Manila - When away from one's native land of birth especially in a foreign land by reason of studies, work, vacation or rarely by accident perhaps, it is a great joy to hear or see things that remind one of his "home sweet home". It can be "home Batanes home" as referred to in an adapted song lyrics. Yes, one can also relive images of the Philippines and feel some patriotic sentiments from the deepest chambers of his heart.
am I) and the use of our official languages (minimally mixed with French) complemented one another to evoke national pride. The seating capacity of the auditorium is 400. However, it was overfilled. Some were standing due to lack of seats to use and were seating it out. Temperature inside was unusually warm despite being in a temperate country. This too resembled our local climate. It may be more bearable than bitter coldness. Positively put, the affair was well attended. Hurray!
Moreover, all the contest's emcees were our compatriots. To be proud Ivatan too, it may be added that one of them is an Ivatan descendant, Marva Antas Castro, who even got assigned by the overall arranger to present the ambassador for his short message.
__________________________________________
* Minhinoyoy is a pseudonym of an Ivatan UP (University of the Philippines) retiree. It is an Itbayaten term in the past tense that refers to this Ivatan as a maiden voyager (one making a trip for the first time to a certain destination).
The Ivatan's European sojourn lasted for 30 days (May 19 to June 17, 2006) where he met some Ivatans (in Paris, Geneva, and other interesting places).
The Ivatan was a BHS (Batanes High School) class salutatorian. - July 2006 |
