A beautiful, intricate pattern in one of Zamboanga City’s shawls made of fine gold threads. One of the exquisite designs ever made – definitely a work of art. 🙂
Tag Archives: Philippines
I Have Made A Friend – In Jail
Davao City Jail
No. I wasn’t arrested. Just in case you are wondering. 🙂
It was my first time to be in jail. I was nervous. I have always thought of prisons in a very negative manner – a correctional facility for the “bad guys” of society. I expected to see and experience the worst – prisoners taunting us, throwing things while we are looking around, screaming, dirty environment and prison cells.
That was before I entered the compound of the Davao City Jail. When I got inside, I was surprised. I saw colourful homes with curtained windows, flowers, plants, trees and a pavilion with a stage decorated for a program. I saw women sweeping the yard, washing laundry, creating and weaving handicrafts – it doesn’t look like a jail at all.
Yes, the jail wardens referred to the jail houses as “cottages” and the prisoners as “bakasyonistas” or “tourists.” Their quarters are indeed small cottages and if you weren’t informed beforehand, you might think that there is a small community inside. Except that the settlers are all women – a correctional facility for female prisoners.
Slowly, I became more comfortable as our guide, who happened to be one of the prisoners also, toured us around and explained what the “bakasyonistas” are doing, what the particular cottages are for and how the system in that community works. Our purpose for the visit is to learn about how they run the program on ALS or Alternative Learning System as part of the requirements in one of my classes in my graduate study at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
The ALS aims to provide opportunities for these women to study and learn while inside the facility to help them earn for a living through the income generated from the handicrafts that they have created. As for the younger women, this will be an equivalent to a vocational course that would certify them of getting decent and promising careers outside when they have served their terms and are released from the facility.
Most of the “bakasyonistas” were detained due to drug-related offenses. Some accounts are based on a drug-busting operation and they just happen to be included because they were at the scene when the operation happened but were innocent of the crime. A classmate of mine and I were given the opportunity to interview one “bakasyonista.”
Her name is *Rosa. She is 25 years old, 2 years younger than me. She has two kids already and she’s been in the facility for about almost 2 years. She and her husband were separated even before she was arrested. When I saw her, I never felt any apprehension how to approach her. She seems harmless. She greeted us with a smiling face, a bit shy. She carries a very light expression about her while we were conversing. We asked her about how she finds the ALS program and found out that she is one of the staff in-charge with the art decorations of the stage. She said that she loves to do art works and she is also one of the women in that community who weaves ladies’ bags out of straw.
She said that it is a very good opportunity for them that they are studying through the ALS because it gives them hope. It gives them another chance to start something good for a new beginning when they leave the facility. I asked her what she plans to do after she has served her term, she said she plans on putting up her own handicraft store and she wanted to see her two kids as she missed them so much already. She said that she seldom sees the kids as they are studying and her mom and relatives are also too busy to pay her a visit. They get to visit her once or twice a year. I asked her when her term will end. She was silent at first, looked at her hands laid out in front of her and then, she cried.
She doesn’t know for how long she will stay inside the facility. In between sobs, she told us she misses her children so badly. Sometimes, even if the facility seems to be a good community and they are treated pretty well, it still feels lonely. She said that yes, they may be seeing homes, flowers, plants – a regular community, but at the back of her mind, the thought still remains that they are prisoners. That though they may be free to roam around the compound, they still can’t leave the facility and mingle with the rest of society, free to do anything they want.
At that time, while she is talking, I wanted to cry too. But I just held her hand and listened. By the end of her story, I told her with a smiling face, “Don’t lose hope. Have your faith in God. He will give you the strength to overcome all those feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. You will get out of this facility, you will be free and you will be able to see your children soon.”
I changed the topic as soon as I said that to prevent her from crying even more. I asked her what she did on Valentine’s Day. She told us that she was one of the “bakasyonistas” who conceptualized the theme for the stage decoration and yes, she had a date. After saying this, yes, the light, bubbly *Rosa was back again. I teased her. I asked who the guy is. She told us that the guy is one of the male detainees at the men’s correctional facility which is the compound next to theirs.
So I wondered how they got to know each other. She said that it was through a dance group, where she and the guy were members, while they were practicing for a dance presentation. After that, they have been sending love letters to each other through a window. She is blushing while saying all these and I can’t help but feel happy for her.
When our professor told us to wrap up the interview, I asked her if she can show me some of the handicrafts she made. She showed me a purple and blue shoulder bag. Being a fashionista, I liked it right after I saw it. I asked her how much is it. She told me it is worth Php350.00 which is equivalent to US $7. I gave her a 500-peso bill and told her to just keep the change.
I was expecting her to say “Thank you” and only that. But no, she hugged me tight, almost jumping from joy, smiled, and told me, almost crying, how grateful she is. She just could not thank me enough; she told me she will use the money to buy her youngest girl a new pair of school shoes. She then told me to wait because she has something more for me. I told her it is fine as we are also about to leave. But she still insisted, so I gave in. She returned a few minutes after with a coin purse and a belt made of the same color to the bag I bought. She is giving them to me, for free, so they would match my bag.
*Rosa’s Handwoven Bag, Belt and Coin Purse All Made of Straw
When she said that, it was I who wanted to cry right then and there. It is a good thing I was able to control my tears. I thanked her and just told her how nice of her to do that and for having a big heart. I told her that I will never ever forget her. I asked her how I can contact her. She gave me the number of the facility and her full name. Afterwards, I hugged her tightly again and she hugged me back just as tight, smiling with a light and happy heart. I, then, bid her farewell.
As I was inside the van with the rest of the class on our way to our dormitel, I began to replay what just happened. Those few minutes that I got to talk to her, see the community and hear their stories, I felt like I have learned a year-worth of experience.
As the facility is starting to get smaller and farther from our view, I can only utter a prayer. A prayer of hope for *Rosa, her children and her family. A prayer for her that she would continue to look into life on a positive perspective despite what she went through, going through and her sacrifices. That she would continue to hold on to her dreams despite all the feelings of loneliness, depression and hopelessness.
Yes, I have faith. I told her to have faith. God is good and loving enough to answer prayers when we repent and ask for His forgiveness. He has a purpose for every single thing that we experience. I told her to be patient. God makes all things beautiful in His time. Just trust and obey.
Lastly, I pray for her heart, that though it may have been broken, though it may have been tainted, it still would remain to be capable of loving and caring.
It was golden. That moment was golden.
“Thou Shall Not Wilt”
If your imagination is running high, you would agree with me if this looks like a flower to you – the inside of the top core cover of a coconut fruit attached to a stalk. A flower that will not wilt. 🙂
Benguet: The Trip Up North
“Heaven here on Earth….”
Yes, that is exactly what I had in mind when I saw clouds hovering over the city of Baguio from Beckel. Beckel is located at La Trinidad, Benguet, a province in Baguio City, here in the Philippines. The weather in this part of the country is comparatively cooler than the rest. In fact, it is the coolest part of the Philippines with a temperature range of 15 degrees Celsius – 26 degrees Celsius.
The Benguet Community
The Place
Astounding. That is the word that would closely describe how my first encounter with the community was. The serene ambiance, accentuated by the fresh scent of the pine trees surrounding the place and the stunning overlooking view, is beyond perfect. No other words best fit Beckel, but this description – the off-grid country life that most have imagined and wanted. The place was far from the city, and yet I can describe it as rich and bountiful in terms of nature-inspired simplicity. Truly an escape from the bustling metro, a sanctuary for tired souls.
The place is such a breather and definitely a lovely sight after a tiring 6-hour trip of winding roads and steep slopes. If I can describe it in another way, with just one word, I’d say it would be none other than the word “basic.” Why “basic”? What they have is enough to supply their basic needs without any extravagant luxuries.
Basic commodities are available at the shops downhill, which include the mini grocery store owned by the very generous Kagawad Vicky, who welcomed us into the community and helped us get acquainted with the locals. Then there’s the small internet cafe, the karinderya, a water refilling station, a panaderya, and an ukay ukay store, along with two other stalls that mainly sell essential goods.
If there was one thing, though, that captured my attention most, it’s a scene that I don’t see often in other places here in the Philippines. That of coffins situated beside the house or in the backyard. If someone were to ask me what the most significant landmark in Beckel is that separates it from all the other communities I have visited, it would be the coffins.
As an outsider, I have to admit that seeing the coffins for the first time was a bit disturbing. It didn’t help much that the room where Ate Nina and I occupied is overlooking a neighbor’s backyard full of coffins. But good enough for us, we slept quite like a log, oblivious of any eerie sounds in the background at night, if there are any.
Speaking of our room, we stayed at the Parish house under the care of Father Joseph Pumihic, with the help of Ate Lisa and Ate Josie. It’s a very beautiful and humble abode, and a very special place for guests. It is this quaint little Parish house that actually made my entire Beckelian experience nothing of the ordinary. The house, perched atop the hill, offers an above-the-clouds experience when the temperature drops and fog starts to cover everything below us.
It’s not a typical guest house because it’s got a very “homey” vibe to it. The faded varnish of the wooden door reveals intricate wood grains, adding a subtle vintage touch to it. Upon entering the house, guests are ushered into the living room that also serves as the dining area. It provided just the right amount of space for the entire group to fit in and huddle for the discussion nights. My “little house” impression didn’t meet my expectations; it exceeded them.
The house was very spacious inside – there are two bedrooms, a kitchen, a laundry area, and a bathroom downstairs. On the second level, there are two more bedrooms, one bathroom, and more open spaces which can be converted to another living room or an extra sleeping area if there are more guests. The balcony is another great feature of the house that complements the warm ambiance and is the perfect nook for relaxing and contemplating.
The atmosphere, weather-wise, is very suitable for traveling. Plus, the scent of pine trees and the cool breeze instantly lightens up anyone’s mood. Indeed, nature basking in this place is the best breather. Though daily walks from the barangay to the Parish house and back to the community are so different from city walks in Manila or even in my province in Bicol.
Walking here in Benguet can be exhausting if you’re not used to walking uphill and downhill on steep and winding roads. But with good company and a laidback community, I must say “exhaustion” is just a word. When we headed to Lamut, I realized this is the reason why people in Beckel are physically fit. They had to tread these roads regularly when doing their daily activities. But for visitors, like us, it would take quite a long time to adapt to these strenuous walks.
One of the major contributors to making my Beckelian experience worthwhile would be the hike to Mt. Camiling. Mt. Camiling is located outside Beckel. And I must agree with Ate Rose, one of the charity workers and our tour guide, that going to Mt. Camiling is one of the most difficult and treacherous hikes. This is mainly the reason why mass was held only once a month there in Mt. Camiling. I wasn’t geared up for the climb – very thin socks inside a pair of Chuck shoes (definitely a no-no for hiking), a heavy camera, and a backpack. I got shaking knees, aching feet with calluses all over, and a sweating, weary body during our trek.
Halfway through the climb, I almost felt the urge to back out and head back to the guest house. But seeing the two nuns who are with us, Sister Maxene, who is 65 years old, and Sister Bina, treading on the cliff with difficulty but with patience, I thought otherwise. I am younger than them, stronger even, but do I have such strong faith and motivation to reach the community as them? It came to a point where I almost felt my life was hanging by a thread when I slipped and was only holding on to a bunch of wild grass to keep myself from falling and sliding down the cliff.
Thanks to Ate Rose, who grabbed me when I slipped and helped me get back on the trail. After walking for hours, we were physically spent out, were catching our breaths, and I had already emptied my water bottle – it was indeed the hike of the year for me. Not even my hiking experiences from Girl Scout days were a match for the challenging hike in Mt. Camiling. I must say I was hurled back to being a newbie in hiking. But seeing the community surrounded by rolling hills, lush mountains, and fresh pine trees — the view was spectacular.
The People of Benguet
All the effort of going up Mt. Camiling is worth it when the locals welcomed us with smiling, exuberant faces. They were so glad and very thankful that Father Joseph and the sisters, as well as people from neighboring communities, paid them a visit. Aside from the warm greetings, they also extended their appreciation by preparing a celebration – a feast was waiting. They offered boiled saba and brewed coffee for snacks while we were resting. Then, mass started a couple of minutes after that, followed by “the feast.”
A short program was conducted after everyone had already eaten. If there is one character trait that I have noticed with the people of Mt. Camiling, it is their hospitality – a simple gesture of extending what they can offer or provide to visitors in their community. I have also witnessed the same character trait in Beckel.
The spirit of bayanihan is still very much alive in this community. Every local is intentional in actively participating in every important occasion or festivity. They share responsibility for making a festival or occasion as grand as possible. When it comes to becoming a solid community, I must say that the communities I have visited in rural areas and provinces are very much tight-knit compared to city life.
They are also closely attuned to nature and their surroundings. Aside from the fact that it is through nature that they get their source of livelihood, they have somehow perceived nature as part of who they are as individuals. One observation that I can make from the entire duration of our stay in Benguet is that there was never an instance where I felt awkward in dealing and communicating with the people in Mt. Camiling, Lamut, and Beckel.
They never held an arrogant attitude and were just willing to share what they knew through storytelling. They have no reservations, so to speak, when it comes to their life and culture as a Kankana-ey or an Ibaloi. Yes, gossips are part of storytelling too, but they deal with it nonchalantly. This, I think, is reflective of how peacefully the dwellers of the Benguet community have lived alongside one another. I must say that to acquaint oneself with the people from Beckel, Mt. Camiling, and Lamut isn’t as difficult as acquainting oneself with the place itself.
And of course, the trip won’t be complete without trying Benguet’s very own specialty: strawberry taho (soya/beancurd). So YES, if given another opportunity to go back, I definitely would. It’s one worthwhile experience that one should never, ever miss out on.
The Journeyman's Moments 