Memoirs of a Time Traveler

IT TAKES a photo exhibit of Bacolod City during the yesteryears to rekindle old memories forever etched in the annals of time as well as to arouse a passion and curiosity for the things of the past. Tucked away somewhere in old-fashioned photo albums are black and white photographs, some of which are already undergoing the process of discoloration. They give us a glimpse of our parents' lifestyles in the olden days. People of my generation can say that we were born and raised into adulthood during the transition stage between the vintage era and the modern times. This was in the 1960s when black and white TV sets, turntables and typewriters were still in vogue.

Valuable witnesses to the silent past are the parents of my generation. They are the main characters in our fading photographs from the yesteryears. As the minutes tick by in modern-day speed, one should find the time to sit down and listen to the stories of these senior citizens. Once upon a time in our city, horse-drawn calesas were the main mode of transportation. Later on, American jeepneys entered the picture. Calesas became sparse and were only available at night.

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More important than the evolution of the modern-day passenger jeepney is the evolution of the camera, from a device capable of taking only still photographs to an instrument that could also capture sound and motion.

And yes, even the heavy and cumbersome telephones underwent an evolution, from the dial system to the touch system to the wireless cellphones that come in pocket sizes. Who's to say what other amazing inventions and innovations are in store for the youngest generation of the planet?

These are just the musings of an individual who has been touched in a special way by the Bacolod City Archives photo exhibit now available for public viewing. For those interested, just contact Mrs Jona Macaranas at telephone numbers 0926-4743096 and 434-4448.