Born to a Calabangueño mother and a Rinconada father, I can say that I am, indeed, born of Bicolano blood. But having been born and raised in Manila, I wasn't able to adopt the Bicol Culture at a very young age. I first came here in Bicol when I was four years old. Since then, we always spent our summer vacation here. Being a child way back, what I only care for is to play and play, and I really find my Bicolano playmates as enjoyable as my playmates in the city. I find the place very beautiful and refreshing.
When we get to transfer here in Bicol when I was 10 yrs. old to stay here for good, it was actually a new and exciting experience. At first, I find it hard to speak and understand the language, though I've been here for several times. I'm not that used to the language yet. But then, with the help of my family and friends, I was able to overcome the difficulty in coping with the language. Actually, it is not only the language, I have some quite of "culture shock" if that's the way to call it. Bicolanos are very friendly. They smile at you even though you don't know them. They have this characteristic of being approachable and you really wouldn't feel uneasiness when you are with them. A much different thing when I was in the city since, there, people are not that approachable. Yes, they are kind but there's something in the Bicolanos, which I can not exactly figured out, that makes them more enjoyable than any other folks I've met.
When I was a child, I really don't eat vegetables, with the exception of squash, but when I came here and have tasted the Bicol express and other vegetable delicacies, I've learned to eat and appreciate vegetables. There' s something in the way Bicolanos cook, that makes the food very delicious and special. Since I am really fond of spicy foods, Bicolano dishes suits me best.
When I get to visit some famous spots and sceneries, I was really amazed and was marvelled by the beauty of the place that it seem to take my breathe away. In the city, what fascinates me are the towering buildings and establishments, but here, the simplicity, the verdant fields and clean bodies of water is enough to make me say that this is really my dream haven. A simple paradise. A place where me and my family can dwell in peace and perfect bliss.
From then on, I was motivated to promote the Bicol Region so that other people will also get to experience what I have experience in this place. I'm really proud to be a Bicolano. Thanks to God And I've become one.
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