I lived most of my years in Laguna, a province somewhere in the Philippines. We are near San Pablo which is known for having the Seven Lakes and one of them is just 30-40 mins. away from us. Aside from Jeepney, a 3-wheeled vehicle called Tricycle is also a popular means of public transportation. A maximum of five passengers can ride it unless someone is big enough to accumulate all the space. There is no aircon in both of these.
I can say that our small barrio is one of those areas that have a weaker signal compared to the neighboring ones. Our place is still living in the trace of the old times wherein carabaos and horses can be seen in the streets. These animals usually carry the products harvested by the farmers such as banana, coconut, lanzones, rambutan and many more. I will never regret growing up here.
What does our barrio have?
A fresh river that is open to everyone.
Since it is summer, it serves as our cheapest and nearest getaway. It's a 15-20 mins. walk to get there. Aside from this, it is not only meant to be swim by those who want some refreshment but it is also a place where some ladies here are doing their laundry. Though it is hard to believe that this kind of old stuff still exists, it does really exist.
Using pieces of woods to cook the food.
Not all of us are cooking the food in the modern way which in fact some of us are doing it in the primitive style. Believe it or not, three years ago we were also one of them. My father and brother are going to the forest to gather some woods to be used and sometimes we are also using charcoals during those moments. It made me have the skills to start a fire using these materials, not an expert but can begin a flame.
The folks are very friendly with a smile.
Saying greetings to each other is a normal cycle that we always encountered. They also know the names of everyone and most of us are relatives by blood. It is also an ordinary gesture to share the food that you’ve cooked; it’s like having free snacks for some days. When someone died, expect that everybody will come to the memorial service. Yes, we are bounded by love.
Inexpensive fruits, vegetables, and other goods.
We have neighbors that are selling corns for 20-25 pesos per kilo (almost half of one dollar). My grandma is also living in another small barrio so every time we go there, we went home with a sack filled of banana (including its heart that can be cook), mango, and papaya. We also have plants and trees growing in our own backyard such as jackfruit, guava, malunggay, and chili. This is what I like about being here, we can enjoy eating without breaking the bank.
If I will be given a chance to choose between living in the city or in the province, I’ll still choose our barrio. Though it's small and simple, it is rich with the gifts of nature. I have the privilege to feel the soothing whisper of the wind and to hear the calmness of my surroundings. These are the experiences that even a high technology can’t give, we are blessed and contented in every little thing.