Written and photographed by Manuel Pangaruy
Days prior to the conjoined film festivals for Cinema Rehiyon 15 and the 3rd Montañosa Film Festival (officially called “Cinema Rehiyon 15 @ Montañosa Film Festival”), several social media posts regarding lack of coordination with the delegates started to spring. Cases like poorly communicated logistics on bringing our esteemed filmmakers to Baguio were kind of jumpstarting the event unwantedly. Based on some comments, this is something that is not new. It didn’t help either that even up to the opening program on March 25, their corresponding Facebook pages haven’t posted any line-up yet for the duration of the festival. I even got a reply on Twitter from a filmmaker whose film is part of the line-up that he’s not even aware as to when his film will be screened. As a first-time attendee to this annual gathering (I probably attended once in CCP, but I don’t remember now), I joked about having anxiety attack of not able to plan out yet. The relief then was that I will be starting to join the fun only on March 29 (the festival had a closing program on April 1 with a tête-à-tête with the two Eds, Cabagnot and Lejano, the day after). Sure, there was pre-registration already to some events like the outdoor screening in front of the abandoned Diplomat Hotel (where the tickettailor.com form only showed the schedules then but no details yet on what films to be screened – like the films are already ghosting us so to speak) and the back-to-back screening of films from National Artists Kidlat Tahimik (Orbit 50: Letters to My Three Sons, 1992) and Ricky Lee (Moral, 1982 – helmed by another National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya).
Road Trip
I left Makati at around 8am. It was my first time to drive to the City of Pines, and alone at that. Surprised that Waze has calculated the trip for 3 hours and 46 minutes only. The last time I visited the city, a trip then can go as strenuous as 6 hours on average. Thanks to the trinity of highways, NLEX, SCTEX and the youngest among the three, TPLEX or the Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Expressway. Got 30 minutes more as I had to stop at the iconic Lion’s Head along Kennon Road and had my first taste of strawberry taho after a long time.
Finally reached my transient place at a little over 12 noon. The neighborhood is close to Grotto which can be accessed within 10 minutes of walk. Ate Jo, the owner of the 3-storey property was not home that time. She said that she’s just buying Baygon and will be home real soon. I didn’t mind waiting as my first festival event was that talk with Jade Castro about, as the art card says, “the struggle of theme, form, and style in making films” at 2pm. After dropping my stuff and after the short house tour with Ate Jo, which also meant going down to the bottom floor of the house where my room is, then up back to the gated parking space which is adjacent to the road, sweaty and all. Welcome back to Baguio City, Benguet, I guess.
The Hills Are Alive
There’s that lyric from “The Sound of Music” that says, “I go to the hills when my heart is lonely”. I just saw the touring musical at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit last Sunday prior to the trip and it stuck with me big time. Maybe I was really feeling under the weather for the last couple of days. How come no one is asking me if I’m OK or not. But I guess that’s a part also of my branding that nothing worries me, and that people take me, friends and family included, that everything is just a walk in the park. So be it. I will brave these hills on my own to self-heal. And healing started by climbing those steep roads from Cedar Peak’s basement parking to University of Baguio’s Centennial Building. I attempted to park near the venue, but it was packed. I didn’t know, of course, that the university is right in the heart of a busy area that is close to Session Road. This was my meet-cute with Cedar Peak, a serviceable mall (one even articulated it as “mini-SM”) with some restaurants and a branch of Save More, and double as a condominium building. I would say people should not attempt to park at SM City – Baguio anymore which is most of the time full and just opt to this little gem of a basement parking that did not disappoint me the whole time I needed to be in the area.
From there, I walked to the venue for Jade’s talk but had to stop at the food court for my late lunch. I just realized that this is a university area and mostly crowded with students in their uniforms. Which also meant that my lunch is a steal at only 60 bucks (two small servings of pork barbecue, rice, and bottled water) – a student meal. And a student I was indeed for about two hours of real talk with Jade Castro. Though I pre-registered for this talk, no one checked the QR University ode that was generated. Not even a log sheet was in sight where I should put my name as a way of monitoring attendance. The room wasn’t too packed, but the topic was. The other festival venue, the university’s AVR is within this cluster and attendees were either for the talk or for the collection of short films. Either way, the venue wasn’t that well ventilated. I was seated close to where the big fan for the whole room was installed at the back. The other purpose was that for Jade not to see me. The lack of ventilation perhaps has something to do with the city being naturally cold around this time. In fact, 11 degrees colder compared to Manila.
“Manny, ikaw ba ‘yan?”, Jade asked me at the start of the talk. I just nodded to avoid more attention from the crowd. Ricky Lee and company also came in, giving us that vibe every time the late Bien Lumbera would come to a room and brighten the whole place like a lamppost. Jade pretty much summed up what it is that can lead us to articulating a film, not on a technical standpoint but more on how this medium is a byproduct and evocative of both the creator’s and the viewer’s experience. Kind of swell. And glad that I made this talk in time. Jade always asked the crowd if the film reference that he shares is still within everyone’s grasp. Must be the Gen Z thing. It’s difficult to assume what is pop to these kids now and what is not. “Do you know Titanic?”. Or even those with obvious answer like “Do you know Beyonce?”
The biggest take-away for me from that talk is that Jade just pirated a copy of his own film “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” to prepare for his presentation. And that they have some missed opportunities in the film to correct a take on gender sensitivity. He mentioned that being creative sometimes needs to be mindful as well. Right after the talk, I walked to Ili-Likha Artist Village which happens to be along Assumption Road also. The walk wasn’t hilly, thank God, and there are more student-friendly restos nearby. My best friend that time is that food stall about a few steps away from Ili-Likha that sells Korean street food. The next stop for me on that day is a twin bill screening of “Orbit 50: Letters to My Three Sons” and “Moral”. It didn’t start on time, but the best part is that I shared the room with two of our National Artists. I skipped watching the second film, the first being 18 minutes only. This screening, by the way, is part of CCP Cine Icons series.
“Orbit 50” was made in 1992 and won a Gawad Alternatibo from CCP the next year. Just like most of Tatay Kidlat’s work, this shares the same home video aesthetics, trying to immortalize some unguarded moments of his three sons while a letter to each is being addressed through the voice over. It takes an endearing father to articulate the shared uniqueness of his kids who are growing up so fast. The screening happens to be more personal as the eldest of the three, Kidlat de Guia, his father’s namesake, passed away last year in Madrid. Left the venue which, by the way, is a cacophony of bar-restos, cafés and an indie cinema, after the Q&A for the first film.
I forgot to mention that I have another assignment for this film festival: to hand over the Pinoy Rebyu Awards 2023 glass plaques to Keith Deligero (whose film “Brand X” won Best Animated Short) and Mervine Aquino (of “Palengke Day”, our Best Documentary Short). The first attempt to meet Keith was on that night with the instructions of meeting him during the welcome dinner for the delegates at Grand Sierra Pines Hotel. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Cedar Peak and unfortunately, this didn’t materialize. While waiting at the hotel lobby, he sent a note through Facebook Messenger that he was dragged by some NCCA folks at the Diplomat Hotel screening of his film “Kordero sa Dios” (2012). I wanted to re-watch it also, but I have work on night shift. It just so happened that Diplomat is very close to where I was staying at, so I decided to go to the venue for my second attempt give the plaque away. It was a very uphill drive and the view from there of the city at night was kind of rewarding. Folks were very engaged with the screening, and I can only see them from the parking spot near the entrance. I sent Keith a note that I was there already. No reply. Sent a message also to Jay Rosas, Cinema Rehiyon 15’s festival programmer, who is also there watching Keith’s film to ask if he has seen the latter. No reply as well. Got back to the car and went straight to the transient house to start working.
Just when I was about to get in the premises, I saw an old CR-V being parked just the opposite of the gate, on the other side of the road, seizing me to lose some space (and cool) to maneuver and get in.
To Catch a Keith
Day 2 came and went better. By this time, I was able to acclimatize myself during the night. My Southern Tagalog body tried its best to keep up. I even attempted to work at the terrace area (since the internet connection there is faster as it connects to a different router) and survived the first hour or two. After some time, I decided to get the blanket in my room and used it on top of my sweater. It worked for a time until I gave in and went back to my designated unit and finished the shift there. Baguio is such a quiet city at night. Not to mention lovely.
First breakfast for the duration of this trip was a blast. I drove to Tan-aw sa Alang in Tuba, Benguet for about 20 minutes. It’s a roadside café beaming with view of the mountains. When I arrived there, the place is all by myself. I ordered brewed coffee and (Vigan) longsilog (the food porn photo was a hit on Facebook). There’s nothing much to do in the café other than eating and enjoying the sight on a cold morning breeze (though I don’t mind staying there longer and just sit and chill). By 11:45am, I was back to Cedar Peak and already climbing my way up to the Centennial Building again.
My first film festival agenda for the day was supposed to be that talk with Harlene Bautista on being a producer. The art card says 10:30am to 11:50am but the talk prior to it (Arjanmar Rebetta on Creative Treatments in Mobile Filmmaking) started late so everything was bumped off. The festival staff said that Harlene’s talk will start after lunch, so I had lunch (even though I just had breakfast) as instructed. When I came back at 1pm, the talk was done. I can even see the live coverage on Facebook as no longer “is” but already “was”. I decided to get out of the room and get some fresh air.
On my way out, I saw Keith getting in. There’s no way I will mistake him for someone else due to his neon-colored pair of shorts. I rushed back to Cedar Peak to get the plaque only to find out later that he has left the building. Tristan Cua’s talk on Mobile Film Cinematography, which is the second bullet on my itinerary for the day, has already started by then. We were about 10 to 15 only in the room. Too bad because I was so engaged with the content in which Tristan shared practical tips on how to optimize capturing videos using our smart phones. Kind of perfect for TikTok era.
At about 4pm, I was already finding my way to the nearest parking lot at Burnham Park. Waze said the closest is the one behind The Ganza Restaurant. And by closest, it meant it’s not far from Cedar Peak and I could have just walked. First parking attempt failed. I got blinded by that car queue that reached up to Perfecto St. I had to make one more round along Harrison Road before making it right. Park attendant reminded me that they close at 7pm. I had time, I thought.
I came to Burnham Park’s Melvin Jones Grandstand to get a glimpse of the second day of the 1st Baguio Folk Music Festival. The announcement says 4pm but it only started at 5pm. I ate from the food stalls while waiting so I got compensated for the delay. I met AC before the gig started. We didn’t know each other but we were seatmates in the front row. She said that she’s one of the finalists for Montañosa Film Festival 2024 and that she’s bound for the pitching. I wished her all the best of luck. She’s in the music festival as her dad is one of the first performers for the night – a family of musicians who gave the crowd a rousing medley of familiar rock songs. I was kind of teary eyed seeing her taking photos of her dad. It made me miss my dad.
Lost in Translation
While the second performer was singing his first song, I was already on my way out (parking fee is only 35 bucks). On the last minute, I decided to just meet up Jay Rosas so that I can hand him the plaque for Keith as they were staying in the same hotel. Technically we haven’t physically met during this festival. I probably saw him once attending to some glitch and looked very busy, so I did not bother. He mentioned BCC through Messenger which I initially thought, and I was very sure of, to be Baguio Convention Center. It’s very close to where I was at, so I drove to the area. It was my first time to get inside this Baguio counterpart of the CCP. I messaged Jay and asked is he’s one of the audiences in the main auditorium. There seemed to be a discussion on dance, like a serious roundtable meeting on performing arts. When Jay did not respond, I decided to leave. One of the film festival coordinators called my attention and asked if I’m looking for something or someone. She said that she saw me earlier at the University of Baguio and thought that I may need anything festival related. She’s there to have a run-through of the closing ceremonies. So, I told her that I was supposed to meet someone in BCC but I can’t locate him. She said that where we were at is not BCC but BCCC. BCC happens to be Baguio Country Club and that BCCC stands for Baguio City Convention Center. Things I wished I knew earlier. I messaged Jay that I should go straight to their hotel and just leave the plaque at the reception for Keith.
By 6pm past, I was already back at the Diplomat Hotel. The festival staff may be mad at me as I was asked to park at the back and just walk to the end of viewing area which is at the front lawn of the hotel. Of course, it was dark. And of course, I was scared the moment I turned off the engine and the car headlights went off and felt so alone. Too much horror films, I guess. When I finally made it to the front, Batsoy (Ronald Batallones, 2022) was already halfway through. Since I only went there for the experience, I told myself that I will leave the area once at least one moviegoer plans to leave the place as well so that I can join them back to where my car was parked. After one horror short film (and by horror, I meant viewers there screamed at one scene), one guy stood up. I asked if I could join him.
The fellow is named Ray. I offered a ride back to the city center and he obliged. He said that he’s been a Baguio resident for about two years already. He’s originally from Bacolod and has a Manila-based job on a work-from-home set-up just like mine. He said that it’s in his bucket list to settle in Baguio. While in the city, he said he woke up one day that his allergy is gone. Thanks to the clean air and the optimal cost of living, like a very low electric bill and a healthy eating lifestyle like a daily dose of fresh vegetables. Kind of inspiring to hear. I then dropped him at the Grotto with a side thought of pagpag from Diplomat. Wishing and hoping that the back seating spirit, if there’s any, was not so Catholic enough.
By the way, I reached the transient place’s parking area without any obstruction.
They’ve Got It All
Just like the previous day, my Day 3 started with a nice breakfast. Before BenCab Museum officially opened at 9am, I was already parked right in front of the façade. After paying P200 at the booth, I went straight to the bottom of the museum and secure a table for one at Café Isabel. I forgot that I was supposed to abstain from meat that Friday. The moment I realized this, I was done already with the sumptuous serving of their homemade Vigan longganisa and a cup of coffee which the menu calls to be BenCab’s Brew. There’s a view of a duck pond and more mountains in there. One pine tree is still beautifully adorned with pink parols.
The museum consists of four floors. From the café, I explored the modest building going up with displays of anito woodwork, sculptures, paintings, and more paintings. My favorite bit probably was that small gallery designated for the masters which contains paintings done by other famous artists in the country. Second favorite, no doubt, is the one for erotica. BenCab’s depiction of nudes is both innocent and spicy. I stayed for additional 30 minutes at the souvenir shop as a friend asked me to buy some shirts and we (well, mostly he) couldn’t figure out which ones to get. By 11am, I was already heading to SM City Baguio (otherwise known as the first – and most likely the only – open air SM mall in the country).
I was already warned by a Baguio resident friend that parking at the mall is usually packed. It’s Friday and most tourists have settled in already for a weekender. The spot is at the center of almost everything in the city, Baguio Cathedral, Session Road, Burnham Park, etc., and prone to all-day parking. Getting there was challenging enough due to the volume of vehicles, taxis included. And as expected, I was reminded by the security personnel that it was indeed full already. I panicked because I only had 30 more minutes to get in for my first festival activity that day. No choice but to go back to the ever-reliable Cedar Peak and just hail a cab heading back to SM. Two minutes prior to the screening of closing films Read-Only Memory (David R. Corpuz and Kristin Camille Sulit, 2022) and Topografia (Teng Mangansakan, 2022), I was already past the toilet and already seated conveniently at the mall’s Cinema 2.
The 14-minute Read-Only Memory tells what seems like an origin story of two beings: a creator and his creation. The series of snapshots is made cohesive by the suggestion that this happened already and that the stills are being reviewed backwards then back to its current state. It could be a commentary that things in general, no matter how unique and special, always go by its lifecycle. It was born then it withered. What made it survive and worth repeating is the intimacy in between, the blossoming, the love which felt like the first time, and the afterglow.
There is no such cycle in the exploration of love in Topografia. Two main characters Marco and Daud (played respectively by Jess Mendoza and Felix Roco) embark on a journey which seems like a point of no return. Since the relationship is vying for its one last shot at love and friendship, Daud will soon join the Parliament for an upcoming, fictional Bangsamoro Government inauguration, there is so much great expectation. The two travel the countryside which ended at a beachfront. The ocean is the ultimate truth teller in this BL film. It reminded me of Alfonso Cuaron’s Y Tu Mama Tambien in terms of injecting voice overs while a road trip is ongoing. The details on the narration may sound trivial but mostly spirited, like a vital entry to a journal. Mendoza and Roco look great together all through out. There’s a certain familiarity on their anonymity, like you’ve met them before either yourselves or from your circle of friends. I just wished that their predicament was prolonged, like an additional half hour more of its 66-minute running time, as I am so assured of their passage.
Freaky Friday
After the screening, I realized that I don’t have the glass plaque for Mervine Aquino. Must be me rushing to SM or a simple miscommunication that I should bring it so that Merv can accept it and make a speech while in the mall. His prize-winning short documentary Palengke Day tackles the future of Baguio City’s public market as it goes through some redevelopment including a bid from the SM group of companies. We, Jay, Mervin, etc. ended up just taking photos at the film festival wall there. That’s the only time I realized how well attended the festival is from the crowd that came out of the cinema. Arnel Mardoquio, Kyle Fermindoza, Musoy. Topping it all, I finally got my (pretentious) Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival hoodie from Jay. It’s surprisingly sized 5XL and it fits me well. I wonder about the sizes from folks in Davao. I’ll just figure it out when I finally make it there. Hopefully this year.
At about 1:30pm, I was already rushing (again) to Oh My Gulay where I will be meeting Keith Deligero finally. They say that we should never meet our heroes but there I was descending from SM down to Session Road locating that iconic, Kidlat Tahimik-owned vegetarian restaurant. What I only remember is that it’s in the top floor of a building with no elevator. I had to ask a stranger to help me find it. At exactly 2pm, I was already panting in front of Keith. He gave me some merch like a Bifan shirt for Days of the New and a face mask for his short film Brand X. Then he said that we should move to another restaurant as there’s no meat in the menu. While still there, we took the opportunity of the magnificent interior to have a picture of me handing him the plaque, using his camera, and taken by a wait staff. Keith directed the whole thing. Then we left off like that tiger in Life of Pi.
Then we’re back to Session Road again scouting for a restaurant that has meat and a POS for debit/credit card. We ended up at Overtones Ito Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant. Keith had wagyu steak while I opted for grilled chashu. For about two hours, we were talking about films, the industry practice, the gameplayers, Star Cinema, and the recent Oscar winning films. It was a very interesting convo which I wished did not end that quick.
At around 4pm, I found myself already walking along Assumption Road and back to Cedar Peak to pick up the plaque for Merv. There was a scheduled screening of Palengke Day at the University of Baguio’s Centennial Building, specifically at the AVR within the room where the film talks were held. It was very warm in there, so I sneaked out from time to time. In the room where I caught some air from the giant electric fan, there’s an ongoing rehearsal for what seems like a Q&A portion of the university’s upcoming beauty pageant. Contestants were asked to answer a question and some mentors will give them advice on how to tackle it. I went back to AVR to attend the Q&A part with the filmmakers of those short films that were screened. I took photos as well. As usual, it’s always a pleasure to get a glimpse of a filmmaker’s thought process. After that, Merv and I went to a spot overlooking the public market which bears a giant banner that says “Bangon Palengke, Rise from the ashes after 7 days.” That’s where I took a video of him accepting the plaque then we said goodbye for the meantime.
I dropped by once again at Burnham Park (same parking space, same reminder that it closes at 7pm) for CCP Cinema Under the Stars. There was a screening of the animated short film Pot (Carl Papa, 2019) alongside Black Rainbow (Zig Dulay, 2021) and other films. I didn’t stay long and headed back to the transient place.
The old CR-V is no longer blocking the gate. It’s still there but parked some meters away from where I usually maneuver. I guess the surprise for me then was that I can smell some cooked food the moment I entered the unit where I was staying at. I was then greeted by this 19-year-old dude named Joschka. He’s originally from Germany but working in a school somewhere in Iloilo. He’s in Baguio to catch a trip to Banawe. Of course, we talked about life, travel, beers in Germany, the Philippines, the war on drugs, and the pollution in Metro Manila. He wished me good luck for my evening work. At the end of my shift, as early as 6am the next day, he came out of his room in his Calvin’s and started getting ready.
Wild Strawberries
It’s Saturday so weekend officially started in the morning. Ate Jo came to the unit to clean up Joschka’s bedroom and replace the linen and all. It took me some more time to face the day as Ate Jo and I were having a nice chat. It was already around 10:30am when I reached Choco-late de Batirol inside Camp John Hay. There was a queue as expected but thanks to being alone, I was able to get a table faster than the rest. I had a very tender tapsilog, which I think is one of the best I’ve tried, and a cup of their famous hot chocolate. I was convinced that it’s going to be a great day.
After brunch, I attempted to visit the house used by Christopher de Leon in Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising (Mike de Leon, 1977) but I was probably given an incorrect house number along Gibraltar Road. Plus, it’s probably being owned privately so it won’t be a good idea to take photos and selfies. Heard from Jay that the film was considered for screening in the festival but did not materialize.
The next stop was the touristy Strawberry Farm. This time, I got company. I picked up Jay and the “Ozamiz Boys” Reyan and Drix (we are now Facebook friends!), plus Drix’s girlfriend, Alli, from SM and off we went to La Trinidad. That time, I was playing some classical music and Jay suggested a more Gen Z playlist which started with Miley Cyrus’ Flowers. Along the way, I can hear them discuss Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero. We passed by those colorful houses (officially called “The Colors of StoBoSa”) but we did not stop. The plan was to just explore it once the lighting is more picture friendly. “It looks washed out.”, one quipped. We finally reached the area with fields of strawberries (and vegetables) after about 45 minutes. We secured a parking space past the entrance. An ice cream manong was reserving it to those who are coming by car. He then offered us his strawberry ice cream (P80 a piece, I think it’s overpriced) which guarantees to be “pampatibay ng relasyon” as printed on his cart. We then signed up for strawberry picking from one of the booths there then we were led by a picker’s guide to a designated area. We paid P700 for a kilo of strawberries which I think is just right as it was fun picking fruits with film lovers. At some point, a canister of strawberries was marked as Production Design decision when taking a group photo. Or picking good strawberries is like programming the right films for the festival. That’s how we rolled that time. Our only complaint then is that it was too sunny and too sweaty to be in the fields at 1pm past. After some souvenir shopping, we left the place.
I don’t know about Waze, but it seems to bring us to a different route which had us stop at Tam-awan Village. I’ve been to Baguio for several times already, but I haven’t explored the place. The other purpose of that stop was to have our super late lunch at the café there. We paid P60 to get in and even met Arnel Mardoquio and family on their way out. We were so challenged that they trekked uphill, so we planned to do the same. The village is a small one having some attractions along the path going up. We probably stepped into a view deck or two, but we were all busy trying to figure out if we’ve already reached the peak. The group then decided to descend and just head to the café. While having lunch, there’s a performance of traditional Igorot dance just opposite as to where our tables are located. I remember getting a pinikpikan for sharing.
On our way back to Baguio, we did not see the colorful houses. I then dropped them to their respective hotels. It’s past 5pm already and the closing program will start at 7pm. Thirty minutes before closing, I made it to Mt. Cloud Bookshop to reward myself with a nice poetry book authored by a Baguio resident. Then, BCCC.
“Pagliyab”, the film festival’s closing ceremonies have already started when I arrived. Quite packed already in there. I didn’t tell anyone that I only freshened up with whatever stuff I have in the car. Plus, a nice denim jacket to complete the look. Food is done and gone by then. But they have some craft beer. Some speeches came and went. Saw a lot of familiar faces including Arnel again with his K-pop tote bag and his family. This time, I was able to have a chat with Arnel. He said that he’s currently working on a Martial Law film but mostly with green screen. I wished him good luck as the film is really promising with the way he described it. I also saw Kidlat Tahimik. Dennis Marasigan. The two Ed’s. Emman dela Cruz. Therese Malvar and Jaime Morados. Then Mr. and Mrs. Nonnie Buencamino. After two servings of beer, I was able to personally approach Nonnie and tell him how wonderful the cast of Family Matters (Nuel Naval, 2022) is, and that there’s a particular scene of his that I thought to be master class in acting. He said thank you. Jay and I were talking previously about the absence of Moira Lang who we thought to be Baguio-based already. And suddenly, Moira passed by the crowd in her white bubble jacket with a small laptop bag in tow.
There’s a part of the program when the torch was passed on to Kyle Fermindoza as the next Cinema Rehiyon will be held in Iloilo City. He was then asked to light the bonfire in front of the performance stage using the torch. Perpendicular to it, there’s another portion of the BCCC front lawn that also serves as another stage. That’s where the speeches, talks and announcements were done. We then came to the announcement of winners of grant for next year’s Montañosa Film Festival. This was kind of exciting as the finalists didn’t know yet if they make the cut or not. You can sense this from the way they cheered for their respective teams. I saw AC being one of those who made it and I was extremely happy for her. Past all the announcements and well wishing, then came a finale performance from Tanghalang SLU, Kadwa Drums and University of Baguio Bibak Ubbon Kaafuan (UBBUK). It’s a mix of shadow play, traditional dance, and live music. The shadow play told us a story of a manipulative god who was ostracized and toppled through an uprising of the community. From the shadows came the folks sashaying to what seemed like an Igorot celebratory dance. Then they formed a circle, surrounding the already lit bonfire. From there, they invited all the delegates to join the dance. Most obliged to it. Making the circle packed to the brim. All dancing in one flow.
The time I came for a beer refill, I can see that some folks were already distributing shots of whiskey. A group would even ask one poor soul to drink from the bottle. The ceremonies officially ended around this time, about 9pm. Then came the after party in the very same lawn. Moira came up on stage and started DJ-ing for us. I thought it’s my alcohol intake but it’s not. DJ Moira was really bringing the house down! So, I partied for a bit. Everyone did. I didn’t mind then if I was already in somebody else’s live feed. Let me at least end my Baguio trip with a bang.
The bus for the delegates started to leave at past 10pm. Sure, there will be an extension of after party somewhere, but I opted to hunt for late night snack. I made an attempt with those street food near Burnham Park and Session Road but the parking queue was unimaginable. I ended up at Inihaws in front of the bus terminal. When I came back to the transient place, the old CR-V was parked on the far end of the street. I got info on where the party was being held somewhere along Session Road but I opted to just pack and sleep early.
Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising
At 6am the next day, my last day in Baguio, I was already looking for a parking spot around the Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral (or simply known to many as Baguio Cathedral). The surrounding area for free parking was all taken and I was already late for the first Palm Sunday mass. I made an exit as suggested by the staff there and attempted for another round. Still no spot. Someone recommended getting a paid parking space instead at the top floor of Porta Vaga Mall in which entrance can be accessed right before the exit of the church area. I finally landed to one (and paid later for about 60 bucks). Since I already missed the very first mass for the day, I opted to look for breakfast instead. Not much along Session Road. They open for about an hour or two more. I gave in to Jollibee but the line was also long, so I just went back to where I parked. A food stall in the same floor just opened and it sells newly cooked brown rice champorado, a saving grace.
At the start of the mass, people inside the church were asked to go out for the blessing of the palms. I felt bad because I knew my seat would be gone the moment I came back in. And true enough. Glad that I discovered those seats upstairs with entrance on both sides of the church. I even led some tourists to it who looked lost just like me. When I finally secured my pew, I can see that the priest still blessing the palms even inside the church, up to the altar. Talking about coordination, I guess. Or lack thereof.
The whole trip back to Manila came dreamy. TPLEX doesn’t have much gas stations yet so that segment is a test of endurance and hours of sleep. I missed the NLEX exit along SCTEX and ended up rerouting from Porac, Pampanga exit. I also got lost in NLEX and ended up to a highway leading to Navotas. By 2:30pm, I was already in Arete trying to make my way for the matinee staging of blueREP’s Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical… ‘Yun Lang!, with fresh strawberries in my backpack as I can’t leave them inside the car under the scorching Manila weather.