Tayo Na Sa Antipolo for Sumulong Day

Most of my childhood was spent in Antipolo. I grew up in the boondocks in a compound situated at the end of a highway named after my great-grandfather. Every year on December 27th, we’d gather at Sumulong Park for Sumulong Day. I’m so glad I was able to join in on the fun again this year.

The trek up Sumulong Highway was nostalgic. There was a mix of the new and the familiar. Roads were wider, and landmark corner stores were gone. A new still-empty market stood where the compound once was. Why haven’t I gone back to Antipolo sooner?

We first headed over the the Cathedral. It looked the same, but felt a little smaller than it used to be. Places tend to be massive in my memories.

Just like we did when I was a kid, we went up the Cathedral to view and touch the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

Then, we headed over to the park for the commemoration. This year’s program was way shorter than it used to be.

My cousins and I joked around, remembering how we used to be the ones performing during the program. We’re so glad to be done with all that.

Most people know Sumulong as the highway and nothing more. It’s amazing that 139 years after his death, Don Juan Sumulong’s life was still being celebrated in Antipolo. It’s an honor to be part of that heritage.

When the festivities were over, we had to bring home the best treats from Antipolo. Kasoy, was a must.

And lots of suman had to be had for my brother, Milo.