She opened her eyes from an afternoon nap and stared at the ceiling blankly. And she slowly recognized the sounds of crickets signaling everyone that the night is approaching.
After having a hard time standing due to old age, my grandmother looked through the window to have a good view of the dominating darkness of the night. Memories of her childhood rushed into her mind thinking that it was not the same as today.
Flashbacks of how they spent the night time, long before the advent of technology and when they were still ignorant of electricity, were so vivid in her mind. Back in her years, when the sun started to disappear in the horizon, they would gather anywhere they want so they can play "bantay-lata."
During daytime, especially on summer days, you will see them busy constructing makeshift houses for the "balay-balayan" activity. Shrieks of innocent children are heard everywhere the moment someone acts as "Nanay" while the other male playmate becomes the tatay.
At times, children would also play "shall go" and "luksong tinik" to the delight of their cheering parents. During full moon, "tubig-tubigan" and "law-itan" would be the names of the games. When the moon was in its full form, the elders would frighten them that "asuwang "might abduct them. So far the best strategy to drive their children home.
She would also narrate chronologically how simple the way of living in our municipality back then. No complex things to worry about just like today's.
As time passes by, technology and human perceptions modify most of our old customs and practices. San Jacinto, along with the whole world is transformed by modernization.
Along with the comfort brought by this modern world, come its side effects. People tend to feed their hunger for some thing new and the desire to defeat curiosity.
In contrast with our old habits, the generation of today spend their nights strolling the paths of our community as if they were tourists in their own hometown. Eyes travelling from places to another as if they've laid their eyes on the sight for their first time.
I can already see 14 or 15 years old hiding in the shadow along with white smoke that exists their young lips which are quivering with ecstasy.
Teens drinking liquor as if its water, their youthful eyes dancing with drunkness. Not minding the danger they might face with every shot they devour.
Young girls that are dressed in clothes that attract both men and mosquitoes wonder around streets. Not paying attention to the consequence of what they think is fun.
But on the other hand, the beauty of the night is best appreciated these days. Despite the bad effect of modernization, it also became the instrument to improve San Jacinto.
Luxurious houses, expensive cars and successful businesses are everywhere, a picture of wealth portraying the prosper ity that San Jacinto savor these days.
The conversion of San Jacinto from a simple and modest town to a complicated and prosperous place has become so fast and only few can adapt to such changes. An it noe brings our town to the peak of its success and everyone is held of a big contribution to its glorious days now and forever.