One Night In Bangkok

Consider this as a sequel to my “No More Lonely Nights” write up.

During my business trips in Bangkok, I would always feel a ripping cry inside me. “No one cares whether you are in our out of Manila”. One time, my boss caught me with a sad face on our way back to Manila and asked me if I was enjoying Bangkok and did not want to go home. My answer was, “I don’t have a family waiting for me”. Oftentimes, I would compare myself to those OFWs and co-employees who are all excited to see their husbands, wives, families, kids.

After that fateful New Year’s Eve, I succumbed to a testing of being alone. During my January trip to Bangkok, I was left by my bosses to work for one more day. This Wednesday night, I just seated at that pizza parlor, not feeling a tinge of loneliness and actually happy. I caught this video wall of Toyota outside showcasing cartoon pictures of Toyota Car, Santa Claus, heart and etc. For me that night was magical, a romantic one with my best friend, my counselor, my God…I never felt most secure in my lifetime.

No More Lonely Nights

Being single and away from my family for a long time has given me some lonely nights. However, as I ushered into 2007, something extraordinary happened…a breakthrough at last.
It was my first time to spend New Year in Manila from the usual long Christmas to New Year break in Ilocos. Coming off from late night parties prior to Christmas and long trips to and fro my province, I caught a bad flu last Dec.30. Earlier, I planned to spend New Year’s Eve with my Kuya Ralph’s family at Los Banos, Laguna. However, in consideration of my new nephew (3-month old Basti), I decided to stay in our condo.

Late Dec. 31, I was surprised to find myself being okay to spend New Year’s Eve alone. I just yielded to Ate Sam’s prodding for me to spend it with her and her kid, Rorie. Come 12AM, I woke up and joined Ate Sam to watch the fireworks. I smilingly said my prayers for my parents (who are still in the US), for my Kuya Roel and Kuya Ralph’s family.

For the first time, I was at peace, happy and joyful, knowing that even though I was away from my family, I was loved. God has given me the warmest embrace, comfort and love during that New Year’s Eve..goodbye lonely nights.

A night with Nathan and Job

I got to be a "yaya" to the two cute sons of Paz and Allan one Thursday night during a couple's seminar. It was Nathan's 4th birthday that day. Instead of the two boys being in the KC room of VCF, I volunteered to bring them to a fastfood chain/donut store.

I first met the two boys last Nov. 2006 in an outreach of our cellblock at Shepherd of the Hills, Zambales. I was surprised how Nathan answered me when I asked him if he still remembered me. He cutely said, "Nakasama kita sa car tita, tapos lumipat ka pa nga then naiwan mo ung para sa tiyan mo". Amazing how he could remember the details.

Job was no longer shy like our first meeting. Nathan, I should say has grown more as a kuya to Job since November. As I was buying another donut for take out, the two boys eagerly wanted to go back to the center, Nathan said " wag ka mag-alala tita, ako ang bahala kay Job, hindi sya mawawala."

When I Was Just Sixteen?

My niece from my Kuya Roel, Kamille, has grown up to be just like her tita (who else but me).

Even when she was a kid, my lolas and lolos would mistake her for me. Kamille talks, walks, sings, dances and even looks like me. My father recounts that he often catches her doing the same thing I did when I was “nagdadalaga” –which is to turn my back on the big mirror, holding a small mirror to see how my hair looks back view. I was also surprised too see her wetting her lips all the time, one mannerism which up to now I still have.

I had the biggest laugh for this January when one day I was in Thailand, she texted me “Tita, pinakita ko yung pic natin sa Music Teacher ko. I asked him to guess how old you were. Sabi nya 16. Muntik na syang mahimatay nung sinabi ko na 30 ka na”. I laughingly shared the text to my boss and even our picture to show the proof. Well, it’s a bit flattering but nah, I would have been more flattered if he guessed I was just 25.