16 6 / 2011
Random Memory: SEBA
The St. Elizabeth Bowling Alley (SEBA) was this bowling alley my family and i would go to on the weekends. Located in the city near St. Paul’s College and PNB, this bowling alley was on the 2nd floor, above the clinic of my godmother, a few minutes’ walking distance from my school, and a stone’s throw away from the city’s Capitol Bldg.
I learned to bowl from my mom. She was in great shape, and a very good bowler. We didn’t do bowling with those big pins and customized bowling balls. We had duckpin bowling, with 2 small balls to hit the pins with. For us kids, the bowling alley was a wonderful place to hang out, win and yes, learn math (we had to score manually since there was no computerized scoring yet).
My brother and i would take turns playing, and young as we were, we’d get competitive with our scores. I remember getting really mad when my brother would tease me about my score —- he usually gets a higher score than i do. Occasionally we’d fight about it, but usually we’d keep to ourselves, being the “competitors” that we are :P Still, in spite of that, i ended up enjoying bowling, mostly because this was one activity that motivated me to be better, and yes, spend time with family.
Mom would always appease us with a “victory celebration” at the Birdhouse, this tiny cafe at the first floor that’s stocked with wonderful desserts and their special, thin crust pizza. We’d end up hanging out there hours after the games just chatting up and eating up a storm.
I’m not entirely sure if the place is still open, after been away for so long, or if they’ve converted it into something else completely. I do remember these memories every time i pass by this place though. I just love how places in Iloilo hold so many memories for me and my family. <3
