I was on my way home when I decided to take a detour. This time, to the Municipal Playground which has opened to the public just recently. The construction started in July and was inaugurated on September 8, 2008. The total cost of the project was roughly estimated to be P3.5 Million. It IS worth it, I believe. Worth the priceless rapture of the children, worth the smiles on their guardian's faces as they attend to their wards, worth the exhilaration of everyone else. Kudos to the most Honorable Mayor Ed Lumayag.

The playground is open for all children as long as they are with their guardians. Teenagers and adults as well are welcome on the condition that they do not cause any ruckus. It is open on weekdays from 3-6pm - a just parameter to avoid students from skipping their classes during schooldays. On weekends however, it is open from 8am-7pm. The playground is properly maintained and no food is allowed inside. Trashes, the wrappers, they are. It has two comfort rooms each for both adults and children. There is a guard stationed at the entrance so safety is a surety, and the greatest part of all, it is free for everyone.



I took my roundabout route with only one purpose: and that is, to take pictures. The colors and the vibe of children playing was too tempting to capture. I felt stupid at the thought of taking pictures and the fact that I was not with a company. But the smiles and the enthusiasm of the children as I pointed my camera on them unsolicited motivated me to just take the pictures as much as I want and be at ease with my self-consciousness.At first, I could feel the eyes of suspicious guardians at me, but their unspoken voices and their unnerving stares faded as I allowed myself to enjoy my moment with the youngsters whom I felt comfortable with even when they were strangers.

I was glad to meet a group of friends who were just so eager to pose for me. And they posed the way how I wanted them to be - well, almost, but everything around me just seemed exceptional. The children would huddle around me to look at the pictures and then pose again when I'd request them to do so. I enjoyed the camaraderie.

And of course, to Jun and his friends, thanks again for the fun. I hope I'd be able to take pictures of you and your friends again soon.

Ooops. I even forgot to take my own picture. I was holding the camera for myself and pointing it at everyone that I forgot to have myself included in the photos. Now that gives me all the reason more to be coming back on the place where I found -- bliss.



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Photos taken at Municipal Playground, Polomolok, South Cotabato; by Me.