[20191412] nights in Calle

 Despite having a rigid memory of useless things, i.e. things I would benefit from none at all if by nostalgia, I have little to think about in that one-time experience in Vigan. Actually, I have a lot to say, they're only waiting to be unlocked when my brain is involuntarily capable of doing.

Referring to the videos, however, they have stayed there for four years. Now, they are free. I've always been overwhelmed by the thought of editing the clips and compiling them together. I thought what a waste of pretty clips only to be edited by a novice like me. I really wanted the outcome to be great, perfect if possible. That's how it dusted away in my CapCut drafts for four years, taking up storage space.

In all honesty, I still find little edits that could be made better in the uploaded video, but I'm vowing to create and share despite the apparent flawed outcome--mostly only apparent to me, but you know.

My camera broke last year. For the first time in three years also, I've acquired an SD card for my phone. It never bothered me not having one, I just thought my storage was extremely small. So, I would keep having the problem of a hundred percent used-up memory space. It was fine, though. Because when the new year rolled around, I could venture into the daunting task of cleaning up. 

It's both a blessing and a curse that my camera broke. I take these events as metaphors; to halt the hoarding and make space for creating. It sounds better when left unexplained.

Calle Crisologo is so much better in person. Watching the vlog, you'd obviously hear so many gasps and shrieks of excitement. It is so pretty there. 

Before entering the actual streets, you'll be greeted by this statue. I didn't quite get what was written on it, but upon searching, it is the statue of Leona Florentina. It's a shame I didn't get a clear photo because apparently, as I'm searching now, this woman is definitely a new role model to me. Leona Florentina is the most outstanding woman writer in the Spanish era, considered the "mother of Philippine women's literature." Leona Florentina is an Ilocana poet, playwright, and satirist during the Spanish period. Being the daughter of Marcelino and Isabel Florentino, she was born into a prominent family in Vigan. For this, she was recognized internationally for her exemplary works, even becoming the first Filipino poet to establish fame in the Philippines and in Europe. In 1889, she was included in the International Encyclopedia of Women's Works, proving her literary abilities. And she's even a proud ally of the LGBTQ community, being a pioneer in Philippine lesbian literature. It's also interesting how her son, Don Isabelo de los Reyes, became the Father of the Philippine Labor Movement.

So much history, and yet none of that could have been known to me if not for a simple initiative to search for information. I wasn't too interested in history back then, too engulfed at the moment with friends that I didn't bother about the fact of renowned people living in olden times, walking in pathways I was walking then. Still, now I know, and you do too!

Ma'am Hannah and Sir Brando asked for their photos to be taken with my camera. Here it is, though I remember vividly saying while taking the shot how against the light they were. Mere silhouettes.

At the bottom is my photo taken by Karylle, the youngest one to go with us to Vigan. She's a sibling of two other NSC participants. Their entire family went with us on the trip. Moral support, they enthusiastically stated.

Though, I know this photo was taken on a different day, because on December 14, I had worn grey long sleeves, pants, and a bandana on my head wrapped like a bow. Instagram photos serve as a reference, and my one cameo in the vlog.

This is Karylle! I distinctly remember her wanting to have her photo taken as well. Only after did she want to take a photo of me in turn. Such a cutie.

Within the span of time going back and forth to this place, we had a lot of undocumented memories. From eating in pop-up stores, group dinners of big empanadas, Max chicken, Greenwich pizza; snacking on expensive ice cream (gelato)--though I forgot how they tasted, waffles, and more; buying souvenir presents, searching for longganisa, probably ham as well; to the casual strolls on the sidewalks and the ventures inside modern shops, quite unfit in the olden environment. Everything was peaceful and all we'd worry about were where to have dinner, or protecting our vocal cords before the singing competition came.

I remember us being sick of coming back again to the same place after every successful night at the convention. It's where we would group together with our buddies and find places to eat, different places each night. It's a strain, I guess, when you have a sensitive stomach. I remember not being willing to eat in certain places, not because I disliked trying new things but simply because I was scared I would be sick for the rest of the trip. It always happens in December, one time I even managed to barf on the plane while my mother held my puke in her hand. Disgusting information, I'm sorry. Although, it's only preparation for when you might become a parent one day and have to deal with a child with motion sickness and stomach issues.

I would wish to write in-depth about these nights in Calle, but I'm afraid they can't be conjured in an instant. As much as I'd like to spend long hours reminiscing, I'm also afraid my memory is failing me. It's been too long, and even Ara expressed how long it took me to finish the edit. I confess it is sort of like hanging onto baggage, and maybe at some point, I was still left behind, walking along those bricked streets, keeping to myself video clips of people who have long ventured into other things. Of course, they keep a portion of their heart with this ingrained memory, but it felt sort of horrid to keep only to myself such moments caught on camera. It's like carrying extra weight in the upcoming years when I should be making space for new ones. It's not entirely bad, though. I like holding onto memories, it's just mostly the phone storage I'm referring to. Thus, it is great relief that I've finished compiling them, finally.

We bought sorbetes ice cream. These are my buddies, ate Jehn and Kate. I'm guessing this was in the second to the last day. However, I am certain that we've already finished competing in our singing event, so we were free to destroy our vocal cords with sweet and cold desserts.

I forgot how much the ice creams cost, but I think they were around twenty pesos or less? I'm guessing less. It must've been ten. I'm not so sure.

 

It felt much better to go to Vigan and walk the streets during December. The Christmas spirit made the experience unforgettable. Cold winds, warm conversations, laughter, ambient, jazzy Christmas music. It was right out of a movie.

I really wanted to enter this church, but I can't seem to have found a time when it was open. It looked so pretty with its lights from afar.

The blog ends here! Probably the first lengthy one with properly placed photos. I might edit this from time to time to add more photos I've overlooked, or to add more information I've just remembered and wanted to add. More entries to come soon, hopefully! NSC part 2 will be posted eventually. I have lots to say about that one, too. 

Watch the video if you haven't already :> Leave a like if you like it, and subscribe to be updated when the next one comes out too! (Wow, I really sound like a youtuber now) Until then, bye-bye!