tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72338768200370472662024-03-06T12:01:49.473-08:00Antigone's PleaAntigone is the epitome of an unconditional lover, a loving sister, a great martyr..
never been vindicated..
now trying to rise and speak her heart out!dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-32058651250196179262013-04-10T21:29:00.000-07:002013-04-10T21:29:00.129-07:00Child Wife by Delfin Fresnosa<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">CHILD
WIFE</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Delfin Fresnosa</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
were eight of us in the family, including grandmother who could hardly do
anything any more because she was so old. Father was in his forties, but from
his boyhood up his life had been one of toil and he looked like an old man:
slow, taciturn, grey. He worked very hard but it was time for planting again,
we would have no more rice left in the house. Mother and sister Carmen, the
eldest, made abaca slippers but at most they could finish only four pairs a day
between them and each pair sold for not more than three centavos. The other
children were still too young to be of help on the farm, except Tino who took
care of our carabao and the pigs and the hens. He came after Mameng and was
only twelve years old.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
things took a turn for the better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I remember, it must have been a month or two after we had planted the rice that
Mang Julio began coming oftener; he had been in our house before, as he and
father were good friends. I know it was a month or two after the planting, for
I remember we had hardly a thing to eat in the house. Everytime he came, he
brought fish and a ganta or two of rice for us. At first my folks were ashamed
o take the things he brought, but Mang Julio insisted very nicely. After that
we hardly lacked anything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mang
Julio brought many dresses for Mameng. Some were of imitation silk, but you
could hardly tell the difference; some were of cotton that had pretty designs
of flowers and leaves. He also gave mother yards of cloth that she made into
skirts and pillow cases and handkerchiefs. We boys got only undershirts but wore
them at the first opportunity. Sister Carmen did not at first want to wear the
dresses, but father and mother would coax and scold her until she would finally
put one on. She looked very pretty in any of them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Father
and mother were more than usually kind to Mameng. They would ask her what she
would like to eat and what she would like them to bring back to her when they
were going to town. They told her not to work too hard because she might tire
herself, and they did not allow her to make any more abaca slippers. They also
said that she did have to cook or wash clothes or even the dishes if she did
not want to. All this embarrassed her, for she had never received so much
attention before. There were times when she would suddenly run away from them
and go to grandmother. Grandmother would ask her what she was crying for, and
would pat her head and say” “Poor child, poor child.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
almost a month, Mang Julio came uninterruptedly at least three times a week. He
always stayed a long time, talking to father or mother and his eyes would
follow Mameng as she moved about the house. Sometimes he would try to talk to
her, but she would only answer him in monosyllables, eyes everted and trying to
show her desire to run away. He often spoke to her pleasantly, smiling and
trying to gain her confidence, but then she would leave on some pretext or
other and he would resume his conversation with the older folk. After he left
the house, our parents would reproach her for not being nice to Mang Julio, but
she would not say a thing, and so they would add that the next time he came,
would she please try to be more agreeable to him?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
Mang Julio would come again with more presents. He would be wearing a new suit
of clothes, but as it was in the rainy season, he carried an umbrella and came
barefooted. The older folk had to entertain him, but he did not seem to mind;
his agreeableness seemed without bounds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
one day, as he was leaving, he said that perhaps he would not be coming as
often as usual. It was after mother had told him, haltingly, that Carmen was
still too young. She had just turned fourteen. Mang Julio said that he would
send men to repair the house, and he himself would drop in now and then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
house was a poor sight – something which the old folk had casually mentioned.
Mang Julio had said that they could get all the necessary things or repairs at
his store in the village and he would also send men to help do the work. So
then three men came to repair the house and they brought with thyem nipa,
bamboo, and wood from Mang Julio’s store.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was while the repair work was going on that mother told sister and Tino and to
me to go to the village to borrow a few gantas of rice from Mang Julio. Mameng
said that she was ashamed to go to his store where he might see her, but mother
said that if Mang Julio would lend us anything, he would give it to her rather
than anybody else. Mameng put on a green dress. She turned around several times
before mother and asked how she looked, and mother replied that she looked very
pretty. Mother also arranged Mameng’s hair and touched her face and neck with
powder. Then the three of us started for the village.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
did not find Mang Julio in his store, but his wife was there and asked us what
we had come for. Mameng was in a panic at first and she turned red and seemed
to shrink away. She must have had only a vague idea that Mang Julio was a
married man and had perhaps never thought of meeting his wife face to face. She
must have felt how far away was pur house and father and mother. Everything in
her seemed to want to escape.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mang
Julio’s wife was struck with a sudden thought and asked: “Are you Carmen?” and
sister nodded her head dumbly. The the elder woman made haste to offer her
services. She was thin and very ugly, and her face was marred by a distorted
mouth that was constantly twitching. She was already an old woman; her face and
neck and hands were wrinkled, and her hair was all white. Mang Julio was very
much younger than she was; ,maybe he had married her for her money, for they
said she was rich.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Carmen
was much surprised when she found the woman fussing about her, very amiable and
all the solicitude. With a dumb-like expression on her face, Mameng listened to
what she was saying. By that time we had already made to sit down. The two of
them sat face to face at a small table, and Tino and I were some distance away
eating what the woman had given to us. Now and then snatches of their
conversation reached our ears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She
told of how she and her husband had been married for more than twenty years and
that they had never had a child. That was why they wanted to have a child and
Carmen was to be its mother. The old woman spoke of many other things, and as
she talked her eyes remained on Carmen’s face, watching her every expression and
taking in her youthful freshness. Carmen listened with an impassive face, and
now and then nodded her head in assent or pronounced an almost inaudible yes.
All the time she was nervously twisting a handkerchief in her hands. Then the
old woman adjured her to take care of herself, and gave her much other advice.
After a while we went away with Tino carrying the rice in a sack. Sister
brought up the rear and sometimes we would stop a while and wait for her, for
she walked very slowly and was sniffling most of the time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
the work on the house was in progress, Mang Julio dropped in now and then and
stayed to chat with the old folk and inspect the work done. A lean-to had been
added which was made into a room for Mameng. The workers went away and we we left
alone with a remodeled house, and new chairs and tables. Mother hung curtains
in the windows and we children were not allowed to play inside the house
anymore because we would dirty the shiny new floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Harvest
time had passed, the rainy season had set in, and the farmers began breaking
the soil. Father now did not have to go out so early in the morning with the
plow and the carabao, because Mang Julio had made him his overseer. All that
father had to do was to go around to Mang Julio’s farm and to see to it that
the renters or other workers did not neglect the planting. The months passed.
Mother often went to the village, and sometimes when she came home, she would
complain to father of something that had happened to her there. But father
would shrug his shoulders and say: “Let them talk; what do we care?” Most
often, however, she came home with a smile of satisfaction on her face which
she would try to hide in a meeker expression.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
June came, tino and I went to school because father did not need our help any
more on the farm. We did not lack anything in the house and we children had
clothes and plenty to eat. Carmen grew prettier with her body filling out, and
she grew taller, too. Even grandmother was not neglected, and sometimes reeived
presents from Mang Julio. At mother;s urging, she discarded her rags, bathed
more often, and came out of her dark corner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">One morning, when I woke up earlier than
usual, I saw Mang Julio leaving. I believe it was the first time he spent the
night at our house. Mameng was with him, and he stayed for some tine at the
door. He had an arm around her shoulders and she was shivering slightly, for
she had on only a thin cotton dress. She did not say a thing to him but did not
move from his side; she just stood there silently and resignedly with head
bowed down. He was a rather tall man and he looked big and strong beside her
girlish body; her head did not quite reach his shoulders. For some time they
stood thus, scarcely moving, while he bent his head and spoke to her in a low
voice. As the mountains stood suddenly strongly outlined against the red dawn,
he gave her a hurried squeeze and held her tightly for a moment; the he went
away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
he had gone, Mameng suddenly seemed to give way and to be very near to crying.
She did not look at his retreating figure, and after a moment, she turned in
and went to grandmother’s room. When Mang Julio glanced back, and was about to
raise her hand to wave to her, she was no longer at the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mameng
stayed for a long while in grandmother’s room. She talked excitedly, sometimes
sobbing, and grandmother quieted her and murmured reassuring words. Mameng was
calmer when the other children were waking up and mother began preparing
breakfast. The younger children went down into the yard and began to play and I
joined them. Mameng watched us for a while, and then she shouted that she was
coming down to play with us. In a moment she came running down the stairs and
into the yard. She was very much excited and she romped and laughed and we were
very happy together. It had been quite a long time since she had played with us
because she had always had many things to do in the house, and when Mang Julio
began coming mother told her that she must not play too much with us now
because she was already a big girl. But now she was free and wild and she
laughed and chattered and ran around the yard with our smallest brother riding
on her back and the others clinging to her dress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
that day, Mang Julio came to the house very often. Sometimes he came in the
night and left in the early morning. Sometimes he stayed the whole day and we
would go out and have a sort of picnic under the tall trees by the river. He
was always considerate of Mameng’s slightest wish and would talk to her slowly
and in almost a whisper, and when walking he would take her by the arm of the
slightest rise of the ground. She talked to him now and even laughed a little
at his jokes, shyly and guardedly watching his face. And she grew prettier
everyday it seemed. There was always a flush on her face and her skin became
fairer and she had tome to arrange her hair. Mang Julio still brought her many
things; dresses, creams and powder, and after he had given her a bracelet, he
brought her a necklace. They were not costly, he said, but they were very
pretty just the same. And she wore them because mother told her that Mang Julio
liked her more when he saw her wearing the things he gave her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We still had the outings when
the weather was fair, and sometimes, on special occasions,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">we went to town. We had many sacks of palay
and father even sold some. We were well-fed and well-clothed and the children
looked healthy and strong and happy as the months rolled on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
sister Carmen did not play with us anymore. She went about in the house silently
and mother warned us not to bother her. Father and mother treated her lovingly,
but now, unlike before, she was not embarrassed any more; she seemed hardly to
be aware of anything. She was under spell of something greater than the things
that happened around her. Mother, counting the months, said that her time
coming near, and watched Mameng very closely, hardly letting her do anything
that might tire her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
the dresses that Mang Julio had given her had become too tight, sohe brought
her new dresses, loose and comfortable. He still came very often, bringing her
delicate things to eat, and all the time he was in the house he would hardly
leave her side. Sometimes of an afternoon, he would take her out for a short
stroll, and they would walk very slowly, he giving his hand to support her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
Sunday morning, Mameng told mother that she would like to go out for a little
walk. It was a very fine day, with not a trace of a cloud in the sky and it was
not yet very hot. Under the trees, the sun had penetrated just enough to dry
the dew on the grass. Mother said that she should not go out alone, and warned
her again that her time was very near. Mameng said, “Please, mother, it feels
so close in here inside the house; I want to go out for a little fresh air.” So
mother told me to go with her, and said, “But you must not go far from the
house.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mameng
flung an arm around my shoulder and I could feel a little of her weight as we
started out. She looked around at the green countryside and at the blue
mountains in the distance. The grass that grew rank beside the path brushed our
legs and the smell of the flowers and the earth floated lingeringly. Even at
our slow pace, she soon breathed hard. I told her we should stop a while if she
were tired already, but she told me that she was not tired at all, so we walked
on farther. For the most part was remained silent. She just looked at the
grass, and at the trees growing tall and green.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
we were quite far from the house and we could not see it any more because of a
rise of the land and the trees,s he began all of a sudden to feel differently.
She became more cheerful, and laughed, and it seemed as if she wanted to play
with me again, to throw off her weight and be as light and free of foot as
before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
stopped for a while and she asked me to help her sit down, and when she was
seated, she told me that I could play. So I lifet her side and gathered some
stones and threw them into the river which was not far away. Little by little I
had walked quite a distance away from her, absorbed in what I was doing. Then I
heard her shriek. She shriekd several times and kept calling for mother. I ran
back to where I had left her, and when I caught a sight of her, she was already
running. She ran in short, sudden burst, and all the time she ran, she kept
calling for mother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I reached her, she had fallen to the ground. I helped her to a sitting position
and when she looked at me, I saw that her eyes were wild with fear and her
face, covered with dirt and tear stains, was contorted in a grimace of pain.
She kept sobbing, “Oh… Oh… Oh…” and her mouth kept twisting as she tried hard
to stop from crying out loud.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
a time the pain must have eased, for her face became clearer and her breath
came more regularly. Then she got up suddenly and ran again. I ran after her,
shouting to her to stop, but she wouldn’t heed me, and so we ran wildly up the
path to the house. Mother ran to meet her, and afterwards father came and took
her in his arms and carried her into the house. She had already lost
consciousness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Word
was sent to Mang Julio and he in turn sent for a doctor, but when the doctor
came he could not do anything any more. Grandmother and the other children were
in the room, and the old woman kept saying to herself: “Poor child, poor
child…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Originally published in Philippine
Magazine, June 1940</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-82733114771626889002013-04-09T21:26:00.000-07:002013-04-09T21:26:00.276-07:00Anak ng Birhen by Jesus S. Esguerra<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">ANAK
NG BIRHEN</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus S. Esguerra</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">KUNG HINDI PA nagkasakit nanag malubha si
Luis Ver. Llama, kilalang isportsman sa Maynila at litaw na bohemyo sa larangan
ng lipunan, at isang malikot na paruparo, ay hindi pa sana naalaala ang asawa
at naisipang umuwi sa kanilang nayon ng Masantol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tatlong
buwan ding naratay si Luis Ver. Llama at tatlong buwang inalagaan ni Dr. Felix
Ma. Durbin. Isang sakit na maselan and dumapo kay Luis, kaya lumala, at ipinanganib
ng mangagamot na mawalan ng liwanag ang mga mata at tuluyan nang maging lumpo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ibig
nang humina ang loob ni Luis. Ibig na ring mawalan ng pag-asa ang malikot na
paruparong sumawi at nagpaluha sa maraming bulaklak na sinuyo, minahal upang
dayain lamang pagkatapos na pagsawaan at pagsamantalahan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ngunit
kung may mabisa mang gamut na nagbibigay nga kaunti pang lakas at pag-asa sa
pagkatao ng kilalang bohemyo ay walang iba, kundi ang matamis na pag-alo ng
mabait na si Lita Santos ni Llama.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Lita, buhat nang magkasakit si Luis, ay hindi na humihiwalay sa piling ng
asawa. Sa kabila ng mahabang pananhong pagpapabayang ginawa sa kaniya ni Luis,
sa likod ng maraming hirap na tiniis at katakot-takot na luhang nilagok dahil
sa pagtataksil ng lalaki ay hindi niya natutuhang gumanti ng pait sa asawang
tila unti-unti nang nadidilat ang mga mata sa mapapait na katotohanan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Iilang
lingo lamang nagsasama si Lita at si Luis ay nagsimula nang lumagok ng mapapait
na luha ang babae. Malimit na di umuwi ng bahay si Luis, at kung umuwi man ng
tahanan ay hatinggabi na, at lasing na lasing pa.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pabayaan
mo nga ako sa ginagawa ko!” ang madalas na sabihin ni Luis kay Lita, kung
nababati ito ng asawa. “Nalalaman ko ang aking ginagawa!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kaya
nang hindi na makatiis si Lita ay naisipan nitong umuwi na sa kanilang nayon ng
Masantol, at ipinaubaya na lamang ang kaniyang sarili sa anumang kapalarang
darating sa kanyang buhay! Ngunit nang mabalitaang nagkasakit si Luis at nang
malamang ipinasok sa pagamutan ang asawa, hindi rin nakatiis si Lita; lumuwas
ng Maynila upang alagaan ang minamahal niya sa buhay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
nang galling na sa sakit ni Luis, isinumpa na kay Lita, na siya ay
magpapakabait na at magbabagong buhay na rin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oo,
handa na akong bumalik sa ating nayon,” ang sabi ni Luis, minsang siya ay
amukiin ni Lita na umuwi na sa kanila. “At isinusumpa kong ako ay
magbabagong-landas na.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
isang araw nga, nang malakas-lakas na at makalakad-lakad na si Luis, inilabas
na siya ng pagamutan ng kaniyang asawa at nagbalik na sila sa nayon ng
Masantol.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Iisang
taon lamang ang nakakaraan ay lalong lumago ang kabuhayan ng mag-asawa at
nag-ibayo ang kaligayahan ng kanilang buhay. Ngunit kung mayroon pang
ikinababalisa ang mag-asawa ay walang iba, kundi ang hindi pagbubunga ng
kanilang pag-iibigan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Kung
sa bagay,” sabi ni Lita, “mabuti nang huwag tayong magkaanak, sapagkat kung ang
magiging anak natin ay babae, baka siya pang magbayad ng mga utang mo.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Napatawa
lamang si Luis. Pinisil ang baba ng asawa at saka nilagdaan ng halik sa pingi.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ano
bang utang ang sinasabi mo?” ang tanong na sagot ni Luis sa asawa. “Wala naman
akong utang na dapat bayaran!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Suss!
Tumigil ka na nga!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Limutin
na natin ang lahat!” ang sabi ni Luis. “Huwag nating sariwain pa ang mga
nakalipas.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
buhat na nga noon, ganap na nilang pinag-aralang limutin ang malulungkot na
kahapon ng kanilang nagdaan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Anim
na buwan pa ang maligayang nagpaalam sa buhay nina Lita at Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hindi
pa rin nagsusupling ang halaman ng kanilang pag-iibigan, kaya ganon na lamang
ang pagkainggit nila sa unang bunga ng pagmamahalan ng kanilang mga pinsang
sina Berta at Damaso. Si Berta ay pinsang-makalawa ni Lita at si Damaso ay isa
naming kanayon nila sa Masantol. Si Berta ay lubos ng ulila sa mga magulang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tingnan
mo nga sina Berta at Damaso,” and pakli ni Lita, isang tanghali na sila ni Luis
ay nagpahinga sa pugad ng kanilang pag-ibig sa kanilang nayon. “Iisang taon
lamang ang pagsasama ay nagsupling na agad ang kanilang pag-iibigan.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nakakainggit
nga!” ang sagot naman ni Luis. “Oo, nakakainggit nga!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isang
gabi, matutulog na lamang ang mag-asawa nang gelatin sila ng sunod-sunod na
tawag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lita!
Lita!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dinungaw
ni Lita ang tumawag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Aba,
Aling Husta,” ang patakang sagot ni Lita, “ano po ang ibig ninyo?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Madali
ka! Si Berta ay…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Napapano
si Berta?” ang katlo ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ngunit
hindi na narugtungan pa ang gayong tanungan, at ang mag-asawa ay medaling
lumipat sa tanahan nina Berta at Damaso na malapit lamang sa kanila.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hindi
na makausap si Berta. Pinapawisan ng malamig at hindi na halos makakilala.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dumaing
lamang ng sakit ng tiyan,” ang sabi ni Damaso, “kaya ang ginawa ko ay nag-init
ako ng tubig, ngunit nang pumasok ako ay masama na ang kanyang lagay.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ano
ba ang kaniyang ginawa?” ang usisa ni Lita.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Naglaba
kaninang umaga at pagkatapos ay kinuha ang nilabhan, at kaninang hapon ay
dinilig pa ang mga damit,” ang marahang paliwanag ni Damaso.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Marahil
ay naalimuuman,” ang agaw naman ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nang
dumating ang manggagamot na ipinatawag pa sa nayon ng kamatsili, na kanugnog
lamang ng Masantol, si Berta ay nag-aagaw buhay na.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ang
manggagamot, pagkatapos mapulsuhan ang babae, ay tumindig sa pagkakaaupo at
saka malungkot na napailing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Patay
na po! Huli na tayo!” ang malungkot na sabi ng manggagamot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Napaiyak
si Damaso!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Humagulgol
naman si Lita!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nalungkot
si Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Parang
walang anumang nakaraan ang dalawang lingo buhat nang maihatid sa libingan ang
bangkay ni Berta.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isang
umaga, nagsadya si Damaso kina Lita at Luis na dala ang anak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mangingibang
bayan ako,” ang simula ni Damaso. “Kaipala ay sa malayong lupain ako tutungo.
Aywan ko kung saan, at natitiyak kong hindi na marahil ako makababalik. Kaya,
ipinagkakaloob ko na sa inyo ang anak ko at ariin na ninyong tunay na anak
iyan, at kayo na rin ang magpabinyag!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tinitigan
ng mag-asawa ang sanggol na dala ni Damaso. Tila isang anghel na nakangiti sa
kanilang hulog ng langit ang nasa harap nila. Ang mag-asawa ay nagtinginan na
lamang, ngunit maya-maya ay nagsalita si Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bakit
ka nakakaisip ng ganyan?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ngayong
wala na si Berta,” ang sabi ni Damaso, “ay wala na ring halaga sa akin ang
buhay!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nang
makaalis si Damaso, pinabinyagan agad ng mag-asawa ang kanilang pamangkin,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ANGELICO
VER. LLAMA! Iyan ang iningalan sa bata!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sunod
sa apelyido ni Luis ang bininyagan!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
buhat na nga noon, inari nang tunay nilang anak si Angelico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nagdaan
pa ang maraming taon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Angelico ay tumutuntong na noon na sa kaniyang ikalabing siyam na taon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Magandang
lalaki! Makisig pa!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Angelico ay tapos na sa hay-iskul. Papasok na siya sa U.P. upang mag-aral ng
panggagamot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nang
ipagpista ang mahal na patron ng Masantol, si Angelico ay sinundo ni Luis.
Isang malaking pagdiriwang ang idaraos at isasagawa sa kanilang tahanan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Halika,
anak ko,” wika ni Luis kay Angelico, “marami akong panauhin ngayong araw na ito
na dadalo rito sa atin. Isa sa kanila ay ang dalagang napipisil ko upang maging
kabiyak ng iyong dibdib, pagkatapos ng iyong pag-aaral.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hindi
nakaimik ang binata.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nalalaman
ni Angelico ang ugali ng kaniyang ama. Hindi mabali ang sabihin at maibigan.
Buhat ng tumanda si Luis ay nabago na ang ugali. Nagging bugnot at magagalitin.
Ayaw niyang makakasama sa lakaran ni Angelico ang mga binatang malilikot at
masasama. Ibig niyang huwag maakay sa liko-likong landas ang kaniyang anak.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Si
Myrna, ang kaisa-isang anak ni Don Mamerto ALtamar,” ang sabi ni Luis, “ang
napili naming ng iyong ina upang maging asawa mo.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ngunit
ako po ay may katipan na,” ang mahinahon at magalang na sagot ng binata.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ha!
May katipan ka na?” ang mabalasik na tanong ni Luis. “Nalalaman mo ba ang
isinagot mo?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Opo,
may katipan na ako.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Halos
manlaki ang mga mata ni Luis sa matinding galit sa anak. Kung hindi niya
mapipilit na pakasal si Angelico kay Mryna, mapapasubo siya sa malaking
kahihiyan kay Don Mamerto Altamar, na isa niyang matalik na kaibigan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bibigyan
kita ng ilan pang panahon upang isipin mo ang bagay na ito,” ang marahas na
patapos ng matanda kay Angelico. “Ngunit dapat mong malaman, na, mamumulubi
kang lubos at hindi ka makakatapos ng iyong pag-aaral kung sasalungatin mo ang
gusto ko!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kilala
ni Angelico si Myrna. Maganda nga si Myrna, ngunit ang makabago niyang kilos at
ang pikitmatang pagsunod sa singaw nga bagong panahon ang nagiging dahilan kung
bakit mailap sa kanya ang puso ng binata. Si Myrna ang nag-aaral din sa
Maynila. Palibhasa’y anak-mayaman, kaya nasusunod ang lahat ng layaw sa buhay.
Malimit siyang Makita ni Angelico na nag-iisang naglalakad na kasama ng
iba’t-ibang binata. Pumapasok na nag-iisa sa mga sine at dumadalo sa mga
sayawan na nag-iisa rin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kinabukasan,
si Angelico ay nagbalik na sa Maynila upang ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral.
Pagdating sa Maynila, nagtuloy agad siya sa tahanan ng kaniyang irog.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Kumusta
ang pista sa inyong nayon?” ang tanong at pakibalita ni Corazon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hindi
agad nakasagot si Angelico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Bakit?”
ang tanong na muli ng dalaga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Corazon!”
ang malungkot na wika ng binata, “nakatatanaw ako ng ulap na ibig magpadilim sa
ating langit!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Alam
ko nay an,” ang maagap na agaw ng dalaga. “Sa simula pa, nababatid ko nang
magiging salungat ang tatay mo na makipag-ibigan ka sa isang babaeng mahirap na
tulad ko.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Corazon ay napaiyak, kaya nilapitan siya ng binata upang aliwin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hindi
Corazon! Kung ayaw man sila sa iyo, ang puso ko ay hindi nila maaring
masaklawan, sapagkat ako ang makapangyarihan sa pusong ito. Iibigan kita na
gaya rin nang dati at magiging ibayo pa marahil, sapagkat sa ganyan lamang
maaring ipakilala ko sa iyo ang kadakilaan ng aking pag-ibig. Walang kailangang
ako ay mahinto sa pag-aaral at magdildil ng kanin at asin, kung sa piling mo ay
mananatiling maliwanang ang langit ng aking buhay!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Angelico!”
ang agaw ng lumuluhang dalaga. “Mahal kita, ngunit hindi ko yata maatim na
maghirap ka nang dahil lamang sa akin. Sundin mo ang kanilang ibig. Bayaan mo
na ako. Babalik na ako sa aming bayan upang pumiling sa aking irog na ina. Kung
sa bagay nalalaman mo ang dahilan ng paghahanapbuhay ko rito sa Maynila. Nais
kong makatipon ng maraming salapi upang may maipagamot sa mga mata ng ina kong
nawalan na ng liwanag. Ngunit kung ako lamang ang magiging sagabal sa iyong
landas, pag-aaralan kong lumayo, maging dahilan man iyan ng aking kamatayan.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Corazon!
Hindi maari iyan. Sisikapin kong maiakyat ang lupa sa langit upang ipakilala ko
lamang ang kadalisayan ng pagmamahal ko sa iyo.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
tumupad sa sinabi si Corazon. Nabalitaan na lamang ng binata na ang kaniyang
minamahal ay umuwi sa kanilang bayan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Angelico naman ay walang ginawa kundi ang magsikap upang makatapos agad ng
kaniyang pag-aaral.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Akala
ni Luis ay limot na limot na ng kaniyang anak ang dalagang nagiging dahilan ng
pagtatangi ng binata upang makipag-isang dibdib kay Myrna, kaya lihim na
inihanda ang araw ng pag-iisang dibdib ng mga batang ipinakipagtipanan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Limang
taon ang nakaraan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Angelico ay maluwalhati ring nakatapos sa kaniyang pag-aaral, at ngayo’y isa na
siyang manggagamot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Isang
sayawan ang isinagawa sa tahanan ng mga Llama sa Masantol, bilang parangal sa
patatapos sa pagkamanggagamot ni Angelico. At nang gabing yaon, ipinahayag ni
Luis ang pakikipag-isang dibdib ng kaniyang anak kay Myrna, na anak naman ni
Don Mamerto Altamar. Gayon na lamang ang galak ng lahat, ngunit si Angelico ay
nananatiling walang kibo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nang
matapos ang sayawan, si Angelico ay tinawag ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ang
kasal niyo ni Myrna ay nakahanda na upang isagawa sa isang lingo,” isang araw
ay nasabi ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tatay,”
ang hadlang ng binata, “ayaw ko kayong sinsayin sa inyong pithaya, ngunit kung
hinahangad ninyo ang aking kaligayahan, hindi ninyo pipilitin akong mapakasal
sa isang babaeng nagging manika nang basahan sa kamay ng maraming lalaki.
Lingid sa kaalaman ninyo ni Don Mamerto, si Myrna ay nagkaroon ng maitim na
kabuhayan sa Maynila. Kung sino-sino ang nagmahal sa kaniya at nagmay-ari ng
kaniyang pag-ibig.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sinungaling!”
ang agaw ng matandang ama. “Hindi totoo ang sinasabi mo, sapagkat hanggang
ngayon ay mahal mo pa ang babaeng iyong katipan na ayon sa pagkakatalos ay
PUTOK SA BUHO. Alam ko ang buong kabuhayan ni Corazon. Marami ang nagsabi sa
akin, na ang dalagang iyan ay anak sa ligaw, na hanggang ngayon ay hindi
makilala kung sino ang kaniyang ama.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ngunit
siya ay mabait po,” ang agaw ng anak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
kasabay ng gayong matigas na pangungusap ay isang malakas na tampal ang dumapo
sa mukha ng binata.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sumulong
ka! Lumayas ka! Walang turing!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kung
hindi naagaw ni Lita ang rebolber sa kamay ng kaniyang asawa, marahil ay
napatay si Angelico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Noon
di’y umalis si Angelico. Sinagasa niya ang kadiliman ng gabi. Naghintay siya ng
masasakyan upang magbalik sa Maynila. Sa kabutihang palad, isang trak ng mga
maggugulay ang nagdaan at siya ay nakisakay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pagdating
sa Maynila, si Angelico ay sumulat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ganito
ang kaniyang kalatas:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mahal
Kong Ama,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pagkatanggap ninyo ng sulat na
ito ay maari na ninyong ibalita kay Don Mamerto na hindi matutuloy ang kasal
naming ni Myrna. Tutungo ako sa bayan ni Corazon upang tumupad sa pangakong
siya ay ihaharap ko sa dambana. Kung PUTOK man sa BUHO ang babaeng yaon ay
hindi niya kasalanan, sapagkat nagkaroon siya ng isang amang walang puso.
Patawarin ninyo ako sa aking gagawin!<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span>Angelico</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pagkatanggap
ni Luis ng sulat ng binata, ay nagbihis agad upang sundan si Angelico at
pigilin sa anumang paraan ang pakikipag-isang dibdib niya kay Corazon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Parang
limbas na nilipad ni Luis ang Maynila at sa kaniyang ginawang pagtatanong ay
nalaman niya kung saang bayan hahanapin si Corazon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nag-aapoy
na mabuti and dibdib ni Luis. Galit nag alit siya.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nang
dumating si Luis sa bayan ng Malibay ay ipinagtanong niya ang bahay ni Corazon,
at may nakapaghimatong naman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ilang
hakbang lamang ang nagagawa niya ay natanaw na niya agad ang dampang sinasabi
ng napagtanungan sa may labasan. Tiniyak niya sa kaniyang sarili na pagkakita
kay Angelico ay babarilin ito agad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ngunit
nang siya ay malapit na sa hagdanan ng maliit na dampang yaon, isang dalaga ang
nakita niya sa may pinto na tila siya ang sinasalubong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Biglang
nagbago ang kulay ng mukha ng matandang Luis, nang Makita ang kariktang yaon.
Sandal niyang nalimot ang kaniyang galit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Dito
po ba nakatira si Aling Corazon?” ang tanong ng bagong dating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ako
po ang hinahanap ninyo!” ang sagot ng dalaga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lalong
naibsan ng poot ang puso ng umuusig na matanda, nang marinig niya ang tamis na
tinig ng dalaga. Kay-lamig ng tinig na yaong tila himalang pumatay sa ningas ng
apoy na naglalagablab sa kaniyang dibdib.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tumuloy
kayo sa maliit naming dampa!” ang matamis na anyaya ng dalaga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Si
Luis ay tila nagayumang naanhik sa tahanan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tatay!”
ang sabi ni Angelico pagkakita sa ama.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sino
ang tao?” ang tanong ng ina ni Corazon na noon ay nakahiga sa papag at
ginagamot ni Angelico.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sila
po ang ama ko!” ang sagot ng binata.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mameng!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ang
tinig na yaon ay dati nang kilala ni Aling Mameng. Nang marinig niya ang tinig
na yaon ay nanumbalik sa kaniyang gunita ang mga araw ng kaniyang kabataan. O,
kay-tamis ng pangitain!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mameng!”
ang muling sabi ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Luis!
Luis!” ang lumuluhang sagot ng babae na nagbabatis na ang mga mata sa
masaganang luha.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
sina Corazon at Angelico ay tila natubigan sa tagpong yaon ng dalawang puso.
Tila sila namalikmata sa kanilang mga nasaksihan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
malungkot na ipinagtapat ni Aling Mameng ang lahat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tinangka
ko sanang dalawin ka sa pagamutan noong ikaw ay magkasakit,” ang simula ni
Aling Mameng. “Ngunit hindi ko nagawa sapagkat ako ay bigla ring nagkasakit.
Kinabukasan ay bigla na ring nawalan ng liwananag ang aking mga mata, kaya
ipinakiusap ko sa aking ina na ako ay iuwi na sa aming bayan. Nagintay ako sa
pagdating mo, ngunit ako ay nabigo… Oo, nabigo lamang ako!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“At
si Corazon!” ang tanong ni Luis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Iyan
ang kaisa-isang bunga n gating pag-ibig. Siya ang laman ng aking tiyan nung
ako’y magkasakit.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tatay!”
ang agaw ni Angelico, “diyata’t kapatid ko si Corazon?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hindi!
Hindi, Angelico!” ang malungkot na sagot ng matanda. “Halika at isasalaysay ko
sa iyo ang isang lihim na hindi mo pa nalalaman.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“…
at, nang umalis ang iyong ama,” ang patuloy pa ni Luis kay Angelico, “ay
ipinagkaloob ka sa amin at sinabing mahalin ka naming parang tunay na anak!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Saka
lamang nakahinga nang maluwag si Angelico. Akala niya, ang babaeng kaniyang
kasintahan ay tunay niyang kapatid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Samakatwid,”
ang patuloy pa ni Angelico, “si Corazon ay tunay na ANAK NG ISANG BIRHEN!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Matapos
na iluwas sa Maynila si Aling Mameng at maipasok sa pagamutan upang gamutin ang
mga mata, maligaya naming idinaos ang pag-iisang puso nina Corazon at Angelico
sa nayon ng Masantol.</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Originally published
in the book 50 Kuwentong Ginto ng 50 Batikang Kuwentista Aklat II </span></i>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-26005927477019411432013-04-07T21:19:00.000-07:002013-04-07T21:19:00.288-07:00The Riddle by F. Sionil Jose<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">THE RIDDLE</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">F. Sionil Jose</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was past five in the
afternoon when we reached the port. The sea was calm and the sun hung portside,
no longer warm but still. Billows of heat whirled up from the hold and wafted
to the bridge and upper deck the odor of ammonia and dried fish. The anchor
detail was already at its post and the town lay near, no more than a village it
appeared, with a narrow jetty sticking out into the water, some boats near the
shore, their sails limp and without wind and, of course, coconut trees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The radio operator who always
wanted to know what people did and where they were going sidled up to me at the
rail. He was off duty, there being no message to relay, and he watched the
stevedores ready a tractor on the front hold for disembarking. The tractor was
our only reason for stopping at the port, for there were no passengers who were
going down. The town was not a regular port of call; it was not big and it did
not have anything – at least from the distance – that could draw people and
business except copra and maybe, a little lumber.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ll not find the town
difficult,” he said. “And as for this classmate of yours, what did you say her
name was again?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ella Rivera. Mrs. Jacinto now,”
I said feeling bored. It was the tenth time he asked me why I wanted to spend a
few moments in the town. I was going to Cotabato farther south, and I was very
pleased to learn when we were already at sea that we would stop here to ease
the tractor down. I would see Ella again, Ella who forsook the lights of the
city because there was an hacienda here, a country house, exuberance, security,
and a man named Jaime Jacinto.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know some of the people
here,” the radio operator volunteered again. “But a Jacinto – I don’t know
anyone by that name. In this town – and it’s small – everyone knows everyone.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How long do you think we will
stay here?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He peered briefly into the
navigator’s cabin where the captain was giving orders as the boat, its engines
now idling, hedged close to the pier.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“In an hour or so, just as soon
as I unload the tractor,” the captain said, thrusting a chin to the
yellow-painted machine that was being readied by the crew below. The man threw
the lines and a pier hand hooked and coiled the ropes to the piles near the
pier. The boat was small, an FS type like most inter-island vessels. In a while
it was snug and still.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t worry,” the skipper
assured me; “we won’t leave you.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I did not wait for the gangplank
to be lowered. From the rail, I clambered down to the piles that protected the
pier, then jumped to the pier itself. I had been on the boat for the past three
days, and now the stability of the earth and the absence of pitching and
rolling seemed to put a spring to my gait and a slight imbalance to my sense of
equilibrium.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The pier was not crowded but for
some idlers. It didn’t have the frenzied activity of other southern ports, and
knowing how Ella loved motion, lights, the whirl of dancers, I wondered how she
was able to adapt herself to this seemingly lifeless town.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She had been a classmate in
college, all through four years of it; she was not beautiful really, but
charming and wonderful company; she gave a man confidence in himself, in his
talents, and she had all the boys wanting to date her. She aroused in them the
male protective instinct and yet she wasn’t completely helpless-looking, just
fragile. And, of course, she had a way with words.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was no jeep or calesa at
the pier – unlike in the other ports where the arrival of a boat usually
accompanied with noise, the hysterical snort of jeepneys, horses – maybe
because the town was limbo or world’s end. I asked one of the pier-hands where
I could possibly get a ride to the town and he pointed to a sorry-looking
calesa way down the road at the end of the pier. The walk was unnecessary, but
it seemed no calesas were permitted up to the narrow jetty.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I needed the walk, if only to
reassure myself the necessity of using my legs; a walk is needed at times as
one would need a smoke in solitude. A walk, said Ella once, if for your health,
your pocketbook, and your mind. You get the exercise, save the farce and, most
of all, you think a lot of things that won’t occur to you in a more easeful
circumstance.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We did go together for a walk on
a clear, rain washed afternoon because she wanted to feel the slosh of rain
water on her bare feet. We skipped a class in European literature and then we
were in the boulevard by the sea. She thrust away her pumps, and we walked and
talked of Moliere and the wisdom of man, of the many shades of meaning that was
in the word “fecund” – it was her favorite word, precocious word, and a poem
was fecund, the land was fecund, a woman’s breast was fecund… It was her
favorite, that and many other things I could understand. But never how she
became interested in Jimmy, loud-mouthed, vulgar.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before she met Jimmy, we went
together, we were young people talking big, owning the sky and, for me, a hole
in my shoe. Ella, eager, her fair skin always scrubbed and smelling of sopa and
woman’s scent, went to parties too, with me. Once, at a dinner-dance
commemorating the anniversary of the college paper where we all wrote, a half
bottle of scotch got into the punch bowl and soon, there was more freedom in
the talk, more closeness in the dancing, and a certain brashness in the way the
girls moved around. But Ella didn’t need alcohol to pep her up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jimmy was parked by the piano,
thin ascetic-looking fellow with a faraway look, a crew cut, a pinched face,
and an insinuation that his piano-playing was the party. Someone was looking
for guaracha records and then Ella, her face bright with punch, went to the
piano and leaning on its side, asked Jimmy to accompany her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She sang coolly at first, with
hardly anyone paying attention, but soon she had us all listening, and as she
sang, her voice – its richness and mellowness, told the faith that only women
knew:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I’ll be seeing
you in all the old familiar</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>places</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>That this heart
of mine embraces</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>All day through…</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">her mouth a-quiver,
the veins on her throat throbbing with life, her hands clasped but not in the
dramatic, athletic stance of prima donnas, her eyes fixed on no one in
particular but on the abstraction that was beyond the wide terrace, the
forgotten stars blooming in the sky.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was February then and we were
seniors. Jimmy was a senior too, but Ella and he didn’t graduate, for after
that party, we heard – and this was confirmed by their absence from school –
that they had eloped. It was difficult for me to get over the news, not because
of sheer jealousy but of the fact that Jimmy was a slob, a braggart and a
loudmouth, perennially describing his house in the country – a “monstrosity
with twelve bedrooms,” his hacienda, and his flock of “lazy, lying tenants,”
and his “honeymoon around the world” when the time came.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rig driver was quite
talkative and, as most rig drivers go, knew almost everyone in town.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ella Jacinto? The wife of Jaime
Jacinto? Yes, I know her.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Is their hacienda far from the
town?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hacienda?” He fixed me with a
quizzical stare.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,” I said, a little
bothered. “They have an hacienda, don’t they?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A brittle laugh escaped him, and
then, as a sign of respect to me perhaps, he suppressed his laughter, and
looked away, his peasant face stolid and emotionless as he continued: “I
wouldn’t call it an hacienda. Maybe, in other places where there isn’t too much
land… “ he turned to me again. “Are you sure, sir, that you are looking for
Jaime Jacinto?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I nodded. “He was a classmate in
college,” I said crisply.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He brightened. “That’s right,
Jaime had been to college. Yes, I’ll take you to him.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I boarded his beat-up rig, and
as I settled on the seat, he snapped the reins on the back of his bony mare and
we cantered off.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The drive was not delightful; in
time, after skirting the shore, we entered the heart of the town which, like
most centers in the Philippine towns, was drably familiar with the omnipresent
Rizal monument, the church, the schoolhouse, a few houses with tin roofs
attesting to the locality’s intimation with civilization, and those inevitable
Chinese stores. I had hoped the rig driver would stop at any moment before one
of the bigger houses but he drove on, clucking his tongue, until the road
dropped off into what seemed like a wallowing hole that had dried up – a street
or what appeared to be a street flanked both sides by less respectable-looking
homes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure you know where we
are going?” I asked with apprehension.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“If it’s Jaime Jacinto you are
looking for…”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes. Is his wife named Ella?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He nodded, snapped the reins on
the horse’s back again and we went down the road, skirting the dried edges of
the huge puddle, and then stopped before an old, battered house which must have
seen better times two decades earlier. It was not big, but it was not small
either; it had a nipa roof, wooden sliding and shell windows. But in spite of its
age and apparent sliding into obscurity, it stood out above all the other
houses that were in the vicinity; for one, its yard was flooded with flowering
plants, bougainvillea, rows of San Francisco that have missed a trimming for
years, and vines of bridal bouquet that smothered one side of the house, they
practically caused the balcony over which they clambered, to sag. There were
countless other plants in the yard, in the pots on the window sill; it seemed
as if some wanton gardener had selected this one forgotten spot and then, with
a bucketful of seeds and with a green thumb, transformed it into a wonderland.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is the house,” the rig
driver said with a measure of solemnity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you sure?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He looked at me. “I’m sure,” he
said simply. “This is where Ella Jacinto lives. She is the only one who cares
for flowers here.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I got down, not quite ready to
accept the fact or enter the decrepit gate. Beyond the rich hedge of gumamela,
three children appeared – all of them barefoot, in tatters, smudged with dirt
but apparently healthy. I had encountered the same innocence, the same
robustness in the Mangyan children in Mindoro but not the shyness, for seeing
me approach, they did not run or cower; they came forward with frank openness,
waiting to be asked the question that they expected. I asked what seemed the
oldest of the three, a handsome boy of about six or seven, if this was the
house where Jimmy Jacinto lived, and the boy, with a wide grin spreading across
his face, wheeled and ran to the tottering stairway, rushed up shouting, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mama, Mama,</i> there’s a visitor to see
you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was then that I saw them: the Ocampo painting that Ella was so attached to
because it was given to her by the painter himself, a modernistic rendering of
harvest, a “fecund” picture she called it, actually blobs of yellow that merged
with smaller patches of green, vivid colors so characteristic of all Ocampo
frames, and the atrocious mobile which was but starting as a household fad when
we were in college – some tiny strips, sleek and silver once, but now rusty
with the elements, dangling in the middle of the balcony, above the stairway,
before the picture – a strange assortment of birds, fishes or lightning as
interpreted by an unnamed sculptor in the university who must have admired
Ella, too, and presented the mobile to her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
took them both with calmness, with the resignation I had developed on coming
upon artifacts that surprised because they confirmed what I couldn’t believe
in, just as I couldn’t believe at all that Ella could live in this place, this
town, considering that Jimmy had promised her not this but some reality upon
which her poetic hankering fed on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
looking at that impossible mobile, at that Ocampo painting, I stood motionless,
until a woman appeared at the top of the flight, and looking at the familiar
face, I knew this was Ella and I went up, the calmness gone out of me, my heart
pounding like thunder, and I shook her hand, oh how rough it had become! And
she took it away, looked once at me and then at her own self, her shabby
clothes and, “Pepe, Pepe,” she breathed, and with extreme embarrassment, she
fled behind the door of the living room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sit
down, sit down,” she called from behind one of the doors beyond, and from it, I
could hear the flurry, the opening of drawers and the words gasped out: “Pepe,
you fool, you should have told me you were coming. Imagine you, of all people,
dropping in on me like a bolt from the clear, blue sky. How is life? Are you
already married? Do I know her?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,”
I said, eyeing the interior of the house, its poor deportment, its battered
furniture, the cracks on the wooden floor that were stripes of bamboo and pine
planks from packing cases. “No, I am not yet married,” rather emphatically.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And
what are you doing with yourself and your money? Do not waste time, Pepe. Look,
did you see those <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">retazos</i> downstairs?
They are all mine.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
too busy to indulge in domestic adventure.” I said, affecting the flippant
manner with which we used to discuss marriage when we were in college.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well,
you’ve got to change someday. You’ve to have a wife and children. Look at me.
Three children in eight years. That’s not a bad record, is it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,”
I said. I looked out into the yard where the children played. They were a
healthy trio even with the mud of the street on their faces.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
a while, she came out but though her face was powdered and she had lipstick on,
she didn’t seem quite real or quite as handsome as she used to be and her dress
seemed old and frowzy. Only her eyes were alive and there was a slack in her
mouth. Only her eyes were alive and there was a slack in her mouth. Only her
eyes – and they were all that mattered because they sparkled still.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
look fine,” I said thinking of her eyes. “Just as fine as when we were in
college.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Don’t
talk about college,” she said smiling; she led me into the living room and
offered me one of the sorry looking rattan chairs that was propped near the
window. “Tell me about yourself. How come you are here?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
going to Mindanao and there’s a tractor that they are going to drop here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Mindanao,”
she gushed; “I’m sure you have a big farm there now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing
of the sort,” I said laughing. “I never made anything out of poetry and
writing. Do you remember how we often talked about the study of man?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,
yes,” she said happily. “We talked a lot, didn’t we?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’m
going to Mindanao to study the Bilaans.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Anthropology!”
she exclaimed, catching up with the drift of the conversation. “Yes, Jimmy told
me once, you had a fellowship or something to study the Mangyans of Mindoro
too.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
must know a lot about primitive society now, its evolution and all that sort of
thing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
try to be observant,” I said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
have always been observant, “ she said. “I imagine you know all the answers about
people, why they have some customs which appear crazy to us but perfectly all
right with them. I understand Moros can get two dozen wives.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Only
four is allowed by the Koran,” I said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Some
arrangement,” she said, blithely. She had taken the chair opposite mine and she
folded her hands as she spoke. They were big hands now, roughened with work,
not slim or soft as she had them when she was young.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
wouldn’t mind such an arrangement,” she said. “But if the man loves them all,
wouldn’t that be problem for him?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
question<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had never occurred to me and I
marveled at her perception that did not dull or die away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You’ll
be a very learned man,” she said. “You’ll know everything. And here I am, not
knowing anything. I don’t even know what happened to our classmates. I stumble
across their names once in a while when Jimmy comes home with a paper.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
is he?” I asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So,so.
He’s in town now. He should be back any moment.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are
you happy?” I had wanted to ask the question but it didn’t come off easy and I
asked it with a feeling of guilt, of regret.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes,”
she said, nodding. “Yes, I’m quite happy. I don’t get all the things I want but
I try to be happy without them.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That’s
the way it should be,” I said. “That’s elemental. You can’t get everything you
want.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was safe now for me to speak, it was safe now for me to open up because the
years had created the courage with which I could, in all frankness, declare: I
wanted you, which I really did, so I spoke out loud, “There was a time,” I
said, looking at her, “I wanted you. I almost asked you to marry me, after we
finished college, of course. But you eloped and I got a career studying man.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
eyes were wide. With fright? With wonder? I couldn’t say. She quickly turned
away, saying quickly: “Pepe, you never told me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
could i?” I said with a conscious attempt at levity. “You were too concerned
with Jimmy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Was
I?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
were,” I said. I could have added, you were too concerned with getting
somewhere, and I couldn’t get a ticket to Europe, a coconut plantation, and a
country home… But, “How is he?” I asked again instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
eyes, when they slid up to me again, were misty. “He is all right. It didn’t
turn out to be as I expected. Time teaches a lot of things. Jot that down. It’s
for your book. Have you already written it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
leaned over and patted her hand. “I couldn’t write it as I planned it when we
were in college,” I said lamely. She leaned over, her eyes saying a hundred
things, her breath quiet and slow, and we did not speak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
was then that one of the children playing in the yard started wailing and I
heard a gruff voice raised; whack, and the voice again: “I told you, you son of
a whore, not to go around with all that dirt in your face. Have your forgotten
that you are the son of Don Jaime Jacinto?” Garrulous laughter, the wailing
dying away into stifled sobs, and someone stolidly stepping up the stairway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ella
stood up and went to the door. “Jimmy,” she said softly, soothingly, “Jimmy
darling, we have a visitor. You know him…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
stood up and followed her. At the door, I meet Jimmy who, like Ella, I hadn’t
seen in eight long years, and the Jimmy that I saw was bald and stout like a
pampered boar, and his eyes were red and glassy. Is very movements, by the
redness of his face, it was not difficult to see that he was drunk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Oh,
it’s you,” he said, “Well, if it isn’t Pepe, the smart boy! Now, what could
bring you to this hell of a place? Don’t tell me it’s the scenery.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jimmy!”
Ella said, ghastly at his manners.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
was passing by,” I said extending a hand which he didn’t take.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“My
hands are dirty with honest toil,” he said smirking. “I couldn’t shake your
hand. Passing by? Now, who would believe that!” He staggered to one of the
chairs in the balcony and heaved his fat bulk into it. He wore a pair of old
rubber shoes and his denim pants were faded at the knees. “I know it, you are
still aflame. Ha – I beat you all, didn’t I? I got Ella away from you and now
you have come to try and take her back! Ha!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ella
stood between me and her husband. “Please, Jimmy,” she said, facing him, “can’t
you be polite? Just this once. He had been a good friend. You know that.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Good
to you but not to me. Ah, whore that you are,” he shouted drunkenly, “all
right, be good to him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
moved to the door knowing that it was best for me to leave. The day was getting
dark and the boat had only an hour or even less to stay. Besides, I didn’t want
to hear another word. But Ella, seeing me move to the top of the flight, rushed
to me and held my hand and gushed apologies which I didn’t care to hear: “Pepe,
please forgive him and me, too. Please, it’s not always that he is drunk. You
understand that, don’t you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
couldn’t speak. I could only hold her trembling hand and the best way I could,
tried to explain that I understood. “Of course,” I said. “Jimmy is drunk. When
a man is drunk, he usually doesn’t give much thought to what he does or says.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
do,” Jimmy roared, rising, his face distorted by an ugly meaningful threat. In
another instant, he had lunged at his wife, struck her and in falling, Ella
tried to clutch at the sill for support but she missed it and an edge of the
chair banged across her chest and now, her lips bled too, where Jimmy had hit
her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
couldn’t stand the sight of her sprawled on the floor, her hurt and although
I’m not given to impulse anymore, I swung at the brute. My fist dug into his
soft belly and as he crouched in pain, I swung again at him, hammered his jaw.
There was brief, amazed look in his face then he slumped down. I stood before
him, ready to smash at him again but he did not rise. He lay there, cussing
quietly, drunkenly. I knelt down to help Ella but recovering from the blow that
fell on her, she crawled over to him, fondled his head crying: “Jimmy, jimmy,
oh, Jimmy – “ moaning like a wounded animal, oblivious of her own bleeding lip,
oblivious of her hurt and aware only of her slob of a husband prostrate on the
floor, not dead but drunk. She caressed him, laid his head on her lap and then,
she turned to me and her eyes were glaring and angry. I never saw her like this
before and I was frightened and afraid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
only for an instant. “Get out of my house!” she screamed. “You’ve hurt him. My
husband! What did he do to you? He didn’t even touch you!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was too surprised to speak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pepe,
go away,” she said, crying. “Pepe, leave us alone. Can’t you see I don’t need
you or your sympathy? He is my husband, the father of my children. Leave us
alone!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
walked down to the trio at the bottom of the stairs who faced me as if I was
now their enemy, too, and into the growing dark that smelled of musk and decay,
I walked, heard the horn of the boat hurrying me to other destinations. And in
my mind, I saw Ella again as she was then, walking on the rain-washed grass
with bare feet, talking about Moliere and the wisdom of man, and thinking of
these and her singing and her laughing, I didn’t know why it turned out this
way for Ella and me. I’ve learned a lot about man, about the forces that create
heroes, towns, cities and nations. I know about the buried beads and broken
jars in excavations, the ritual of primitives; I know all about these but I
don’t know why I’m here in this neck of the woods, I don’t know why a girl like
Ella could stay here with that louse for a husband. God, I don’t know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Originally
published in the book Philippine Prose & Poetry</span></i></div>
dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-82489378652627384032013-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-06T08:00:02.924-07:00Graduation Ball by Doris Cruz<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">GRADUATION
BALL</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Doris Cruz</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nena arrived rather late at the
graduation ball. She could hear the school orchestra a block away. She glanced
nervously at her brother beside her as a cab turned into the campus. The high
school building was all lighted up and she could see the dancing couples
through the wide open windows.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The cab stopped in front of the
school building and Nena got out timidly. She stood in the shadow of the
cab,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trying to make herself
inconspicuous, while her brother fussed with his wallet. Her white dress seemed
to Nena to be glowing in the dark, and the colored lights around the building
were hundreds of eyes staring at her. Alex was taking an incredibly long time
paying the driver. Nena noticed that several people were looking out the window
and it seemed that they were all gazing at her. She tried to make herself
smaller and almost went back into the cab. It seemed an eternity before her
brother could pay the driver. Nena opened her purse and dipped her hand inside,
not knowing what she wanted. At last the cab drove away and Alex started
walking towards the brightly lighted doorway. Nena almost collapsed at the
sight of her brother walking away. She opened her mouth to call out to him but
closed again before she could utter a word.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Near the doorway, Alex looked
back and, seeing that she was not following, waved her impatiently. With heavy
feet Nena dragged herself toward her brother. He was frowning and looking at
her reproachfully when he held her elbow and guided her towards the doorway.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The blaring music and the bright
lights (too bright, Nena thought) greeted them as they entered the hall. She
blinked her eyes and froze at the sight of the strange faces before her. There
they are, all in white, all laughing, and they seemed to be staring at her. She
knew they were all her classmates she could not find a familiar face. They all
looked alike, with big staring eyes and wicked grinning mouths. She felt naked under
the gazing eyes even as she fingered her thick white flowing dress to be sure
that it was there. The layers of petticoat around her legs were suddenly very
heavy and her new shoes were blocks of lead weighing her down.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, come on.” Nena could hear
her brother talking to her as in a dream. He was tugging at her elbow. Vaguely,
she felt herself being dragged across the ballroom. Her heart was a lump in her
throat when she sat on a chair beside the other girls. She barely heard the
greetings of welcome or the music that had started to play.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The next moment, somebody was
tugging at her hand. She looked up and it was Alex. He was frowning as if he
was about to do something unpleasant. She stood up and placed a hand limply on
his shoulder.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Jesus, your hands are cold!”
her brother exclaimed. “What’s the matter with you? You feel like a block of
ice.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The orchestra played on and on,
as if it would never stop, and Nena felt very tired when the piece was over. As
Alex guided her back to her chair, he whispered, “Don’t wrestle with me.
Dance.” His voice was harsh, and she knew he was dancing with her only out of a
sense of duty.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the orchestra started
playing the next piece, a dreamy little song about love in April, Alex was
nowhere in sight. Nena sat still, deathly afraid that someone might ask her to
dance. Now that almost everybody was dancing, Nena felt safe in her corner. She
was calm now, and her eyes wandered all over the ballroom that was once her
classrooms. The partitions had been torn down and the school building was now
one big hall. The chairs were lined up against the walls and the orchestra was at
the farthest end. As she watched the couples moving dreamily on the dance
floor, Nena wished that she were back home. She didn’t want to come here, but
her mother had insisted on her going.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This is your graduation ball,
remember?” her mother had said. “You’re a young woman now. You’re no longer a
child. You should go out and meet people.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But I don’t like people,” she
had protested. “Not even my classmates. The girls are always giggling, and the
boys wouldn’t even talk to me. Besides, I barely know how to dance, and nobody
has invited me to the ball.” But her mother had told her elder brother to
escort her to the ball, and there she was, all alone in her corner and her
brother out there on the dance floor dancing with somebody else.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the verge of tears, Nena
stood up and went to the powder room. She would have gone home where she not
afraid to go alone. She dawdled in the powder room as long as she could, but
she had to go out sometimes, so she went back to her chair. No sooner had sat
down when she felt rather than saw, that someone was standing before her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“May I have this dance?” the boy
was saying.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nena stood up and apologized, “I
don’t dance very well.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Same here,” the boy said,
smiling. He was right. In no time at all, they were stepping on each other’s
toes. Finally, she said:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Look, let’s just sit down and
talk, huh.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Suits me fine,” he said. “I’ll
grab us some sandwiches and soft drinks and we’ll go to the garden and talk.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An hour later, Nena and the boy
were still out in the garden. The sandwiches and soft drinks had been consumed,
and the boy had removed his coat and draped it over Nena’s shoulder.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nena was saying: “You never
talked to me in class, Larry. Why?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, you were rather aloof,
and I thought you were snotty or something.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Am I?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Now I know you’re not.” There
was a brief silence, then he turned to her. “Do you have any plans for the
vacation?” he asked.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nothing. Why did you asked?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well…” he hesitated, “I
thought, maybe, I could invite you to some place during summer. You know,
parties or outings. Or a game of bowling perhaps.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nena suddenly felt like singing.
All her fears were gone. She knew now that she was wanted; that not all people
were hostile to her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would you like to go with me,
huh? Would you?” Larry was asking.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Nena closed her eyes. She felt a
new life open for her, and it was a different woman who answered. “Yes, of
course,” she answered. “Yes.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Originally
printed in the book Philippine Prose & Poetry</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-71359121495198252072013-04-04T21:10:00.002-07:002013-04-04T21:12:55.407-07:00LOW WALL by Estrella Alfon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">LOW
WALL</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Estrella Alfon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I WAS taking a bath, standing under the
cool clean water from the bathroom shower, soaping myself when I felt a small
missile hit my back, and I saw a pellet of paper, such as little boys use to
load rubber slingshots, drop to the bathroom floor. Looking around me, and
looking up, I was just in time to see a pate lower itself, a man’s head quickly
disappear out of view behind the bathroom wall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
had built our barong-barong in the days immediately after the liberation. It
had not mattered to us then, as it had not to so many others by the fire left
bereft what the barong-barong would be like. Enough to us that these would be a
roof over our heads and walls to hide the wretched bareness of lives pulled
down to the most essentials by the liberation’s conflagration.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
had quickly come out however, after a while when other houses sprang up beside
ours, some of them meaner, some of them better than our own shack, that the
shelter we now call home, was in some ways inadequate and wanting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
had pulled the charred wood from the ashes, their surface embers we had quickly
hacked off to save the unburned core of wood underneath and had made these
serve for posts. The twisted tin too, the blackened galvanized iron sheets;
these too we had salvaged, and of these fashioned roofs and walls.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
the rain came, the water leaked in through the roof and wind drove the rain in
through the flimsy, nail-hole-pocked walls. A storm would rattle the whole
structure, shake it like a truckfull of empty cans; and when the dusts arose
from the seared upheaved streets, dust settled on food, and beds, and clothing
inadequately protected by low, jerry-built walls.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
we had only salvaged the walls standing of adobe stone, and on these posed
slats of wood, for wood was dear, and labor dearer and in those days, as you
remember, money was not immediately to be found- and so our barong-barong had
low walls.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even
the bathrooms. And so long as there had been no structure erected behind us, it
had seemed the low bathroom walls were security enough from prying peeking
eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
an auto repair machinery shop began to form in the backlot. An enterprising
Chinese had seen all the burned trucks and garage – and from scavenging around
for spare parts he could shine to a usefulness the Chinese had progressed in
business so that he now had a shop – one of the first repair shops in the city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
had already dust and rain and heat to complain about. We had add now the noise
of machines grinding, and people scraping away the paint from vehicles, and
other people spraying new paint on scraped auto bodies, the spray machine
making dolorous whining sounds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Men
worked in the shop, and we therefore quickly had peeping toms. They would hear
the bathroom shower going, and they quickly found out that that meant someone
was taking a bath. My sister-in-law was first victim. She said she had seen
someone peeking through a crack in the adobe while she took a bath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
cemented all the cracks in the adobe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
one of my brothers, home from camp, caught sight of a hand one day clamped over
the bathroom-wall, its owner probably readying himself for a lift. My brother
rapped the hand smartly with a piece of firewood lying by; we heard a pained
yelp, and the scamper of feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
raised to the bathroom wall. But my father insisted on leaving an opening at
the top, for filling the wall up to the roof would darken the bathroom too
much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
were of course, by all these, admitting ourselves the defeated in this battle
between peeping toms and our own outraged modesties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’re
fairly modern in our family. We go about in shorts, and something in bathing
suits. Bare thighs and bare shoulders and bare midriffs do not send any of us
into hysterical oohs and ahhs. And the young of the family have always been
allowed to watch their elders dressing and undressing so that they could look
upon the human body, ask what questions they wished, and feel no abnormal
curiosity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
there is something indecent to the fact of being spied upon while you’re doing
your ablutions that outrages the very sensibilities. I know it made me fighting
mad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
stood up on the toilet seat, looked out over the bathroom wall and surveyed the
machine-shop yard. Before I could prevent myself, I have shouted a few
invectives at a boy I spied sitting down on a dismantled automobile chassis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
had seen the head of hair that had lowered itself from peeking at me and it had
been just the shock hair he had. I strung together all the Tagalog words I have
in the back of my mind for just such emergencies as this, and flung them at
him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everybody
in the yard let their work drop while they stared at my mixture English,
Tagalog, and Visayan swear words, but the shock-headed lad sat there and made
no show that he had heard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
a Chinese boy also standing by nodded his head at me, rolled his eyes at the
lad and thus indicating himself as witness that I had indeed placed my finger
on the correct man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
the people in the house had gotten wind of what was up. My mother gave me my
clothes and had to literally take me off the toilet seat and tell me which
article of clothing to put on my by now dried body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
ranged ourselves like a tribunal at the iron-grilled window of the house as we
waiting for papa to bring us the culprit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
palms actually itched with the desire to slap his boob’s face. My ear tingled
with the desire for violence and my face felt flaming hot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
the lad came he was sandwiched between my father whose nostrils seemed to flare
with his anger, and a meek-looking man in a dirty suit of ma-ong, who kept
wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. The lad himself was
sullen-looking creature. His face looked stony, and his hang-dog air was not
repentant so much as sneering.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
always, in cases like this, you get keyed up to a moment telling yourself what
you’ll do when the moment comes. And yet when the actual minute arrives, all of
a sudden, you feel a change of heart. That is what happened in this case.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
of a sudden I seemed to be removed from this spot, this moment, this role. I
watched as from distance the spectacle of myself, my brothers, and my mother
ranged before the iron grills of the window. And I saw a lad, his head unshorn,
uncombed on his bare feet, the dust of the city; and on his frame the careless
dirty clothes of the unloved. And of a sudden, the itch went from my finers,
the tingle from my ears, and my face resumed normal temperature again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Chinese who owned the shop and yard came also, and it was to him my father
directed his tirade. Papa said, These are your men you could at least tell them
how to behave… And the Chinese kept shaking his head, saying he would tell them
next time, and that he does tell them but… and he would shake his head and
cluck his tongue, and otherwise act the very sage of regret.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
the man behind the boy, the dumpy little man with the dirty ma-ong suit came
forward to me. He was actually crying! And he flung his pudgy short-fingered
palms out from him and said, I am his father!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">HE LOOKED at me, at my brothers, and at my
mother, and the tears streaming from his eyes, and he would sniff his nose once
in a while, and then swipe at his streaming eyes with his ma-ong sleeved arm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Putting
a hand on the shoulder of a young man, he pulled then pushed him forward at us.
The boy’s father said, his face working with emotion: “slap him! Curse him and
kick him! Do anything you wish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
am tired of trying to make him learn. I am a widower, my wife, his mother was
killed, and I have to look for a living for him and four other brothers and
sisters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
can I be a mother of the same time too? Yet I have tried…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
man sobbed, actually! And mother and I looked at each other in amusement,
consternation, and skepticism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
have tried – “ the man continued, “And look what happens. He shames me, he
disgraces me, he makes me cry here before you with the reality of how I have
failed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
brothers left the window, disgust making them go away. And my father was forced
into quiet by the fellow’s theatrics. The lad stood there, rubbing one dusty
foot at the other, twisting his shirt, running his dirty fingers through his
dusty dirty hair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
father faced me, recognizing me as the party most offended, and kneeling down,
tugged at my bakia, so suddenly I was surprised into surrendering into him. He
straightened up, gave me my own bakia, and holding his son near me, much as you
would hold a dressed chicken to a singeing flame, he said, “Strike him, make
him bleed, maybe it will knock some sense into him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
took the bakia, replaced it on my foot, and said, “It is not our habit to
strike people, and it is not necessary.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
man let his son go, and the lad stood aside.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mother
also left us. Father and the Chinese were talking earnestly off the one side
and their conversation had turned to used cars and current prices.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was left alone to deal with this tearful man and his dullard son. I felt robbed
of my own revenge, the joy of the punishment I had thought of meting stolen
from me. Yet there was no way to stop the father’s profuse tears, and although
I had longed for apology, this apology he was making was not making me feel
mighty but miserable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
was saying, “In school, the teachers tell me he won’t study. I put him to work
here, and what does he do – go peeking into bathrooms at ladies whom he should
respect, the way I have tried to teach him ladies should be respected.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
man’s speech was a curious mixture of Tagalog and English. He must have been a
man with ambition once. I looked at the lad, his son, and in my mind pictured
the others, the brothers and sisters back at their home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
happens to a man’s heart when all his dreams for himself and his sons are
realized not in glory but in the sight of a lad of fourteen, his hair unshorn,
his feet bare, his eyes sullen, downcast but rebellious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
rejected the thoughts in my head as sentimental, saying to myself, the man is
just putting on an act, those tears are mere show.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
yet I know the man was not acting. And there would be other days, other people.
And he would cry, but – I looked again at his son – it would not improve that
lad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
felt guilty in my heart of some fault, some vague shortcoming I had that was
responsible for that lad’s being what he was, and what, I knew, he would surely
be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
turned away from the father and the son. I walked away. Looking back, I saw his
face, his tears just drying, his eyes looking as though he would call me back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
they turned, traced their back to the shop yard. As they walked, the man kept
pushing his son, and the son sometimes stumbled. The Chinese called out to the
father: Finish your job. The man wiped his eyes and nodded, then prodded his
son again with a push.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Originally
published in the Philippine Pen Anthology of Short Stories, 1962</span></i></div>
dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-15214052839454135292011-10-27T20:58:00.000-07:002011-10-27T20:58:03.140-07:00Foodie Critic: PIZZA HUT's TUSCANI<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y not so many followers probably know how much i love pizza - I even dedicated one <a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2009/08/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html">post</a> about it years ago; and even wrote reviews about some local pizza joints found in the city of the Generals (<a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2010/01/foodie-critic-mamma-marias-pizzeria.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i>Mamma Marias</i></span></a>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><i><a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2010/07/foodie-critic-calda-vs-mamma-marias.html">Calda Pizza</a> </i></span>and <a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2011/06/foodie-critic-pizzahan.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Pizzahan</i></span></a>).</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To add to that list is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">PIZZA HUT</span>'s newest menu addition - <b>TUSCANI PIZZA</b>!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As customers started to ask for a thinner crust pizza, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Pizza Hut</span> also made some innovations with its menu to satisfy their customers and came up with their version of thin crusted pizzas and called it TUSCANI PIZZA. Unlike other thin crust pizza that are cracker-like crispy, Pizza Hut's Tuscani Pizza's dough is chewy soft and tastier. Tuscani Pizza's toppings are generously scattered from the center to the crusts of the dough. It comes in five delicious flavors and two available sizes <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Medium & Super Family)</i></span>, that customers with varied preferences would surely have one particular flavor to love.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is a quick review of the five different <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Pizza Hut</span>'s <b>TUSCANI PIZZA</b>:</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>SUPREMO</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rCNq04vs8tshLg9ZOnhSSQ920pIobx8n-62VR5nSbnx7WqQTfJZxkoTmS0T1eiA6kbuouQyBRYV4r2OKBvoulGuazYWmNb8DhkeY-IkqLyONcTN0I9HJWr4G3PyknvtDnnHDzS8h-TQ/s400/912a5e33-a09d-4a3d-86c6-e630813cf176wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those who want everything on their pizza, Supremo "THE ULTIMATE" Pizza is for you. The combination of meat (beef, italian sausage, smoked ham, pepperoni), cheese and veges (black olives, garlic, bell peppers, onions), plus generously spread premium tomato sauce, would surely satisfy your pizza craving. This is best for those who are afraid to explore new tastes and just simply wants their usual kind of PIZZA. With the thin dough used, you would surely enjoy the flavorful toppings to the fullest.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Antigone's Rating: 8</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>PREMIUM ALL MEAT</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5x8n3cWBXsRA7AYgRzl_cKg92GX8wg2pHn4_9o6vZ7_x9fJpgGhAbHay6dCuaBD7ByrnDOwAM1M757mxwTqnSbkacZ2oztJNbr8K1-BZS5aVKvMhrk-OGaB7p8CYGQwEsWEm-AF8V8I/s1600/ce312488-6de1-463c-be70-6d84e3de7bfcwallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5x8n3cWBXsRA7AYgRzl_cKg92GX8wg2pHn4_9o6vZ7_x9fJpgGhAbHay6dCuaBD7ByrnDOwAM1M757mxwTqnSbkacZ2oztJNbr8K1-BZS5aVKvMhrk-OGaB7p8CYGQwEsWEm-AF8V8I/s400/ce312488-6de1-463c-be70-6d84e3de7bfcwallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pizza Hut's Tuscani Pizza also got something for its meat lover customers. The Premium All Meat has bacon, beef, italian sausage, pepperoni, salami and smoked ham on a layer of mozzarela and parmesan cheese and premium tomato sauce. With each meat's distinct flavors, this Tuscani is surely a deliciously sinful treat.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Antigone's Rating: 7</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>GOURMET BBQ CHICKEN</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1n1AcS3rD2ARCr9tjij1PqM1jXLHGX4lT3XRQpgKDQdEfO7MVO_c8KPNHg45STlSHypAF0eb9ko-If1SFUa_6JfVcSLwhz24sAchlhTCKoHSOnNn0KEuOdABBqtBdAsBrbaFhZVxayw/s1600/1c8f8d5e-fa70-4882-b4f3-19c85b1adba8wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1n1AcS3rD2ARCr9tjij1PqM1jXLHGX4lT3XRQpgKDQdEfO7MVO_c8KPNHg45STlSHypAF0eb9ko-If1SFUa_6JfVcSLwhz24sAchlhTCKoHSOnNn0KEuOdABBqtBdAsBrbaFhZVxayw/s400/1c8f8d5e-fa70-4882-b4f3-19c85b1adba8wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, for our friends who are into a healthy diet, the Tuscani Pizza flavor that is right for them is BBQ Chicken with honey BBQ sauce, marinated chicken, olive oil roasted bell peppers and red onion. This might not be your usual pizza flavor, but the distinct taste of honey blends well with the BBQ chicken. Can be considered a light pizza, Gourmet BBQ Chicken might become a must try for those who wants to enjoy good food, guilt-free.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Antigone's Rating: 8</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>ROAST BEEF.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDALSS4j_0pwQL0lTqNVYPCTP3ZIpDr0UeJzRLqtf0lhPlaHMQFb5hn1lkE8og6uIFDZmjh8NuiWzwtx0g5suqzmWMtZCSR-4pRQUJ57uQa3Ah1hlEw6I2fuHCAPmCV7KkMzNjRsqunY/s1600/2d21f63c-2753-4ac1-9fb1-0f5371458d8bwallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDALSS4j_0pwQL0lTqNVYPCTP3ZIpDr0UeJzRLqtf0lhPlaHMQFb5hn1lkE8og6uIFDZmjh8NuiWzwtx0g5suqzmWMtZCSR-4pRQUJ57uQa3Ah1hlEw6I2fuHCAPmCV7KkMzNjRsqunY/s400/2d21f63c-2753-4ac1-9fb1-0f5371458d8bwallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A personal favorite, this Tuscani Pizza flavor appeals to three senses - the SIGHT, the SMELL and of course the TASTE. As this best seller is served, you would surely be enticed with its presentation. The white stripes would not only stir the curiosity of its eater but would also also make them salivate with its mouth-watering aroma. The premium roast beef used for this particular Tuscani Pizza is simply scrumptious, plus the shiitake mushrooms, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and the premium tomato sauce used made it tastier plus the white-stripes are drizzle of garlic steak sauce and not additional cheese.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Antigone's Rating: 10</i></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THREE-CHEESE, BACON & SPINACH</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HYVqxJXwQoVBKAkNt713wRdjkOOFINW8Ria0C6XE19aeVneNDhSxwZdKfqGQ6nkpcdYXJNGRtvEmvaR9gFvSS9B-pbsNyq7NYPoECjppJch83QjMAyPVFIdRa0HMFV2TmrboS2ZvWrs/s1600/339149da-a4d5-427f-8fa4-82b4262edd62wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HYVqxJXwQoVBKAkNt713wRdjkOOFINW8Ria0C6XE19aeVneNDhSxwZdKfqGQ6nkpcdYXJNGRtvEmvaR9gFvSS9B-pbsNyq7NYPoECjppJch83QjMAyPVFIdRa0HMFV2TmrboS2ZvWrs/s400/339149da-a4d5-427f-8fa4-82b4262edd62wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pizza Hut, must have thought of children when they created this Tuscani Pizza flavor. The combination of three kinds of cheeses plus spinach would surely be a hit to picky eater children who loves cheese. This one is another personal favorite since I love to eat cheese and the combination of three cheese on my pizza is a cloud 9 for me. So if we share the same obsession, this flavor is a must try. The cheese toppings goes well with the soft dough making it an easy eat. Its a pizza covered with cheese and topped with spinach and bacon. This one is surely a must-try.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Antigone's Rating: 10</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> fearless forecast on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Pizza Hut</span> Tuscani Pizza: It would be a sure HIT! With the unusual soft thin dough, those who loves thin crust pizza but is tired of the super crunchy texture they commonly get in other pizza stores would surely troop to Pizza Hut and try these freshly made traditional crusts that are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can get a taste of those new gourmet pizzas at any PIZZA HUT branches nationwide. In General Santos City, <u>Pizza Hut is located at the KCC Mall of Gensan. They are open from 10am to 8pm.</u></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Special thanks to: Pizza Hut Gensan for hosting the first ever Pizza Hut Blogger's Pizza Party in Mindanao. Thank you to Pizza Hut (KCC Gensan) Restaurant Gen. Manager - Jasper Barraca and the rest of the staff for the warm accommodation. To Sir Avel Manansala and the rest of the Sox Bloggers! </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-48540672463711585912011-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:002011-10-16T09:25:26.606-07:00Birthday Special: Raphee @ 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226459_10150185534078847_647768846_6920123_4808218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226459_10150185534078847_647768846_6920123_4808218_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Rafi & the Coconut</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once in my life, I got a tall, fair skinned sister. She came all the way from Spain but she said she is a full blooded French Girl. She was only 15 years old when she came to our house and celebrated her 16th birthday with us. She loves to dance but she looks weird when she does. She tends to be noisy every time she gets excited but when she did not get enough sleep she acts like Cinderella's wicked step sister. She loves to explore and go out. We even let her ride the jeepney all by herself. She loves the beach and most of all I can say she loves the Philippines.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We cannot send her a gift or even a card, it takes the local post office months for them to receive it, so here I am writing this blog entry specially for her.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Dear </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Raphaelle Auvigne</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> i still cannot even spell your name right</span>), you will never be forgotten. You are dearly missed and we wish you a happy birthday! From papa, mama and the rest of the people of Apopong love you! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDAY RAFI! LOVE YOU!</span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-83791615689255303392011-10-12T07:23:00.000-07:002011-10-12T07:23:14.030-07:00Foodie Critic: FIRE & ICE GRILL and STEAK BAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>n the late 90's, <i>Anchor Driving Range</i> gained its popularity among the golf enthusiast in General Santos and its neighbors. As years gone by, different management come and go in handling the said establishment. Before the year 2011 ends, the once Anchor Driving Range will be undergoing extreme make over through a new management under the supervision of businessman <b>Mr. Rey Billena</b>, transforming it into <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><b>GENSAN SPORTS CENTER</b></span>. Come this 11-11-11, watch out for grand opening of the newest food, sports and wellness center in General Santos City. For you will surely <i>HAVE FUN IN THE URBAN</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, together with the SocSKSarGen Bloggers, I was able to attend a week long taste testing at one GENSAN SPORTS CENTER initial offerings, the <b>FIRE & ICE Grill and Steak Bar</b>. So here is a brief review of the latter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1K2fMpk5vz8gMSwy_Yx4l7XFHxM3xSplZ4PqjL4s0jEBWF6znrUeHHodN32fTP2IihfylNgIdJLkPao1UGCpbOHTQbnNC_zUuFfiqCyOgEDPtez4VhVhLuDxrIqC-Kq1iSzNWOMu1uA/s1600/07e51af3-144d-416b-aee2-c21237075c6dwallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1K2fMpk5vz8gMSwy_Yx4l7XFHxM3xSplZ4PqjL4s0jEBWF6znrUeHHodN32fTP2IihfylNgIdJLkPao1UGCpbOHTQbnNC_zUuFfiqCyOgEDPtez4VhVhLuDxrIqC-Kq1iSzNWOMu1uA/s400/07e51af3-144d-416b-aee2-c21237075c6dwallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AMBIANCE</b>. The non- air conditioned Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar gives you a casual dining experience. The structure which is composed mainly of wood and native products is not intimidating though it looks like a high-end Barbecue/Chicken Resto. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing dining experience, this is the place to be since Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar is far from the main road - less noise and less disturbance. The place is good for groups for it can accommodate up to 30 customers. Given that it is an open-air restaurant, it is best to go there for breakfast and for dinner. Do not fret, Gensan Sports Center has another restaurant to open which is air conditioned <i>(hopefully be featuring it pretty soon)</i>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXlceIxHSU8ii6jOhn-BRTmPlQG-AEInNiOFRstNmQGIG1xVlEDIDkJbFBnaRgsKSuwM13orOFWx2Xjp-Xx7AR-Dh5SKC-4H3glGJTP8kJGXEpfUCqRXyrWRthGE-e3_YgVQGVkd9CPo/s1600/a0c89db9-8169-4a5e-99b2-1e609b1e542cwallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXlceIxHSU8ii6jOhn-BRTmPlQG-AEInNiOFRstNmQGIG1xVlEDIDkJbFBnaRgsKSuwM13orOFWx2Xjp-Xx7AR-Dh5SKC-4H3glGJTP8kJGXEpfUCqRXyrWRthGE-e3_YgVQGVkd9CPo/s400/a0c89db9-8169-4a5e-99b2-1e609b1e542cwallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD</b>. Fire & Ice won't be called a grill and steak bar for nothing - and boy their steak is something to watch out for. I am no chef but I can tell delicious from a so-so meal. This one from Fire & Ice surely belongs to the delectable steak in Gensan archive. Its meat is juicy and tender and the taste is not too salty with a hint of sweetness. The next time you crave for steak or you grew tired of your usual steak house, try Fire & Ice's steak. I also have to make mention of the beef stew they served that night, they should include it on their menu,retain its taste and they will surely get a best-seller out of it. Fire & Ice Grill and Steak Bar will be offering more menus once it will operate full blast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SERVICE</b>. Since it is a marketing introduction, I wont be reviewing about their service and staff. For that night, everyone was courteous and amiable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>OTHERS</b>. Gensan Sports Center got a spacious and safe parking lot which is definitely a PLUS for the costumers. There is/are security guards from the gate that keeps track of who comes in and gets out. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haven't checked the rest rooms though, I do hope they would include them in their renovation as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Fire and Ice Grill & Steak Bar</strong> is open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. It is located at the entrance of <strong>Gensan Sports Center</strong> (formerly known <strong>Anchor Driving Range)</strong> along National Highway, Gen. Santos City.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-54380435406991075152011-06-22T19:40:00.000-07:002011-06-22T19:40:07.418-07:00Foodie Critic: HOUSE OF CASHEWS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span>y mama and I share the same cravings for roasted cashew so when I heard about the opening of a more accessible House of Cashew. I brought her there together with my other sisters. With the purpose of simply checking the place if its worth a second visit, I came up with this review.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvrKkArRs8b-dcBekQ363Yn67BwwNq4Kt52KgFb0csg8RcVd4KvOStxjvcSwCmE_5Dh8xYC7KHZvnlZcP-pGvdyqlkhtvIkGO3Ir4Q16wAXD0byM0qOOivY90-a5oCBvE7LLpEIyjrLg/s1600/ECBE9CA7-0358-CD81-5B07-10E17EAC38A1wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvrKkArRs8b-dcBekQ363Yn67BwwNq4Kt52KgFb0csg8RcVd4KvOStxjvcSwCmE_5Dh8xYC7KHZvnlZcP-pGvdyqlkhtvIkGO3Ir4Q16wAXD0byM0qOOivY90-a5oCBvE7LLpEIyjrLg/s400/ECBE9CA7-0358-CD81-5B07-10E17EAC38A1wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AMBIANCE.</b> The 5-tabled place <i>(4 inside + 1 outside)</i>, housing different cashew dishes got a homey feel to it. Best for a couple or a small group of four, the House of Cashew located in one of the spaces of the new ECA Building, made a wrong decision in furnishing their Showroom and Delicacy House with bulky hardwood tables. They should rethink of putting tables and chairs that would make a small space look bigger. They can put the bigger tables outside instead. Anyhow, the use of recycled and handcrafted menu board and other stuffs inside the resto is commendable.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD.</b> We came to the House of Cashew for what they became famous for - their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>FRESH LUMPIA</b></i></span>. The grounded cashew as a substitute to peanut gave the dish an oomph. The taste is indeed better compared to the other available local fresh lumpia. They also have a generous serving that would make you consider the Fresh Lumpia as a complete and satisfying meal - good news for those who are on diet. I would highly recommend people to go and try the House of Cashew's FRESH LUMPIA.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXZ9VBf8FJZ_H0Sq9SQkedMcCwU3X4fATfApJcbHAf3HIl0HODnCCP1cJESwEYiZju3oSpGU_2xHSUQ10GyKWSdnRqL8jlphOcPNO6kjgOC9xHD2NA5ZDbHxOpKFBuLLS8DhHFJFXCr8/s1600/528F5994-021D-55F4-7ED8-3E2824BD425Awallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXZ9VBf8FJZ_H0Sq9SQkedMcCwU3X4fATfApJcbHAf3HIl0HODnCCP1cJESwEYiZju3oSpGU_2xHSUQ10GyKWSdnRqL8jlphOcPNO6kjgOC9xHD2NA5ZDbHxOpKFBuLLS8DhHFJFXCr8/s400/528F5994-021D-55F4-7ED8-3E2824BD425Awallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A pasta lover in me also tried the House's <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>Lasagna</b></span></i>. The regular serving for the price of Ninety pesos can be shared by two. The crunchy texture of the cashew made it unique and worth trying. I find the lasagna too sweet for my taste though, maybe my taste buds was used of loads of cheese on my lasagna.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLADZAOCmoLQKf5VtdqJWkge5FlY4H9S2p9sQCPLBu7Cp-sn5_EQ0BZMb0Oa6qU72fiTGzoYZ6m1yW_9eDVO2vU5Z-oDRcycAZrq0ov2SeqShxsny1iuJGR2PaS9nikZzpUGKACMXod0s/s1600/7E266DF3-FCD4-A6FE-4669-7F166244AAE2wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLADZAOCmoLQKf5VtdqJWkge5FlY4H9S2p9sQCPLBu7Cp-sn5_EQ0BZMb0Oa6qU72fiTGzoYZ6m1yW_9eDVO2vU5Z-oDRcycAZrq0ov2SeqShxsny1iuJGR2PaS9nikZzpUGKACMXod0s/s400/7E266DF3-FCD4-A6FE-4669-7F166244AAE2wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SERVICE</b>. It is really good to note that if you dine at the House of Cashew you will surely be take good care of. The owners are really hands on in managing the place that you would really get a quality service from their staff. Orders usually arrive the customers table after three to five minutes from the time the waiter took your order.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">If you wish to visit HOUSE OF CASHEW:Showroom and Delicacy House they are located at #5 ECA Food Arcade, ECA building, Dadiangas Heights, General Santos City.</span>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-16999999773501214842011-06-08T21:43:00.000-07:002011-06-09T06:15:51.740-07:00Foodie Critic: PIZAHAN<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the name itself, it is pretty obvious that <b>PIZZA</b> is the main attraction of this joint. With <a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2010/01/foodie-critic-mamma-marias-pizzeria.html"><i>Mamma Marias</i> </a>introducing thin crust and huge pizza in General Santos City, followed by the equally famous <a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2010/07/foodie-critic-calda-vs-mamma-marias.html"><i>Calda Pizza</i> </a>(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">both were featured on my previous posts</span>) another Pizza Salon is getting popular for the Pizza lovers Generals.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260296_10150212615348847_647768846_7161403_7962536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260296_10150212615348847_647768846_7161403_7962536_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking for a romantic place for your date, this is not the place for you. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pizahan</span></b> is designed for a family, friend or a group who simply wants to enjoy each others company over pizza. Since it is an open space with picnic tables over big umbrella, the best time to dine there is late afternoon till the evening. Pizahan is more spacious compared to its neighbor Calda Pizza which is also has an Open Space Setting. We were at first a constant customer of the latter until they became too famous that they can no longer handle the growing demand of their customers specially on weekends and after work. Then we discovered this other PIZZA Joint on the same BLOCK which is less crowded and busy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hesitant at first but when I got a taste of Pizahan, I know I found a new place to go in times of my pizza cravings. Like its neighbor, Pizahan is generous with its spices, cheese and other toppings. Plus, its is a bit cheaper compared to its competitors. They also give freebies for its valued customer. <b><i>Right now you XXL (36Inches) Pizza comes with 2 Pitchers of Ice Tea for FREE and for you XL (31inches) one pitcher of ice Tea</i></b>. Aside from Pizza, they also got pasta and chicken meals on their menu.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my last visit, they got new Pizza Recipes on their menu, like Shawarma and Barbecue among others. We usually order Quatro Stagione so appease everyone in my family's cravings.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248599_10150212615248847_647768846_7161402_7421692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248599_10150212615248847_647768846_7161402_7421692_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another worth noted is that Pizahan is open till Dawn and they serve beer incase you do not know. So if you are tired of the noisy bars and prefers the cozy type of drinking Spree Pizahan offers that type of fun.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"><b>Pizahan is located beside Lea's Pension House along Champaca Street, General Santos City. </b></i></span></div><div></div></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-87562851226756645282011-06-01T22:15:00.000-07:002011-06-01T22:15:08.419-07:00These are FEW of my FAVORITE things - KAKANIN<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> remembered when I was a child, when our rented apartment is five minutes away from the public market, my mom used to go to the market early in the morning almost everyday and comes home with a pasalubong at hand - <b>Kakanin</b> most of the time. I missed eating freshly cooked kakanin. Carb and sugar Overload! That's what you'll get if you are fond of eating few of the best Filipino Kakanin!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What is/are your favorite kakanin? Here are some of my favorites.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7futq5mfCTeDfquc4LdOAm7I8gm0nUJNHy3RhoqXlIVjSXixUQBZ5Z2fjRoqwx062OoMmQGNfemAGw_UhsIA4g5YesPMygXdTXZnvzMJ4-dXGVtVkUJoIZPReikfBKJX52VuHs4XWwg/s1600/dadsan14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7futq5mfCTeDfquc4LdOAm7I8gm0nUJNHy3RhoqXlIVjSXixUQBZ5Z2fjRoqwx062OoMmQGNfemAGw_UhsIA4g5YesPMygXdTXZnvzMJ4-dXGVtVkUJoIZPReikfBKJX52VuHs4XWwg/s400/dadsan14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Kakanin OverLoad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>PALITAW</b>. Made from glutinous rice covered with shredded coconut meat. What made it more delectable is the sugar that comes with it. You can sprinkle the sugar on your Palitaw or you roll the Palitaw on the sugar before putting it on your mouth, either way is fine. I prefer the latter though. Now I am salivating.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>PUTO</b>. S<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">teamed rice cake, eaten as is or with butter and/or grated fresh coconut or as accompaniment to a number of savory dishes for breakfast. As a personal favorite, I love pairing it with DINUGUAN.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>BIKO</b>. Rice is the main ingredient for this delicacy. Sweetened Rice Cake you may call, you will often get a served of this during All Souls Day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MAJA BLANCA</b>. M<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">ade from coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Often called Coconut Pudding, this luscious dessert is easy to make and the ingredients are very common here in the Philippines. Maja Blanca becomes extra special if you add corn kernels and top it with cheese. Yum.yum.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-54366923665841009172011-05-10T03:46:00.000-07:002011-05-10T03:46:04.954-07:00Foodie Critic: ASIAN TONGUE<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Food-Lovers in General Santos City got something to watch out for this <i><b>March 13 of 2011</b></i>. Another food haven that would be serving dishes that are popular in different Asian Countries and they literally call the place <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">ASIAN TONGUE RESTAURANT.</span></b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Situated in an area where most Government Offices are stones throw-away, the Restaurant is a big add-on the a growing food industry of the city. Not to mention, another place to do the Gastronomic Adventure that most Generals are up to these days.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Together with the other Socsksargen Bloggers for an "invite-only" treat, I got the chance to have a first taste of what Asian Tongue has to offer. Let me start with the ambiance.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSKZaSa3Ep6mbpKQOEFP2-1C19qOp51JuPC70FoIVgBKsHq03Dzc6q7oIXUVV5M2dJtUAGR9rJp_17B8Fa4Q9zIrw1E5R3P50kBjo9zXNTqDSXaMKLTzm7-Y_cRHPmXhVd-Rj8sPYHGw/s1600/New+Folder13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSKZaSa3Ep6mbpKQOEFP2-1C19qOp51JuPC70FoIVgBKsHq03Dzc6q7oIXUVV5M2dJtUAGR9rJp_17B8Fa4Q9zIrw1E5R3P50kBjo9zXNTqDSXaMKLTzm7-Y_cRHPmXhVd-Rj8sPYHGw/s640/New+Folder13.jpg" width="384" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AMBIANCE</b>. The structure of where <i>Asian Tongue</i> is standing was once a simple Barbecue Joint. From the outside, the place seems unassuming but wait till you step inside. The renovation created a great transformation for the place and will now be known-ASIAN TONGUE. From the name itself, expect an Asian Theme of the restaurant. Since it has no AC, its advisable for the place to serve the eating public beginning late afternoons till the wee hours of the evening or so. The lighting is perfect for couple who are out on date or for a group of friends who want to chill and dine. Asian Tongue offers live entertainment for diners as well which you might consider an added attraction. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Note to Asian Tongue: One thing the management has to improve though is their restroom. Make sure not to turn-off your possible regulars with smelly restroom. A simple but CLEAN restrooms are a good to go.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqrbQZ-mnxBWDR4KqzVfspJveLz1Z7DD0Q33FuAq4mmzl1Un1MkErhF7t-eikoiL_IKp7o38KYgit1-zfVS1owD0ctdrpN_YD0r-JtRKgB4no01aveLncR2LtFf532C_1mPI1bsLWPQ8/s1600/New+Folder4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqrbQZ-mnxBWDR4KqzVfspJveLz1Z7DD0Q33FuAq4mmzl1Un1MkErhF7t-eikoiL_IKp7o38KYgit1-zfVS1owD0ctdrpN_YD0r-JtRKgB4no01aveLncR2LtFf532C_1mPI1bsLWPQ8/s400/New+Folder4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><b><br />
</b></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Food. </b>Asian Tongue served the bloggers a complete meal during their visit. First, we got a serving of the interesting <b>Cheesy Seaweed</b>, which by the way a "freebie" for their diners; sort-of a give away while waiting for their orders. The Cheesy Seaweed is a deep fried seaweed topped with cheese powder. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC35cRDrk8G3QLikcAcee8Plg3_4rpjwE-83p_kXyRHCO0Y1OMviLsV8HYGNYPKi5ZtcgaC3ULOoT1dW7AhWpRlFWN2vP7y33CIObIsZ2wLklHSOxEUK04Cc7qlCzhRke536NsMLUe14TW/s1600/DSC07165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC35cRDrk8G3QLikcAcee8Plg3_4rpjwE-83p_kXyRHCO0Y1OMviLsV8HYGNYPKi5ZtcgaC3ULOoT1dW7AhWpRlFWN2vP7y33CIObIsZ2wLklHSOxEUK04Cc7qlCzhRke536NsMLUe14TW/s400/DSC07165.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cheesy Seaweed</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, is the <b>Asian Chicken Salad</b> for appetizer which am pretty sure our friends who love fresh salad would surely enjoy. Then, we also got a taste of their <b>Tom Yum soup</b> - Asian Tongue gave an extra kick to this soup which is a must-try, Came the main course which is the <b>Chef's Chicken Inasal</b>. To complete the meal, the group was served with Asian Tongue's <b>Palitaw</b> made of glutinous rice balls with a filling of langka covered with generous amount of sesame seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the food, I give Asian Tongue Three out of Five Stars. All in all, the food is good but lets give them a chance to improve. Remember, the place is yet to prove itself.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryexTc86VhitBZ_xoLG6375zze7dzdSWRVyuffAweshTnraU2QH8GXutaGpAbZwFUERz99J_iXRus0EKQIAGSwlRwyqfHqSIVt7Qi_1K4fKqjpJFsj2p1HhVgBffyNF_-hbdpsymwNSku/s1600/DSC07178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryexTc86VhitBZ_xoLG6375zze7dzdSWRVyuffAweshTnraU2QH8GXutaGpAbZwFUERz99J_iXRus0EKQIAGSwlRwyqfHqSIVt7Qi_1K4fKqjpJFsj2p1HhVgBffyNF_-hbdpsymwNSku/s400/DSC07178.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">purely Asian Palitaw</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Service</b><b style="font-weight: normal;">. </b>Upon arrival, I was ushered to my table and was warmly welcomed by a staff. Everyone was giddy and seems pretty excited for the opening of the place. Everyone was all smiles - from the manager to the waiters. It must be because they are trying to create a good impression. I am just praying that they will retain the type of service they gave us that night. Good note about the waiters are they were somehow trained on how to handle their customers. Its good to mention to the diners on how long they will be waiting for their meals and standing up for the time you promised and Asian Tongue can give you that. Two Thumbs Up for Asian Tongue's Service.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Other</b><b style="font-weight: normal;">. Asian Tongue has Wifi, a bonus for you who cannot live to be disconnected for the world wide web. </b> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Asian Tongue is located along Roxas East Avenue in front the City Social Welfare and Development Office.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They will be open to the public on May 13, 2011!</span></div></div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com2Dadiangas North, General Santos City, Philippines6.1166667 125.166666699999956.1135692 125.15824019999995 6.1197642 125.17509319999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-92171804971251734162011-05-03T09:07:00.000-07:002011-05-03T09:07:00.357-07:00FOODIE XPRMNT - Beef Sapiaco<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its been awhile since the last time I made a post on one of my Kitchen Adventures. Maybe because, I kept on making the same dishes over and over, which is not worth posting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I thought I am going to prepare a Chicken Dish. I was about to search for a simple chicken dish aside from the infamous adobo when I checked the fridge and found out that the chicken is still rock-like frozen. The meat of the Beef is availably inviting though. So off to the Search Engine and check how to make the beef a bit special for a Friday Dinner. Then I remembered saying that I'll try making Beef Salpicao one day and today is that day.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/224616_10150175473238847_647768846_6823147_4621928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/224616_10150175473238847_647768846_6823147_4621928_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beef Salpiaco ala D</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the ABC in preparing the Beef Salpiaco:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. You must have the following ingredients:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - beef meat (preferably sirloin/tenderloin) cut it into cubes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - minced garlic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - olive oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - oysters sauce or soy sauce (whichever is availble)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - butter or margarine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Mix together the beef meat, salt, pepper and minced garlic.Let is stand for 10 minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Add the Olive Oil. Marinate for 30 minutes or more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Heat the frying pan. Sear the marinated meat. Make sure that the meat are browned uniformly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Let the liquid dry-out before adding the butter to the mixture.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Serve while its hot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. You may also top it on plain rice.</span>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-21371912712331132002011-04-03T05:30:00.000-07:002011-04-03T19:47:16.449-07:00These are FEW of my FAVORITE things - POWERSPOONZ<div align="left" class="ver_10_black" style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> may be out of tune with this post; but hey, this belongs to the <i>FAVORITES</i> category. Its been awhile since I made a post about my favorite things. This time I will be writing about my latest <b>DISCOVERY</b>. It is quiet surprising for I am not a big FAN of NOISY Rock Bands, but the kind of the noise this band brings sends me to Nirvana (exxagerating a notch there).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span> heard and seen them first at the <i><a href="http://busy-berna.blogspot.com/2011/03/concert-series-urbandub-vs-powerspoonz.html">ATTACK OF THE SOUTH Gig in Davao of March 26, 2011</a></i>. They were with <b>Urbandub</b> (<i>another favorite</i>) who topbilled the event. I went to the event because of Urbandub, not knowing that I will be meeting one of the Most Awesome Bands of my time. This time, its not an exxageration! Its a <b>FACT</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDJR-cmqL3mPv1fJk9e_ujf-mz3BJ5bQke4gpf5sBC4I3PrwB4X3u85O_RZ5aLbLtTziLCAvGqB8sQX7uVyfNKggHPXBityy8eX3ocuDCMK03B4eW7jIA2hDfBXWnTtg-wPAhAkX5PRA/s1600/urbandub2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDJR-cmqL3mPv1fJk9e_ujf-mz3BJ5bQke4gpf5sBC4I3PrwB4X3u85O_RZ5aLbLtTziLCAvGqB8sQX7uVyfNKggHPXBityy8eX3ocuDCMK03B4eW7jIA2hDfBXWnTtg-wPAhAkX5PRA/s400/urbandub2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Powerspoonz @ Davao</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like the now popular band URBANDUB, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Powerspoonz</span></b> hails from the Queen City of the South - CEBU! Composed of <b>Francis </b><i>"Akit"</i><b> Po </b>on<b> Vocals, Franklin </b><i>"Franny"</i><b> Veloso </b>and<b> Brian </b><i>"Baby Brian"</i><b> Estellore </b>both on<b> Guitars, Ian Lim </b><i>"Yanix"</i><b> Sekong </b>on<b> Drums </b>and<b> Simon </b><i>"Boobop"</i><b> Nuñez </b>on<b> Bass,</b> the guys are among those respected bands in Cebu. With quiet a number of followers in their hometown, they are also getting famous in some parts of Mindanao like Davao and General Santos City through internet. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of the Power of Internet, Powerspoonz are one of the newer bands to lend their musical talents to <b>Live! The Album</b>, and already their sounds are inspiring Filipino gamers worldwide! Their music can be heard worldwide, as two of their song <i><b>“Bakbakan”</b></i> can be heard at the Game Heroes site! Game Heroes is dedicated to all the online gamers worldwide that are the very pinnacle of their favored online game. Another song, <b><i>"Barrio" </i></b>can be heard at the <b>Level up! Music Site!</b></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The blend of rap, hip-hop and nu metal of Powerspoonz originals are addictive. I even have <i><b>"Fire on the Dance Floor"</b></i>, as my phone's Ring Tone. I never grow tired in listening to <b><i>"Serendipity"</i></b> which is one of their slow tracks. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another quality of the group that got me attracted to them is their never-ending energy during a live performance. It seems like Powerspoonz' music and performance electrify their crowd and turn them into <b>Spoonhead Zombies</b> - in a good way. The MUSIC and ENERGY is CONTAGIOUS!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As written, Powerspoonz gains its influence from such genres as; reggae, rock, nu metal, progressive,industrial and old skool rap amongst others. In some of their performances, it is evident that the group is inspired by Bob Marley and Damien 'Jr. Gong' by covering them both.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may haven't heard about Powerspoonz yet my Dear Readers! One thing I can tell you, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WATCH OUT FOR POWERSPOONZ! </span></b></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EoLSweV50Us" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-31096051015821857572011-03-22T01:49:00.000-07:002011-03-22T01:49:15.849-07:00GOD SEES THE TRUTH, BUT WAITS by Leo Tolstoy - A Summary<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once there lived a young merchant named Ivan Dmitri Aksenov with his family in the land of Vladimir, who in his younger days lived life to the fullest by experiencing all the material things world has to offer. Until he got married.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One summer, he planned to go to Nizhny fair but his wife warned him that she had a bad dream of her husband-- she dreamt about Ivan that he returned from the town with hair of grey. Ivan laughed as if he doesn't care and went on the fair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He travelled half way and met a merchant, whom he spent the night drinking tea with and shared an adjoining room in the inn. Since Aksenov is not used of sleeping for long hours he decided to wake up and continued his journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Along the way of his journey, two soldiers in a troika stopped him, and began asking questions, for the merchant he met halfway on his travel was found dead. Since all evidences of the crime are pointing Aksenov guilty he was imprisoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning the sad fate of Aksenov, his wife remembered her dream about Aksenov and was worried and even considered the thought of her husband being guilty. The thought made Aksenov even sadder.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26 years in prison made Aksenov a well grounded and God-fearing man. In spite the fact that his family has completely forgotten him, he still serves as a “Grandpa” to the other prisoners. Then came a new prisoner named Makar Semyonich.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After months of knowing each other, Aksenov discovered that Makar is the one who killed the merchant whom he was told he murdered. He was furious with what he found out but didn't speak or uttered a word about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until one night, Aksenov heard some earth rolling under where the prisoners were sleeping. He went out and saw Makar. Makar told him not to tell a word about what he had witnessed or else he will kill him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they were led out to work, a soldier noticed a prisoner took of some earth off his boots. The soldier searched for escaping plans and found the tunnel. Then, they asked each of them who knew about this but they denied for they knew they will be killed before the one who did it as Makar warned them. Finally, the governor asked Ivan for he knew he was a just man. But then Ivan said it wasn't his right or his will but God's to tell such name.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Night fell and Makar went to Ivan. He thanked him and felt sorry for what he had done to him a long time ago that made Ivan suffer for all this years. He sobbed as well as Ivan and said that the Lord will forgive you. Makar said that he will confess to the governor so that Ivan would be sent free--back to his home.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ivan did not want to go out of prison for he has no family neither home to back to; rather, he waited for his last hour to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In spite of what they've talked about, Makar Semyonich confessed his guilt. But when the order for Ivan Dmitri Aksenov's release came, he was already dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-39203482779904583312011-03-01T07:49:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:30:35.553-08:00TAGUM's Best FRESH LUMPIA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H</b></span>ere is a treat for you food lovers there in Tagum. No, I am not giving away free food coupons. I am just going to tell you where to get the best tasting fresh lumpia in Tagum City.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No, it is not regularly sold in your usual restaurant or food joints, but you need to order at least a day before to have a taste of this lumpia. Even big time caterers from this proud city ask for bulk orders once valued customers ask for Fresh Lumpia to be part of their menu.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is <i><b>Mila's Delights</b> FRESH LUMPIA</i>. They concocted their own wrapper, experimenting at first until reached the perfection of a smooth fresh lumpia wrapper. For the filling, the key ingredient is the <i>"UBOD NG NIYOG"</i> as google translater put it <b>Coconut pith</b>. Added with other vegetable like carrots and sprinkled with spices, the filling is quickly fried to maintain its natural sweetness and crispiness. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8abjiQssoCSryAMNppWLfx-eXuBuEX5fo1LRM9oFaBDg6QN-4ttHtQ8gs1ddgkpYc4H7T3ULfeEMgaJEXxkjHoOeQHzzhEazBlK1sNFsHDv9SHiSl-o3k3LuB31ysJ4CDkz2UnzVFRE/s1600/bago+nanaman+for+delete+delete+after9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8abjiQssoCSryAMNppWLfx-eXuBuEX5fo1LRM9oFaBDg6QN-4ttHtQ8gs1ddgkpYc4H7T3ULfeEMgaJEXxkjHoOeQHzzhEazBlK1sNFsHDv9SHiSl-o3k3LuB31ysJ4CDkz2UnzVFRE/s400/bago+nanaman+for+delete+delete+after9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">the anatomy of a fresh lumpia</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wrapping fresh lumpia is like an art that needs religious practice to be perfected. The secret though is not wrapping a very hot filling right away. Let it cool for some time before you work with your filling, your toppings(which may include cheese and peanuts) and your presentation.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oopps, lets not forget the sauce - the one that completes a fresh lumpia. Mila's Delights got this yummy sauce specially made for their fresh lumpia.<br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Salivating now? Try Mila's Delights Fresh Lumpia. Tell your friends living in Tagum or visiting Tagum to try Mila's Delights. They also make a mouth watering Leche Flan, Chicken Lollipop and many more! </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For orders, you may comment below this post leaving your contact details.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-43533175942964914222011-01-12T02:54:00.000-08:002011-01-12T02:54:42.042-08:00BEAD MOSAIC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Looking for a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">new hobby</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">? Are you </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">PATIENT</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">? Do you have </span><b style="color: #073763;">steady hands</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">? Do you love challenges? Then </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">BEAD MOSAIC</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> might just be right for you.</span></span><div><br />
</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Mosaic is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Art">art</a> of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Glass">glass</a>, stone, or other materials. It may be a technique of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decorative_arts" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Decorative arts">decorative art</a>, an aspect of<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interior_decoration" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Interior decoration">interior decoration</a>, or of cultural and spiritual significance as in a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Cathedral">cathedral</a>. Small pieces, normally roughly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Cube">cubic</a>, of stone or glass of different colors, known as <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesserae" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Tesserae">tesserae</a>, (diminutive tessellae), are used to create a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial;" title="Pattern">pattern</a> or picture. - wikipedia-</i></span></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">This post is inspired by my High School friend who said this hobby all started as a school project and she continued on making great works for her love ones. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Needed materials: </b></span></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Beads</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Glue</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2 pcs Needles</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Sketch/Drawing/Design</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Plus: Love and Inspiration</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Add ons: Foods and Drinks</span></span></li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Note: the 1st Four materials are available in any Malls near you.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>How to?</b></span></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Your favorite animal, favorite flower, favorite character, view or anything, choose a drawing or sketch of it for you mosaic project. For the First timers, it is suggested that you make simple design as a beginner.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Make sure you have a conducive area in making your project. A working table inside your room where you will be left undisturbed is best. Good ventilation and proper lighting is also a plus.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Choose beads that would perfectly match your design. (colors, shapes, etc...)</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsEANUTZi2qN_K8IWK4osyvd4ERpw_nTwzQXr3_uSX775aqBslGUvjrTP-Qrb5fzj7heZ9SZ4UIhfNLDalgeirSBTYjS3UELtz-znAWazny5k9shFh2n0tdQtDEaz6gOBwcDex47SGII/s1600/New+Folder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsEANUTZi2qN_K8IWK4osyvd4ERpw_nTwzQXr3_uSX775aqBslGUvjrTP-Qrb5fzj7heZ9SZ4UIhfNLDalgeirSBTYjS3UELtz-znAWazny5k9shFh2n0tdQtDEaz6gOBwcDex47SGII/s640/New+Folder1.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>EASY STEPS:</b></span></span></div></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Put a small amount of glue to the place where you will place the beads. Do this by small portion.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Using the two needles, line up beads to the glue. It would have a cleaner look if you will line up the beads properly.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Make sure that the needed beads is just within reach for faster tiling.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Repeat Steps 1 & 2 until you finish your project.</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><b>RESULT:</b></span></span></div></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">You can have a personalized present for any of your friends and love ones that would be much appreciated.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">An additional to your Artsy Gallery</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Income generating project/hobby</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">A liberating project/hobby</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">A happy and contented heart.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">More...</span></span></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqBw54TwoF9qELLOL9Ebshb-E4KfboyYrV1x75Cnm0jZilDYY_a6m3jnyfOUtwcSXU2TZj7v5JwjjmJo_12QfxwmKvmSYZu3mbNUVwKa8J49FSdKMTogJ8s3r93NOsajorXdIgnFbOpM/s1600/New+Folder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqBw54TwoF9qELLOL9Ebshb-E4KfboyYrV1x75Cnm0jZilDYY_a6m3jnyfOUtwcSXU2TZj7v5JwjjmJo_12QfxwmKvmSYZu3mbNUVwKa8J49FSdKMTogJ8s3r93NOsajorXdIgnFbOpM/s400/New+Folder2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Start you bead mosaic project now!</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Interested but too lazy to make one? Just leave a comment below for order details.</span></span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-69008183188000247762010-12-22T18:50:00.000-08:002010-12-22T18:50:26.383-08:00Trying SWEDISH MASSAGE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>'ve been longing for a full body massage since the beginning of this month. Schedule had been so very busy for me the previous months plus a big event lined up for me on the second week of the December add up the Holiday season.Whew!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can somebody treat me for a nice and relaxing massage?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait no more! Just yesterday, I had a taste of what they call a <i>Swedish Massage</i> for <b>FREE</b>!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was not impressed at first. I am used to hard massages like the traditional HILOT, not until I had my left arms finished.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs105.snc4/35631_162602203784941_100001054874286_335460_2977836_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs105.snc4/35631_162602203784941_100001054874286_335460_2977836_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Swedish Massage got me on my arms</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For you massage virgins, Swedish Massage is the way to go, especially if it is your first time at a spa. </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">During Swedish Massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish Massage moves inlcudes kneading friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.</span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">about.com</span></i></blockquote><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>wedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1214.snc4/156638_162601980451630_100001054874286_335452_7226577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1214.snc4/156638_162601980451630_100001054874286_335452_7226577_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Relaxation for FREE</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commonly, during your Swedish Massage session, you are nude under a towel or sheet lying down; but for my case, since it is free, I am on a sitting position with my clothes on. It must be more relaxing when your lying down and nude, must try that one soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, Swedish Massage is best for first timers but if you had been going in and out of spa for times already, you might not be happy with the gently and smooth strokes you will be getting from this particular type of massage.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1235.snc4/156741_162602167118278_100001054874286_335459_3796509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1235.snc4/156741_162602167118278_100001054874286_335459_3796509_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a Gentle Head Massage</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did i mentioned I had it for FREE? Yes, I got from the <i>Stratford International School</i> Swedish Massage Students under the program of <i>Technical Education and Skills Development Authority</i> or popularly known as <b>TESDA</b>. They need to massage number of people as part of their On-the-Job Training.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Special thank you to JOHN MICHAEL- the trainee Massage Therapist </span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">and to Laurienz for these camera phone photos.</span></i></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-84204625449097612192010-12-11T07:31:00.000-08:002010-12-11T07:31:53.790-08:00Foodie Critic - Chicharong Hito @ BAR_KO<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a street where a line of food houses offering delicious barbecue to crave for, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>BAR_ko</b></span> may look like one of the others. But wait! As we always say, <i>DO NOT JUDGE THE BOOK BY ITS COVER</i>. </span><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs893.snc4/72642_476595663846_647768846_5706947_4859737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs893.snc4/72642_476595663846_647768846_5706947_4859737_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>BAR_ko: Dine & Drink Restaurant</b></span> is one of the food havens in <i>Tiongson Arcade, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City</i>. This unassuming place offers grilled chows like their delectable pork and chicken barbecue and seafoods.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs798.snc4/67854_476595838846_647768846_5706954_7313953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs798.snc4/67854_476595838846_647768846_5706954_7313953_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the garlicky grilled panga</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of their best sellers is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Chicharong Hito</span> which is to crave for. Even as I write this, I am salivating with just the thought of eating there again. The <i>Chicharing Hito</i> just got the right crisp on the outside and mouthwatering once you put it in your mouth. A special tasty vinegar sauce that comes with it gives an extra ooomph to the Chicharong Hito. Whether you are up for a drinking spree or food tip, Chicharong Hito is both good as "PULUTAN" or "ULAM".</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs893.snc4/72597_476595948846_647768846_5706958_5615361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs893.snc4/72597_476595948846_647768846_5706958_5615361_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the Chicharong Hito to die for</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next time you pass by Tiongson Arcade in Lagao, look for BAR_KO and have a taste of their CHICHARONG HITO! If your lucky enough, the proprietor himself <i>ARVEIN JOHN LLIDO</i> might be preparing it for you or his famous mom the City Councilor - Hon. Virgie Llido might be entertaining you.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs058.ash2/36253_476595713846_647768846_5706949_4849893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs058.ash2/36253_476595713846_647768846_5706949_4849893_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the amiable Bar_Ko proprietor: Arvein John Llido</div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-36758010790443299242010-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:002010-10-25T14:00:26.346-07:00BITTER LOSER<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span></b>ess than 50% of the total registered voters turned out in my village, yet at 4:00 o'clock in the morning the canvassing is not halfway through. I wonder why. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>FLASHBACK</i>. A day before, every streets in our village became unusually busy with suspicious people lurking, some on their foot and mostly on a motorcycle with an endless supply of gasoline trying to complete the final phase of their EVIL plan. On the other side, people trying to prevent these mischievous activities are outnumbered, literally letting them eat the DUST.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am one of those who still believe that the FILIPINOS still have a big chance of reforming its POLITICAL SYSTEM. I am one of the few believers of the possibility of CLEAN ELECTIONS until today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came to realization, that most people here in our village do not want HONEST leaders, they wanted leaders who would think of their PERSONAL GAIN first above anything else. They do not want leaders who has good moral values but those who can give in and join them during their drinking and gambling sessions on the streets. They do not want a leader who can DISCIPLINE and put things in ORDER but still prefers those who tolerate their wrong doings. They do not want leaders who will work WITH them but those who will let them work FOR them. They do not care if they have an absentee leader as long as they can get money from them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, I am sad. It is very depressing to know that people prefer two hundred pesos over a good leadership for three years. YOU. Yes you who exhange your vote over a hundred or two pesos, do not blame the government if you will experience RED TAPE in one of your dealings with the barangay. Do you think you will get special treatment because of what you've done? Think twice. They'll never remember your face. Worst, if you'll demand they will be answering you back with: <i>"NABAYRAN NA KA NAMU!"</i>. Do not demand for better roads, it is the last thing on their mind. Do not expect to see your leader in his three-year term, he is too busy for you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want a clean and good governance, you should do have done your part. Do not make decisions that you will later regret.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To you whom I share the same sentiment, let us not allow that the corrupt system swallow us. Let us stick to our principle. One or two of our kind can still make that little difference.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 20px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">“Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency.”</span></span></span></span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-85775810343415308742010-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:002010-10-05T01:02:47.364-07:00A TEACHER's DAY SPECIAL<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">This is a collaborative writing of the author and her sister Lavinia for the World Teacher's Day Celebration. </span></span></i></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wcasd.net/literacy/Teacher%20reading.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.wcasd.net/literacy/Teacher%20reading.gif" width="306" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As we celebrate with the world a meaningful Teachers Day allow me to share with you the life of the greatest teacher I’ve known. He is our teacher and our hero. He is a spiritual and wisdom teacher who taught in parables and proverbs. As a teacher, He called His 12 disciples and gradually prepared them to understand the purpose of His mission. Some came to him enthusiastically while some doubted and questioned His abilities. Amidst all these, he continued his purpose on earth.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Not like our teachers now a day, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Jesus Christ</span></span></i></b> had no advanced degree, no classroom, and not even an academia with formal degree. Technically He doesn’t fit the definition of a teacher. Yet I still consider him as the greatest teacher of all times. Why? One, He himself had been taught. He knew how important it was to listen. Second, He knew how to make things interesting to people. He explained things in a simple and clear way. He took time to teach grownups and even little children even if he was too busy.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.profile-comments.com/images/teacher/images/a-good-teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.profile-comments.com/images/teacher/images/a-good-teacher.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They said that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“</b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others”.</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Most teachers become selfless for their students. I even know of some, who stayed single because of their passion to their profession. </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is about time, to pay tribute to a less appreciated job in the world! As one of Americas most quoted writer William Arthur Lard puts it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it”</b>. It is indeed high time to express our THANK YOUS.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To us students, let us remember that there are more presents aside from the flowers and the material things that we give our teachers. Huwag po nating alisin ang ating respeto at paggalang sa kanila. At ang higit na makakapagpasaya sa kanila ay kung makikita nila tayo baling araw na matagumpay sa mga larangang ating tinahak! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Teaching is one of the noblest professions I know. To all the teachers, you did not just give tests but share life’s lessons to us. Not just grading us but guiding us, as we go in and out of the four walls of the classroom. Not only checking our attendance but also giving us time to grow and be the best we can be. Your work didn’t stop from giving us lectures and assignments but it transcends boundaries of ignorance and illiteracy. You added colors in us so we may live our lives to the fullest with great pride and sense of fulfillment. I know you care a lot about us. We are not just your students but you consider us as your own. Someday we’ll be able to bring back the goodness you gave us. And I hope time come that you’ll be proud to say that we are your life’s greatest achievements.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Together, let us all give around of applause for our unsung HEROES!</span></em><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-41224643812619110972010-08-23T09:16:00.000-07:002010-08-23T09:16:05.788-07:00MY 10-Day Affair with i-PHONE<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">Note: this is not a technical review of iPhone product. It is just another love story.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It all started with me, winning a Belkin Grip Vector from <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://gandaeversomuch.com/">GandaEverSomuch.com's</a></span></i> 1st Year Blogversary Raffle. Not at all a techie, much more savvy at that, I was'nt too happy with the prize simply because I do not own an iPHONE. I was eyeing for a book or a shirt that night. Then, the optimistic in me thought, <b>"IT'S A SIGN. A SIGN THAT I WILL HAVE MY IPHONE SOON!"</b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'll be going home soon, how would you like to have blackberry?"</span></i>, my favorite aunt said while we were having one of those YM sessions. I was quiet excited for I might be getting my very own Blackberry Phone which is extremely hot these days. </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>ugust 13, 2010, Day 1 with the iPhone. Expecting to finally get the blackberry i was told, my aunt changed her mind in giving me her Blackberry and lent me her 32-gig iPHONE instead. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"While I am still here(Gensan), you may use that"</span></i>, she said. Hoping that she will still change her mind and give me the iPHONE, I slipped the sleek phone to my Belkin Grip Vector and boy, they are really meant to be. From that day on, I fell in love with the iPhone.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs159.ash2/41276_428178043846_647768846_4855554_1881552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs159.ash2/41276_428178043846_647768846_4855554_1881552_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>T</b></span>he 4.5 inches long and 2.31 inches wide phone weights 4.8 ounces. You must already know this but a cellphone and mobile computer rolled in one, drove me crazily inlove. If I can easily send text and can dial someones number without a fuzz, thats already okay with me. Plus you throw in a Wifi-able program in your </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display is an absolute cloud 9 for an internet dependent being, which I am becoming. </span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>oday, is the last day with the iPHONE. I have to give it back to its original master. Honestly, I cannot let go of it but I do not have a choice. I'll never forget my 10 days having you around. The memories we shared cannot be deleted. Goodbye to you! Thanks for the 10 fun days with you!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs182.ash2/44545_428178128846_647768846_4855555_546501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs182.ash2/44545_428178128846_647768846_4855555_546501_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">making most of our last night together</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-3505718083037370502010-07-27T22:46:00.000-07:002010-07-28T06:05:06.393-07:00the CONVENIENCE of the backyard MALUNGGAY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>B</b></span>efore we say goodbye to the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Nutrition Month</i></span></span></b>, which falls every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">July</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">, let me give you a special NUTRITION MONTH entry.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">R</span></b>ainy days is officially on for this tropical country. It is nice to include a soup dish in every meal to invigorate our wet and tired human bodies after a hard days work. In one of those type of days, I decided to prepare a simple "<i>TINOLANG ISDA</i>" or fish soup. Since it is raining hard, I was too lazy to go buy some vegetables to complete the soup, thank goodness for the MALUNGGAY from our backyard to the rescue.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs223.snc4/38486_416806763846_647768846_4556076_72443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs223.snc4/38486_416806763846_647768846_4556076_72443_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">moringa leaves</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">K</span></b>nown as an excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Malunggay or </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Moringa oleifera Lam</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">is lo</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">aded with nutrients, vitamins and amino acids. In the Philippines, pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to have a daily dose of soup with young malunggay leaves for it is </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months. It also provides nearly all of the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during those stages.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>side from its leaves and bods, other parts of Moringa have different uses as well. Commercially, the BEN OIL extracted from flowers can be used as illuminant, ointment base, and absorbent in the enfleurage process of extracting volatile oils from flowers. The oil, applied locally, has also been helpful for arthritic pains, rheumatic and gouty joints.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Our grannies made full use of the Malunggay in their backyard, by doing the following:</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Pods for intestinal parasitism.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Constipation: Leaves and fruit</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Decoction of boiled roots used to wash sores and ulcers.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Decoction of the bark used for excitement, restlessness.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Pounded roots used as poultice for inflammatory swelling.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Juice of roots is used for otalgia.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Seeds for hypertension, gout, asthma, hiccups, and as a diuretic.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Juice of the root with milk used for asthma, hiccups, gout, lumbago.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Poultice of leaves applied for glandular swelling.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Pounded fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil applied to wounds and cuts.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">The flowers boiled with soy milk thought to have aphrodisiac quality.</span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Source: </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.stuartxchange.org/Malunggay.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">STUARTXCHANGE</span></span></span></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>s I was preparing the dish, I came to the realization, that poverty is not the ultimate reason for malnutrition and hunger. Growing vegetables in the backyard is only one of the easy ways to hinder the growing number of unhealthy children in the world. Moringa is one of the many vegetables that can be grown in our backyards or in pots (<i>i<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">f you lack space</span></i>). </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Let us not blame each other for what is happening with the world, better start doing something for the betterment of it.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></u></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></span></div>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-80903639131304272682010-07-20T21:39:00.000-07:002010-07-20T21:39:13.586-07:00Foodie XPRMNT - Chowking Inspired CRISPY FISH FILLET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chowkingdelivery.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x135/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://chowkingdelivery.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/135x135/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_19.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>E</b></span>verytime I dine at <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Chowking</span></span></i>, it's their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Crispy Fish Fillet</b></span></span> that I always go for. Its exact crispiness on the outside did not dried up the juices of the fish. The white sauce it comes with is the perfect partner, complementing the fillet very well.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>I</b></span>n one of my not so lazy days, I decided to prepare my version of Crispy fish Fillet for dinner. Praying for perfection, I came up with this:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs103.ash2/38486_416806768846_647768846_4556077_476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs103.ash2/38486_416806768846_647768846_4556077_476_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">F</span></b>or the not so master cooks like me, it is advised to have your fish, fillet at the market. For this one, I used TUNA BELLY (<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">which is originally for the KINILAW of my papa...sssssshhhhh</span></i>). Here are the ingredients used: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">fish fillet, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and other spices to taste and beaten egg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">. First things first, marinate your fish with salt, pepper and other spices you like, add the beaten egg. Then refrigerate it for 15 minutes. Then, roll it to the bread crumbs. Refrigerate for another 15minutes and it will be ready for frying. Insider tip: <i>DO NOT FRY THE FISH FOR LONG, IT MAY DRY UP THE FISH</i>. Once they are golden brown, take it out of the pan.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">F</span></b>or the white sauce, you only need chopped garlic, parsley and mayonnaise. Put them together and VIOLA, you get your home made white sauce.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Perfect for a weekend meal with your family.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i>Bon apetit!</i></span></span>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233876820037047266.post-16052445784661557212010-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:002010-07-11T22:22:27.195-07:00Foodie Critic - CALDA vs MAMMA MARIAS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b2b0f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b2b0f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">If you had been going around General Santos City lately, you must have noticed that there are lots of FOOD JOINTS sprouting like mushrooms. Another sign that the Tuna Capital of the Philippines is indeed progressing. Two places that are claiming popularity these days are the Pizza Joints</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b2b0f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">-</span><a href="http://www.gensantos.com/2010/03/29/calda-pizza-heats-up-gensans-appetites/" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Calda Pizza</span></b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://antigonesplea.blogspot.com/2010/01/foodie-critic-mamma-marias-pizzeria.html" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Mamma Maria's Pizzeria</i></span></b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>.</i></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs082.ash2/37448_129367130434112_100000824774724_136702_4747755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs082.ash2/37448_129367130434112_100000824774724_136702_4747755_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both serve affordable, large pizzas reaching up to 36 inches with different toppings to choose from. In case you been out of this planet and didn't heard about these two pizza joints, let me compare the two according to <i>AMBIANCE, SERVING STAFF</i> and <b>FOOD</b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://joemcart.blogspot.com/2010/07/calda-or-mamma-marias.html">Click this link to read more of my criticism.</a></span>dimplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03038610585206930684noreply@blogger.com0