My sisters and I grew up enduring the long parade on a broad daylight wearing elaborated and heavy gowns, mud pie thick make-ups and stiff "spray-netted" hair! We did this almost twice a year: holy week and La Paz fiesta. We had to fake our smiles despite the swollen feet and bucketful persperation just because... we want to see our lola Edith and Mama look at us with great pride!
I remember that it was time for me to be the most coveted role, the "Reyna Elena" and maybe because it was a nightmare coming through, I got really sick with chickenpox. My sister was supposed to replace me but she also got sick. Taking the hint my lola and mother gave up the idea of us joining the LaPaz sagala again! Hahaha
This year, it was my daughters' turn to (at least) experience what we went through. Haha! It was actually my eldest, Elle's second and my second, Bien's first experience.
Elle Marie did it in 2014. Unfortunately, it was the first week of classes in DLSU and we had no choice but to let her do it with her father. It was not a "fireworks" experience for Elle because it was too early, I was not there to personally attend to her "kakikayan" requirements, and she was just not in the mood for long walks. I have to confess that although it was an experience worth blogging and bragging about, I didn't because it was reflected on the photos that my husband took. I also don't want my daughter to be reminded of her first experience because she might share it with her sister and discourage Bien.
This year's La Paz sagala was different. We came in prepared. Since Lolo Leo paid for our airfare going to Iloilo just to join the sagala, I got extra cash to buy Elle a new gown. Although I have been scouting for a gown as early as February, I only got to buy her the morning of our flight to Iloilo (which is a day before the Sagala!!!) Hahaha bad mom! But, I compensated by buying Elle a baby blue, Frozen-inspired gown with sequence in front. I bought blue because I was thinking that I am tired of all the pinks in our lives and it's time for a cool change! The gown was perfect for Elle. Perfect for her complexion, the sabrina cut for her long hair and the lower part of the gown was perfectly flowing while she was walking.
Since I am an experienced sagala, I saved my daughter from my mother's make-up artist and hair designer. I painted my daughters' face with simple, "almost not there" make-up. I also arranged her hair in a one-sided pony tail and pinned a nice hair piece that matches the color of her gown. Most importantly, I made her wear rubber shoes underneath her gown.
Bien on the other hand wore her Ate Elle's old pink gown that perfectly fits her already. Ate Elle wore it the first time for her 5th year birthday party in school; in class programs and the 2014 La Paz Sagala. It may be old but it still looks as enchanting as the first time I brought it. I don't think anyone noticed that it was a recycled gown from the precious year! Bien's hair was simply brushed and clipped on one side using a nice pink rose hair piece that matches the color of her gown. Like Ate Elle, she also wore her most comfortable walking shoes underneath her gown.
I am so proud of my girls! Although, as first it was very confusing for me who to be with because they were grouped according to age, I took turn with Ate Buladay in watching and taking my girls' photos. Yes, it was 5:00a.m., extremely hot summer morning, their gowns were heavy but both maintained their smile and poise. Since they are my daughters, I believe that they actually stood out among the sagalas! I saw a couple of sagala observers and tourists taking pictures with them. I also heard people commenting that they look very lovely and cute, some said that they must be new in La Paz because they don't know them but some recognized them as the apos of Mr and Mrs Calaor.
I know that Lola Moyette and Tita Bebe, who took turns with me taking their photos are so proud of my girls. My Nanay Edith would have been...
That might be my daughers' last time to join the sagala. I just want them to experience it for themselves because they might see my photos and ask why me and my sisters were wearing gowns and walking. Haha! I hope in time they will understand... and appreciate the experience.
I am so proud of you Ate Elle and Bien!!! Mama and Papa love you VERY much!!!
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