That bloody weekend

ILIGAN City ― “You’re a true Iliganon, if…” This was a contest done by hosts of a radio program that deals with the city’s past, present, and likely future “If you could name ten movie houses in this city then.” Complete with small prizes like two hundred pesos, for the first who could answer, there were several who were willing to take up the challenge.

I gave my piece, not necessarily for the prize, but for the info. Through a text message, I said that there was a movie house named 5R. The hosts didn’t quite agree. Although I was very sure. Because, being a movie buff, I had seen there that ” The Lost Platoon” movie in the late 80s when my family moved here to this city from nearby Cagayan de Oro.

It was about a platoon of soldiers who were always present in some big or even small battle. The twist? Those “soldiers” were, uh..uh..vampires! Ready to pounce their capabilities on some bloody neck.

I then concluded that if there is a film that precedes the word ” lost” be ready for some vampire scenes. At this point, I have outgrown Dracula and allied movies, although “Interview with a Vampire” still lured me to that movie house.

That “contest” though on air was on a weekend following that bloody weekend before that took everyone here by surprise because of what happened at the Mindanao State U at Marawi City. The city, to note, is just a little over thirty kilometers from the city.

I could still remember that on December 2 evening, this city was in a happy mood. After all, it is only days before Christmas. So, I was one of those who were in the “karaoke” mode gladly displaying our “karaoke” voices, …ahm, ahaam. But we were gladly surprised that Nina, a girl with Down Syndrome (we’re discouraged to use the word “Mongoloid”). She sang ” Dance with my Father” and we were surprised that she could read, though there were words that she couldn’t say properly.

And the greater surprise? She got a 100 rating. Compared to ours we could hardly get 90. And 91 was already so much.

Anyway, we slept on a happy note. That karaoke session ended around eight in the evening on Saturday. But reports say that by past ten on that evening, an earthquake struck. Many were oblivious to that as we slept through it but cracks on the walls were something. More so because other provinces suffered more than silent cracks.

And yet, Sunday. December 3 morning was some bloody news. Because of what happened at nearby Marawi City, at the University there. Especially since some media reports in Luzon outfits, had some aspects that seemed more depressing than others. Like that one that reported the figure of ten as “dead.” Initially. The accurate figure though stood at 4.

Thereby, reminding us all to be “alert” all the time. And be ready for the change gear, from happy, to sad and tearful, and fearful, to acting brave, or …whatever, in the face of all these…

Even during this Christmas time…

Email: nora.lady@yahoo.com or contact, 09277983167 / 09073384874