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Flowers

It is May again. It is when flowers abloom and the faithful flocks to the church to offer them to Mama Mary. This is how May is, the month of flowers. Mama Mary, the Queen of Flowers.

When I was young, I would always join night prayers in tuklong (a sort of an improvised prayer chapel where people in a small community gather to pray especially in May) with other kids. Of course, the old folks would lead us to prayer. Then, there were singing and flower offering. But the most awaited part of the night is after the prayer. Sponsor for the night would offer food to eat for everyone in attendance. Young people, mostly kids, would queue up for arroz caldo, sopas, keleroy, pansit, what have you. Everyone would savor the little that we have and match it with lots of stories and laughters. The night would sleep late for young ones, while the older ones would brag them to go home after some time.

That is how I used to remember my young life every time May is here. It is how I spent my nights with friends and neighbors. Life was so simple then.

I do not go to a tuklong anymore. Instead I join the prayers in the church. But I still love to see what I grew up with. Yes, tuklong is is still there. The prayers and the food also. Yet, attendance seems to exclusively belong to some.

It is a tradition I love to penetrate the very lives of the people. It is when people get together and enjoy each other company. It is what prayer is all about - a gathering of people in love and joy.

At the end of the month, a procession is held in honor of Mama Mary adorned with lots of flowers and escorted by beautiful women and gorgeous men. It is truly a picture of a community coming together to venerate the most beautiful Flower of all.

As I grow older, I envy the kids who would enjoy the delicacies at night after the prayer. Not exactly what to eat I am craving about, but the joy of their company. It is at this time that I am reminded of the days I used to have and the friends I used to be with.

Life is like a flower. In the morning, it blooms with perfect glow for everyone to appreciate. At night, it withers to remind us that its existence has done its share.

How about us?
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