I was off-blog for a while. I was caught in a whirlwind of going here to there and vice-versa. I was with my co-workers in a tasked to orient field personnel on the enhanced programs of our agency. This means travelling hundreds of kilometers by land from one province to another. This means waking up at 2 am, then 3 am, then 4 pm, I was afraid that I might oversleep and be left behind. Going to the provinces is really a treat for me. First I get to visit my family (parents & siblings), renewed acquaintances, looked at old and familiar places, and note some changes on people and places.
We went to the city of Catbalogan (my place), Samar province. The place was recently "city-fied" by the local officials. Catbalogan has changed much. Although, the presence of Jollibee (the biggest fastfood chain in the country) is a welcome sight. This means that Catbalogan is now recognized as "IT" place. Imelda park was rehabilitated and acquired a new charm - water fountains and newly landscaped. Old buildings were renovated and repainted and acquired new names. Clearly, the city of Catbalogan is trying to keep pace with developments that is permeating Mother Earth worldwide. It is trying to be savvy in technology with the presence of internet cafes. It has now a univerty (Samar State University) which is producing global nurses. Catbalogan is bustling with businessmen, students, government workers, children, senior citizens and the following generations of residents are wide-eyed and excited to welcome these developments.I am happy with these progress.
But, really Catbalogan hasn't really changed that much. The trycicle drivers that has no sense of direction still rules the roads and streets.
The important landmarks are still very much present - the capitol building, the government offices building, the provincial hospital, the San Bartholomew Church, the Ubanon church, the grandstand, my alma maters - Catbalogan I Elementary School (grade school), Samar National School (high school) and Sacred Heart College (now Saint Mary"s Academy). Samar College and the Samar State Polytechnic College (now Samar State University). The puereculture center, the piers 1 and 2. These familiar places gave comfort to jaded and urbanized Catbaloganons.
It is always a joy going home and seeing familiar places, meeting old friends and welcoming families. This is what I feel whenever I visit my home. I feel rejuvenated and this never fail to put a smile on my face whenever I leave. Homes never fail to remind us to be just be ourselves.
I am encouraging everyone to go home. It is never too late.