Piece of heaven

By Marifi Jara

I planned on writing about the largely overlooked Millenium  Development Goals this week, but one e-mail that came through I feel deserves space. Talk of the MDG targets can wait a bit.

The e-mail is a reaction to Kristine Oineza’s Young Roots column last week from Mr. Max Mararac, originally from Barrio Quintong in San Carlos City. More than anything, it is inspiring to know that our young do inspire our readers. I am also moved by Mr. Mararac’s lovely tale of leaving but not really saying goodbye to Pangasinan.

Here is his letter:

SUNDAY PUNCH reading is a part of my Monday morning breakfast reading.  It keeps me abreast with the weekly occurrence in Pangasinan.  I am deep-rooted Pangasinense, having grown there, spent my childhood in a barrio of San Carlos City — deep Pangasinan as most Pangasinense would say.  Like you, not only am I drawn to the beauty of Pangasinan, but also, every inch of my body and soul is a Filipino from Pangasinan.  La Union used to be part of Pangasinan in what was known to be the Kingdom of Kaboloan (bamboo).  I am not surprised to learn that most La Union people derived their roots from Pangasinan.

It is not difficult to understand your feeling û being drawn to the beauty of Pangasinan.  Pangasinan is not unique in its topography.  It shares the same topography with the neighboring provinces of La Union and Zambales – long shoreline with beautiful undulating mountains that borders the ocean serving as a buffer to the flatland.  The richness of its culture is evident from the varied cultures found in the region.  The richness of the Pangasinan dialect is indicative in its usage – could be scientifically precise, and yet poetically adept. 

When I was raising my two boys, I did not teach them Tagalog, or Pangasinense, but I used to bring them to Pangasinan every summer after school.  When they were in high school, I made sure that they appreciated my roots as well as learn enculturation.  They spent summer school at Binmaley Catholic School – as opposed to La Salle, my first choice for them. My intent is for them to learn a true ethnic culture, and not to be submerged with the La Sallites whose culture and upbringing is not different from what they have been accustomed to in the States (having enrolled in Catholic Schools here in East Coast). In addition, during these summer stay with my boys – we managed to drive all around Pangasinan û from Anda, Bolinao to the eastern part of Asingan to Pozzorubio.  And of course, we enjoyed the culinary offerings that the region offered (except my boys will not partake with the kambing menus in Urdaneta).

Reading your piece made me proud of my roots, not only as Pangasinense but also as a Filipino. Though I have lived here in the States for the past 32 years, and consider Maryland my home, I know that I have a piece of heaven in my mind and it is geographically located in Pangasinan.  I have traveled across continents for business and meetings, but I made sure that I spent at least a week or two in my piece of heaven — Pangasinan.  Thank you for your refreshing article.

(Readers may reach columnist at marifijara@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/roots/
For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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