"We are durable and sturdy like the sugar canes. For generations, we have survived the dead season even when abandoned by our landlords."
Miguel Dela Fuente, or Isko to his fellow workers, explained to the dejected sugar cane farmers gathered in front of him.
After a poor dry season, most of them wanted to leave.
" This is not a time to quit." He said with finality.
" Mabuhay ang Sakadas! Long live the Sakadas!" The crowd shouted, convinced that indeed, there was hope.
For the Negros elite, sugar was a passport to the good life. The Dons and the Senoras proliferated; especially the Senoras, they thrived and flourished, much like the Makahiya plant or scientifically called, mimosa pudica, that populated the sides of the rice paddies.
Sensitive to touch, it is known for its tendency to curl up its leaves at the slightest touch, as if it were extremely embarrassed about physical contact, hence its name: "Makahiya" is derived from the Filipino word for "shame" or "shyness".
The sugar industry became a pillar of the Philippine economy and spawned a culture of privilege amongst the hacienderos; consequently, the Senoras, enjoyed their privileged lives, while pretending to shy away from the vulgarity of their amassed wealth.
" Isko...Isko!" Ester called out to the sugarcane farmer resting underneath the Tamarid tree.
Miguel stood up and was momentarily confused to see Senora Ester heading his way in the middle of the field.
He did not say a word, but instead, he waited for the well-dressed woman with a matching parasol to approach him.
He did not expect Ester De Gracias to visit him and honour her words.
Upon reaching his spot, she handed him an envelope made from young coconut leaves.
"Here Isko... Twenty Pesos Fuertes, just as I have promised you for not attending the ball!" her upper lip curled in disdain.
" You can keep it Senora Ester. I don't want it." Isko pushed back the money. He then turned, and faced the Senora.
" Do really think that we farmers are that low that you can buy everything we got? Yes, maybe you can own the land that we toil... and perhaps even all the these things around us... But no! Not my Dignity!"
Miguel declared as he made his way back to the field, leaving a stunned Ester.
" I did not attend Escueta's Ball because I knew where I belonged.
It is here in the muddy fields, and because I wanted to be free, free to live my life as I choose!" was his parting words to Ester De Gracias.
YOU ARE READING
FOREVERMORE ( Simula Ng Walang Hanggan)
Historical Fiction" According to stories, which may or may not be true, this was half of a whole. This used to be a tiara, a mini crown when Nana Sepa got it. She was awaken one midnight by a voice calling her name...Sepa! Sepa! So she followed the calling, well thr...
