WHERE BANDIT ONCE RAN FREE

I am Bandit, an Aspin, short for Asong Pinoy.

- By Zaida Marie A. Tambis

My fur is light brown, my ears never quite agree on which way to stand, and my paws have memorized every crack and corner of our streets. I am a community dog. I belonged to everyone, and everyone belonged a little to me.I used to be happiest when the town was alive.

Every January, when the drums echoed and the streets bloomed with red, I joined the Sto. Niño procession. No leash, no command - just faith and feet moving together. I walked beside barefoot dancers and swaying images, my tail keeping time with the music.

Someone once tied a red ribbon around my neck and said, "Aspin ka man, kasama ka." Even when the crowd knelt, I sat still, feeling something warm and gentle settle in my chest. I felt seen. I felt chosen.

Then there was the night of fire.