El Nino

It's pouring outside as if it's trying to quench mother earth's thirst. The radio is also saying that we'll be experiencing El Nino during the rainy season. Boy, it's going to be a really wet and rainy month of July. Good thing, the folks have already left before this bad weather started. At least they were spared the strong winds and the pelting rain--what with them lugging their shoulder bags and trolley bags, and then their being confined inside a can with controlled environment while floating in mid-air. I shudder at the thought...

I just heard from my friend a while ago, and he told me that due to the weather, it took them 5 hours to reach Diliman, Quezon City from Los Banos , Laguna. Normal travel time to Manila is 2-3 hours with traffic. They left Laguna as a group at 11AM and arrived in Quezon City at 4PM. The radio is also reporting zero visibility along Quezon Circle due to the heavy rains; and DepEp has already cancelled classes. This was last July 16, 2009.

Trip to the USA

July 15, 2009

3AM, My first alarm went off, piercing the silence of the dawn. It is the day when my parents would be flying to the US. A few seconds later, I heard a rooster crowing; that was my second alarm. I opened my eyes slowly but didn't move; listening intently for signs of life downstairs. It was too quiet.

3:15 AM, Careful not to wake the folks and to give them more time to sleep, I started my slow descent. But at the bottom of the stairs, I found them clothed and patiently waiting for me. Quickly, I did my morning ritual and changed while Ma made me a cup of hot chocolate.

4AM, The dog at the gate was barking crazily. Uncle Pete was waiting for us to let him in. Inside the apartment, I took some photos of my folks and also of Uncle Pete before leaving. I'll just insert the pictures here next time.

4:05AM, The van carefully sped along Osmena highway on our way to NAIA. We arrived there with plenty of time to spare.

4:20AM, At the departure area, the flights screen flashed different flight numbers, destinations and ETD. We proceeded to the entrance, but the guards gave us confusing instructions. One was telling us to wait at the far end of the wall, while another was telling us to proceed to the entrance. It was 4:20AM--they must have been feeling the need to sleep.

4:48AM, I got a call on my cell phone. It was Uncle Ombing, my mother's oldest sibling. Uncle Pete spoke with him.

4:50AM, I waited just outside the departure area until my parents passed the metal detector and were given wheelchairs and assistance in checking in.

4:56AM, Ma sent me a text message saying they're at Gate 3 for boarding. Meanwhile, Uncle Pete and I were at the Kayumanggi Restaurant. He was telling me about his childhood, and describing Mama Gulang (their mother).

6AM, I returned home to sleep and Uncle Pete went on his way.

8:22AM, Ma texted that they're boarding the plane to Hongkong.

11:22AM, Ma texted their arrival at Hongkong International Airport.

12:33PM, Ma texted their departure for Chicago.

2-4PM, I watched a film at home, then went to a net cafe to update my siblings; chatted with my older sister who's in North Carolina.

6PM, I returned home, had dinner and retired early.

9PM, My friend, the Eco watcher called; we talked a bit about his day; he asked about my folks. I told him they'll be at Chicago by 2:16 AM, Philippine time and that I was waiting for Ma's text message.


July 16, 2009

2:30AM, I woke up but there was no text message. I decided to sleep and wait.

8:33AM, Uncle Ombing texted me asking about my mom.

9AM, I called Ma's cellphone but couldn't get through. I informed my brother through text message and then replied to Uncle Ombing's text.

12:42PM, This waiting game for my Ma's text message was making me nervous. I decided to clean the apartment after having my lunch. It was at this time that I got a call from Uncle Benjam.

2:04Pm, Ning, our youngest also texted asking about the old folks. I was almost done cleaning the toilet.

2:18PM, We were all getting anxious about the travellers since they are seniors; Ma is 62 and Dad, 67. It's their first time to travel; Da is just recovering from stroke, walked slowly and Ma is half-blind, wearing a prosthesis.

I called my brother's cellphone. It was promptly answered by my sister-in-law and the phone immediately given to my Mom. Sigh. After all the worrying, I finally got to talk to my parents and they are both happily jet lagged.

Meeting Uncle Pete

"She was a sight to behold; and she still is." This is what I remember Uncle Pete telling me, one sunny morning in May 2008. He was describing his wife, Auntie Baby, and as I listened, I couldn't help but smile. We were travelling with my mom, Auntie Baby, and other family members to visit Uncle Ben. My mother, Uncle Pete, and Uncle Ben are siblings, and Uncle Pete has an identical twin brother. Our destination was a good three-hour trip from Manila and we had plenty of time to catch up.

I met Uncle Pete, Auntie Baby, and the rest of his family for the first time at my cousin's wedding last May 10, 2008. He has three daughters and one son, Rommel. It was Rommel's wedding that we attended. (That day was not only special because of the occassion, but it was made extra memorable because that was the first social function that my Dad attended post stroke.) At the wedding, we got a glimpse of how Uncle Pete held his family together, not with iron fists but with gentle, loving and constant attention.

As we left the city, Uncle Pete told me about each one of his children and their experiences as a family. They used to be so poor. When their third child was still very young, there were moments when Uncle Pete would wake up with the child's face so close to his, while the child waited for him to awaken so she could ask for food to eat. There was nothing in the larder; they had no rice to cook; there was simply nothing to eat. During those moments, despite the flooded streets of Manila, my uncle would gather his best trousers, sell them to stores that accepted used clothing; and return home with 'pan de sal' (bread), rice, milk, sugar, and some viand.

When their first born was in college, she was so desperate to help the family and planned to go to Japan as an entertainer. Her parents pleaded with her not to go, but she was adamant. Uncle Pete, being a Lay Minister, never lost hope. With unwavering faith, he went to Quiapo and prayed like never before. Daily, he walked on his knees in Church begging God to enlighten his daughter and change her mind. He did this until the day came when he realized that he was ready to accept his daughter's decision. But the Lord really works in mysterious ways; at the final moment, the daughter decided to stay in the country. That was probably fifteen years ago; she is now happily married to a loving man, and together, they have three healthy and beautiful children, and a very successful family business.

It may seem like a school of hard knocks for Uncle Pete. But now, no one will ever think that they were once upon a time living in squalor. They have two lovely homes, one is newly acquired. All his children are successful individuals. The little girl who used to wait for Uncle Pete to wake up is now working in a huge firm in Singapore as a Manager;Rommel is an IT Specialist. Also, another daughter is happily married and working in China and Uncle Pete and Auntie Baby are going to visit her soon.

What's more, Uncle Pete is still so much in love with his wife, and ever faithful in his service to the church.