Calamba Crossing

Yesterday, I had the chance of observing the busy roads of Calamba Crossing ~ the same roads that lead to Los Baños, Batangas, Manila and the Calamba town proper. I can no longer recall when was the last time I stayed in this side of the planet for more than 30 minutes, more so, gaze at its lively atmosphere. I think that was years ago; even if I still frequent the intersection, it’s more of going to a specific place in mind and/or hang-around with friend or friends in any of the establishments around the area.

Not so long ago, I was once a soul who built my simple world in this sphere. You see, I once worked in the most popular Filipino fast-food chain located in the heart of this site. I was then 17 years old and an out-of-school youth. Back then, I was just a young boy who enjoys the little amount of moneys I am earning and is contented in pleasing the kids who are fond of that stingy bee.

This blog entry’s not supposed to be a melancholic accounting of my life’s events when I was still a teener. I actually intend to pay tribute to the place. So before I become more emotional, I have to revert back to the topic line…

Again yesterday, I spent some thirty to forty-five minutes of my time in Crossing. While waiting for a friend, I washed away my thoughts with the noises and the people around. In my right side was a kid beggar sleeping silently amidst the mosquitoes biting him and flies feasting on his yucky wounds. In my front view was an old lady selling her daily broadsheets and tabloids but was looking aghast as it’s already half-the-day and she still has a pile to sell. Of course there are those traffic policemen who are waiting for possible “victims” of traffic violations to save them in paying for their lunches (you know what I mean!). There are those tricycle drivers who keep on shouting for passengers and finally when someone from the nearby wet market approach them they would decline reasoning that the destination was prone to traffic; they would end up losing more for their consumed gasolines versus the pay for the trip (spare the alibi, please!). There are those jeepney drivers who loves loading and unloading their passengers not in the proper zones; and surprisingly when they are caught by the traffic policemen they are brave enough to reason out on their infringement (and even braver to offer the bribes enclosed in their licenses). There are some stable establishments who has seen fair-amount of business weathering and some establishments who are just newly built. And my list of character for the circus entitled Calamba Crossing continues…

Yesterday was a realization, I am now a stranger to the place I have spent my daily routine for more than nine years. I pass this intersection daily back then but now, its culture has evolved to something I wished I have seen before my very eyes. It is not a known world to me anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still proclaim myself as a “syano” that I was… and I will always be proud as one. Even if I have been more accustomed of living here in the urban city of Makati, I still feel that Calamba is my home, and I still prefer, love and plan of going home daily.

The reality bites that I can easily get lost in the outskirts of Calamba Crossing and more than anything be in danger of the threats this place may pose ~ drug addicts, snatchers, sex workers, etc. But in spite of this I was relieved to stay for a couple of minutes in the place I once built my dreams and aspire as a kid. It may no longer be the same horizon where I started my journey of being the man that I am right now, but the truth remains that it has played a very vital role in my self-discovery.

My dear friend arrived just when I finished contemplating. And as I ride the bus heading to the metropolis, I say my silent Thank You to Calamba, Crossing!