ALORAN, a perspective BAYLE

Did you notice this? When Aloranons gather, besides Inum, they love to reminisce and Bayle is one they fondly talk about. I won't forget going with friends to Lobogon, Makawa, Mitazan, Nabuna, Toril and wherever Bayle is. Night time, we cross rivers, armed only with torch and a few centavos in our pockets to dance in 'ladies 25', 'ladies 10' mostly 'ladies 5'. Some barrio folks said to have just stolen coconuts were the bold ones, they dance only to 'ladies 25' and even call for a special dance, exclusive to only a few of them and or pay for a 'round ribbon', meaning, you can dance to any tunes playing even though the announcer announces red, yellow, blue or whatever ribbon colour only to dance. Remember this? Ang mosayaw karun kadto ra'ng dunay ribbon nga pula. Ang mosagol, buak and bagol-bagol. This dance is only for those who are having red ribbon. Wrong colour will have their head broken. It was just figure of speech, of course. Many of these 'baylehanan' were open, under coconut trees, muddy when it rained that day, dusty when sunny. No one can forget Eddie Peregrina, Victor Wood, Bee Gees (Polydor Record, red label), a sprinkle of 'British invasion' and a bunch of Filipino artists whose names until now still ring bell. 'Faithfull Love, (Piktol Love, hahaha)' is unforgettable! Organizers make money by inviting 'daplak' dancers wherever they come from. Be mindful though, dancing with them, father might be in the Police or PC, just make sure he's retired. Another good thing that went extinct.