Comparison of My Two Hometowns

I have a lot of hometowns which I can really call my own but these two are closest to my heart, Pangil in the province of Laguna and Pasig City.

                                                                                        

Pangil, Laguna

Pasig City

 

I have lived in Pangil, Laguna during my childhood days with my mother for almost two years. We stayed in my grandparent’s house while my father was working in Saudi Arabia. I spent my kindergarten and preparatory level in a Light Bearer Montessori school where some of my cousins are also studying.

Taken in front of my grandparent's house (My grandfather is the one standing at the gate)

 

Light Bearer Montessori School

 The environment in Pangil, Laguna was so refreshing. The air was so fresh and you will find a number of trees along the way. Some people ride on jeepneys, tricycles, private cars and tribikes in order for them to go from one place to another.  A tribike is like a tricycle but it’s not motor driven instead it uses a bike. This kind of transportation is famous in Pangil because it emits no pollution and it does not need gasoline. The cost of transportation in Pangil is cheaper than in Metro Manila and traffic does not exist there.  When it comes to commodities, some are cheaper in Pangil like rice, fruits and fresh fishes which are being caught from Laguna bay. When it comes to products which are produced or manufactured in Manila like canned goods and imported fruits it is more expensive. There are also two to three churches located in Pangil where most of the Catholic people hear masses. There are also private and public schools which offer good education from nursery up to high school level. There is no college school or university located in Pangil so most of the college students go and study in a nearby town or in Manila. There are few houses and business places which have internet connections so one will find it hard to connect to an internet. There are a number of recreational places wherein you and your family can hang-out together like in going to Piit resort and Ambon- Ambon falls wherein you can swim and enjoy the beautiful falls. There is also Buntot Palos or also known as the Laguna’s hidden falls which is an ideal destination for people who are fond of hiking and trekking. One will have to walk for about three hours before reaching that falls. 

Some places in Pangil, Laguna

Another hometown was in Pasig City wherein I spent most of my puberty stages for almost five years.  My family and I lived at Sumilang, Pasig City wherein some of my relatives on my father’s side are just living nearby. Sumilang is one of the several barangays of Pasig City which is not that big. It is near Brgy. Malinao and Brgy. Kapasigan wherein there are a lot of commercial establishments.

 The environment in Sumilang is much polluted compared to Pangil due to the number of vehicles that emits pollution every now and then. There is always traffic in the driveway especially during the rush hours because a lot of people are going to their schools or offices. The fare in transportation is also more expensive than in Pangil because the vehicles are using a diesel or a gasoline which cost a lot. When it comes to commodities, rice, fruits, and fishes are more expensive than in Pangil because these are coming from provinces. But some commodities and technological devices which are manufactured in nearby cities are less expensive than in Pangil. There are a lot more churches and chapels in Pasig than in Pangil. There are also more choices of public and private schools which provide good quality education from nursery up to college level. Living in Pasig, will give you a faster access to the known universities in our country than living in provinces which will take you more hours in order for you to get there. Internet connections are common everywhere and there are a lot of computer shops which offer low cost internet surfing.  The most common hang- out places are malls and commercial centers wherein most of the families and circle of friends bond together.

Some places in Pasig City

As I compare and contrast my two hometowns, I came up with my conclusion that when you want to feel relax and to have a good bonding vacation together with your loved ones, it is better to go and stay in Pangil, Laguna. Also, if you are old enough and you want to live in an eco- environmental place, it is better to live there. On the other hand, when you are seeking for a better education and career, it is better to stay and live in Pasig because of the opportunities in life that you can get to experience.

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From Bińan going to Pangil, Laguna

-   1. Ride a tricycle going to Paseo de Sta. Rosa Wet Market (Ᵽ35. 00 special trip from  Rustan’s Supermarket Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the cost depends on where you came from)

-    2. From Paseo de Sta. Rosa Wet Market, ride on a jeepney going to SM Calamba (Ᵽ 30.00)

-    3. From SM Calamba, ride on a jeep going to Pagsawitan Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal (Ᵽ 40.00)

-   4. From Pagsawitan Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal, ride on a jeep going to Siniloan, Laguna(the jeep will pass through Pangil, Laguna before going to Siniloan, Laguna)  (Ᵽ 40.00)

-          Total estimated fare:  Ᵽ145.00

From Bińan going to Sumilang,  Pasig City

-    1. Ride a tricycle going to Paseo de Sta. Rosa Wet Market (Ᵽ 35. 00 special trip from Rustan’s Supermarket Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the cost depends on where you came from)

-     2. In Paseo de Sta. Rosa, go to the waiting shed in front of Mercury Drug where you can find buses going to Buendia at around 5: 30 to 6: 30 in the morning (Ᵽ 100.00)

-     3. From Taft,  Buendia, ride on a bus going to crossing (Ᵽ 25.00)

-     4. From crossing, ride on a jeep going to the Cathedral in Pasig City   (Ᵽ 7.00)

-     5. From Cathedral in Pasig City, ride on a tricycle going to Sumilang, Pasig City (Ᵽ 15.00)

-     Total estimated fare: Ᵽ182.00

Places to visit in Pangil, Laguna

Pangil, Laguna is located at the forth district of Laguna province. The town’s name is believed to come from the fang of a wild boar called "Pangil" in our dialect.

Pangil, Laguna has some tourist attractions which engage the eyes of the people to come and to visit it places. As I reminisce and search for some of its tourist attractions, I decided to classify them into three. The historical tourism, the ECO tourism, and the religious tourism.

Historical Tourism

The first classification is the historical tourism which is concerned about some of the historical places in the town of Pangil. Some remarkable events happened in these places or some significant monuments are placed which makes them historical.

Statue of King Carlos III of Spain

Plaza is a cultural place in the town of Pangil wherein the monument of King Carlos III of Spain is placed. It is located at the back part of the Our Lady’s Nativity Church. Most of the children spend most of their time in the plaza to play at the playground or at the vacant space.

Pangil River

Pangil River or also known as “Bambang hari” is one of the historical places in Laguna wherein some people in the past usually fished.  The local folks named the river “Bambang Hari” in honor of King Carlos III of Spain who often would swim in the river when he was still a crown prince.

ECO Tourism

Second, the ECO tourism which is concerned about the environmental conservation in the town of Pangil; Some people find it really interesting and adventurous because of the hiking and trekking activities that they needed to perform in order for them to get into these places.

Ambon-Ambon Falls

Ambon – Ambon Falls or also known as “Piit resort” is one of the famous swimming places in Pangil, Laguna. It has wooden bridge which will lead you to the dam and to the resort proper. The water in the dam continues to flow and most of the people who come to visit the place spent their time in swimming.  If you are not capable to swim in the dam, there is a swimming pool nearby where most of the children spend their time. If you would like to go to the Ambon- Ambon falls, you will need to hike for about thirty minutes.  You will also need to ride on three balsas which are made of bamboos. Once you are already at the Ambon- Ambon falls, you will not regret your chance of being there because of the attractive ambiance of the place.

Buntot Palos

Buntot Palos or also known as the Laguna’s hidden falls is an ideal destination for people who are fond of hiking and trekking. In order for you to get there, you need to perform two to three hours of trekking. Like the Ambon- Ambon falls, it really has a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. The falls has forty meters high and it has a small cave beneath it wherein you can spend some of your time to rest after a long time of swimming.

 

Religious Tourism

Lastly, the religious tourism which is concerned about the different spiritual places in the town of Pangil; Aside from the places, there are some festivals and activities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus Christ, which catch the eyes of the people. 

Our Lady's Nativity Parish Church

Our Lady's Nativity Parish Church is where most of the Pangilenos hear the Word of God. Its decoration depends on what the occasion is. Most of the tourists visit it because the Virgen de La O and the Santo Nino De La O which was given by King Carlos III are located there.

Bandana Festival

The Bandana Festival is a religious festival that honors the Nuestra Señora de La O and Sto. Niño De La O. It is being celebrated every month of December in the town of Pangil. The highlight of the festival is the street dancing wherein the participants are wearing colorful bandanas.

Santo Nińo De La O

          The ritual locally called “OO” is one of the activities which most of the children partake. It is being done nine days before the Christmas Eve at the Our Lady’s Nativity Parish. The image of Santo Nińo De La O is being danced which is followed by the children in the church aisle.

I hope I have given you  information about my hometown. I expect that you would visit my hometown Pangil, Laguna in order for you to know more about these places.

OO: A local celebration in town of Pangil, Laguna

    Christmas is for the children for it is the day Jesus Christ, the redeemer, was born. As part of the Christmas celebration in the town of Pangil, located in the fourth district of Laguna province, is the celebration highlighting the birth of the child Jesus. This event is locally called “OO” wherein the Santo Nino de La O is being danced and sang by the children and mothers carrying their infants.

Santo Nino De La O

During the celebration, Santo Nino de La O depicts the child Jesus and He is dressed in gold with red robe. He wears a crown and on his left palm rests a golden sphere.  He is hoisted on a wooden pole with a silver circle representing the womb of his mother, Mary. 

The “OO” is being celebrated for nine days. It starts from December sixteen and ends on December twenty-four like misa de gallo. It is usually takes place at around four to five in the afternoon at the Navidad  dela Virgen Maria church in Pangil, Laguna. At that time, a lot of children will be in the church to partake the dancing and singing of the Santo Nino de La O. Once it is started, the children will sing the “OO” and then the image will be walked through the church’s aisle back and forth followed by the children. Many people believe that “OO” has been derived from the Latin devotional verses that start with “O”, like: “O Maria! O Mater Nostra!”.

It is said that putting up the image during the celebration was a privileged task in which people line up for years. They also said that if the person who will bring the image has sinned, he would find the statue heavy; if not, the statue would be light.

The image was donated by King Carlos III of Spain as a sign of gratitude for the hospitality of the Pangilenos when he stayed and lived in this town of Pangil when he was still a young prince.

During my childhood days, I was also fond of participating in the celebration because of its uniqueness. I only found there that kind activity wherein the image of the child Jesus is being danced and I enjoyed it.

My Hometown: Pangil, Laguna

Pangil, Laguna is one of my hometowns, located in the 4^th district of Laguna province; this district is the agricultural sector of Laguna. This is where my father’s clan lives. My mother and I spent most of my childhood at my grandparent’s house in Pangil while my father was working in Saudi Arabia.

My father's clan

Old Mango Tree

Most of the houses in Pangil are made up of woods and two- storey high. My grandparent’s house is located along the main road in barangay Sulib, just about 100 meters away from the town municipal hall. It has a huge white gate with arrows designed on its top.  Once you entered the gate, you will see a huge old mango tree on the right and beside it are different flowering and fruit bearing plants. When I was about 5 to 6 years old, I usually played there as the fairy god mother of the plants. I used to make crowns and necklaces from the flowers and I also sipped some of its nectars from the plant called “Santan”. Whenever I pick my grandmother’s flowers, I always hid it from her for I know that she will not like it so I hid behind the back of the old mango tree with my flowers.

Rattan cradle

 

On the left side is an oval shaped cradle made of rattan. The cradle is tied on the opposite corner of the poles in the garage. I sat and laid there whenever I want to relax and be alone. I usually swayed the cradle strongly because I wanted to fly and feel like a bird. I also wanted to have wings and to feel the sensation of the air passing through my body. 

Narra door

The main door of my grandparent’s house is made up of Narra tree. Its color is dark brown and has some carved flowers design. Right after the main door is the living room. It has three large chairs also made up of rattan. Aside from those chairs, there is a long chair wherein I usually sleep every noontime right after lunch. Beside this long chair is an old brown rocking chair made up of Narra. It is where my grandmother sat whenever she watches the television or reads a newspaper. The rocking chair is near the elongated window with screen.  Looking at the window, you will see the old mango tree and the beautiful plants outside.

My father's siblings

Whenever I got tired, I usually went up to our bed room in the second floor. Our bedroom has a sticker of “tweety the bird” and you will know that it is our room because it has our names in it, my dad, my mom and my name. Inside there was one huge bed in the middle of the room. On the right side of the bed, hanging on the wall, were the pictures of my father’s clan. All of them were wearing their toga and holding diplomas. I think these were taken in a studio right after their graduation in college. One of the old certificates in the frame there mentioned that my grandmother was a cum laude when she graduated in dentistry in National University. On the left side was another elongated window with screen. Again from this window you can view the huge mango tree and the vehicles passing the main road. In the morning, even though my eyes were still closed, I knew that there were a lot of birds on the tree and along the window because I could hear their humming sounds from our bed. Most of the times I was being awakened by the vehicles load sounds especially the tricycles and sometimes of the vendors who were selling  puto, kutsinta, and pandesal who were passing along the main road in the morning.

Example of a tribike

After waking up and into my feet, I would prepare in going to my school which was not far from our home, it’s just about 150 meters away. If it’s not raining or the sun is up, my mother and I would walk in going to school but if it’s raining my mother and I would ride on a tribike. A tribike is like a tricycle but it’s not motor driven; instead, it uses a bike. This kind of transportation is famous in Pangil because it emits no pollution and it does not need gasoline. 

While we walk going to school, we would pass through the old church where we usually celebrated Sunday masses. The church changes its theme and decoration twice a year. It depends on the occasion. The church has enormous doorways made up of woods; there are a lot of chairs made up of varnished woods for the attendees, and a huge altar in the middle with the crucifix of Jesus.  Street filthy dogs also enter the church whenever the mass was on going. I usually ask my mother why dogs were allowed to enter the church. Her reply was always “not only human beings are allowed to hear the words of God but also the animals have their right”.

Navidad  dela Virgen Maria church, Pangil, Laguna

Inside the Navidad dela Virgen Maria church, Pangil, Laguna

At the back of the church was the plaza. In the middle stands the monument of King Carlos III who donated the “Santo Niño de la O” because of the good hospitality of the residence of Pangil when he had his vacation in the town before he was crowned king of Spain. The Santo Niño de la O is a child Jesus dressed in gold with red robe. Child Jesus is wearing a crown and on his palm rests a golden sphere. He is being paraded and danced as part of Christmas celebration. Most of the people who come to celebrate and to dance with the Santo Nino are the younger generations. The plaza has a large vacant area where children played Chinese garter, tumbang preso, and other native games. Also a part of the plaza is a playground with seesaws, slides and swings. I also remember this middle aged man who sells different street foods and toys every afternoon in the playground.

Monument of King Carlos at Pangil, Laguna

Santo Niño de la O

Rice Storage

We would also pass through the town rice storage. It has very big doors and every morning the workers were pulling out rice sacks to be delivered to different areas. Whenever I pass there, I always cover my nose because of the stagnant smell and the dust coming out of the storage.

The school where I spent my kindergarten and preparatory level was a Montessori school. It only has a one- storey room with white and blue colored walls. Every morning, we would sing the Philippine National Anthem then we would recite the Panatang Makabayan. I felt like a dwarf for I was very small as a kid and most of the higher levels were like giants with good muscular built.

Arriving home after school, I would bless to my mother and grandparents then I would go directly to the “Bahay Kubo” which was located at the back of my grandparent’s house. It was made up of tree’s trunk and Banahaw leaves. Inside were some antique furniture’s which my grandparents no longer use. Under the bahay kubo was the hencoop made up of some rattan and galvanized wires. There were a number of chickens housed there and I was afraid to be with them because I thought they would beak me. Looking at the window, I could see a small dog house made up of a hollow blocks. Inside was a black pittbull dog named Jack. I was very afraid of him because he always barks when someone would pass through his thrown. The only person that he was afraid of was my grandfather. Everytime my grandfather would go to him, he would not bark and he would obey him properly.

Spending my childhood days in Pangil, Laguna was very memorable because I have a lot of unforgettable and happiness moments there. I also knew a lot of people who become close to my heart.

Goat's Ice Cream... YUMMY!

The first time I tasted the goat’s milk, I really didn’t like it. For the reason that while drinking it, I could imagine the goat being milked by someone. Also, I could still smell the goat’s sensation. But when we went to the AGRILINK at World Trade Center, my dad bought me and my younger brother a goat’s ice cream. At first, I wasn’t sure if I will taste it but my younger brother likes it so much so I decided to. When I tasted it, it is so delicious! It really tastes good on my tongue! Once you’ve tasted it, I’m hundred percent sure you’ll forget your name.

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1.   2.  When you are already on that page, Press the Alt key together with the Print Screen (PrtSc) key on your keyboard in order to capture only the active page.

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1.     3.  Open a paint program or any image editing program.

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