Happy Fiesta, Hernani

Today is the actual date of the Fiesta here in Hernani. All the fun nights before were just leading toward this event. At the end of this day, the Fiesta here will be over. Classes will be back to normal, some students will be happy that they are finally going back to school. But I'm sure some are not so happy that school is back this coming Monday.

Anyway those who have friends here in Hernani can visit their house and eat there. Today is eating day for all Hernani people, as well for all the visitors that came all the way here for the Fiesta. I myself am just going to attend the mass. I did not come here for the eating. In fact, my house is located 3 brgys from here, in Brgy. Batang. The people of our village come to central Hernani for the Fiesta, but in fact Batang also has its own Fiesta to celebrate each year.

 

 

The Battle of Bands!

Just got home from Tacloban! I am now at the gymnasium to watch "The Battle Of Bands". I found out that there will be 6 groups from different provinces to compete tonight. They are already here. I think some of them are really nervous, while the others are just relaxed while waiting for the show to start.

Tonight the winner will take home 20,000 Pesos as cash prize, the second winner will get 15,000 Pesos, and the one will be 10,000 pesos. There is also a consolation prize worth 5,000 pesos each for the losing participants. Each of the vocalists will get an extra 1000 pesos as well.

The show just started minutes after I arrived here in Hernani. I'm thankful that I'm able to watch all the contestants on the stage. I love to watch live bands!  Tonight is the right time for me to watch 6 groups of bands to perform. I have watched live bands in Tacloban during Fiesta and I know how much fun it is to listen to a band performance.

Okay, the first group is in my own opinion not that good. Their performance is plain, the vocalis's voice is not clear, and the 3 songs they played are rather simple. Maybe there was a problem with the microphone. The second group is called "The Trio Band". This one is really good and people are applauding them a lot while on the stage. Trio means they are 3 in the group and they sing really high and on the right tune. I am also one of those who like this group very much. How I wish they win later, but I must not forget about the other contestants. Maybe there will be another good one!

Sayawit

I enjoyed watching Sayawit 2017 here in Hernani, Eastern Samar, along with my brothers and cousins. They are with me whenever I come to watch a contest. It is always more fun to watch together with my squad. My brother has a motorbike, which is a big help for us. We don't depend on public transportation, still we are able to get home on time. When my brother is not around, we don't have a choice but to wait for a tricycle to drive us to the place we are going to.

Tonight, my cousin, ate Dolly, was around to give us a free ride. My brother Nikko was also here to take us to the place where the show was being held, although he didn't wait for us until the show ends. It was my cousin's motorbike that we used, the driver was my younger brother. We were five in the group. So, two people came home first, then my younger brother came back to get us.

Sayawit is a dancing contest. It was very entertaining, I love watching all those contestants performed. They are all amazing!

Trying to go to Samar

It seems that the Van-van tours and Duptours are fully booked. Those two are the names of transportation companies that offer routes around Eastern Samar. I think it is because today is the Fiesta in Borongan City. Boronganon people are celebrating their Fiesta today and tomorrow. Those who have relatives here in Tacloban are probably travelling back home to Borongan to participate in the Fiesta and be with their family during the special occasion.

I can see lots of people waiting here at the terminal, most of them are going to Borongan. Even though I am not going to Borongan, I am one of them who tries to get on a van. I will stop in my hometown Hernani. I will go back on Saturday morning so that I can attend my afternoon class. Right now I'm here along with passengers bound for Borongan. Anyway happy Fiesta Borongan!

Just got home

We just got home from General McArthur. The pageant wasn't done when we left. It was just at the last part of the pageant: the picking of top contestants.

What can I say? All the contestants have answered the questions asked by the judges very well. They are indeed very smart and talented individuals. But it's only one winner to be called as Miss Gay 2017. Who would it be?

It is certainly tough for the judges to pick a winner, because all of them had excellent answers. They were all gorgeous, and sexy. No wonder why they are in the competition. My favorite was candidate number 1. But only the official judges choose the final winner. Congrats already to whoever won tonight!

Keep Safe!

Anytime, anywhere, any disaster may happen. One disaster just happened near me. In Jaro, Leyte, was a 6.5 magnitude earthquake and ruined many houses and roads. One building collapsed, and some people got hurt, and at least one person died. Electricity broke down and we are without internet right now.

The earthquake was really strong, I could feel it while I was in my room. Everything was moving. I was really scared that time. I have never been in a similar situation before. I have experienced minor earthquakes, but never anything as strong as this one. My auntie told me that years ago, a stronger earthquake happened in Samar, but I wasn't home that time. I hope there will be no more strong earthquakes in near future.

Happy Fiesta, Tacloban

It's a super busy day for everyone that lives here in Tacloban, because today is Fiesta, a very special occasion for all Tacloban people. Everyone is having fun, watching shows, live bands, and riding different rides. many people go to RTR, the place with live bands. You can't easily get in, due to tight security. Although you don't need to pay for the entrance. The security will just check your luggage, and there are many signs with instructions what is inside allowed and not.

Authorities have tighten their security for the sake of everyone. Nowadays it's too dangerous going to crowded places, because that's mostly where terrorist go to install bomb. Like what happened in Davao, and to some other places too. Last night I was out with my friends, and we were stopped by police and were asked random questions. Policemen were everywhere last night. I think they did a great job for securing everyone. Anyway, Happy Fiesta, Tacloban!

Parade of Lights (or what I didn't see)

When you are short it's really hard to see what tall people can see. I came out last night to watch the Parade of Lights. The highway was closed, jeepneys could not go further. They stopped somewhere far from where the parade will be held. I had to walked until I could reach the place, because I really wanted to watch the Parade of Lights. It's going to be my first time to see something like that. When I was near, I realized how crowded the roads were side by side. Gosh! I couldn't even see the middle of the highway where the parade must go through. Even though it hadn't started yet, people were already everywhere that time.

Since I failed to be in the front row where I'm able to see the show, I went inside the McDonald's and ate dinnee. I had burger and fries. After that, I went outside, and I heard that the parade had started. My plan was to take photos of everything, but I couldn't. It was even difficult to move around. After a while of staying disappointed, I decided to just go home instead of standing there like a loser. Then I walked back where the jeepneys were. It took me a long time to get in, all jeepneys were occupied already. I had to wait for like half an hour, until I found one with less passengers.

Amusement park rides

It took me a while to find the courage to try a few rides tonight. My friends did their best to convince me to join them. I realized that I don't want to be left behind while they are enjoying the rest of the night trying different rides. So I came with them and we tried 3 rides. I forgot the name of the first ride. It was a 3D ride, but not as good as the 3D I've watched back when I visited Universal Studios in Singapore. It didn't scare me even one bit, but others keeped shouting. I was the only one who stayed calm in the show. This ride did cost 50 pesos.

The next one we tried was the Dragon Coaster, which is a a big rollercoaster, It was more for kids than adults, but there were plenty of adults taking the ride. It was more fun than the first one. I got a bit nervous because of the sudden turns when it was running so fast, but after 3 turns the ride was already over. It costs me 70 pesos. The last ride we had was the Octopus Coaster. This was less fun, because I was feeling dizzy during its run, and when I got out, I wasn't feeling so well. So I decided we should go home. Whatever my experiences was tonight, I admit I had fun. I think I'm ready to try new rides in the future, just not those rides that might make me feel dizzy.

Unexpected fun during Fiesta

I thought I won't be going back to the City until tomorrow, but here I am finally! It was my friend who called me this afternoon. She needed my help! She asked me if she can stay at my place until she is able to find a new boarding house. She said it won't be long until she can find one. I don't have a problem with that, because she is my good friend. She knew where I live, in fact we often do our group projects together at my place.

We agreed to meet in Tacloban, that's why I am back here. Tonight, we went to RTR which is a huge amusement place during Fiesta for everyone who likes to drink and try different rides. There were also shows and live bands. Once you're with friends, you'll never feel like you're out of place. Last Fiesta, I didn't pay much attention what you can do in Tacloban during Fiesta. But tonight I experienced the fun with my friends. Thanks to my friends who brought me to this place.

Happy father's day

Happy father's day to all the fathers all over the world! Especially to my dad who never leaves us even on the toughest day. My dad is not a person who shows or expresses his emotions, but as his childrens we can feel his love for us. We knew it ever since we were born. My dad may have a bad temper, he gets angry quickly, but only when he dislikes what we do that he knew is not good for us.

Love your parents unconditionally, and never disappoint them! My dad is someone we dearly love. We may all not get along with each other sometimes, but our love for him will never fade. He is everything to us. We also love our mom, but she's far far away, while dad is with us, and he takes care of us even though we are already grown-up. We will never trade him for anything.

Happy father's day, tatay (it means dad). Always know that we are here for you no matter what happens. We love you as much as we love nanay.

Happy Independence Day

Today is the 119th Independence Day in the Philippines, my beloved country. I'm sending all my greetings to all Pilipino around the world. I know most of us are celebrating this holiday wholeheartedly as we should be. So many brave heroes died fighting for our freedom, and now is the time to praise them all for what they did for our country. Without them, our country would not be as good as it is now. Although the fighting is unstoppable in some places of the Philippines,

I believe that this country is a lot more better than the old Philippines that was colonized by Spaniards and American people back in the days. I really do like how the Philippines is at now. But it would be even better if these killings will stop, for everyone's sake, and for the country as well.

Last day of Fiesta

Yesterday was a blast! We celebrated the last day of Fiesta with my cousins. We has lots of food and drinks. I bought four cases of Red Horse Beer for us. When drunk, I came up with the crazy idea to hide our alcohol behind the dried banana leaves, so that nobody would know we were drunk and nobody would ask us for more beer. It was only a joke though. People in the province seldomly drink Red Horse, because it is kind of expensive. Most people here go for the cheaper alcohol.

But I wasn't the only one who spent money for alcohol yesterday. Everybody did. We were only five people and we were really drunken at the end, so, for the last case that we had, we decided to give some to the other people who walked by us. The Fiesta this June was definitely fun. Though most got drunk, it was all good because nobody started to fight. People yesterday were all enjoying the Fiesta.

Excited for Fiesta

Nine days more and then we will have fiesta here in our barangay. I can't wait for that day to come. I will meet again my batchmates and friends and we will party night and day. It is going to be a fun vesper night for all of us. It should be great, since fiesta only happens once per year. Already now, people are preparing, fixing fixing their homes, getting ready for the big day.

But before the vesper night, on June 1, there will be the "Miss Gay" competition. This happens every fiesta. It is a pageant where all the contestants are gays, that is ladyboys. Or simply boys that dress like women. This is always fun too watch, because the contestants present themselves with a lot of humor, with some irony for the gay culture or making fun of the way how beauty queens behave. You'll laugh at loud by their performances. The most interesting part of Miss Gay for me is when they are uttering their motto which they've created. They are really funny.

Our gym will probably be crowded with people from all around the world to watch the Miss Gay and Vesper night celebrations. Everyone is invited to the fiesta, so whoever wants to party, please come and join us. Food is free as well. Most houses will offer different dishes on the vesper night. I hope everyone can enjoy the fiesta.

Fiesta in Cacatmonan

Yesterday afternoon, I, my brother, and my cousins decided to visit Cacatmonan. I wrote about Cacatmonan already last year, and in case you don't remember, I tell you again what Cacatmonan is:

Cacatmonan is a small village up in the mountain. There are not so many houses, maybe 16 to 20 houses. They have an elementary school up to grade 3 only. After that, students need to go down from the mountain. They have a small gym which they use not only for sports but for all kinds of events and barangay activities. The most important of Cacatmonan is that is is off the beaten path. No cars can go to there. It is not easy to visit, because the only way is to walk for an hour in order to reach the top. If you visit Samar and you love to hike, then Cacatmonan is probably for you.

Last night was their vesper night. I was present, I even started to dance cha-cha along with my cousins. I think I need to learn dancing now. I'm happy for that, because I'll be dancing once again this coming fiesta in our barangay. Anyway last night was a blast.  The party was so simple yet everyone is having fun.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'd like to greet all the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day. Salute to all the single moms who raise their children well, despite having no one to help them. They didn't give up, they just get stronger. That's how a mother should be to their childrens.

Your mom is everything, love her no matter what happens! If you have a troubled relationship with your mother, on mother's day you should forget the trouble and greet your mom on this very special day. You need to realize that no matter how bad or good a mother is to the kids, the children still own their lives to their mom. We should be thankful for it.

My mom and me are not in good terms for so very long time. Sometimes we are okay,  most times not. The last time we talked to each other was last year. Now I don't know where she is. We maybe have fought with each other, still she is my mother. And I love her, and I wish I could see her in real right on this day just to greet her a Happy Mother's Day. I want to hug her, give her flowers, and treat her to dinner. I feel sad, because it isn't going to happen.

Excited about the coming fiesta

It is 21 days before the Fiesta in our barangay. 3 weeks to wait, and that's enough time to prepare for the occasion. June 2-3 are the Fiesta dates. Vesper night is June 2. It means there is disco. Everyone is invited, even if you aren't from my barangay, you are welcome to join. Those who love to dance are lucky to have fun there. I think I will be the only one who's going to stay boring the whole night, sadly because I can't dance.

I will have to be at the vesper night, because every elementary batchmates is inclined to show up, and participate in the event. We call it Alumni. It was 2006 when I graduated from elementary, so we are probably wearing t-shirt with printed batch year, and name on it. That's why the leader of our group already informed me about the plan, and that each of us will have to cooperate for the party to happen. I can't remember how many are we, I can only remember few people from that time. I forgot most names. But once I meet them again, I will surely remember them.

Happy Fiesta Padang

My howntown Hernani has several barangays, and soon there is fiesta in every barangay. For barangay Padang, fiesta has already started. Last night they had a live band, as well as disco sponsored by one of the richest family in Padang. There were even fireworks in the night. I bet they spent a lot of money on that event. Well, that isn't surprising, since most members of that rich family lives in the USA with better jobs. The sponsor is also the wife of American guy who has two sons. They were all at the gymnasium, taking over the night, dancing tango, and any other traditional dances.

Brgy. Padang has their own huge gymnasium. This is good for such fiesta events or other big parties, as well as for playing basketball tournaments. It has a roof, so it is no problem to party there even at bad weather. I wish that my own barangay Batang would have such a gymnasium, but we don't have. We always pray for good weather when fiesta comes. Maybe in the future, we get one. Anyway, Happy Fiesta Brgy. Padang!

Happy Fiesta to my other hometown

Fiesta is happening now in my mom's hometown. My grandparents still live there. I am currently in Hernani, my father's hometown, and that place is a bit far from here. I feels sad that I didn't make it to there. My grandparents thought I was coming. They waited for me to arrive yesterday. But I told my cousins to let them know I am not coming. My grandparents understand my situation, so they just tell me to come another day even it isn't Fiesta.

Every places has its own Fiesta, and it only happen once a year. When Fiesta is near, everybody is busy preparing, from making their homes looks nice and clean to preparing food. Fiesta is very important to us province people, because no matter how far we live, we make sure to be home for the Fiesta. It's nearly as important as Christmas with family. I am sad that I didn't make it to my grandparents this time. Happy Fiesta to them!

Dangerous roads

Sometimes travelling on a bus transport is risky, especially for those who travel to provinces on rocky roads. It is not easy to drive there, and sometimes the drivers can be reckless even to rough and narrow roads. It it gets dangerous, some people start praying to God, but accidents happen nevertheless.

In the news was the story of a bus that fell off the mountain in Nueva Ecija and killed 32 people. I'm sure they have prayed before they even came up in the bus. My sympathy, and condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones on that tragedy. That was really heart breaking. How I wish we die different, and not like that.

I hope drivers would behave more responsible on the road so that such accidents never happen. It is sometimes better to drive slowly but to reach the destination safely than to drive fast and die on the road. Always keep that in mind when you go on the road yourself with your car or bike!