Finally, after several years, I got to do an ocular of the lots that belonged to my parents. Since my siblings are based in the United States, I am the only one left to make sure what remains of the small property do not go to waste.
My parents, with their generous hearts, allowed their employees to build houses on the properties. Alam na nating lahat ang ending.
There are three more parcels left that are free of structures but are in danger of being illegally occupied by the neighboring residents. It’s both frustrating and annoying why people would want to occupy properties they DO NOT OWN.
I had seen how my parents worked very hard to purchase these properties. They didn’t inherit them. Pinagsikapan nila na mabili at mabayaran ng buo. They didn’t borrow money from anyone to purchase those lots. They worked very hard and lived frugally. This is why my blood boils when someone tries to steal them and take advantage that I am too busy to monitor the situation.
Naiintindihan ko na lahat ay gustong magkalupa pero huwag mandaya at mang angkin ng hindi inyo. Magsikap kayo para kayo makabili sa maayos at legal na paraan.
The barangay officials gladly accompanied me to Wawa. Masikip kasi ang mga daan, hindi kasya ang sasakyan,
The barangay tanods were excited to join me too.
The guys were kind of apologetic of the condition of the area. Cowboy ako. I was prepared to pass through narrow crevices. Kahit maputik or basura aapakan ko. Kahit mabaho. My concern actually was the street dogs. Baka ako makagat.
I glanced at the rows of election posters for konsehal. I felt a little sad seeing the face of someone in particular running for public office. Siguro re-election. I doubt very much if this person’s goal is to help constituents or help one’s self.
I could no longer recognize the place. It was so different from how it was before. Naku naman oh my buhay, syempre, 50 years ago na yun. Wala pang population explosion nung araw.
Parang merong factory ng babies ngayon. Daming tao na. My driver commented “Mam, parang Tondo”.
Kapitan Kurdo Santos is well-loved and respected here. It is evident with the way the residents welcome his presence.
Nakakadagdag sa sikip ng daan ay yung iba dito sa tabing kalye nagluluto ng pagkain.
Parang ang sarap ng kanduli.
Meron ding mga naka istambay lang, meron ding mga ginang na naghihingutuhan. Hoy, magpagupit kayo ng buhok at magshampoong mabuti. Kumakati tuloy ulo ko. Gugo, gumamit ng gugo.
A woman was generously giving away cups of steaming hot chicken macaroni soup (sopas) to her neighbors. She said it was the death anniversary of her father. Ang sweet naman nya. Ganyan tayong mga Pilipino, mahilig tayong mag blow-out. Meron akong mga kakilala, nangungutang para panghanda sa birthday, fiesta.
Kung birthday ko at wala akong pera, hindi ako mangungutang para ipang blow out. Mananahimik na lang ako sa loob ng kwarto ko.
to be continued
