1 - My early days at Batangas.

              "Describe a place from your past"

              A place from my past is Bagbag, Balete, Batangas is where I grew up in the past years. There is where my childhood developed. Here's a photo of it. It's a place of lush green and we are near the Lake of Taal, there are many farms and plantations there. Even though it's a really annoying with the dirt in the shoes and leaves on my clothes, the fresh air really is satisfying despite all of that. The fresh air there really brings out Mother Nature’s scent. It reminds me of how important it is to have a forest surround me. My childhood there was really good there I learned many things like riding a bike and learning how to play a bit of sports. In this place is where I grew up with my sister, little brother, and grandparents.

While was growing up I moved to Manila, at first I was really surprised that there are less trees there so I kind of adapted to the environment in a city, but I still want to feel the pure fresh air from a place full of life like in my hometown. So every summer or Weekends I go to Batangas to feel the breeze of the wind and natural environment around it actually relaxes my mind. And sometimes me and my cousins go to the lake to go fishing or just view the scenery. The Lake of Taal in my place is left untouched by tourists and resorts that’s why it’s so peaceful there. When I was 10 years old my sister and my grandfather took me to the river, and in that river it contained many life like fishes, frogs, etc. We went along the river to the lake. It was really fun that I got to look at the river flowing in one direction towards the lake but it was tiring.

Every May 30^th to 31^st we have a huge gathering from all over the Barangay, it was a huge fiesta that is held yearly. It’s a time where people gather and just get along with everyone with tons of food and drinks. Before the Fiesta our relatives would visit our house and help with the cooking, and arranging of the stuff needed for the Fiesta. It’s not a formal occasion really it’s an informal occasion that random people can join in like a huge party. Sometimes the Mayors of certain cities or towns comes in to celebrate with us.

My home town is really important to me because it taught me many things like to value everything you have, your family, friends, nature, and God. Without living in Batangas I wouldn’t be the person I am today.