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What Matters (4)
(A Short Story – Fourth of 6 Parts)
Mario got out of his car, carrying a plastic bag. He was also wearing a long-sleeve shirt, just like Jay, but without a tie.
“Bro, finally, we’re all together again,” Mario said, his voice a little choked up as he hugged each of us one by one.
“Damn, bro, you’re still so dramatic,” Chris said.
“No, he’s just missed us,” Jay replied.
“Wait, let’s sit first. Wow, I think these are the same rocks we used to sit on when we used to hang out here,” Mario said.
Mario opened the plastic bag he was carrying.
“This is for you, Jay. It’s a perfume. I know how much you love fragrances. And Mon, I got you a new phone—it’s a Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest from Samsung.”
“Wow, bro, this is too much. This is expensive,” I said.
“It’s fine, Mon. Don’t worry about it. Jay told me yesterday when I called him that your phone looks old,” Mario replied.
Jay and I both hugged Mario and thanked him sincerely.
“Perfect timing! I should make a Facebook account for you, bro,” Chris said. “And what’s this? What’s in here?”
“It’s Viagra.”
We all laughed at what Mario had said.
“Hey, just so you know, I don’t need Viagra. Mine is always standing at attention whenever I command it. It tends to get excited whenever I see pretty women.”
“Is that so?” Jay challenged, raising an eyebrow. “What I learned in psychology is that guys who boast about their prowess are the ones suffering from ED.”
“ED? As in Echo Delta? What does that mean?” Chris asked.
“Erectile dysfunction,” I clarified, keeping the mood light.
Another round of laughter ensued
“As if you don’t know me, boys.”
“Come on, Chris, we know you too well,” Jay teased.
“It’s not Viagra; it’s a watch. A G-Shock,” Mario interjected.
What Jay and Chris said about Mario was true. He must have a good job in Saudi Arabia. I was happy for my friends; they had achieved their dreams. It’s tough to predict what will happen in a person’s future. You can never be sure what will become of your classmates and friends when you all go your separate ways after high school or college. It’s not necessarily true that only those who top the class—the valedictorians and honorees—will have the best future. No one can say for sure if the best students from the past will be the ones who succeed and prosper, as seen in the cases of Chris and Mario.
Truth be told, they were lazy students and considered the class slackers, often absent from school. Jay was the smartest of our group, while Mario was the weakest academically; however, out of the three of us, he was the wealthiest. He had the nicest car and treated the gifts he brought for us as if they were nothing special.
“Hey, Mon, I think I’m going to melt from your gaze. Stop staring at me like that,” Mario said.
“Sorry bro. You’re just truly impressive.” I responded, admiring his enthusiasm.
“Wait, wait… now that we’re all here, let’s take some pictures. It’s groupie time, guys!” Chris exclaimed.
The three of them took turns snapping pictures of the group. We acted like kids, scrambling to get into position.
“Great news! The pictures are live on Facebook,” Jay announced with a grin. “Don’t worry, Mon, I’ll get your account set up soon, and you can check them out. By the way, check out my profile pic! Still looking sharp, right?”
“Hold on, though. I’m getting pretty hungry. Can we grab a snack first?” Mario chimed in.
“Aren’t we supposed to hit the basketball court?” Chris teased, raising an eyebrow.
“Let’s do that next time. I didn’t bring my jerseys.” Jay suggested.
“Hey, Mon, I think I’m going to melt from your gaze. Stop staring at me!”
“Yeah, I’m hungry too,” Chris agreed. “Hey, Mon, where’s a good restaurant around here? You probably know a lot since you drive here every day.”
“Actually, I want LTB, Chris. Why venture far when Mang Isko’s lugawan is just a stone’s throw away?” Mario pointed to the familiar lugawan we used to frequent.”Wow, how cheap… lugaw, tokwa, baboy.”
“Alright, Chris, if you have your heart set on a restaurant, go ahead. But I’m all for Mang Isko’s lugawan, Mario. Mon, let’s indulge in some delicious LTB!”
Jay started walking toward the lugawan, and Mario and I followed.
“Hey, wait, I’m coming too! LTB sounds great,” Chris said.
We had the lugawan to ourselves, and it was sad to find out that Nanay Mameng and Mang Isko had passed away. Their children were now running the store and lugawan.
As the three of them sat down, I waited for our LTB order. I watched my friends happily chatting. Among the three, Jay looked the oldest, with a lot of gray hair. He was probably stressed from all the work and studying he did, which made his hair turn gray quickly. I checked the mirror hanging by the door of the lugawan to see if I had any gray hairs yet. Thankfully, I didn’t. Mario and Chris each had a few gray hairs, but Mario’s forehead had also become wider, possibly due to the heat in Saudi Arabia that caused his hair to fall out.
Chris stood up and took a selfie, showing his playful side. He even got one with me. He is taller than all of us. He always played center whenever our section formed teams in high school. Although Jay was the shortest of the four of us, he was also the most handsome, with a mestizo appearance. Mario and I were about the same height.
With the lugawan’s self-service setup, I stepped up to fetch our orders when they were finally ready, eager to enjoy and strengthen our bond over good food and great company.
“Wow, it’s been ages since I last had LTB,” Mario exclaimed. “But wait, Mon… are you just having lugaw with egg?”I nodded in response.
“Are you on a diet?” Chris inquired. “That’s probably the reason your belly isn’t bulging like mine, which makes me look like I’m pregnant.”
“Yeah, right,” Jay interjected. “And have you noticed, Chris? Mon’s chest and arms are getting bigger.”
“I’m just buff from driving and working in the fields, brothers,” I replied with a smile.
“What about you, Jay? Why do you look like you’ve lost weight?” Mario asked.
“Well… I think it’s probably due to lack of sleep. I’ve been buried in paperwork. The life of a school administrator is tough,” Jay admitted.
Though we had simple food, our spirits were high. They even ordered another round of LTB, but I was fine with just one. While we ate, we reminisced about all the crazy things we did back in high school. It was a fun conversation filled with laughter and teasing.
After we finished eating, Chris and Mario suggested going out for a drink.
“I know a karaoke bar in the next town that’s open from 3:00 PM until dawn. Let’s make it a night to remember—come on, we’ve got cars!” Chris said, his excitement infectious.
“Let’s not go there, bro. The trip is long, and it would be a waste of time. It would be better if we just bought some beer at the store and drank inside Mon’s jeep. It’s more refreshing, and the experience will be unique,” Jay suggested.
“Yeah, you’re right, Jay. Let’s not go far so we can keep chatting,” Mario agreed.
“Okay, okay, of course, the majority wins. Here’s Mon. He won’t vote; he’s always neutral. Alright, I’ll go buy the beer so we can start right away.”
So, as Jay suggested, we ended up drinking inside my jeep. He was right; it was indeed a unique experience—drinking inside a jeep. Chris bought the beer, and I picked up some peanuts and chicharrón to go with it. Thankfully, I had cleaned the jeep after my last trip. We were delighted when Mario also took out his Chivas Regal and imported cheddar from his car. He even had a shot glass! Chris grabbed a case of beer.
“Well, just like before, no one leaves until this is finished… and Mario’s Chivas too. I also bought plastic cups and ice cubes in case you want it cold,” Chris said as he passed us the open beer.
“To our reunion of handsome guys… CHEERS!” Jay said.
That’s how our drinking started, and our never-ending conversation continued.
“Why did we only think about meeting up now?” Mario asked. “Let’s make this a regular thing. Otherwise, it’ll probably take another 25 years before we do it again. How should we do it? What about every two years, whenever I’m on vacation? Or maybe every four years?”
“Not every four years… I might not make it!” Jay said.
We suddenly went quiet.
To be continued…
What Matters (2)
(A Short Story – Second of 6 Parts)
Every time we planned a get-together, it was a predictable pattern. Jay was always the first to show up, eager and ready for the fun to begin. I followed closely behind, but Chris and Mario seemed to have a knack for arriving late, occasionally switching between being third and last. Their tardiness became a running joke among us, but it also made us appreciate those moments when we were all together just a little bit more.
I got off the jeep and walked over to Jay’s car. He opened the door and let me in.
I checked my watch—it was already half past two, and I wasn’t late. The moment I stepped into Jay’s car, I was greeted by an exquisite scent, far from the typical air freshener smell. This was something unique, a fragrance that hinted at luxury, perhaps even an expensive perfume.
In stark contrast, I couldn’t shake off the lingering odor of rubbing alcohol that clung to me. Jay, on the other hand, presented a polished image in his long-sleeved shirt and tie, likely having just come from a meeting. It was clear: whether by necessity or preference, he had a habit of dressing to impress when meeting others.
“Let’s stay inside for now; it’s sweltering outside,” Jay suggested. “This gives us the perfect chance to catch up! How have you been? What’s new in your life since high school?”
“Oh, I don’t really have anything exciting to share. I just stayed here in our town. I drive a Jeep and work on our farm. I didn’t get the chance to go to college,” I paused, reflecting on the reasons I missed that opportunity. “You go ahead, sir. Please tell your story first, and I’ll continue later.”
Jay shared his inspiring educational journey, demonstrating how determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. With relentless effort, he earned both his Master’s and PhD, showcasing his remarkable intellect. It’s truly impressive that he has risen to the position of dean at a prominent college in the nearby town—the very institution to which I frequently drive students. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication!
He had connections with Chris and Mario because they were friends on Facebook, and he shared that they had been trying to locate me on social media for quite some time. But it’s no surprise they couldn’t find me; I don’t have a Facebook account or engage in any social media. I’ve always felt that I don’t need it. Instead, I immerse myself in the world of newspapers. Every day, I buy the Philippine Star and Tempo, and I dive into them while waiting for passengers. When I’m behind the wheel of my Jeep, I tune into the radio, and at home, I enjoy watching TV. I believe this keeps me well-informed about what’s happening around me. I’m aware of platforms like Facebook and YouTube because I see my kids using the computer, and I occasionally catch viral videos on TV. In a way, I stay connected and current without relying on social media.
We had been chatting for almost 20 minutes, and Chris and Mario still hadn’t arrived.
“They’re taking forever.”
“They have not changed. Those two are always late whenever we have a meet-up, sir.”
“Could you please stop calling me sir? This is the second time you’ve done it. I’m really not sure why you’ve started being so formal. It would mean a lot to me if you just called me Jay.”
“Well, you’re a doctor and the dean of a college. You should be addressed formally.”
“Alright, I understand. When you’re at school and in the presence of others, you can address me as ‘Sir.’ However, in this setting, let’s keep it casual—just call me Jay.”
“Okay, doc.”
“Ahh… now it’s doc? What is this now? Geez. Come on, let’s get out. I need a smoke.”
We both got out of Jay’s car and sat on the big rocks surrounding the acacia tree. It was one of the few acacia trees still around the basketball court where we used to play when we were in high school. The sari-sari store and the “lugawan” beside the court were still there.
Jay offered me a cigarette. I declined. I never learned to smoke.
“You don’t smoke?” Jay said. “Good for you. I wish I hadn’t learned to.”
“Huh? Why?”
He looked at me.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just forget about it.”
I could tell Jay wanted to say something. He suddenly seemed down. He lit his cigarette.
“Jay, that board looks really old. It might fall apart anytime. And the ring is hanging loosely.”
“Yeah, it looks like it hasn’t been replaced. That’s probably the same board and ring we used when we used to come here to play.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Well, there’s a new sports center near the town hall now, so the basketball players just play there.”
“At least Nanay Mameng’s store and Mang Isko’s lugawan have improved. Look, their place is now made of concrete.”
“Oh, I didn’t notice that earlier. Before, it was made of bamboo and nipa.”
I pass by this place almost every day, but I never noticed that they had changed the structure of the store and the lugawan.
“Do you think Nanay Mameng and Mang Isko are still around?”
“We’ll find out later, Jay.”
“Yeah, when I finish this cigarette, we’ll check on them. By the way, do you still play basketball?”
“Sometimes, when I’m not driving the jeep. There’s a court in our barangay, near my house. I join when they have a league.”
After Jay finished his first cigarette, we saw a car approaching. It stopped right in front of us, and the window slowly rolled down.
“Hello, ladies…” It was Chris. “Wait, bros, let me park this properly.”
Jay parked his new-looking car next to my jeep. My jeep was between Jay and Chris’s cars. Both were Honda Civics – Jay’s was black, and Chris’s was red.
Chris got out of the car. We were both wearing polo shirts, jeans, and rubber shoes. His looked new, while mine was a bit worn out.
“Whose junk is this? It might infect my car,” Chris said.
“Idiot, that’s Mon’s,” Jay said.
“Oh, sorry, bro. I didn’t realize it was yours.”
“No problem, bro.”
“Same old Chris… tactless,” Jay added.
“So, how have you been, bro?”
Jay and I both gave him a thumbs-up.
“And the playboy, how’s he doing?” Jay asked.
“Playboy? You’re the playboy. I heard you have a student girlfriend.”
“Come on, Chris, we’re different. I don’t shit where I eat. Having an affair with a student is a dangerous game I will never play. I am not like you… skirt-chaser.”
“Really!?” I asked.
“Yes Mon. He even tried to hit on our lady guard at school.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“She told me. You asked for her number when you visited me at school.”
“Okay, okay. She’s a hot mama, that lady guard. She has a great… bumper.”
“Anyway, how many of our high school classmates did you date when you started working?”
“Hey, Jay… just three: Aida, Lorna, and Fe.”
“Come on. Those are names in a song.” I exclaimed.
“I can’t tell you their real names. You know them. I am no kiss-and-tell guy.”
Jay asked, “For real? Three of our high school classmates?”
“What was I supposed to do? They were the ones who contacted me and chased me.”
After saying that, Chris sat in between Jay and me.
“Wow, you smell really good, bro. Looks like you used perfume to shower earlier.”
“I just used cheap cologne,” Jay replied.
“Mon, what’s that smell? Damn, it’s alcohol… you’re using rubbing alcohol as cologne?”
“Yeah, bro. Green Cross rubbing alcohol.” I just went along with Chris’s teasing. That’s how he was. He liked to joke around.
“I miss you guys so much,” Chris said, putting his arms around both Jay and me.
“Now we’re just waiting for Mario,” Jay said.
“Wait, let’s take a groupie,” Chris said, setting up his phone.
“We’ll do it later, when Mario gets here, so we’ll be complete,” Jay suggested.
To be continued…
What Matters (1)
(A Short Story – First of 6 Parts)
I gently pressed the brake and quickly got out to assist the elderly woman who was slowly and painfully getting off. I also helped her climb into my passenger jeep earlier. I was confident that the other passengers didn’t mind the brief delay. They understood the situation. She looked so vulnerable, and I found myself wishing that a family member had been there to accompany her.
“Thank you so much, hijo. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found your jeep,” she said gratefully.
“It’s nothing, nanay. I’m just glad you chose my vehicle, even if it’s a bit old,” I replied.
“It looks just fine, hijo. And you’re a truly good driver,” she insisted.
“Thank you, nanay. Please take good care of yourself.”
She was my last passenger for the day, and as I removed the signboards from the front windshield, I made a deliberate choice to prevent anyone else from hailing me.
Although it was still just a little past noon, I was ready to call it a day. I was about to meet up with my closest high school friends—Jay, Chris, and Mario—after nearly 20 years. Over the years, there had been a few occasions when two of them would meet, but never all three together, and certainly not with me. The anticipation buzzed through me, filling me with excitement. This wasn’t just a simple reunion; it felt like a celebration of the memories we shared, a nostalgic journey back to a time when our lives were still unfolding.
It was Jay who took the lead in organizing our long-overdue reunion. Just a week ago, I found myself face-to-face with a familiar figure who flagged me down in a moment of need—his car had broken down. While I could have driven past, something about that face compelled me to stop. As I stepped out of the jeep, our eyes locked, and I was taken aback when he enthusiastically called my name. It was Jay! In an instant, we reverted to our old ways, shaking hands firmly before playfully locking arms as if preparing for a friendly wrestling match. That spark of connection ignited memories of our carefree high school days. I had no idea that this chance encounter would pave the way for rekindling friendships that have withstood the test of time. Jay’s proposed reunion promises to be an incredibly meaningful experience, and I can’t wait to see how much we’ve all transformed and grown over the years.
We were excitedly catching up while I worked on his car’s discharged battery. Jay was in a hurry because he had a meeting to attend, so we didn’t have much time to talk. Once I fixed his car, Jay pulled out some money from his wallet and tried to hand it to me. I refused to accept it. He then apologized for two reasons. First, he explained that he wanted to pay me because he knew I was on the road picking up passengers, and he felt that his car troubles had taken up my time and cost me an opportunity to earn. Second, he apologized for the inconvenience he had caused me. He was surprised when I told him that I had expected he would try to pay for that very reason. I told him that I had also helped other drivers in the past in a similar situation for free.
After that, he took out his phone and asked for my number. He said he had been looking for me for a while. I gave him my number. He dialed it so his number would register on my phone. I saved it, and after promising to call, he quickly got into his car and drove off. He seemed to be in a hurry.
Jay was one of the best in our high school class. He was the leader of our group. I was delighted we met. I had been looking for him and the rest of the gang for a long time.
It seemed that Jay had achieved his dreams. Back then, he often said he wanted to complete his studies, secure a good job, buy a car, and own a house. Now, he had a car and was wearing a coat and tie. His career appeared to be going well. I wasn’t sure if he owned a home or had a family. He probably had a house, but I couldn’t tell about his family situation. It’s a shame we didn’t get to talk for long; I didn’t even have the chance to ask him where he worked or what he did.
By the time I got home, I was still reflecting on that unexpected encounter with Jay. It made me think about my other two friends, Chris and Mario. We spent four years together, from our first year until we graduated from high school. During that time, we often discussed our dreams and life goals, and they all shared similar aspirations: complete their studies, find jobs, save money, buy a car, and own a large house. However, I wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed that Mario was the one who dreamed of working abroad. I wonder if he ever managed to do that. I hope so.
When they asked me back then what my dream was, they laughed at my answer. I wanted to be happy and live a good life. I wasn’t sure why I said that. Jay said it was vague, to which Mario agreed.
We were still young, and I had no idea what I would do after high school. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t confident that I could attend college, given my parents’ financial struggles. At that time, Chris told me I had no ambitions in life. It was only when I grew a little older and saw my siblings graduating from university that I recalled Chris actually saying I hadn’t dreamed big. Hadn’t I? Now, as we are about to have a reunion, Chris’ words come back to me.
Just then, my phone rang. As promised, Jay called.
We only talked for a short while. He had a visitor. He was calling to tell me he had contacted Chris and Mario, and both agreed to meet up next week, on Saturday around 3 in the afternoon. We were to meet at our old spot.
*****
That day, I would be with my friends again. I stopped at a carinderia for a meal. It was only 1 in the afternoon, so I still had time to eat and rest for a bit.
“Aling Tinay, I’d love to have some menudo and pinakbet, but could you please skip the fat in the menudo?”
“Mon, why do you shy away from fat? You’re the only one of my customers who doesn’t want it.”
“I’m really trying to keep my cholesterol in check.”
“Understandable, but a little indulgence now and then wouldn’t hurt! How much rice would you like?”
“Just one serving, please.”
“Two delicious dishes and only one serving of rice? You’re surprisingly health-conscious for a jeepney driver! Manny, could you please bring a serving of rice for Mon? Just don’t pile too much on; I know he won’t be able to finish it.”
“Yes, Inay,” replied Manny, Aling Tinay’s teenage son.
I just smiled at what Aling Tinay said. My stomach grew bigger when I turned 30, so I eat less rice now. I heard on the radio that eating too much rice can cause your belly to grow, and consuming pork fat is bad for your heart. They even said drinking beer regularly can also make your stomach bigger. Thankfully, I’m not much of a drinker. But with our reunion, I’m sure I’ll end up drinking with them, especially since Chris and Mario will be there. They wouldn’t let us meet without having a drink. Only Jay and I didn’t drink in the group.
“Here’s your water, no ice. I know you don’t drink cold water.”
“Thanks, Aling Tinay.”
That’s one of the reasons I always go to Aling Tinay’s carinderia whenever I have lunch while driving the jeep. She’s kind and attentive to her customers.
“Manny said you seem to be going to the gym now, like him. He said your chest and shoulder are looking great and your biceps are bulging in that t-shirt.”
“No, I don’t. The gym is too expensive. I have some barbells and dumbbells at home made of cement. I use them every morning before I drive or go to the field.”
When I started eating, Aling Tinay stopped talking to me.
It was well past 2 PM by the time I stepped out of the carinderia. I had just enjoyed a comforting cup of coffee, complemented by a few delightful cookies—generous treats from Aling Tinay, who always insisted I take them for free. She would genuinely be disappointed if I turned down her heartfelt offering. Our long-standing friendship made these moments special. She often became one of my earliest passengers in the morning on her way to the market, and I consistently chose to waive her fare, valuing our connection far more than the money.
Before I started the jeep, I wiped my body with a face towel soaked in alcohol. I changed into a new shirt and shoes. I didn’t want to show up smelling like sweat and grease or wearing worn-out slippers when meeting my friends.
In just a few minutes, I would reach our old meeting place—a basketball court near the high school where we graduated. This is where we usually hung out, especially in the afternoons after our classes. The court is located next to a wide field that is stunning to see when the rice plants are ripe and ready for harvest. Many acacia trees were planted around the court, providing shade for our morning and afternoon basketball games. Unfortunately, only a few of these trees remain, as many could not withstand the strong winds from the powerful typhoons that have passed through the area. I hope our friendship is as strong as those remaining trees. I also hope that, like those trees, my friends and I are resilient enough to endure the storms we are sure to encounter in life.
But why did it take so long to meet up, even though our barangays were so close? Maybe the reason was that they studied in Manila while I stopped studying after high school. After completing their studies, they likely found employment and settled in the area.
When I got to the meeting place, Jay was already there. I saw his car, the one that had broken down last week, parked under an acacia tree. I parked my old jeep beside his sleek car.
To be continued…
Reunion (6)
(Last of 6 parts)
Alam ng asawa ko na magkikita-kita kaming magkakaybigan. Nagluto daw siya ng hapunan. Yayain ko daw ang tropa na doon kumain.
“Aba’y ayos na ayos iyan.” Ang wika ni Jay nang sabihin kong nag-iimbinta si misis na doon kami maghapunan sa bahay. “Para na rin ma-meet namin ang iyong pamilya.”
“Okay.” Ang sabi ko. “Oh dito na lang tayo sa jeep ko sumakay ha. Mukhang delikado para sa inyo Jay… Chris ang mag-drive. Ihahatid ko na lang kayo dito pabalik mamaya. Malapit lang naman itong lugar na ito sa amin.”
Pumayag ang dalawa. Si Mario naman, dahil mukhang hindi nalasing, eh hinayaan kong dalhin niya ang kanyang sasakyan. Para na rin daw hindi na ako maabalang ihatid sila pabalik doon pagkatapos naming kumain. Nang isauli ko ang case ng beer sa tindahan ay inihabilin ko sa may-ari ang sasakyan nina Chris at Jay. Kaylangan lang daw na balikan nila ang mga iyon bago maghating-gabi bago sila magsasara.
At binagtas namin ang daan papunta sa aking bahay. Nakabuntot sa amin si Mario. Sina Chris at Jay ay mukhang naidlip habang kami’y bumibihaye. Wala pang 20 minutes ay nakarating kami sa bahay.
Bukas na ang aming gate nang dumating kami. Nagsibaba kami ni Jay at Chris ng jeep at hinintay namin si Mario maka-park ng maayos bago kami pumasok sa aming bakuran.
“Mon, may van ka pala ah.” Ang wika ni Chirs.
“Kay misis yan, gamit niya sa negosyo.”
“Aba ‘tol, maganda pala ang bahay mo ha.” Ani Jay.
“Oo nga, up-and-down. At malawak ang bakuran mo ah. Akala ko naman eh heto pa rin iyong lumang bahay na pinupuntahan namin noong nasa high school pa tayo.” Dugtong ni Mario.
“Naku, simpleng bahay lang iyan. Pinabaklas ko iyong lumang bahay namin noon tapos kapag maganda ang ani ng palay at gulay namin eh unti-unti naming pinapagawa ni misis.”
Bumukas ang pintuan ng aming bahay.
“Tuloy po kayo.”
Si Maxene ang nagbukas ng pinto. Nagmano siya’t humalik sa aking pisngi.
“Mga ‘tol… si Maxene. Bunso naming anak.”
Nagmano sa kanilang tatlo ang aking anak.
“May dalaga ka palang anak ‘tol.”
“Oo, grade 12 na ‘yan. Next year magka-college na. Nasaan ang mama mo hija?”
“Nandoon po sila ni kuya Marco sa kubo sa likod. Inihahanda po iyong pagkain.”
“Tara mga ‘tol. Diretso tayo sa likod.”
“Ang ganda naman ng interior ng bahay mo Mon.” Wika ni Chris.
“Kapatid ko ang nagdisenyo nito. Graduate siya ng Fine Arts.”
“At saka Mon.” Ang bulong sa akin ni Mario. ‘Kumpleto kayo sa gamit ha.”
“Misis ko nagpundar ng mga iyan ‘tol. Maganda kasi kita ng maliit niyang grocery sa palengke.”
“May desktop computer ka pala dito Mon. O… may laptop pa dito at isang tablet. Bakit ‘di mo pag-aralang gamitin ang mga ito?” Ani Chris.
“Mga anak ko at si misis ang gumagamit ng mga niyan… hindi ako makasingit.”
Nang makarating kami sa kubo sa likuran ng bahay namin ay nakahanda na ang pagkain. Lubog na araw noon at medyo dumidilim na kaya bukas na ang ilaw.
“Wow. Birthday mo ba Mon. Ang daming pagkain nito ah… adobong baboy at manok, pritong bangus… itlog na maalat… chop suey…” Ani Jay.
“Naku misis, pasensiya na sa abala.” Ang Sabi ni Mario
“Hindi naman po. Huwag ninyong alalahanin iyon.” Ang sagot ng aking kabiyak.
“Ah, siyanga nga pala mga ‘tol. My one and only… Eliza.”
Humalik sa pisngi ko ang aking asawa at nagmano naman sa akin at sa mga kaybigan ko aking anak na si Marco.
“Ang ganda pala ng misis mo ‘tol.” Ang sabi ni Mario.
“Oo nga.” Ang halos sabay na pag-sang ayon nina Chris at Jay.
“Hindi naman po. Naku Mon… katulad mo palang bolero itong mga kaybigan mo.” Wika ng aking kabiyak.”
“Ma… ang mayayaman at sikat kong mga kaklase… si Jay, si Chris, at si Mario.”
“Mayaman… baka mayabang kamo…” Ani Jay.
“Siya nga pala ang panganay kong anak… si Marco. Gagraduate na siya next year.”
“Anong course ang kinukuha mo Marco?” Ang tanong ni Chris.
“Chemical Engineering po.”
“Mon, pag-graduate nitong si Marco eh kontakin mo ako. Kayang-kaya kong ipasok ito ng trabaho sa Saudi.”
“Ay sige po… sana nga po.” Ang bulalas ni Marco.
Bago kami nagsimulang kumain ay naganyaya ang aking kabiyak na kami muna ay manalangin at magpasalamat sa Panginoon. Mukhang nasorpresa ang mga kaybigan ko. Para silang atubiling nag-antanda bago magdasal.
Ganoon ang asawa ko, iminulat sa akin at sa aming mga anak ang pagdarasal… ang pananalig sa Maykapal. Kaming mag-anak ay nagsisimba tuwing Linggo.
Matapos ang dasal ay naghain ng kanin si Maxene. May katahimikang dumatal sa kubo matapos ang panalanging iyon. Napansin kong halinhinang tinititigan ng mga kaybigan ko ang aking mag-anak.
“Hayan… may dumaang anghel.” Ang wika ko upang basagin ang katahimikang iyon.
“Okay, dahil ako ang pinakamahiyain sa grupo, eh ako na ang unang sasandok ng ulam.” Wika ni Chris.
“Misis… mga bata… sumabay na po kayo sa amin.” Ang paanyaya ni Jay.
“Sige po… mamaya na po kami.” ang halos magkasabay na tugon ng dalawa kong anak.
Naupo sa tabi ko ang aking maybahay at sa likuran namin ang aming dalawang anak. Habang ako’y kumakain eh masuyong hinahagod ni Maxene ang aking likuran.
“Tatay, hindi po ba sumasakit ang likod ninyo.” Ang tanong ni Maxene.
“Hindi naman hija. Okay lang ako.”
Nakita ko kung paano tumitig sa aming mag-anak ang tatlo habang sila’y kumakain. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang kanilang iniisip pero nababanaag ko sa mga ngiting matipid na namumutawi sa kanilang labi at sa banayad nilang pagtango na parang nasisiyahan sila sa kanilang nakikita. Ganoon ang reaksyon ng mga guro ko noon kapag may tanong sila at tama ang sagot na ibinibigay ko.
Natapos ang aming hapunan. Tulong-tulong sa pagliligpit ang aking mag-anak. Nagsipasok sila sa loob ng bahay. Iniwan kami ng mga kaybigan ko sa kubo.
“Maxene, pakitimpla mo nga ang mga tito mo ng kape… sa akin eh green tea.”
Tahimik ang mga kaybigan ko matapos ang aming kainan. Kahit nang nagkakape na sila eh ganoon pa rin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Marahil epekto ng mga ininom namin. O kaya ay pagod na sila. Halos anim na oras na kasi kaming magkakasama. Dumating sa puntong parang sabay-sabay silang tumitig sa akin.
“O… mga ‘tol. Bakit? May uling ba ako sa mukha?” Ang tanong ko.
Nangiti si Jay. “I am so happy for you.” Ang sabi niya.
“O bakit naman?”
“Basta, ‘tol. Just keep it up.”
Naiintindihan ko ang ibig sabihin ni Jay.
“Nasimplehan mo kami Mon ah. Maganda pala bahay mo… at may maganda ka palang sasakyan” Ani Chris.
“Naku, masuwerte lang ako at masinop si misis. Magaling mag-budget kaya nakaipon kami para sa unti-unting pagpapagawa ng bahay.”
“Ganyan naman si Mon mula noon. Hindi pala-kuwento. Laging nakikinig lang iyan sa mga sinasabi natin.” Wika ni Mario.
“Bakit kasi ang mga babaeng nakikilala ko eh puro reject. Sa kama lang magaling. May kapatid bang babae ang misis mo ‘tol? Ipakilala mo nga ako.”
“Naku Chris. Meron… pero ayaw ko silang mapariwara ang buhay.”
“Grabe ka naman ‘tol.”
“Gusto kong mainggit sa iyo Mon.” Ani Mario. “Siguro kung hindi ako nag-abroad eh buo pa pamilya ko ngayon.”
“Eh hindi ka yumaman ng ganyan kung dito ka lang nagtrabaho sa Pilipinas.”
Panandalian nanaman kaming natahimik.
“Chris, ano ba ang naging kapalit ng pagyaman ko? Ano ang silbi ng pera ko?”
Tinignan ko si Chris. Mukhang biglang naging seryoso.
“Aywan ko, hindi ko rin alam. Ayaw kong mag-isip.” Ang sagot ni Chris.
“Tama nga Mario ano. Ano nga ba talaga ang tunay na halaga ng pera? Ano ang halaga ng mga natapos ko, ng mataas na posisyon ko… kung ganito namang parang may taning na ang buhay ko. Ano nga ba talaga ang mahalaga?”
“Hay naku Jay. Masasamang damo tayo. Gagaling ka. Mabubuhay tayo nga matagal. Basta sa ating apat eh bawal ang mamatay.”
Muling tumahimik ang kubo matapos sabihin iyon ni Chris. Akong muli ang bumasag sa katahimikang iyon.
“Teka… teka… tama na ang seryosong usapan. Ang mahalaga mga ‘tol ay buhay pa tayo. May pagkakataon tayong ayusin ang dapat ayusin. Habang buhay tayo ay puwede nating pagsikapang matupad ang mga pangarap natin at puwede tayong mangarap ng panibago.”
Tumango-tango si Jay habang si Chris naman eh yumuko.
Lumabas ng kubo si Mario. Lumanghap ng hangin.
“Mon… ihanap mo nga ako ng ibinebentang lupa dito sa malapit sa iyo.” Ani Mario. “Parang iba ang nararamdaman ko ng makita ko itong lugar mo. Parang lumuwag ang dibdib ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit.”
“Sige ‘tol. Sa pagkakaalam ko nga eh may ilang magsasaka na gustong magbenta na lupa nila sa may di kalayuan dito.”
“Okay, gusto kong magkaroon ng farm. Sana matulungan mo akong i-develop ito kapag nagkataon.”
“Bakit naman hindi.” Ang sagot ko.
Nang maubos na ang kanilang kape ay nagpaalam na ang mga kaybigan ko. Nagkasundo kaming sa susunod na uwi ni Mario ay magkikita-kita kaming muli. Titiyakin daw ni Jay na buhay pa siya sa muling pagbabalik ni Mario. Nangako naman si Chris na ipapakilala niya sa amin ang babaeng pakakasalan niya.
Mula sa aming terrace ay pinagmamasdan ko ang aking mga kaybigan habang sumasakay sila sa kotse ni Mario. Nakatapat sila sa poste ng ilaw kaya maliwanag. Nakita kong naglabas ng sigarilyo si Jay. Subalit sa halip na ito ay sindihan, ang sigarilyo, pati na ang lighter, ay kanyang itinapon.
– W A K A S –
Reunion (5)
(5th of 6 parts)
“Bakit ba ‘tol, ganyan ang salita mo? Kanina ka pang ganyan.” Ang tanong ko kay Jay.
Yumuko si Jay, bumuntong-hininga. Hinintay namin kung ano ang sasabihin niya. Tahimik lamang kami. Parang kay tagal bago siya muling nagsalita.
“Mga ‘tol. May prostate cancer ako. Stage 1.”
Napailing si Chris sa narinig. Si Mario nama’y umakbay kay Jay. Medyo hindi na ako nagulat sa rebelasyong iyon. Parang nahulaan ko na may problemang ganoon si Jay dahil dalawang beses na siyang may ipanapahaging tungkol sa kalagayan ng kanyang kalusugan.
“Kaya nga Mario nang makita ko sa post mo sa Facebook na magbabakasyon ka, tapos tamang-tama naman na nagkita kami ni Mon eh hiniling ko sa inyo na magkita-kita tayo. Baka kasi… baka kasi…”
Hindi na naituloy ni Jay ang sasabihin niya. Nagsimula nang tumulo ang kanyang mga luha.
“Eh hindi pala si Mario ang pinakamadrama sa atin… ikaw pala Jay. Hindi pa katapusan ng mundo ano… may lunas ‘yan.”
Gusto ko sanang soplahin si Chris pero may katwiran siya. Nakakapanlata na malamang ganoon ang kalagayan ni Jay. Pero wala siyang choice kundi lumaban.
“Natatakot ako kasi prostate cancer din ang ikinamatay ng aking ama. Tila namana ko ito sa kanya.”
Nakinig lang kami sa mga sinasabi ni Jay. Hinayaan naming ilabas niya ang kanyang mga saloobin. Sina Mario at Chris ay nagsabi rin na may mga iniinda na rin daw sila sa katawan. Pareho silang high blood at may problema sa bato ang dalawa kaya marami na ring iniinom na gamot. Sinabi ni Chris na kapag hindi natunaw ng gamot ang bato niya eh malamang na operahan siya.
Ang isang bagay na ipinagpapasalamat ko sa Panginoon eh wala akong sakit na kaylangang nang ikunsulta sa doktor at inuman ng gamot. Kapag namamasada kasi ako mula noon pa ay may tinututukan akong programa sa radio tungkol sa kalusugan at sinusunod ko lahat ng mga payong naririnig ko doon. Paminsan-minsan lang na kumikirot ang tuhod ko at likuran pagkatapos ng mga gawain ko sa bukid.
“Hayaan mo ‘tol. Sasamahan kita doon sa kilala kong magaling na urologist sa St. Luke’s. Gagawan natin ng paraan iyan. Tutulungan kita.” Ani Mario.
“Sige…sige… para sa paggaling ni Jay… CHEERS!”
“Thank you Chris. Thank you mga ‘tol. Medyo lumuwag ang aking pakiramdam nang nasabi ko na kung ano ang kalagayan ko. Kayo pa lang ang nakakaalam tungkol sa kalagayan kong ito.”
“Ibig mo sabihin, hindi pa alam ng asawa mo’t mga anak ang nangyari sa iyo.”
“Mon… binata pa si Jay.” Wika ni Mario.
Marami akong hindi alam tungkol sa mga kaybigan ko. Siguro kung konektado ako sa kanila sa mga social media eh updated rin ako tungkol sa mga nangyayari sa kanila.
“Jay… kaya mo iyan. Kayanin mo! Alam ko kung gaano ka katibay. Dapat magaling ka na sa susunod na uwi ni Mario kapag nagkita-kita tayo ulit.” Wika ni Chris habang nagbubukas siyang muli ng mga bote ng beer.
“Mamaya na ako Chris. Hindi pa ubos itong sa akin.”
“Naku naman Mon… mandadaya ka nanaman.
Nagtawanan silang tatlo. Pero tanggap nila ang kahinaan ko sa pag-inom at hindi nila ako pinipilit. Ang palaging nangyayari noon sa inuman namin ay makatig-tatlo na sila bago ko palang maubos ang unang bote ko. At alam nilang hindi ako puwedeng uminom ng hard.
“Lalakarin natin iyang problema mo Jay next week. Aayusin ko lang muna iyong kasong isinampa ko laban sa aking asawa.”
Natuon ang atensyon namin kay Mario sa sinabi niyang iyon.
“Oo mga ‘tol. Nag-file ako ng kasong adultery laban sa aking asawa 3 years ago. Sometime next week na ang promulgation of judgment. Makukulong ang lintik na babaeng iyon at ang kanyang kalaguyo.”
Ipinaliwanag sa amin ni Mario ang buong pangyayari. Kasosyo daw nila sa negosyo ang lalaking umahas sa kanya. Sampung taon na daw pala halos na nagtataksil sa kanya ang kanyang asawa bago niya ito nadiskubre. Isang common friend nilang mag-asawa sa Facebook ang nagmalasakit na sabihin ang nalalaman niya tungkol sa katraydurang ginagawa ng kanyang asawa.
“May anak ba kayo? Ano ang sabi ng mga bata?” Ang tanong ni Jay.
“Galit sila sa kanilang ina. Wala daw silang pakiaalam kung makukulong siya. Dalawang lalaki ang naging anak namin. Pareho nang graduate ng college at pareho rin silang engineer. Kasama ko na silang nagtatrabaho sa Saudi. Hinayr rin sila ng mga employers ko doon.”
Naging sobrang seryoso na ang kinalabasan ng kuwentuhan namin. Natuon na sa pamilya. Hindi na rin bago sa pandinig ko ang nangyari kay Mario at sa kanyang asawa. Iyon talaga ang ang isa sa mga risks kapag isa sa mag-asawa ay magiging OFW. Mas magiging maganda ang kinabukasan ng pamilya kapag nakakapagtrabaho ang ama o ang ina. Ang problema ay kung ang umalis, o ang iniwan, ay hindi mapaglalabanan ang tukso.
“Siyanga pala Mon… Chris… may pamilya ba kayo?”
Tumango ako. Magkukuwento na sana ako tungkol sa aking pamilya pero naunahan ako ni Chris.
“May dalawa akong anak… pero wala akong asawa. O… bakit parang hindi man lang kayo nagulat.
“Hay naku Chris, hindi na nakakagulat iyang sinabi mo.” Ani Jay. “ Alam na naming malikot ka sa aparato.”
“May isa pa ngang babae na humihingi sa akin ng child support. Idedemanda daw niya ako kapag hindi ko sinuportahan iyong bata. Sabi ko ipa-DNA test ko muna ang bata. Patunayan muna niya na ako nga ama ng anak niya.”
“Bahala ka ‘tol. Baka magka-HIV ka niyan. Kung saan-saang kanal ka sumasaksak.”
“Mario… wise ine. Gumagamit ako ng helmet kung hindi ko kilala ang may ari ng butas na papasukan ko.”
“Eh nasaan iyong dalawang bata na kinilala mo na bilang anak?” Ang tanong ni Jay.
“Nasa akin. Ayaw kuhanin ng mga nanay nila. Kaya hayun, inaalagaan ng ka-live in ko ngayon.”
Parang balewala lang kay Chris ang mga ikinuwento niya. Parang okay lang na ganoon kakomplikado ang takbo ng personal na buhay niya. Ayaw kong husgahan ang kaybigan ko pero hindi kaya niya naiisip kung anong uri ng buhay magkakaroon ang dalawang anak niya sa magkaibang babae. At posible pa pala na maging tatlo na. Paano kung mabuntis pa iyong kalive-in niya? Kung nagkataong kapatid ko si Chris eh malamang nabatukan ko.
Hindi na ako nakapagkuwento tungkol sa aking pamilya dahil nasentro na ang usapang sa mga kapilyuhang pinaggagawa ni Chris. Pinagpayuhan namin siyang umayos alang-alang sa kanyang mga anak.
Nagpatuloy ang inuman at kuwentuhan naming magkakaybigan. Bandang ala-sais na ng hapon ng maubos ang beer at alak na dala ni Mario. Medyo parang nalasing sina Jay At Chris. Si Chris kalaunan ay tumahimik, parang naging antukin. Tuwing maghihilik ay sinisiko siya ni Jay para magising. Si Mario nama’y parang wala lang. Mukhang sanay sa inuman. Ako’y naka-3 bote lang ng beer, may kalahati pang natira kaya okay lamang ako. Sa bandang huli ay kami na lamang ni Mario ang nagkukuwentuhan.
Bumaba sina Jay at Chris. Habang si Jay ay umiihi, sumuka naman si Chris. Bumaba ako’t hinagod ko ang likuran ni Chris. Sa pagkataong iyon eh nag-ring ang aking cell phone. Ang asawa ko ang tumawag.
“Excuse me mga ‘tol. Si misis tumatawag.”
“Naku lagot… nagro-roll call na si kumander.” Ani Chris.
Reunion (4)
(4th of 6 parts)
Bumaba si Mario ng kanyang sasakyan. May bitbit na plastic bag. Naka-long sleeve din ito, katulad ni Jay. Wala nga lang kurbata.
“Mga ‘tol. Sa wakas, nagkita-kita rin tayo.” Ang mangiyak-ngiyak na sabi ni Mario habang isa-isa niya kaming niyakap
Anak ng… ‘tol hanggang ngayon. Madrama ka pa rin.” Wika ni Chris
Hindi naman,” ang sabi ni Jay, “Na-miss lang tayo ni Mario.”
Teka, upo nga muna tayo. Wow. Ito pa rin yata iyong mga batong inuupuan natin kapag tumatambay tayo dito noon.” Ang sabi ni Mario.
Binuksan ni Mario ang bitbit niyang plastic bag.
“This is for you Jay. Perfume iyan. Alam kong mahilig ka sa pabango. Mon, heto, ibinili kita ng bagong phone. Galaxy S20 yan. Latest ng Samsung.”
“Naku ‘tol, nakakahiya naman, ang mahal nito ah.”
“Okay lang Mon. Huwag mong alalahanin ‘yan. Sabi kasi sa akin ni Jay nang tawagan ko siya kahapon na mukhang luma na ang gamit mong cell phone.”
Sabay kami ni Jay na yumakap kay Mario at nagpasalamat.
Wow, tamang-tama! Dapat lang talaga na igawa na kita account sa Facebook.” Ani Chris. “Eh hetong akin, ano naman itong laman nito?”
“Viagra iyan.”
Nagtawanan kami sa sinabing iyon ni Mario.
“Hoy, FYI ha, hindi ko kaylangan ng Viagra. Kindatan lang ako ng babae eh nagagalit na ito.”
“Talaga lang ha!” Wika ni Jay. “Baka naman mukha mo na lang ang nagagalit.”
Muli nanaman kaming nagtawanan.
“As if you don’t know me boys.”
“Naku Chris, kilalang-kilala ka namin.” Ani Jay.
“Hindi ‘yan Viagra. Relo ‘yan. G-shock.”
Mukhang totoo nga ang sinabi ni Jay sa amin ni Chris tungkol kay Mario. Maganda nga siguro ang ang naging trabaho niya sa Saudi. Masaya talaga ako para sa aking mga kaybigan. Nagtagumpay sila sa mga larangang kanilang pinili. Natupad nila ang kanilang mga pangarap.
Mahirap talagang hulaan kung ano ang kakahinatnan ng buhay ng tao sa kinabukasan. Mahirap sabihin kung ang ano mangyayari sa mga kaklase mo’t mga kaybigan kapag kayo’y naghiwa-hiwalay na matapos ang high school o college. Walang makakapagsabi kung ang mga pinakamagagaling mong kaklase noon eh sila rin ang magtatamasa ng tagumpay at kasaganaan pagdating ng panahon. Katulad na lamang nina Chris at Mario. Kung tutuusin eh tamad silang mag-aral noon. Bulakbol silang maituturing. Madalas absent sa klase. Si Jay ang pinakamatalino sa aming magkakaybigan at si Mario naman ang pinakamahina pero sa tingin ko sa kanilang tatlo eh siya ang pinakamapera. Pinakamaganda ang kanyang kotse at mantakin mong parang balewale lang sa kanya ang halaga ng mga pasalubong niya sa amin.
“O Mon, baka matunaw ako niyan. Huwag mo ako masyadong pagmasdan.” Ang sabi ni Mario.
“Pinahahanga mo kasi ako ‘tol. You’re amazing.”
“Teka, teka… ayan ha… kumpleto na tayo. Puwede siguro piktyur-piktyur na tayo. Groufie tayo mga ‘tol.” Ani Chris.
Naghalinhinan silang tatlo na kumuha ng pictures ng grupo. Para kaming mga bata na nagkakagulo sa pagpo-pose.
“Hayan, naka-post na sa Facebook ang mga pictures natin.” Sabi ni Jay. “Hayaan mo Mon, makikita mo rin ito mamaya kapag nagawa ko na account mo sa Facebook. O… tingin dito ‘tol. Hayan… heto ang gagamitin kong profile pic. Okay ah… walang kupas… guwapo ka pa rin hanggang ngayon.”
“Teka, gutom na ako ah. Puwede bang magmeryenda muna tayo?” Ani Mario.
“Wait! Hindi ba tayo maglalaro?” Tanong ni Chris.
“Next time na laro. Kain na lang muna tayo.” Mungkahi ni Jay.
“Sabagay, gutom na rin ako.” Wika ni Chris. “Eh Mon, saan ba meron ditong magandang restaurant? Marami ka siguradong alam niyan dahil araw-araw kang namamasada dito.”
“No! Gusto ko ng LTB Chris. At bakit lalayo pa tayo eh hayan na ang lugawan ni mang Isko.”
Itinuro ni Mario ang lugawang madalas naming puntahan noon.
“Wow, ang cheap ha… lugaw, tokwa, baboy.”
“O sige Chris. Maghanap ka ng restaurant na kakainan mo. Tara na Mario… Mon. Kain tayo ng LTB.”
Naglakad si Jay papunta sa lugawan. Sumunod kami ni Mario.
“Hoy, teka, sama ako. Parang masarap nga ang LTB.” Ani Chris.
Solo namin ang lugawan. Nakakalungkot malaman na patay na pala sina nanay Mameng at mang Isko. Mga anak na nila ang nagpapatakbo ng kanilang tindahan at lugawan.
Nagsiupo na silang tatlo habang hinihintay ko ang inorder naming LTB. Pinagmasdan ko ang aking mga kaybigan na masayang nagkukuwentuhan. Sa kanilang tatlo, ang pinakamatandang tignan ay si Jay. Marami na siyang puting buhok. Stressed siguro sa dami ng trabaho at sa pag-aaral niya noon kaya mabilis pumuti ang kanyang mga buhok. Napatingin ako sa salaming nakasabit sa may pintuan ng lugawan. Tinignan ko kung may puting buhok na rin ako. Mukha namang wala pa. Sina Mario at Chris ay mangilan-ngilan lang ang natatanawan kong puti nila sa buhok. Pero si Mario ay medyo mas lumapad na ang noo. Siguro dahil mainit sa Saudi kaya madaling nanlalagas ang kanyang mga buhok.
Tumayo si Chris at nag-selfie. Makulit siyang talaga, kinuhan din niya ako. Napansin kong mas tumangkad pa lalo siya. Si Chris ang laging tumatayong sentro kapag bumubuo ng team ang aming section noong high school. Si Jay ang pinakamaliit sa aming apat pero siya ang pina-gwaping. Mestisuhin siya. Kami naman ni Mario halos mag-kasingtangkad lang.
Self-service sa lugawang iyon kaya ako na ang nagbitbit ng mga inorder namin nang handa na ang mga ito.
“Wow… ngayon lang ulit ako makakatikim nitong LTB.” Ani Mario. “Teka, Mon…lugaw-itlog lang ba ang sa iyo?”
Tumango lamang ako.
“Diet ba?” Ang tanong ni Chris. “Kaya siguro maliit pa rin ang tiyan mo hanggang ngayon. Samantalang ako eh para na akong buntis.”
“Oo nga ano.” Ang sabi naman ni Jay. “At napansin ba ninyo Chris… Mario. Ang lalaki ng mga dibdib at braso ni Mon.”
“Batak kasi ako sa pagda-drive at sa bukid mga ‘tol.”
“Eh ikaw naman Jay. Bakit parang pumayat ka?” Ang tanong ni Mario.
“Ah… eh… Kapupuyat siguro…dami ko kasing paperwork. Mahirap maging school administrator.”
Lugaw lang ang kinain namin pero masayang-masaya kaming magkakaybigan. Umorder pa sila ng isang round ng LTB ako nama’y nagkasya na sa isa. Habang kami’y kumakain eh pinagkuwentuhan namin ang lahat ng mga kalokohang ginawa namin noong kami’y nasa high school. Masaya ang kuwentuhang iyon – tawanan kami’t kantiyawan.
Pagkatapos naming kumain, nagyayang uminom sina Chris at Mario.
“May alam akong videoke bar sa kabilang bayan. Bukas sila from 3:00 PM hanggang madaling araw. Tara, may mga sasakyan naman tayo.” Ani Chris.
“Huwag na doon ‘tol, mahaba ang biyahe, sayang ang oras. Mas maganda kung bumili na lang tayo ng beer diyan sa tindahan at doon sa loob ng jeep ni Mon tayo mag-inuman. Presko na eh unique pa iyong experience.” Ang mungkahi ni Jay.
“Oo nga naman Chris. Huwag na tayong lumayo para tuloy-tuloy ang kuwentuhan.” Ang susog ni Mario.
“Okay…okay… siyempre majority wins. Heto namang si Mon eh hindi boboto. Laging neutral. Sige… sige.. bibili na ako ng beer para masimulan na agad.”
At ayon nga sa mungkahi ni Jay, sa loob ng aking jeep kami nag-inuman. Tama siya, kakaiba nga ang gagawin naming iyon – sa loob ng jeep magiinuman. Si Chris ang bumili ng beer at ako nama’y bumili ng mani at chicharon na pupulutanin. Mabuti na lamang at nilinis ko ang loob ng jeep pagkatapos kong mamasada. Laking tuwa namin nang inilabas din ni Mario mula sa kanyang sasakyan ang baon niyang Chivas Regal at imported na Cheddar. May bitbit din itong isang shot glass.
Isang case ng beer ang kinuha ni Chris.
“O, katulad ng dati walang uuwi hangga’t hindi ubos ito… pati ang Chivas ni Mario. Heto bumili na rin ako ng plastic cup at cubed ice kung gusto ninyo ng malamig. ” Ani Chris habang inaabutan kami ng binuksan niyang bote ng beer.
“Para sa muli nating pagsasama-sama ng mga gwapings… CHEERS!!!” Wika ni Jay.
Sa ganoon nagsimula ang aming inuman at ang pagpapatuloy ng parang hindi matapos-tapos naming kuwentuhan.
“Bakit ba kasi ngayon lang natin naisipang magkita-kita?” Ang tanong ni Mario. “Gawin na nating regular ito. Baka kasi ang mangyari niyan eh after 25 years na naman bago natin ulitin ito. Paano ba gagawin natin… every 2 years, tuwing bakasyon ko? O kahit every 4 years?”
“Huwag 4 years… baka hindi na ako umabot!” Ani Jay.
Bigla kaming tumahimik.
Reunion (3)
(3rd of 6 parts)
Tumayo si Chris. Naginat-inat. Si Jay naman ay nagsinding muli ng sigarilyo. Inalok niya si Chris.
Oh no doc Jay.” Kinuha ang stick ng sigarilyo. “Don’t you know that smoking is dangerous to your health? Tigilan mo na ang paninigarilyo.”
“It’s too late.” Ang sagot ni Jay.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Chris sa narinig naming iyon.
“Seryoso ka ‘tol?” Ang tanong ni Chris.
“Heto naman… joke lang. Ang ibig kong sabihin eh mahihirapan na akong tigilan ito, ”
Hindi ko sigurado kung nagbibiro nga lang si Jay o seryoso siya sa sinabing iyon. Hindi tuloy sinindihan ni Chris ang sigarilyong bigay nito. Inilagay na lamang niya ito sa bulsa ng suot na polo shirt.
Pinagmasdan kong mabuti si Jay. Para ngang payat diys at medyo maputla.
“Okay ka lang ba ‘tol?”
Tango lamang ang isinagot sa akin ni Jay. Magtatanong pa sana ako pero napansin kong parang ayaw ni Jay na pag-usapan ang kalagayan ng kanyang kalusugan.
“Engineer pala si Mario at sa Saudi nakapagtrabaho. Nakita ko sa Facebook niya.”
Oo Chris.” Ang sagot ni Jay. “Napakayaman na niya. Mukhang naka-jackpot siya sa Saudi. Sa isang oil refinery daw siya nagtatrabaho doon. Nandito nga siya sa Pilipinas kaya nang magkita kami nitong si Mon eh naisipan kong magkita-kita tayo. Baka kasi isang buwan lang daw ang bakasyon niya.”
Bumaling sa akin si Chris. “Eh ikaw naman Mon. Bakit hindi kita mahanap sa Facebook? Gumagamit ka siguro na alyas ano?!”
Ngumiti lamang ako.
“Walang hilig sa social media si Mon Chris.” Wika ni Jay. “Hindi katulad mo na adik sa Facebook.”
“Adik pala ha. Ikaw nga itong halos kada dalawang araw yata na nagpapalit ng profile pic.”
“Wow… mukhang stalker pala kita sa Facebook ah.” Ani Jay.
Siyempre naman… kaylangang updated ako sa mga nangyayari sa mga kaybigan. By the way Mon, gusto mo ba magka-Facebook? Puwede kitang igawa ng account.”
“Naku huwag na. Wala namang internet connection sa barangay namin.”
“Puwede naman sa cell phone lang, kapag nag-load ka may data nang kasama iyon. Makapag-Facebook ka na.”
“Hay naku Chris, tantanan mo na si Mon. Hayaan mo kung ayaw niya mag-Facebook.”
“Ibigay mo na lang sa akin ang cell phone number mo Chris para magkakontakan tayo. Nakuha ko na ang kay Jay.”
“O heto.” Binigyan ako ni Chris ng calling card. “Mag-miskol ka para makuha ko number mo. Pero, basta igagawa pa rin kita ng Facebook account. Ise-send ko na lang sa iyo password. Teka, ano nga pala ang e-mail mo.”
“Wala rin akong e-mail. Wala akong Google account.”
“Grabe ha. Napaka-Jurrasic mo pala Mon. Sige ‘tol. Ako na bahala sa lahat.”
“Naku Mon, pagbigyan mo na ang makulit na iyan.”
Tumango na lamang ako. Alam ko kasing hindi rin ako tatantanan ni Chris.
“Teka, maiba ako. Ikaw Jay eh may PhD, si Mario naman eh engineer, at ako naman eh natapos ng IT at may MBA. Ikaw Mon, ano nga pala natapos mo?”
“Bachelor of Science in driving and farming.” Ang sabi ko sabay tawa ng kaunti.
“Ha!?? Meron bang ganun?” Tanong ni Chris.
“Meron… sa university of hard knocks.” Ang sabi naman ni Jay.
Naintidihan ko ang sinabi ni Jay. Alam kong sinakyan niya ang joke ko.
“University of hard knocks!? Saan naman iyon.
Lalong nalito si Chris.
“Tol… maraming bagay tayong natutuhan na sa mga actual experiences natin sa buhay. Iyon ang ibig sabihin ni Jay sa university of hard knocks.”
“Hindi nakapag-college si Mon.” Sabi ni Jay sabay akbay sa akin. “Pero sa pagkakatanda ko eh mas mataas ang mga grades ni Mon kaysa sa inyong dalawa ni Mario. Kita mo ”
“Oo na, sige na. Alam ko magaling kayo mag-English. Kami na ni Mario ang kulelat sa grupo natin.”
“Eh paano, tamad kayong dalawa noon, si Mon lang ang laging kasama ko sa library noon para magbasa at gumawa ng assignment.”
“Stop!” Ang biglang sabi ni Chris. “Alam ko na ang susunod na sasabihin mo ‘tol… na tanging si Mon lang ang hindi kumokopya sa iyo kapag may test tayo noon. Sige, kayo na matalino.”
“Hindi mo nga alam ibig sabihin ng university of hard knocks eh.” Dagdag pa in Jay.
“Oo na nga, kayo na nga matatalino.”
“O… ikaw ang nagsabi niyan ha, hindi ako.” Ang natatawang sagot ni Jay kay Chris.
Nangiti ako sa palitan ng mga kaybigan ko. Gusto ko sanang ipaalaala sa kanilang dalawa na palagi akong nasa top-10 sa klase mula 1st year hanggang 4th year noon at sa aming 4 na magkakaybigan ay pinakamataas ang naging score ko sa NSAT. Kaya lang parang nakakahiyang banggitin ko pa iyon. Pero siguro naman eh hindi pa nila nakakalimutan iyon.
“Pero ‘tol kung sumabay kang kumuha sa amin noon ng scholarship exam sa kapitolyo noon eh nakakatiyak akong makakapasa ka. Heto ngang si Chris eh nakapasa eh ikaw pa.”
“Pasang awa nga lang ako noon eh.” Dagdag ni Chris.
Gusto ko naman talagang mag-aral sa college noon at balak ko talagang kumuha ng scholarship exam para makapag-aral ako sa Maynila noon. Pero mas pinili kong tulungan na lang si ama sa bukid. Pagsasaka kasi ang ikinabubuhay namin at kaylangan noon ni ama ang tulong ko. Nagkakaedad na siya noon at tingin ko eh kaylangan ko siyang alalayan sa mga gawain sa bukid. Tindera ng isda at gulay sa palengke naman ang aming ina. Apat kaming magkakapatid, ako ang panganay at nag-iisang lalaki. Puro babae ang mga kapatid ko. Alam kong hindi kakayanin ng mga magulang ko na sabay-sabay kaming mag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Kaya hinayaan ko na lang ang mga kapatid kong magpatuloy sa pag-aaral. Nakatapos ang dalawa sa kanila. Ang bunso kasi naming kapatid eh nabuntis ng boyfriend na seaman isang taon bago siya sana matapos ng pag-aaral. Pero pinakasalan naman siya at naging maganda ang buhay.
“Ay oo nga pala… Ano hanapbuhay mo niyan Mon?” Ang tanong ni Chris.
“Driver ako ng jeep at may lupa akong sinasaka sa bukid. Minana ko sa aking ama. Ikaw ba?”
“Systems supervisor ako sa isang BPO sa Ortigas. Freelance website developer din ako. Iyang kotse kong iyan eh kinita ko lang iyan sa mga websites na pinagawa at piname-maintain sa akin.”
“Bigtime na si Chris Mon. May 2 condo units na ‘yan sa QC.”
“Mas bigtime ka kaya doc Jay. Sabi ng lady guard ninyo sa akin na singkwenta mil daw ang suweldo mo bilang college dean.”
“Naniwala ka naman?”
“Oo naman. Bukod doon eh lagi ka nagla-live sa Facebook kapag speaker ka sa mga seminars. Tiyak mahal ang bayad sa iyo doon.”
“Wow! Mukhang nga talagang stalker kita sa Facebook ah Chris. Updated na updated ka sa mga activities ko.”
“Halika Mon. Tignan mo ito o, cover ng Facebook ni Jay. Iyan ang maliit niyang bahay kubo.”
Tinignan ko ang ipinapakita ni Chris. Malaki nga at maganda ang bahay ni Jay.
“Hinuhulugan ko pa iyon hanggang ngayon ano.”
Hangang-hanga ako kina Jay at Chris. Masaya akong malaman na malayo na ang kanilang narating. Hindi nasayang ang kanilang pagsisikap.
“Ikaw Mon, saan ka nga pala nakatira?” ang tanong ni Chris.
“Sa dati pa rin.”
“Ha? You mean sa lumang bahay ninyo? Doon sa pinupuntahan namin noon?”
“Oo Chris, doon nga. Bukod sa bukid eh ipinamana din sa akin nga mga namatay naming magulang ang lupa’t bahay na iyon.”
“Mabuti hindi naghabol ang mga kapatid mo.” Ang wika ni Jay.
“Ay oo. Kasi maayos naman ang mga napangasawa nila. May mga sariling lupa’t bahay at maganda ang mga hanapbuhay. Sinusuklian ko naman pero ayaw nilang tanggapin.”
“Ang suwerte mo ah. Iyong iniwang lupa’t bahay ng mga magulang namin eh hanggang ngayon pinag-aawayan pa naming magkakapatid.”
“Chris naman. Hayaan mo na iyon sa mga kapatid mo. Eh ang dami mo ng pera ah at may dalawang condo units ka pa.”
“Naku Jay, mas maraming pera ang dalawang kapatid ko na iyon. Dapat nga na sa akin na lang nila ipaubaya ang bahay at lupang iyon. Magkakademandahan pa nga yata kami dahil doon.”
Hindi na bago sa akin ang sinabi ni Chris na awayan ng magkakapatid dahil sa mga ari-ariang iiwanan ng mga namamatay na magulang. May mga mga magkakadugo pa nga na nagpapatayan dahil sa manang lupa at bahay. Masuwerte nga siguro ako dahil nagparaya sa akin ang mga kapatid ko. Ganun pa man, tuwing umaani ako ng palay o mga gulay eh hindi ko sila nakakalimutang bahaginan.
Naputol ang kuwentuhan nang makita namin may dumarating na isa pang sasakyan – isang itim na Mercedez Benz. Mismong sa harapan namin huminto ang sasakyan. Sa wakas eh dumating na rin si Mario.
M.A.D. LIGAYA
M.A.D. L I G A Y A 