Balay Bato

Balay Bato

More than you know
You are a calming breathe of fresh air in a bustling city
An ecological wonder from years of lived and embodied wisdom
Holding the space for intergenerational connections
Reeducating us of the striking power struggles and Negros history with its remnants looking through the surrounding sugarcane fields
A living space of wonder with growing garden for all season
a natural nourishment to our souls
A steady strength like a lonesome carabao constant site under the blazing sun
A gentle memory of rustling leaves caressing our aspirations and dreams
a poetic greenscape of the forest canopy
a nature's living canvass of organic masterpieces
slowly forming, birthing into little miracles of baby palms, birds nests and succulent berries
a slow morning  wind bathing caressing, reaasuring a tired spirit
a space holding us safe especially during the pandemic
Where new found joy, friendships and cooking styles and recipes are reignited
Where new stories and autobiographies and journeys unfold
as a true testament to theater of life
Where enchanting chorale voices entertain and ferry us back to the spirit of the youth
the thriving forest of native indigenous trees growing with us as contant voyeurs to our wins, losses, grief and joys
Where children frolicked in your stone gardens fearless and true braving life with candidness
With endless spontaneous laughters, gatherings celebrations of extended family and friends
Where stories and experiences of young and old are treasured
a solace to our long undying struggles of ordinary lives into extraordinary experiences
welcoming us home with open doors and windows like a Mother with warm open arms
You are a cultural heritage of local architectures amidst the confusions within a confined subdivision
a natural ecological wonder of a painstaking collection of Negros stones
Reshaping and sharpening our minds and hearts every visit
to become fully conscious
that we are no greater than any stone or trees
Our breathe is your breathe
For we are because you are