Notes - Under the Santol Tree

Thanks to Imma Licayan can never be enough. She is the constant reader - the eager Muse. For that, I am eternally grateful. "Under the Santol Tree" was the first in the Culture Kids series - collections of stories told from a nine-year-old's unique point of view: Not quite an adult, but not still a child. It allowed me to bridge the gap and tell the story of both young adults and juvenile children in a variety of settings.

Under the Santol Tree was also a bit of a travelogue, expounding on my brief experiences in Mindanao and the Visayas. I found the Philippines truly rewarding, like an uncut diamond, waiting to be skillfully crafted into millions of tiny keepsakes.

Unfortunately, the Philippines suffers from this yet-to-be-recognized greatness. In that, I find the unique point of view of a tourist-child - always romanticizing the most obscure and most mundate of items, whether it be stories by firelight or home-made songs.

Still, I find myself lingering on the Islands in my daydreams, remembering the short amount of time I spent in Mya's version of Paradise...and mine, too.

Thirteen Coins

At year’s end, Gemma and her family made preparations for the wedding. As a gift to Josie and Pidro, father decided to add a room to the Cruz house.

Piles of sand and stacks of cement blocks grew around the Cruz house. All day long, construction workers pounded and poured and scraped. A wall rose along one side of the house, extending back from the road.

Work began on Josie and Pidro’s wedding, too. Maria spent weekends at Josie’s apartment, sewing beads into the wedding dress. Pidro chose Marco and Tingo to be the sponsors at his wedding. Pidro made several journeys to visit with Josie’s mom. He ran errands for her, getting groceries and medicine from the Market. He also repaired broken lamps and replaced burnt light bulbs. In return, Mrs. Concepcion fixed delicious meals for Pidro and Josie.

"Are you ready for the wedding?" she asked.

"Not quite," said Josie, "We still have to visit many of our friends and send invitations."

"Are you going to pay a visit to Aunt Lala and Uncle Rico?"

"Of course, mama."

"How about Aunt May?"

"Yes, mama."

"I want to make sure you don’t forget anything."

Josie and Pidro traveled by bus throughout the province, enjoying long visits with everyone they could. One evening, Mrs. Cruz made baked fish for Josie and Pidro. Everyone gathered around the table and, as usual, the topic was the wedding.

"Gemma, would you like to be in our wedding?" asked Pidro.

Gemma nodded enthusiastically.

"We were hoping you could be the flower girl."

"I would rather be the coin bearer."

"Gemma, that’s a boy’s job," said Ms. Cruz sternly.

"But I don’t want to be a flower girl."

"Do you want to break tradition?"

"Why can’t I start a new tradition?"

"You can be the flower girl or nothing at all," said Pidro.

Gemma crossed her arms.

"Gemma, we really want you to be the flower girl," said Josie.

"But why can’t I be the coin bearer?"

"My nephew Pepe is already the coin bearer."

"Alright, I guess I can be the flower girl."

As the wedding day arrived, Josie woke up to thunder and rain. A muddy river ran through the courtyard in front of her apartment.

“Rain, rain, go away,” said Josie.

"Don’t worry dear. Rain is a blessing from Santa Clara. I cooked some eggs and rice for breakfast. Have a seat and don’t worry about it. What will be will be."

Josie spent all of breakfast worrying about her wedding. Things weren’t much different several kilometers away.

"We can’t go to church in this rain," groaned Pidro.

"Of course we can," said Mrs. Cruz. "Tingo called and said he was going to take us all to church."

"But his car is too small," said Pidro.

"If you don’t like Tingo’s car, we can ride to church on your motorcycle."

"Mother, that’s not funny."

Tingo arrived just before the wedding. Pidro and Tingo escorted the girls to the car one at a time, careful not to ruin anyone’s dress.

When they arrived at the church, Gemma followed Maria into the waiting room, where most of the wedding party was getting ready. Josie’s Aunt Lala and Uncle Rico were there as well as Marco and Marcella. Gemma was introduced to Pepe, who she sat next to and waited.

"I heard you wanted to carry the thirteen coins," said Pepe.

"It’s okay."

"I didn’t want to do this. Grandma Concepcion made me."

"It’s a great honor to carry the coins," said Gemma.

"At least you get to do something. You get to throw flowers on the carpet."

"I guess so."

As the two children waited, Pepe and Gemma sat in the waiting room. Pepe filled the time by eating all the mints in the candy bowl.

Meanwhile, Tingo returned to the Cruz house and fetched Pidro. Pidro was in the bathroom, trying on his Barong Tagalog – the traditional men’s wedding shirt, made of cream-colored silk. Fine white lace ran down the front, from the Mandarin collar to the bottom hem.

"You almost ready?" said Tingo.

"There’s a stain on my shirt next to the collar."

"That’s not a stain. It’s a shadow."

"No, it’s a big stain."

"Step closer to the mirror and look again."

The shadow disappeared in the brightest light. Still, Pidro tugged at his collar.

“Come on, let’s go or we will be late."

The boys hurried to the car and sped to the church. Many people were gathered outside including surfing buddies, high school friends, and long-lost relatives.

Inside, the church was decorated with ivory ribbon and fresh orange blossoms. The men entered the lobby as music filled the cathedral. Everyone watched as Pidro walked to the front of the chursch. He stood there patiently.

Now it was time for Pepe to walk down the aisle with the ring bearer’s pillow and coin pouch. Unfortunately, Pepe was in the boy’s room, stick to his stomach from all the mint he’d eaten.

"Papa, what are we doing to do?" said Josie.

"I could carry the coins," said Gemma.

"You cannot carry the coins. You’re the flower girl."

"Why can’t I be both?"

Gemma ran to the table and grabbed the flower basket and the ring bearer’s pillow.

"Look! It’s no problem!"

"Gemma, I knew you wanted to be the coin bearer, but it’s not right."

"I’ll be the best ring bearer-coin bearer-flower girl ever," said Gemma.

"Daddy, what are we going to do?"

"I say we let Gemma do it," answered Mr. Concepcion.

"Alright," sighed Josie.

Finally, Gemma burst through the doors at the back of the church. The flower basket hung delicately from one arm while she balanced the ring bearer’s pillow on her hand. The cord from the coin bearer’s pouch hung around the wrist of her free arm. The coins inside the velvet pouch jangled as she spread the flowers along the aisle.

As she looked up, Pidro folded his arms and shook his head. The Priest simply smiled at Gemma.

When she arrived at the altar, she sat the flower basket on the ground between her and Pidro as she balanced the pillow in her hands.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

"Pepe’s sick in the bathroom."

Whispers filled the cathedral as all eyes were on Gemma. Meanwhile, Mr. Concepcion escorted Josie down the aisle. He kissed her lightly on the cheek as he put her beside Pidro.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Josie and Pidro," said the Priest.

Gemma daydreamed while the priest spoke. Soon, the organist was fiddling with her songbook, quietly flipping through the pages.

"Gemma?" said the Priest.

"Yessir?"

"Can I have the coins please?"

"Right! The coins!" Gemma pulled the velvet pouch off her wrist and poured 13 golden coins into Pidro’s cupped hand. Carefully, Pidro placed them into Josie’s cupped hands.

"These coins represent my loyalty. I promised to keep you nourished in body and in soul. I promise to provide for you for the rest of your life."

"Do you have the rings?" the priest asked Gemma.

"I sure do. Just let me get them." Gemma knelt down and put the velvet pouch on the ground. She dug her fingers into the pocket of her dress, but could not grab the rings.

"Hold on one moment," she said. Gemma then proceeded to pull the lace glove off her hand and place it beside the velvet pouch. She retrieved the rings and gave them to Pidro and Josie.

"No, you gave us the wrong rings," said Josie.

"Isn’t that your ring?" asked Gemma.

"It is, but you’re supposed to give it to Pidro so he can place it on my finger."

"I forgot." Gemma snatched the rings from Josie and Pidro’s hands and switched them so Pidro and Josie could say the vows.

"Do you take each other to have and to hold for as long as you live?"

"We do."

"Now I pronounce you man and wife. Pidro, you may now kiss Josie."

And they kissed.

"I now give you Mister Pidro and Josie Cruz."

"Yippee!" shouted Gemma as she threw her hands into the air.

"Yippee!" shouted Josie. She kissed Gemma and then walked down the aisle. Outside, the rains had stopped. Gemma walked with Maria and Mama Cruz to Tingo’s car. The Cruz family had just gotten one person bigger. Gemma realized she also had other new relatives. There would be street festivals with Mrs. Concepcion and stories about Uncle Rico and Aunt Lala. There would be new roosters and new songs for the rain.

And as she daydreamed, Gemma just knew they would live ecstatically, jubilantly, excitingly, lovingly, and happily ever after.

.

Lasang Pinoy

Just like any other fine Filipino day, the sun was out, the sky was blue, and the palm trees wagged in the wind. However, this day was unique in the fact it would be nothing less than unforgettable, especially if Pidro had his way.

"Hurry or we’re going to be late," Pidro pleaded.

Josie and her mother hosted a street festival called ‘Lasang Pinoy’ at the end of every rainy season. This year, Pidro’s family was invited.

Lasang Pinoy means ‘The Filipino Taste’. As far as everyone was concerned, that was one of the best things about being Filipino. People brought their favorite homemade dishes and swapped family recipes handed down for generations.

"I don’t think I can go,” said mother, “My knees are acting up."

"You have to go," said Pidro. "I told Josie you were coming."

"I can always see her later.”

"We’ve been planning this for weeks."

"It’s alright. Have fun without me."

"Dad, please tell mom she has to come.”

"You know how your mother is. When she wants to do something she will do it. If she doesn’t, then she won’t."

Mother sat in her chair at the kitchen table, looking like she might not move again. Pidro stood in front of her, waiting for her to move.

"Go on without me, Pidro."

“Ma, can you just please go?” begged Pidro.

"Alright, but don’t expect me to be the life of the party."

"I don’t think anyone was expecting that,” laughed Maria, “but I think he’d be happy if we were all there."

"I just want everyone there," said Pidro.

The entire Cruz family walked to the road. The Jeepney quickly arrived and whisked everyone to Mercado Pier.

Maria had brought a tray of her Chicken Adobo and Gemma was in charge of the Yema balls, one of her favorite desserts.

Three long tables sat in the courtyard in front of Josie’s apartment – dressed with red, yellow, and blue tablecloths – all symbolizing the colors of the Filipino National flag. An even wider variety of foods were scattered over each table.

Gemma and Maria walked into the courtyard, where they were directed to two separate tables: one for main dishes and one for desserts. Gemma carefully placed the Yema balls on the dessert table. As the crowd gathered around the tray, Gemma remembered what fun it was making them just the night before.

Gemma and Maria had stayed up late, cooking and taste-testing their food. Maria had set two skillets on the stove, one for the Chicken Adobo and the other for the Yema balls.

Maria began by simmering some condensed milk, then adding a few egg yolks. She turned down the heat and Gemma stirred until the mix was silky smooth. Maria added some vanilla and placed the bowl into the refrigerator while she finished the Adobo.

After the Yema mix cooled, Gemma and Maria got to enjoy the second best part of Yema – making the Yema balls. Maria got out a small plate and covered it with sugar. Meanwhile, Gemma removed the Yema mix from the refrigerator and set it on the counter. She dug a spoon into the creamy mixture and gently rolled the mix into small balls. After that, she dropped the Yema balls on the sugar-covered plate and rolled it around. In their kitchen, Gemma and Maria were truly making the Filipino taste: vinegary chicken for the main dish and sugary sweet confections for dessert.

"You sure those are okay?" asked Pidro as he snatched one of the Yema balls and popped it into his mouth.

"Pidro! You’re eating it faster than I can make it!" complained Gemma. She smacked him on the shoulder with the spoon, just like her mother would do whenever the children stole food from the kitchen before it was ready.

Maria and Gemma cooked until midnight and put everything away. It was any wonder they had the energy to enjoy the street festival, but there they were, ready to share their yummy Yema balls and delicious Chicken Adobo.

Of course, Maria’s Adobo wasn’t the only Adobo at the street festival. There were several plates of Chicken Adobo, each one slightly different than the rest. Gemma walked along the row of tables with Pidro, and her mother.

"Mama,” said Pidro, “do you want me to fill you a plate?"

"Pidro, I’m fine.”

"Really, it would be no problem. Let me get you a plate.”

"Pidro, why are you going to all this trouble?"

"I just don’t want you aggravating your sore knee."

"You could have let me rest at home."

"But you had to be here today. Today is too important to miss."

Pidro escorted his mother to the table where everyone had gathered including Maria, his father, his surfing buddies, Josie, and her mother.

Pidro had been anxious for the last few days. He kept bothering Maria and Gemma the night before. He insisted that Maria should cook something besides ‘plain old Chicken Adobo’. Earlier that morning, Pidro had gotten up before Roberto. He had buzzed about the house, showering and shaving and changing clothes until he found just the right outfit.

Gemma, on the other hand, was investigating the rows of tables, looking for something new, something special. In addition to all the plain old Chicken Adobo everyone prepared in their own unique way, there were all types of fish cooked all types of ways. As Gemma walked along, Josie came up beside her.

"Are you doing okay?" asked Josie.

"Yes."

"Your plate is completely empty."

"I’m looking for just the right thing. There are too many choices."

"You can always take a little of this and a little of that. Then you can come back again and again until you find that right thing. Along the way, you might even find a few new right things."

"I never thought of it that way."

"That’s what Lasang Pinoy is, Gemma. It’s an adventure."

Gemma smiled.

"Actually, Pidro sent me after you. He wondered what was taking you so long."

"Tell him I’m coming."

"He told me to find you and bring you back."

"He sure is acting strange today."

"I think he’s up to something," confessed Josie.

"Like what?"

"I don’t know, but I’m kind of nervous, too."

Gemma took a little of this and a little of that until her plate was full. They returned to the table where everyone else had begun eating. Gemma found a seat next to Josie, who sat next to Pidro.

“Get up,” said Pidro, “that’s where Josie’s mom is sitting.”

As Gemma found a new place to sit, Pidro kissed Josie on the cheek. Then, he put his hand in hers and smiled, using only his free hand to eat.

As Gemma enjoyed her meal, Pidro tapped a spoon on the side of his drinking glass. It clanged in a high pitch. The festival fell silent as they looked to Pidro.

"I’m glad to see all my friends and family here today. I think Lasang Pinoy is a great time for being together and sharing friendship and good times with the ones you love."

Pidro looked around at the dinner guests. Not only were his friends and family there, but also neighbors who had gathered for the street festival. Nervously, he lowered himself, leaning on one bended knee.

"Josie...we’ve spent quite some time together and you’re my best friend in the whole world. Not only do I know you as a friend, but a lot more. That’s why I decided today was a day I shared not only with my family and yours, but that I didn’t want it to end."

Pidro pulled a small black box from his pocket and opened it up. Inside, a diamond ring sparkled. Josie’s hands gathered to her face as she began to cry.

"Josie, will you marry me?"

Josie gasped as the tears of joy rolled down her face.

"Is that a yes or a no?" he asked. Everyone laughed.

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!”

He embraced her and held on tightly as everyone cheered. Then, they sealed it with a kiss.

Gemma got up from her chair and ran up to Josie, hugging her tightly, too. Now, she knew why Pidro had been so crazy. He was crazy in love.

It also seemed like Gemma’s mother had begun to feel better, too. When the music began to play, Mrs. Cruz danced in the courtyard with Pidro.

The day stretched into night as everyone laughed and danced and sang.

At night’s end, Pidro and Josie went with their friends to the Dive Shop to surf under the full moon. Gemma went home with the rest of the family. She, too, glowed like the moon, her face lit with joy. Soon, Gemma would have another big sister she loved dearly.

.

Dive Shop Days

Gemma stood on the beach knee-deep in water and watched as tourists checked their breathing regulators and adjusted the fit of their wetsuits, all in preparation for another scuba trip.

"Gemma, quit standing around and help Marco load the pump boat."

“Okay,” she agreed half-heartedly.

Gemma spent the last few weeks learning the ropes down at the dive shop, helping customers try on scuba gear and readying pump boats for their afternoon trip.

Gemma walked up the beach and waited for Marco’s first command. Marco was too busy to notice.

"Ahem," she coughed.

"Hey, Gemma. What do you need?"

"Pidro sent me over here to help you get ready for afternoon launch."

"Run to the Dive Shop and get a new regulator. This one’s broken."

Gemma ran all the way to the Dive Shop, where Marcella was busy helping customers.

"Can I help you with something, Gemma?" she asked.

Gemma showed Marcella the broken regulator. Marcella took it and gave her two replacements. Gemma quickly returned to the beach.

"Here you go! Marcella gave me two."

Marco tested each regulator,.

"It looks like they both work. I’ll take this other one just in case."

"What do you need me to do next?"

"There’s not much left. Are you going with us?"

"I don’t know. Pidro didn’t say anything about it."

"He won’t unless you ask him."

Gemma walked over to the dock where Pidro was working on the boat’s engine. He seemed too busy to be bothered. Gemma stood idly by his side.

"Gemma, when you said you wanted to work here, I thought you really meant it."

"I do. I just had a question." She waited for Pidro to respond. When he didn’t, she frowned.

"Well, what is it?"

"Can I go diving with you and Marco today?"

"Not today."

"Why?"

"It’s because you’re too small to go scuba diving."

"Am not."

"You are too."

"Am not."

"Okay, I’ll make a deal with you. If you can suit up into an oxygen tank and get on the pump boat, then I’ll let you go."

Gemma went inside and emerged from the Dive Shop dressed in scuba gear. She looked like a penguin, dressed head-to-toe in black.

"You’re halfway there. Now put on a tank."

Gemma strode confidently over to the oxygen tanks and looked them over. She picked out the blue one, which she thought was the prettiest. She carefully leaned it upright and began to lift it off the ground.

Within seconds, she knew this was going to be some task. The oxygen tank weighed more than a bag of rice. She grunted and groaned, straining to get it onto her back. She bent sideways and used her hips as a fulcrum, balancing it as she put her arms in the straps.

Gemma put on the scuba outfit, just as Pidro asked. Unfortunately, she still had to make her way from the picnic table to the pumpboat.

She took careful steps down the beach, bent halfway over. After a few moments of struggling under the weight of the oxygen tank, she made it to the boat.

"Now get on the boat."

Gemma groaned.

"Pidro, let her alone. She did everything you asked. Anyway, there are smaller oxygen tanks in the shop.”

"I’m not making an exception for her. There’s too much that could go wrong. Marcella needs her help inside the Dive Shop anyway."

"Maybe when you get a little bigger," said Marco.

Against her wishes, Pidro helped Gemma out of the oxygen tank.

"I promise that you’ll get to go the moment I think you can do it, but not before, okay?"

"Okay," said Gemma as tears welled in her eyes.

"I still love you. That’s why I’m so hard on you, okay? Now go help Marcella. We’re going snorkeling tomorrow and you’re invited."

"Yippee!"

"But this afternoon I need you to help Marcella, okay?"

"Okay."

"That’s my girl," said Pidro. He grabbed his little sister by the ears and gently kissed her forehead. Gemma watched Pidro and Marco as they finished preparing for the afternoon launch.

When she returned to the Dive Shop, a line of people waited inside.

"Oh good, you’re here," said Marcella.

"What do you need me to do?"

"If you could answer the phones, that would be plenty."

Gemma climbed up on her stool next to Marcella. The phone rang and she picked it up.

"Magandang Tanghali po! Good afternoon, Shoreline Dive Club, How may I help you?"

While she answered the phone, Marcella assisted customers at the other end of the counter.

"We have Jet Skis, surfboards, and sailboards for rent until sunset."

The voice muttered on the other end.

"We’re open until sunset. We’ll see you soon!"

Josie showed up at the Dive Shop to help when the pump boat returned. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, the girls moved the kayaks into the boat house. Gemma strung a heavy chain through the boats and locked them together. Then, Gemma and Josie fetched the sand-covered life jackets from the boat house and held them up as Marcella used a hose to spray them clean. Afterwards, they hung the jackets over the rafters to dry.

Gemma and Josie helped Marcella organize the Dive Shop. Marcella counted the pesos in the cash drawer while Josie arranged clothes on the racks and Gemma ran the sweeper and put it away.

"What now?" asked Gemma.

"Now we wait for your brother and my boyfriend to come home," said Josie.

"Marco is your boyfriend?" asked Gemma.

"No silly. Pidro is my boyfriend."

"Oh really?"

"It’s official. I told Pidro he’d either have to be my boyfriend or I was going to find another surfer boy to hang out with."

"What did he say?"

"He asked me to be his girlfriend, of course."

Gemma and Marcella laughed at Josie, who just smiled slyly. Marcella closed the front door and changed the sign from "Open" to "Closed."

They returned to the picnic table, where Josie showed Gemma how to braid leather, making more craft gifts for her Burloloy stand.

"Why don’t you sell your burloloy here instead of Mercado Pier?"

"Nobody here would want burloloy. They’re more interested in scuba equipment."

"How do you know if you don’t try?"

Josie shrugged.

"We will have a little talk with your boyfriend when he returns," said Gemma.

As Pidro and Marco returned, Gemma ran into the surf to greet them. Marco jumped out of the boat with a tow rope tugged the boat onto the shore.

"Why are you so perky?" asked Pidro.

"I know a secret," whispered Gemma.

"Oh yeah? Are you going to tell us?"

"I don’t know if I can trust you,”

"You can trust me, right?" asked Marco.

"I guess so."

"Whisper it in my ear and then I’ll decide whether Pidro is worthy to hear your secret."

Gemma stood on her tiptoes and whispered into Marco’s ear.

"Pidro’s in love? How could this be? I am always around him. Who is the lucky girl?”

Gemma whispered in Marco’s ear again. Pidro glared at her.

"Don’t blame me! Blame your girlfriend!" Gemma pointed at Josie. Pidro’s face turned bright red.

"And you were worried that she wasn’t going to talk to you," one of the tourists said to Pidro, "I guess you should have worried that she was going to talk about you instead."

Everyone unloaded their gear and went to the boat house. After closing time, Josie said goodbye to Pidro and Gemma, then walked down the beach towards her apartment near Mercado Pier. Pidro and Gemma got on the motorcycle and sped home.

Pidro’s motorcycle bumped along the gravel roads. Gemma held on tight. The motorcycle turned into the driveway and pulled up behind the house. After a long day, she was ready to be home.

"I can’t wait to share my little secret."

"Gemma...let’s keep it our little secret, okay?"

Just then, Mrs. Cruz came out the front door.

"What is your little secret?"

"It’s nothing, Mom."

Mrs. Cruz looked her children up and down.

"Is this about Pidro and Josie?”

Pidro blushed once again.

“You kids must think I was born in a cave. Why do you think Pidro goes out on his motorcycle after dropping you off?"

Gemma shrugged her shoulders.

"It’s because he’s a boy in love. I knew the moment he brought her home for dinner. Now you kids get to bed."

Gemma and Pidro washed and went to bed. Gemma stared into the darkness and wondered what other secrets her mother knew.

.

The Cave Explorers

The sleek, white pumpboat skidded effortlessly over blue-green waves as Pidro piloted it from Baybay to Camotes Island, thirty kilometers away. It was a trip he had taken hundreds of times, showing tourists his beautiful homeland. This time though, it was just him and four others: Marcella, Marco, Josie and Gemma.

The pumpboat was ten meters long and had two pontoons like a catamaran. A motor sat at the back of the boat, propelling it through the water.

Fastened into her rainbow-striped life jacket, Gemma sat next to Pidro and watched the pontoons cut through the water, spraying a fine mist on her face. As the pumpboat neared the island, the color of the water they turned from dark blue to sea green. Near the coast, children, took turns doing back flips off the bows of boats while schools of fish swarmed the water below.

"There are so many different kinds!" exclaimed Gemma

Pidro idled the boat through the shallow waters as it neared the reef. When he ran the boat ashore, everyone jumped out and tugged the pumpboat onto the beach.

"Gemma, would you rather go snorkeling or cave exploring?"

"Which one do you like best?" asked Gemma.

"I’ve never been hiking through these caves."

“Me, too.”

"Then cave exploring it is," said Gemma.

Pidro led everyone up a trail past fallen logs and boulders in their way. Deep into the lush green forest, bugs clicked and whistled all around them. Gemma waved her hands in front of her face, trying to shoo them away.

"Oh gosh, this hill is steep. Are we almost there?" said Gemma.

"Not much further," said Pidro.

"I hope not. My legs feel like rubber bands."

They rested for a few minutes as Pidro unpacked flashlights and sweatshirts while Marco shared his water canteen. The cold water refreshed Gemma as she took several large gulps.

"Save some for the trip back," said Marco.

"I’m sorry, but it’s so yummy."

Marco led the way into the cave. Gemma placed her shoe on a tree trunk and held out a hand to Marco. He helped everyone over the log. Now, it was time to go cave exploring.

"Hello!" Gemma’s voice echoed off the cavern walls.

"I can feel a cold breeze coming up from the cave," said Josie.

"You can have my jacket. It’ll get colder as we climb further down."

"What about me?" asked Gemma.

"Do you need a jacket, too?"

"No. I was just asking."

"Don’t worry, I packed a jacket for you., too."

As he descended further into the cave, Pidro’s flashlight shone on large columns of stone. Grotesque shadows danced across the cavern walls.

“Stalactites hang tight from the ceiling and stalagmites grew mightily from the bottom,” stated Pidro.

Gemma carefully chose each step as she stretched her arms outward to check her balance.

"Do you see where I’m shining my flashlight?" said Pidro.

"I don’t see anything," said Gemma.

"What’s that chirping sound?" asked Josie.

"That’s coming from a colony of fruit bats."

"Why are they making all that noise?" asked Gemma.

"Instead of using their eyes, bats use their ears. When the bats chirp, sound travels through the air and bounces off objects, just like waves in water. As the sound returns to their ears, it helps to locate objects in their way.

"Hello? Is anybody out there?" called Gemma. She carefully listened to her voice echo through the cave.

"I would make a terrible fruit bat," she said.

In places, large boulders stood in their way. Pidro climbed each boulder and stood on top to help the others. Josie jumped up and grabbed the rock ledge with her fingers. Her feet slipped on the smooth rock surface, but Pidro quickly grabbed Josie by the wrists and pulled her onto the boulder.

The tunnel narrowed in as they continued onward. When Pidro reached the top of a small ridge, he turned off his flashlight.

"Everyone turn your lights off for a second."

The cave went pitch black. With only the creek bubbling below, they could only tell the cave was vast and empty.

"Call out ‘Hello!’ now, Gemma."

"Hello!"

The cave echoed back with a hello of its own. As Pidro flashed on his light, a brilliant white beam shot across the cave that opened below them. It was hundreds of meters wide. The flashlight beam shone towards a large opening that extended into the depths of the cave.

"This part of the cave is called a grotto. It was formed by water and ice, cutting a hole in the earth. If you follow my flashlight, you can see how old this cave is."

He flashed his light against a massive stone column that extended from the ceiling to the floor.

"A long time ago, that was once just a stalactite. Over time, it grew toward the ground until it became one massive arm of stone."

"Are stalactites and stalagmites alive?" asked Gemma.

"No,” chuckled Pidro, “They are formed by mineral deposits in the water. Caves begin as small holes. Water cuts into the rock and breaks it into tiny pieces. As time passes, some of the minerals flow downstream, but others form on the rocks like wax hardens on a candle."

"How long does it take?"

"It can take hundreds or thousands of years."

Everyone peered into the heart of the cavern.

"How deep in the earth are we?"

"Not far at all," laughed Pidro.

Pidro flashed his light to the bottom of the cavern, where a small stream flowed from one end to the other.

"We came in down there by the stream, then we cut up into the other part of the cave."

They climbed down the path that curled around the edge of the grotto and over the stream again. Pidro stopped next to the stream and rinsed the sweat off his face. Gemma reached into the water. It was the coldest water she had ever felt.

As they crossed the stream and hiked the small steady slope to the entrance, the temperature began to increase. Gemma slipped on the gravel and she slid gently down the path.

"You need help?"

No, I got it," she answered.

Gemma paused, catching her feet in jags and spurs of rock. Step by step, she too made it up the slope.

"You made it all the way up without any help."

"It was no big deal," she gasped. All of the climbing wore her out, but she wasn’t about to admit it to Pidro.

Up ahead, a faint gray light showed them the way out. With a little more climbing, everyone was in daylight again.

Everyone quickly took off their jackets and sweatshirts in the hot and humid forest.

"I didn’t remember it being this hot," said Josie, “can we stop for a bite to eat?"

"I packed some rice and salted eel."

"That sounds good to me."

"Me too,” said Gemma.

“We’ll eat when we reach the pumpboat.”

They hiked down the same trail that had brought them to the cave, Pidro unpacked their lunches and they had a picnic on the boat. The rice bowl sat on top of the cooler and everyone took turns scooping out portions of rice with their hands.

"Have you had enough?" Pidro asked.

"I could do this all day," said Gemma.

"Well, it’s getting late."

"But I’m not ready to go..."

"You can come with me the next time I lead a cave tour. Would you like that?"

"I’d love to."

"Then we have a deal. Now let’s get home. I promised Mama I’d have you home in time for dinner."

Pidro drove the boat into the open sea. As Gemma looked toward Baybay, she thought about leading tours through the caves. She smiled the whole way back to the dive shop.

After they stored the gear in the boathouse, everyone went separate ways. Josie kissed Pidro and Gemma on the cheek and caught a Jeepney ride back to the city with Marcella and Marco. Pidro pushed his bike up the sand dune and onto the road. Gemma jumped on the back and away they went.

The motorcycle whizzed along the National Road, Gemma held on tightly to her older brother. She was happily exhausted as they rode home.

.

Song for the Rain

Storm clouds gathered over the Philippine Sea and invaded the shores of Baybay, bringing an onslaught of early afternoon wind and rain. Gemma stared out the living room window and watched it all while Maria and her mother cooked.

"Wash your hands dear, it’s Merienda time."

Merienda is the late afternoon snack enjoyed by many Filipinos. Tiny bowls of food waited as Gemma sat at the kitchen table between Maria and her mother.

"I heard that another storm was coming our way," said Maria.

"It’s already storming on the coast,” said Gemma.

"Some people say it might become a typhoon."

“We’ll have to keep an eye out,” said mother.

Of course, typhoons were nothing new to the Cruz family. They prepared for the rainy season every August. Gemma helped gather plywood to board the windows and kerosene to fuel the lamps. Mrs. Cruz stored extra rice and dried fish strips just in case they couldn’t make it to Mercado Pier.

Thunder rumbled overhead as rain drummed on the tin roof.

"Do you know when Pidro will be home?"

" He said he’d try to be home before it rains."

“Too late for that,” said Mrs. Cruz.

Gemma pinned her fish to the plate with her knife and raked her spoon along the backbone.

"Slow down or you’re going to ruin your appetite."

"But I’m very hungry," said Gemma.

"You’re just hungry for boiled bananas," said Maria.

Maria was right. The fish was good, but the sweet boiled banana was even better.

Gemma continued eating until only skin and bones remained. She dumped the remains into the green bucket beneath the sink and returned to the table with an empty plate. Now, Maria could serve boiled bananas for dessert.

Gemma cut a small bite of banana with her spoon. She hadn’t had it in such a long time, but it tasted so good as the sugar melted in her mouth. A warm smile came over Gemma’s face.

"How is it?" asked Maria.

"It’s just heavenly,” answered Gemma.

"I sprinkled them with cinnamon. What do you think?"

“My tummy is doing cartwheels."

Maria chuckled as Gemma cleaned her plate again.

After Merienda, Gemma spent the afternoon in the living room, watching television with her mother while Maria studied in the bedroom.

Just before dark, wind whistled through the trees and over the roof, growing louder as evening approached. Gemma’s father arrived home from work and quickly changed out of his damp work clothes, Pidro’s motorcycle pulled up outside.

"Look what the cat dragged in," said Mrs. Cruz.

Pidro came inside, along with a guest. A bright smile grew on Gemma’s face as Pidro’s guiding hand ushered Josie into the warmth of the Cruz house. Pidro and Josie were soaked with water.

"It’s so cold outside!" exclaimed Josie.

"Would you like a towel?”

"That would be very sweet of you."

Gemma fetched two dry towels. Meanwhile, Mrs. Cruz looked Josie up and down.

"Pidro, you didn’t tell me you were bringing a girl. I thought you were bringing one of your surfing buddies."

"She is one of my surfing buddies."

"I meant one of your male surfing buddies, like Juan or Tingo."

"Oh, Mary! Leave those two alone," said Mr. Cruz.

"I just wish someone would have told me."

"I’m sorry," said Pidro.

"Come on, let’s eat," said Mr. Cruz, "Gemma, help your mother set the table while everyone washes up."

Gemma carted large platters of Chicken Adobo, Sinangag-style rice, and leftover boiled bananas to the dining table.

"Who wants to give thanks?" asked Mrs. Cruz.

"I will, if it’s okay," said Josie.

Mrs. Cruz nodded affirmatively.

Josie said a short prayer, blessing the meal, her friendship with Pidro, and even the rain’s beautiful noise. When Josie finished, everyone filled their dishes and ate.

"This is really great Adobo, Mrs. Cruz."

"The secret is to use a carrot peeler to peel the skin off a fresh ginger root. That’s where all the sweetness lives."

"There’s a ginger patch right behind our house," added Gemma.

As Gemma continued to watch everyone while she ate. Gemma was always happiest at dinner. No matter what else happened, dinnertime was together time. When someone was missing, the meal seemed incomplete.

"Now for my boiled bananas with coconut flakes,” said Maria.

"I can’t wait to try one," said Josie.

Gemma served the coconut bananas, making sure to get the biggest dessert. As she dug her spoon into the crispy coconut crust, it crunched.

"Do I taste ginger here?" asked Josie.

Maria nodded, " I sautéed these in the pan ma used for the Chicken Adobo.”

“It makes it taste so much better,” said Josie.

"BOOM!" a lightning bolt crashed outside.

The lights flickered off and on and then off again.

"Gemma, Pidro, fetch the kerosene lamps from your rooms," ordered mother.

They gathered the kerosene lamps and lit them. Each lamp threw out a small circle of golden light.

"What should we do now?” asked Gemma.

"There’s no reason a little rain should ruin things,” said Maria, “Let’s play Tongits."

"I haven’t played Tongits in a long time," said Mr. Cruz.

"Where’s my guitar?" asked Pidro.

"It’s in my room,” said Gemma,”I was practicing chords."

Pidro fetched the guitar and returned to the couch. He strummed the guitar and sang several family favorites while everyone listened and played cards.

"Tong it! We win again," said Gemma as she placed her cards on the kitchen table."

"Well, that’s about enough Tongits for me,” said Maria, “We’re no match for Gemma and Papa."

Gemma hopped to the couch and sat between Josie and Pidro. She leaned her head against Josie’s soft shoulder and listened to Pidro play the guitar by the golden glow of lamplight. Mr. and Mrs. Cruz sat outside on the porch and watched the rains rolling in while Maria read a book at the kitchen table.

"Okay, quit hogging the guitar," said Josie.

As Josie sat up on the couch, Gemma placed her head on Josie’s back. Her ear rested against Josie. Every sound echoed in Gemma’s head.

"When I was a child,” said Josie, “I played the guitar every time it rained and I’d make up songs.

"How about ‘Rain Song?’" suggested Gemma.

"That’s a good idea. Let’s call it ‘Song for the Rain."

As Josie sang, the sound reverberated through Gemma’s entire body.

"In the darkness, I see your bright and shining face – and you think I’m not listening – when you share your pain – but I hear your heart – drumming a beautiful beat – and it keeps time to the sound and song of the rain."

Gemma pressed her cheek into Josie’s shoulder. Josie’s muscles tensed and relaxed as her fingers plucked at the guitar strings. Whenever Gemma giggled, Josie smiled.

The guitar made its way from player to player, each adding a song of his or her own. Some were made up, but most were traditional Filipino folk songs.

While the others played, Josie made a burloloy necklace. She braided the threads together and Gemma picked out each stone and Josie knotted each one into place.

"I think this necklace would go nicely with your bracelet. What do you think?"

"I think so, too."

Josie fixed the necklace around Gemma’s neck and everyone admired it while Pidro played the guitar. Gemma placed her head on Josie’s lap and closed her eyes. Josie’s legs were soft and warm. Pidro sang other rain songs as the light from the kerosene lamp flickered across the walls.

Finally, it was time for bed. Gemma’s mother set out a cot and blanket for Josie as everyone got ready for sleep by the sound and song of the rain.

.

An Aswang Tale

As thunderclouds rolled through the skies over Baybay, they cast gloomy shadows on the coast. Gemma’s mother worked in the kitchen, making crispy pork and prepared sinangag-style rice. Gemma sat cross-legged in the middle of the living room, juggling her takyan from one hand to the other.
Pidro stood in the doorway, with his arms crossed. He frowned as he looked up at the sky. Those clouds loomed overhead, waiting to let loose a downpour on the entire village of Baybay.
Unfortunately, it had been raining all week long and tonight, Pidro had planned to go to the dive shop to meet Marco and some friends for a feast to celebrate Halloween.
"Sometimes I think I am cursed," Pidro said, talking to anyone who would listen. Gemma and her mother continued with their separate activities, ignoring Pidro’s grumbling.
"Pidro! Come inside and set the dining table. Gemma, you can help too," said their mother.
"Mom, do you think it will rain tonight?"
"Pidro, it’s typhoon season here in the Philippines. You’re lucky it hasn’t rained any more than this."
"One night is all I ask."
"Maybe tonight you will be lucky," said mother.
Gemma’s mother carried serving platters, loaded with pork and rice, and set them in the middle of the kitchen table. As the sweet smell of crispy pork filled the house, almost everyone gathered around the table for dinner.
"Where’s Maria?" asked Gemma’s father.
"She’s at the library studying for her final exams and won’t be home until late," answered Mother. It was Friday evening, which was the night Mr. and Mrs. Cruz went bowling with friends.
"Then who’s going to watch Gemma tonight?" asked Pidro.
"You will, of course."
"Mom, I can’t watch Gemma tonight. I am going to meet Marco at the Dive Shop then we are going out with a couple of girls."
"You can still go wherever you want as long as you take Gemma with you."
Pidro groaned. What would a little girl do with a bunch of teenagers but get in their way? Pidro didn’t dare to argue with his mother or else she would ground him and he wouldn’t get to go on a date at all. Having Gemma tag along for a date would be better than no date at all.
There was little more conversation as everyone enjoyed their dinner and cleaned up afterwards. It wasn’t long until their parents left with Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez. Pidro took a quick shower and cleaned up while Gemma waited.
"Gemma, I hope you don’t ruin tonight," said Pidro.
"I won’t. I promise."
"You’d better not. Tonight’s very important to me."
By the time they were ready for their trip to the Dive Shop, the sky had cleared. They got on Pidro’s motorcycle and off they went, zipping along the wet pavement. The motorcycle bounced and swerved over bumps and bends in the road. Water sprayed up from the tires, licking at Gemma’s bare legs.
Gemma snuggled against Pidro’s body, trying to keep warm and dry. Rain and wind spat over her arms, covering her in a fine spray of road water.
As they turned off the National Road onto the dirt road leading to the Dive Shop, Gemma saw Marco on the beach, towing a kayak across the beach. Pidro drove the motorcycle up the hill, over the grassy dunes and stopped next to the Dive Shop. Gemma jumped off as Pidro leaned it against the building.
"Gemma, what are you doing here?" asked Marco.
"Maria’s at school, so Pidro is babysitting tonight."
"Well, we’ve got lots of fun and scary things planned, like Aswang Tales."
"Really?" said Gemma. Her eyes lit up. Marco had always told great stories by campfire light, but she had never heard his tales about the mysterious Aswang, a hideous night creature known for stealing children who wandered too far from home late at night.
Gemma hung out with Marco and helped him fold sails and store them in the boat house. After they finished, Marco locked up the Boat House. He walked with Gemma back to the beach, where Pidro was setting up for the Halloween party.
"Is there anything else we need to do before people get here?" Marco asked.
"Gemma, you need to get firewood while Marco and I move some logs around the fire pit."
Gemma walked over to the brush pile to get some kindling for the fire. She picked out a large tree branch, which had several smaller branches still attached. As she dragged the branch from the brush pile to the fire pit, it made long snake-trails.
Marco and Pidro built a teepee of wood for the fire. Marco broke twigs off the tree branch while Pidro assembled the kindling in the fire pit. After he finished constructing the teepee, he crouched beside his creation, attempting to light the fire. He struck a match and held it next to a piece of sandalwood bark. Flames spread from branch to branch and soon, a fire was burning.
"This won’t be enough. Gemma, go fetch another tree branch," ordered Pidro.
As she returned to the fire pit, everyone had disappeared. Gemma looked towards the Dive Shop, where she could hear several people talking.
Gemma approached the Dive Shop. Inside, Pidro and Marco counted pesos on the counter while Marcella stood next to them. Marcella also worked at the Dive Shop during busy weekends. There was also another girl, who Gemma did not recognize. Before Gemma could say anything, the other girl spoke up.
"Hi. You must be Pidro’s little sister, Gemma." she said.
Gemma didn’t answer her. Instead, she wondered why this strange person knew who she was.
"I’m Jocelyn, a friend of Pidro’s, but everyone calls me Josie."
As Gemma grabbed Josie’s hand to shake it, she noticed how smooth and delicate it was. Josie stood next to Gemma’s brother and smiled. It was a crooked little smile that filled the silence awkwardly.
"Yes, I’m Gemma," she finally answered.
"Your brother has told me all about you."
Now Gemma was really perplexed. Not only did this girl know who Gemma was, but this girl had heard stories about Gemma. Gemma looked over at Pidro, then back at Josie, then back at Pidro again.
"Have you ever kissed my brother?"
"Gemma!" scolded Pidro.
"I think he wants me to kiss him, but I’m too smart for that," said Josie.
"That’s good. He kisses like a fish," stated Gemma.
"Gemma, I like your style."
Everyone laughed but Pidro, who gave his "you’re ruining the party" glare, but Gemma ignored him. Soon, it didn’t matter, because others began arriving.
A delivery truck arrived with a small roast pig. People moved it from the truck and next to the fire. Everyone gathered around, helping themselves to the Halloween feast. Gemma watched her older brother, moving from conversation to conversation, talking to everyone at the party.
Gemma decided to fill a plate with food and enjoy the roast pig. She picked out her own campfire log and sat in front of the fire. She looked across the campfire towards Josie, who was also sitting alone. Josie looked up at Gemma, then walked around the fire to join her.
"Can I sit next to you?"
Gemma nodded.
"Are you having fun?" Josie asked.
"I guess."
"How old are you, Gemma?"
"Nine."
"You’re very mature for nine years old. What grade are you in?"
"Fourth."
"Fourth grade, huh? Do you like school?"
"It’s okay."
"What’s your favorite subject?"
Gemma sat silently beside Josie for a moment.
"Am I bothering you?"
"No. I am just thinking to myself. I don’t really like any of my classes."
"I didn’t like any of my classes either, except art class. I spent time after school in the art room. I’d help my teachers organize art supplies."
"Art is good, I guess."
"I use art everyday."
"You do?"
"Do you know what burloloy is?" asked Josie.
"Handmade jewelry?"
"That’s right. I collect seashells and gemstones and I polish them in a rock tumbler. Then, I drill tiny holes in them and string them on necklaces and bracelets to sell to tourists."
"Did you make that bracelet?"
"Do you like it?"
Gemma nodded.
"You can have it if you want. I make new ones all the time and give them to special people. I think you qualify."
"Pidro wears lots of necklaces. Did you make them?"
"All except the one you got him when you went to Cebu. He says that’s his favorite."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. He’s a sweet and gentle guy," said Josie.
"Who? Pidro?"
"He’s very sweet," answered Josie.
Josie continued talking about Pidro the Romantic and Pidro the Gentleman, but all Gemma could think about was Pidro the Prankster and Pidro the Gemma-beater-upper.
Pidro was the one who put a live frog into her bowl of soup when she wasn’t watching. Pidro was also the one who convinced her to climb up to the roof of the gazebo and then removed the ladder, stranding her there until their father came home.
"How long have you known him?"
"I met him several months ago. I’m a friend of Marcella. I’d come to visit her and the more I came here, the more time I spent with Pidro. Now, I seem to come to the Dive Shop to see Pidro instead of Marcella."
As they continued eating the roast pig, Pidro got up and stood beside the fire.
"Hey everyone, it’s time for Marco to tell one of his stories. Since it’s Halloween and my little sister Gemma is here, Marco has created a story especially for her."
Marco pulled up a small stool and planted it firmly in the sand beside the fire pit. Everyone gathered around, finding seats wherever they could. Marco sat down and began to tell his tale.
"Just up the coast from Baybay, there are several small fishing villages along the cost with no name. Inside the houses, strange men live. These men are skin and bones. Their spindly arms are ash gray and they reach out of their sackcloth clothes. Their eyes burn through the darkness as they walk along the shoreline looking for fish."
"Sometimes they leave the shore and walk into the cities. They walk alone. Their breath, a hot heavy breath. A child can barely hear their groan, but if they are close enough, a single word is uttered. The last word a child would hear is ‘hungry.’ The fisherman are hungry and it’s you they’re wanting to eat."
"These fishermen don’t smell like fish. They smell like the innards of little children, their favorite food of all. Crooked teeth, sit in rotten mouths, waiting to tear into their next meal. As children disappear, one by one, accusing fingers point to these fishermen, but unfortunately, the fisherman have eaten all the evidence."
Gemma’s eyes widened at the thought of it. She looked up to Josie for reassurance. Josie’s smile comforted her, but Marco continued on.
"One particular girl named Bella walked to the market alone. She was just ten years old, but her parents thought this independent adventure would do her some good. Bella took a shortcut through the woods to the market. Every child knows not to go too far from the safety of home, especially at night, for the Aswang love the taste of careless little children."
"He’s talking about you Gemma," said Pidro. Everyone laughed a little except Gemma. Now, the joke was on her.
"Inside, Mr. Silayan stood behind the counter, chopping meat and wrapping it in paper."
"Bella stepped up to the counter and smiled at Mr. Silayan. Bella had known Mr. Silayan her entire life. Bella visited the stores many times with her mother, but this was her first trip alone."
"Good evening Bella. What can I do for you?" greeted Mr. Silayan.
"Mom sent me down here to buy some pork loin," said Gemma.
"Let me see what I have," asked Mr. Silayan.
"Mr. Silayan went to the freezer, but came back empty handed. He approached the counter and looked at Bella.
"I’m sorry dear, we’re fresh out of pork loin. Can I interest you in something else?"
Bella stood tiptoed and looked across the counter. Mr. Silayan leaned towards her. He let out a small groan Bella couldn’t quite make out what he said, but it sounded like..."
"Hungry..."
"Bella darted out of the store, while Mr. Silayan shouted after her. Bella dared not look back. She cut back into the woods, ignoring the trails, which she could barely see in the moonless night. Voices emerged from the shadows. As Bella scurried through the woods, her left shoe stuck in the mud and stayed there. Bella continued running. The breathing grew louder behind her. Tree limbs poked out of the shadows and flicked in her face. Bella stuck out both arms, trying to get free..."
Before Marco could continue on with his story, he was interrupted by Gemma, who had become transfixed by scared little Bella, trying to escape the forest alive.
"Run, Bella, Run!" shouted Gemma.
Everyone laughed at Gemma as the story had come to a climax. They were probably relieved to have a break too. Marco always told campfire stories that took the listener wherever Marco led them. Gemma was embarrassed. She ran towards the Dive Shop and disappeared from everyone’s sight.
Marco, Pidro, and Josie found Gemma a few moments later, tears streaming down her face.
"I’m sorry, Gemma," said Marco,
"It’s not your fault. My emotions get carried away sometimes."
"The story’s over now, so come join us by the fire," said Pidro.
"I don’t want to."
"It’s not the same without you," said Josie.
Gemma took Josie’s hand and returned to the fire. Most of the kids went over to the volleyball court to play volleyball.
"The fire’s dying out. Can you get us some firewood?" asked Marco.
"Okay," said Gemma as she wiped the tears from her face.
Gemma walked toward the brush pile. Within a few steps, it went from warm and cheerful to cold and dark. The brush pile sat at the top of the dune. Tree limbs splayed this way and that. "A gnarled mess of dead tree arms," thought Gemma. Creatures slithered in the shadows beyond the brush pile.
Quickly, Gemma tugged several small logs from the pile. The pile shifted, then some of the logs crashed to the ground. A creature tittered in the darkness. Gemma took what she had and hurried back to the safety of the campfire.
"That’s all you brought back?" said Pidro.
"It’s your fault, filling her head with Aswang stories. Come on, Gemma. I’ll go with you." Josie took Gemma’s hand and walked with Josie across the sand. As they gathered wood, Gemma noticed it was quiet all around the brush pile. They each returned with an armload and fed the fire, piece by piece, until it was blazing again.
Everyone gathered around the campfire as people took turns playing guitar and singing songs. Glowing embers rose like angels, flying towards the black sky.
Gemma leaned against Josie’s shoulder, then fell asleep. Pidro woke her some time later. Only Marco and Josie remained.
"Time to go home," said Pidro.
"Already?"
Pidro picked up Gemma and carried her toward the bike. As he arrived next to the bike, everyone said their farewells and went their separate ways.
She clung onto Pidro as they rode home. She rested her head against his back and looked at the trees. They sped by in a blur. Gemma looked into the woods and thought of Bella. She also thought of Marco’s Aswang story. She thought it was fantastic.
Gemma smiled as she watched the shapes passing by. The moon threw silvery blue shadows across the road. The tiny headlight shot out a bright yellow beam, leading the way home.

Day Trip to Cebu

Just before sunrise, Gemma and her father first set foot on land after a long overnight ride on the passenger boat. Few people moved about under the dull gray sky except those arriving on passenger boats.
"Are you ready?" Gemma’s father asked.
"More than ever!"
Brightly painted Jeepneys lined up at the pier, waiting to whisk passengers away. Mr. Cruz grabbed Gemma by the hand and led her to a Jeepney that said "Colon-Chariot" on the side.
"This is our Jeepney. It goes to Colon."
The Jeepneys were old Army Jeeps that had been modified to hold many passengers. Many Jeepneys traveled through cities like Cebu. Gemma stepped into the open hatch in the back and found a place to sit.
The Jeepney sped along city streets, turning this way and that. Gemma got to sit in the front seat, right next to the driver. Each time the Jeepney turned, Gemma held on tightly to keep from slipping around in her seat. Still, she loved watching trees speed by as the Jeep zoomed along the roadway. It was hot and crowded inside the Jeepney. The frequent stops to let people on and off only made it worse.
"Where are we going?" asked Gemma.
"Luzon Lumber," replied her father.
When Mr. Cruz tapped on the driver’s shoulder, the Jeepney stopped next to a large metal building surrounded by. piles of lumber. As Gemma and her father walked around inside, workers loaded forklifts, and moved the lumber from place to place. Soon, a young man in a uniform approached.
"Do you need any help?"
"We need four pieces of lumber cut about this long and four pieces twice that length." Said Mr. Cruz as he held his arms outstretched.
"I’ll have it in a jiffy," said the man. He grabbed a 2x4 and twisted it in his hands as he checked for warps in the wood. After he picked the best lumber, Mr. Cruz made another request.
"We also need some chicken wire."
"Follow me," said the man, leading Mr. Cruz through the store.
"Will this work?"
"This will be just fine."
The man measured and cut a length of chicken wire, bundled it with string, and gave it to Gemma.
"Are you building a chicken coop?" the man asked.
"A rooster room," said Gemma.
"Oh...a rooster room. Then I guess you’ll need some nails to hold everything together."
Gemma nodded.
The man fetched a handful of nails from a bin and poured them into a small paper bag. He handed that to Gemma, too.
"Anything else?" said the man.
"I think that will do it," answered Mr. Cruz.
They walked over to a small wooden bench and the man placed the lumber across the tabletop. He grabbed a small hand saw and cut the lumber into two meter pieces, just as Gemma’s father had requested. Sawdust filled the air as Gemma stood there. She loved that fresh smell of sawdust. She hardly noticed her hands becoming numb from the vibrations of the saw on the lumber.
"One more piece," said the man
After the last piece was cut, the man bundled the wood and helped Mr. Cruz to the checkout counter. After they were finished, Mr. Cruz and Gemma returned to the Jeepney stop.
"Good morning, sir," said a boy as he helped Gemma and her father board the bus. Gemma picked out a seat and sat down next to the window. Her father sat beside her.
"Daddy, where are we going now?"
"Back to the pier," he replied.
"We’re going home already?"
"Not quite yet. There won’t be any passenger boats to Baybay until this afternoon. We will have to find something to do until then."
The road back to the pier wound through cough country roads, which jostled the Jeepney. The boy who had helped Gemma’s father load their supplies came up and held out his hand.
"Twelve pesos," said the boy.
Gemma’s father dug into his pocket and paid the fare. As the boy walked away, he grabbed the metal rail running along the roof and carefully made his way to his seat beside the driver.
"Daddy can I have a peso?" asked Gemma.
"Why do you need a peso?"
"So I can stop the bus," she answered.
Gemma’s father dug into his pocket and pulled out a ten-peso coin. She tapped the coin on the metal edges of the seat in front of them. It clanked loudly. The boy waved his hand and the bus quickly came to a stop.
As Gemma and her father got off the bus, the boy climbed onto the roof where many suitcases and packages were stowed. He handed the lumber down to Mr. Cruz before hopping off the bus. Gemma’s father gave him a few pesos.
"Miramang Salamat," said Mr. Cruz..
"Salamat," answered the boy, thanking him in return.
As Gemma followed her father down the dirt road leading to the pier, she watched every passing vehicle. Jeepneys, busses, and taxis sped along the roads, taking people to and from the pier. Through the trees, she saw boats riding across the sea.
"How many different places have you been?"
"I’ve been to many islands."
"I want to visit all of the islands with you.”
"You want to visit all of them? That’s a lot."
"Have you been to all of them?"
"The Philippines is comprised of over seven-thousand islands."
"Have you been to all of them?"
"No. I have only been to a few dozen."
"That’s not very many."
"Now that you mention it, I guess it isn’t.”
"Maybe we should go on more trips," said Gemma.
"I think that’s a splendid idea."
As Gemma and her father reached the pier, they found an empty table. As soon as she could, Gemma rested the chicken wire on the ground beside the table and sat down to rest her feet. Her father set the bundle of lumber next to the chicken wire and looked at his tired little girl.
"What would you like to eat?" he asked.
"Can I have some Chicken Adobo?"
"Your wish is my command."
As Gemma’s father looked for a street vendor that sold Chicken Adobo, Gemma rested her head against her hands on the table and watched the passers by and day dreamed of far off places.
Gemma’s father searched the pier until he saw the umbrella over a street vendor cart that said "Jose’s Adobo". He approached the cart and ordered two skewers of chicken Adobo, one for him and one for Gemma. He also ordered a bowl of white rice and a large glass of ice water to share. He returned to the table and placed the plate on the table beside Gemma.
"It looks so yummy."
Gemma’s father handed a skewer to Gemma. She plucked each piece off the skewer with her teeth. Gemma loved the tender pieces of chicken and their vinegar-soy deliciousness, just the way all Adobo dishes were cooked.
Gemma’s father quickly finished his skewer and his portion of the rice. He smiled at his daughter while she enjoyed her Chicken Adobo.
She ate some of the rice and took sips of water to wash it all down. Between each bite, she

would make happy sounds, like ‘Mmm’ and ‘yummy.’ Gemma’s father loved Gemma’s expressive nature. It reminded him of her mother, who also had very colorful emotions.
"You finished?" he asked.
Gemma nodded.
"I almost forgot," he said.
"Almost forgot what, Daddy?"
"Pasalubong."
"What’s Pasalubong?"
"Gift-giving. Whenever Filipinos go on a trip, they aren’t supposed to return without bringing a part of the trip home to share with friends and family. It’s a way of sharing the joys of the trip. Although they weren’t there physically, it says they were always in your thoughts."
"Who’s getting the gift?"
"Everyone in the family. Do you want to help me pick a Pasalubong?"
"I’d love to help!"
"What should we get for your mother?"
"She loves pistachios."
"Of course. How could I forget that? A long time ago, before you were born, your mother and I took a trip to Palawan. I rented a boat and we went fishing. She brought along a paper bag of pistachios to eat while I fished. She cracked the pistachios between her fingers and discarded the shells on the bottom of the boat. When we returned the boat, I had to clean all the pistachios out of the bottom before the old man at that Dive Shop would let me return it."
Gemma’s father grabbed a scoop and poured pistachios onto a scale. The vendor measured the pistachios and then poured them into a bag.
"What about Maria?" asked Mr. Cruz.
Gemma pointed to the tamarind, a soft prune coated in sugar. Often, Maria brought tamarinds home from the University to share with Gemma.
"We can’t forget Pidro."
"Does it have to be food?" asked Gemma.
"It can be anything that symbolizes the trip or the person receiving it."
"I think Pidro would like something other than food. He always wears necklaces."
Mr. Cruz paid for the food and followed Gemma to a booth where necklaces hung from a long wooden pole just above Gemma’s head. She searched through them until she found a necklace made of tiny bamboo shoots and metal beads
"What do you think of this one?"
"Pidro will like that very much."
Gemma and her father went to the cashier to buy the pasulubong. The old lady gladly assisted Gemma with her purchases as Mr. cruz gave several pesos to the cashier for the necklace and tamarind.
With the necklace paid for, Mr. Cruz and Gemma had finished their last errand just in time to board the passenger boat.
When they found their cots and sat down, Gemma thought about her day. She remembered Jeepney rides and exploring the lumber yard, too. She couldn’t forget the yummy Chicken Adobo or shopping for Pasalubong. Before the boat had even left the dock, Gemma put her head on her pillow and fell asleep. She did not wake until they arrived safely at Mercado Pier.
They returned home just in time for dinner. What a coincidence! Gemma’s mother, Pidro, and Maria were enjoying Chicken Adobo for dinner. Gemma and her father enjoyed Chicken Adobo for dinner and shared their Pasalubong gifts and stories about their trip.
It had been some adventure for Gemma. She went to bed early that night, dreaming of her next adventure with her father.
.

Mercado Pier

As the sun poked its head over the horizon, Gemma’s family buzzed about the house, ready to greet the day. Maria had classes at the University. Pidro was headed to the Dive Shop. Mr. Cruz was headed to the Farmer’s Market to sell his pigs. Mrs. Cruz was headed to Mercado Pier to sell some handicrafts.

.

“What about me?” asked Gemma.

.

"You’re a big girl,” said father, “You will watch yourself."

.

"She’s only nine years old,” said Mrs. Cruz, “That is much too young to stay home alone."

.

"What do you think, Gemma?" asked her father.

.

"When Maria takes care of me, I help cook lunch and clean the dishes."

.

"Yes,” said Maria, “ but remember the time you left a wash cloth on the stove and it caught on fire?"

.

"That was a long time ago."

.

"Another time, you sliced a finger when you tried cutting pineapples.”

.

"I promise, I’ll be careful."

.

Just then, Pidro joined in, "What if you leave Roberto’s cage unlatched and he gets loose again? We spent a whole day searching for him.”

.

Gemma shrunk in her seat.

.

"I just don’t think you’re mature enough to watch over yourself," said mother.

.

"So, who will take Gemma?" asked father.

.

"She will come with me to the Pier.”

.

"But mom..."

.

Gemma did not like the idea of going to Mercado Pier one bit, because she’d have to stay at the Nursery while her mother shopped.

.

With that settled, Maria went to University and Pidro headed to the Dive Shop. Before he left, however, Pidro kissed his little sister on the forehead.

.

“It’ll be alright,” he said.

.

Pidro hopped on his motorcycle and sped to the beach. Meanwhile, Mr. Cruz went to the piggery and rounded up his pigs. He strung them together in one long leash and began the long walk to the Farmer’s Market.

.

"Alright Gemma,” said mother, “clean yourself up, we’re catching a bus to Mercado Pier."

.

Gemma marched to her room and grabbed her daypack, a handful of rubber bands, and a hairbrush. When she emerged from her bedroom, her mother was all business, making peanut butter sandwiches and filling a daypack with handicrafts to sell at the pier.

.

“Get us some fruit from the tree,” she ordered.

,

Gemma quickly plucked several of the orange santol fruit, collecting them in the flounce of her dress. Then,  returned to the kitchen. Mrs. Cruz peeled off the tough outer skin and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

.

"Now let’s get to that mess on top of your head,” said as she undid Gemma’s ponytail and ran a hairbrush through her hair.

.

"Ouch!" cried Gemma.

.

"Stay still!"

.

"But it hurts."

.

"Gemma, you’re being awfully difficult today."

.

Gemma sat silently as her mother yanked the brush through her tangled hair. Gemma was relieved when Mrs. Cruz pulled Gemma’s hair into a ponytail and fixed it with several colored rubber bands. As Mrs. Cruz straightened the hem on Gemma’s dress, she kissed her daughter lightly on the cheek.

"We’ve gotten off to a bad start today, but it’s for the best if you go with me, okay?"

.

“Okay.”

.

They walked to the bus stop where Mrs. Cruz flagged down a bus. When they arrived at Mercado Pier, they noticed it was bustling with activity. Street vendors were everywhere. Some sold handicrafts while others sold fresh fruits and vegetables. Gemma’s mother stopped at a little shop filled with colorful clothes and jewelry. An elderly woman came out to greet them.

.

“Good morning, Rizelle!” said Mrs. Cruz.

.

"Good morning, Mary Magdalena," said the woman. It was a rare occasion when someone called Gemma’s mother by her full name, but it always made Gemma smile. Usually, her friends just called her Mary or Elena. Rizelle always greeted everyone more formally and that included Gemma.

.

“…and good morning to you, too, Miss Cruz.”

.

“Good morning, ma’am,” replied Gemma.

.

Gemma watched as the two women talked business. Gemma’s mother displayed her hand-made plant hangers and beaded jewelry. Soon, Rizelle purchased all of the crafts and said goodbye. Mrs. Cruz grabbed Gemma by the hand and led her toward the Nursery.

.

"I need you to stay here while I run errands."

.

"Why can’t I go with you?"

.

"Because I said so."

.

Gemma walked onto the patio where a teacher greeted her.

.

"Hello, Gemma, I’m Miss Gutierrez. What would you like to do today?"

.

Gemma looked around at all the children. One table was filled with kids playing with building blocks.

.

“I will play with them.”

.

Gemma found a seat and began stacking blocks. Immediately, a young Filipino boy greeted her.

.

"My name is Gabriel. What’s yours?"

.

"I’m Gemma."

.

"Can I play, too?"

.

"Of course!"

.

Gemma and Gabriel stacked blocks until a girl came by and knocked them down. Gemma built another tower, only to have that same girl knock it down again. Gemma got up and walked over to the edge of the patio. Gabriel joined her.

.

"Why don’t you tell on her?" asked Gabriel.

.

Gemma shrugged her shoulders. "It doesn’t matter anyway. I’d rather not play with her."

.

"But now she has all the building blocks," said Gabriel.

.

"We don’t need building blocks to play."

.

Gemma stretched her hands around to the back of her head and unfastened her ponytail. Her mother had used five rubber bands, which was always enough for rubber band games. She tossed them in a pile between her and Gabriel.

.

"Do you know how to play ‘magingisda’?" said Gemma..

.

"The fisherman game? Is that where you fish rubber bands out of a pile with a straw?"

"Yes. We can use the drinking straw from my juice box as the fishing pole."

.

Gemma took the straw and carefully angled it downward, attempting to catch the blue rubber band with the hooked end of her straw. As she did, Gabriel and the others watched.

.

“Can I try?” asked Gabriel.

.

"Of course."

Each child had a turn  and when it was time for lunch, they stopped playing and ate their meals. Gemma sat with Gabriel and his friends. After lunch, they played more rubber band games.

.

"Gemma, could you let other children play, too?" asked the teacher.

.

"We don’t have enough rubber bands."

.

"I know where some are," said the girl who toppled Gemma’s building block towers. She went to her desk and quickly returned with a handful of rubber bands..

.

"Now everyone can play," said Gabriel.

.

"Not her," said Gemma.

.

"Why not?" asked the teacher.

.

"She knocked over my building block tower earlier."

.

"Is this true, Mary?"

.

Mary nodded.

.

"You owe her an apology."

.

"I’m sorry," said Mary.

.

"Gemma, please accept her apology."

.

Gemma held out a hand and the girl took it and gave it a hand shake.

.

"You can play magingisda, but only if you follow the rules," said Gemma. The girl agreed and the children huddled around the fishing hole, fishing rubber bands out of the pile.

.

After a while, Gemma led everyone in playing Takyan, juggling the ball in the air with their feet. Finally, several of the parents returned from work or their assorted errands and picked up their children. "Maria Magdalena!" one lady called out. Mary got up from her place in the circle and ran over to her mother.

.

Gemma realized that the little girl had the same name as her very own mother. Gemma smiled and waved to Mary as she left the Nursery. .

.

Gemma continued playing rubber band games with Gabriel and the other children until her mother picked her up. Gemma gathered up her rubber bands and tied them into her ponytail. Before she left, Gemma introduced her newfound friend Gabriel to her mother.

.

"Gabriel, I think I know your mother. Do you go to Santo Domingo Church?"

.

“Yes, ma’am.”

.

"I thought so. I guess you and Gemma can spend time together in the nursery at church, too. .

Would you two like that?"

.

The children nodded enthusiastically.

.

“Then it’s a deal. We’ll see you at church.”

.

After they said their goodbyes, Gemma and her mother returned to the bus stop and loaded everything onto the bus. Gemma told her mother about Maria Magdalena and the rubber band games she played with the other children. Gemma was glad she went to the pier, but she was glad to be back home, too.

.