Of Ninongs and Manongs

Being assigned to Thailand account gave me a lot of privileges but one
thing I won't trade is having worked with lots of those Filipino
consultants who were years my senior in terms of age and tenure.

During those after-meeting dinners, I enjoyed being guessed how old (or
young) I was. What made those dinners more memorable was having the
chance to talk to them about how and when they started in SMC, where they were
assigned previously but most of all how they miss their families. When
they talk about their kids, I am always amazed seeing at how their eyes
glow.

Among these consultants, at least four of them have volunteered to
become my ninongs (hehe). Also, I came to meet two manongs - one with Ilocano roots
and one who has been assigned in the Ilocos area. Upon learning that I was
an Ilocana, the three of us instantly spoke the language. It was funny
having to speak Ilocano in Bangkok. Those ninongs and manongs would give me
pieces of advice on relationships, rearing a family and etc.

One good news is that I become to be a "ninang" to one of the
consultant's upcoming baby.

When I visit Thailand, they always get to ask me the one question I
still couldn't answer until now. Well, I always say, time will come and they
will get their invitations.