I CAME FROM A PARTY

I had to wake up unusually early for this one.  So at half past five this morning, I laid out my all-weather dark denims and topped them with a dress code-compliant black-on-yellow attire – a fashion statement that literally leaves no one behind.

It was going to be a “destination party”, where guests would have to travel from their urban comfort zones, and drive all the way to a location that was just as important as the celebration itself. 

For most of us, the winding paths were unfamiliar, but road signs along the way...

...assured us that we were all headed in the right direction.

The guest list was formidable.  No less than captains of industry were there to make this party happen.

Some guests bearing gifts travelled all night long just to be at the party.

 

But the real guests of honor were waiting for us at our destination...

 

...with their pint-sized expressions of joy welcoming our arrival and letting us know that the party had officially started.

  There was singing...

...dancing...

...magic tricks...

...and a seven-foot surprise.

 

Later, no less than the governor sang his message of love...

 

...as he wore his heart on his sleeve.

The entertainment was followed by a spread of Juicylicious-Crispylicious...

...meat buns...

 

...and frozen delectables.

There was none of the mindless chit-chat or tranquilizing conversation.  Instead, the children spoke to us through their laughter...

...and grateful smiles.

Some spoke volumes without having to say a word.

On my way home from the party, I made a stopover at a village that these children call home.  There was not much to see.

I came from a party.  THEY sent me the invitation.

And all it said was - "Walang Iwanan".