Were it not for this compulsive habit of jotting down all sorts of stuff happening in my life, I wouldn't be able to recall in detail how I spent the Christmas season of 10 years ago. Recently, I leafed through old journals, curious about who peopled that season. The office I used to work for has folded up since then, but the ties with co-workers remain. A yearly tradition of familial gathering has been cut since most relatives have been swept away by the diaspora, but thanks to Facebook and email, we manage to keep in touch. As for this big little drummer girl, she continues to rapapampam wherever, whenever. To all, a gladsome season of giving.
Dec. 27, 2000
Christmas this year went by so fast. Here's what I remember--a kare-kare lunch prepared by Mom followed by Cousin Eileen calling us on the phone to rally us to go to the Malumanay reunion in Teachers' Village. By that time, Mom and my siblings were tired so only Dennis and I went. Bought Magnolia ice cream at Eunilaine on the way there. Had soup, apple pie a la mode, ensaymada, kutsinta and fruit salad--all the available desserts.
Cousin Rose and her children Yonni and Regina were there apart from Uncle Esting's children, Eileen, Minnie and Jimi, and Tongpet. It was a quiet reunion, the guys finishing the bottle of red wine Dennis brought. Eileen was pleased with the talc powder I gave her. It's called "Love Life." On their big TV screen, we watched the movies "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and part of "Deep End of the Ocean." Handed two P50 bills to Manang Tinay as Christmas tokens.
Back home, I enjoined Kimi and Ida to hear the 5 p.m. mass with Suzy. They had gone to Rockwell Plant and on finding it closed, proceeded to Megamall. Those mall rats! Pinky brought their mini pinscher Osang whom I took for a walk and fed Honey Stars cereals. She liked being brought to the garden where she sniffed at the grass and the trunks of trees.
After work Dec. 26, Cyn, Al, Amadis and I took a cab to Whistlestop to knock off a few bottles of beer. Al, our office accountant, never pays for his drinks. Cyn is always his benefactor. He announced that we would not receive our yearend salaries because we have no collection from clients. This worried me because there are bills to pay, thank-you presents to give. Maribel, our office aide, described Christmas at the office as tuyo (dry).
Dec. 31, 2001
Visited the Araos family to give them a box of Cunanan ensaymadas. They've set up three aquariums filled with colorful fish, Julian's new hobby. Melen wore a wig, but it wasn't that noticeable. She looked happy and relaxed. They fed us, Kimi, Ida and the office driver I hired, Mang Nany, fabada, their homemade pork and beans, with Kamuning Bakery's famous pan de sal and a garlicky herb butter spread. Ida went for an ensaymada.
Jerry prodded the girls to open their presents: shoulder bags that he had designed. These were made from industrial wastes, and some urban poor folk executed them for him. From Melen I received a handpainted box with three beautiful handkerchiefs inside.
Jerry gave us his interpretation of the Dec. 30 bombing. He thinks it may be the handiwork of some generals so Erap can ask for emergency powers, dissolve the impeachment proceedings and arrest activists and businessmen who've been critical of him. It may be time to stock up on rice, canned goods and water.
From UP we motored to Ayala Alabang to spend New Year's Eve with my brother-in-law Willie and his family. I tried to nap in the guest house while the children played billiards or watched TV. We went to the Town Center, niece Claudine guiding us to the different shops. I bought a pack of my favorite chan pui mui from the Achiban store. Rolly found and bought two history books at National Bookstore, then we went for fraps at Starbucks. Saw my other niece Marie Server King, her husband and their friends. At Powerbooks I found some A.S. Byatt titles which I kept in mind to buy in the future. From Tower Records, I was able to buy a CD of "Miss Saigon" for my girls.
Back on Apitong street, carolers were waiting. They were accompanied by Sr. Sol PerpiƱan who gave me the women's background. They sang Christmas and jubilee songs after which sis-in-law Chingbee served them noodles and sandwiches. The kitchen was a beehive of activity. At 10 we went to the village church, it golden retablo dazzling the eyes. The church was full; only Claudine found a seat. Ida felt unwell, and I brought her out for some air.
Back at the house a candlelit dinner was waiting: steak wrapped in bacon, baked mussels, spicy soup, macaroni salad. Westin Plaza prepared a special ham, but I was too full to try it. I allowed myself a slice of Marks and Spencer fruitcake, the best I've tasted this season.
"Blue Streaks," acrylic on paper canvas, 2009.
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