ZIONBUILDERS Part I (How We Came Up With The Concert)

It was one of those ordinary days when I received a message from Amie. She said that Spencer wants to talk to me. I thought they need a favor or might want to order some slimming pills or glutathione injectables! I was wrong. When Spencer called me over the phone, he said he wanted to revive the concert we had almost 26 years ago! It was the Zionbuilders concert. The concert we still remember until this day because it was one of those very memorable, very successful and we really worked hard for that event that was staged on the 90's.

My first question was: who will finance? Second question was: who will choreograph? These two things, I believe from my experience were the most important aspects in making a concert this big. He said he will take care of it and we will talk to Renren so he could teach the kids dance moves and choreography. We started from there.

It was the last week of September and we barely have few weeks before Christmas. Kids would be busy by then but Spencer was positive, "we can make it!". He contacted Renren but he was busy. So we proceeded with other plans- contact the youth presidency and had them help us get through with the planning. No meeting was done except on one Sunday when we asked the youth to come for a very quick meeting, hence we decided the date of the audition and the date of the concert as well. Ihonestly  feel like these kids weren't interested at all. I couldn't see any enthusiasm! But parents of the former Zionbuilders were wearing big smiles when they heard that we are to revive the concert we had on early 90's. We then set the audition date on the 1st week of October. 

Still with no concrete plan, we proceeded with the audition. Part Ii of this blog consist of the audition process. Way to go.......

"YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME......."

Let me share with you a story.

I just finished 3 gluta injections at a government office past 12noon and about to have lunch at a restaurant downtown. On my way to Midtown food palace, a young boy who seemed to look like a 9 or 10-year-old approached me and said, "auntie, I haven't had my lunch!". I looked at him quickly and said, "me, too!" as I rushed towards the entrance door. When I about to open the door, I stopped and made a very fast assessment on him. This young boy was a beggar. At a young age, he was on the street begging for money or for food for survival. On his big brown tee and cream shorts and dirty slippers, dirty teeth and unwashed hands, I can tell that he's out there to beg. I entered the restaurant and told him to come with me. He stopped and said, "I'm not allowed inside". True to his words, the waiter immediately stopped him at the door when he entered. I looked at the waiter and told him that the boy is with me. I immediately got the attention of everyone inside the resto. Everyone's eye was on me but I didn't care a bit. I proceeded to order. I asked the boy what he wants. He said, "ok na sakin ang dinuguan, auntie".  I ordered his dinuguan, 2 cups of rice and beef steak for me, with a bottle of water each that cost me more than 200 pesos. 

He sat down at a near vacant table for two waiting for me and our orders. As I sat down, I asked if he regularly beg at that area. He said yes but he's not from the city but from the nearby town. He needs to beg because his grandfather is only a fisherman and he has no other family to feed him neither one that would give him education. When our orders arrived, he started eating his rice but slowly eating his viand. Again, I asked who is with him at home. He said his father is with him but is busy. I started to notice the discrepancy in his story. He said he needs money so he could go home to Agoo. He said he needs to bring rice to his family. He said he don't have much clothes, actually only 2 t-shirts. He said his name was First John and his surname Milanes. I asked if his brothers name were second John or Third John. He laughed and said "I have none". I knew he is well versed with people, trying to convince us that he needs to be pitied so he can get money from bypassers like me. But do I care? I saw him finished his cup of rice in 5minutes but leaving 3/4 of his viand still intact. I asked if he wanted to bring that home and he said yes with an emphasis that he needs money to pay the bus for his fare so he could go home. It was only 1:15pm. I handed over 20pesos for a fare to Agoo, not knowing if that suffice. He was thankful and when we left the place, same eyes looked at him from head to toe as if they've seen a virus coming out from the dining area. Again, I shrugged it off. He went on his way to the south, said 'thank you' many times and me towards north to get a ride back home. As I sat down the tricycle, tears flowed my eyes as I remember a verse from the scriptures: "Inasmuch as you have done this to the least of these your brethren, you have done it unto me". 

Money is scarce at the moment. I work hard to pay my bills, to bring my children to school, to meet our needs and find sufficient to get by every day. If I ignored the boy, I should have saved money for a meal for my family but will I go home joyous? Will be I happy telling my Father in Heaven that I accomplished something good today? Will I be worthy to ask some blessings if I myself didn't even give a second look at the boy? Will life be the same if I didn't learn a lesson today? I am sharing my story not to brag or to show off, but I wrote this story so we can bring our faith back to the goodness in humanity. I always believe that innate in us is kindness, goodness, charity and love towards people- towards our brothers and sister.  We all have the ability to love and be "like God". That, what I believe! 

Happy weekend everyone! 

CONNIE'S PRE-45th BIRTHDAY PARTY

There were 5 of us who planned ahead which date to celebrate a birthday party for a friend. Text messages were circulating 48 hours before the celebration. Last night, July 11, close friends and high school batchmates were gathered at a friend's mansion to share this wonderful event we've been waiting for.

At 3pm, I supposed to get instructions from our host at her furniture shop but we ended up telling the celebrant to come to the store so we could go to the venue together. On a Honda Pilot, we drove to the grocery store to buy stuff before settling in to that 8-bedroom house near the beach. The swimming pool was ready, balloons ready, roasted pig ready,  cake arrived, karaoke and tables and chairs all prepared. We did some barbecues and finished everything at 6pm. Visitors started to pluck to the mansion. All in their casual wear. 

I blessed the food using the prayer I am used to in my Church. When I said "amen" without signing of the cross, I saw them all looking at me, astonished! Well, it doesn't mean I didn't do signing of cross they would not also. But they're caught by surprise when I didn't. We then sang the song Happy Birthday. Twice. Then the celebrant blowed the candles after making a wish- just like those you see in a kiddie party. 

Everybody flocked in to the table where there were roasted pig, cake, pancit, roasted fish, pork barbecue, chicken inasal, dinakdakan, french fries, lumpiang shanghai and other "pulutan" for our tummies to enjoy. Three cases of San Mig Light, C2 juices, vodka, emperador, for my friends and me, coke and pepsi for my delight.

Then came the singing. Everybody belted out and sang their hearts out trying to beat the highest score of 98. The host offered a thousand pesos for anyone who can have a perfect score. No one got the thousand.:(

We had games, too- games for adults which I believe many of the guests aren't enjoying because they prefer to just sit down and talk and drink and sing. We've aged, maybe that's why. 

The night was young and the wines and liquor have kicked in. They started to look for more fun. I chose the song "I Will Survive" and that signalled their dancing prowess to get out from their system. There were then not only singing but dancings as well. 

It was past 10pm when most of the guests left. But the barkada stayed til after midnight. We sure were having fun but we have to part ways when some of us felt sleepy and needs to go home for work later for the day. I thank Cesar for bringing me home safely and sound. When in bed, I checked my camera and had fun looking back. I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for the fun and I am thankful for having given the chance to enjoy and once in awhile, make use of my time for leisure and enjoyment. Life is good! 

A LITTLE ADDICTED

Addiction comes in many forms. Most well known are drugs, pornography, foods and some unusual stuff. Why do people succumb to addiction? Psychologically, I don't have the answer. 

I drink coke. When it's available. It's the only drink I choose when I am on outings, parties, in a resto or at home. Everybody who knows I drink "too much" coke say I am addicted to it. But I guess I really am not because I don't crave for it anydays that it's not available. 

I was pregnant on 2011. I tried to keep my 1st trimester as normal as I can. I don't want others see me throw up in the morning or in between when I don't like the smell or taste of something. And I found a way to stop it- by eating rice. Yes, that uncooked rice direct from the rice bin. On bed or when I'm done eating meals, I found myself chewing rice. There were days when I woke up with rice on my bed or on the floor. I even bought small containers so I could put rice in it and chew wherever I go. 

It's been almost 3 years and I haven't stopped chewing rice yet. I am addicted to it. I often found myself taking small amounts from the bin while facebooking, after every meal, during candy crush time or before going to bed. It became my comfort food, my addiction. Mom will tell me I will get fat and gets diabetic with what I do but I couldn't stop it. I crave for it. I imagine it. I even walk down the rice alley at the market just to get a handful of rice while I buy stuff for our weekly needs. I am stucked to eating rice and yes, it's the raw thing, that white thing we cook every meal. And I don't know how to get rid of it. HELP! 

SIOPAO VERSUS DONUT

It was almost 11am and there's Kirby, my nephew; Rowel, my brother and myself sitting inside a small canteen beside the ENT clinic in Bauang for Rowel's check up for his frequent sneezing. 'Tho we came early, there were other two who came earlier than us so I decided to bring both to a nearby barber shop while we wait for our turn. As their reward for having consented to a haircut of my choice, we proceeded to Dunkin' Donuts for a 9-piece variety of classic donuts. Kirby took the chance to purchase the 3 Transformer collectibles from the store. We left the store, him very happy with his Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee and Drift collectibles.

While waiting for the doctor, we sat down at the canteen for our 8-oz Pepsi while we munch our donuts. There's an old man, about early 50's, a woman, maybe late 40's and another little boy, about 4-5 years old who man the canteen. When we started eating, the young boy started crying. The woman asked the girl who dropped by at the store to go to 7-11 convenience store to buy siopao for the boy. When she came back, I'm done with my Bavarian creme and heard the woman shouting at the boy. She said that should he woke up early, he should have taken breakfast and now he's pale and weak. She insisted to have him take a bite of the siopao and eat. She let him choose between pepsi or cobra for a drink. He chose cobra in strawberry flavor. While the boy was trying to eat, the woman kept on yelling at the little boy, telling him the consequences of staying up late, of playing outside the house under the sun, of not eating sufficiently, etc etc. I can see the boy taking small bites of his siopao. I thought he didn't like much what was there for his snacks. He look small for his age, his arms almost as small as my encircled thumb and pointfinger. And he looks very weak. I couldn't help but to ask the woman if his son was sick. The woman said he's not a son, he's a nephew. She showed me a picture of him when he was "chubby and not like now" look. The boy was so cute in the picture, full bodied and happy.

Still cringing during every bite of his siopao, I offered him our donut. I could see his face lighten up a bit. I showed him what's left in the box- 2 chocolate flavored donuts, 1 candy filled and one Boston creme. He chose the colorful candy filled donut. The aunt instructed him to say thank you. Just after he took his share, he immediately grabbed a bite, chewed and swallowed and followed by another bite. I thought he must have liked the donut than the siopao. After his second bite, I was then told that it's Rowel's turn to see the doctor. I went inside the clinic to hear what the doctor might say of my brother's condition having totally forgotten about the boy. We went home a bit exhausted but remembering what happened this morning, I thought I am lucky. I am lucky and happy that I am given the chance to make someone happy today. 

You see, everyday we get the chance to do good to someone and when we do and act upon that chance, no matter how they look or what the circumstance maybe, no matter how young or old these people maybe, or no matter if someone sees or no one ever get to see, indeed, "doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure" and I can testify that doing good to someone brings happiness and joy and meaning to our existence. May we continue to share our helping hands and bring joy to our lives, for this is what it meant to live! 

LOST AND FOUND

Found this Nokia cellphone under the chair where Knycole was sitting while we watched the movie Transformer: Age of Extinction. It was ringing few minutes after the movie started. I was honestly pissed off and ready to bash anyone I caught using his/her cellphone while the movie was on going. Every minute, it'll ring, and my daughter was so curious where the sound was coming from. After 5 minutes, she figured out where the sound was coming from and it's from under her chair. She took it out but I told her to put it off so we concentrate with the movie. I opened the cellphone when we got home. Checked the inbox and found 78 messages, one of which, the latest was addressed "ma". I thought it must be a student who just lost a cellphone. I called the person using the newly found phone. She said the owner was her husband. She thanked me for contacting her and made appointments to see me the next day. I informed her that the phone is going low batt so I used my own phone to text her the next day but the next day, I was busy so I have to inform her of my schedule. After 2 days, she texted she'll drop by at my house to collect this Nokia Xpressmusic phone. I waited til almost 5pm and a couple in red polo shirts came walking towards my apartment. I went down to meet them and handed over the phone when they reached the gate. The woman was very grateful, introduced herself and gave me a shakehand. She said her name was Melinda. Her boyfriend shoke hand with me as well and told me his name but I've forgotten. They were thankful and assured them it's ok. The guy said he was busy with the movie he didn't notice his phone fell off. I thought they're lucky. Tho the phone maybe a bit old, it's still a good find. But to give back something lost and see them happy and hear them say thank you is a fulfillment. Such a beautiful day to have made someone happy. And oh, did I say I'm happy, too? 

ON A WEDNESDAY 7/2/2014

It was a sunny Wednesday. Scheduled to accompany mom to buy her meds with her ENT doctor and meet the owner of the cellphone Knycole found at CSI cinema last night while we watched the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction. And a trip to Baguio after my morning appointments. 

Our 2-hour travel on a Mitsubishi Montero sport was such a comfort. 'Tho I lack the necessary sleep for the night, headache didn't bother visit me as we were busy chatting, laughing and eating inside the car. It was past 2pm when we arrived at a friend's house. We immediately unloaded our groceries, started cutting vegetables for our sinigang na sugpo and marinated the porkchops and finished cooking and frying in no time. Rice was ready and while we prepare for our late lunch, I gathered all the ingredients for our macaroni salad and had them mixed and done in minutes. Lunch with 2 boys with amazing appetites is contagious. We finished off 2 big plates of rice, a kilo of porkchop and a big bowl of sinigang. Post lunch, boys wanted to sip some vodka and mixed them with lemon, crushed ice and cranberry juice, served with boy bawang, guapples dipped in vinegar, grapes sliced in half, apples and bananas combined, a bowl of macaroni salad and a big bag of Marty's chicaron. There's 6 of us who filled in the 6-seater dining table while we listen to love songs played on the radio. We kept on munching and them, drinking while we chat and laugh and giggle. I guess, a can of Del Monte pineapple juice isn't a good partner for all those foods, or it is just psychological because I was craving for coke with lots of ice in it the whole time

It was past 7pm when we decided to go back home to San Fernando. While we passed through Legarda Road, one of them chided if we can still go on for another hour of karaoke. So instead of going home straight to La Union, we right turned to a street that led to Session Road but couldn't find any karaoke bar in the most famous road in the city of Pines. We ended up in our favorite hangout- at Will's Cafe. We enjoyed list'ning to the singers for their acoustic night. Requested 6 (?) songs which the singers graciously and perfectly sang for us.

I thought that we will only hang out for a cup of hot choco and them some coffee but we ended with a plate of tortilla, a serving of crispy pata and a fruit platter.  And yes, 5 bottles of San Mig Light for my friends. That made me decide to cancel my hot choco and order coke instead. My cravings for coke was satisfied but I didn't even finish half of it. I was so full! There's no more space left in my tummy!

Nine quarter when we left the place. We were noisy inside the car, trying to keep the night, and our driver, alive. As adults, we talked of topics that affected us through the years, topics that made us who we are right now, topics that molded us into a better us and topics that persistently bug us but nevertheless became our strength. During that long drive, 4 of us felt the need to find a bathroom but couldn't find any. Our driver decided to park the car at a shoulder road, found a dark place and peed on the wall. Needless to say, another girlfriend had to do it due to urgency. Forgive the older people. There's those that can't do bladder control anymore (hahaha).

Safely home now at 11pm and still couldn't sleep due to a bloated stomach. I must have eaten too much! Now I have to stay up late a little more to let those foods get digested. Well, all in all, I had fun. I may be tired but yes, I enjoyed and I learned. I learned that we are humans capable of making mistakes but can be changed if we wanted to. I relearned that faith in God is an ingredient on how to overcome trials. I learned that we need a list'ning ear and an understanding heart to be able to help others. Lastly, I learned that GOOD FRIENDS ARE GOD-GIVEN! Let us learn to choose our friends and keep those who made a difference in our lives.

WORK IT IS!

Water is scarce. Heat of the sun is slowing down most of our activities. Most of the time, I find myself sitting on the couch, legs up, electric fan on me while the TV is on or while I browse on the iPad. 

At 5 or 6am, I have to wake up, check if there's water that comes out from the faucet and immediately fill out all 6 containers, do the laundry, take a bath and refill. Sometimes, I have to wake my daughters up early so they could "avail" of the ample supply for their baths.  

Yesterday, when I checked out our containers, there's only about 5 gallons left. Not enough for a bedtime bath and for washing the dishes. I thought we can let the dishes stay for the night on the sink and had them washed the next day when water comes. But I couldn't sacrifice going to bed without taking a shower. I then checked on the kids who would run around the compound and wait for residents to call them for their services. These kids live outside our compound, they are poor kids who get money from our neighbors who would ask them to do stuff like buying coke or beers at lunchtime or early evening, having the garbage thrown, by scrubbing the floors, or by fetching water. I found myself asking these kids buy a litro of coke in between meals for snacks in the middle of the day and give them 10pesos for their service. 

Last night, I found them near the gate of a neighbor playing. I waved my hands hoping they could see me with the lights on at my veranda. After few seconds, they saw me and came to my house running. I asked them if they wanted to fetch water for us. Without second thought, they agreed. I lived at the second floor of a 2-story house. To fetch water from a deep well about 10meters away and bring them to the second floor will take strength and these kids were of small built but very willing to do the job. I handed them 2 small pails and they went ahead. After few minutes, they came back with water in the pails 3/4 full. The biggest of them lifted one pail and the other pail was shared by the 2 smaller ones. They came back and forth 4 times, filling 2 big buckets, just enough for a bath of 3 persons. After their 4th, I said it's enough and asked Knycole to hand them over 50pesos. I'm done with my quick shower and was inside the room when Knycole knocked on the door and informed me they didn't leave yet. I said "give them additional 10 so it'll be 20 each". After giving them extra 10, they asked for bread. They must have seen the loaf bread on the table when they passed through the kitchen and poured the water in the bins inside the bathroom. Without hesitation, I asked Knycole to spread on peanut butter on a pair of loaf bread and served them a glassful of coke so they could eat while resting. I could hear them laugh and told stories while snacking. After 10minutes, the youngest came to the living room and asked me where to put the glasses. I instructed him to lay the glasses on the sink. I asked their names but as of writing time, I have forgotten. They left happy and full.

After they left, I told my nephew, Kirby who sat beside me to always be thankful for his mom who work too hard so he could have a better life. He didn't get to experience what these kids have to experience. He has a good life, a comfortable life because he has a mom who's willing to sacrifice and work hard so he could enjoy the best of what life has to offer. He smiled and said, "opo". 

In few days, rainy season will be here. There'll be much water and there's no need for me to ask for these kids' services. No, not for fetching water. But I'm sure they will still be seen around waiting for my neighbors' call for help. There'll be days when they'd be working, days when they'd be vacant, days when they'd be just playing around. But you see, these kids go to school, too. They just don't play around and work. They have goals. They have dreams. And they knew hard work. They knew the value of money and they are, in my own opinion lucky to experience life. I believe the hard work they do will be their inspiration to work harder, to study harder and to dream bigger. I was once like them- working for neighbors to have money to buy my own toys and other needs. I learned that working is the only way to get by, that by studying hard, dreams can be reached. To us who love work, let us celebrate that we are able, that we can, that we do. More work, please! 

BANKING AND CURIOSITY

Was at BDO bank to do some transactions when a woman in her mid-50's who's seated beside me started talking to me. She's wearing a white blouse, a blue denim shorts and a slip on. She's holding a class A Coach shoulder bag, a gold ring on her left 4th finger and a white Guess wrist watch on her left arm. With her were 3 young girls and 2 teenage boys. I believe she's opening a bank account. Bank staff busy with paperworks. She said that her previous transactions are done at Cebuana Lhuillier branches but when the ---refused to let her do transactions of withdrawing more than 50,000pesos, she then decided to open a bank account. I smiled at her but said nothing. When the staff checked on her application, she must have missed out some info and was asked several questions like who's sending the money, what was the occupation of the sender, where did the money come from, how many times will she receive money. According to the woman, her daughter, a domestic helper in Singapore is sending her money once a month and that she prefer to receive it here because they can dispense any amount sent to her. The staff asked if how much will she withdraw. She said, "well, I want to withdraw everything today because my family will go to Pampanga tonight". The staff said she need to have at least a thousand pesos in her account to keep it active. The woman agreed. The staff then removed 6 1000 pesos from a bundle of 20 1000's and gave it to the woman together with 2 thick bundles of 500 pesos amounting to 50,000 each. The woman concluded that she's taking home 114,000 pesos. The staff gave a positive affirmation. She then left the counter and did my own transaction. There were questions in my mind when I left the bank. I was an ICU nurse who've worked in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia. Most of my colleagues get a minimum salary of 42k to a maximum of 90k from the ministry. I was wondering if domestic helpers working in Singapore are getting much more than a nurse who work in Saudi Arabia. 

"MAIS......MAIS....."

This little compound we live in is composed of less than 20 houses, mostly bungalows, duplexes and 2-story buildings. The compound, 'tho private has an access to the public who might want a short cut from the Diversion Road to the street at the back going to the National Highway. Most of those who use this "secret passage" are the vendors who sell fish, vegetables, mais (corn) and pandesal. Everyday, at 6am I can hear the pandesal vendor shouting "pandesal" in his bicycle, and between 8-9am and 1-2pm, men and women or even teenage kids with a basket they carry on their head or arms shout "mais....mais...". Mais is sold for 5 pieces for 25 pesos, 5pesos more expensive than that in the market. It's the season for corn so there's more than one in the area who do sell the native, sticky mais everyday. At times that I crave for mais, I would wait for someone who would come to my doorstep to sell me the best corn on the cob for either snacks or breakfast. Knycole has preference over those sellers. She knew who sells the best mais while I buy from the first available vendor who would come to the compound. 

Most of the time, I pity these vendors. It's summer time and the heat under the sun all throughout the day plus the heavy load they carry to sell their products were such a challenge for a business like this. As I look at them, a thought came to my mind: maybe if they've finished college, they won't be on the streets selling mais. Or if they were born to a rich family, they would never experience such a difficult life. And there's more "ors" and "ifs" in my mind as I ponder their situation. On the other side, I admire the hard work they do. I knew it isn't easy and I also knew that given the chance, they wouldn't be on the streets walking and enduring the heat of the sun carrying a basketful of mais everyday. But then again, no matter how hard it is for them to do their work, these vendor deserve one thing- respect! They maybe doing an odd job and earning a meager income but the job they do is, in Filipino, MARANGAL NA TRABAHO! 

RESPECT, DEAR, RESPECT!

Went home from a dinner hosted by my friend at one of the villas in Thunderbird Resort. When my oldest daughter opened the door for me, she immediately told me that a friend, Kassan is staying for the night because they'll go for an early morning jog tomorrow. Kassan is a member of our Church. Her parents are both leaders in the church. She live a few meters from our apartment. I saw her sitting on the couch as I entered the house. She didn't say anything, as if I didn't exist when I arrived. Kids were all sitting on the sofa, including my nephew Kirby as they watched "How to train your Dragon'. I started telling stories of the dinner I had. Only Kryztl gave me feedbacks. After few minutes, I had my shower and prepared the bedroom for our sleep. Knycole insisted they will take the foam outside so they could sleep in the living room. I contested. I can take the foam on the floor with Kirby and them-  kryztl, knycole and kassan on our 60x75 bed inside the room. Knycole said kassan is so shy she might want to sleep in the living room rather than staying with us in the bedroom. I said it's ok no problem. Knycole insisted and started to raise her voice and told me i cannot understand. Should they have told me, I should have understood! But nobody told me what's going on so what is it that i should understand? She got more irritated with my questions and tried to defend her friend in my expense. I then raised my voiced and told them whatever it is she's going through, tho it's not my right to know, they should at least have told me so I can extend more understanding and compassion. But the kids were so protective of their friends that I have to be dealt with as if I owe them something, i have to tell them then, that  between their friend and me, I deserve more honor and respect than protecting the interest of their friends. I have to tell them i need to talk to them  in the morning. They then took the foam and pillows to the living room. I instructed further that they should prepare their things they needed so they will not disturb me early tomorrow. I locked the door for them to know I am serious. How that. I wanted to tell the kids the importance of respecting their mothers first before protecting their friends. After all, I DESERVE IT!

UNPLANNED BAGUIO ESCAPADE

Got a text message on a Tuesday morning, saying I am invited over for a trip in Baguio the next day. I wasn't feeling well because of dizziness and headache due to my heavy menstruation but I said yes anyway. That Wednesday morning, I had to finish off household chores so I can have time for a nap before my 1pm appointment. At 1:30 pm, I was at Diversion Road and waited for Elma and Connie. A white Mitsubishi montero with plate number EMR 1 came to fetch me. A new lady and a driver was with my friends. We were introduced to one another. Michael Torres was driving with Aprily, a High school batchmate Eduardo Palaroan's sister were my newfound friends. Travelled to Baguio while eating tupig. Dropped by a fruit stand at Burgos before we pushed through with our travel. Arrived at Elma's place in Bakakeng before 4pm. I had dizzy spells. I lied down the bed at the master's bedroom then visited Connie's mom-in-law to give her pasalubongs. After 15minutes, Elma came and was the one driving. Went to SM, bought some appliances and groceries and went back to Bakakeng, this time with Jeanette and partner in their black mustang and Elmer with Charles and Erning in their blue Toyota Corolla. We spent an hour with Korean barbecue then decided to visit Azalea Residences for dinner. Dinner was a 7/10 at Tradisyon Resto. Filipino foods like crispy pata, sinigang na baboy, pinakbet, white rice, and karekare were served. Elma and Jeanette were drinking frozen margarita, the men with beer and me with my coke in can. It was clean fun. Charles was very accomodating. We spent sometime talking and Ernie spending most of his time taking pictures. At 9:30pm, Michael went back to Bakakeng and took Elma's bag. She decided to leave instead to spending another day there. Thursday is set for Michael to drive to Manila for Elma's kid. At 10:15pm, we're on our way back to La Union. It was a 10-hour drive and fun. I thank Elma for remembering me with gigs like this. I felt blessed to have friends who also are my angels.

22-HOUR GETAWAY (The Narrative)

Fetched by a black Mitsubishi adventure 30 minutes past 5pm at the Diversion Road where I waited for almost half an hour, the Morante family, fresh from office work, in their jackets were all ready for an evening of fun and get together with common friends. Travelled for almost 2 hours to the city of pines and arrived in a private place where 5 other friends were waiting and busy barbecuing some Korean pork for our Korean barbecue night. A kind looking woman in her early 60's, well dressed and looks very prim and proper with another woman in her early 40's greeted me at the door. Proceeded to the veranda where I found other two female girlfriends drinking coffee and munching on Korean dried squid. That dried squid was one of the best I tasted! Was it Connie's choice? Surely, it tasted awesome! I was later informed that the old woman was Connie's mother-in-law (who lives nearby) and the other woman was the homeowner's close friend, who happened to be my sister Annabelle's batchmate in high school. We were later introduced formally and needless to say, we "clicked" on ourfirst meeting.

It was 16 degrees in Baguio City. Cold but not too cold, yet it's the coldest in the Philippines at this time of the year and we're ready for it! With light jackets on, we all helped prepare dinner. Sinigang na bisugo, Korean pork, fried shrimp with lots of fruits and white rice satisfied our tummies past 9pm Friday night. We were constantly conversing all throughout. Mommy Belen, with her grandson left just after dinner while we were left behind ready for jamming time. While the boys decided to sit down at the veranda, the girls sat down at the bar area near the kitchen. Two female helpers were busy washing the dishes and doing other stuff. Wasted no time, a bottle of vodka plus a red colored juice was mixed in a pitcher with lots of ice in it. Connie knew I don't drink wines and liquors so they bought for me lots of Del Monte fruit juices of different flavors. And the drinking and story telling began. A container of beer nuts was opened for pulutan, slices of bananas, apples, cucumber, oranges and fresh, crispy lettuce were also served. Pork Korean barbecue with garden salad dressing with Korean red paste (no idea what the paste is called) wrapped in fresh lettuce was also in the table. Sudden burst of loud laughters and few minutes of serious conversations filled the 3rd floor of the 3-story building near midnight. Foreign movie on blu ray was being played on the 54" flat screen TV and the volume has to be turned down so we could hear the littlest detail of our conversations. When it was past midnight, some of us felt sleepy so a game of truth and consequence was initiated by our host. Details of our lives, high school and childhood memories, past and present relationships, business and career, family and our hopes for the future were discussed in funny and serious manner. Another bottle of Tanduay margarita was opened. Connie made frozen margarita for the girls, me still switching between pineaple and orange juices. A kilo of seedless grapes was again opened and we had it finished in no time. We all had a blast that night! With our heavy eyes and bloated tummies at 4am, we unanimously decided to call it a day! Nope, I was the only one with bloated tummy. I was told that I should have taken a sip of vodka or frozen margarita to, at least neutralize those foods I took in.

Slept at 4am but woke up at 6:30am for a morning walk. Walking and/or jogging in Baguio City is very different compared to San Fernando La Union. Roads there have steep slopes and I honestly had a hard time catching up because of my low hemoglobin.Good thing I brought my digital cam so I could document our activities. After an hour of walking, we decided to go back. Dropped by at Connie's mom-in-law just few meters from our private abode. Checked on fresh sayote leaves at their backyard and took some for our breakfast. 

Breakfast table was filled with tinapa, slices of tomatoes, corned beef, eggs and garlic fried rice. Those young sayote leaves were boiled and were dashed with bagoong and tomatoes. It was almost 10am. Then suddenly, we were invited over at Manor Hotel in Camp John Hay for sight seeing and picture taking. After 2 hours, we found ourselves dining in at Shakey's restaurant near Le Monet Hotel. A cut of Manager's choice pan pizza and a small cup of coca cola filled my full stomach. I decided to bring home my share of mojos potatoes and chicken. Our host was very hospitable, she won't let us starve! Such a blessing to have her indeed. Last stop was Manor hotel. We took time to take selfies there before proceeded to brimg our host back home. It was 1:30pm when we traversed Naguilian Road going back to San Fernando La Union. Sleepy, had 15 minutes nap along the way and arrived safely home at exactly 3:30pm. 

That 22-hour getaway was an eye opener. I relearned lessons on humility, of hard work, of appreciating little things in life, of having faith in God, of the importance of true friendship, of relationships, of family and the significance of laughter despite hardships and trials. To friends who made that 22-hour getaway a wonderful memory, may we all be blessed with the good desires of our hearts! Kudos to Elma, Connie, Monette, Cesar and Marge! You bet, we missed you, Elmer and Genny!