A wave of applause resounded in the place as I ended the song, shouts of praise and victory filling the building as the activity finally came to an end. Isang malawak na ngiti ang namuo sa aking mga labi. I took in a breath, gathering momentum before I released my last Hallelujah.

Once more voices were heard along with mine, and upon lifting my hands, sound of gongs overtook the place. Naglibot ako ng tingin.

Huh?

Cheers resounded at the gong's sound, and before I knew it, a line of men even as they wore their best clothes walked in through the side door, feet in harmony as they played the instruments. I felt my blood come alive, the sound of the gongs sending a sensation of excitement to my being.

Naningkit ang mga mata ko. For leading the men was Gabriel, a wide smile on his face as he played his gong with the others. I turned my gaze. Pambihira, kaya naman pala siya wala dito! Even pastor Melchour was among them.

"Tara na!" I felt a body against my side, and as soon as I turned my head, the view of Ma'am Johanna's smile filled my gaze. "They're beginning to dance down there!"

Nakangiti akong tumango at sumunod sakaniya, glancing around the people cheering and clapping as I went down the platform. Woah, may ganito pala dito? This is exhilarating!

May boses na narinig mula sa speakers, ini-angat ko ang tingin at nakinig kay Bro Jun na siyang nag-aanounce sa harap. "Hallelujah! Agayaman tayo ken Apo iti adda nga naballigi nga aramid iti daytoy nga aldaw!" He declared, urging us in Ilocano to thank God for the Victorious activity. "Ngayon, we will celebrate this victory as we dance our Native Community Dances. Every tribe will be given chance to dance!"

Ipinapatuloy niya ang pagbibigay ng panuto at sa pagtatapos nito ay agad naman nang naglinya ang ilang mga babae, performing a footwork which I recognized as that of Kalinga. The group danced, and more and more the people cheered as each tribe performed their respective dances.

It wasn't very long when I heard my province announced through the mic. With a big smile I stepped forward, stepping off the circle of crowd as I sought the others from my tribe. A wave of applause and cheers were heard, and I saw Rhoe waving from behind.

Ilang segundo pa ang dumaan at nagsimula akong magtaka. The gongs had begun to play in the beat of the Ifugao Dinuyya, but where were the others? Hinanap ko si Ma'am Johanna mula sa kumpol ng mga tao. Taga-Ifugao 'yon eh. Nasa'n na siya? Nangunot ang noo ko. Not even a man would step up! Unti-unti ay naramdaman ko ang pagka-hiya.

"Adda man mang-partner ittuy napintas nga balasang!?" I heard Jun speak from the mic, but I waved in refusal, shaking my head as I walked back to the crowd. Hahanap pa sila ng papartner sa akin kung wala namang ibang taga-ifugao. Nakaka-hiya naman 'yon.

Nagtaka ako nang muling magsigawan ang mga tao. With curious eyes, I turned my head, and as soon as I saw the man in the midst of the circle, my gaze widened.

Anong klaseng scam to!? Akala ko ba by tribe? Bakit may taga Mountain Province na nakatayo do'n? Gabriel smiled, stetching his hands as he began to perform the dance.

I felt my heart throb against my chest, biting my lip in an effort to hide the smile that threatened to form in my mouth. Almost immediately, my mind began to travel back in time, the memories from our first dance flashing in my head. I still clearly remember. The way his eyes pierced me back then, the way his stoic expression seemed to drive me away. I looked up at him, heart beating as I saw the same man, but this time, his eyes were glad, there was warmth to it, a life kindled in its depths. It wasn't the same, he wasn't the same. This time, his mere presence was ... inviting.

"Go na Grace!" I heard Rhoe's beckoning, waving towards me to approach the man along with the others who urged.

With a deep breath I returned to the midst of the circle, responding to his movements as the gong echoed in the place. Nagsigawan ang mga tao, and with this, I felt my heart's pace double.

I kept my gaze upon him, tracing out the gentle smile that adorned his face. Up until this moment, I still could not make sense in my head how this man could actually learn to like someone like me. My chest heaved, causing me to lower my glance in panic.

Hayeee, my goodness!

Upon finishing another round of the dance, we stood next to each other and bowed. A wave of applause and cheers were heard. I now saw Ma'am Johanna among the crowd, smiling along as she looked at us. Hay pambihira ito. Bakit parang feeling ko naisahan ako dito?

With another bow we returned to join the crowd, catching my breath as we walked. Pagkabalik na pagkabalik ko isang tumitiling Rhoe ang sumalubong sa'kin. My gaze narrowed.

"Girlaaa!!!"

Napa-facepalm ako. "Sis. Chill lang, chill lang, okay?"

"Grabe, ang cute niyo kanina! Sabi ko na kasi magwowork yung pla-" Natigilan siya, smiling instead before she could say another word.

"Teka?" Naningkit ang mga mata ko, "Anong plano!? Kayo ah! Huwag niyong sabihin na-" I respired in disbelief, gaze now afar as I thought.

"Ayie, dibale na," Lumapit siya sa'kin at kinurot ang pisngi ko, "Naging maganda naman ang experience 'di ba?" She smiled playfully.

"Aist!" Tinapik ko ang balikat niya papalayo, "'Tong mga 'to! Anong maganda!?" Napa-buntong-hininga nalang ako at umupo. I heard her giggle.

"'To naman oh, huwag ka na magalit," She grinned, leaning closer to my ear, "Bagay talaga kayo!" She whispered in excitement.

Napa-irap nalang ako tumingin sa malayo. Talaga itong kaibigan kong 'to! "O eh ikaw?" Ibinalik ko ang titig sakaniya, "Bakit 'di ka sumayaw sa Bendiyan kanina? Ibaloi ka kaya."

Umiling siya, "Naku, oo taga-Benguet nga ako pero 'di naman ako marunong. Mabuti ka nga eh at halos lahat ng sayaw sa Cordillera alam mo."

I chuckled and gazed at her intently, "'Di rin ah. Di ko kaya alam ang sayaw ng Apaya-"

I was cut midsentence, eyes now upon my bag as I heard my phone ring. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I lifted the bag to my lap, opening it in haste as I heard the ringtone continue. Saktong sasagutin ko na sana ng bigla namang nacut ang tawag. I looked at my screen. 18 missed calls? I swiftly unlocked it, and upon recognizing my aunt's number the phone began to ring again.

Agad ko itong sinagot at itinaas sa aking tainga, "Hello, Auntie?"

"Anak," I heard her voice from the other line. Lalo akong nagtaka. Bakit siya umiiyak?

"Auntie, bakit po?" Tumayo ako at nagtungo sa labas ng Church Building.

"Anak, ang mama mo," She paused and sobbed. I felt my heart hammer against my chest, apprehension taking over my being as I heard her words.

"Ha? Bakit po si Mama, Auntie?" I heard her whimper once more, "Auntie!"

"Grace," She took in a breath, "W-wala na ang mama mo, Anak,"