Ubay, Bohol, Philippines, 6315

It was been five years of our stay in Manila when my parents decided to go back to the place where they started and grew, developed and learned as a person, individuals, and as parents. It was at first hard on my part to leave my school, my classmates, and my friends but I had no choice. They made their decision final. They even got the tickets ahead of time.

My mind was full of questions and curiosity on how that place look like after five years. I kept on asking if what kind of place would welcome us when we arrive; if why my parents loved that place so much that we have to leave Manila and proceed to a place that me and my brothers are not even used to."Something must be special to that place'" a thought that I bear in mind through our journey across the sea.

When we arrived at the seaport, I felt the warm welcome of the breeze. It was still the port where we departed to Manila five years ago. My doubts were suddenly converted to excitement. When I roam around, I noticed that the port I'm standing was bigger, improved, and more organized than before. When I looked at my parents, I saw their happy faces smiling on me. Finally, they were able to go back to their homeland, the place of our ancestors and the beginning of our heritage- a place in Bohol called UBAY.

I become a transferee at Ubay Central Elementary School and fortunately, Ubayanon students were very friendly that made me easy to adapt and adjust to the situation. I appreciated the way they welcomed me. I never encountered difficulty on communicating with them since they know how to adapt and speak Tagalog- the language I've been using for many years. It wasn't so long when I became fluent in speaking binocular or Visayan language.

From that day onwards, I became a witness on the way Ubayanos preserve their customs and traditions. Even year, the town celebrates Ubay-Ubay Festival in honor with their patron saint Sr. Sto. Niño. They hospitably welcome people from all walks of life to join the Sinulog celebration. They often showcase their talents and beauties through various contests held. To take care their own heritage and ancestry, Ubayanos also celebrate gatherings, reunions, homecomings with their families and batch mates to recall the years they were been together.

With these simple observations, my mind started to be clear on the thoughts I've been keeping for a long time. The thing that made UBAY a special place was the presence of LOVE to the fellowmen, to the community, to the heritage, and to God. Now, I'm already a graduating student at Ubay National Science High School and for my five years of existence in this promising town, I had not made and will not make any regrets to be an Ubayanon. Instead, I'll be thankful to be given an opportunity to belong in a loving and improving community, a place where every citizens try their best to become a productive one for the betterment of the town.

Now that I understand my parents, I am proud to be an Ubayanon and will do my best for the whole world to know what an Ubayanon can do. As I go along to my journey as a college student, maybe I would be out of town but still, my heart will be and always belong to Ubay- the place that gave me the love that made me a better person, a responsible student, and a productive citizen. Now, it's the time for me to return my love to this place because Ubay deserves nothing but to be loved. Its heritage deserves to be preserved over generations."I'm proud I'm an Ubayanon, in mind, and in heart.