Short Monday walk in Laguna

Friend Noel Soler Cuizon, who was achingly absent and missed at the celebration of our friend Precious Leaño's birthday, once told me he loves Laguna so because it's such a feminine country, unlike the macho spirit of a province like Cavite.

The inebriated celebrators ended our Sunday at the cottage Precious and Alex Baluyut are renting out on the University of the Philippine Los Baños campus, just a hop and skip away from their artist friend Junyee's home studio. We were glad to see Junyee join the rich lunch that Sunday after rumors about his weakened state were proven false.

Beyond the windows, that's where I spent the night.

That night, the air was muggy, and we all wished aloud for rain to cool the grounds outside. We got our wish and slept deeply until the rains stopped on Monday morning that meant school day for the children Rickee and Dylan.

Rickee had a good excuse to miss class because of a sudden skin allergy. Could he have stolen too many sips of the rum Coke or what someone preferred to call Cuba Libre? He admitted to that.

Rickee my roommate contemplating his life without television and Internet. Upside of country life: he's a hitter of the Los Baños Tigers, a baseball team

Dylan feigned a headache, but Mama Precious was on to him and quickly helped him get into his uniform and bring him to school which was two doors away.

I was left with a little time before I took the bus back to almost treeless EDSA. Time for an unhurried after-coffee stroll along the alley where this family now lives.

Quiet alley lush with greenery

From the outdoor breakfast nook, one can easily spot all types of birds flying around or resting on electric wires like this one.

Hi, bird!

Like I earlier wrote, I still have to memorize the names of these common Philippine flora so I can do accurate captions next time. Meanwhile, here are some good morning glories, still wet with raindrops.

Glorious pink ginger torch slowly opening

  
Photos by Babeth Lolarga

A Sunday so precious

The number 46 isn't something you'd call special in your personal book of life. But it seems it is for Precious Leaño.

Her invitation came in via SMS midweek last week announcing a swimming party at Lakeview Resort in Laguna. Los Baños  is now home to her family. I've spent two consecutive Easters with Alex Baluyut, Precious, whom he still calls his girlfriend, and their two sons, Rickee and Dylan, and I've always come away fully restored, not just from the booze, but from their company.

Not having had a chance to enjoy a swimming getaway to highlight this summer of 2012, I didn't hesitate to punch in my confirmation on my cellphone. By 8 a.m. on the first of July, I was in Los Baños before Dylan could waken and change from his pjs.

Alex says my attitude and sense of adventure is what he's missing among some of our friends: the determination to be on time to party. He remembers that in his younger age (we're both in our 50s), he used to panic if he couldn't arrive on time for a party. So he warmly greeted me with a hug and kiss and welcomed me to their home with the greeting: "Here's the happy camper!"

While waiting for the back of a rickety FX to be loaded with picnic fare (Precious's adobo, Alex's pastel, roasted peanuts with slightly burnt garlic, among many), I had time to wander around their immediate neighborhood inside the University of the Philippines campus and take shots of what I can only call good morning glories. These quiet beauties expressed their greeting as colorfully as the man of the house. Next time, I'll bring a portable book on Philippine flowers.

Even up above, the sky was smiling and decided to maintain a fair mood all day.

It was a day made for singing, eating in between the swimming breaks, drinking and shaking off the buzz by soaking in the hot springs, non-stop or long-playing singing for the non-swimmers (versions of Joey Ayala's "Haring Ibon," Precious going solo in "Babae Ka," some rock classics like the uncut "Like a Rolling Stone" and a heartfelt "Ruby Tuesday") and agreeing with one new acquaintance that yes, this is what we work hard for--to enjoy Sundays like this one. Agree to the max!

 

Grilled tilapia with skewered tomatoes and onions

A feast is incomplete without the lechon and its pebre (Tagalog term for lechon sauce).

Tuning guitars before the Great 46th Birthday Sing-along 

Alex heats up the charcoal grill.

Last guy out of the pool: Dylan, named after the American trobadour

Birthday lady is taken by surprise by a bouquet of ginger flowers (are they that?) from a retired lady to whom Precious lent a sympathetic ear. Photos by Babeth Lolarga