Every family has their own tradition like celebrating reunions, going on a trip, or even visiting a relative. I want to share this kind of tradition.
A friend of mine invited me on there hometown, Tibanban Sigaboy. An 8 hour trip from my town. I'm already expecting a countryside town with beautiful view on it. And I said Yes and joined them on their journey. So, we went there and stayed on my friend's house which is cool because their house is similar to my birthplace.
We rest for a while and suddenly my friend's cousin talked to me asking if I'll be joining them. Of course, I asked on what and she just answered me with a smile. I found it creepy. Just kidding. Luckily, my friend brought her camera and she tasked me for the documentation. On my mind, I'm still asking,"Where are we going!?", "What is this for", and "Is there any food? Coz I'm kinda hungry" Haha okay that's bad
Due to my boredom I just kept taking a snap with the camera. Slowly, I'm realizing that there is something that I'm currently feeling. Really weird and amazed. The joy of the people here is really amazing. Even on this small town without access on the Internet or either enterntainment places like a bar or something. They already found their FUN which I'm looking for in my life in the city.
After a while, we started to travel. We entered this scary forest and all you can see is leaves and grass. I'm really scared on that moment but as a gentleman I act strong. Like a bulldog but my heart is beating fast, like very FAST. On our journey, I noticed the kids that were with us. They are not scared and even some of them holding a snake along the way. And to them that is very normal!
We reached the nearby beach and I realized my friend bring some plastic bags with us. I'm still very confused and we stayed under a beautiful tree. A minute later families and bunch of kids running towards our direction. I was shocked. So, I asked my friend, "Hey, is this your outreach program?" but she just smiled and calmly answers me back,"It's a family tradition."
The joy of the kids really stabbed my heart. I can't explain my emotions on that moment. I can't even hold the camera properly because I'm focused on the kids. While documenting I realized a big thing. Even I'm middle class guy and can afford some stuff for myself. I'm just a rock compare to those kids. Some of them doesn't wear any slippers and you can notice their old shirts. Like, I'm really blind from the start. Those material things that conquered my life were just a distraction to my true happiness. Which is giving happiness to others.
I'm not telling that I'm just a show off and bragging that I'm not a materialistic guy. Well, some of them have been a big help on our daily lives. But how about those kids? We're always facing our phones every day and night while those kids are jumping on a waterfalls. How cool is that?
I asked my friend about their tradition and she told me some backstory. But the important part is that they are doing this every year and I just smiled. With a smile on my face I told her if I can come next time and of course she said why not. All I can say is that I'm really blessed. Living on a big city and doesn't having a hard time looking for food. So, I promised myself that I'll come back and next time I'll bring some things that can bring joy to the kids.
Oh! Sorry, I was very emotional while writing this blog and I forgot to tell you what is happening on the pictures. Actually, they dance all day, sing some modern songs, playing parlor games, having a disco at night, pageant for kids, and joined us with our lunch. That day was the most memorable moment that I have done in my entire life.