I've always loved OPM but for the past few days, I have been listening to a lot classic PINOY rock/folk. Brings back memories. I remember our old stereo, the one with two massive speakers inside a box of wood. I remember our gramophone records of ASIN, Sampaguita, Beatles, Matt Monro just to mention a few. I remember starring at the covers, amazed with the print and label. I remember my father asking me to turn the stereo on, listen to the latest news. After that he'd leave and go downstairs to have coffee and merienda. I would stay and put on a record or change the news to FM station. I remember listening to Eddie Elarde and Gabi ng Lagim. I remember my childhood friends Nene, Weweng, Berly, Rowena, Omel, Agnes and a few more. I remember our games such as luksong tinik, bahay bahayan, luksong baka, piko, touch taya, chato, holen, bahay bahayan, taguan. I remember being reprimanded by my mother for not coming home on time for the angelus prayer at 6pm. I remember my sister saying "maligo ka na! kakain na!". I will never forget the evening I helped my mother and sisters prepare the table for dinner. I shouted "Lalamun na!." Copied from what i saw on tv. My father got so angry at me for being vulgar and rude. He's very old-fashioned and doesn't tolerate such behavior.
I remember the time when our house caught fire. It was just my mother, my cousin, my childhood friend Berly and I who were home that time. Thanks to bayanihan. Evverytime there's fire, our neighbours would line up their pail of water, big and small. Almost everybody would help to try and put out the fire. Well, except for one or two who are busy stealing while everyone's running around. I could go on all day and night writing all the events and places i can recall, the people i miss and cherish.... but in the end i can sum it up to just one simple thought... I had a good childhood. Yes I could look back and say I had a good childhood. Despite the challenges my family had (which would take a longer blog to write about). We were quite happy. Life was simple yet happy. Thanks to family and friends, to music and madness. Thanks to all our good old neighbours. This one's for u too!
