May 23 2008
It’s Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S. – You know what that means?
After a long winter and no holidays at work, we who reside in the U.S. need a break. Our first holiday after the New Year is Memorial Day which is celebrated to commemorate U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.
I’m sure that most of you already know that life in the U.S. is very hectic. I never believed Ate Annie when she warned me before I came here. She told me, “Stay there in the Philippines, you’re better off!” Of course I didn’t believe her. The U.S. is something that most Filipinos yearn for. It is the land of milk and honey. So I came, together with Ate Vina back in 1984. Whew! That was 24 years ago. Now, I believe Ate Annie. There’s not enough time here to find rest. You get two weeks of vacation a year. You do everything from your laundry, to ironing, cooking and cleaning. And yes, you have to work full-time on top of that too.
That is why Memorial Weekend is celebrated with such anticipation. The weather turns warmer and we all get to enjoy the outdoors again as a sign that summer is definitely around the corner. And like I said, you know what that means? It’s the time my birthday twin Ate Marita Lavarias and I celebrate our birthdays. May 24th to be exact. A time that reminds me well of the Fiesta in Baclaran honoring Sta. Rita de Cascia. The Santa Cruzan and Sunduan are a few festivities that I fondly remember.
How about you?! Fellow Baclaran residents?! Share your fondest memories with us.
