remembering samal
i came to samal island not as a visitor, but a BWISITOR! the reason wasn’t for fun, it was part of my job, to document the development of the project for Barangay Villarica, primarily on the comprehensive housing program of the LGU and the problem of the settlers in dangerous areas. i knew less of what Samal is, all i could think of was the scorching heat of the bloody sun, and the sticky air brought by the shores of their mini port. but deep inside the island lies more than heat and the uncomftable feeling of being a visitor. Samal is a sanctuary, a garden island which needs nurturing and of course respect.
the culture inside the island thought me so much on life, the simplicity of life, the simple dreams of the people and of the local government was overwhelmingly felt. alhough there are some who still "demonize" for their own personal gain(politics). they have some swell headed politicians who talks and walks like demi Gods for the island, and there are people who truly works for the good. its a mixture of everything, a little of bad, a little of good, a little of paradise, a little of hell and everything in between.
i have heard stories about, sorcerers and aswangs, and those stories kept me awake each time i am required to stay overnight to finish some paper works. the mixture of coffee and cigarette adds tension to this paranoid feeling that something is watching you. and shem, my friend who is my artist knows the experience.
along the way i met people who accepted me as part of their community, i discovered different religions and traditions and not to mention the food. i fell in love with samal, and each time i am fucked up with things, i always want to go to the island, hide my fears and search the asnwers over he limestone roads and breeze of the sea. too bad, i wasnt able to finish the project in Samal, but in my heart i am forever hooked with the place.
samal is not just a tourist spot, it is a gem. a diamond that needs to be protected from multi million capitalists, it is a treasure that needs to be respected. samal you will always be remembered. thank you.
darkmau
MALAYA!
-on half full, half empty thoughts-
