Summer Time

I always looked forward to summer time. I love the weather during this time because it is the time when families get together for reunions, road trips to the beach, and a vacation in the province. In my younger years, my sister and I used to spend summer at Acop or at Daclan, Bokod.

At Acop, we stayed at our Lolo Pablo’s(Fernando) place. Our aunties and uncles near our age were our playmates. We used to climb pine trees and mullberry trees and made it our "bahay-bahayan".We played with those plastic dish and cook wares, which we filled with gumamela and weeds we can find to serve as our "play food". We also went to gather those wild berries on a hill where the Municipal Hall stands. There were a few houses back then unlike now. We also took rides on our candle waxed wooden boards to slide on the slopes of the hill. We had so much fun playing outside. Just like in Acop, we did similar activities when we were at Daclan. You can call us "batang Yagit" with our dust covered legs and feet. We loved the freedom that summer time gave us.

During summer time, we didn’t only have play time. We were also made to do our share of the house chores. We cleaned the house, washed dishes, and even cleaned the backyard full of weeds. After helping with the chores, we are given the time to play nintendo. We only played nintendo when the weather doesn’t permit us to play outside. However, there were times when we still played outside even when it rained, we would do some car washing and at the same time wash our clothes.

 Those were the days…

With my work, I am going to spend my summer time inside the office. I only have weekends to enjoy the summer time with my family. The Holy week is also approaching and I am thinking of going home to Daclan to enjoy the mountain breeze while visiting our loved ones. It’s nice to be away from our computers sometimes, because staying infront of our computers only makes us work— which I am guilty of especially when I bring home work. I spend most of my time finishing tasks given to me so that I can have time to do other lined-up tasks.

But then again, I should give all my time to my family when I am not at work. They are precious and lost time cannot be brought back. I’m planning to bring my family back to my dad’s home town to enjoy the short summer break and I hope it will be another time for my children to get to know their lolos, lolas, aunties, uncles and cousins.

Benguet @ 108

Let's CELEBRATE!

Benguet will be celebrating it's 108th Foundation DAY this month. A 1 week trade fair kicks off on November 18 to showcase the different products of the 13 municipalities of the province at the Capitol grounds. Come and see (also buy) fresh fruits and vegetables that are organically grown— mostly from the backyard.

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Last November 3, 2007

We went to Pushong, Bokod to visit our dad, lolos and lola who were laid to rest in the (Lamsis) family cemetery. We enjoyed the fresh scent of the pine during our picnic. My son enjoyed gathering pine cones that (according to him) he will put on the Christmas tree for the squirrels to eat. I told my son that squirrels eat acorns not pine cones. The kids enjoyed running around and we didn't have to worry about careless drivers— unlike in the city and La Trinidad, drivers do not make a full stop before pedestrian lanes.

About 90% of the road going to BOKOD is concrete! You do not need to worry about back and butt pains after your trip.  Don't forget to stop in stop overs like "Jangjang"– you will find sellers of tilapia and silver carp that weighs up to 2 kgs– yummy for sweet and sour.

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Wild guavas are everywhere until summer. Give yourself a break—  

Fermin-Joseph Nuptial

Congratulations to the newly wed couple: Jonathan Fermin and Michelle Joseph

They got married at the Saints Peter and Paul Chapel at Daclan, Bokod last May 19, 2007. The celebration was attended by relatives from Bokod, Kabayan, Besao, Baguio and La Trinidad (and by relatives who came from abroad).

Michelle is the daughter of Councilor Moises Joseph and Rhoda Fernando-Joseph. Jonathan is the son of Mayor-elect Mauricio Makay of Bokod.