Romanticizing My Childhood in Lingion

Well, that was what my sister Neng refers to me when i go on rambling about the past :-) Romanticize!
 In a way it is true. I forget about the very sticky mud when the rainy season comes for one thing.
But then i was just a child.
And i lived with people who loved me and spoiled me.
My MamaLola and Lolo Dilo. Manits and Tita Lydia. My aunties who were both unmarried at that time.
And so to go back to those days when i was between 4 and 6 and living in Lingion, one of the highlights is...

Moonlight serenades.
Living with my paternal grandparents who have two single very beautiful and attractive daughters in the house, there are bound to be admirers. Suitors who would serenade them when the moon is full. No song comes to mind. But the excitement! I am sure my aunts were excited too. I know i was. First, there's the beginning strum of the guitar. Signaling the arrival of the "gapangharana". Then there's the apology and greeting. Apology for disturbing my Grandparents and Aunts sleep. Then the dedication. You can then tell whose suitor is downstairs. My grandparents house is a two-level old-style house. Then the singing.
Man, those guys really put their hearts into those songs. If they were favored, my Grandma would allow my aunties to light a lamp and open the window. If not, then the window stays closed.
Ah, harana! It's stuff from bygone days. It was gone when i was old enough to be serenaded. And that really made me sad. I wish someday it will have a comeback. Maybe for Camille's time?

At that time, a lot of the men (and women) knew how to play the guitar. If you have a guitar, you are popular. Everyone gathers around so they can sing. My Dad and Tito Victor (my Dad's brother) were great singers and guitar players. About 4 years back they sang together on stage for their cousin's birthday. The voice is not as good as it used to be but they can still belt it out and put on a great show for everyone :-)) I wish i had recorded that!