Pedro Madrigal was a wealthy coconut baron and landowner, and the cabeza de barangay of barrio Buliasnin. This was why my father quickly gave my sister's hand in marriage when he asked for it.
Naturally, as my brother-in-law, he also became one of my greatest supporters and was among the happiest when I received my post as governor—and more recently, as general.
The idea for the march was only a day old. It had been discussed between me, Pedro, and the Colonel in a quiet corner of the cathedral's walled premises after Mass. When I suggested using his house as the midway stop for the march, he eagerly accepted.
The soldiers, pleasantly surprised and a little bit confused, streamed into his beachfront property. They were made to rest, still grouped in their respective platoons, under the shade of the Talisay trees near the shore. The waves lapping at the sands made for a soothing, rhythmic sound.
