Pidigan Town Fiesta

Last Sunday, we visited the town of Pidigan in the province of Abra in Northern Philippines. Pidigan celebrates its annual fiesta on the 8th of December to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion, its patron saint.

Just like most Filipinos, we went out only after watching the "Dream Match" between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya. At the peryahan, there was electricity in the air. Everyone felt victorious. Everyone was in celebration mode which only heightened the festivities. We didn't stay long as I had to travel back to Manila that night. But before we left, I took a few photos and bought half dozen balut.

Hundred Islands of Friendship

Each time I look at these pictures taken during a trip to Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, I raise a toast to all the hundred and a million moments I shared with friends--good people who had celebrated my decisions, listened to my repetitive stories, laughed at my jokes and welcomed me and my family in the warmth of their amazing company. In the real world of adults where jobs, familial obligations and bills take precedence over many weekends, coffee breaks and lunch outs, friendships suffer and sometimes, they die a natural death.

I read somewhere that relationships don't end. They just transform.

Ah, just like in the islands, the ebb and flow of the tides may change but the waves always kiss the shores.