Just another early evening in a quiet Manila neighborhood. The messy electrical wires don’t mar the beauty of the full moon.

It is around six o’clock in the evening. In many households, the TV is turned on and set on an early evening news program. The comforting aroma of onions, garlic and tomatoes being sauteed drifts onto the streets, beckoning playing children to get ready for dinner. Household pets that wandered the neighborhood find their way home. Cars are pulling up into driveways, jeepneys are making more frequent stops. Men and women in business attire are ringing doorbells and being welcomed by shrieks and warm embraces of their children.

Just another early evening in my Manila neighborhood. The day’s mess and noise don’t mar the beauty of coming home, being home.