We love Candelaria. We love Zambales.

Bhen Cervantes talks about his first trip to Zambales many years ago when his friend Mac del Fierro invited a group of his Upsilon brothers to visit San Antonio, Zambales for the Holy Week after their college graduation.

He goes on to say how it one of his most memorable weeks, recalling it with much relish.

His most recent visit was on the invitation of Jun Fain to Iba. Mr. Cervantes goes on to say how he loved the shoreline of Zambales, and says "It is beautiful indeed."

But what I like best about his missive is this:

"As a re-introduction, I am happy I can still catch semblances of the naturally beautiful Philippines before these parts look like everything else: traffic-laden, polluted -- ecologically and noise-wise, with posters, tarpaulin and buntings as well.

Why do we overdo? Let Nature be. The Philippines is fine. There is no need for malls and Manila franchises that make erstwhile naturally pretty towns into loud ugly cities.

I think this need to look and sound like Manila stems from the fact that most Filipinos have no regional pride." Source

I believe this. Not just for Zambales but for any town that isn't Manila. As much as I have affection for the busy metropolis, I cannot help but love more the quiet and peace, the less hectic pace of the provinces.

We as Candelarians should be proud of what we are. As much as we'd like to bring progress to our little town, we should not obliterate the heritage and richness of our past. I myself would love to see the remaining old houses restored, same goes for the Gabaldon schools, not just in our town, but in the entire province.

It would be nice if each town had a museum about its history, especially while we still have our grandparents and parents to tell us the stories.

We should take on projects that preserve and take care of not just the history, but also of the beauty of nature around us. It should also be a continuing project that leaders of Candelaria should take on once the previous term has passed.


Let's love Candelaria the way it should be.