Lupang Hinirang
Ate
Arnie is excited for June 12. As a Filipino, that particular date would
definitely ring a bell. Having attended all of my schooling (from
elementary to college) in the Philippines, June 12 is not only
memorable because we have no classes, but because it is the day we
celebrate the nation’s independence. I remember being in numerous
school parades, carrying a miniature Philippine flag, and wearing the
traditional baro at saya. I also recall all those Magellan, Lapu-Lapu,
and Bonifacio green jokes my guy classmates would throw at each other
during these parades. Lunch fiesta a.k.a free food would be served at
the school gym. 
Aside
from famous rice, pansit, and lumpia, the cafeteria would serve gluten
caldereta, chopsuey, sago at gulaman, puto, kalamay, and suman. Other
food stands surrounding the gymnasium would sell “the meat” or what we
always call ‘collorum’, like chicken adobo, beef afritada, fried
bangus, fish balls, chicken balls, kikiam, and kwek-kwek. And if
someone is not full yet, there’s always banana-q, camote-q, steamed
corn on the cob, and mango shake. Add to food and humor will be the
music and games which is also central to these festivities.
The
elementary school students will play the angklung , rondalla, and the
colored bottles. The academy students will usually feature a play or
traditional dances. College students usually—hmmm, I don’t really
remember since college students usually have their own thing, but I
remember my teachers doing some old-fashioned Filipino slapsticks in
Finster chapel.
Then
there was this one time when I remember the school having palosebo
(climbing the greasy bamboo pole), pukpok palayok (I won’t even dare
translate that), and running after a greasy pig. All the while, a local
army band would be playing timeless Filipino kundimans or OPM (Original
Pilipino Music) to cater to the younger generation.
So yeah,
that was enough reason for Ate Arnie to be excited since a big part of
our lives were spent in the same school. But living now in the land
where June 12 is a regular school day, the sentimental part of her
wanted to celebrate. And I, being a phlegmatic, would of course, just
agree.
Hmmmm, how are we going to celebrate June 12 now? Any ideas?
