The preparation for the Anniversary is so far going well as planned; workers and members alike walked around the church building, each a responsibility to do as the anniversary program neared its start. I saw a group of men pass by carrying speakers and swiftly made my way to their direction in assistance.

"Everybody! We have 30 minutes more to go before 10 am, everything should be settled by now," I heard Geneva's voice announce through one of the microphones.

The church members began to settle down as they heard the announcement. I, as well, began to make my way to the chairs. As I walked, the view of the worship team entering through the door occupied my vision. They were all in ethnic attire indeed, and I must admit, they looked regal in their array.

My gaze probed the rest of the people coming in, observing each one as I made my way to the pews. My eyes widened in surprise, fascination gripping my being as I saw Johanna step in, clothed by a silky white blouse tucked in a stunning cordilleran wrap around skirt. Her long dark strands were let loose and a group of ethnic beads adorned her hair. I gazed down momentarily and looked up towards her again. She looked absolutely breathtaking.

"Good Morning, Manung!" Her voice ringed as she walked towards me.

"Good morning, Johanna..."

"So how's everything?"

"It's all going great so far, Anna, by the way, you look..." I gazed towards her once more, "...stunning."

"Oh..." an alluring smile adorned her face. "Thank you, Manung. It's been a long time since I actually wore my ethnic attire; being able to wear it here was one of the most exciting things about today."

"Oh, is that so? I must say, it fits you very well. Come on, I think we should get ourselves a seat now..." Her sweet fragrance blew with the air I breathed as I let her walk ahead of me.

"Good Morning Anna!" We both turned our head as we heard a man's voice from behind. It's Jason. The man gazed towards Anna, stunned- no doubt- and I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.

"Good morning Jason!" Anna greeted back. I felt my brows lift as I saw his incessant gaze towards the woman. I cleared my throat and walked towards the pew before us.

---

Remarks of excitement resounded in the church as the Emcees announced the signal to start the community dance.

It has been a culture in this church to do one community dance as a part of the celebration at the end of every successful activity. The pews were set aside and the men began to sound the gongs. Just hearing the sound of the gongs seemed to have awakened the Igorot blood that flowed through my veins. It's a shame, however, how I didn't have the ability to play them well.

The women formed in a line as the men began to harmonize their gongs. My lips curved to a smile as I watched Johanna among the women, a wide smile on her face as they began to dance.

I was fascinated as I watched her feet cooperate flawlessly with her outstretched arm. As the men and women parted ways, I heard the men change the beat of how they sounded their gongs, the pace became faster and the harmonization more detailed. They must be playing the Sakiki.

Isn't that a courtship dance though?

I saw a man begin to perform the dance; joy manifest in his face. The people cheered as he made his way to the young lady in the middle. The two danced enthusiastically as the gongs continued to play, interchanging places with their arms outstretched like eagles. They were a beautiful couple.

"They look cute, don't they Pastor?" Trina spoke as she made her way right next to me.

"Indeed they do,"

"Did you know Pastor? Those two were the ones who danced last year. They didn't have a relationship back then but now they're married."

"Really?"

"Yes... well, I know you're well aware of our culture; they say those that dance the Sakiki passionately end up marrying each other." She chuckled, "But, of course, it would still depend if it was the Lord's Will, right?"

"Indeed, Trina..." I replied with a smile and returned my gaze to the performers.

"Shouldn't you go ahead and have a dance of your own, Pastor?" My eyes widened as I heard Trina's question.

"Oh-uh...no... I couldn't possibly-"

"Come on Melchour. Once wouldn't hurt, I know you loved Clara very much, but it's high time that you move on. Besides an opportunity like this..." Her palm clung to my arm as she spoke. "...comes only once!" My concentration broke as I felt her aggressively push me to the middle of the crowd.

"Hey!"

A larky smile was drawn from her lips. In a split of a second, I found myself in the middle of everybody, the people cheered as they saw another performer. Trina swiftly ran back to the crowd and fixed her gaze to me.

A shiver ran down my spine as I realized; I might actually need to begin dancing now. My gaze cruised the crowd as I searched for where Johanna was... I took a deep breath and began to stretch my hands.

If I were to actually perform a courtship dance, I'd do it with her...

I watched Melchour scatter his gaze as he began to search for a partner, and the minute I saw those avid eyes fix on me, panic instantly crept to my bones.

Oh, dear Lord-he couldn't possibly be thinking of dancing with me!

I glanced towards my side, noting immediately Geneva's smile as she watched the man dance.

I returned my gaze towards him and couldn't help but smile as I watched the way his movements seemed to increase his charm. I wouldn't have been able to measure up to that. Good thing Geneva was here.

The crowd's cheers heightened, and with this I lifted my gaze. I felt my heart race, eyes wide as I realized the finger he had pointed towards my direction.

Oh my goodness. I glanced sideways in panic, pointing to myself in confirmation. He nodded in assent.

I swallowed hard, stepping forward lest he mistake my idleness a sign of rejection. I stretched my hands in response to his as I met him in the circle's midst. I know I shouldn't put any meaning to this, but a question kept ringing in my head as we danced.

Why me?

Sakiki- A courtship dance that originated from the Tribe of Mountain Province. Termed in the modern days as Cordilleran 'Boogie'. The dance consists of a man and a woman imitating flying birds. It is a fast pace dance, accompanied by gongs. This is one of the most enjoyable and amusing dances in the Cordillera. It is usually performed on different special occasions especially weddings.