Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Out of the City Light...

I've been tired going to classes for the past few months. I went through a bunch of paper works and examinations just to clear off the previous semester. It would be fair enough to think that such activity equates to a stress-relieving summer vacation.

My summer days would technically be short lived knowing I'd be getting some advance classes. It is quiet a bum to even realize I've thought of such ideas. But, I would like to think it's for the better because if I pass the next few semesters, I'd end up with only 3 subjects for my last. That would be good enough for me to focus on a soon to be well-made thesis. For now, rather than getting anxious over a decided point, its better off to soak in the water, do some nature walks, capture group activities, and to burn under the summer heat.

The last day of classes was the official start of the rooster of events for my vacation. I did not even need to enter school for the last day, thanks to my very understandable professors. I had to pack my things because early that next day we are to move out to celebrate "Fiesta" in Sibaguan, Capiz.

Road Trip to Capiz...

Their are 3 choices to get to Capiz - by road (through RoRo) by air (through PAL and CPA) or by water (through Aboitiz Ships). I had to scrap off the water idea because I really hate staying inside the cabin with nothing to do and with nothing to explore. It has totally no scenic view and the food is so bad. Everything you'll see is water, water and more WATER. Neither do I want to go by air. My parents planned to leave Manila Saturday of that week - the day of the Fiesta. Where is the fun? I know I'd be stuck at home (referring to the place of my cousin - where we stay when we are their) during that festivity. Moreover, I was to go home by monday because of a scheduled final exam in Math. In other words, getting their that late means I have no time to let the "province feel" sink in on me.

Over-hearing my aunt and cousins planning to go by road 2 weeks earlier of that day made me feel a chilling excitement. Their was no thinking twice. I made up my mind their and then. I want to go by RoRo. We are to bring the family's Toyota Innova for the said trip. It was cosy enough for the 5 of us (me, Quina, Karisma, Bebot and Midz).

The trip took 16 hours - 4 hrs ride to Batangas Port, 3hrs via RoRo to Mindoro, 3hrs rough ride to the other side of Mindoro (Roxas Pier), another 4 hrs via RoRo to Caticlan and a 3 hr night ride to Sibaguan, Capiz. We've passed by the most extravagant views; felt the jumpy bumpy provincial roads with all the dirt booming to the atmosphere as we go by them; gone out of way and lost the signs; and having hard time getting help from locals because of language barrier. Their was not a dull time as we went road tripping. Thanks God we arrive safely.

Pre-Fiesta Activities...

It was already late night when we arrive in Sibaguan. Everyone was expecting us which is why they had a really good meal ready for us. After eating, we had to unload the bunch of bags that we have brought - our things, fiesta paraphernalia and some gifts for our relatives. It was time to end the day. Comfy sleep for us after experiencing a day ride going their.

The next day, our relatives was at home with us sharing the stories of our parents' childhood. The whole day was laugh trip because sibaguanons have this really funny way of exaggerating stories. We also had the time to go check for best buys in the provincial market. I wont go out without my favorite Capiz food - Palad. It is a weird looking fish with two eyes on one side. They'll fry it to a crisp such that the texture of the fish would be like fried chicken skin. But most of all, it tastes good. I'd recommend it to everyone. We had also time to soak up.The beach was only a 10 min ride from home (actually almost all amenities does) which is why we had quiet a time to take leisure in its waters.

Golden Anniversary of St. Joseph Chapel...

Their was awfully a lot in line for the festivity. We, Arabia from Manila, was so concerned regarding it because we are to sponsor the events that took place. Everything was planned in Manila and now we are here to make it happen. It was 50th celebration of the Chapel of St. Joseph. My mother and her siblings aimed to help sibaguan every Fiesta because it was their parents that founded and built it. Our grand parents took note to leave under the care of the next generation the said chapel. More probably, they'd pass it to us after. Raffle Tickets, Prizes and Invitations were all shipped to Sibaguan earlier. We had a whole afternoon of packing for the goody prizes.

The typical fiesta activities underwent. They had night novenas and a procession during the vesper before feast. Food was flowing in and out of the kitchen to accommodate everyone that attends the Fiesta. More family members came (even my parents who flew to Capiz that day only). I had to ask my aunts regarding whose hand to kiss because some of them I have only seen for the first time that day. Alcohol was raining and I was one of those that stayed to drink from it. It was a very exasperating day for us.

The Fiesta Specials was done afternoon of the festival. The Raffle draw and the much awaited "halad-saot" was to happen. We gave away 50 winners for 50 years of prosperity for the Chapel of St. Joseph. Prizes came all the way from my mothers clients to some friends from Bacolod and from my relatives abroad. Sibaguanons are not really well-off with regards to finances that is why they eyed on getting those goodies we made ready for them.

Halad Saot is a street dance competition we had planned to do for the first time. It is a dance competition of 5 groups of more than 10 members. Referring to the name, Saot meant "to dance" while the other one, I have no idea what really meant. By virtue of being a UP student, I was given a sit to judge the dance competition. It was hard knowing the best specially that everyone was ready to win.  Nevertheless, little differences and details made the final result. The group who was considerably the crowd's favorite won. Unknowingly, they were comprised mostly by Arabia relatives which is why one of the loosing team was shouting "ihaw-ihaw" ( it means judges cheated to let them win). I was in composure so I need not stoop down to their level. Besides, my mind is clean. I did not do any of what they are talking about. Moreover, even the crowd knew they were the winner. And to make it all funny, It was the 3rd placer shouting "ihaw-ihaw" cause they expected they are to win. Duh! you are not even 2nd place, what makes you think you are worth the prize? Anyhow, the event was a success and every one had fun during the event.

After the Fiesta, everyone was planning to go to boracay. I was hoping I could come. Bad day for me because I have no such time to leisure. I would still want to stay, but I had to leave earlier than the others because I was to have an exam for my math class. I took off monday morning via plane to Manila and went straight to UP for my exam. It only took 30 minutes for me to finish the exam and I would think it was the easiest I have ever answered. Hell! I went out just for a 30 min activity. It wont be the last time I'd be going to celebrate Fiesta in Capiz. I would have to say it was a worthwhile experience and going through the same mambo jumbo would be something I would expect next year.

P.S. Pictures and Videos would be available soon. They are still in boracay and they brought the video and digital cameras with them. I really hate my math teacher! GRR!