Memories Back Then …

Baguio City – hailed as the “international melting pot of culture”, the city is actually

known for its unique and diverse culture, religion, race and creed. In June 01, 1903, the

Philippine Commission declared Baguio as the summer capital of the Philippines and finally

on September 09, 1909, the Philippine Assembly consolidated it as a city. (2008 Socio-

Economic Profile of Baguio City). Today, it is of great significance to recognize its 100 years

of pursuance for integrity, exposition for uniqueness and even contemplation on discrete

blemishes. As such, one way to do this is to look back at the city’s notable roots which were

accordingly presented by the play entitled “Baguio Stories”. From here, we will be trickling

down the details rendered and eventually give essentials on the issues posed by the characters

themselves.

Apparently, “Baguio Stories” is a play performed as a part of the city’s centennial

celebration wherein eight characters were focused on, each of them telling their own stories,

their particular ads as to how they shall play their characters and most importantly, their

inherent connection or more so, love for the city of Baguio. Directed by Martin Masadao, the

play is appalling enough to elicit fear, funny enough to laugh out loud, sarcastic enough to

argue with the details given and nostalgic enough to induce one to think deeply.

The first scene in the play was the story of a grouchy old woman who happened to be

always irritable at every instances of her life in the city. He even bothered to nag on his

demise husband saying that it has been a long time that they weren’t together and she actually

wanted to be with him -- insinuating the fact that she was no longer satisfied to the city’s

services at present which is vividly different from that of the past; that she can no longer hear

the chirping of the birds early in the morning but instead plunge into the noisy sounds of cars

roaming around the city. She even pointed her great disappointment for she was all alone

living in their spacious house without the company of their children. However, even though

she’s full of distress, she still continued to hope that at the end of the day, there is still a new

beginning to aspire for.

Next in line is the Burnham Park photographer who showed us how the impact of

modernization has radically affected his work as a freelance photographer. From P5.00 to

P50.00 per photo, consumers at present wouldn’t actually even bother to have a picturesque

memory of their own because of such expense. Also, Manong photographer’s camera had

been slighted by the emerging digital cameras we have today – thus, impeding the progress of

his business fair and also taking away the very own essence of his source of living (such was

specifically depicted when his “antique” camera was abruptly stolen somewhere in the

middle of Burnham Park hence, also questioning if humanity has still fulfilled its essence.)

In addition, we also have that of the unsatisfied housewife who was conclusively at

the peak of her disappointment throughout her marriage life. A wife who didn’t experience a

nurtured growth; a wife who has been subjected to questions that she, herself pretends not to

answer at all. On the other hand, we also have seen a wife who eventually stood on her own

will and let the voice of her heart be finally heard. At this point, the time of unshackling

herself from this absurd displeasure started.

Next, we have a folk singer who yearned for a simple recognition for the talent he

always endow for the city – a recognition that was suppose to be bounded by respect and

appreciation from the people whom he really values. A song coming from the heart, as a

representation of himself was consequently dedicated to his audience singing, “ngiti and

kapalit ng aking damdamin, walang ibang ninanais kundi kayo ay aliwin”

We also have the balikbayan who’s sweet memories of her mother matters most to

him which completely gives significance to where he came from – Baguio city – where

wonderful memories emerged back then and still lingers even though faced with so much

heartache and pain.

Further, we must likewise give distinction to that of the faith healer who pointed out

the startling idea that there’s no such thing as answers to the mystery of life – for life itself is

the answer to this mystery, withstanding the fact that there is truly no concrete answer that

may limit how life is immerse into this inherent enigma.

Also, we have the carnival queen who wished for a complete tranquility within the

very essence of her life – a soul that still posed a vivid connection to the experiences she had

at the city, especially the time when she was garnered as the most beautiful Igorot woman

from which she cherished up to the very last stance of her life.

Lastly, is the pony boy who thought that though he is living a simple life, he should

be thankful enough for everything that he experienced, for everything he possessed and for

everything he hoped for. However, underlying this satisfaction is the need to question the

most fundamental societal concern as a member of the Baguio community: Am I truly

oppress? What shall I do then? …

Indeed, all of us have stories of our own and as we look back to some of actual

Baguio stories, we begin to realize that the individual is actually given the responsibility to

continue tailoring the memories that once have fulfilled to relate in the intricacies of a

person's life, thus widening one’s horizon to contribute for the sustenance of a progressive

and an amendable Baguio for the years to come.

Pictures:

LuchieMaranan / Old woman Chriatian Fajardo / Burnham Park Photographer

Shine Queri / The Young Housewife Igan Marasigan / The Folk Singer

Martin Masadao / The Balikbayan Dennis Gutierrez/ The Faith Healer

Kokoy Palma / The Pony Boy Banaue Miclat / The Carnival Queen

(Pictures taken from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/)

University of the Philippines Baguio

Academic Year 2009-2010

Humanities 1

A Comprehensive Analysis on the Play

Baguio Stories

Presented by:

Caday, Marchellene B.

2nd Year, BA Social Sciences

September 30, 2009