Earth Day!

I grew up with this view every morning and before the sun sets in the afternoon during my childhood days. It was just few walks away from home. It was my grandfather's own and that walking, running and shouting along the shore felt like I owned the whole world.

Everything was simple back then. I played in the sand, and had nothing to worry about but to get home before the sun sets.

Aside from the beautiful sunset, my favorite part of this place was the "baloc-baloc" tree. Oh, this was taken recently and I could not imagine how this "Mr. Big Tree" had grown up much taller already. When I was a kid, I used to hang out up there, played "habulan" with my cousins and playmates. I was never scared of falling down. Geez, I had the most hyperactive and I should say, happiest childhood ever.

But then again, time passed when I had to leave this place I called home. I studied in Manila and eventually worked away from home. By the way, this place was in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. A very far place from the South of the Philippines.

So when I came to visit there in 2009, I was so dismayed how it looked like. Everything changed. It was way too polluted and crowded already. Gone were the days when you could walk barefooted and run along the shore without getting hurt with pieces of broken glasses. Now, they are everywhere. I got so sad.

There I wished my grandfather was still alive. I wish I could turn back that place that It was used to be.

One day, I went to the shore. There I saw little children picking up wastes from all over. I got so happy and asked them why they were doing that on our private resort. Are they get paid to do that? It was then I found out that they were from Adventist Advocate who voluntarily cleaned the shore as to celebrate the Earth Day.

And so I was happified. There I saw a hope to save this once, beautiful place. i then helped out my aunt to give away snacks to the children as a sign of gratitude to their overwhelming kindness to mother earth.

 This kid was staring at me She said, "Daghang Salamat, Ate". It means "Thank You". (oh well, on my mind, thank you my dear for doing this to us)

This is a picture of all the children who had been a part of this. They were so happy!

After the eating session, they took a picture with me.

And then the best reward for them was when they were given a privilege to swim in the sea for free. They were shouting for joy.

It was then I remember how happy I was when my mom would allow me to go to the sea and swim, which rarely would happen, because my parents would always say that it was way too dangerous for children. Look at their joy. It's priceless!

Oh this place.... A place of my happy childhood. Whenever I see children nowadays, who could no longer play outside, who are stocked with playing online games, I pity them. I should say, lucky are those who had the happiest childhood from the past. And I am so glad i am one of them. =)