These random photos are meant to give a glimpse of what life is, in my parents' own little haven in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. Mama Evie and Papa Joe were originally from Tarlac City before moving to Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija more than 10 years ago. It goes without saying that we now consider Sta. Rosa our hometown.
The house where my parents live is a modest bungalow surrounded by rice fields. The nearest paved road is about 2 kilometers away and the town center is about 7 kilometers away.
It is understandable that some may consider the location "remote."
The surrounding yard has many decade-old mango trees, about 7 of them. There used to be more but a typhoon a few years ago destroyed some of the trees.
I remember that Mama cried more for the dead trees than for the house, which was also destroyed by the typhoon. But that is a story for another time.
There is a small fishpond near the house. It is one of Papa's favorite spots. In the pond are tilapia and gurami fish. A solitary turtle is also a resident of the pond, along with a variety of freshwater critters.
My Mama has her own favorite spot: the nearby cluster of orchids and other flowering plants nestled on old wood. With my parents are their dogs Ponyo, Kruger and Panther (another mongrel).
The daily chores of sweeping the grounds, cleaning the yard, tending the garden, and cleaning the pond are more than enough work for Mama and Papa to keep them busy every day.
Just recently, Mama and Papa decided to hang some hammocks in the backyard in preparation for the coming summer months.
The hammocks are placed under the shade of mango trees. This is where Papa Joe often takes afternoon naps.
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