You probably know the saying "Magtanim ay the biro". A few years ago I was busy making the life in the City. I couldn't make time to see my parents and siblings. This time of the year, I went back home to see the whole family. It was a long journey to get home, but it was worthwhile I got teary-eyed. I was crying the moment I saw the port when we were arriving. The journey wasn't that simple due to the many restrictions that I went through. But look, I did it. My parents were so busy at the farm planting rice. My brothers are helping them too.
Way back in my childhood days I used to help my parents and my grandparents plant rice and plant corn. This reminds me of my beautiful childhood experience, although I didn't realize that was a beautiful experience before coz, all I feel is we are very poor and life is very tough. When you grow old, you see it from a different perspective. And through my life experience it taught me how to live simple, be content and be happy with what you have. But also don't stop dreaming for something big because life is not just about being simple and happy.
I can't just watch them work. I helped them plant the rice on the farm. I got easily tired, really it was hard, my back was really painful coz when you do the planting you need to bend your back. My mother was telling me how bad I was doing it. She said I need more days to make it right. There is a proper way of planting rice, which is, something I don't know. I did it again the next day, but this time my mother didn't mind what I was doing. We are more on talking to each other; we were like making the time we lost from the past years. It was a nice feeling and a relief that the more I grew old, the more I understood my mother that her love was unconditional.
My mom cooked a cassava, we call it jumble.It is my favorite until nowadays. I asked for that. I also enjoy buying sea foods everyday as I crave for the fresh fish, and sea shells. Of course, it always comes with a native chicken or we call it a " tinolang manok" dish.When you live on the farm, the advantage of getting fresh corn is really easy. I love the roasted corn. I used to invite friends over for roasted corn way back in high school.
Meanwhile, I tried to chop the wood for fire; it is used for cooking food since they don't have the stove or any upgraded tools for cooking. Honestly, the rice or any food that is cooked on wood is really tasty. If you're coming from the province, you know it right?
I've been here for a few days, now, and it's time to help harvest the coconut in the backyard. My father is worried about me helping since it's going to be hard work. You know, father is worried about even small things. I will help cause it brings back to my childhood memories; sometimes you just want to experience it again. It was fun doing it in the mid day sweating.
My brother climbs the cotton fruit tree because I was looking up at the tree. I got mouth watering. When I was in Elementary I used to have excuses. I would ask my teacher for going to the toilet since our comfort room is outside the classroom. I'm going to the cotton fruit tree to climb and get some of it and eat while our teacher is on discussion. My teacher didn't know that until now, so let's keep it a secret. Staying at home, I feel so relaxed when I'm around with my young brothers because they took care of me. They will get what I want especially since they're giving me fruits that I can't get in the City; in exchange I'm buying them a balut.
In our house we have a lot of dogs since my brother likes them. They're very sweet dogs like humans who want to be taken care of. Every morning I always buy pandesal for breakfast. Then the dogs will be there watching when I'm eating with a pleading face. I always share my pandesal with our dog brownie, and the rest forget their names. Brownie likes to have sweet moment with anyone. He likes sleeping on your nap. He is very cute.
Coming home is a big help to me mentally. This is the kind of relaxation I needed to be in nature. Watch the farm and talk to your family, which I'm not doing it often because I live away from them. I'm happy that I'm spending quality time, especially since I'm away from social media coz. I barely get an internet connection so I can't really touch my phone. I'm just busy creating memories like one of that is taking pictures.
Also, I love these orchid flowers in the house. They're in different colors. My young brother took care of them. They look very healthy and well taken care of. I always thank my young brother who really did house work and helped the farm. I'm so lucky to have them in my life. They're my precious gift.
Thank you for being here with me. I appreciate you so much. You're all amazing. This is why I love hivers. Take care!
