"BATIBOT"
from Aming Katha

Ang Aming Katha was supposed to be about memories, childhood memories in particular. Batibot, after all, was that TV show that kept us happy during our childhood. We all know the lyrics to the show's theme: "Pagmulat ng mata, langit nakatawa sa Batibot, sa Batibot."

It was that time when we were content with what we had, when we had everything we needed, and when everybody we wanted to be with were with us.

But we grow up; too soon, in fact, and eventually, we need to leave Batibot behind. We grow up and see that the world is not about the happy songs we used to sing and the fun games we used to play. We realize that we're no longer in Batibot.

And then we grow up even more; some of us even forget that Batibot ever existed, and that they were ever in that place. All of the wonder is erased from their minds.

But then, our lives were designed in such a way that we could have a taste of Batibot every now and then, some more often than others. It would not be the same as the Batibot we knew when we were kids.

But it still is similar to that place. The fun and games, the songs, and the stories may no longer be there, but it still is a place where you could be happy. It's still that place that makes you thankful you actually exist. It's still that place that makes you care. It's still that place that makes you feel that you have all that you could ever ask for in the world.

Each person has her own personal happy place, her very own Batibot. It could be enjoyed only a few moments at a time, and then we need to grow up, move on. We need to leave again.

And then once more we go back into the world. We stumble, get hurt, get our hearts broken. But we carry on living despite the bruises and the broken hearts. We carry on because we know we could be back in Batibot in no time. A different kind of Batibot, but Batibot nonetheless.