I was born and raised in a city they call the land of bombs and amunitions - Cotabato City. I don’t know why they call my city such. It’s probably because of the bombing incidents that Cotabato City has experienced. I laughed one time during our freshmen orientation from an infamous college in Davao. After I was asked about myself, a friend who is a graduate of (Ateneo de Davao) asked me if there are a lot of “tanke de guerra” in the streets of the city, I hurriedly said no. hahaha. It is really funny how people from other provinces think of Cotabato City. When I am in Cotabato, I honestly feel at home even if there are not a lot of things to do there. Life is very simple there, where muslims and christians live in harmony (sometimes), where people from two different religions built their lives, and where I’ve lived for more than twenty years. I am proud to be from Cotabato City, as they say, once you conquer Cotabato - You can conquer the world!
Today is also the day for our Pops. I may argue with my dad a lot of times and I may not say it at all times, but I love you Pop. I just wish that you are proud of what I have been and not of the path I have chose to lead. Someday, sometime, in one way or another, I will make you all proud of what I turned out to be. I miss all of you and sorry for the arguments we had, and for disrespecting you a lot of times.. I am sorry for all the wrongdoings Pop.. I wouldn’t be here if you weren’t born.
And so, Happy father’s day to my dear Pop and Happy Cotabato Day! This day is all about HAPPYness, but ironically I’m not. One bottle of redhorse please!