ALORAN, a perspective HARANA

A favourite pastime for young men since I could remember, another casualty of Social Change. I feel nostalgic writing about this because this has been part of my growing up, a rite of passage if you will. I would have considered my life bland and colourless today had it not been of the countless nights we spent singing songs for the girls in the neighbourhood. One of the boys I grew up with had a guitar and plays it like a virtuoso, one has a voice quality of an Italian soprano, another one brags having a sack of songs, kundiman, while the rest of us can recite a tune or two and do background. Vizmin Montes was right about his Report that I mentioned earlier. Tuba, Vino Datu, Vino Kulafu, Tanduay, was the usual, Beer was desired but pockets were empty, though from time to time blue moon appears and we have beer, spelled San Miguel Pale Pilsen since 1896, not stirred, not shaken. It's iced-cold. School break was a typical time 'Istambays' congregate in many 'Iskinas'. Pitching-in was the key. Peso here, peso there and whalla! Before the sun sets, enough alcohol is already in the head, then things get exciting. Time to head to the girl's house. Looking at the window from below hoping for a glimpse or even just a silhouette. A mix of Matt Monro, Jack and Tom Jones, some Bisaya and Tagalog were always in the menu. At times two groups run into each other in the same girl's place. It was fun, pure fun!