Me in the big, big boat!

Row row row your boat

Gently down the stream

Merrily merrily merrily

Life is but a dream

I remember my kindergarten teacher every time I hear this nursery rhyme because she sang it gleefully with action. I could no longer remember her name but since then, I have always wanted to ride in a boat.

I was born in Davao in the year of the monkey. Our family belongs to the lower class. My father was a mechanic while my mother is taking good care of us. We have a big extended family, like a total of 20 members living in the same house. Just imagine the struggles of our Lolo and Lola to feed all of us, even though my father has a job at that time. It was still not enough. So our grandparents thought that the only way to have a better life is to work abroad.

My Lolo was the first one who applied for a job abroad and luckily he got the job because of his skills. Then after a few months, we can feel the little change in our lifestyle. We can now afford to eat meat and not always dried fish and sardines. And for same reason, my mother decided to work abroad. And that is the reason why we end up with a broken family, and my Lola had to take care of us while our father was working in a distant place but I won't go on the details.

After a few years, our grandparents decided to live in Manila. I was left behind because I am still studying at that time together with my Tito's and Tita's and cousin who was also studying, the same grade as mine.

I am so excited to study in Manila. In my young mind, we are going to be rich once we live there. I was in grade two at that time, I can't wait for the summer because that is the time of our travel going to Manila. I was so excited that I keep telling to my friends that I am going to ride in a big boat!

The Big Day

This is based on what I could remember. I was only 9 years old. 

The night before, my Tita's were so busy packing. I remember seeing three big traveling bags. Then I also remember packing my coloring books. Then morning came, and I remember my Tita woke up early just to prepare a "baon" for the trip.

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Then my most awaited moment comes. When we arrived at the port, I was so amazed at the big boats that I saw. There were so many people too so my Tita told me to not wander around and stay by her side. My cousin Michael was so nervous but I wasn't. So excited to board a ship!

Then we finally made our way to board the ship. Mt Tita was holding my hand so tight while I was holding my cousin's hand. Then we reached our bunk beds, I chose the top bed while my cousin was below me and mt Tito and Tita were in the bunk bed beside us. I remember seeing so many children, some were just infants. Most of them were crying. And the ship was full of passengers. Some were just lying on the floor. My Tita keeps reminding us to stay on our bunk beds and not to wander around because we might get lost in the sea of crowds. Then later that afternoon, almost dusk, the big boat started its sail. Some kids were crying while some were happily clapping their hands, including me and my cousin.

Then I could hear the splashing of seawater so I told my Tita if we could go out and watch the waves. So we head out with our Tito and we were so happy to feel the sea breeze on our faces( as in sobrang happy ko noon). I even remember telling my cousin how nice it would be if we could swim in the ocean. Then my Tito gave me a slight tap in the shoulder and told me that I would die because it was so deep.

Our first day in the big boat was exciting and happy. I befriended some of the kids. Most of them were Muslims. We played jackstones. I even remember bringing my paper dolls so we played with them too. And then I started to get bored. Imagine that our travel would be 3 days and 2 nights(if my memory serves me right). I keep asking my Tita when are we going to arrive in Manila because I am so eager to see my Lola and sisters. She always answered me, "tomorrow Ne" and I would answer, "lage na lang bukas bukas", hahahahha!

Then one day, the waves were so big and I and my cousin started to get seasick. My cousin threw up everything he ate while I was just lying in my bed trying my best not to puke until I fall asleep. Then the next morning, Tita told us, "Bukas ng madaling araw ang dating natin sa Manila".

My cousin and I were so excited to the extent that all we talked about that day was to be in Manila " bukas ng madaling araw". Mt tita started to packed our things and reminded us to make sure that no belongings will be left behind. Then later at night, my cousin and I were talking about the things that we should do once we arrived in Manila. Then he suddenly asked.

Ne ano ba ibig sabihin ng madaling araw? Sabi kasi ni Mama madaling araw daw tayo makakarating sa Manila.

Ahh, yun ba? Ang ibig sabihin nun eh mabilis tumakbo yung araw kaya tinawag na madaling araw.

Ah yun pala ibig sabihin nun,galing mo talaga sabay apir.

(HAHAHA HAHAHA! Every time I remembered that moment, I always end up laughing. What's more funnier was that my cousin believed it, HAHAHA!)

The next morning, while Mr. Sun is under his bed, the big big boat arrived to it's destination. My Lola together with my other Titos we're already there and waiting for us patiently. I gave my Lola a big hug and showered her with kisses.

the end..

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Date Published: August 23, 2021