By the Jal-o River

We remember. We aspire to relive it. We miss that one community affair we had prior to the critical years of insurgency in our town. The authorities had to parry the popular demand then as threats of raids becomes prevalent. They said that Masquerade Ball on the 31st of December had to be done away with for fear that insurgent elements might use it against them. And we didn't reacted. We took that declaration on face value. For the peace of Balete, we used to say, "Let it be. Oh, let it be". But despite the EDSA and the outstanding peace and order situation, no one venture of restaging the custom. Older people forgets. The young has no recollection of it. But we remember. We aspire to relive it. We miss the fun and excitement at the artistry of Baleten-ons as they turned themselves into living, fleeting human canvas. Baleten-ons might be Kalampai as some bitter souls perceive them, but they have a great sense of humor and are gifted with the capacity of making fun at the

We're coming to the head of the Paskwa sa Banwa celebration. Due to hectic schedule, we've opted to shorten the celebration from the original 12 days of Christmas platform to this year's 5-day observance. We supposed to keep the spirit intact where the carolers are the ones giving gifts to the elected indigent families from all over Balete. The new administration however innovates by incorporating some sort of contests during the entire 5 night vigil--dance sports, Choral contest, vocal solo and composo (our OBM, i.e., orginal Baleten-on Music). I've insisted that such contests should be within the context of the celebration and so far, I've to rationalize if they indeed have been made that way. I recall a note from a priest on the manner we have observed and celebrated Christmas. He avers that Christmas, in its true merit, happens after we've sang the Christmas carols and sent out those Christmas cards, after we've opened the Christmas gifts, when we have

I'd the privilege last night of reading stories to my little daughter. She's 2 and as I was relaxing on the couch "listening" to the mumblings on the TV, she approached me and placed a book on my lap, pleading, " Basa ta, Tay " (Let us read, father). I took the book and readily noted that it's one of those beautiful collections that I prided to have: Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus. Holding on the book in my right hand, I took her on my lap with my free hand and in a dramatic way, started reading to her the title. I was fortunate to reach page 6 before her attention was grabbed by some geckos emerging out of a framed artwork hanging on the wall. " Tay, toko !", she called out in excited voice. Ignoring it, I read on..."'They don't know any more about life than I do,'he sighed". " Tay, toko! " "AV, look, caterpillars hu ! More catepillars!!! And look, a caterpillar pillar and Stripe is going up there!&q