Written in 2018

***

There are many things that remind me of my childhood. I always cherish these memories especially when I am facing problems. Somehow, my past could alleviate the pain I’m feeling because those memories are precious ones. One thing that usually evokes emotions in me is the cassette. It is a rare thing now since our world has become modern. But this cassette of ours is always displayed in our living room although it isn’t working anymore. Whenever I see it, pictures of the past would come across my mind like a slideshow presentation.

I was able to talk when I was already 4 years old and most of the people thought I was mute. My parents also thought the same. But some of the memories of a 3 year old girl are still clear in my mind even up to this day. I could still remember listening to the music my parents would play in the cassette since it’s the only entertainment we had at home. Songs of Bee Gees, Westlife, Aegis, and other 80’s and 90’s hits can be heard in the morning and Bombo Radyo dramas in the afternoon. My siblings and I would laugh so hard whenever Toyang Ermitanya was aired. We felt enchanted in the fantasy drama Peping Daguhob and sang along with the “Provincial Jail” song. Because of this cassette, I learned to listen. I always love to listen to stories and take note of details. Listening has become my strength. I could grasp ideas easily whenever I listen rather than viewing. I appreciate literature because since I was a child, I used to listen to radio dramas that taught me important lessons in life. I have become a music lover and a reader. Because of this cassette, I started to build a million dreams.

I grew up in a simple family. We had lived in 3 different locations for the past 23 years. It was never easy to adjust to the environment because I felt like we’re starting a new life again everytime we moved to another house. I didn’t talk much because I preferred to listen than to speak. I never had a circle of friends because I preferred to stay at home. But, my life changed when I stepped to college and I had to change some of the practices I have. The common thing about the stages in my life is that my family and I love to listen may it be to a radio or cassette. Although, cellphones are present nowadays, we still listen to news and dramas on air. To the person I become today, this cassette played a huge part of my being.