Philippines ---2005 series

Fri, 10 Jun 2005

Flash events and memories

Arriving safely in my hometown Oakland via the SF Air Bart System after a drawn out flight of multiple segments. Manila to Singapore 1 hr, with a 5 hr lay over; Singapore to Hong Kong 3 hour, (1 hr layover), Hong Kong to San Francisco 11 hours. Oddly almost 12 hours from departure, I was still in Hong Kong.

Ah the privilege of international travel! If you do not have a direct flight to South East Asia, and must have a stop, choose Singapore – specially for the return leg. One can have a languorous hot shower in American/Western plumbing standards, shave, a short rest for 6 USD; if you choose you can nap for 3 hours and pay 60 USD and have a sleeping room with a shower included. After a few days of sweaty and sticky living, though after numerous cold showers, a deep cleaning is much appreciated.

Somehow, humidity mixed with urban area many hundreds of year old dirt, combined with soot from diesel exhaust, perspiration (more in line with sweat), one cannot seem to shake off the pervasive "malagkit" feeling (sticky comes closes) your body takes on.

Something to note, to be in a highly controlled environment like Singapore; it seems the airport as a public (quasi) space, can be fastidiously maintained, and local inhabitants seemingly accept the dictums of government that helps assure its access to employment and a high standard of living.

My last memory of Manila as we took the "short cut" to Mult-national Avenue is the over whelming poverty. The shanty dwellings lined most thoroughfares. The meager living individuals attempt to make in selling chicklet and cigarette to oncoming traffic, and the sidewalk vending system of local drinks sago (tapioca ball with sweetened and colored water), buko (young coconut and milk) and gulaman (agar with red colored sweetened water) served over ice.

The night prior to my departure for the US, brod, g/f with her three cousins and I met up with 6 nephews and a spouse (children of 3 first cousins) and a great nephew in Greenbelt in Makati. 14 of us sup at Max’s Restaurant for the despidida (going away party) for family members who were not in the province, either because of school, work or anticipating work abroad.

The longstanding mall development approximates outdoor/indoor American Malls, differing with interior courtyard filled with old trees and highly manicured gardens. It was a picturesque setting, in contrast to what lie a few kilometers away.

The availability of personal services, an afternoon foot spa, mani-pedicure, facial, hair trim is a practice I’ve set upon prior to re-entering my life in the United States. Dollars can purchase much.

In the Province and village of my late father, lasting and often partook activity of sitting under the shade of the Talisay tree, beachside of my deceased Uncle’s property. Life’s meals, rest from the heat, family meetings, conversations, greetings and farewells took place in the bamboo benches and table.

As a form of rest, often, idly looked at the sea with its unpredictable textures, the adjacent Island 30 minutes away by power motor boat or at the horizon, listening and hearing the changing tide’s wave.

Seafood assortment, varieties of fish, urchin and other shellfish, grilled with coconut coals, stewed, braised are kissed with sweetness when eaten alongside the ocean, accompanied by sea breezes. Mango, papaya, avocado, local jackfruit, chico are sweeter than the fruit I eat in California. Given the fruits were freshly picked that day or vine/tree ripened with little spray or herbicides.

Every other day, someone climbed the coconut trees around the property for a merienda (a mid day snack in between meals) of young coconut, transparent gelatinous sweet meat, scooped out with a spoon fashioned from the shell’s husk, and coconut milk. Eating 3 meals plus 2 meriendas daily made me forget my other life temporarily. The family gatherings eating homemade local specialty food, and the caring and gentle hospitality constantly extended –allowed regeneration of one’s soul.

The night prior to trip back for Manila, a despidida party took place at my Uncle and Godfather's seaside Kareoke bar. I counted 4 cousins, a number of their children (our nephews/nieces), their children (great nephews/nieces), a half brother, and plenty of San Mig large were in attendance.

I even ventured to sing 2 songs "My way and another Sinatra tune" (title I cannot recall), it was a good time lasting till lights out at 12 midnight. In the Island (some may recall electricity came in 1999), electricity runs 12 to 12, starting the day before our departure.

All for now, other images will come flooding through or memories will become imbedded as they resurface will be forthcoming during this period of readjustment back to life state side.