Last Tuesday, my sibling discussed the recent changes in our hometown using Google Maps. Since this topic is long, I’d like to separate it into different parts. The first part is about the changes in the places I used to go to most when I was in high school. Then, next week, I will share the recent developments on Andres Mariano Street, where I used to live. I lived there for more than 15 years and studied from kindergarten to junior high school. Therefore, sharing my reminiscence during our time travel using Google Maps would be extensive.

Bagbaguin National High School

This is the photo of my alma mater as of May 2018, and I studied here since June 2016. Others said it used to be a farm and was developed into a school. I had a lot of friends during that era, but it was kinda immature and toxic.

Now, this is the picture of the school as of January 2024. Nothing has changed outside, but many developments happened inside. I remember it only had one building when I was in Grade 7. Then, the government built another one when I was in Grade 8. I used to study where I encircled. When I was in Grade 9, they built another building in front of the previously mentioned establishment. I studied on the new establishment when I was Grade 10.

Anyway, I was in the second section during my junior high school days, except in Grade 8. I had a bad experience at that time when I was at the star section, and I don’t want to remember it fully. Still, I have connections with some of my classmates from high school. Some of them are already graduating, and some have stopped. Others already have their own families, which still surprises me.

Shortcut From School to House

If you want to get out of school to reach A. Mariano Street, you have three ways. You can route through Duhat, Bayabas, or Avocado. Don’t be surprised if you encounter many streets inspired by fruits like Caimito, Atis, Santol, and more. The shortest one is the street corner from Duhat Street. That’s what you can see in the photo taken by Google Maps last [date].

As of January 2024, nothing has changed. You can see a few developments on the street, but nothing significant.

First Computer Shop

Now, let’s move on to Avocado Street. This is the street where you’ll see two computer shops. Anyway, this is the first computer shop I want to share. This is where I mainly went when I needed to use a computer for school purposes. You could pay 5 pesos for 30 minutes, and they strictly monitored the time using a system. It was usually occupied, so I struggled before with securing slots. What I liked about this was its competitive pricing, especially for a student on a tight budget.

As of January 2024, I was shocked that it is now closed and turned into a sari-sari store. But if you consider the developments back then, you'll understand. Everything became digital during the pandemic, and laptops became more affordable. Budget-friendly phones and mobile subscriptions with higher gigabytes are also more accessible.

Second Computer Shop

If that computer shop was closed, I would proceed to this one. It was cheaper than the one near our home, which I will mention in the next section. This is where I went when I wanted to laminate because it was cheaper than the first. It had fewer visitors, making it more accessible. The only thing I disliked was its pricing, which depended on the caretaker. Sometimes they charged low, but most of the time, high. They also restricted me from entering until 4 p.m. if I wanted to stay and create documents.

As of May 2022, it was also closed and turned into a fruit store. I guess it is still owned by them since they also have a house at the back of the shop.

Third Computer Shop

Now, let’s proceed to another computer shop. I remember this was where we usually went when I was in Grade 5 and 6 to create assignments. Yes, I knew how to create basic documents when I was a kid. Most of my classmates also went there to do their assignments. I had a bad experience in Grade 7 that led me to stop visiting it. Maybe I just found something better.

Unfortunately, as of January 2024, it was also closed and turned into a rice supply store. As usual, it wasn’t that surprising.