Taking the crowded jeepney to work in the morning is a bit like a trip down memory lane. At first, hanging onto the back of the jeep seems a little scary, but as it moves along, it feels kind of nice.
Looking around, I notice lots of people waiting for jeeps and taxis, showing that more people are living around our neighborhood.
The ride makes me think about when I was younger, doing the same thing. Hanging onto the back of the jeep, which used to be a little scary, now feels like a connection to my past and the people around me.
Back in the day, mentioning a family name meant people could easily point to their house, every house was like a landmark. Damagem Roman B*****g* isuro da iiijay guadayan. You could find someone just by saying they are from Bakun, Buguias, or Mankayan, and folks would know the whole neighborhood. People could effortlessly list all the residents from a particular place, creating a web of connections across the neighborhood. Mabalin pay nga damagem, ayana balay ni Uncle P. Jay naanus nga lakay? Ket maisuro da. Idjaaay kunada.
Nowadays, people don’t usually know their neighbors. Surprisingly, most of my neighbors still remember me. Despite growing up and looking more mature, they still call me Rey. ( except that now the word comelec is associated with it.) Maybe it is because of my familiar appearance, or perhaps my distinct way of walking? Ta dua kami lang ditoy kaaruba nga sabali pannagna na. Maybe that sets me apart in the neighborhood. Hehe
Back in the day, if you don’t want to read news paper or listen to the radio just go to the SariSARI STORE. Why? The local sari-sari stores were not just shops; they were gathering spots where neighbors exchanged news, shared stories, and sometimes lingered a bit longer than necessary. These humble stores were the pulse of the community, reflecting the simplicity and authenticity that defined life in La Trinidad.
As the seasons changed, so did the landscape. The once familiar avocado trees, the dama denoche in the neighborhood which became reference points for directions, and the fields gave way to new developments. While progress reshapes the physical landscape, the heart of the neighborhood beats with the stories and shared experiences that make La Trinidad more than just a place, it is a living connection of memories.
Happy Strawberry Festival Kaaruba.
