school so much fun. The worst thing that happened to me during my stay here is when my brother Jojie got into fight. When I heard that the other boy has a sibling in nearby high school I asked my brother to hide at the back of school stage but I did not check what was happening to him. I left school thinking that he also went home. When I arrived home, I was so scared to realize that my brother is not yet home. My uncle accompanied me to walk back to school and look for him. I was so relieved to see him and met him in the road. For 17 long years, the guilt still creeps in me. It still makes me cry to realize how I was not able to fight for my brother. Since then on, I promised that I will do my very best to be with my brothers, Jojie and Ryan when they need me. Please God help me to fight for my family’s honor.

River in Pier 7 – I remember how excited I am together with my two brothers and our friends going to the river. Unfortunately, our mother found out and you guess it right, we were detained under disciplinary actions, hahahaha. My mom hit our buttocks with slippers… It did physically hurt, but for some reason, there was no anger in my heart. I realized how much over protective my mother to us. My parents never forget to give us love and in the same time discipline us.

I think this list is enough for tonight… For sure I have many things on mind to be included in this list.BE COOL - BIKOL