By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
Behind our great mountains usually lay a great oasis of natural wonder and beauty. A group of people whose blood has lived among the great surroundings. Where the air dances so freely and purely, without constraints and restrictions. As the hills and mountains lay content in their giant sizes, humongous in their stature and majesty. They peek down at us all, and you can’t help but feel powerless against a great power. And feel so safe against any who would intend you harm. Whether they come from land or from the air.
From the hustle and bustle cultures of big cities, the peace and tranquility of a ‘probinsya’ never fails in bringing us down to earth. For they can shield us from nightmares that come from every corner of our minds.
Foods are always a delicacy, fresh as they can be, and nutritious as they come. Having a conversation with a local, when their food brings life to the body, their words soothe the soul. Their calm demeanor, their bright smiles that shine brighter than a midday sun, and just as warm.
Just as we can truly enjoy food with grease smeared on our mouths, muddy shoes are only vital for the experience to pierce through our skin. Stir the soul, calm our worries and to tell a wild heart to calm down.
Hospitality is always present, and the feeling of home was never left. Though the journey may not be easy, it brings memories nonetheless. Every inch and kilometer bring great stories and laughter to the family. As the spaces between brought us together once again, and we see a closer view of each other. Witness once again one of our greatest blessings on this earth.
On foreign lands, they have their castles and grand cathedrals, both majestic on their own. In our Country sides, our castles are rarely made with cement, instead with wood and metal sheets. Humble but they have shielded and protected generations of families, brought up great and amazing people alike, those who would create their legacies in their provinces and cities. From them would they produce another set of generation, where they continue a legacy that started out humble. Living under metal sheets, their descendants will continue and create a bloodline whose value equals a mansion.
Now, many with indigenous blood are spread out. Unrestrained by our borders but only the sky. From great countries abroad and to our giant cities, they have surely continued the legacy of hard working ancestors. In the past, our blood may have endured a harsh sun, now the same blood has endured the cold snow. Unforgiving desserts and temperate climates have been felt by the blood of humble farmers.
But our roots will always be where the mountains grew.
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