Redoble Family

Going places is my daily bread, I can say this with confidence.  From my childhood memories, I  see myself frolicking uncharted horizons; walking highways and byways, exploring grasslands and forests, crossing streams and rivers, enjoying my escapades and discoveries. I always see myself as one who is on the move: a picture of me like that of “Johnny Walkers” label.  Maybe I was just inspired and enamored by that lonely bottle of Johnny Walker resting on the little bar of ninong vivic and ninang didi Babiera’s sala of their house in Ipil way way back then … or maybe, it is in my blood and genes, that I happen to be always on the move; after all, I was born to a family whose history, in one point or another, was on the move …

So much for the romantic part of this piece.  Today, I am in Europe, in Italy to be exact.  I left Manila last June 17, doubts and uncertainties arising due to the A H1N1 virus, afflicting the psyche of our people.  Riding on a plane with so many people on board brought me chills as the virus is, as reported, airborne!  The hongkong chinese were not even a help.  Their high toned shrieks and stress and tensions were more contagious than the virus itself; and it made me sick!  We asians are always extremely exagerating! And we are number One in this.

June 18, I arrived in Rome and the romans are cool!  No signs of A H1N1 fear!  Good for me. That very afternoon, I guided the group in a roman tour, well, precisely an “Angels & Demons” tour.. it was alright, tiring and curious!  The following day, we were at the Cupola of St. Peter’s scaling the winding stairs of the dome of the Basilica … and then, a tour in the basement of the church where the Popes are buried.  It was a solemn visit with prayers on the tomb of Pope John Paul II.  Inside the church, people were roaming, some taking pictures, guards prompt at any instance of infractions.  St. Peter’s is beautiful as always; awesome and great; holy and solemn!  It made me realize my littleness in front of the greatness of God; my unworthiness of all the gifts that He showers me day by day!

The day was hot, the sun at its brightest … and yet, I led the group out into the plaza to immerse ourselves in the great facade and esplanade of the Basilica: the columns, the fountains, the statues of the apostles, the obelisk, the people and even the doves ..  we can be lost in the marvels of this human achievement; this monument ofthe  faith of those who build it, and the controversies they bring … the inspiration we get as we wind ourselves through the many pilgrims passing … I was just moved.

Yes, I, too, am a pilgrim in the city of Peter!  I, too, am continuing the things I love most in my childhood!  I walk … I run … I explore horizons.., and frolick unfamiliar terrains … I savor the freedom of childhood … but today, all these are  on another level; a different perspective.  It is choosing a way and …, the path I walk … the road I take … is within me.

(This is one of the many travelogues i will be posting here since our month-long updating course will bring us to many places, too!)

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