Yeah, I have been in the middle of two deaths in the family. Surprisingly, despite the raw emotions besetting me from all sides, somehow I never shed a tear from the moment my Aunt hugged me in welcome last Friday, during the interment last Saturday and when I finally left for home yesterday. I mean, what is wrong with me? What have I become?
Three weeks ago, I received a call from sis about a cousin's unexpected passing. It was a sad news considering that when we passed by Antique last summer on our way to Boracay, we met Pato briefly on our way to Estaka hill to view the sunset. He offered refreshments, which was timely, after being on the road for hours.
Then, the night before the funeral, news of an uncle's death reached us as well. I can't decide which was sadder. He stayed in the lands of his father up the mountains in a place called Bugnay and was bedridden for a month due a stroke which rendered him immobile. His wife, Nanay Alice, mom's little sis was already calm when I talked to her. It was difficult but I told her I can't stay longer for the funeral. Going there was definitely not an option for me. Twenty kilos ago, I remember vividly how I would crawl up the slope and slide down on the dirt on the way back. This time, I know, that will no longer work for me. So I just said my condolences and sent some help through a cousin.
On the lighter side, I relived most of the highlights of last summer's trip. For starters, I took the business class trip to Iloilo, had lunch with Vangie at Sbarros, grabbed some takeaway corn muffins from Kenny Rogers in addition to the specially requested piaya and bought a comb (yeah, a comb) from Watson's :)
On my way back, I had dark mocha at Starbucks, regular and jumbo siopao from Roberto's and some bandi from the pier vendor.
With my oldest Male Cousin, Manong Seler and Wife and nieces
(right) with Ma's oldest sis (she's 80) Nanay Purin
Three weeks ago, I received a call from sis about a cousin's unexpected passing. It was a sad news considering that when we passed by Antique last summer on our way to Boracay, we met Pato briefly on our way to Estaka hill to view the sunset. He offered refreshments, which was timely, after being on the road for hours.
Ma's brother: Tatay Eking and wife Nanay Aida
Then, the night before the funeral, news of an uncle's death reached us as well. I can't decide which was sadder. He stayed in the lands of his father up the mountains in a place called Bugnay and was bedridden for a month due a stroke which rendered him immobile. His wife, Nanay Alice, mom's little sis was already calm when I talked to her. It was difficult but I told her I can't stay longer for the funeral. Going there was definitely not an option for me. Twenty kilos ago, I remember vividly how I would crawl up the slope and slide down on the dirt on the way back. This time, I know, that will no longer work for me. So I just said my condolences and sent some help through a cousin.
Market Day in Bugasong (Sunday)
On the lighter side, I relived most of the highlights of last summer's trip. For starters, I took the business class trip to Iloilo, had lunch with Vangie at Sbarros, grabbed some takeaway corn muffins from Kenny Rogers in addition to the specially requested piaya and bought a comb (yeah, a comb) from Watson's :)
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