Changing Its Rays (Sultan Naga Series #1) (UNDER EDITING)

Kabanata 42

Reason

Kapatagan Plaza was buzzing because of our Sinulog dance practice as me and the other dancers preparing for the Sinulog festival. The air was thick with anticipation and nerves, the sound of traditional music echoing through the plaza. Nilingon ko ang trainer na halos hindi na maipinta ang mukha habang naka pamaywang itong nakatingin sa bawat galaw ng dancers.

Ang role ko, madali lang since magbibitbit lang ako sa St.Niño tapos I will dance gracefully just like what the trainer instructed. Hindi katulad ng mga dancers na may iba't-iba silang formation na bubuoin.

"No, no, no! Again!" the trainer yelled, his frustration evident. May itinuro siyang teen na kanina pa nawawala sa bilang.

"You're out of sync! Sinulog ang ipre-presenta ninyo at hindi school talent show!"

Natigil ang lahat. I sighed. "Water break muna!" anunsyo niya.

I clad in a dark green racerback and fitted black leggings, paused to wipe the sweat off my brow. I swiftly pulled my hair into a bun, ready to get back into the routine.

"Ate, Dorothy..."

Nilingon ko ang mga teens na naka upo ngayon sa damuhan. Pawis na pawis din ang mga ito at halatang pagod na rin. Kanina pa kaming alas otso nang umaga nag p-practice at alas dos na ngayon ng hapon.

"Akala po namin Muslim ka," kuryosong tanong no'ng may bangs.

Saglit akong nagulat pero kalaunan ay inilingan ko nalang din ang mga 'to sabay ngitian. Paano nila nasabi? May resemblance ba ako sa mga babaeng muslim dito sa Sultan Naga?

"Naku, hindi..."

"Kahit dugong muslim po?"

I shook my head again.

Piniling niya ang ulo na para bang nagdadalawang isip siya sa naging sagot ko. But when she realized that I wasn't bluffing, tinanguhan nalang din niya ako sabay ngiti.

"Palagi ko siyang nakikita noon na ano..."

"Shh!"

I don't know what they are whispering about pero hindi naman siguro nila ako bina-backstab. Nang tapos na ang water break ay tinawag kami ulit ng trainer. With a deep breath, the dancers returned to their positions, ready to give an nother shot.

"Kapag talaga kayo papalpak na naman, kukutongan ko kayo isa-isa!" banta niya pa.

Nang medyo na satisfied na siya sa iilang practice, tinawag niya ako. Pina upo niya muna ang mga dancers para makapag pahinga. Kahit mahigpit siya sa practice ay hindi ito naging madamot sa pagpapahinga sa mga dancers niya. Sinipat ko ang sout na relo, alas kuwatro na pala.

"Dorothy..." medyo maarte niyang tawag. Muntik ko nang makakalimutan na bading pala 'to.

"Po?" mas lapit ko pa sa kanya.

"Dorothy, as the festival queen, your movements should be graceful yet powerful. Isipin mo ang sarili mong you are embodying the spirit of Sinulog as you perform," he said.

I nodded and pressed my lips together.

"Start with a slow, regal walk, commanding attention with every step," he added as he demo what he instructed.

I listened intently to his instructions as my  eyes focused on every movement of from his hands and body, learning and absorbing the steps.

I tried walking gracefully just like what he instructed then I stopped mid step and looked back to him to see if I was doing right.

"Yes, that's it."

"Now, as you move, let your arms flow gracefully, like the wings of a bird in flight. Extend them outwards na para bang gusto mong abutin ang langit. Feel the energy flowing through your fingertips."