Memories #2 Night at the Plaza

Since the pandemic set in and community quarantines have been implemented, I have never left home beyond 7pm, more so I have very rarely stayed outside beyond 8pm. I miss the plaza and Roxas City's Heritage Zone, and the wonderful landscape and the play of lights and colours. I miss strolling at the heart of the city or crossing the century-old bridge amidst the crisp nighttime breeze that refreshes the senses and reenergizes one to face the next day. The interactive light display installed on the city's heritage structure: the Catholic church, bridge, fountain, city hall, capitol, bandstand, fountain and museum, is a wonderful spectacle and the changing of lights is a must-see highlight when dusk settles. I hope you enjoy these shots of the city center, which I took some time in February 2020.    

A walk from Roxas City to the Heritage Zone begins by crossing this century-old Capiz bridge. This beautiful view welcomes you. 

The Roxas City Heritage Zone as seen from the southern bank of Panay River. 

The interactive light display brings the city to another kind of life at night. 

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at night. 

Night-time hustle at the heart of Roxas City. 

An illuminated marker standing outside the Roxas City Tourism Information Center. 

The storied Roxas City bandstand. 

The Roxas City Hall. 

 

Memories #1: The Grapes of Rose

Since retiring after working for two decades abroad, my grandaunt decided to return home and has since contented herself spending days in her home here in Roxas. Here she planted her garden to native fruit trees, like mango, guava, and calamansi. She also raises grapes of different varieties and each time the vines bear fruits, I would be the beneficiary of the fruits of her labour. That is, if the birds haven't helped themselves! 

My grandaunt has been raising grapes since 2012 and it's been bearing fruits twice or thrice a year. She would prune them after afterwards and the cuttings would be planted and whatever survives are either sold or transferred to the ground. She raised the red cardinal variety first and has added catawba lately, although the latter hasn't bore any fruit yet. Many friends are surprised to know that grapes could actually thrive here. Apparently they do, thanks to our  climate and more so to the hands that give tender, loving care.