IKALABING-DALAWANG KABANATA - tr. CHAPTER 12
Ang Pagbisita
The Visitation
DIWA
The sun rose high, casting a warm glow over the village. The sounds of daily life filled the air—children laughing, merchants calling out their wares, and the rhythmic pounding of the panday's hammer. In the midst of this bustling activity, Rajah Maisog had a new task for me.
"Diwa," he said, his voice firm but kind, "it is time for you to learn the ways of the nobles. You must be educated, not just in the ways of our people, but in the art of baybayin and the knowledge of the world beyond our village."
I looked at him, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in my eyes. "But Rajah, I was a slave. Why would you want me to learn such things?"
He smiled, a rare softness in his expression. "Because you are no longer a slave, Diwa. You are my wife, and you will be the mother of my children. You must be prepared to guide them and to stand by my side in all matters."
With that, he led me to a small, secluded room. It was filled with bamboo scrolls and tablets, ink and quills. An elderly babaylan, her hair white with age, sat at a low table, her eyes sharp and intelligent.
"This is Babaylan Lakan," the Rajah introduced. "She will be your tutor."
Babaylan Lakan nodded, her gaze piercing. "Sit, child," she commanded, and I obeyed, feeling a strange mix of excitement and trepidation.
For weeks, I spent my days in that room, learning the art of baybayin, the history of our people, and the knowledge of distant lands. Babaylan Lakan was a strict but patient teacher, and under her guidance, I began to see the world in a new light.
One day, as a reward for my progress, the Rajah allowed me to visit the palengke. It was a rare treat, and I relished the opportunity to walk among the people, to see and hear the vibrant life of the village.
As I wandered through the stalls, admiring the colorful fabrics and fragrant spices, I overheard a group of villagers talking in hushed tones.
"Have you heard?" one of them said, his voice low and urgent. "There are people with pale skin coming to the nearby barangays. They speak of a god, a single god who created everything."
Another villager nodded, her eyes wide with wonder. "They say this god is powerful and merciful, that he offers salvation to those who believe in him."
I listened, intrigued by their words. A single god? It was a concept foreign to our beliefs, where we worshipped many deities, each with their own domain and power.
Curiosity piqued, I approached the group. "Who are these people?" I asked. "And what do they call this god?"
The villagers looked at me, surprised by my interest. "They call themselves Kristiyanos," one of them replied. "And their god is called Hesus."
I thanked them and continued my walk through the market, my mind buzzing with questions. What did this new belief mean for our people? How would it affect our way of life?
That evening, as I returned to the Rajah's home, I found the Rajah waiting for me. "Did you enjoy your time in the palengke?" he asked, his eyes studying my face.
"Yes, Rajah," I replied, my thoughts still on the villagers' words. "I heard something interesting today. There are people with pale skin visiting the nearby barangays, sharing messages about a god called Hesus."
The Rajah's expression darkened slightly. "Yes, I have heard of these Kristiyanos. They bring strange ideas and seek to change our ways."
I nodded, understanding his concern. "But perhaps there is something we can learn from them," I suggested cautiously. "Knowledge is power, after all."
He looked at me, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You are wise, Diwa. We must be cautious, but we must also be open to new ideas. Continue your studies, and keep your ears open. We will face this new challenge together."
As I returned to my lessons with Babaylan Lakan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The world was changing, and I was determined to be ready for whatever lay ahead.
****
Standing in the grand hall of the Rajah's home, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The Rajah sat cross-legged on a woven mat, surrounded by his councilors and warriors. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense and the gentle sound of bamboo wind chimes swaying in the breeze.
Finally, the Rajah's gaze fell upon me. "Diwa, you have been waiting quite some time. What is it that you wish to ask of me?"
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "I come before you with a humble request. I wish to visit my friend, Lila. It has been some time since we last saw each other, and I would like to catch up with her."
The Rajah's eyes softened as he regarded me. "I see. You and Lila share a special bond, do you not?"
"Yes," I replied earnestly. "We have been friends since you introduced her to me."
The Rajah nodded thoughtfully. "Friendship is indeed a precious thing. Tell me, where does Lila reside now?"
"She lives in a small hut on the outskirts of the barangay," I explained. "It would not be a long journey, and I promise to return promptly."
The Rajah leaned back, considering my request. "Diwa, you have proven yourself to be a loyal and trustworthy. I see no reason to deny you this visit. You may go and see your friend."
My face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Rajah. I am deeply grateful for your kindness."
The Rajah raised a hand, signaling for me to rise. "Go, Diwa. Enjoy your time with Lila."
With a heart full of joy, I bowed once more and hurried out of the grand hall. I couldn't wait to see Lila and share all the things that had happened since we last met when she dressed me. It's been months since then.
As I prepared for my journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. I packed a small bayong with a few essentials and set off on foot, the path to Lila's hut familiar and comforting.
The journey was pleasant, the warm sun overhead and the gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming sampaguita. My thoughts were filled with memories of my time with Lila, and I found myself smiling at the thought of our reunion.
When I finally arrived at the outskirts of the barangay, I was greeted by the sight of children playing sungka in the dirt paths and the sound of laughter filling the air. It was a peaceful place, a stark contrast to the bustling home of Rajah.
I made my way to Lila's modest nipa hut and knocked on the bamboo door. Moments later, the door swung open, and there stood Lila, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Diwa!" Lila exclaimed with a smile. "I wasn't expecting you!"
I smiled back. "I had some time and thought I'd visit. How have you been?"
Lila stepped aside to let me in. "Come in, come in! Let's catch up."
****
MEANINGS:
Barangay: A small administrative division in the Philippines, similar to a village, district, or ward.
Sungka: A traditional Filipino board game played with shells or stones on a wooden board with small pits and larger end pits, aimed at capturing more shells or stones than the opponent.
Panday: A skilled blacksmith.
Palengke: Marketplace
Kristiyanos : Early Spanish missionaries who introduced Christianity to the Philippines