SOME PEOPLE go to exotic places to have a good time while some others go home and have a well-deserved rest. Since I am from Bohol, I belong to the second category. This present trip is about resting. Yes, there are several reasons people need rest. Physical rest, for one; emotional and mental rests is another. Whatever the reason, everyone should devote time for good old-fashioned rest.
While in Bohol, cousins, and classmates alike shared interesting stories about how politics went about in these parts. Some stories are not new; some are refreshing. But with politics, we can’t be shocked by anything new because elections in this country, is the ‘mother of inventions,’ no pun intended. I have written about my political journey in the recent elections hence, I do not wish to dwell on the subject anymore. Suffice it to say, we move forward to the next phase of our lives. Each phase has its accompanying season thus let’s savor our respective seasons.
Meanwhile, Wednesday this week, I checked the public market of Baclayon, Bohol, particularly because it’s the popular market day (tabó) with residents of the Poblacion and neighboring Barangays doing their marketing, well, primarily for a nostalgic feel, and secondly, out of curiosity to differentiate the market activity with the public markets of my second home, General Santos City.
First off, the market although not big, is spacious. Not every nook and cranny were filled with stalls. I went about ten in the morning so not many people were there. They probably came in early. I checked the prices: tomatoes and spices are high. Mango came from Davao which was interesting. I wasn’t going to buy mango originating from where I came – Mindanao that is – because I have always tasted it. Moving on, I checked camote and banana, prices were relatively similar with prices in General Santos City. May favorite guso was pricey but I still bought anyways, and my favorite bolinao – the smallest variety they call tognos here. The house of Ate Mila and Uncle Steve is only a few meters away from market, so I just walked just like how I walked to Baluarte twice since I arrived.
Interesting tidbit: I visited and campaigned in several markets in General Santos City during the campaign period. Like I said, it was fun doing the rounds and engaging many people in the process. Some were welcoming, some were nonchalant. They probably thought: Another politician, haha!
In the afternoon, I had a pleasurable guided tour by the former Kagawad and now Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of Baclayon Erico Joseph Cañete. Eric, who is well-versed in the history of Baclayon, its origins and beginnings, even brought me inside Baclayon church to show me church features I took for granted in my young life. Interesting and educational. He also writes a column in a local paper. I will write about Baclayon soon.
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Thursday, this week, I had the pleasure of joining the graduation luncheon of Via Maxene Lubiano Lahaylahay who graduated from Senior High at Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City. Via is the daughter of childhood friend Minerva ‘Menen’ Lubiano and hubby Rolando Lahaylahay. Her siblings are Heni Lyka and Alexis Roland. The celebration was attended by her grandparents Maximo and Alberta Lahaylahay and aunts, Mayette Lubiano, Juanette Lubiano Pascua, and Gaudiosa Lopase.
Congratulations Via! May you find joy in your accomplishment and may you direct your focus on your next goal. A toast to your future!
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LIONS ROAR!
June 9th was a momentous day between the Bohol Island Lions Club and New Orleans Fil-Am Lions Club as the two clubs entered into a Twinning Agreement to foster friendship, cooperation, and collaboration on a mutual mission statement to better serve the community.
The historic signing was held at the Blood Compact Monument in Bool, Tagbilaran City, commemorating the first treaty of friendship forged more than 450 years ago between Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Blood compact was an old ritual in the Philippines forming part of the tribal tradition to seal a friendship, pact, or treaty, or to validate an agreement.
The signed document on the part of Bohol Island Lions Club will be forwarded to the New Orleans Fil-Am Lions Club to be signed by their club officers to finalize the Twinning Agreement. – Incoming President Steve Galvan
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
