This morning 'twas feeling a wee bit dilatory. Was able to skype with the kids and edit a few photos on the picnik photo editing account. Wanted to get some of those up on facebook from the day before, before getting on with the day. So, Mike went ahead to breakfast and then brought back mine to the room. He then proceeded to the hotel lobby and got online while I did the whole beautifying thing of showering and what not for the day.
The previous plans were to go to Union Church. However, since that SIM card ended up not having a slot spot in the old verizon cell phone there was no way to get a hold of Ron and Joyce to get our day's plans to mesh. Not really knowing anyone at the church and if there was any way to catch a familiar face that may have stuck around from over 2 decades ago, I had no desire to walk into Union Church looking like a deer caught in the headlights because that's exactly how it would be.
The new bright idea was to just taxi over to Greenhills. Heck, why not? So, we did. Yesterday's taxi driver was nice and it's intriguing that taxi drivers are quick to talk about the negatives of their country. Particularly the government corruption. Naturally wanted to chime in and say America is no different in that sense. But hmm... It's one thing to let a native talk down about their country. It's another thing to add to it because it simply adds to the negativity of the conversation...and possibly shame of their/our country. So, I'm glad I didn't say anything. Nice guy, though. And should anyone, that knows him, be surprised that Mike talks to every taxi driver? Unless they don't respond back because they're elderly, focused on the days work amidst the organized chaotic traffic of Manila and/or speak VERY little English, they carry on a conversation about how much Mike has loved being in the Philippines so far and how he looks forward to moving here. Some have that Filipino kind of chortle laced with "really?" It's like they can't believe someone would be that willing and enthusiastic to share how much they want to move and live amongst them. Maybe that's the lack of self confidence in their country and people. Maybe not. It's hard for me to know for sure at this point. We asked him the best way to MOA [Mall of Asia] and bus tips. He said to take a taxi to Ortigas and then get on a bus that's labeled Baclaran. With the journal, there would be no problem remembering this on another day.
We got dropped off close to the Unimart entrance where there was a little fender bender involving a taxi or two. This is the one place engraved in the memory files, and sealed with fiery wax, of where we often picked up groceries. It was nice and very well kept. Mom didn't pick up produce here because it was cheaper to send the house girl to an open market for it. Not knowing where to really start, Mike just took my lead and the must start was Unimart. Upon entrance there was a peanut stand and empenadas. While he insisted on getting a few nuts and empanadas my wandering eyes glazed the other options only to pleasantly find....dried beef TAPA!!!! Mike loves this stuff. A kin to beef jerky but SO MUCH better. Of course, why pass up something so coveted and adored?
The non-food merchandise section wasn't the nice organized look I remembered. It looked like the beginnings of Wal-mart when it was just a rinky dink store packed with a as many cheaply priced products as possible. It was good to see imported appliances. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about trying to ship mine that are only fit for 110v outlets. These, most likely....of course, are fitted for the 220v outlets here. Then of course, later we were to pleasantly discover other appliances not imported with better prices. Lacking sufficient water intake, big water bottles was the purchase....oh, and toilet paper for carrying everywhere. It was here that I finally remembered and found that for-blogging notebook.
We then proceeded out towards the rest of Greenhills...into the area I remember being a small food court. Hmph. It was gone and replaced with more fashion wear stores and a Cinnabon. Check that fatning booger of a franchise out. Smells just as heavenly as the ones back in the USA...but oy! I hung out here and started filling the first several pages of the for-blogging notebook while Mike did some meandering close by. He returned with a watch he was more than happy to set on Manila time. So far, he was in love with Manila, my people and my country. Being the newbie, he was eating up every moment for different reasons than I.
We then made our way to the center. I'd been told by several that Greenhills had evolved so much. So there was some....some preparation. Yet, not really enough. It was packed with people. Packed with more stores and restaurants around the rim. Packed with more volume. It was packed. For the second time the emotions were getting stirred. For once again, what was to be seen was not matching the memory files. It was almost unrecognizable. Another moment in time of just standing there, watching the evolved archaic life on familiar ground continue to buzz about without missing a beat. It's amazing how the population can apparently multiply as much as it has in twenty five years. Sure, the rest of the world does too, but not quite as much. [I've got my own theories, but that's for another time]. There is a church that meets every Sunday and their overflow is outside. So, we could hear bits and pieces of the service. Feeling the heavy heat we headed back towards the A/C restaurants looking for someplace to grab a bite.
It was then we discovered what no one could've ever prepared me for no matter how hard they tried to describe it. At first there was the purse/bag kiosks. "Purse mom. Bags mom...." Then there were the shoes kiosks. It looked as though each one was not only so tightly close and overflowing with products, but they had five-ten retailers just because they were so PACKED with retailers and customers a like. I doubt they had that many retailers. But still, the place was just busting at the seems with people. I remember the days of souvenir shopping out by Manila Bay. Mayan Philpinas...something-or-other. But this...this was out of this world insane. Next thing I know, I've managed to get myself "stuck" at a pearl kiosk and talking deals. She was happy to give me discounts. Especially since bargaining was not something I was aware of as a shopping trait to be had and taken advantage of. Had it been any other time and with a little experience, we could've gotten an even better steal for those beauties. Once that was taken care of, we quickly headed out because we truly were getting hungry.
I wanted to find Shakey's. Just for living out memory's sake, that had to be the one familiar thing we could enjoy. We cut through the food court. I would've been happy to grab whatever, but Mike seemed to be more interested in finding something else. So, the hunt for Shakey's continued. We found ourselves back out on the front side of Greenhills and so we started walking closer towards where I remembered there being a McDonald's around the corner. But then I found a Shakey's....right next to KFC. The feel was different. It wasn't downstairs. It wasn't dark. Right in front was a line up of delivery motorbikes. Neat-O! The one thing that had to be ordered was the fried chicken and mojos [fried potato slices]. Back in the 80's the chicken and mojos were super greasy and spicey. As terrible as that sounds, I was hoping that was the one thing that hadn't changed. Oh, but they had. Not as spicey and not as greasy. They were darn tootin' healthier. Intriguing was the KFC like gravy they came with. That's not something I remember. How old was this?
We got dropped off close to the Unimart entrance where there was a little fender bender involving a taxi or two. This is the one place engraved in the memory files, and sealed with fiery wax, of where we often picked up groceries. It was nice and very well kept. Mom didn't pick up produce here because it was cheaper to send the house girl to an open market for it. Not knowing where to really start, Mike just took my lead and the must start was Unimart. Upon entrance there was a peanut stand and empenadas. While he insisted on getting a few nuts and empanadas my wandering eyes glazed the other options only to pleasantly find....dried beef TAPA!!!! Mike loves this stuff. A kin to beef jerky but SO MUCH better. Of course, why pass up something so coveted and adored?
It absolutely amazes me how many security guards there are...EVERYwhere. Yet, quite understandable. There was another one to the right side of the cashier registers. Upon my approach he habitually reached out for my bag with one hand and handed me a number tag with another. Thinking at first that it's the regulation, the trade was made. But the very idea of leaving my cameras there was rubbing friction real fast...so fast that it wasn't but five seconds and I turned around to retrieve it from him. He had no problem making another exchange.
The non-food merchandise section wasn't the nice organized look I remembered. It looked like the beginnings of Wal-mart when it was just a rinky dink store packed with a as many cheaply priced products as possible. It was good to see imported appliances. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about trying to ship mine that are only fit for 110v outlets. These, most likely....of course, are fitted for the 220v outlets here. Then of course, later we were to pleasantly discover other appliances not imported with better prices. Lacking sufficient water intake, big water bottles was the purchase....oh, and toilet paper for carrying everywhere. It was here that I finally remembered and found that for-blogging notebook.
We then proceeded out towards the rest of Greenhills...into the area I remember being a small food court. Hmph. It was gone and replaced with more fashion wear stores and a Cinnabon. Check that fatning booger of a franchise out. Smells just as heavenly as the ones back in the USA...but oy! I hung out here and started filling the first several pages of the for-blogging notebook while Mike did some meandering close by. He returned with a watch he was more than happy to set on Manila time. So far, he was in love with Manila, my people and my country. Being the newbie, he was eating up every moment for different reasons than I. We then made our way to the center. I'd been told by several that Greenhills had evolved so much. So there was some....some preparation. Yet, not really enough. It was packed with people. Packed with more stores and restaurants around the rim. Packed with more volume. It was packed. For the second time the emotions were getting stirred. For once again, what was to be seen was not matching the memory files. It was almost unrecognizable. Another moment in time of just standing there, watching the evolved archaic life on familiar ground continue to buzz about without missing a beat. It's amazing how the population can apparently multiply as much as it has in twenty five years. Sure, the rest of the world does too, but not quite as much. [I've got my own theories, but that's for another time]. There is a church that meets every Sunday and their overflow is outside. So, we could hear bits and pieces of the service. Feeling the heavy heat we headed back towards the A/C restaurants looking for someplace to grab a bite.
It was then we discovered what no one could've ever prepared me for no matter how hard they tried to describe it. At first there was the purse/bag kiosks. "Purse mom. Bags mom...." Then there were the shoes kiosks. It looked as though each one was not only so tightly close and overflowing with products, but they had five-ten retailers just because they were so PACKED with retailers and customers a like. I doubt they had that many retailers. But still, the place was just busting at the seems with people. I remember the days of souvenir shopping out by Manila Bay. Mayan Philpinas...something-or-other. But this...this was out of this world insane. Next thing I know, I've managed to get myself "stuck" at a pearl kiosk and talking deals. She was happy to give me discounts. Especially since bargaining was not something I was aware of as a shopping trait to be had and taken advantage of. Had it been any other time and with a little experience, we could've gotten an even better steal for those beauties. Once that was taken care of, we quickly headed out because we truly were getting hungry.
I wanted to find Shakey's. Just for living out memory's sake, that had to be the one familiar thing we could enjoy. We cut through the food court. I would've been happy to grab whatever, but Mike seemed to be more interested in finding something else. So, the hunt for Shakey's continued. We found ourselves back out on the front side of Greenhills and so we started walking closer towards where I remembered there being a McDonald's around the corner. But then I found a Shakey's....right next to KFC. The feel was different. It wasn't downstairs. It wasn't dark. Right in front was a line up of delivery motorbikes. Neat-O! The one thing that had to be ordered was the fried chicken and mojos [fried potato slices]. Back in the 80's the chicken and mojos were super greasy and spicey. As terrible as that sounds, I was hoping that was the one thing that hadn't changed. Oh, but they had. Not as spicey and not as greasy. They were darn tootin' healthier. Intriguing was the KFC like gravy they came with. That's not something I remember. How old was this?
After a refresher belly filling we went back into the shopping mecca where we found more goods...including a borong for Mike. Something I've always wanted to get him. For years. There were hand painted ones too. Worth the price but the fragile upkeep was not something desirable for contending with. The girls were funny. Totally made Mike blush as they fit him with one to see what size he is. What a crack up.
The straw that seemed to break the shopping camel's back were the guys that worked so hard to sell us the spinning tops. I'm all for understanding one's need to provide for himself and/or his family. But this was just amazing. We pushed the price down. Then once we took it the other guy tried sell us another by putting it in Mike's bag. With a firm, "no" from me he smiled and said okay. These were the same guys that tried to sell Mike DVD's. DVD's from them is like the NAWT-E kind. How do you already get Thor and Pirates of the Carribean IV when they just came out in the theatre?? Easy. Where there is a will there is always a way. So the whole spinning top thing was overkill just because it was all so much on the first day/experience of the "new Greenhills". After the move, there's no doubt it will come like old hat because we do like to shopping.
After having asked around about cell phones, we made our way up to the second floor. We didn't realize that the ENTIRE second floor was dedicated to cell phones. At one kiosk Mike nearly froze when the fully make upped she retailers answered his price inquiry with their manly voices. It was a bust-out-loud laughable moment for me. It was awesome. We were later told the term is "bakla". Google it. They are everywhere and much more open than in America. I found a little samsung from a young mother of two [or three]. She had her kids with her and she seemed very young...and very nice. I've never been keen on buying a used cell phone. So, we got a nice primitive new one. Woohoo, the SIM card worked and we were in texting business with the rest of the texting capital of the world.
We took refuge outside of the Theatre Mall at the Starbucks. It was hot. It was muggy and the A/C was so delightfully refreshing. It also helped temporarily shelter from the high volume of traffic of people and vehicles. It's mind blowing how much of it all is built up. Using Starbuck's wifi leftover hour from Makati, Mike got back on line to retrieve Ron's cell phone number. It was too loud even inside to compete and call, so he opt to text Ron. Yeah, we were finally in communication with him! If it wasn't for the confounded short visit, this would've been one of those moments of insisting on retreating to a quiet place for an all-sensory break. But no. The overwhelming moment would have to be contended with yet again, soaked in and enjoyed as much as possible. I started texting Tracey Heppner. Texting is so friggin' cheap in the Philippines it's truly no laughing matter. Infact, it makes calling to talk a rich man's communication method. I most definitely am Filpina because that so works with me. I loath the phone. Texting is much more doable. Tracey has the same load provider, Globe, but it wouldn't let me call her. We wanted to make plans. But she's a texting fiend too. So, really...it all worked out.
As we headed out, I continued texting Ron....on the sidewalk, in the taxi...the delightful joy of texting! I think it took too much time [because it's not a full keyboard], thus frustration, for Mike. The plan ended up being for Ron and Joyce to meet us back at the hotel at about 7:30pm or so. The taxi back was slightly quicker. Again, Mike held another conversation. If it had been journaled, it would've been remembered which taxi driver was the most amusing. The one to or from Greenhills. The conversation started out with Mike mentioning how the people of the Philippines are very beautiful. The driver pleasantly smiles. Mike wants to know where all the ugly people are because he hasn't seen any. "We shoot them," the driver says. We collectively roar with laughter. Those boys continue their comical conversation with more giggles. I simply sit back and enjoy the view of monstrous billboards on Edsa hovering over the astounding high volume weekend traffic.
It was nice to catch a few breathers amid the cool A/C air of the hotel room just for a few moments. At last, we were to meet Ron and Joyce in person. This was to beat skyping. On time, they were...and we were headed off to Greenbelt Three. We parked in the parking garage in front of Italianni's and I nearly laughed out loud. But it's a good thing I didn't because that's not where we ended up. After walking a ways and up a few steps to the second floor, there were even more restaurants. The mind is so blown away at just how many there are....and how many more people there are to take advantage and fill them up. [This un-acclimatized body is bewildered of how anyone could possibly stand the heat and humidity long enough to enjoy sitting outside for fine dining and socialism. It seemed as though I was the only one experiencing the oozing sweat down from the top of the head to the tip toes. But, hey...that's why it's called "un-acclimatized", yah?] Business is booming here for the Koreans and the Chinese and so is employment and entertainment for the Filipinos. However, if only it was the Filipinos doing more of the development and income streaming from them.
We finally went into a place for fine dining of ethnic Filipino cuisine. A little upscale. Very nice. And wow, more people. Amid the surrounding high social volume there we were. At last, the man, who is the face of The Edge radio, and his lovely beauty pageant queen. Ron seemed like the big kid. Very eager to share more about how he and his wife got started eons ago [after he moved from Cali as a teenager] and how his career evolved into Christian radio. Wow. What a testimony. He smiles and chortles his way from one subject to another. Although, it's all one big one. Yet, there are many "chapters" covered. His eagerness and passion are very contagious. And there's Joyce. Just a tid bit more on the serious side and very well poised. Tall. Attractive. What a fun pair. Unfortunately, I didn't have my journal out. Thus, no note taking. But maybe this wasn't the time for that as we four were intensely sharing as much as possible. Still, looking back, it would've been nice to have journaled stuff to fondly refer to in later quiet moments because they shared so much that I now wish I could remember more of. I did very little sharing. Grant it, the eyelids were getting jetlaggish. None-the-less. It seemed more important to be a listener at the time. Had no desire, whatsoever, to appear like one in need of having as much floor time...or worse, one that likes to hear themselves talk. We came here to learn....and learn we would.
It's hard to remember the menu choices...but something along the lines of crispy pata, lechon, kare kare, mango salad, rice...it seems like there may have been more ordered. Oh, yes. There was an eggy eggplant dish too. I love all things egg plant in Filipino cuisine. It's no surprise that crispy pata was a big hit for Mike. He comes from a pork lovin' family. Can never go wrong with the garlic rice. Joyce, apparently, doesn't partake in beef or pork...not since she was sixteen. She also has that taglish thing down like it's old hat...because it is. A thing of beauty to envy. Now I'm even more bothered by my own lack of the national tongue.
There Mike and Ron sat, face-to-face at last, so engaged and practically two peas in a poddish over radio. Mike gulps it all as if it's just not enough because it involves the uniting of big dreams for the Philippines. For my people. There was I nearly overwhelmed as the sensory overload continues. Blows my mind that these moment we've waited over a year for is finally happening. Very surreal. I would've been fine if it didn't involve dinner. Just finally being together and sharing was satisfying enough. If only to freeze such moments in time, be able to come back to it and lap it up like the best ice cream cone.....Yah, maybe a little too lappy sappy.
Joyce suggests gelato and this tongue is so ready to just flap and hang out. HELLO. Gawin natin ito. Let's do this. Definitely. Yah, baby. Something to take the tropical temperature down a little. Wahoo!! However, this was going to require some more work by walking all the way to Greenbelt One...and up that second floor too. This is one of those moments where I start to feel like I've come home to someone else's territory....again. This entirely newly developed area feels like a maze. Maybe it's too much to be expecting a quick understanding of the seemingly complicated layout. But, wow. Joyce is fabulous and keeps trying to get to know me more. The brain can't seem to find all the words and/or bearing to make sense [in answering her questions] because there is still a full distraction of the maze going on at the same time. But I try. She mentions the affordables like spa massages, chiropractics and the likes. $5 for a massage? Who wouldn't be in?
Joyce orders her favorite, spicy chocolate. I go for the coconut mango. The two favorite ingredients are perfectly combined. The boys? Can't remember. Oh, mint was Mike's. Still can't remember Ron's. Back outside it seems as though the only things getting cooled down is the mouth and the top of the throat. We head towards the other side of Greenbelt One for Starbucks. It's pleasantly familiar from the day before. After that gelato there is no need to go for something else sugary. Otherwise, I would've gladly swilled up another mocha frapp. The sacred favorite that's purely a delightful freezing piece of heaven. But talked some more we did. It's here that Joyce introduces us to the term "bakla". I am intrigued. Yet, pleasantly so because God is apparently not shut out amongst those in this lifestyle. It's not a political issue. It's not an offense. The subject of God is welcomed. America, take humbling note. There was the subject of more women in leadership roles than man and how bossy women are. For some reason, the way that came out of Joyce's mouth was a complete crack up. But all that could be mustered in the jetlagged state was a small chortle.
Ron and Joyce had given us a small gift bag of a few pre packaged Filipino snackies. mmmm.....!!! Another fabulously full day enjoyed into the late night. We two souls are very satisfied for the time being as we lay our bodies to pleasant rest in front of the blasting A/C unit.
The straw that seemed to break the shopping camel's back were the guys that worked so hard to sell us the spinning tops. I'm all for understanding one's need to provide for himself and/or his family. But this was just amazing. We pushed the price down. Then once we took it the other guy tried sell us another by putting it in Mike's bag. With a firm, "no" from me he smiled and said okay. These were the same guys that tried to sell Mike DVD's. DVD's from them is like the NAWT-E kind. How do you already get Thor and Pirates of the Carribean IV when they just came out in the theatre?? Easy. Where there is a will there is always a way. So the whole spinning top thing was overkill just because it was all so much on the first day/experience of the "new Greenhills". After the move, there's no doubt it will come like old hat because we do like to shopping.
After having asked around about cell phones, we made our way up to the second floor. We didn't realize that the ENTIRE second floor was dedicated to cell phones. At one kiosk Mike nearly froze when the fully make upped she retailers answered his price inquiry with their manly voices. It was a bust-out-loud laughable moment for me. It was awesome. We were later told the term is "bakla". Google it. They are everywhere and much more open than in America. I found a little samsung from a young mother of two [or three]. She had her kids with her and she seemed very young...and very nice. I've never been keen on buying a used cell phone. So, we got a nice primitive new one. Woohoo, the SIM card worked and we were in texting business with the rest of the texting capital of the world.
We took refuge outside of the Theatre Mall at the Starbucks. It was hot. It was muggy and the A/C was so delightfully refreshing. It also helped temporarily shelter from the high volume of traffic of people and vehicles. It's mind blowing how much of it all is built up. Using Starbuck's wifi leftover hour from Makati, Mike got back on line to retrieve Ron's cell phone number. It was too loud even inside to compete and call, so he opt to text Ron. Yeah, we were finally in communication with him! If it wasn't for the confounded short visit, this would've been one of those moments of insisting on retreating to a quiet place for an all-sensory break. But no. The overwhelming moment would have to be contended with yet again, soaked in and enjoyed as much as possible. I started texting Tracey Heppner. Texting is so friggin' cheap in the Philippines it's truly no laughing matter. Infact, it makes calling to talk a rich man's communication method. I most definitely am Filpina because that so works with me. I loath the phone. Texting is much more doable. Tracey has the same load provider, Globe, but it wouldn't let me call her. We wanted to make plans. But she's a texting fiend too. So, really...it all worked out.
As we headed out, I continued texting Ron....on the sidewalk, in the taxi...the delightful joy of texting! I think it took too much time [because it's not a full keyboard], thus frustration, for Mike. The plan ended up being for Ron and Joyce to meet us back at the hotel at about 7:30pm or so. The taxi back was slightly quicker. Again, Mike held another conversation. If it had been journaled, it would've been remembered which taxi driver was the most amusing. The one to or from Greenhills. The conversation started out with Mike mentioning how the people of the Philippines are very beautiful. The driver pleasantly smiles. Mike wants to know where all the ugly people are because he hasn't seen any. "We shoot them," the driver says. We collectively roar with laughter. Those boys continue their comical conversation with more giggles. I simply sit back and enjoy the view of monstrous billboards on Edsa hovering over the astounding high volume weekend traffic.
It was nice to catch a few breathers amid the cool A/C air of the hotel room just for a few moments. At last, we were to meet Ron and Joyce in person. This was to beat skyping. On time, they were...and we were headed off to Greenbelt Three. We parked in the parking garage in front of Italianni's and I nearly laughed out loud. But it's a good thing I didn't because that's not where we ended up. After walking a ways and up a few steps to the second floor, there were even more restaurants. The mind is so blown away at just how many there are....and how many more people there are to take advantage and fill them up. [This un-acclimatized body is bewildered of how anyone could possibly stand the heat and humidity long enough to enjoy sitting outside for fine dining and socialism. It seemed as though I was the only one experiencing the oozing sweat down from the top of the head to the tip toes. But, hey...that's why it's called "un-acclimatized", yah?] Business is booming here for the Koreans and the Chinese and so is employment and entertainment for the Filipinos. However, if only it was the Filipinos doing more of the development and income streaming from them.
We finally went into a place for fine dining of ethnic Filipino cuisine. A little upscale. Very nice. And wow, more people. Amid the surrounding high social volume there we were. At last, the man, who is the face of The Edge radio, and his lovely beauty pageant queen. Ron seemed like the big kid. Very eager to share more about how he and his wife got started eons ago [after he moved from Cali as a teenager] and how his career evolved into Christian radio. Wow. What a testimony. He smiles and chortles his way from one subject to another. Although, it's all one big one. Yet, there are many "chapters" covered. His eagerness and passion are very contagious. And there's Joyce. Just a tid bit more on the serious side and very well poised. Tall. Attractive. What a fun pair. Unfortunately, I didn't have my journal out. Thus, no note taking. But maybe this wasn't the time for that as we four were intensely sharing as much as possible. Still, looking back, it would've been nice to have journaled stuff to fondly refer to in later quiet moments because they shared so much that I now wish I could remember more of. I did very little sharing. Grant it, the eyelids were getting jetlaggish. None-the-less. It seemed more important to be a listener at the time. Had no desire, whatsoever, to appear like one in need of having as much floor time...or worse, one that likes to hear themselves talk. We came here to learn....and learn we would.
It's hard to remember the menu choices...but something along the lines of crispy pata, lechon, kare kare, mango salad, rice...it seems like there may have been more ordered. Oh, yes. There was an eggy eggplant dish too. I love all things egg plant in Filipino cuisine. It's no surprise that crispy pata was a big hit for Mike. He comes from a pork lovin' family. Can never go wrong with the garlic rice. Joyce, apparently, doesn't partake in beef or pork...not since she was sixteen. She also has that taglish thing down like it's old hat...because it is. A thing of beauty to envy. Now I'm even more bothered by my own lack of the national tongue.
There Mike and Ron sat, face-to-face at last, so engaged and practically two peas in a poddish over radio. Mike gulps it all as if it's just not enough because it involves the uniting of big dreams for the Philippines. For my people. There was I nearly overwhelmed as the sensory overload continues. Blows my mind that these moment we've waited over a year for is finally happening. Very surreal. I would've been fine if it didn't involve dinner. Just finally being together and sharing was satisfying enough. If only to freeze such moments in time, be able to come back to it and lap it up like the best ice cream cone.....Yah, maybe a little too lappy sappy.
Joyce suggests gelato and this tongue is so ready to just flap and hang out. HELLO. Gawin natin ito. Let's do this. Definitely. Yah, baby. Something to take the tropical temperature down a little. Wahoo!! However, this was going to require some more work by walking all the way to Greenbelt One...and up that second floor too. This is one of those moments where I start to feel like I've come home to someone else's territory....again. This entirely newly developed area feels like a maze. Maybe it's too much to be expecting a quick understanding of the seemingly complicated layout. But, wow. Joyce is fabulous and keeps trying to get to know me more. The brain can't seem to find all the words and/or bearing to make sense [in answering her questions] because there is still a full distraction of the maze going on at the same time. But I try. She mentions the affordables like spa massages, chiropractics and the likes. $5 for a massage? Who wouldn't be in?
Joyce orders her favorite, spicy chocolate. I go for the coconut mango. The two favorite ingredients are perfectly combined. The boys? Can't remember. Oh, mint was Mike's. Still can't remember Ron's. Back outside it seems as though the only things getting cooled down is the mouth and the top of the throat. We head towards the other side of Greenbelt One for Starbucks. It's pleasantly familiar from the day before. After that gelato there is no need to go for something else sugary. Otherwise, I would've gladly swilled up another mocha frapp. The sacred favorite that's purely a delightful freezing piece of heaven. But talked some more we did. It's here that Joyce introduces us to the term "bakla". I am intrigued. Yet, pleasantly so because God is apparently not shut out amongst those in this lifestyle. It's not a political issue. It's not an offense. The subject of God is welcomed. America, take humbling note. There was the subject of more women in leadership roles than man and how bossy women are. For some reason, the way that came out of Joyce's mouth was a complete crack up. But all that could be mustered in the jetlagged state was a small chortle.
Ron and Joyce had given us a small gift bag of a few pre packaged Filipino snackies. mmmm.....!!! Another fabulously full day enjoyed into the late night. We two souls are very satisfied for the time being as we lay our bodies to pleasant rest in front of the blasting A/C unit.
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| look up the verse |
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| fried chicken and mojos |
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| calamari |
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| meat section of Unimart |
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