Rock for Reason

Fundraising gig for Franz

Band Lineup:

Sandwich
Pedicab
Duster
Chillitees
Bagetsafonik
South Super Highway
Gasolina
Juan Lunar
Chubibo
Rivermaya

Entrance fee is P150, which includes 1 beer. 50% of that will go towards Franz’s medical bills. We’ll also be collecting donations there, so if you’d like to give more than the entrance fee, it would be very much appreciated.

Directions to SaGuijo: From EDSA, take Buendia, then turn right on Pasong Tamo. Turn right on Bagtikan, then take the first left into Guijo St. SaGuijo is on the right, you can’t miss it.

 Click on the link below for the map

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Guijo+St.%2C+Makati%2C+Philippines

Add comment March 9, 2009 spiralcurls

Titanic Fidelity: “A-E” MT90 get-together last September 14, 2008

In the period of fast corroding family structure… two couples of MT90 had proven that illness made them even stronger….

Continue Reading 6 comments October 22, 2008 spiralcurls

September 13,2008 MT90 get-together….

Part 4:Dark Confections

Tall dark and handsome remains to be the yummy factor that definitely makes ladies drool over.Chocolate, a handsome dark confection; giant of sweet creamy tastes would definitely water the mouth of even the most arid ones.So who would not want to wake up early on the day of myriad treats?

James, the birthday celebrant, thankful of the blessed years that had passed and the great possibilities that await him, attended the Holy Mass at 6:00 in the morning.I on the other hand despite my excitement, stayed in the room to replenish the energy lost due to yesterday’s lengthy travel and to catch up with the shortened sleep due to the roarings of giant nocturnal metal birds as they cross the sky.Yet an hour after, I got up and took a hefty breakfast, while James, takes pleasure playing with his cute little niece.After the morning meal, I tried my luck to amuse the lovely girl, but am no charm to this tiny tot for in haste did she turned her face away from me.Frustrated, I decided to wash up and get ready for the occasion.Momentarily, Dr. Ricky Deang texts me from time to time, asking for landline number of Liza, how many batch-mates coming and how many have already arrived.Then, after all has been set on my part, I went out to scan the function venue and started taking picture of the place.

The place is the Resident house of the Punzalan family.For security reasons, Liza’s siblings decided to live together within the compound of their parent’s property which gives the place a very homey atmosphere.Due to a very spacious yard, the neighboring catering business establishments have been using their lot for functions.With the growing demands, the Punzalan siblings decided to build a covered function facilities to accommodate events.Aside from the wide Function Hall, the Punzalan Reception Facilities are beautifully accessorized with a small circular pool that is framed within a beautifully landscaped garden and enchanted with a small lashing water fall. This area is perfect for picture taking.At the other end of the hall are two sets of restrooms that are spacious and clean in its interior (actually di ko naman nakita ang boys room—hehehe). Catering services may also be arranged for the brother of Liza is such a wonderful chef.

While waiting for the rest to come, James set up the mini-laptops on the table for a web-cast get-together.I on the other hand put my fingers to work again, inviting batch mates to be on line.A little later Dr. Ricky Deang once again texted that he cannot be around for lunch because he was called to the hospital for a CS case.Karl however send an SMS to James saying that he is already on the road.Then James decided to take a snap shot of the two of us in order toupload it in our e-group, so that the rest of the classmates will have an immediate view of what is going on despite the fact that they cannot be in Pampangga.Shortly afterwards, lunch is served and none of the batch mates has yet arrived.  But I could no longer pacify my grumbling stomach , startsng to threat in eating me inside out, so I said goodbye to my heroism and hello to all the food laid before me.There were five chafing dishes in a raw filled with great food that I did not bother to ask their names for the python inside me is already positioned for an attack, ready to gulp in whole its pray.Nonetheless there is a dish that needs no introduction for its superb taste is indeed recognizable and left a lasting impression in the cerebrum (diba duon ang memory cells?).After the python has had her fill, St. K arrived with a crescent lips and a pair of slit eyes.James and St. K had a wonderful hand shake and then St. K was immediately lead to the buffet table.I on the other hand remains on a look out for any batch mates who will get on line or at least who will send an SMS.While St. K is taking his meal, I got connected through unlimited call of SUN with Jacqueline Mariano. With James, Karl and me had a wonderful time teasing and kidding around.Sad thing my phone for SUN network does not have a loud speaker feature that would enable mobile conferencing.After Jack hanged up, James started to tell stories of his Luxury cruise ship work experiences.James story is quite entertaining that I don’t mind hearing it the second time.Had I been given the same chance as James, I would have created a book of such a wonederful work exposure.His work, despite a blue collar in its classification, is a type that enables him from time to time to get to the places where the rich and famous hover; use the first class hotel facilities; and get to eat the finest gastronomic meals…mind you all for free.But of course, this is only made possible by working 24/7 in the middle of the sea, far away from his family.Yet, it shouldn’t be missed that the Filipino Father  ingrained in his very fiber, from time to time, would render computer repair paid service to his colleagues (who buys high end computers of great features but only knows how to use it for games) in order to raise more funds for the family.Soon darkness starts to creep in the sky, so before the pool becomes engulfed with darkness, James had us pose beside the pool, sets the time of  camera shutter, and joined the group for a picture of Karl, James Liza and Me.Before evening came, Dr. Ricky Deang arrived.Karl motioned that he doesn’t know him so I briefed him that Dr. Ricky Deang is from section H, in family medicine, and has been making the MT90 e-group active with his forwarded messages (take no offense Ricky, with your forwarded messages it makes us know that you are still alive and kicking).Ricky exchanges handshake with us, joined the conversation and soon spiced it up with a few anecdotes of nurse trainees passing out…There is one who pulled out all the drapes along with her falling and another one who broke a surgeon’s/OB’s finger.Then St. K inserted some stories of ailments that comes with age, the education or college course trends,matriculation and tuition fees… etc. etc. etc… I opted to remain silent trying to savor everything.A little later JC Huang texted that she could no longer make it because her husband, Rick Pascual’s work ended late, but her Subic invitation remained open.Then early supper was served and all stood up to get to the buffet table…. James started taking photos again and so Karl, Ricky and I came out of the picture beside the buffet counter.As we move on with our chit chat over dinner, Ricky’s cellular phone beeped announcing that her youngest daughter is already asking to be picked up from a party in order to bring her home.So Ricky must bid his farewell.An hour later, Karl also has made his adieu and handed out his wine gift.While I stayed for another night, determined for a Subic appointment with the Huang-Pascual.Then when all of James’ guests have left we call it a day and went to bed looking forward to meeting JC the next day.

September 13, 2008 MT90 get-together is a chocolate box of true confections; Karl is indeed a chocolate coffee mint praline, a classic preparation ever so cool yet always provoking; Dr. Ricky Deang is a no additive dark chocolate candy rich in flavanols—a medically proven factor that is good for the health, a safe candy indulgence for kids, a nd a very accessible medication; James and Liza is a chocolate praline of coconut cream filling.James, like the coconut fruit can cross through the Pacific Ocean afloat without getting unscathed while Liza is like a cream that gives a delightful soft velvety feel.With this coconut cream filling your taste buds will be at home with its distinct tropical yet adventurous flavor.As for me, I leave the analogy to those who knew me and who read my work, because one cannot be a true judge of self.While the rest, yet remains as dark secrets.

2 comments October 12, 2008 spiralcurls
Tags: MT90, Pampanga

MT90 Get-together in Pampangga

Part 3:   Checking into Varied Chocolate Molders

One of the greatest pleasures I had during my practicum in Shangrila Hotel and Diamond Hotel is working with chocolates for such had given me an opportunity to create one of the world’s most luxurious treat- chocolate pralines.  Yet, handling chocolates for molding is not an easy task because molders must be kept clean, dry and the insides must be kept shiny and free of scratches, otherwise chocolate will stick to them and the candy will come out scratched or chipped.  Similar matter concerns every host.  Hence, to make sure that his guests experience will not be tarnished, James offered a night stay in his house especially for those coming from Manila.  I however am determined to go with JC after the get-together, but since I will be coming from Quezon I inquired if the same offer can be made prior to the get-together date.  Emanating from the Filipino blood that he has, there is no second thought of manifesting the ingrained hospitality woven in our very culture.  Delighted over such arrangement, I started plotting out plans to maximize trip.  In view of the fact that the road trip is in transit, I decided to take side trips in Manila trying my luck in finding the girl that was once sweetened the host’s chocolate concoctions.  But to no avail did my fate lead me to a positive result.  Nonetheless, a spark of hope remains for a colleague gave me some basic information.  Right after I sped off to take the FX that will lead me to the terminal of the giant rolling rabbit.  But an emergency call from a friend came that I have to alight he car in no time. This resulted to a two hour delay for my departure.  At 6:00PM I finally made it to Philippine Rabbit.  Upon disembarking from a jeep, I immediately asked the uniformed men which bus leads to Dau.  These men without hesitation pointed out to the bus with a Baguio signage.  But another man pointed out that I buy the ticket at the booth.  However, one man reached out his hand on my bag, offering help.  Fear to entrust my bag to stranger, I begged off.  Then, on my way to the booth I check out my cellphone too look into undeleted message of James and there I read that I will get off to Dau.  So I did what I was told and right after I  boarded a bus.  When the bus left I received a message from James that I ought to pay a fare until Sta. Ines.  Too bad I paid already, so I inquired from the conductor if I can pay additional amount to from Dau to Sta. Ines and he agreed.  It was a pleasant trip going to Pampangga.  The traffic flow was quite smooth and spacious.  In less than a couple of hours I arrive Dau Terminal.  I  texted James as instructed, to announce my proximity.  However when I reached San Lorenzo Ruiz Church, the bus stopped.  After five minutes, the bus remains remains immobile, so I look out of the window and there I saw the conductor and a man loading several packages in sacks, I sigh and texted James the reason for the delay.  Half a quarter past the bus starts rolling cutting through the drizzles.  In five minutes the conductor barked “Sta. Ines!”  I stood up from my seat and through the windshield I saw the gateway arc of the town of Mabalacat.  Then my cellphone gave a couple of beeps announcing James’ message saying to look after a white lancer car.  Upon alighting, immediately I spotted James and the car.  James reached out for my bag and gladly I handed it out to him.  He in turn placed it in the trunk because the car is packed with his daughters.  Upon boarding I was introduced to his three daughters, which to my apology I cannot remember their names.  Then he steered the wheel to their house.   At around half past eight in the evening we reached a place where written the name of a dentist.  Apparently, Liza’s father is a well known veteran dentist of Mabalacat.  Then the car went in the garage and I found around the area are several units of houses.  We all alighted and James brought me to an old house in that compound.  Then we reached the room where I saw Liza Punzalan seated before a computer.  James told me that Liza is a Medical Transcriptionist and at that moment she is working.  After exchanging pleasantries James asked me if I have taken my meal and I gave a negative reply.  In a short while dinner is ready and I gobble unreservedly.  As I wolf down, I let James do all the talking and anecdotes of his work in a luxury cruise ship linger the air fascinating me to envy for such is my frustrated dream.  When I have finished gobbling, I took the turn for MT90 buzz.  Anecdotes of classmates and batch-mate became like checking into varied chocolate molders, making us drool over varied theobroma pralines, confections and truffles it will give.  Good thing the youngest daughter of James popped out like jumping jelly beans from the door that we regain the sense of time.  So we call the day off and looking forward to the diverse chocolate surprises that tomorrow will bring.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Add comment October 11, 2008 spiralcurls

Harana sa Hacienda Escudero

Here is m y unedited write up about my first visit of Hacienda Escudero

There is nothing more flattering for a woman than being serenaded by a man. Yet with the digital e-generation, this custom is now considered antique articles of museum, appreciated only by few art aficionados. Having been dorm mates of humanities teachers, museum staff, film and media artist, I have develop taste for the arts. Hence, an invitation to a morning Harana would definitely make an appeal to me more so if it will be held in the developing posh subdivision, Hacienda Escudero situated in an my unassuming home town, Tiaong, Quezon. What grace descended upon me when I was browsing through the fliers that I collected during the Quezon Business Convention, Harana Hacienda Escudero resurfaced from all the clatters. Despite the date indicates that the event will happen the following day, I tried my luck to call. Mr. Romy de los Reyes one of the agent, received me with quite openly.

October 5, 2008 came and I awake with so much anticipation. I arrived ready with my cell phone camera, knowing fully well that such is a feast to my lens. Much like any towns folk, the grand entrance that would be an excellent aesthetic subject missed my photographic sense since I have gotten used to passing by it most of the time. Nonetheless, my proximity is an advantage to getting a snap shot. I arrived at the club house they named Plaza Del Palmeral. Walking towards the driveway, I immediate got fascinated by the pillars ornate with iron resembling a stalk of a palm tree. Then I walked up the few steps and captivated at the tiny wood brick work wall décor resembling another coconut leaf, that my mobile digital photographic went full bar. At the lounge are two sala sets of a famous furniture artist from Cebu whose work brought elegance to Ocean 11 set. Another piece that beautifies the lounge is the charming circular chair into which every one posed for a picture. Then an enchanting lashing flow of water calls me to walk towards the right where I found four panels of green rock brick waterfall lining along the wall and inlaid in an elongated pond that is decorated with long stick leafless plant. Right across this waterfall art is a huge white structure where the event will take place. My photographic lens scout around at every detail installed in that house and found the floor filled with dining furniture sets dressed with elegant sequenced soft tool like fabric lined with bright green and orange table cloth. The hall is covered by a bi-triangular and bi-trapezoidal roof, from which hangs three candelabras and several ceiling ventilador. To avoid getting a stiff neck, I straighten up and shifted my gaze to the right to which my eyes got relaxes at a verdant scenery of coconut plantation affront of San Cristobal and Mount Banahaw backdrop. Changing focus, my lens veered 20 degrees to the left and I spotted the infinity pool bordered in different directions of lines, curves and angles, mark of modern architecture. Under the heat of the sun I walked around the pool allowing my lens to feast over the varied form composition, a very interesting subject within the frame. After a simmer under the sun, one could only find a small patio within a perimeter quite inviting, even more beckoning are a couple of sala sets installed on both sides. Upon getting into its shades my body cooled down at every detail of furniture beautifully placed in such a small space. At the center, I couldn’t help but contemplate on a frame hanging on the wall. Enclosed in a square space is a conglomeration of small hexagonal holes known to be the beehive. I then went to the door where a carved of a woman’s face hangs. Immediately, I felt refreshed to see a well kept wash basins paired with simple framed mirror panel attached to a slim post and charmed with an interior landscaped garden. It even made lovelier with beautifully crafted liquid soap, tissue holder and scented candle placed on top of shell arrangement display encased in a clear class. Beside the wash counter is a full view mirror. Reflected on the bust mirror are the toilet cubicles. Then further beyond the room is a doorway towards the shower and locker room. Entering such area I am immediately captivated by undulating bench dashing with its deep brown glossy varnish. On both sides of the rooms are dark doors that opened to individual shower cubicles. But this is no simple shower cubicles because a glass door at the middle divides the bath area and the dressing area where users are guaranteed that their clothes will not get wet inside. At the end of the room are lockers where guests can safely keep their valuables inside. After taking pictures of all the elements found in the ladies room, I went out and heard that the Sunday Mass has already started. Everyone solemnly participated. After the mass I headed back to the function hall to be seated where lunch started romanticized by the Harana of String Quartet. As we take our meals, Sir Romy de los Reyes gave us the profile of the Escudero land:

Villa Escudero is a 415-hectare land of coconut plantation acquired since 1900s. The entire property spans around three municipalities: San Pablo, Laguna; Tiaong and Dolores, Quezon. A ½ hour drive from Metro Manila, accessible via the 2-lane concrete Marhilika National Highway. The entire property are aesthetically landscape by nature with three surrounding mountains in view and two traversing rivers.

When all has had their filled, we took turns in going to the Carajue House in which is the home of the Marketing Department. There we were shown the miniature plan of the whole estate and the video of the Vision for the entire Escudero Land.

Hacienda Escudero is a Plantation Resort Town envisioned to be The premier Philippine cultural-heritage and leisure destination is owned by Villa Escudero and is the project f LANDCO.

http://www.wayn.com/waynphotos.html?wci=slidefull&folder=395480

3 comments October 10, 2008 spiralcurls

MT90 Get-together cum James Lugue’s Birthday

Part 2:  Tempering

Tempus breve est, (bahala na kayong mag-interpret) that is how the Roman’s put it.  Time is ticking away and along with the pendulum my thoughts can not be stopped from swinging at one batch-mate to another.  I wouldn’t want  a chocolate to melt on our hands as it can no longer be enjoyed nor it be likened to the water that simply dripped out too fast.   Timing is important in catching batch-mate’s attention, but keeping them interested is a challenge of maintaining their mood.  Like chocolates, preparation is a more a matter of temperature than time.  Chocolates if improperly heated sets out coarsely, grainy and surface becomes cloudy called bloom, hence a method called tempering is done in order to come up with a glossy, smooth creamy candy that melts so creamy in the mouth. So am on a watch over James’ icon and text messages.  Apparently, when finally I get hold of James over YM again, I was told that an unwanted opaque contact lens has grown on his retina and becomes a miss on vision, so it has to be taken out yet. Hence, the get-together that we were cooking up has to be kept over a low fire for tempering and keep the rest at a bay.  Good thing James vacation leave will yet to end too far.  For the meantime I have launched an SMS crusade of prayers for the success of eye operation.  Few has classmates responded, one is Jesus Ong who as an ophthalmologist can give a very credible opinion.   So that leads to J-J SMS consultation.  How much they would like that it be a J-J operation but then Jong does not have a clinic in Manila, good thing James has a relative ophthalmologist in Pangasinan. Then to my SMS prayer crusade the ever crazy humored Willy Alba texted back with these sentence “It is too late for a circumcision,”  followed by the seldom respondent Rowena Lim and Malou Torres, who in turn inquired more about it and in the end both replied “too young to have a cataract.”  So the day of the operation came and this SMS well wishes was sent to James.  Hours had passed; I surfed through my Friendster account and found under friend’s activity that James has recently uploaded a picture.  When I clicked into his album linked, the image that had flashed on the monitor is a man with a white patch on one of his eyes.  I could not help but be amused not on the image of a white patched Captain Cook, but at James dexterity over the digital and e-technology.  James proves that he can keep up with the fast changing e-era unlike the majority of our batch-mates.  From there, it is obvious that the eye operation went well so I texted him again, then he replied that if things go well, the other eye will be operated on.  Once again I have inquired if we now raise the temperature of the get-together.  Gladly did James offer his dies natal is to be the date for such a gathering and indeed the mini-reunion starts warming up. Once again my fingers started to dance the revo on top of the key-board, jumping from one keys to another.  Hence, the e-group of both MT90 and 4amtust90 has once again come to life announcing the upcoming party.  Yet the right thumb proves to be such a dancing queen, for after a group dance, it went solo on top of a flashing dance floor of a mobile keypad.  Soon enough SMS announcement of such social event runs around.  Priorities where given over Pampangueno brothers and sisters for they are quite near.  Malou Torres-David who is working in Angeles but is based in San Fernando expressed her interest but could not commit because it is the nanny’s day off.  Joyce Navarro-Camino from Section H gave a positive response.  Dr. Ricky Deang of Section H, a family medicine specialist based in Dau but is working in Mabalacat, would not like to commit also due to paternal duties. Dr. Jobbie Mamangun of  section H, a neuro-psychiatrist based in San Fernando declined the invitation because it happens to be his wife’s birthday as well, but texted me Marvin Mateo’s mobile number.  So I phoned in Marvin’s number but it was left unattended.   RJ could not yet be found.  I was only given the information that he moved to Batanggas, the hometown of his wife.  These Pampanguenos are followed by all Section A in contacts that are residing in the Philippines.  Rama de Leon-Bitong declined for she is currently taking her training in Endocrinology in St. Lukes.  Rowena Lim-Lato begged off due to family matters.  Dennis Bascon turned it down since it is general cleaning day in the laboratory of Ospital ng Maynila.  Dr. Elani Alfonso-Roldan, a pediatrician and professor gave a negative reply because she has classes then.  Dr. Emily Carbonel-Dy  and Dr. Rosalee Eng-Doctor texted they cannot make it because of clinic hours.  Gina Macababad now based in Cagayan, texted that had it not for the great distance she would gladly come.  Jacqueline Mariano using a new number declined because it coincided with the birthday celebration of her in-law in Angeles.  JC Huang-Pascual confirmed her presence in the afternoon and invited the rest over for an overnight at Subic after James’ party.  Dr. Jesus Ong also expressed his interest but Palawan is a fly away.  Joy Ramos-Igarta wishes the same but it is the eve of her fathers 40^th day of transit to heaven.  Karl Zafra although did not commit but is more likely to come.  Mike Lui and Willy Alba excused themselves for reasons I can no longer remember.  Lastly for section A, Dr. Alvin Matulac and Florante Manahan replied late asking for the date of the event but did not confirm or deny their presence.  After this the rest of the batch mates declined because:  Dr. Aldrin Nadres if I remember right, will be attending a convention; Dr. Fidelis De Leon will be in Baguio that day; Joy Esguera, based in Cavite is tied up to her family business; Dr. Mon Carmona will celebrate his birthday on the 12^th; Dr. Nixon Cabochanpongco will be in his brother’s birthday.  Dr. Poi Nicandro will fly to Legaspi for his clinic there.  There is one whom I cannot recall says he will be in Boracay for a convention (sarap naman).  The rest who replied cannot be mentioned due to my memory gap (Haay tumatanda na talaga).  After all these, once again the fire is set to a low to keep the chocolate from burning.

Add comment September 30, 2008 spiralcurls

September 13, MT90-get together

Part 1: Chocolate Surprise

Life is like a box of chocolates, you will never know what is inside… so how the Europeans say it— the continent of praline makers.  Indeed, since I took on the batch of MT90 expedition (parang kotse a), life indeed became sweet choco surprising.  Who would expect that mere browsing through list of members of 4amt90ust e-group  and clicking on a lit up smiley icon of jamesclugue user ID, would unexpectedly catch an unannounced arrival of James Lugue to the Philippine Island.  I was compelled to ask once again since my mind cannot fathom the reality behind the news.  Quite timely it seems that at the point where the batch is so actively gathering her chicks, I bump into an OFW brother’s electronic path.  Delighted like a kid over a chocolate treat, palms stick out fingers looking good not over pralines but towards the keys of the texting mobile tool.  In seconds, news reached Karl in a flash.  Through the tips of our fingers, James soon finds himself within the two embracing arms of AMT90UST. Then words started to linger on the chat box speaking of long craving for Filipino food yet fear of the threat it gives to the heart, of working in the floating luxurious vessel over the ocean, of the apprehensions over the upcoming cataract operation, of Liza Punsalan and the kids, of Pampangueno classmates…etc…etc…  Logging off time came and so we parted from YM with well wishes and a get-together cooking up.

Add comment September 24, 2008 spiralcurls

A grace to those who see her through

Having taken note of Mayet’s scheduled homecoming, I pulled out all the posibilities to get her number here in the Philippines. The sad thing is that PLDT has long time changed the telephone numbers of its subscribers, hence the greenbook directory of the batch is already considered obsolete as regards it’s numbers. Worse still, Dennis Bascon’s cellphone got lost along which the only connection we have to get to Mayet is recorded. So I pleaded that Dennis try to get to Cherry (Mayet’s sister) through the bank she is working with. While waiting for Dennis reply, I tried calling the house of Mayet in Kuwait in case she gives her Philippine contact number, but to no avail. Few days later, Dennis texted that Mayet do not stay in her parent’s house but with the aunt. So, once again, I beg Dennis to get the number of her aunt. Soon enough Dennis texted me the number. Immediately I called on the number and WALLAH!!! I soon heard the voice that from 1986 to1990 has been the sound coming out of a black dumbell shaped black hand piece attached to a spiral cord connecting to a black heavy trapezoidal box with a transparent disk attached to it. This voice has been my phone pal for four years even at 1:00AM during exam days. Immediately, I requested for a class get-together with her, but Mayet opted that she sees me first. I then complied. Hence we arranged it on July 15, 10:00AM.

Fifteen came and so was the rain and it was an outpour, that the streeets turned into rivers. Then an unregistered number appeared on my screen. It is Mayette moving the meeting for the following day, otherwise she will have to take a boat to get to our meeting place. This then means extending a day leave which gives me an extra day of vacation… Yehey!!!

The following day it was still raining, but Mayet promised that come what may, she will meet me. Hanging on her words, I waited… until another unregistered number appeared on the screen saying she is already near, so I hurried out of the house to walk to Starbucks Cafe where we will meet. Twenty walks away from starbucks another call came saying that she already reached the site, so I spoke back saying am already infront of 7-11 store. I put off the mobilephone and under the drizzleand continued to walk towards the poche cafe student hang-out. I pushed the swinging glass door and my attention was interrupted by another friend whose eyes dilated by a sight of an imposing lady clad in a sultrous bright blue plunging neck, spaghetti stringed blouse. Immediately I gave a wave and signed that I have a date. Replying with a nod she went back to her place. I sat on one of the chairs and a few minutes later a medium size mestiza womn in eyeglasses clothed with a black loose shirt popped out of the doorway. Exept for the rounded cheeks and dark brown hair everything else matches the mold encasted in a memory brain tissue in the cerebrum. Like stood up like I have been ejected off by a spring of the chair and simultaneously my arms opened like a clamp ready to grasped tightly to an old friend. Within the chilly airconditioned room our hearts thawed down in the warmth of each fraternal hug. An exchange of pleasantries rang out like chimes blown by the gentle wind. Instantly wel left the cafe and headed off to her blue car. Inside the vehicle, I was introduced to a girl gracefully crowned with silky black hair, whose face is encasted with a glistening pair of hazel brown precious eyes, centered with a sharp prism nose and running across below which is a glossy crecent smile. Her name is Joelle the youngest kid of Mayet. After the greeting we instructed the driver to head towards Robinsons Place. As the wheels rolled down along the floody streets of Malate, Mayette and I started a chat. The conversation started with a complicated network fo wireless telecommunication here in the Philippines. For Mayet she got confused with the numerous lines and the varied call and text promotions, moreso she got surprised hearing my phone sings when she ringed me. According to her telecommunication in Kuwait is quite simpler because they only have two network lines and the push selling is more on the phone units, unlike here backhome where the marketing promotions are more on the lines. As a result of these confusion, Mayet mistakenly registered her newly baught local number for roaming. Consequently, the number cannot be used here backhome, so she baught another sim card and that is how she managed to keep wired here in pinas. Then the talk shifted to the very demanding challenges she encountered with her kids adjusting from Kuwait culture to Philippine lifestyle. Apparently her kids got sick due to the wet weather, had alimentary moving difficulty, sleeping problem and rejections on mediocre food quality on Filipino dishes. The latter is a result of the palates getting used to a high standard quality foods coming from all over the world that an oil rich country could easily purchase. Soon we reached the highest level of the mall’s parking place. We alighted and entered the cool airconditioned mall. To our right we are immediately greeted by yelping puppies of pet shop. Joelle got captivated by the sight of cute cuddly creatures that we made a brief visit. That is when Mayet told me how her kids’ hamster multiplied uncontrollably that their home got filled with pails to cradel the numerous hamsters that joined their family. How they managed to reduce its numbers is something that slipped my memory gone into oblivion that my fingers could no longer convert it into words. After the petshop we descended through the elevator and headed towards Yellow Cab for a couple of pizza. Joelle ordered four cheese pizza for this solid milk curd is the thing that her stomach will definitlely receive it with a lot of pleasure. After the cash register flashed out the bill, Mayet fished out a Tito, Vic and Joey blue currency and hand it out to the cashier. The clicking of the few coins on Mayets hand then lead us to take chairs and wait to be served. Mayet then bring out the camera and showed to me a picture of her son. In a few minutes the camera beeps out a warning of low energy and in an instant Mayet’s hands place the camera infront of me and her words instructed her daughter to go beside me for a snapshot. Joelle stand behind me and the first click came. An awkward image displayed on the screen so Mayet requested Joelle to sit beside me, immediately I grabed her close to be covered by my warm embrace. The camera flashed and captured the sweetest smile we both could give that will render sugar bland. For the third shot Mayet handed over the camera to Joelle and sat beside me. A beeming face radiated alongside a coyish image that freezed on the LCD with the tick of a delicate finger. After which, Mayet kept the camera and while waiting for the pizza to be served we opted to move to a more cozy place. When we have found our comfort zone Mayet proceeded with the chit-chat, this time about her past. Soon the pizza was served and we started with this hearty treat. Joelle enjoyed her four cheese pizza while Mayet and me try to scrutinize which of the two pizza tastes well. There are two pairs of leftover so I suggested that I will bring it home as a treat to my nephew and niece. Then I requested Mayet to come with me to the internet cafe so that we can immediately upload the pictures taken to 4AMT90 since she is not quite techy when it comes to internet matters. So we registered inside the cafe and we were lead to the nearest cubicle. I handed to the crew the memory stick and immediately it was uploaded to the unit assigned to us. When I logged in to my YM, I saw Karl’s icon flashing on my friends list so I sent a message to Karl informing him that I am with Mayet. Too bad there is no camera in that unit and when I inquired we were informed that there is no vacancy yet, so I decided to share the picture to Karl while we upload the picture to 4AMT. In a while, Joelle got bored and requested that she also get a cubicle for herself. Luckily when Mayet inquired there are now few computers with web cam that are available, so I texted Karl that we will be moving to another computer. We signed off and went to the inner brighter place. I signed in to my YM again and buzz Karl. I invited Karl to view the cam and so did he. Soon we are seeing each other, without further ado I immediately let Mayet chat with Karl so that another classmate will have the chance speaking to her here in the Philippines. The chat between Karl and Mayet started of with teasing of marriage proposal to updates and planning a get-together. Too bad that both of their schedule doesnt seem to agree much so nothing was set yet they parted with the hope that it will materialize. By four o’clock in the afternoon we pack up because Mayet will have to pick up her mother. Once again we boarded the car and she sent me back to my place.

My get-together with Mayet took more than a month of pondering before I could fully comprehend God’s imprint on her. It was only until I watched The Memoirs of Geisha did I get to fully understand beauty and power behind the image that confront me. Mayet came into the world like a drop of water from the sky a blessing from above. But she is a water that landed on a rocky terrain mountain, where there is no paved path and she will have to roll down blindly and fall several times to deal with life here on earth. Later these drop of water reached the foot of the mountain and joined the river. There she went with the flow but the ride was a wild bumpy adventure on a winding rough bouldered road. Then came the point when the river reached the ocean. With the wave she rocked several boat to dizziness. The ocean brought her to wash the shores of dryland. In that part of the ocean she was able to sustain life of some sea creatures and bring about the salt that preserves and season the food on their family table. But time came where she has to undergo another grueling transformation of being subjected to intense heat and preasure of desalination process to become a nourishing liquid for life on dry land. Now she is a clear, refreshing and nourishing water that is more precious than the crude oil in that arid land. She comes along no longer formless but with the versatily that acquires the shape of whatever that holds her.

In the movie ” Memoirs of a Geisha” it was said “Water can carve through stone and when trapped it can find its way through it… water is powerful, it wash away earth, put off fire and even destroy iron… water when harnessed generates electricity.” Mayet indeed is that water.

Furthermore, Water in the biblical sense is a symbol of grace. Life for Mayet may have not come to her gracefully but through the years she has become a grace to those who see her through. A power that passes unnoticed.

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