Binalonan is in My Heart

June 1 is the final day of the uninterrupted break for public school teachers like me. For this end-of-school-year vacation, I hoped to visit historical places. I had planned to join my cousins on a tour of the National Museum in Manila last month. Sadly, I missed the trip due to personal reasons. I was sad because I had already planned my outfits and made a list of artifacts I wanted to see.

 

I thought I would just stay at home and nurse my feelings until the break ended. Then, unexpectedly, I received a message from the graduate school where I’m currently enrolled. It was a letter of acceptance inviting me to present my research paper at a three-day research conference in Binalonan, scheduled for May 28–30, 2025.

 

I visited Binalonan for the first time last Wednesday. As I search WCC-ATC, the venue for the conference, on Google Maps, I noticed a familiar name from Philippine literature: Bulosan. I suddenly remembered that Carlos Bulosan, a renowned poet and novelist, was born there. One of his short stories, My Father Goes to Court, is a favorite piece that I teach in my literature class. I told myself I had to visit a site, perhaps a museum or monument related to him that I could share with my students. Finally, I had the chance to fulfill my travel goal. Still, I wasn’t sure how to make it happen with our packed conference schedule.

 

On Day 2 of the conference, oral presentations were scheduled, and I was in the afternoon session. I thought of exploring the town to look for something about Bulosan during my free time. But I dismissed the idea as I needed to rehearse and calm my nerves.

 

After the two-hour session I attended in the afternoon, I changed from my long-sleeved shirt and coat into a more casual polo. I finally had free time to pursue my side quest. Before leaving the venue, I showed a tricycle driver a picture of the Bulosan Monument I found on the town’s website. He asked around and, after five minutes, we located the monument in Barangay Sto. Niño.

In the photo, the monument was painted white, but in person, parts of it were now green including the engraved text, which was a bit hard to read. This is what it says:

 

Carlos Bulosan

1911–1956

Internationally known short story writer, novelist, and poet. Author of Letter from America, Voice of Bataan, Laughter of My Father, and America Is in the Heart.

Born on Nov. 2, 1911, in Binalonan, Pangasinan. Died on Sept. 11, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

 

I took photos from different angles and recorded a video. It was surreal. I had goosebumps standing next to the monument honoring one of Pangasinan’s literary icons.

 

Next, I showed the driver another picture from an article on the Inquirer website which is Bulosan’s memorabilia displayed at the University of Eastern Pangasinan back in 2014. We left immediately and arrived at the university in just two minutes. The driver kindly agreed to wait for me. However, we were only there briefly. The information desk officer explained that the memorabilia had been moved to the town’s museum.

 

So off we went again—this time to the Binalonan Museum. I got off in front of the tourism office, located next to the public park. I was grateful to the tricycle driver for his patience during my search.

I checked the map posted near the office and found that the museum was nearby. Unfortunately, construction was ongoing in that area. I wanted to ask the workers inside the office, but my introverted self hesitated. I approached two construction workers taking a break and asked if the museum was open. One of them told me it was closed due to the construction. I thanked them and walked away.

 

I was sad as I walked to the park, disappointed that I could not see Bulosan's memorabilia. My frustration went gone as I marveled on the big trees and lush greenery. I admired how clean the area is. Binalonan was awarded the title of “Most Beautiful and Cleanest Town in the Philippines” by Malacañang in 1968, and that legacy clearly lives on.

As I strolled, I couldn’t help but appreciate how well-planned the town proper is. The spacious park is perfect for recreational activities. I saw teenagers skateboarding near the municipal hall and college students enjoying a picnic at 4 PM. Public parks like this that promote health, wellness, and community are exactly what we need more of. Places like these allow us to breathe after a day of hustle and bustle.

As a tourist, I took photos of the park, the church, the statues, and the fountain in front of the town hall, which is under renovation. On my first night, while riding a tricycle back to the transient house, I caught a glimpse of the dancing fountain. I wanted to stop, but I was tired from the long trip, and the weather was gloomy. I promised myself I’d see it up close the next day. I did, though I had to wait patiently.

 

I ended my 40-minute stroll at the dancing fountain area. It was 4:45 PM, and the fountain was not on yet. I noticed a mother and her toddler sitting on the grass, probably waiting for the show. I asked what time it would start.

 

"Before 6 PM,” she said.

 

I thanked her and left to have an early dinner at Jollibee. I rewarded myself with a Super Meal and vanilla ice cream for successfully presenting my paper. The calories I burned during my walk were replenished. I promised to resume my weight-loss journey when I returned to Anda.

 

I finished dinner at 5:50 PM and returned to the park. It was already 6 PM, but still bright outside. People of all ages gathered around the fountain. The water and lights danced in sync with the music from the speakers. I was singing along to Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max and A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay. It was heartwarming to see families and friends enjoying the spectacle. On the other hand, some elderly folks were dancing Zumba nearby. This is what public parks are made of.

As an introvert and homebody, watching people savor moments outdoors made me feel connected to the outside world. I stayed for 20 minutes before heading back to the transient house.

The people of Binalonan are lucky to have such a beautiful public park. They truly deserve it. And I’m grateful to have shared in their joy, even briefly.

 

My three-day stay in the municipality was unforgettable. Beyond winning my first Best Research Presenter award, I gained meaningful insights about Carlos Bulosan’s roots that I can share my literature and creative writing classes. I also had the chance to explore a charming town in Pangasinan. Its beauty and the people's kindness captivated me.

 

Indeed, Binalonan is in my heart.