Break Fresh Ground

21: LOVE-STRUCK

The air inside the house was filled with the hustle and bustle of preparations for the much-awaited 'Christmas Pailaw' of the town. Everyone seemed to be busy with their tasks, each person playing a vital role in making sure the event was a success.

Tita Letitia, with her sharp eye for detail, was supervising the happenings for the event at the municipal hall and the plaza. She moved about with purpose, making sure that everything was in its rightful place.

Tita Esme, on the other hand, was the mastermind in the kitchen. With her sleeves rolled up, she was cooking up a storm while simultaneously managing the other staff in the house. She was the mayor doma, after all, and everyone looked up to her for guidance.

As for Artemis, she was busy helping her mama in the kitchen, but she kept a watchful eye on me. Perhaps she was worried I would get in the way, for Tita Esme had already refused my offer to help. So, I resigned myself to stay put in the living room with Willow in my arms.

Despite the commotion happening around me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging. The anticipation of the upcoming event seemed to fill the very air itself, and I felt lucky to be a part of it all, even if it was just as an observer.

Feeling restless and bored, I decided to make my way to the kitchen where Tita Esme and Artemis were working on preparing food for the LGU members. The tantalizing aroma of food wafted through the air, making my stomach grumble in anticipation.

As I entered the kitchen, I was met with a flurry of activity. Tita Esme and Artemis were both moving about with purpose, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and checking the oven. It was clear that they had their hands full with the task at hand.

Despite the chaos, the atmosphere in the kitchen was warm and inviting. The glow of the sunset filtered in through the windows, casting a golden hue on the room. The tantalizing smells of food filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I watched Tita Esme and Artemis work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Their dedication to preparing the food was unwavering, and it was clear that they took pride in their work.

As the dusk settled in, I knew that the event would start soon. The LGU members would arrive, and the feast that Tita Esme and Artemis had worked so hard to prepare would be enjoyed by all.

As I walked into the kitchen, Tita Esme's kind voice greeted me. "Oh, anak, may kailangan ka?" she asked, turning her attention towards me. Artemis looked up and gave me a smile, which I returned with a grin.

Feeling restless and bored, I shook my head and pouted. "Wala po ba talaga akong maitutulong? I'm getting bored, Tita Esme," I complained, hoping to convince her to give me something to do.

But Tita Esme just chuckled and shook her head, clearly amused by my antics. "Halika at tikman mo itong mga niluto namin kung masarap," she said, gesturing towards the dishes laid out on the counter.

I approached the counter with eagerness, my eyes glued to the array of unfamiliar dishes laid out before me. With Tita Esme and Artemis' guidance, I began to identify each one - Sisig, Dinuguan or Dinardaraan as they called it, Vigan Longganisa, and Bagnet were among the dishes I recognized.

Without hesitation, I eagerly sampled each one, savoring the unique flavors and textures of every dish. The Sisig was rich and savory, the Vigan Longganisa bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, and the Bagnet was perfectly crispy and salty.

However, I couldn't quite get used to the texture of the Dinuguan as it touched my tongue, but Tita Esme assured me it was a delicacy in the region. She even suggested trying it mixed with Pancit, which sounded intriguing and tempting.