A Reminiscence of the Past
Reminiscing from the past is like staring at the vast golden sky. Calmness and
gentleness were all I felt whenever the wind caresses my warm skin. I reminisce the
memories I have, thinking back to “This is how I used to be,” and suddenly I realized
how strong I’ve become. Whenever, I try to go beyond my present consciousness, I
only remember the times of difficulties, challenges and happiness. I even remembered
every cheerful and melancholic talks while staring at the golden sky with the most
valuable people around me. Sometimes, I surmise and cherish the silent music in the
background while busily staring at the setting sun. However, this fantasy was about
to be shattered when the last rays of the sun left the sky and soon will be covered
with darkness. Fantasy no more. Fantasy of wishing to go back to the old times and
enjoyed every last moment. Fantasy it is, because it will never going to happen. It is
best to stare at the sky and think of those gold days like how the sky turns into golden.
However, I may not be able to forget those wonderful memories I have even if the sun
will set and take its final vow. I may say that the sun set is one of my favorite piece
of art because it reminded me of how good the day was and how good my past was.
Sunset is marked with reminiscence of the past I have. The tear shed and the strong
will conquered the sky. Even the sky turns the light off for the ballet of reflections
which is about to unfold. This paragraph, on the other hand, will not tell the story.
The plot is going to begin to emerge. This is the story of a strong young girl who
triumphed over her own war. Despite the chaotic situation, she maintained her calm
and collected demeanor. This is her, and her name is Maria Blessilda J. Geralla. On
September 3, 2001, I was born in Tubod, a little hamlet in Lakewood, Zamboanga del
Sur. And this is the rest of my story.....
My father's family may trace its roots back to Paciano Abarquez Geralla and
Visitation Basalo Logarta. They used to live in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, but
moved to Bukidnon recently. They, on the other hand, have made a permanent home
in Zamboanga del Sur due to unforeseen circumstances. My grandfather on my
father's side died young, but my grandmother is still alive and well in Pagadian City.
Regrettably, I only had a brief opportunity to meet my father's siblings. That was
when they ambushed a visitation in our home when I was in Grade 6. They had just
arrived in Tubod after a lengthy travel from Cagayan. Nevertheless, I was unable to
get to know them personally owing to a lack of time and obviously that I had to
commute to school in days and returned home exhausted from school. As a sense, I
was able to relax until the day they left without even knowing who they were.
Furthermore, even though we can't communicate, I can recognize their faces. I also
met a couple of my relatives, one of whom was Jameson. He and my grandmother
Visitation came to see us when I was five years old. We had amazing adventures and
spent quality time with my sisters and brother. My cousin Jameson taught us some
magic and tricks, which I thoroughly loved. With only a smattering of understanding,
I simply assumed it was true and believed in magic. My cousin Sheryl came to live
with us for a year when I was 11 years old. She is one of my closest cousins since she
taught me how doing arts and design, which I used in my projects. She assisted me
in creating projects that were both artistic and functional. Even though I only met a
few of my cousins and relatives, I have fond memories of them.
Will further descended from my mother's great grandmother and grandfather
are Dominga Raotraot Pagaran and Salvador Cubillas Jurigue, including both
Butuan City. My mother grew up with everyone and only moved here when she was
ready to embark on a new chapter in her life. Despite the fact that we didn't get to
know our Butuan relatives, she never failed to keep us up to date on their pastimes.
My grandfather died tragically in a tragic accident. He was a fisherman who needed
to arrive at the seashore as soon as possible in order to catch fish. However, the sky
was gloomy, and the water was only sometimes visible. The fact that a fishing vehicle
was approaching and colliding with him was not in his calculations. My mother's
siblings were split apart the moment he died since my grandmother couldn't meet
their needs, especially in terms of educational assistance. My auntie Grace worked
part-time while she was a student. My mother has gone to live with her uncle. Jackie,
my aunt, relocated to Manila to work. For a long time, my aunt Grace had been
financially supporting them and assisting them with their necessities. She felt
fatigued and dropped out of school as a result of her entire life being spent working
and caring for her family. Despite the fact that she completed high school. Butuan is
a difficult place to live. Without enough money to cover their stipend and tuition fees,
young people will find it difficult to attend school. We, on the other hand, have public
schools. Due to circumstances that intervened in what was supposed to be my
mother's happy and fun childhood, it became a life of sorrow and challenges.
Both of my parents experienced tremendous memories that until now they kept
in their lives and told us about them. Including that of martial law under the
Presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. They experienced how horrible and terrifying the
situation was during those times. Many innocent people were slaughtered, many of
them young people who became victims of rape and torture. Under his presidency, he
freed the most wanted criminals and served as an army in the country, which led to
abusive actions in power. My mother even said that there was no need for research
because people could really observe it in the environment. During those times, when
darkness will be covered in the Earth’s atmosphere, people will need to get inside the
house and don’t ever go out because the military will accuse you of NPA. Whoever
goes against them will be killed and experience a very painful death. Even my mother
was once a student activist because of the injustice she experienced from the
government.
My mother had turned me into an idol because of her bravery. I was able to
live till the end of the illness, which prevented me from feeling weak and unwell. I
was admitted to the hospital when I was eight years old with amoeba, urinary tract
infection, and typhoid fever, and I stayed for nearly three months. I expected to have
to stop attending to school and spend my Christmas vacation in the hospital due to
my health. My amoeba affects my body and causes a lot more than diarrhea. I had
pain when urinating as well as agony in my side and back as my UTI invaded my
body. I felt as if the world had flipped upside down and my vision had been distorted
when I was diagnosed with typhoid fever. It was difficult for me to bear the pain I
was experiencing at the moment. I was only a child at the time, and I didn't fully
comprehend the task at hand. My amoeba continued to expand when I drank dirty
water. On the other hand, because our water is pure and natural, my family was
entirely unprepared for the situation. Not until the water is no longer accessible and
we begin to wonder if it tastes different than what we are used to. We assumed it was
just typical because it rained that day. When my parents took me to the hospital, the
doctors discovered that I had an amoeba. I was also diagnosed with a urinary tract
infection (UTI) at the time since I was having trouble peeing. As a reaction, my father
spoiled us with salty foods and drinks, which I believe contributed to my urinary tract
infection. In addition, I had a very high fever, which led to a diagnosis of typhoid
fever. At the time, my vision was fuzzy, and my skull felt like it was breaking apart.
Since then, nurses have been injecting dextrose into my hands, and the needle is
excruciating, particularly when the nurse injects medications via dextrose. I was
hesitant to close my eyes because they claimed they would inject me again after I
went to sleep, and I was afraid of the needle. As a result, I rarely sleep at night to
avoid it. On the other side, I'm still recovering from my current situation, which I'm
grateful for because it means no more needles. I was fortunate enough to be released
two weeks before Christmas. In addition, after a two-week stay in Pagadian, we
returned home and finally got to enjoy the much-anticipated Christmas festivities.
Following my recovery, I was able to complete elementary school. We've been
busy practicing graduation songs and spending the majority of our time playing
games like Chinese garter, "chakay," "tumbang preso," and others. With my
classmates and friends, I had a great time. We're also getting ready for the graduation
celebration. That long-awaited moment had finally arrived. Because my graduation
fell on the same day as the High School graduation and award ceremonies, my mother
was unable to attend. My father walked me until I got into the studio. I was by then
struck by the moment that, finally, I was out of the primary level of my studies and I
was able to accomplish it. I was so happy at that time. In addition, when I was in
elementary school, I usually wasn’t really into getting high grades and ended up with
no academic excellence award. Due to those circumstances, I wasn’t able to think of
maybe having an A grade in class, and I don't know why that is. However, in grade
6, I was included in the top 12 and I was happy that I could sit in the front. From the
garlands to the awards to the concluding speeches, tears of delight welled up in my
eyes as I realized that in the coming school year, I will be a high school student for
the first time. Furthermore, my family hosted a modest supper for us, and it was one
of those days when I felt satisfied, whole, and pleased.
When I eventually began high school, I was overjoyed since Mama was right
by me. However, after a few days, he abruptly announced that he will be transferred
to another school to teach. When I learned that I would no longer be able to attend
the same school as my mother, I was devastated. I'll go through the difficulties on my
own. However, I was able to complete everything, and I continue to work diligently
on my studies. I was able to pass all of the exams at that time. Even if I'm still fresh
around here, I'm capable of handling it because having Mama by my side isn't always
possible. There really are times like I need to face the reality and difficulty on my
own in order to become less dependent on others especially in my mom and make my
own decisions. I'll be considerably more courageous as a result of what I'm going
through. Given that I was always with my mom and confidently walking around with
my mom, adjusting to the situation is never easy. However, with me being able to
realize that it is just a part of growing up will make me become bolder and
independent. I'm confident I'd be at ease strolling down the corridor without my mum
by my side. I continued to feel terribly self-conscious and alone. In addition, I quickly
established acquaintances with my classmates. Despite the fact that we have little in
common, there is something that connects us. Everything began when I was in eighth
school and wanted to learn to play the guitar. I'm not sure why, but I was extremely
interested playing guitar at the moment, and I really want to learn how to play it. So,
one day, I took my guitar to school and taught them how to play because I didn't
believe they'd be interested in learning. We've always been together since then, and
we've even written our own songs. We've grown into a group of five, all of whom can
play the guitar. On the contrary, I believed that our story was wonderful and that we
would live happily ever after. I thought we would be together until I graduated from
senior high school but suddenly my parents told me that they would send me to
another school. I was very saddened by what I found out because I had a new school,
a new classmate and I was going to adjust to my surroundings. I would have liked to
go to the same school but my parents wanted me to study at Mindanao State
University-Buug. We split up as friends and since then I haven't played guitar and
made songs. I seem to have no interest in those things anymore. I assumed we'd
remain together until I graduated from senior high school, but my parents abruptly
informed me that I'd be transferred to another school. I was devastated to learn what
I had discovered because I had started a new school, had a new classmate, and was
adjusting to my new circumstances. My parents urged that I attend Mindanao State
University-Buug, despite the fact that I would have chosen to attend the same school.
I haven't played guitar or created songs since we parted up as friends. Those things
don't seem to bother me any longer.
When I first arrived at Mindanao State University-Buug, I met a lot of people
and made a lot of friends. Furthermore, despite my lack of social skills, MSU provided
me with some of my closest friends. Their names include Nova, Ruchie Ann, Sandra,
Esnia, and Anieza, to mention a few. Esnia is a firm believer in Islam. Sandra and
Anieza, on the other hand, are half-Muslim, half-Christian. We will always evolve
into best friends, regardless of our diverse cultures and beliefs. I got to meet new
individuals and experience fresh scenarios. I've tried a lot of new things that I hadn't
tried before. For example, I spent time with my new pals eating street food. When we
didn't have any classes, we used to go to our friends' houses and spend the rest of the
time there. Ruchie Ann, another of my buddies, treated us to refreshments at Lucky
10 because her mother had emailed her some money from abroad. I was ecstatic
because I had finally seen my friends having fun, and we had laughed the entire day
away. Furthermore, when I was in grade 12, the entire class opted not to join in the
celebrations, so we didn't have a Christmas party. As a result, my friends and I made
the decision to hold our own holiday event. As is typical, we prepared dishes, gifts,
and even decorations to make it appear as if we were at school. In addition, my friend
Nova organized karaoke. I was so happy that day because I finally felt like I belonged
and content with what I had. I was also content with what I learned from them.
Furthermore, I quickly learned a lot from my studies, as well as self-discipline. I even
remember how we used to spend overnight with one another just to finish the task at
hand given to us, especially when there were reports to be given. There are many
memories with my pals that I have left there. There were gold memories, which until
now I cherished the most. We faced the challenges we experienced there as a group.
We would not want to work alone; instead, we want to function in groups. We
collaborate to ensure that nothing is neglected and that we all make it through. I'll
never forget the hours I spent there with my friends, because they'll always go out of
their way to assist you in solving problems you can't handle on your own. Each of us
will be available for one another if one of our friends requires support, assistance, or
guidance. So I'm delighted I got to meet them, even if it was only for a brief time.
That short period of time was like a whole two years that I spent studying there. With
them, I learned that a student must not only focus his or her attention, but also enjoy
life as a young person and a responsible student.
Until then, there wasn’t a graduation ceremony in my previous school due to
unexpected happenings that struck upon us. There was an urgent announcement that
we, students need to get home. I don’t know what’s really happening, but there were
some places that undergone lockdown. One day after the day, the announcement bang
my very consciousness that the government in Sibugay was placed lockdown. In
addition, we didn’t even finished our school year face to face, but rather, we only sent
our remaining activities and requirements via messenger or FB group. As a result, I
spent 6 months in the house. I wasn’t even thinking that our face to face classes were
canceled due the pandemic. I was terrified because of what happened because it is in
the first time in history that I experienced this terrifying event where many people
are killed by the same or common disease. However, I got it through and overcome
the tremendous event.
Due to the pandemic, I was forced to transfer in J.H. Cerilles State College. I
wasn’t planning on changing schools since, I get used to MSU and I felt already
comfortable. The reason why I got transferred was because of the difficulty of
transportation. It was really hard to go to another province because the police in every
checkpoint will inspect us with medical certificate and valid documents. So, for the
safety, my parents decided to transfer me to J.H. However, I don’t have choice but to
transfer for the sake of my future. Even if, the pandemic struck globally, it doesn’t
stop us from schooling and taking proper education. Luckily, we have various online
platforms that we can utilized in our learning. In addition, it doesn’t stop us from
learning things and act like as a student also. On the contrary, this situation is very
challenging for me because it is new to me including the types and strategies for
learning. At first, when I was in first year college, I struggled a lot especially coping
with the challenges and deadlines for the activities. Sometimes, I can’t join in the
online class because of slow internet connection and current interruption. I really felt
left out when this happened to me because I may not be able to have a further
understanding about our lesson because the module alone isn’t enough for me.
Sometimes, the module is really hard to understand and I need someone who can
explain things to me. On the other hand, I get it all through and be able to go up to
another level of my learning. I am so happy that I am now in 2nd year college. It was
like a blur that in a snap I immediately got here. Moreover, despite the big challenges
I have right now, it was announced that in January, we will be having a face to face
class.
Despite of the challenges and unexpected events I had encountered, I am
happy wherever I am right now. I was ended cheerful and joyful with my family and
friends. The things that I discovered and enjoyed throughout my childhood years up
to the pandemic, I finally discovered that living the life to the fullest and spending
quality time with family and close friends are relevant.