Bamboo

In The Wind
By Azucena Grajo Uranda
Chapter One: Homecoming
Lorenzo Larry Esteva, Jr. was a Filipino balikbayan from the United States who was a lawyer by profession. There, he saw that America was like home in a certain sense. He also saw that the Filipinos there were clinging to each other for strength, but at the same time the victim of each other`s intrigues. However, after 2 years, he realized that he really wanted to stay in the Philippines. And so, he was coming home. When he reached the plane door, he saw that it was drizzling, and remembered the day when his father congratulated him for passing the 1969 bar exams, for it was drizzling too on that day. In the airport, he was welcomed by the Customs police, employees of his father. The Customs police asked him what he had, and Larry said that he only had his personal belongings. Then, he saw his father, whose eyes were filled with happiness. His father brought along a classy Mercedes Benz too. In the car, his father told him that some U.S official was coming to the Philippines, and that the President was going to sign away a few decades of the country`s sovereignty.After telling him the news, he looked with disapproval at those staring at the Mercedes. Among those staring was Martin Gatdula, a member of the Sanduguang Bayan, one of those activist groups formed because of the chaos and desperation of the country. He was worrying for they did not have any fund for that night`s rally. No placards, no sound system, no everything. He thought of going to Lichengco (David Lichengco, the Secretary-General of the Philippine Business Federation, an organization giving fund for small- scale businesses) but realized they weren`t that desperate yet. He went instead with Ramon Limzon, his friend from the National Congress for Freedom, and together they scraped up some paperboard with what was left of a senator`s 1971 political campaign. Senator Valdellon donated some money which paid for the sound system and some paint. Then, they borrowed some wooden placards from the NCF. So, the said rally went on as planned. As the presidential party was on its way back to the palace, the rally participants chanted the familiar Makibaka! Huwag Matakot! and shouted Diktador! Hitler! The police came to do what they thought the activists deserved, like gunshots and all. Fortunato, his assistant, told Martin that they gained nothing with what they were doing- they were nowhere near to their goal. But Martin thought otherwise, and told Fortunato to come with him to Sapang Bato, for people were waiting for them there. Apolonio Santos was a farmer who was going to visit his son Edgar in his boarding house. He definitely wasn`t used to the sights of the city, fuming as he crossed the streets, clutching his bag tightly. He glanced apprehensively as he was met with a student demonstration. He thought that life at the city was definitely different from life at the farm. He remembered how he and his wife, Pepang, struggled to send Edgar to Laguardia High School. But with the both of them working hard in the farm and in selling rice cakes, Edgar was able to finish his 4-year course. However, Apolonio found himself hesitating to ask Edgar to do the farmwork. He also noticed that Edgar became uncommunicative. Nevertheless, he still sent his son to study college at Asia University. He knew nothing about the bad teaching there- all he worried about was how he was going to finance his son`s second semester, knowing that he had asked Pepang`s sister for money a lot of times already. Pepang proposed that they go to Senator Arsenio de Chavez, the landowner of the farm they were working on.

 However, when he arrived at the senator`s office, the senator was not around. His secretary did not tell him when the senator would be back, so he just left what he had brought from the farm with her. Gone were those days, Apolonio told himself. He was able to pay for Edgar`s second semester by selling their share of the rice crop. Now, Apolonio was in Edgar`s boarding house, and was welcomed by his landlady. A few minutes after, Edgar arrived, received his father`s blessing, and partook of the rice cakes his father had brought. He was excited of that night`s Sapang Bato meeting. Workers and students will be attending, so Edgar told his father to come with him. Sapang Bato was a community of fisherfolk and urban workers. Its waters used to be clean, but now they are filled with urban waste. The people here lived in squalor and need. In the community stood a chapel without walls, with a Sto.Nio about a foot high in the front. One day, a typhoon whisked away the roof of the chapel, but with the help of some nuns, some devotees, and the Student Catholic Association of Francis Xavier University, the roof was rebuilt. Every first Sunday, a priest would come to say Mass. It was here in Sapang Bato that Fortunato Dimagiba resided with his wife. He tried his luck here in Manila to pay his father`s debt. His father had to borrow a large sum of money because his wife`s parents wanted a proper wedding for their daughter. He, his wife and his infant son rented a room. To pay for what they needed, he hired himself as a worker in Divisoria. But what he earned was not enough for his family. One night, Salvacion,his wife, told him that she was pregnant. This made Fortunato mad, for he could not provide the needs of his growing family. His temper did not subside after a few weeks. Then came Martin Gatdula, a troublesome neighborhood thug on his way to becoming a police character, met him. The two men immediately became friends. Martin took him to his college sorties, and eventually Fortunato became his assistant. A few months before Fortunato met Martin, Mang Cecilio Borja, the barrio chief of Sapang Bato, called a meeting, bearing some news from a letter that the government sent. It said that the government, specifically the Department of Social Welfare and Development, was going to build a water system. It also said that they, the people of Sapang Bato, might be relocated to provide a healthier living environment for them. There were those who did not want to leave. Two days after, the barrio chief received a letter from the said department, saying that they were to be relocated to the outskirts of Dasmarias, Cavite. When he informed the people of this, there were mix reactions of anger and despair. They agreed to settle this issue once and for all through a meeting which influential people such as the barrio chief`s cousin (who was a lawyer) and Martin Gatdula would be attending. Salvacion wrote to Leon Dimagiba, Leon`s father, asking for help for their family was dying of hunger. Leon, coincidentally, had 10 gantas of rice, which he packed immediately in his bag and set off to Manila. Salvacion was happy to see her father-in-law with the rice. When Fortunato came home, he was indeed happy to see his father, and they all slept with their stomachs full. The day of the meeting came, and Leon had no intention of attending. He was only worried for his son and his family. He sat beside Mang Bestre, and Mang Bestre told him that Fortunato was friends with Martin Gatdula, a professor in UP, which would be attending. Then, Mang Leon saw Mang Apolonio, his fellow farmer at Kawilihan, and his son Edgar, who was in college. Then, Fortunato and Martin Gatdula arrived. Martin told the people that they can petition to the DSWD by writing a letter. He added that they had the right to remain there, for it was their home. This aroused cheers from the crowd.

Chapter Two: Happy Hour

 Don Lorenzo Esteva and Larry went to the Francis Xavier University alumni gathering. In this gathering, influential people such as senators, congressmen, business executives, Cabinet secretaries, doctors, engineers and military men attended. Don Lorenzo met up with his friends, Judge Celestino Limzon (who brought along his daughter, Ligaya) and Senator Arsenio de Chavez. Then, they greeted Fr.Michael Oliver, their old teacher in Literature. When he taught Don Lorenzo and his batchmates, he was young, maybe only a few years older. Now, he was in his 60s, and taught Larry Esteva, Ramon Limzon and Andy de Chavez, the sons of the oldies. Fr.Oliver said that he was teaching the same old people from the same families, and this had its ups and downs. As Larry waited for his batchmates, he reminisced those times that he spent at Francis Xavier University. He remembered those times when he and his friend Ramon Limzon would cut Spanish class to watch the latest Elvis Presley movie, and drink a beer or two. He missed the city so much that he decided to wander around a bit and visited the places that he used to visit as a child, like Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Makati, Manila, Plaza Sta.Cruz, Avenida Rizal, Escolta and Calle Dakota. He remembered his father`s old law office in the Escolta. Then, he went to Botica Boie for a sandwich. When he came back, he spotted Ramon, his best friend since grade school. They only drifted apart in law school, when Ramon got really involved in politics. After 2 years of much activity, Ramon was finished with law school and was now awaiting the results of the bar exam. This made him remember Connie, to whom he was somehow attracted, but his feelings were unclear. Then, Fr.Jim, their former teacher, joined them and introduced Larry to Martin Gatdula, a known protester. Then, they had a little talk about Sapang Bato. Martin soon found out that Sapang Bato was going to be turned into a container plot, and this ignited his temper. Larry also saw Ligaya, and some other people. He was happy to see them all, but not as happy as he was to see Connie. Then, he and Connie had a talk, in which he told her that her sense of politics was different from that of her father`s. Connie told him about her excursion in Sta.Monica wherein she met Jenny, a girl who was learning how to read but did not have books, to whom she gave her encyclopedia set, her father feeling angry toward her afterward. It was then that she began to question the government and why it had to spend so much on its so- called cultural programs and others, when there were people like Jenny around. Then, Larry confessed his love for Connie, and Connie did so likewise. When it was time to go home, Larry and Connie stayed out for a while. Then, Connie dropped Larry off [to his home]. Their fathers had a talk about the lands that they owned, and the Land Reform Code, which made way for the tenants to finally own the land that they were renting. No matter how Senator de Chavez objected the said bill, the bill became a law. Don Lorenzo said that it would be best if they drove the tenant away and taught him trade. However, the new President vetoed the said law, which closed the issue. Meanwhile, Larry and Connie`s friends were talking about their political plans. Ramon planned to establish a law office that ran 24/7 that would assist those victimized by the police and military. Six months before this reunion, the writ of habeas corpus was suspended and there had been countless warrants of arrests, even if the offense committed was just jaywalking. Martin was thinking of an armed revolution as the way to end the rotten political regime, but Ramon said that let us use the law first as weapon. Then, Fr.Jim hitched a ride with Larry and Connie and was dropped off to his parish house in Cubao. While in the car, he reminisced of how his circle of friends got bigger and how he knew Sylvia & fell in love with her. Meanwhile, Sylvia was with Clyde, her lover, as she reminisced her sister who was raped and killed by the guerillas.

Chapter Three: New Revolutionaries

Martin was with Minda, and they were jubilant about how the panel responded to Martin`s masteral thesis, which was all about the folk history and social organization of the Pokdol Itas. They knew each other for

they were both teachers at the University of the Philippines- he in History and she in Anthropology. Minda was also an active member of the Sanduguang Bayan, and even spearheaded a project wherein they would build schools in the depressed areas of Metro Manila that solely depended on volunteer workers. They have already built one in Pasay,specifically in the squatter community along Leveriza.They plan to do so in Sapang Bato, Tondo. It was Minda`s Ate Lydia`s birthday, and she and Martin would give her a treat. This made Martin remember his family- his mother who died when he was grade 6, and gave he and his father a hard time. A month after, their house got burned. Two years later, his father was met with a truck accident, and he was sent off to live with his mother`s brother. His aunt and uncle, who had 8 children to feed, enrolled him in Torres High School for, according to his aunt, he did not need to experience the same privileges that her children had. He often accompanied his uncle in his work as a labor leader, and there he saw how the poor suffered. He then dreamed of becoming a doctor to help the poor. When he was of legal age, his uncle gave to him the 20-hectare rice field and the 7-hectare mango orchard that he, Martin Gatdula, rightfully owned. He managed his lands successfully, and eventually went to the University of the Philippines for college. He found himself more interested in history and economics than biology, so he gave up his dream of being a doctor and pursued Philippine Studies instead. He had finished college at the age of 22 when his uncle died. He was distraught when his uncle`s time came, but realized that he was free. So, he gave the 20-hectare land to the tenants and became a professor at U.P. Diliman. Minda and Martin left Diliman at twilight and stopped by at a Chinese restaurant to buy food. At last, they arrived at the little apartment in Guadalupe where Ate Lydia and her family lived. Since Martin rarely saw his aunt and her family, he treated Minda`s family as his own family. And he was with them in that night, celebrating Ate Lydia`s birthday. Ramon Limzon successfully passed the bar exams, and the Limzons held a party for their second son, something that they don`t usually do for they were a thrifty family. Their family lived simply even though both mother and father were in the judiciary [and there were many bribes]. They had a lot of expenses, too, like the tuition fees they paid when their eldest son, Teddy, who was now in New Jersey, went to med school. The girls had been talking about how they did not like the education at Holy Spirit, with the boys listening in. Then, Senator de Chavez came, congratulated the new lawyer, and asked him what he wanted to do next. Ramon did not give a specific answer of whether he wanted to go to politics or not. Meanwhile, Minda was planning to organize a women`s congress which would tackle issues that involved women, rich or poor. She tried to convince a lot of women, Salvacion Dimagiba (Fortunato`s wife) included, and she was successful at it. At last, the day came. Ramon Limzon originally warned her that the issues may be too diverse, and indeed he was right. However, she thought of organizing them into committees, which did the trick. She also thought of their first mass action already, which should capture the attention of everyone. She spotted Connie de Chavez, her friend, and thought of how their friendship blossomed. She also remembered how she doubted her when she found that Connie was the daughter of a senator, but those days were over. Connie saw Salvacion, who displayed hostility toward her. Connie wondered why, and tried to be friendly. When she saw that this only led to more hostility, she did not continue. Connie suddenly reflected on her environment now: how she was exposed to a different kind of politics, how she and her dad rarely talked due to her dad`s busy political life and how her older brother, Andy, became friends with Larry, the man she loved. She also remembered her mom who was in the U.S., loving another man, a drunkard to be exact. She also remembered her mother`s plans for them, a few of which she objected. She also remembered when Andy, her brother, wanted to become a priest, and no matter how much their father objected, he cannot be stopped.

Suddenly, a confrontation aroused between Salvacion and Connie. Salvacion told all of them that Connie was the daughter of Senator de Chavez, the man who wanted Sapang Bato demolished. Connie, after a few moments, discovered that Salvacion was the wife of Fortunato Dimagiba, one of the tenants of the land that the de Chavez owned. Then, when everyone had left, Minda explained to Connie what was up, since Connie insisted, saying that if it involved her father, it`s her business. After, Connie went to her car and left. Larry arrived at the de Chavez mansion at 6 pm on the dot, but Connie wasn`t there yet. They were going to Sylvia`s party together. While waiting, he and Senator de Chavez were having a talk about the ongoing political turmoil, and the President`s request of introducing a bill re-defining the scope and nature of sedition, rebellion and subversion because of the street demonstrations organized by the student activists, and the possibility that the political opposition may be behind it. He also asked Larry to talk to Connie about these, for he could not talk to his own daughter anymore, and he did not know why. Then, Larry left. Less than an hour after, Connie arrived, and confronted her father about what was up at Sapang Bato. She called him a scoundrel for taking advantage of the poor and oppressed, even though it meant giving his daughter a privileged life. Her father defended his actions by saying that it was for the government, but Connie thought otherwise- it was for his own personal interest. Then, she was gone. Sylvia prepared an all-Filipino feast for her friends, to the delight of Ramon and Martin. Clyde asked how the women`s congress was, and according to Sylvia it was successful. Clyde also offered Ramon a research post, something that Ramon was reluctant to accept. Then, they all ate and were satisfied. Just when everyone was worried, Connie showed up at the Esteva residence. Then, she told Larry of what happened a while ago. Don Lorenzo told Connie to just forgive her father for, according to Larry`s father, no matter how much money and power he had, the Senator would be nothing if he lost Andy and Connie.

Chapter Four: The Forces of Government

Lt. Vicente Magtibay, an officer in the Special Operations Command of the Philippine Constabulary (the name of the PNP before), was restless and had nothing to do in his office. So, he went out and bought himself a drink. The Special Operations Command was organized to attend to the President`s security when needed. The unit was three years old already, and it was composed mostly of officers who came from the northern part of Luzon. Lt.Magtibay wondered why there was such a unit the President had the whole army and police at his command. Nevertheless, he performed his duties, even if it pisses off his wife (he had to be officer of the day at weekends, and his wife was the type who wanted to go out on weekends). Lt.Magtibay was working hard for a promotion. His wife supported him in this goal by serving the colonels` wives and playing mahjong with them. She would also go with them when they shopped for chocolates and other imported goods, sometimes even diamond jewelry. Her husband disapproved of this, growing up in a poor and frugal family and having experienced a lot of hardships. One Saturday, the couple had their breakfast together, in which Josie filled him in on the latest gossip, to which he replied indifference. Then, she asked him for some money to buy jewelry, but he said no, saying that they needed the money for their daughter Adeline`s tuition fee for kindergarten. She confronted him about the gambling issue, telling him to collect money from gambling houses in exchange of allowing these gambling houses to operate, like what Major Ditan was doing. However, Lt.Magtibay said that he would never do that. When he went to work, he saw the papers that were given to him by Major Ditan. One was the mass action that was going to be sponsored by the Convent School of the Holy Trinity, to be held next Sunday. The

other paper was a street demonstration by the Samahan ng Kababaihang Malaya, a party led by Maria Concepcion de Chavez, the Senator`s daughter, and thought to himself that some people, like the Senator`s children, did not appreciate what they had. Or so he thought. Meanwhile, two old friends were having a good time in their happy hour at The Lotus Eater, with free beer and a bowl of peanuts. Larry asked Ramon how life was treating him in Carraczo, Gana and Associates, the law company he joined. Ramon said that he had been getting traffic violation and ejectment cases because he was new. Then, Ramon filled him in on how the National Congress for Freedom (NCF) was turning into a national movement because the youth were not satisfied with the government, and felt that the 1969 elections (wherein the President was re-elected for a second term) were filled with too much propaganda and blackmail. After which, Ramon reminisced on the numerous demonstrations that they did on the streets. One, he said, even ended up in Malacaang, wherein the soldiers opened fire at them. Many died here. Larry asked if Connie was involved in any of the demonstrations, and Ramon replied yes, particularly after her dad sent this memorandum saying that the students (Connie included) must be blamed for the deaths caused by the demonstration. Ramon then asked if Senator de Chavez was going to be his father-in-law, and Larry said yes, grimacing. Then, all of a sudden, the drunken son of one of the Judiciary accused Larry of picking a fight on him. Then, Larry was arrested. Ramon insisted to come with him as his lawyer, but the bodyguards who came with the Judiciary member`s son said that this was not needed. Ramon did not know where they took Larry. He tried the police headquarters in Makati and Pasig, but he wasn`t there. Not knowing what to do, he called Larry`s father and Connie for help. Little did he know that his best friend was taken to Camp Crame. Larry did not know why he was taken there, too. Nevertheless, he followed them. The driver said that there`s always room for negotiation, but to that Larry replied nothing. They finally arrived at Crame. A police officer named Lt.Magtibay asked him what his charge was, and the bodyguards said assaulting an officer of the law, for Wilfredo Teotico was a member of the Intelligence and Investigation Force. Then, he asked him what his name was, and Larry said nothing. They eventually found out his name and where he lived. Because he lived in High Ridge Park, a posh village, they let him go. But Larry refused, to the surprise of the policemen. In the air-conditioned room beside the cell, Lt.Magtibay fumed because of the behavior Larry was showing. He knew that Wilfredo Teotico was nothing but a bully who used his father`s influence, but he still fumed at how Larry behaved. Just then, Senator de Chavez called, ordering the release of his future son-in-law. Larry did get out, but first he gave Lt.Magtibay a taste of his own medicine and made him realize that everyone was and must be equal in the rule of law. Then, Senator de Chavez arrived, with Don Lorenzo, Ramon and Connie. After getting mad at Lt.Magtibay, the Senator headed off with Don Lorenzo, Ramon, Connie and Larry. In Greenhills, Ramon and Larry had to retell what really happened. Then, the Senator said that there was no need to file charges against Wilfredo Teotico for Larry was released. Then, the oldies left, and the young ones stayed. The experience made Larry decide that Ramon`s proposal of a 24/7 law office that helped the poor and oppressed was a great idea. Connie told him that the work was hard and often frustrating. Ramon said that you have to be provide the funding, the investigation and sometimes you have to find the victim. Larry said that he was ready for that kind of thing, and Ramon took his word for it. The next Monday, Senator de Chavez and Judge Limzon ate lunch together. Their main topic was what happened to Larry. Then, they talked about how the opposition was encouraging the student activists (or so de Chavez thinks) and the cases that was being presented to Judge Limzon. Senator de Chavez himself said that arrogance against authority was part of being youth; and he pleads guilty in behalf of Andy and Connie, his

children. Then, Senator de Chavez asked the judge if he would like to be Undersecretary of the Department of Justice. The judge asked who was offering this position to him, and the senator said the government, specifically he and the President. The judge told the senator that he would need a few days to think about it. But it only took him a few hours to realize the true motive of this offer, and he resolved that he will not take it. Two days after the meeting in the previous paragraph, the Samahan ng Kababaihang Malaya had its street demonstration, with Connie very visible. They started in Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, and ended in the Manila Hotel, the destination of the beauty pageant. The march was uneventful, though there were some parts wherein they were closely monitored by the Special Operations Command. They were only around 500 women, but according to Minda, this was a start. They caused a riot, of course, when they got past the hotel guards and entered the hotel. And that was enough to make the front page. The said demonstration incurred different reactions from the people in Connie`s life. The Mother Superior of the Holy Trinity said that she was a disgrace to the school and must be expelled. Don Lorenzo found a grudging respect for his future daughter-in-law, but told Larry to tell Connie to keep it down. But their reactions were nothing compared to the Senator`s. He was very angry, seeing his daughter participate in such an activity. He was also worried because not only was he going to tell the President that Judge Limzon turned down the offer- he also has to explain why his daughter did such actions. A few days after this demonstration, Connie and the others went to Urduja Garden, their venue for their protest graduation. The main objective of this activity was to tell Mother Superior and the administration that they were against the school`s elitist orientation. A lot of people supported them, some alumni and their lay teachers included. They did not tell their parents of this because of fear that they might tell Mother Superior. Instead, they told them that Mother Superior had yet to decide when they will graduate, which was true. Then, Peachy Herrera, whose family owned a printing press, bribed the typesetter and personally supervised the printing for fear that her mom might find out. The parents found out, anyway, and many of them went to see Mother Superior. Mother Superior`s reply was stay away or your daughter won`t get her diploma, which made the parents stay away. The day before the graduation, Connie`s father called the police and asked them to withdraw the permit of the said event. However, the police thought that even though the permit was to be withdrawn, one of the usherettes of the said event was the daughter of the mayor of Manila, so they still had a permit. They resolved the issue by passing on the matter to the Special Operations Command. It wasn`t your ordinary graduation. The parents were conspicuously absent. Most of the guests were from the youth. The press was well-represented, too. There wasn`t going to be any conferment of degrees for there was no one in the DepEd to do so. Instead, they will read an Act of Faith and swear an Act of Fealty to God and the Republic. Then, the guest of honor, Justice Joe Luna, delivered his speech. He ended with this: We don`t have to fight revolutions to get that freedom we should get. We only have to be truly vigilant with our rights as free men, and never take for granted the rights and obligations that govern the relationship of men and the society which they elect to live. Beyond the entrance, a black Cadillac was parked there, and Connie was certain that her father was inside. But when Justice Luna`s speech was over, the car was gone.

Chapter Five: End of an Idyll

Connie headed off to Laguardia, and told the maids that if her father asks about her whereabouts, they just have to tell that she`s in Laguardia. It was in Laguardia that she felt at home the most. She also had ample childhood memories with her brother and Larry. As she struggled in the midst of the traffic, she remembered those times when Larry`s father would take them to Kawilihan and show them the Esteva and de Chavez

properties. She remembered how Mr.Esteva was warmly welcomed every time he would go to the de Chavez properties for he and her father were like brothers. It was noon when she arrived at Laguardia, and Nang Pilar asked her if she can wait, for she was not yet done cooking lunch. As Connie waited, she remembered her childhood memories with her brother Andy and his friend Larry. Then, she looked at the famous rice fields of Laguardia, a portion of which they owned. The people said that as long as the Laguardia rice fields were there, the country would never go hungry. However, she thought why was it that Salvacion and her family went hungry? It was late afternoon when Larry arrived, flushed and smiling for he had beaten Andy in getting to Laguardia first. Andy arrived a few minutes later, and asked Larry if he was sleeping in. Then, they remembered that summer when Don Lorenzo taught them the Morse code and how Andy and Larry couldn`t get what Connie was trying to say. Little did they know that Connie was trying to tell Larry her feelings for him. When they were finally engaged, Connie told Larry about the mirrors and together they laughed at Andy at his accusation that Connie did not get the codes right. Then, Larry asked Andy how long will he be staying in Laguardia, and Andy replied about a month. Andy added that he had to go to Pook Esparanza, a slum area in Sta. Cruz. While Connie and Larry were busy in Laguardia, Minda was busy attending to the Paaralang Malaya ng Bayan, or the Malaya schools. Though there were only a few students during school days(because parents feared that it might not be accredited by the DepEd), there were a lot of students in the summer for parents thought that this was the best way to keep the children from trouble and at the same time learn about being nationalistic, quite unlike the DepEd`s curriculum which focused on teaching Filipinos to serve the Americans. There were already 2 schools, and Minda was planning to build another one in Pook Esperanza. One day, in the Malaya school in Sapang Bato, the children were taught how to sing Bayan Ko. Then, Minda told the story about how Bathala made the first people, and how we Filipinos were the beautiful ones for we were not too pale and not too burnt. Then, she asked the children to draw what they thought was beautiful.Then, the malnourished children playing outside caught Minda`s eye. She thought of teaching the mothers proper nutrition and hygiene, but she then remembered that the mothers could not provide proper nutrition and the waters were not clean, so it was no use. When class was over, Minda told her fellow teachers that she was meeting Peachy Herrera, whose printing press was supplying the schools with reams of paper. She was also going to Laguardia, for she promised her friend Connie de Chavez that she would be there. She told Paula to just keep teaching them songs, for that was one thing she can never teach them. Paula teased her in reply, saying that Minda would learn how when she had children of her own. The next day, in Laguardia, Nang Pilar and the servants were preparing for Connie and Larry`s pamamanhikan. Right after lunch, the guests from Holy Trinity started arriving, complaining that they almost couldn`t make it because they weren`t allowed. Joselito, Ate Ason`s son, was listening in to their conversations and thought they they all looked pretty, most especially the Seorita (Connie), and no wonder Seorito Larry wanted to marry her. Just then,Nang Pilar told him to hurry up and do something productive to help. Joselito was one of the tenants of the Esteva and de Chavez rice fields who was recruited to help in the pamamanhikan. A lot of tenants were needed for the guests were staying overnight and they needed attending to. At last, the pamamanhikan started. A lot of distinguished guests were there, the President and his wife included. When Martin and Minda saw the First Couple, they felt weird for they were protesting against them. Senator de Chavez introduced them to the couple`s friends, and the First Couple shook hands with everyone. After some words to everyone in general, the President and his wife couple left. The First Couple gave Connie and Larry silverware with their names engraved on it.

 Then, the men slept in at the Esteva house, most of them drunk. Martin was asking Ramon for advice on the issue between he and Minda, while Andy was telling him how much he loved this girl. Andy had a hard time falling asleep afterward. The next morning, Andy left for Pook Esparanza. Pook Esparanza was a community of scavengers for they were near the garbage dump. Each family scavenged for a different kind of recyclable material. Andy went to see Mang Greg, his friend who lived there. He and his family specialized in cans. Compared to paperboard and other recyclable materials, cans earned a big profit for Mang Greg and his family, which earned him some entrepreneurial standing. When Andy finally arrived there, he was welcomed by Mang Greg and his family. Then, he was given some slippers by Mang Greg and together they went with his sons to the dump. For the first few hours, Andy could not handle the stench of the dump. But after a while, he got used to it. After a long day, a supper of rice and dried fish boiled in vinegar. While eating, Mang Greg asked him what his father did for a living, and Andy settled with replying with a half-truth: He works for the government. He also said to Mang Greg that the tuition at the seminary was free. Mang Greg thought of sending Willy to the seminary. After which, Andy and Eddie, Mang Greg`s son, had a bible study with 4 others. One afternoon, Connie went to visit the church in Laguardia. She would often go there whenever she was a sagala in their Flores de Mayo. Now that she was going to get married, she wished that she and Larry would get married there, even though her father preferred the Manila Cathedral for its social importance and his father wanted San Agustin for its historical importance. When she arrived at the church, she prayed. As she was about to leave, Mang Leon Dimagiba approached her and asked for forgiveness for what his daughter in law did to her. Mang Leon went on and told her about the large debt that he had to pay because Salvacion`s family wanted a grand feast.Connie reassured him that her family will not take away the land from Mang Leon. Mang Leon gave her a bow of thanks, and told her that he shall never forget her. After that, Connie told Larry that she wanted a wedding with no frills, unlike what most wanted for the two of them. Larry asked Connie if she was sure of this, and she said yes. She then told him of Mang Leon`s story, which made him agree all the more. So, they got married at Fr.Jim`s little chapel, with Sylvia and Andy as the sponsors. Ramon and Minda were in-charge of the veil and cord ceremony. Their parents were in for a surprise.

Chapter Six: Confrontation

The rain came after school started at June, and it wouldn`t stop as the month came to a close. By July, the President announced that schools would be closed until the weather improved. By mid-August, the city had become a calamity area and the food trucks stopped operating. It reminded Ligaya Limzon of Noah`s forty days and nights. Just then, Chedeng Limzon arrived from Divisoria. Her children asked her why she had gone there, and she said in reply that their father needed healthy food for he was working too hard. Ramon told his sister that the Sanduguang Bayan meeting was to be held tomorrow at the Student Union Center. Chedeng, in turn, told he son that Senator Valdellon`s secretary called, inviting him to the Senator`s house for dinner. This prompted her to remind her children to be careful, for the President might declare martial law. Ramon said in reply that if that news came from Senator de Chavez, that was nonsense. Chedeng chided her son for doing so, but Ramon retorted that even Connie was mad at her father, to the disbelief of Chedeng. Ligaya also mentioned the ashtray incident, which made Chedeng wonder if that was why Connie went ahead and got married. No one spoke after that.

 Judge Limzon came home at last. He had a really stressful day at work, what with another call from Senator de Chavez and another from General Mayo, who told him to tell Ramon to be less visible on the streets [demonstrations]. When he came home, Ligaya prepared beef stew for dinner. After a few minutes or so, dinner was served. There was an exchange of news, particularly about the bombings in Divisoria and National Airlines. Then, Judge Limzon told his son what General Mayo asked him to. The time came for Senator Valdellon`s dinner, in which Ramon was invited. So, he went to the Senator`s bungalow house, which was rumored to have an underground arsenal. Many influential people from the press and politics went to the said dinner. Here, Senator Valdellon told them that he heard from a very reliable source that the President was bent to declare martial law, which meant that military authority would be higher than civilian authority. The Senator then went on to explain what may happen under martial law: military courts, countless arrests, violation of human rights. Congressman Mateo asked what they can do to protect themselves, and Senator Valdellon could not give him an adequate answer. When dinner was over, Senator Valdellon told them that he felt that it was his duty to confer these to them. He added that he wanted to bring up the issue to the medi. When the people would hear of this and get mad, the President might reconsider declaring martial law. In reply, the people who attended expressed their support and put themselves at his disposal. The Senator expressed his thanks, and started making plans. Then, when most had left, the Senator invited Ramon and Justice Luna to his basement, which was not full of Armalites at all, but instead it had a library, a weightlifts room, a music room- things purely related to entertainment. It was the last Wednesday of August, and Paula Lacanilao was leaving for Antipolo to visit some family. Before she left Sapang Bato, she prayed at the chapel. Just then, she noticed that the container of the Sto.Nio seemed empty, and went to have a closer look. When she came closer, she saw that it was empty, and alerted everyone of the loss. The people had different speculations as to where the statue was right now. There was one thing that needed to be done, however: They needed to report this to the newspapers. They were really angry, and they swore that they would do anything just so they can get the statue back. Edgar Santos was in his Botany class, and he, with 80 classmates, was about to see the cross-section of a leaf through a microscope in the laboratory. He drew what he really saw in the microscope, to the anger of the teacher, who told him to copy the illustration in the book. Edgar was on his third year in Asia University, and he asked himself if it was really worth it. He was learning about the effect of the U.S. bases` presence here in the Philippines, about the nature of multi-national companies and how they affected the economy, and about why people were poor. And no, these were not taught by his History and Economics teachers. This prompted Edgar to think that the school itself was preventing him from getting educated. He then remembered the students that were having their rally today, asking the President to lower the tuition fees and increase the wages of workers. There were other issues raised by the other sectors, such as making the education relevant to the country`s needs, and the issue of the military bases, but these affected his life remotely. All he wanted was some decrease of tuition fees so that his father won`t have to work so hard in the fields. Fortunato thought of a crusade wherein a phalanx of children would lead it. A crusade led by the children, whatever the issue, would catch everyone`s attention. Ramon and the others were reluctant to do this, but Martin argued that the children were also part of the country, and they had the right to do so. So, what started as a march for the lost Sto.Nio statue in Sapang Bato became a Children`s Crusade, wherein children were marching on the streets, fighting for freedom, justice and equal opportunity. It caught everyone`s

attention, indeed. But Ramon was sure that no matter how much attention it caught, the President will still not listen for he was arrogant in his seat of power. Sylvia was one of those joining the crusade, though at first she took Ramon`s side on the issue for she did not want to gamble the lives of the children for such. However, she was not able to prevent the Children`s Crusade from pushing through. So, she just did her share by preparing sandwiches and drinks for the children. When she got home, she found out that her twins, Gary and Paul were participating in the meeting, which shocked her. She asked the help of Fr.Jim and together they looked for the kids. On the first day of September, Connie went out to the bookstore to see if there were good buys. After her marriage to Larry, she found herself conceiving. Thus, she lived a quiet and uneventful life. She heard of the Children`s Crusade that they were having, and donated some money for she cannot join them [because of her delicate pregnancy). She wondered if it really had to be that way. When she was done shopping already, her driver took her load of books and they went away. Mang Greg`s son, Eddie, planned to play basketball with his friends when his father told him that they won`t be going to the dump today. However, he saw that his friends were planning to participate in that rally. Though Eddie felt a rush of fear go through him, he still went with them. It was 4:45 pm already, and evening was drawing nearer. Ramon advised the children, together with Sister Mary Joseph, a Maryknoll nun and Brother Joey, to go now. He thanked them for what they did. Then, the others went on and marched to Malacaang. They were able to cross Mendiola when gunshots were fired, hitting people. Eddie was one of these people. He was dead on the first shot, his blood staining the shoes that Andy gave him. Edgar Santos was one of the demonstrators that sought refuge in one of the shelters nearby-specifically, Rose Beauty Shop. It seems that some of the soldiers saw, so they went inside and forcefully inquired the proprietress if she was hiding an activist in the vicinity. She forcefully told them to go look for their activist elsewhere for she was hiding nobody. For this, Edgar was most grateful to the woman. The woman told him that it was nothing, for they were on the same side. She also told him of her daughter who was with her relatives, and if she were to become a teacher, life might change and they may get out of that area. Edgar was indeed lucky, but Ligaya Limzon was not. In the midst of the chaos, she tried escaping, only to find a soldier pursuing her. She tried hiding in the dark San Sebastian Church, but the soldier still found her. She tried escaping from his grip, but he was too fast for her. When she was in his embrace, he shut her mouth and put her inside the confessional box. Unknown to Ligaya, she caught the eye of Lt.Magtibay. He followed her, though more discreetly than the soldier. He was supposed to stop when she got to the church, but something nagged him to follow her even when she went inside the church. Unknown to Lt.Magtibay, Fortunato Dimagiba was following him as well, keeping a close eye on him for fear that the lieutenant might do something to Ligaya. They met at the confessional and saw Ligaya, half-naked, half-mutiliated, with the soldier towering over her. Lt.Magtibay killed the soldier, attempted to cover her nakedness, and ordered Fortunato to take Ligaya away. Meanwhile, Sylvia and Fr. Jim were looking for Gary and Paul in the midst of the crowd. When they finally found the twins, a bullet shot Sylvia and killed her. Sylvia died in Fr.Jim`s arms.

Chapter Seven: Tiempo-Muerte

Andy was woken up by his classmate, Dingo Cruz, who was occupying the room adjacent to his in Ignatius House. Mang Greg was there, waiting for him since 10 in the morning. It was eleven in the morning

already. Andy woke up that late because he needed that beauty sleep after that chaotic Friday, and the events afterward, particularly Sylvia`s wake and his visit to Ligaya Limzon, who was in a stupor. That Friday, he hurried through with his exam with Fr.Treichler, for he could not escape [because Fr.Treichler had already threatened him]. But when he got to the corner of Morayta and Espaa, the crowd had already been dispersed by the military. He went to Fr.Jim`s house, but he wasn`t there. So, Andy slept at Fr.Jim`s house until he was roused by Fr.Jim, blood-stained. One look and Andy knew that tragedy had struck. They got drunk, then he asked Fr.Jim if he was in love with Sylvia. Fr.Jim cussed, then said that it`s something he can`t discuss. The next day, Andy became drunk again, this time with Martin. Martin told him about what happened to Ligaya and how Lt.Magtibay saved her. He also talked with Ramon,Minda and Connie, but he couldn`t remember anything that they said. When Andy came back to Ignatius House, he was really tired. So, the director told him that he did not have to get up early the next day. And now here was Mang Greg. Andy asked him what the matter was, and Mang Greg told him of Eddie`s death. He went to Pook Esparanza and saw that everyone was sad, most especially Aling Chari, Eddie`s mom. Mang Greg and Aling Chari told him that they could not bury him until Andy knew, and that Andy was so special to him, like another son. Andy said in reply that we may not know now why these things are happening, but in time, they will know. After eating some noodles the couple gave the guests, Andy left, asking them to notify him when the burial will be. On his way back, he saw Willy, who asked him if he can have the rubber shoes Andy gave Eddie. Andy said yes, adding that everything depended on him [Eddie]. Meanwhile, Major Ditan was getting mad at Lt.Magtibay for his performance, specifically for rescuing Ligaya Limzon and killing the soldier. According to him, Lt.Magtibay was a shame of the force. Then, the lieutenant was showered with questions regarding his relationship with the girl. He answered the questions with indifference. Then, he spent the night in the headquarters. The next morning, his wife came because Mrs.Ditan called her and told her that he was going to be court-martialed. He was showered with more questions regarding the matter. He spent the rest of the weekend at the quarters, and was going to until further notice. Ligaya was still not recovering, and Ramon was really worried. He still had a lot of work to do, but he could not focus. Moreover, he needed to be with his family in this crisis. He asked Alex Montero to take care of those who died and got injured in the demonstration. He looked at his father and saw his father was not really grieving less- it was just that he was a stronger man and knew what war really is. This prompted him to get a move on with his daily duties. Andy had been visiting Ligaya everyday, but Ligaya wanted to see nobody. One day, Andy gave Ramon a letter from the Sugar Harvesters` Union [in Bacolod], who had been appealing for help because two of their members have been killed and two other members disappeared. Since Ramon was so busy, he appealed to his friend Larry if he can go to Bacolod in his stead. Larry agreed. Larry deplaned at Bacolod but he had to take a long and dusty ride to Himablosan. He followed Ramon`s instructions and finally arrived at the place. The men there looked at him apprehensively, most especially when he looked for Mamerto Lozada. Mamerto Lozada thought that he was one of Vizcarra`s men, and ordered him to get out. But when Larry mentioned Ramon, Mamerto, or Merto, welcomed him and asked him to eat with them. They ate fish boiled in coconut milk with their hands, in banana leaves. This made Larry remember Sylvia. Merto thought that Larry did not like the food, but Larry explained that that was not the case. Soon, Merto found out about Sylvia`s death, and told him that they`ve had their share of losses, too. Then, Merto told Larry their story.

 The migrants came to Himablosan during harvest time. Their Cabo, Juanito Salas, liked working with Merto and his group for they were dependable and not too demanding. Then, they joined the Sugar Harvesters` Union, which somehow displeased him. Last season, there were complaints about the scarcity of water in the huts. This year, there were complaints about the wages, which made Juanito Salas annoyed. Then, they had agreed upon seven-and-five for the daily wages-seven pesos for the seasoned ones and five pesos for the new one. Larry made a mental note to himself that there was a law wherein agricultural workers must be paid at least 8 pesos a day, but he allowed Merto to continue. At the end of the day, Merto said, they were only given 6 pesos and the new ones were only given 4 pesos. Juanito Salas said that that was all Vizcarra would pay, but he would talk to the landowner and see what could be done. On Wednesday the following week, the workers lined up for their sacada, a salary advance that they made every week against their weekly wages. But they were told that this week there would be no sacada for them. This was a matter of life and death for the workers for the sacada was their only way of getting food for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Then, money came to Juanito Salas and Merto Lozada. It wasn`t much, but it was enough to get by a day or two. On Saturday, when their pay was distributed, they discovered that they had been charged twenty percent interest for the salary advance of Thursday, and they were told that, henceforth there would be a one peso charge for every five pesos of the sacada they made at midweek. There was mayhem in the paymaster`s office, and Vizcarra called in his private army to disperse the laborers. That night, there was a commotion in one of the huts, which may have been caused by a drunkard. The next morning, they were surprised to find Rufino Mahilom and his son Manuel, gone and nowhere to be found. Knowing that this was the work of Vizcarra and his men, the laborers declared a strike and went to the gate of the hacienda, demanding that Rufino and Manuel be produced by Vizcarra. Some of them even threw stones at the gate. However, at noon, the private army was called, and they shot the laborers, killing two of them. The next day, they found Manuel dead, and saw that he had been tortured & his body parts have been mutiliated. They still cannot find his father up to this day. They went to the head of the Sugar Harvesters` Union, who accompanied them to the Provincial Fiscal. The Fiscal told them that they did not have enough evidence, and this was why they wrote to Ramon. Larry checked in the hotel after that, and sought an appointment with Vizcarra. It turned out to be Benny Vizcarra, whom he met at the Francis Xavier reunion. He agreed to meet Larry in his villa. Larry objected, knowing that he would be bound by his host`s hospitality. Vizcarra pressed on with his advantage and his insisted. Larry had no choice but to agree. When Larry was in his house, he could not believe that he, Benny Vizcarra, really had a private army who killed his laborers. Benny admitted so, and told Larry that it was a precautionary measure. Larry told him that his laborers were underpaid, unarmed and defenseless. He added that regarding the wages of the workers, Larry must go to Juanito Salas, the labor contractor, for he only cared about Salas providing him with workers. At dessert, Larry told Benny that it was the owner`s job to see that his laborers were being paid fairly. Benny said in reply that when business decrees that they have to cut costs, the laborers must go with the flow. Larry wanted to argue, but he did not, and allowed Benny to taste some victory. Then, after an invitation from Melinda Vizcarra to explore the city with her in her new Jaguar, which he declined, Larry left. The soldiers came to Sapang Bato when the men went to work. One of the soldiers accidentally bumped Aling Lydia and messed up her clothes, and instead of apologizing, picked up the ones that were not trampled and started grinding them under his shoes. This prompted Aling Lydia to attack the soldier, but the soldier ducked. Then, the leader of the soldiers told Mang Cecilio Borja, the barrio chief, that they were giving the

people one hour to pack and leave Sapang Bato. Some of the people went with the government to be relocated in a new barrio called Bagong Pag-asa, outside Dasmarias, Cavite. However, there were those like Paula who were staying, for they knew that Martin and Fortunato would help them. Salvacion called Ramon and asked him to locate Martin and Fortunato, but Ramon knew that he would have a hard time locating Martin and Fortunato in the jeepney strike. So, Ramon headed to Sapang Bato with Andy. Andy felt responsible for this was his father`s doing. No matter what they said about filing suit against the demolition group, the demolition group did not budge.The people of Sapang Bato who refused to leave saw their private property being destroyed. Paula tried to stop them from destroying her house to the point of attacking them, and she was shot in reply. Andy met the same fate when the soldier was about to shoot Albert and Andy saved him. Meanwhile,Larry was done with the affidavits that charged Benny Vizcarra, Juanito Salas and some others with murder and kidnapping. Then suddenly, Connie called, telling him what happened to Andy, and his current condition. Larry promised her that he would come there as soon as possible. Then, the next Monday, Larry went to the Fiscal`s office and filed the complaints. The Fiscal told him that this was an internal matter, but Larry argued, asking him if murder and kidnapping were an internal matter. The Fiscal had no choice but to accept the papers. Then, Larry went to the airport, to find all planes fully booked. Larry realized that Benny Vizcarra was that influential there, to the point that he can manipulate the fiscal and the people in the airport. Larry threatened Benny and got his seat in one of the airplanes for Tuesday evening.

Chapter Eight: Death by Fire

Life indeed had its ups and downs. Though Sapang Bato was being demolished, the jeepney strike that Martin and Fortunato organized was successful. Martin was jubilant, and he looked forward to the demonstration (which did not have a police permit) that they were having at Mendiola to seek justice for the deaths caused by the demonstration last September 1. The military tried to disperse the people with tear gas and bullets, but the demonstrators were prepared with invented precautions and home-made bombs. The government took a rigid stand: no police permit, no rally. The people stuck to their demands, too. The students continued to boycott their classes. The farmers did not harvest. The jeepney strike and went on. The industrial laborers did not work. Indeed, matira ang matibay. One Saturday night, the President was on TV [in all TV channels], announcing important policy announcements. The President said that the country was in a state of emergency, but the government is doing everything it can to prevent chaos. He said that the buses will continue to operate, beefed up by military support. He also said that should the farmers still refuse to harvest, the soldiers will do the harvesting. As expected, members of the opposition such as Ramon and Fortunato reacted violently, Ramon in his room and Fortunato in Aling Mary`s house in Bataan, wherein he and his family were staying due to the demolition of Sapang Bato. Fortunato and his friends came to Laguardia to convince them to join the farmers` strike. But, the Laguardia farmers refused to do so, and asked their co-farmers from Bataan and Zambales to join them. They added that if they work in shifts [day and night], they can finish the harvests in no time. Fortunato and his friends left, disappointed. Senator Valdellon, though physically and emotionally tired, could not sleep. So, he went down to his study and turned on the aircon there. He thought of the President`s plans to declare martial law, and he wondered what the right thing to do was. Soon, he realized that he needed to warn the people of the President`s plans. Then, he went back to his bedroom and in a vision, he saw how it will all end.

Though Fortunato and his friends left Laguardia disappointed, they still had plan B- burning the rice fields of Laguardia. That night, they had to be in Dos Santos to receive the things that they were using for the fire. Fortunato knew that this was a dangerous plan, but he had great faith in his friends and he was sure that his family and friends in Laguardia would benefit the most from this. Mang Leon got up very early and set out to choose the choicest grains in the fields. When he came home, Fortunato was gone. Consorcia, his wife, told him that their son went to San Isidro to meet his friends. It was quite late when Fortunato came back, and he was quite surprised to see his father still awake. Mang Leon told his son to leave his bitterness in Sapang Bato. Fortunato said in reply that they [the government] took away his home. He added that he would rather work in a land that was his. He also said that no matter how bountiful the harvest was, only a small portion of it belonged to them, and he would not allow the military to take away that small portion, for the military was going to take away the landlord`s crops, and they were leaving nothing for the tenants. Then, Fortunato left for Dos Santos. Leon knew that his son was planning to burn the crops, and he wondered what he can do to save his. Connie did not leave her brother`s side. Though she blamed her father for what happened to her brother, she was surprised at herself for being kind to the Senator whenever she would see him silently sobbing. When Larry still would not come back, she wept and told her father that she would like to go to Laguardia. Her father called for Mang Ambo to take her to Laguardia and told Nang Pilar to keep her in bed. Nang Pilar cooked a lot of food for her, but Connie said that she just wanted a mango and some coffee. Then, Nang Pilar informed her that Mang Leon came and bought her some bananas. She also told her that the tenant would be back at noon. Mang Leon came just as Connie was finishing her lunch. He told her about Fortunato`s plans to burn the Laguardia rice fields. Connie told him to tell his son that she would like to meet and talk to Fortunato at six pm. Mang Leon pleaded to her to not hand over Fortunato to the authorities if the talk fails. Against her better judgment, Connie agreed. The talk did indeed fail, and Connie had no choice but to go back to Manila, to the Esteva residence. When she arrived there, Larry and his father were watching the late broadcast. Senator Valdellon was on TV, revealing what the President really was intending to do. Then, Connie told Larry of what Fortunato was planning to do. Larry assured her that Fortunato was just threatening her, but Connie was not altogether reassured. Larry thought of calling the military and stopping Fortunato, but he realized it was too late. Leon awoke to the smell of kerosene and the sight of the Laguardia rice fields perishing in flames. In their residence at High Ridge Park, Don Lorenzo woke Larry up and told him about the tragedy that struck in Laguardia. According to Don Lorenzo, the fire started at around midnight simultaneously in the varied barrios, and no doubt these were works of arsonists. Ramon Limzon came to Laguardia for his family also owned some of the land and he would like to inquire the present condition of those who he knew. But, the military told him to get out. Then, he and Fr.Barredo planned on how to evacuate the people of Laguardia by using Francis Xavier`s university buses and the help of other sectors. The evacuation happened as planned, but not without incident. The evacuees were threatened by the soldiers and subjected to body searches. Beyond the eyes of the vigilant students, there were shots, and there were women and children looking for their male relatives. The students told them to get in the buses for they will look for the male folk. Through the night the buses rumbled, fleeing from the fire trucks and the soldiers, because to them, they became the arsonists, dissidents and NPA people.

One late Wednesday night, the buses soon arrived to what the media called Tent City, located at Francis Xavier. Many people came to help, Connie included. She prepared sandwiches at the counter with Edgar Santos preparing the drinks. Connie got to know Edgar a bit and discovered that Edgar`s parents were tenants at her father`s land. Surely, Connie could not get out of her father`s world. Connie asked him if his family was here already, and he nodded. He told her that he was not cut out for college, and he wanted to go back to the fields with his father. Among those who helped the refugees were Martin and Minda, who did not have much to do. The jeepney strike Martin organized was still on-going, although not so much anymore for the jeepney drivers had to earn, too. Transportation was still a problem for even though the military trucks were there, there were still those who depended on jeepneys for transportation. They haven`t heard much from Bagong Pag-asa, so they went there one morning to see the place in a devastated state. Some nuns were distributing pan de sal to the people who were still in shock. They saw Salvacion and asked her how Fortunato was, but she told them that Fortunato had not come home since Sunday, and it was Thursday already. Meanwhile, Ramon and Larry set out for Laguardia to see if all of the residents have been evacuated. They had a talk about how much chaos has been going on, and how the military was fuming ready to blame the jeepney strike for everything. He added that there were some groups that weren`t related to the jeepney strike that were involved in violence. Larry said that there were too many things going on, and wondered if some, if not all, were just Malacaang`s actions (which they would use as reasons to declare martial law). They arrived at Laguardia and saw that some people were still there, Mang Leon`s family included. Mang Leon did not want to leave Laguardia. Then, suddenly, someone shot Ramon in the back and Ramon was dead in an instant. Larry and Mang Leon tried reviving Ramon, but Mang Leon was suddenly shot, as well. Then, Larry saw Fortunato, hesitating to approach the lifeless body of his father, but Larry told him to flee, which he did.

Chapter Nine: Into Night

Pacita Valdellon could not sleep. She reminisced the good times that she had with her husband, and how sad she felt when her husband had to respond to the duty of being Senator of the Republic. Dave, her son, could not sleep too. Thus, he accompanied his mother in her room. Then, they received a call from Congressman Mateo, asking where Senator Valdellon was. They told him to come with her husband, who was picked up at eleven-thirty. Larry and Connie had a long day yesterday. Connie and the others were in Francis Xavier university, making a census of the people there when Larry arrived, bringing back the dead bodies from the tragedy in Laguardia. They brought Ramon`s casket to the Francis Xavier chapel, and Fr.Jim said a Mass for the dead. This was why Larry was surprised to see Connie dressed up at 7 in the morning. Connie told Larry that she would come visit her brother, Andy. Connie told her father-in-law that she and Andy were planning to leave on Friday for Andy`s neurosurgery procedure in New York. Suddenly, they found out that the President declared martial law. Saturdays were usually easy for Minda, but this Saturday wasn` t going to be for she had an exam to attend to, refugees to take care of, and a wake to visit. She was thinking of the unusually large number of casualties that were happening when Martin told her that martial law had been declared, and the government had been arresting members of the opposition from different sectors, even senators like Senator Valdellon and congressmen like Congressman Mateo. Suddenly, the Spop-Com went to arrest the two of them and the other teachers of the UP.

 Bert, the husband of Minda`s Ate Lydia, was a teacher at Guadalupe Elementary School. He heard from Mrs.Marcelo, the principal, that the government was now arresting those who were vocal in the rallies, those like Minda. Minda`s family was really worried about her. Martin and Minda were on the run. They took a jeep and stayed there for a long time. They saw that the streets were unbelievably quiet and the people who participated in the demonstrations before were nowhere to be found. They saw some teachers of the Malaya school, Raquel Duran and Perla Gondoy being escorted in a military van with 2 teenagers named Mando and Cesar. Then, Martin decided that it was time that he and Minda go to Ragsac, Isabela, away for the city for they needed to continue their plans effectively [without them getting hurt]. They decided to leave and go there separately tonight. Joe Merino should have denied that he was there, thought Attorney Emily Azada. (Joe Merino was one of the professors of the University of the Philippines who got arrested.) Then, she thought of the country at its current state, and asked herself if there was still any hope. Just then, her daughter Rochie, who was studying in the United States, called her and asked how the country was. She told her daughter that she would call as soon as possible, for telephone conversations might be wiretapped at the moment. The next morning, Atty.Azada went to Prof.Merino`s house, and assured his wife that they were doing everything that they can to get her husband out of jail. Then, she told herself that she needed to go to the Dean and propose that Joe Merino`s salary be continued. It was 3 in the afternoon, and Connie finally arrived at the Esteva residence after her visit to Andy. She came home to see Minda Diluan waiting for her. So, they had a late lunch. Minda asked her how Andy was, and then told her that she and Martin were on the run, and they planned to go to Ragsac, Isabela. She also told Connie about the arrests of Raquel and Perla. Connie told Minda that she can always stay with Connie, where she would be protected, but Minda told her that it`s best if she leaves the city. She asked if she can stay at the Estevas for a while, and Connie agreed. Larry came home at 6, and invited Minda to go with them to Ramon`s wake. Minda refused for it was a public place, and she had to say good-bye to her family. Larry soon found out of her plans of going to Ragsac, Bataan. Larry informed them that they need to check their books for the government is arresting people who own certain books, such as Agoncillo`s Revolt of the Masses. Minda went to her Ate Lydia`s house, thinking of how she and Martin would spend their lives together. When she arrived there, a black car was waiting, and a man asked her if she was Luzminda Datuin. She said yes, and the man said that she was under arrest. Before Lydia realized that it was Minda, the black car was gone.

Chapter Ten: The Human Cause

When the President declared Martial Law, Senator de Chavez wondered why he was not consulted by the President by such a sensitive matter. He thought that the President was going to do so in December, but it seems like plans have changed. So, he went to Malacaang Palace immediately. When he arrived there, he was not allowed to go inside the President`s office- only certain members of the Cabinet and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces were allowed inside. Occassionally, a Cabinet member or two would go out and acknowledge the people outside, like Senator de Chavez. The Senator felt bad. He was one of those bigwigs who happened to be close to the President. Why was he being left out? Not knowing what to do, Senator de Chavez went home. Soon, he realized, that because he had worked so closely with the President, he failed to nourish his relationships with his children. He also realized that because of this close relationship with the President, what he thought he was doing for the Republic, he was

doing for the President`s personal interests. He found the house empty, and went to the hospital to find Andy alone. Andy reminded him of Ramon`s wake, and the Senator told his son that he will go there immediately. Meanwhile, in Ramon`s wake, everyone was still mourning and talking in hushed voices. Clyde asked Larry how they manage, and Larry said in reply, Well, we have always been used to an abusive colonial government. And we pretend meekness in order to survive. Then, after a brief pause, he continued, Like the bamboo, we don`t fight the wind, we bend with it. That way, we never break. After he and Minda parted ways at Pasay, Martin went for a quick visit to Ramon`s wake. Then, he asked Fr.Jim if he could stay in his house for the night. Fr.Jim had no objections, though his house was just near the military camp, for they would never think that he would be hiding there. The next day, when it was time to leave, he ran into Lt.Magtibay. Lt.Magtibay was having a hard time recently. His colleagues have ignored him because of what happened in San Sebastian. Then, Major Ditan decided to give him a chance- to capture Martin Gatdula. Flashes of his childhood with Martin entered his mind. Then, suddenly, he saw him in the wake of Ramon Limzon. However, he did not capture him, and Martin realized that Lt.Magtibay had embraced the human cause. Meanwhile, Connie was already informed of Minda`s arrest. Not wanting to wake Larry up, she went to Mrs.Azada and asked for help. But, Mrs.Azada could not do anything. So, Connie went home and talked to Larry about it. The next day, she went to visit her father, and he expressed his concern & gave her some advice. He told her to go to General Mayo in Camp Crame and ask for help. General Mayo gave her a slip to the Special Operations Command. When she went there, she saw Lt.Magtibay. Then, she went to the major, and the major told her that he did not even know that his men picked up someone named Luzviminda Diluan. Connie went to Camp Aguinaldo and Fort Bonifacio, but got the same treatment. Andy felt anxious when he learned about what his sister did and was relieved to finally see her when she visited him that night. He told her that that was the ABC of Martial Law: Aguinaldo, Bonifacio and Crame. Then, the family was gathered around the television set. After a few minutes, the President went on TV, telling them that he declared martial law for the country`s benefit, but the Senator knew how insincere the motives were. The President also informed them all of the curfew that was being imposed from 12 am to 4 am, and that travel was being banned unless it was related to the government. This prompted the Senator to think of a way to allow Andy to travel for his operation. So, the Senator was once more in the Palace, ready to beg, bribe or battle for a permit. He was ready to do whatever it took. His presence was addressed by Col.Felino, who told him to talk to Gen.Salida. Gen.Salida told the Senator that he cannot promise anything for Andy`s case was a special one and Andy was one of the people that was on the wanted list. This Monday morning, Connie woke up to find the phone ringing, with the voice telling her to go to the camp hospital that instant for Minda was there and might be taken away again. The voice added that he took Minda to the hospital at 2 in the morning, and he knew that Connie was looking for her because he recognized her. Connie realized that the voice was Lt.Magtibay`s. So, Connie went there, and saw that Minda`s body was bleeding and full of bruises. The nurses mistook her for Minda`s sister and told her that Minda jumped over the window and that was why her body was like that. They added that they better not make too much fuss or else they would have to send her away. Then, Connie went to the bathroom and collided with a captain, who told her to get out because Minda was due for questioning, adding that he can send her away, and he did not care whether she was pregnant. So, she got out for a while. When she came back, she saw Minda`s bruised & bleeding body hanging from the shower, a stout electrical cord tied around her neck.

 Larry awoke to find Connie gone, and the maids told him that she went to Camp Crame. When he got out of the shower, he found out that Connie had fainted and was advised that he take her to some private hospital. Larry called an ambulance and took her to Makati Medical. The doctors said that Connie was ok, but they had to see if the baby was, too. After the tests, the doctors said that the baby was ok. Both Don Lorenzo and Senator de Chavez were scolding Connie, Don Lorenzo with his mouth and the Senator with his eyes. Then, Don Lorenzo and his son had a confrontation about the land in Laguardia, about who rightfully owned it. Larry, in his efforts in trying to make his father realize that it is better if they give the land to the tenants, was mistaken by his father for a subversive. A few hours after their confrontation, Larry asked for forgiveness, and his father said in reply that all Larry was saying were new ideas to him, and all he wanted was to give Larry everything he had when he died. Then, Larry kissed him good night. It was Tuesday morning, and Col. Felino called Senator de Chavez regarding the permit. Col.Felino told him that Gen.Salida would only give the travel permit if the shares of the Senator in the Container Port Corporation be transferred to him. The Senator replied that he would do so. That morning, Andy and Fr.Jim were reminiscing and reflecting on the things that have happened and were happening. Andy was sad for his father could not obtain the travel permit, and realized that freedom of movement was something that they never really appreciated. Then, Fr.Jim made Andy realize how much his father loved him, no matter what they went through, for his father was ready to bow down to the tyranny, just to get him the permit. Andy realized this, and remembered his father with kindness. That afternoon, Larry and Connie were reminiscing as well. Larry remembered that moment when the soldiers came and took off the flag from Ramon`s coffin, leaving Judge Limzon in tears. Connie told Larry how envious she was of the common folk, for they had more freedom and fewer burdens. She added that everything was changing. That night, Caloy, their tenant, asked Larry and Connie if they can attend the funeral without a permit, and informed them that if not, they, the tenants, would be sent back to Laguardia. The couple asked him if everything was all right, if he needed anything. Connie added that they can use their house there. But Caloy said in reply that they would be all right for he can build a new house. He added that as long as the lands were there, there would be food for everyone. Larry told him to stop calling him Seorito, and instead by his nickname: Larry. They watched Caloy as he went back. Larry wished that he had his optimism, for all he felt was sorrow. Tomorrow, they were to bury Ramon. Seeing Connie so pale, he told her to go back to the hospital. His wife insisted that she would do so after the funeral. Her child needed to live, for he was the one of the new generation. This was going to be a long night, Larry told himself.

Why was its title Bamboo in the Wind?

I am not sure of the real reason, but I personally feel that it is because of what Larry said: Filipinos are used to an abusive, colonial government, and they pretend meekness to survive. Like the bamboo, we

bend with the wind. That way, we don`t break.