I really missed eating street foods especially kwek-kwek and lumpia with a spicy and sour sauce overloaded on it. Way back in high school, this type of food was always my snack since I was not a fan of biscuits or homemade snacks.
Without any dilly-dallies, we went outside the house and walked to the area where the food carts were installed. It was a five-minute walk from our house which was nearer than I thought.
But before we were able to go outside, there was already some creature other than my niece. Bruce understands our gestures and sounds in the house that whenever he sees someone changing clothes, he knows right away we will be going outside. And there he was, already in front, and my niece was annoyed because she could not go outside as Bruce was blocking the way.
On our way, we passed by this unfinished building. But it was not the building that caught my attention—it was the dogs. These dogs were new to my sight and I had never seen them before, but I learned some earthquake evacuees sleep here at night so I guess they belong to one of the evacuees.
Every time we go outside our area, we always pass by this gymnasium because this is the only comfortable way to the highway, unless someone prefers using the woods path full of fallen trunks and wild bushes. This gymnasium has seen many moments and milestones of people in San Remigio. It saw our graduation experiences, community meetings, expensive galas, tournaments, and even pageants that are now sitting on its broken corners and walls. The earthquake and typhoon put this gymnasium in a scenario that will break our hearts, as this place was once a space of unity, community, and celebrations. I cannot even watch it for a long time knowing that a group of players and audience died here during the earthquake. What was once a joyous gymnasium became a graveyard for us.
My niece was kinda energetic earlier, she ran here and there, and everywhere. I’m glad there were no vehicles passing here because of the prohibition, so she could run safely but not too near the walls of the gymnasium. She is always cheerful and full of spirit whenever we go outside because it means she can play with her uncle and auntie.
Five minutes later, we finally arrived at the cart which is located in front of the gymnasium I shared to you above. I scanned the display hoping I would see kwek-kwek first but unfortunately, Kuya Tindero was not selling it today because he ran out of stock. There were only hotdogs, tempura, fishballs, and my favorite lumpia. Juices were also served in cups while they also sold soft drinks in bottles.
Kuya Tindero’s sauces were sweet sauce, spicy, vinegar, and ketchup. You can even mix these sauces according to your liking, and these are clean ones, different from other carts that do not consider cleanliness in their display. When I was in high school, this Kuya Tindero was also my to-go cart so I kinda knew him. He has been selling street food for almost 15 years now and it helped him get the life he deserves. So until now he still sells street food and it humbles me.
I bought two sets of lumpia and a cup of hotdog for my niece. My sister did not want to eat some so I didn’t buy one for her. She is a picky eater actually.
After getting our orders, we went home immediately because the sun was still up and scorching. I brought the food while my sister tended to my niece who moved around like she never runs out of battery. I laughed at my niece because I found her silliness cute and it reminded me of my childhood years. I let her play also even if my sister was annoyed because I know how important play is to the socio-emotional development of a child.
When we got home, we ate our food while chatting about random things. The taste of the lumpia reminded me of my teenage days—simple but full of joy. Days like this may seem ordinary, but they are the kind that make me realize how precious small moments with family truly are.
