IT's been three-quarters of a century since I saw first light, a post-World War 2 baby three years after it ended. Born in Manila but raised in Bacolod City for the first 16 years of my life. I experienced the simple joys of life in the province, its uncomplicated simplicity and carefree years in grade school and high school.

During that time, I walked the streets; played in the rain; enjoyed team sports; watched lots of movies; listened to the radio; played records; learned how to dance, ride bicycles and motorcycles, drive a car, smoke, and drink 'tuba'; competed in oratorical contests; appeared in stage plays; regularly journeyed to Manila and Baguio during school breaks for staycations.