”Handurawan” is a Visayan word for reflection. I am writing this column in my home in Valencia, Negros Oriental (right beside Dumaguete City) which I have named “Handurawan sa Valparaiso.” Indeed, the town of Valencia, one of the loveliest municipalities in Negros Oriental is paradise on earth. My home, surrounded by trees and flowers, and constantly visited by birds and butterflies, is right beside a river. The sound of rushing water is the first thing I hear when I wake up in the morning. Its murmurs and gurgles lull me to sleep at night.

It is good to start a column in a place like Handurawan sa Valparaiso. Myriad shades of green from trees, grass, and water help clear away the cobwebs of city life and sweep away the accumulated dust and dirt of conflict, lies and untruths. Yes, it is the perfect place for reflection.

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