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The Barrio Fiesta of Liputan, Meycauayan is annually held every first Saturday and Sunday of May. This year 2015, the Barrio Fiesta is held on May 2 and 3. The highlight of the festival is the pagoda that will carry the Mahal na Senyor, the Nuestra Senyora, other patron saints and religious idols, and people who wants to ride the pagoda to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Poblacion where a mass will be held. After the mass the religious idols will be taken back to the Liputan to be paraded. (See also: Liputan Barrio Fiesta 2015 Day 2) It is believed that the Mahal na Senyor is miraculous especially during the time of the festival.    Liputan has always been interesting. I only knew about this barangay when I was in high school when a classmate of mine mentioned that he lives there. I was very surprised at first that a boat ride is needed to reach the barangay since it is a group of islands. Before starting my voyage to Liputan, I went to Saluysoy to buy some Francia's Puto Special as pasalubong for Geanne and her family who will be my lovely hosts for my stay in Liputan. Geanne was my batch mate when I was in high school Francia's Puto Special is famous in Meycauayan. The establishment was already featured in newspaper articles because of its special texture and taste. Aside from the Puto Special, several goodies can also be bought for pasalubong. Francia's Puto Special is located at 221 Saluysoy, Meycauayan. From Aliw Complex, you can ride a tricycle and tell the driver to take you off at Francia's.
After buying the pasalubong, I walked straight to the daungan (dock), beside the Meycauayan Market in Poblacion. Just like a jeepney in terminal, passengers have to wait until the boat is already filled. It will be a 20-30 minutes ride to reach Barangay Liputan. The fare for the boat ride is 25php. Each boat, depending on the size, may carry from 10 up to 25 people. I am excited to be in Liputan since this will be just my second time to go there. The last time I went there was year 2011, it is also the time of barrio fiesta, but what is special this time is I will get to experience a two-day fiesta unlike before when I went there just for a short visit. I am also excited since I am going to ride a boat! 
  The voyage took signal as the motor boat began produce heavy sounds. The murky waters of the Meycauayan River began to make waves brought by the movement of the boat. Little by little, I felt the movement of the water as my head began to follow the movement of the rocking of the boat.  As we thread the Meycauayan River, I began to imagine what is the condition of the river decades ago. According to my grandparents, the river used to be crystal clear. Fishes can be caught in the river and it served as a livelihood. People can also swim as the river was clean. At this present, the Meycauayan River was listed among the world's dirtiest river, though, I heard some initiatives are being taken in order to save the river. If I could go back in time to see how the Meycauayan River's condition would be like... Anyway, despite of the river's condition, it is splendid to hear the waves of the water as we go along. After for about twenty minutes, we are able to reach the dock at Liputan. One mistake I did upon boat landing, I immediately stand up upon the landing of the boat which made me dizzy for almost an hour. Supposedly, one should wait for at least five-to ten seconds so your body can adjust with the movement of the boat.     It was hot in the afternoon. It seems that the air is not moving. The sunshine is able to illuminate the yellow pagoda that made it more stunning. While taking pictures of the pier, Geanne came and greeted me with a warm hug. We went straight to their house and she introduced me to her husband Orly and showed her one year old son Maru Khyle. The child greatly resembles his father Orly. I met Rhonel, also a highschool batchmate, who happens to be the neighbor of Geanne. He invited me to join the inuman, though I refused at that moment since it is too early, hence only a tagay. The musical number started at around before 3pm. People gathered at the basketball court to watch the musical numbers. When I was already at the court a man suddenly hold and shake my hand without prior notice. I got confused at first, until I realized he was a city councilor (laughs). The musical number were attended by the congressman, the vice-mayor, and a handful of city councilors. There are two bands performing namely Banda Uno (Bacoor, Cavite) and Banda 69 (Paete, Laguna). Having musical bands performing has been a long time tradition of the Barrio Fiesta of Liputan. I was lucky to witness having these bands performed. Below are the pictures of Banda Uno and Banda 69:   
After Banda Uno, Banda 69 took the stage (basketball court) to perform. 
 The priest together with the residents having a videocall from a fellow resident abroad
As soon as it gets dark, I went back to my host family. But before I reach the house, Rhonel and his friends offer me to have a tagay. I eventually joined them and we were able to share stories with each other. I was able to have dinner, sinigang (Geanne's husband cooks very well!). . . After dinner I returned to the inuman. I met Buto, he is working for a government agency, he is a skilled musician as he can invent lyrics the moment he takes hold of the guitar. We were able to drink with the Barangay Captain and sing songs and share laughter. I also learn some valuable insights from them regarding the value of community in order to make the barrio fiesta possible. I called it Day 1, when I felt tipsy and have to go to sleep. It will be a long day for tomorrow, I think.
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