OUR TRIP TO THE NATIONAL LIBRARY PART I

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jessica Leal Manalili
IV-Albert Einstein


July 10, 2008 – I, together with Wilfredo, Driesch, mara, Jhoan, Jesseca, Francesca and Kim, went to the National Library of The Philippines.

We gathered in two groups, one at Jolibee Guadalupe the other at Bangkal. After which we teamed up at Jolibee UN Ave. At first there was confusion because we were both at Jolibbe UN Ave. but we could not find each other. Here goes our phone conversation:

Nasaan na kayo? Nasa Jolibee na kami!

Nasa Jolibee na rin kami, bAkit wala naman kayo?

It turned out there were two Jolibee at UN Avenue: one was near the LRT station the other was at Times Plaza. When we finally met up, we just laughed at our stupidity and carried on with our purpose. First up, look for the National Library. Jesseca says, “We should ride a jeep to Kalaw Ave., that’s what my cousin said”. But to make sure, we asked a street vendor and he instructed us to just walk because Kalaw Ave. was just a block away. He said that we should cross the street and then walk straight. “It’s across 7-eleven”, he said. So we walked. We saw 7-eleven but there was no library across it. We walked some more. We passed the Seafarer’s center and the numerous booths for seamen travel destinations. We even noted that the Sulpicio Lines booth was vacant. We also passed the Department of Tourism. At last at 9:46 am, after all the mishaps and many subdued traffic accidents, we set foot on The National Library.

Like the usual Pinoy, we wouldn’t let the opportunity of taking a picture pass. WE posed like freaks and were dumbfounded by the massive structure that lay before us.

“Wow, so this is it.”, I thought silently to myself.

Once inside the library, we asked the guard for instructions and then we registered. Then we got hold of our very own Reader’s card.

“Cool! My very own reader’s card.”, I thought silently to myself.

We were very excited that we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves. After depositing our bags, we went first to the Filipiñiana Section, with no idea whatsoever, we were approached by a library staff. She directed us to someone that could help us. Mr. Cruz gave us certain books, but it wasn’t enough. So we went off by ourselves. Exploring each section of the library, we set out in groups and went on with our research. Photocopy. Borrow. Fill-up. Stairs. Return. Photocopy. Catalog. Copy. Stairs. Borrow. Return. Read.

Then we went to the Multimedia Center and discovered the wonder of the Microfilm. We were so amazed by the said apparatus that our jaws literally dropped. As we marveled, we were given instructions. The only drawback was that we took so much time in scanning and printing that the cashier closed in on us and we had to pay in the cashier’s office just to claim our printouts. Some found many articles, some found few. But nonetheless, we were happy. At 5:30 pm we left the National Library. With no food in our stomach since breakfast, we were ravenous. We went to Jolibee in the record-breaking fourth time for that same day. There we devoured and indulged in fastfood delicacies to our heart’s content.

Even our trip back home was educational. My eyes were full of images of UP, PGH, St. Paul, Malate, Paco, clubs, people. We agreed to come back to the National Library, but not to research but to tour around Manila.

Though my companions made fun of me because I was ignorant of the places that they pointed at and seemed very much like a nomad, I didn’t mind. I was happy. It is one trip that I enjoyed.

I would remember.