Hannah Blooms Into A Woman – Part 1: Traveling to Banban

Hey, Hivers! What's up? It's me, makiyumee! How are you? I hope you're doing fine because right now, I am going to be sharing to you a new blog series which is entitled "Hannah Blooms into A Woman" and this blog series is about how my cousin celebrated her 18th birthday with our family.

Hannah is my younger cousin from my mother's side and her birthday was on July 24. On the day of her birthday, my mother ordered me to purchase her a cake for her birthday, so I immediately hired a tricycle and headed to the closest cake shop. The trip to the cake shop was quick and painless because of the sun's brilliant rays and the clear blue sky. My trip felt less like an errand and more like an early morning wander as I rode a tricycle and felt the warm sun's rays hitting my skin and the refreshing morning breeze crashing into my face.

When I arrived at the cake shop, which was Dela Rama's Cake Shop—our go to cake shop because of its affordable and best-quality cakes that always suit every occasion. Their cakes are always the best, they are my favorite dessert whenever there is a party hosted by my family. The way the icing of their cakes melts into my mouth, giving me the sweetness that makes me feel so alive, the fluffiness of their chiffon cake always bounces every time I would slice it using my fork. The rich icing and feathery chiffon combine to produce a symphony of taste and texture that transforms each bite into an experience of pure delight and joy.

I bought my cousin's cake and made sure to choose her favorite color. Of course, the color is important for it will add impact to how we will give the gift to her, and it also shows attention to her personal preferences, making the gift feel more sincere and special. After that, I went back to our house to prepare for our travel to Banban, where my cousin, her mother and my mother's family live.

We waited beside the road for our ride and when it came, I was delighted that we were finally going to where my cousin loves—Banban. The travel to Banban wasn't that long since we chose to ride a bus to Cebu to avoid paying an expensive travel fare. The fare from Bogo to La Paz, were the road to Banban is, was only 15 pesos—yup, big difference compared to paying the fare for the tricycle from Bogo to La Paz.

As my mother and I rode the bus to La Paz, the familiar road made me smile. My mother and I felt a flood of nostalgia come over us as we got on the bus to La Paz. The extensively traveled path unfolded in front of us like a remembered book, with each curve and landmark triggering memories of previous travel. I was reminded of the numerous times. we had walked this trail together by the calming lullaby that the bus's rhythmic swing and soft engine hum produced.

I had not seen Nanay and Tatay in a long time, so when the bus drove slowly toward La Paz, I couldn't help but feel excited. I was so thrilled with the chance of their welcoming arms and the relieving smell of Nanay's cooking that it was almost perceptible. I was unable to sit idly, my fingers lightly tapping the armrest as I tried to picture up the familiar sights and sounds of their house.

The passing landscape was framed by the bus windows like moments from a favorite film. Azure skies displayed faraway mountains rising majestically, as verdant fields of flora waved softly in the wind. With each bend in the road, we got closer to the lively, little barangay of La Paz, where lush trees lined the sidewalks, vibrant residences and tall lampposts. I felt a joyful warmth fill my heart when I thought of being with my grandparents again, hearing Tatay's boisterous laugh, and feeling Nanay's kind touch.

My mother hired a tricycle when we got to the road that led to Banban, and we started the last part of the trip to my grandparents' house. We set off with the thrill of the reconnection buzzing between us, our pasalubongs cautiously packed and, of course, the birthday cake safely wrapped in my hands. The tricycle rattled along the curving path, and the cold, soft breeze of our travel played with my hair, making it twirl in the air. The view was breathtaking, with fresh trees and lush landscapes that seemed to be whispering secrets to one another through their leaves. The air was pleasant with the fragrance of newly turned soil and blossoming flowers, a welcome reminder of the peace and beauty of the countryside.

The tricycle came to a smooth stop as we approached a well-known trail, which I could immediately identify by its unusual stone design. My mother proudly referred to this passage as the "paril," which indicated that we were getting close to my grandparents' home. As we got off the tricycle, the noises of the rural surroundings filled the air. It was so peaceful.

I was mesmerized by the beauty all around us as we started our journey along the paril. The towering, sturdy coconut trees bordered the walkway, their leaves flowing softly in the light wind. They moved in a rhythmic dance that appeared to greet us home with each gust of wind. Every time a breeze blew, the other trees, their branches full and thick, leaned towards one another, as though they were exchanging secrets through the sound of rustling leaves.

There was a work of art of rocks and pebbles on the route, and every step I took made my slipper bottoms smash against the stones with a pleasant crunch. It was an earthly melody that tied me to the truth of this place, which seemed to be both timeless and continuously changing. As we continued, the panorama of the surrounding countryside unveiled itself before me like a picture come to life. The stones were worn smooth by the innumerable feet that had previously traveled this path, including those of my ancestors.

Soon, after walking for a few more minutes, we had finally arrived at my grandparents' house and I couldn't remove the smile from my face when my Tatay greeted me with a big warm hug and a huge smile on his face. As we waited for my cousin's birthday party to start, my mother and I catch up and bonded with my grandparents to pass some time.

That will be all for part 1. Stay tuned for part 2 and see you all on my next blog!