Childhood memories are very close to my heart.

They remind me of how we were in the past when

everything was simple and not complicated. Those memories bring out the child in me. They make me
laugh and smile especially when looking at the old photos of me and my family. That is why childhood
memories are something that I want to cherish forever in my life.

I was born in Manila and lived there for four years before we settled in Calbayog City, Samar. There
were but a few memories that I can remember because probably I was too young then. We lived in a
small rented house in V. Mapa, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The house was too small, which was very typical in
Manila because the city is very congested. The house was so little that we had to turn our living room
into bedroom during night time. We barely had furniture inside not only because of the little space, but
also because of lack of money. I must say that my mother budgeted the limited amount of money our
family had because we were able to eat at least three full meals a day. I remember my mother was
always busy with laundry and cooking while my siblings and I are enjoying ourselves playing outside
under the sun. During Sundays, after going to church, my mother would bring us to SM Sta. Mesa so that
we would stroll and enjoy the cool weather inside the mall. After which, we would proceed to the
supermarket where my sister and I would ride on the pushcart while my mother was doing her
groceries. My brothers would ran here and there and my mother would spank them because of their
naughtiness. We were very happy even though we do not have many toys. But during Christmas season,
my parents never fail to buy us toys which were on sale and we would scatter them on the floor and play
with them. How I wish I had kept the toys for these constitute a part of my happy childhood memories.
In year 2003, my father had a job opportunity in his hometown in Calbayog, Samar so we had to transfer
our residence and school. I was a bit sad because I will be leaving my playmates behind. We also had to
sacrifice some things that cannot be carried or brought to the province because of the limited space in
the passenger bus. But my childhood memories did not stop there. Here in Calbayog, we were also able
to gain new friends to play with. This time, no shopping malls were available. Also, there is only one
television channel unless you have money to get cable connection. And so, most of our days would be
spent in our backyard playing outdoor games. The scenario may sound boring but the bonus here was
that our city is gifted with beautiful beaches which we never experience in Manila. During weekends, we
would go to Bagacay Beach to swim and has simple picnics. The nature really brought me real happiness.
Since I love going to beaches, it is my fervent wish that this Covid- 19 pandemic will end already because
I truly miss swimming.

These childhood memories of mine are truly special because it reminds me of the simple life we had
minus the gadgets and the technology we have today. We had more quality time within the family while
eating, going to church, sharing the household chores and watching TV. It taught me the value of family.
My family maybe lacking in financial aspect, but I can say that my parents provided us with a
comfortable and peaceful life of which I consider the greatest treasure a person can ever have.