A LITTLE POETRY

THE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE LONG BROWN HAIR

There was a little girl with long, brown hair

Her face was cute, with such lovely eyes

She stayed in a store under a big, green house

That place for me is paradise

Aside from the girl inside this store

Were jars of pastries, biscuits and rice cakes too

Each time I go to church with my Mom

I begged to her "Oh please, let's see what's new"

So every Sunday morning we would go

And I stared at the wonders inside

I would see her there in the corner

She was silent but to me she always smiled

Then we dropped by again one time

And I asked the owner on that Sunday

"Where is that little girl that always sit here

Why is she not here today?"

"Somebody came and took her away

"The man in the store explained to me

"Why did she go, I love her so."

" Its her I really want to see!"

I broke in tears and begged my Mom

Let's go home now I am so sad

"I never told her I saved some coins

Now its too late, and then I felt so bad"

My Mom said, "My dear little girl

Do not be silly, there are other toys around"

"Yes, but she's the special doll for me

I saved for her, and now she's gone..."

POEM AND ARTWORK BY

vdc

NOTE: artwork was done on PAINT using a BAMBOO TABLET

an article from a Pangasinan.Org scholar..

TOUCHING LIVES VIA THE INTERNET

Thousands of miles across oceans make no difference for people who love each other.

Many Pangasinenses have decided to leave the Philippines to look for greener pastures abroad. They found better jobs and made new homes of their own in foreign lands. They are now enjoying a higher quality of living for themselves and their families which our native country could not offer.

Even though continents have separated them, they can still connect with their loved ones or anyone in the Philippines and abroad through the http://www.pangasinan.org/ (formerly known as tayug.com) This website was founded in 1991 by Mr. Fernando Marinas, a Pangasinense from Tayug and currently a resident of San Diego, California.
The said website was designed not only to connect bridges of communications but also to play a vital rol e in bringing benefits and blessings to Pangasinenses, particularly the less fortunate ones.

One of the website’s programs is to appeal to generous kababayans residing abroad for financial or material donations intended for families and other townmates in dire need of help. The aims of the http://www.pangasinan.org/ are based on a desire to help people from every town and city of our province especially the youth who are going to school.

Many works of charity have already been accomplished through this website. Aside from the construction of school libraries, donation of school supplies, slippers to the school children, the Samaritans through this website have also been granting scholarships to students ( who are poor but deserving ) in the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels.. If you want to make yourselves well known in this website, to study its accomplishments, and to get acquainted with the other persons working behind it , feel free to visit http://www.pangasinan.org/, an online connection which builds hope and touches lives.

DO NOT HESITATE. VISIT US NOW!

---written by Christine Prestoza

christineprestoza@yahoo.com

a Pang.Org scholar from Mangaldan

ASINGAN FLOOD VIDEOS ..

You can watch some video clips I received yesterday in one shot..just click the links below...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgbcMBV9A0s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcGq1pMhcFU


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aVtSexjPY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0myX3Nhg8CA

4th PART OF MY NEW STORY

THE REVOLUTION

“I have a daughter, Val. .” Liana said with a trembling voice. “ She is yours too, believe me or not, ..”

Val’s eyes widened and he turned utterly speechless.

“She came out of our love making. When I did not see you anymore at the Spanish grotto, I told a few close friends of my plight. Thanks God, they helped me with my pregnancy, then before the birth of the baby, I went home to Ilocos. My parents accepted me with open arms. I gave birth to this beautiful baby girl. When I was strong enough to travel, I went back to Manila. My heart almost broke when I left her but there is no way I can bring and raise her in Manila..”
“Liana, oh Liana,” exclaimed Val..” I am so sorry for my misgiving..”

“Don’t be sorry. At least you know already that you have a daughter... She is now 5 years old. I named her Valeria, after you..When I returned to Manila I worked again with the help of my friends and sent part of my earnings to my parents for the baby. Life hard in Manila during these perilous times, but God blessed me with generous and good friends. We helped each other, looking for work and sharing a small dwelling place.. God is good to me Val.. And my parents are doing a good job raising her.. so far..”

Val said silently I now have a boy and a girl..How could I tell this to Marrieta? And how could I tell this to Liana too?

One confession led to another.

“Another thing happened to me too, Val..I can not keep anything from you anymore. because I love you very, very much. My love for you is beyond bounds. I can never love any other man anymore.

Then, she started to weep and said, “One night, I was walking home late,.Two men abducted me, bound, gagged me and blindfolded me..They brought me to a certain place and when they removed my blindfold, I found myself inside a room with a Spanish friar!. He raped me..!!!”

Her voice broke into sobs. When she gained control of herself, she said, “He sees me at church regularly and I knew from his looks that he lusted for me. I think he paid the two men to abduct me. Before the night was over, the same men brought me out again and left me half conscious in a street alley. I walked home weakly in the early dawn. Passers by stared at me and nobody even asked what happened to me. They looked at me as if I was a leper. There were a few blood stains in my skirt. When I saw my friends again, I told them what happened …

“They took care of me, Val and after one week, I was back on my feet again. Only the thought of having a daughter who needs me made me strong.

“I never went to church anymore…Fortunately, I did not get pregnant. And the hatred for the person who who raped me became so strong that nothing but revenge dominated my consciousness for days without end…..

“Six months ago, my friends and I joined the secret society founded by Andres Bonifacio..The society’s aim is to free our country from the rule of Spain through a violent revolution. But the only reason why I joined it is to seek revenge from that priest who of all people, was promoted to a Bishop..

Val maintained his silence as Liana continued her story..”One night, I told some of the male members of the society what happened to me, and who did it..”

Again Liana broke into tears..”The next day, 3 of them said, they will pay him a visit..I wanted to stop them but I relished the feeling of revenge, of extracting an eye for an eye..I told them to go and do what they want to do with him. One of those men love me, but he knows that I can not love him back..

“Two days later, they came to me and told me my honour was avenged..They were able to kidnap him, bring him to a secluded part of the city..They removed all his clothes, tied him to a tree, mutilated his genitals and left him there to die as most of his blood flow through his wounds…

“I am now very remorseful of what I did, telling my friends of what happened to me. It seems I have committed murder the same way as they did..I am so sorry!!!I do not know now how to seek forgiveness from God for what I have done!”

Val found the courage to speak at last. “Liana, oh Liana!! Again I am sorry to hear all of these..Yes, that incident was the talk of the other guards in my outfit during that time..It remains an unsolved case.

“I am a Civil Guard, but I did not hear anything you said..Now, I am also breaking my oath …I will not arrest you, even if it is my duty to do so…”

“ Since you have poured out all your heart’s secrets to me, I want to tell you also, although I am not married, I am living with a woman who bore me a son. He is almost the same age as our daughter..”

“I know that,Val” Liana said with a faint smile. I asked you that question a while ago, because I want to test how far you could go in telling the truth..At least you did not lie to me. You just did not tell me everything..

“One of my friends told me she saw you with the mother of your son, and you looked very happy. So I left you alone. Many times I wanted to come to you and ask you why you did not show up at our meeting place..

But now, now that I found you again. I feel very happy, Val..But, at the same time, my heart grieves..I am very much afraid of what will happen next…

“Tommorow, Dec. 30, you and some other Civil Guards will execute a man who is loved by so many of our people…He is a fearless writer whose writings angered the Spanish priests. “

Liana took out a small poster lithographed poster of an announcement of an execution. It showed the picture of Jose P. Rizal..

“I met this man already Liana“, Val said... “Just a few days ago.. In fact he saved the life of my son..I did not know then that he is Dr. Rizal, until I saw this poster in the municipio near our office..”

Then he related to her also the whole incident..

Liana listened with astonishment and then he said to Val. “ I am also breaking my vow of secrecy to our society by telling you the following..The start of our revolution will commence with a bold plan to save the life of Jose Rizal..I think we can do it, without the knowledge of the Spanish authorities…Eight provinces in Luzon have pledged to join our cause…

“But we need your help.. We need an insider, and you are the only one I know who can help us….”

“What is your plan?” asked Val.

To be continued….

part 3 my new story

JULIANA DE VERA

“JULIANA De Vera!” Val exclaimed..” For 4 years, I have been looking for you all over the city”

Juliana’s face changed from surprise to anger…“Liar!” She answered angrily. “You stood me up..I waited for you at the Spanish Grotto in Bagumbayan..You did not show up!”

Val approached her but she turned around. If this is not only 1896, he said silently, I could have grabbed you and kissed you on the lips.

But the Spanish friars who are the real power in the government had spies everywhere. He did not want to lose his job if someone will report to his Commandant he commited a lascivous act.

Kissing in public is considered one of them. Especially he is a police officer, a guardia civil…

He continued talking with her while following her in a crowd of pedestrians..“Please, Liana! I even visited your town in Ilocos just to look for you. It took me a week to travel by horseback . I met your parents, but they did not know where you are living in Manila. I slept in your house for 2 nights before riding back again for Manila.

Liana stopped. “Yes, I heard about that. I thought my parents were lying.”

She wiped her eyes. “Yes, I started hating you when you did not show up. Why ?..”

“I was in a hospital..Our company made a surprise raid to a group of fanatics who called themselves Colorum. They did not not believe in the church or in the government. They have a leader whom they believe have supernatural powers. They had this small camp at the base of Arayat. They had a few guns..”
　
“What??” exclaimed “Liana . “Wait, let us go to that wall beside Manila Bay.. Let us talk. …”

“Okay,” said Val..He took out his pocket watch. Three more hours left before the steamship from Zamboanga arrives.

Shall I tell her about Marrieta? He asked himself silently.

“So Val, “ said Liana. “Are you already married?”

“No, I am not yet married,” he said. Which was true. He was waiting for her next question. He did not want to tell her more than necessary--at the moment. Both stopped when they reached the low wall at the edge of the Bay.

The water was calm. Is it the calm before the storm? Val asked himself..But his heart started to palpitate.

After they sat down, Val asked her. “How about you?. Are you still single?”

“Didn’t I promised you before that I will never fall in love again with any other man? You are my first and only love, you know that..”

“How could I forget that? You whispered that to my ear after the first time we made love..” said Val.

“ You look haggard and worried, but you still look beautiful..”

“I was sad for a long time. But I have to go on with my life. I went from one lousy job to another…But I survived. Now, having met you again, I feel much better.” She smiled sweetly. “ God must love us both. He allowed us to see each other again..”

“Yes,” answered Val while looking at the sea gulls hovering above and diving into the water like carefree children.
　
“I thought you were assigned in another town. I did not know you were hospitalized. I am sorry for getting mad at you..”

“It’s all right. I am so happy to see you again..”

“Yeah?” He wanted to embrace and kiss ther there and then. But they knew the rules of society under the strict Spanish regime.

Liana was also Val’s first love. She was so young and pretty then, and she was very intelligent. There are many Espaniolas and Mestizas but they were so haughty and arrogant. Most of them brag about their parents or houses in Mother Spain. They look upon Filipinos as Indios. Many of them treat their dogs better than their Filipino servants.

“You are still my true love, Liana. I still carry the handkerchief you gave me. It kept me company in so many skirmishes. Life is dangerous during these times. There is a rumour of an impending revolution. It will start here in Manila. A man named Bonifacio founded a secret Society..”

Liana’s face became more serious and he turned her face towards the sea.. “I know. The Spanish authorities are getting worse every day. Many crazy laws being passed. They are stealing so much money from the poor. The jails are now full of innocent people and many could never be free anymore..Bonifacio seems to be a good leader. But he needs also the help of Filipinos”

“I have to tell you something, and I want to ask from you a favour..” she said.
　
“I will do anything for you....What is it?”---#
　
　
　(to be continued)

PART 2 OF MY NEW STORY

A WOMAN FROM YESTERDAY

Val woke up as the sun was just starting to paint a canvas of warm colours on the eastern horizon. He wanted to arrive early in the docks where the steamer from Zamboanga would drop anchor. Traveling in Manila streets at about 5:30 or 6:00 am would help him avoid the rush of pedestrians and vehicles. Pier no. 1 was a walking distance from his home and he knew the shortcuts in order to save time and legwork.

While walking, he recollected his last day in Zamboanga and why his family was left behind…

On the morning of his last day, he invited Cris to visit his hideaway in the woods near the Durian Plantation. And what child could not relish an outdoor expedition with his Father?
After saying a short good bye to Marrieta, Father and Son walked towards a clump of trees, consisting mostly of acacia, narra, palm trees ( used for extracting tuba ) and other wild fruit bearing ones. When they reached the canopy of intertwining branches, they heard a cacophony of chattering tropical birds in an endless chatter coming from the lofty branches. Each bird seem to be able to communicate to another one of the same feather.
After 20 minutes, they arrived at the clearing. The nipa hut which was built by his father during his youth was still there. Then Val challenged his son to a race. Naturally Cris won because he could run like a rabbit being chased by a dog.
The interior of the hut was well maintained. There must be a worker taking care of it. In a small kitchen with wide windows were clay cooking utensils: pots, pans stoves and a big vat for boiling water. A supply of dried firewood was neatly piled on one side.
“Can I go to the woods, Father?” asked Cris.
“Yes,just be careful of the king cobra. It is rampant in this parts. “Do not worry,I will be careful..” he said without any fear. Then he took off again towards some underbrush.
Val continued examining the nipa hut. The floor was made of split bamboo, the walls were sawali, the roof was made of thatches of cogon grass. He jumped up and down, and the building hardly shook.
Then came a shrill scream from Cris..
Val jumped out of an open window into the ground and called out very loud, “Cris!! Where are you?”
When he answered, Val followed the direction of the voice. His blood ran cold when he saw him lying on the grass, writhing and clutching his tummy..
Val kneeled beside him and Cris confessed he has just eaten a fruit he picked from a bush. Minutes later, the felt a pain like his stomach is being squeezed by an iron hand. Two more fruits were beside him..
Suddenly another figure appeared. He was about 30 years old, neatly dressed, carrying a leather satchel and a basket of basket of leaves and flowers.
He rushed to the boy, examined the fruit beside him and said: “This fruit is poisonous to both animals and humans. But do not worry, I think I have an antidote in my satchel.”
He took put a bottle and poured some of its contents into the boy’s mouth.
Immediately, Cris gagged, coughed and puked out the contents of his stomach, including the breakfast he just had that morning.
When he stopped vomiting, he closed his eyes again. “Feel better?” the man asked and the boy nodded..
“What’s your name, sir?” Val asked the man.
“Just call me Pepe,” was his answer. “He is okay now. Just let him rest for two days.”
“Thank you, Pepe.” said Val. “I guess he will stay behind. I am supposed to go back to Manila with him and my wife this afternoon. My work is urgently waiting for me there.”
“How much do I owe you,?” asked Val.
“I can not accept your payment. But thank you, anyway. I did not do much. Tell you what, just raise him to be a strong upright man. The youth is the hope of our country. Its future is in their hands.”
“What is his name?,” asked Pepe.
　
“Cris. My name is Valerio or Val. His full name is Crisostomo.”
Pepe smiled. “That is a very good name,” he said with a smile.
“What are you doing in these parts?” asked Val.
Pepe answered: “My hobby is studying plants, especially the medicinal ones. People need medicine and the safest ones come from plants..”
　

Then Val’s walk and thoughts were interrupted by a voice who called from his left as he was crossing an intersection. Pier 1 is just a few minutes away.
“Valerio Costales. Is that you?” called out a woman’s voice.
He turned to his left and saw a woman standing , looking at him with a extremely surprised look.---#
( to be continued )
　

a new short story

fiction by VDC

A CHILD OF THE SUN RETURNS


Valerio Costales felt like dancing on the streets when he learned from a newly arrived neighbour that his wife Marrieta and his son Cris are already aboard a steamer on their way to Manila from Zamboanga.
For he has just spent a very lonely Christmas. His family was left in his parents house in Zamboanga in . But he had to leave because his furlough was about to end and he did not want to lose his job in Manila.

His parents owned a wide hacienda surrounding an enormous house managed by several servants. He knew that they were in good hands. But sleeping alone in their small rented house in Plaza Santa Cruz could be a nightmare. He would wake up every half hour after dreaming of his son Cris playing in that clearing beside his parents’ plantation of Durian trees. The Costales family in Zamboanga was known by many merchants because of the variety of fruits which were harvested all year round.


Valerio or Val grew up in this affluent household, never doing any kind of manual work. Aside from the workers who worked in the plantation, there were so many servants who would cook, do the laundry scrub the house clean and during the hot, humid months, they would make you feel cool with some huge fans while the family are having lunch .

But inspite of such comfort in his surroundings, He decided to leave someday for Manila. And that day came when he turned 21.

. He wanted adventure, a job with which he can earn his own money. Plus he want to see the sights which we can never see in Zamboanga. Unwillingly, his father give him his blessings and a few days after, he already found himself in Manila after several days aboard a small steamer.


AH MANILA!..He was not dissapointed. It has the glitz and excitement of a cosmopolitan community. There were many foreigners and there were tall buildings which sold all kinds of goodies.

He went to an address given to him by his father. He was a close family friend. With a few connections, Val found a job in the local police force, because keeping peace and order is always an issue in Manila, or in any other big city in the world. His robust physique ( he grew up doing swimming, hunting and other kinds of sports in Zamboanga ) got him a job 2 days after his arrival. He learned within a week hand to hand combat as well as the use of small and big firearms.

After getting his first pay, he looked for his own dwelling place somewhere in Plaza Santa Cruz which is close to his station in Intramuros. Everyday he is assigned to specific duty together with another officer. His take home pay was always supplemented by money from his parents who were just too happy to help him out. He promised them that someday, he would be returning to Zamboanga to take care of the family business.

After two weeks, he met a beautiful girl from Pangasinan. She was well mannered, of the right age and they seem to be good for each other. She has also a steady job as a cashier in a restaurant which catered to the rich folks in Manila.

They dated for a while and then they decided to live together in order to save on the rental money. She moved in to his pad in Plaza Sta. Cruz. They did not care whether they were together without marriage. They were in Manila, where many couples are living together well, without the benefit of marriage.

Both of them were in the right age and they love each other.

He told his parents about his decision and informed them too that someday, they will visit them ( with their children if they will be blessed with any ) and they might have the proper marriage ceremony there in Zamboanga.---#

( to be continued )

Marcie's photos with the late Cory Aquino

REMEMBERING CORY AQUINO


Marcie Uson-Wise, in a group photo with the late Cory Aquino's entourage and guests...

Marcie, Cory and David Wise, Marcie's husband...

David and Cory..Talking about politics, maybe? David works as a diplomat for the US government..

One for the camera...and posterity...

Hawaiian photos

PHOTOS FROM MY HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY


A view from the bottom..Hawaii is abundant with trees, all shapes, sizes and species!

There was this dog who loved surfing..The board is being pushed by his master..

Diamond head as seen from the air ( during our departure )

Mr. Pogi! These wahines are dying to meet ya!!

The surfing dog, on shore at last..Nice view, don't you think?..I am refering to the shoreline...:)

more to come...

a short poem by VDC

Midnight

Midnight comes, it is the bewitching hour when
Dreams become real, and love unfolds
Like a rose opening its wet petals, to sip
Hungrily the nectar from another flower..

Dreams claw to reach the hand of a loved one
Eager to clasp it tightly like a living vine
Winding its snake like fingers, unwilling to
Release its grasp, unwilling to let go

My eyes searched for the glowing orbs
That shone like two blue diamonds
Illuminating the ebony mantle of a fleeting hour,

An excitement that throbs like a fresh wound

Because true love can never be suppressed
It wriggles out of the rock that tries
To crush it, Rising like a Phoenix ,

reviving from the burning coals

Of dripping Passion….

night trip AROUND VANCOUVER....

....WITH VANCE NORIEGA

Vance is a long time resident in Vancouver. He is an Accountant but presently he went on his own to operate an agency supplying Tagalog media materials ( DVDs, books, magazines ) to various libraries all over Canada.. Toronto Public Library is his biggest account where DVD is concerned. He said he met Rudy Antonio a long time ago..

Here are a few night shots around Vancouver when we went riding around with Vance..We went to Stanley Park, to Lion's Gate Bridge, then up to WestVancouver to visit Rain's old "home" ( which we never saw because it was getting dark ). But the British Properties, the original home of the BCs founding Fathers all Brits, is on top of a hill and it boasts of big houses and big lots..Jeez, only those who are really crapping money can afford a residence here..

Then we passed by these streets on our way to the English bay, then UBC and finally back to Vancouver at Susan's boarding house....

( click the photos to enlarge them... )

Among the Canadian cities, Vancouver seems to be the one with the most Asian population. It is not surprising because it is the gateway to Canada for most airlines coming from the Far East. Public transportation within the city is quite simple to follow: the streets are laid out in a simple grid pattern. Unlike London or maybe New York, the skytrain comes in two coaches linked together and in frequent intervals ( maybe 2 minutes ).

The weather is also a boon. Gardeners can tend their flowers or vegetables almost all year round. Unlike Toronto which offers only a few months of Spring-Summer weather.

It is not surprising that Miggie and I are now looking at the MLS listings for Vancouver. Maybe we will pull out our stakes here in Toronto and acquire a modest property here in this verdant city along the Pacific coast.---#

the unforgettable KARAOKE NIGHT

( CLICK THE PHOTOS WITH YOUR MOUSE TO ENLARGE THEM.....)

The Karaoke night started as just a simple sing along session..When it ended several hours later, it bonded the singers.. It shows how strong the power of music can be. It helps you listen with your heart, understand with your mind and believe with your whole being in the love for people, especially with whom you spent some happy moments together..

I was so happy to be a part of it. I did not have to sing very well ( seemed I lost the " musical urge" this night.).But all of the ladies sang very well! During the last song, someone suggested they sing as a group and they did it so beautifully. They sang as one.

I am not trying to win points here. I was a choirmaster for a long time, and I can tell whether a group could sing or not!..Music unlock certain hidden emotions and when after it creeps out, the others sort of emphatized..Can not tell everything..You have to be there to know what I am talking about!..I punched in the numbers of my favorite songs, ones which are too high or too hard for me to do.

When I asked some of the singers to do it, they obliged.Yes, they did the best they could to interprete the song, and the voices that night is still in my memory. Songs like HOW COULD I TELL HER ABOUT YOU by LOBO, SOMETIMES WHEN WE TOUCH ( Dan Hill ) WORDS ( BeeGees ) GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME ( sang by Miggie ). My biggest delight of all is when I punched the numbers of HOTEL CALIFORNIA and someone sang it doing the melody so well. Edgar and his wife obliged us also with one song

Rain finally volunteered to do WHEN I NEED YOU ( Leo Sayer ) and Angela said "You should pour your feelings out, all that you can..You have the voice and talent for singing." I believed what she said..It was the first time I heard Angela too and she could also emote well while singing a sentimental ballad..To all the ladies and the gentlemen who sang for almost 7 hours ( with 1 hour supper break ), I tip my cap to all of you and say "Good show everyone..Keep on singing until you could not sing anymore .

******

Must not forget to mention that Rudy can also whip a good tune with a good tenor voice. He did a couple of them. MY WAY I think was one of them. Earlier that afternoon, he related to me that he spent four years of his life ( he was already a Canadian at that time ) residing in Asingan, helping build up the community right after the end of the Martial Law. The anecdotes of his life in Pangasinan were very interesting. Some were bone chilling. He locked horns with some big politicians. In the end he knew he had to go back to Canada. He said he made it back, by a very close shave!----#

At the Guilford Sheraton

A NIGHT OF NIGHTS....

I escorted two beautiful ladies that night, but had only one chance to dance..Was busy with my camera..Another good alibi not to trip the light fantastic...:D..

A winsome threesome!

A Toast for a wonderful Reunion and Holiday in BC....!!

Another winsome threesome!

The Man of the Hour!

Memories, they say is like wine..They mellow and taste sweeter with age.Everyone had a private and personal box of mementos of that night. I enjoyed watching people dance and be happy!..

They looked different the next day sans their dancing outfits. That goes without saying. The ambiance of a dance hall is different from that of a picnic knoll.

The next morning, we went to Rudy's house for a breakfast in his gazebo. It has a piped in music through speakers connected to his home stereo. I did not know til then that he is also a stereo buff like me.

So our karaoke session in the living room ( which took place after the picnic ) was also heard by the neighbours outside unless the outside speakers were cut off when the evening got late and the singing was just beginning to warm up. We left for Vancouver at around 12:00 midnight. I heard the singing went on and on until 2:00 am...

It was really a nice affair. Many participants went back to their homes south of the border after a day or two.

But for us, the end of the reunion was just the beginning of our 5 day sojourn in Vancouver, BC. Indeed, I won't be able to forget those days even if I will try to!!----#

scenes from a dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rUQBukwj4s at the dance floor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSPrrrsf8tU Maria sings THE PRAYER


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsiaQOb6zpw the MACARENA!

alternate ending for Jennifer's Secret...

**********************

for the complete story of the episode, click the link below..

http://timelessmovieclassics.blogspot.com/2009/07/jennifers-secret-after-i-stepped-out-of.html

note: Sentences typed in red are part of the alternative ending

********

At this point, I felt a draft of cold wind blowing on me and touching my hair softly..

"From where I am I saw the man take something out. The man was talking to Florante. Jenny looked very agitated. I stood up, rushed towards them. But it happened so fast!. I saw Jenny step between the man and Flor. In a split second, Iheard a gunshot. Jenny took the bullet intended for Flor. It entered her heart and she fell on the auditorium floor..Then there was another gunshot"

"There was screaming and the orchestra stopped the music.."
I felt tears rushing down my cheeks at this point. The images of the incident came vividly to my imagination..

"I knelt beside Jenny. She was whispering..' Dad, that was Marlon..I am sorry..He wanted to kill Flor. I did not know he would be coming here..' She started to cough blood.

I could hear several men shouting and footsteps were heard all over the place. I did not look behind me. Just focused my attention to Jenny. .But I think I heard the sound of a body fall to the cement floor and some shouts and sickening sounds.There was a brief scuffle. Then silence...My ears were listening to my daughter whispering over and over.." Dad, my soul won't rest until I will finish this dance with Flor.." She must have said this sentence three times, then she became very quiet..."

At this point, I felt dizzy, recollecting Jenny's countenance, her sweet smile after I ended the dance with her that night and we walked back to our seat.."I love you, Jenny, I am so sorry..!!!!" I said aloud. I remember the harsh hateful words I said about her. There was a soft sensation of a gentle cool air brushing by my ear, Then as sudden as it appeared, the smell of the perfume and the very cold draft vanished..

I brushed my eyes and cheeks with my hands.

"What happened to Marlon?.." I asked.

"The guy did not have any chance. Many of my relatives were at the Auditorium that night," he answered.. "Two were policemen. One of them told me not to worry, just look after Jenny.. They will take care of Marlon.. Florante died with a second bullet from the gunman..

It was 20 minutes to 12:00 noon.

"Who was the woman I danced with?.. Was it Jenny's spirit ?.."I asked

"That was her all right. Now, I have to tell you more secrets, not just her but about our family. In every generation since we heard and remember from our family lore, there is always a member gifted with life longevity and a skill for white magic..
"Did you hear that one of our great, great grand father had lived for almost 600 years? Similar to the people during the biblical times. Only an accident that would destroy some vital parts of our bodies would cut our life short. They say that long before the arrival of the Spaniards, there existed a village of people in Santa Ana whose life span was almost limitless. This community was burned by the conquistadores and some missionaries tried to brainwash them from believing in things which are not taught by the church.
“I am one of those gifted as such. During a drowning accident, my wife died after a few minutes but I was only in a coma after I was pulled out of the water for 15 minutes. The doctors were amazed how I survived that 15 minutes under water.. Only fishes could do that, but remember that man’s ancestors once upon a time lived in the ocean until one tried to walk out of the water into land..
“When I survived, I asked the doctors to keep my escape from death a secret. During my supposed to be ’ funeral’ with my wife, a cadaver from the morgue took my place inside a closed casket. I attended my wife’s funeral from a distance and protected by a disguise.
My brother from Sacramento arrived to attend my "funeral" He brought with him a large amount of money from Jenny's Life Insurance. Plus he endowed Jenny with a large sum of money, deposited in a Swiss bank and accessible with a number.. He would just phone in Jenny’s new name so she can access the money in the near future.
Jenny's heart was smashed by a bullet. But her very strong spirit survived and would not leave until she finishes her last wish.
I went back to this house as a caretaker, I kept the life insurance money safe somewhere here. It so easy to spread tales about the house being haunted, especially it is located in a very secluded area in Asingan. The reputation kept nosy people away. I was the caretaker looking after the house, the garden and the stash of money inside. Mine was not a very lonely existence. Jenny and her Mom too always visited and talked with me in my dreams …
" A few days before the town fiesta, Jenny asked from me a very BIG favour..I know she knows I can do that, but I was hesitant to give it to her.."
“What favour was that?”
“I will not tell you the actual name, only what happens if I use some incantations from a small book of oracles, incantations and spells we have upstairs. It is an old, handwritten book written on several pages of thin animal skin bound with leather thongs. I am gifted with this “white magic“, and I am the only one who could make the incantations work.. By saying the incantation at the right time of the day, I can exchange my soul with another bodiless soul or spirit...
“I exchanged my soul with Jenny's for the first time that day when you saw her at the resort. But the exchange was only good for 12 hours. Even for this brief of time, she agreed. She disappeared exactly midnight that time. My body changed its physical properties when Jenny entered it. And will change again when my soul returns to it…
“This kind of spirit exchange in a body has certain risks..
"What is the risk, sir?” I asked with a trembling voice.
“It is very possible that the evil souls lurking about in the invisible world around us would enter my body, instead of Jenny's.. Then both of us will be imprisoned in a nameless abyss in the other world as a sort of punishment…
“But you were able to do it that time !” I said.
"Yes..the best time to do it is when the clock strikes mid day because that is when, all the evil spirits nearby become powerless until the bell finishes its 12th toll. It is the time of the Angelus and the evil spirits have no power against the Mother of God..
“I must get out of my body and she must get in very precisely: no distraction, otherwise Jenny and I will both be thrown into that deep pit.....
“Jenny visited me last night She knows you are coming today. She wants us to do the exchange again, this time permanently..”
I glanced at my watch, it was already 5 minutes to 12 noon..
The old man took my hand..
"Goodbye, my son! You are now my son and I am happy to be a free spirit again for Jenny's sake because we have found you who will take care of Jenny in her second life...
“Promise me to love her deeply and strongly. And be brave enough to do something in case something goes wrong....After the exchanging of souls had taken place, and you find out it is not Jenny who took possession of my body, , take this long bolo and pierce it in its heart,,,"
He took out a very long and sharp bolo, together with a silver crucifix..
“The moment you see whoever comes down, even if it looks like Jenny, show this crucifix immediately. The creature will collapse in fear. Then you must bury this knife in its heart.. Promise me you will do this!”
The clock showed 11:58..
“I will, my Father..”
“Farewell my son, take care of my beloved Jenny!"
As he walked away towards a stair case, I heard a low murmuring sound upstairs..There seem to be many people whispering and mumbling in weird tones...
As the clock struck twelve, the voices stopped. There was an opening and closing of a door upstairs. I waited tensely for the clock to finish its 12th chime...On its 11th chime, a piercing cry echoed in the whole house..There came hideous noises. As the 12th chime tolled, there was a fluttering of wings like several bats. Then silence..
Then the door opened slowly, shut itself and I heard footsteps. The slow footsteps started to descend down the staircase...
The sound continued and then I saw a lady in white coming down...Reaching the bottom of the stair case, she walked towards me.It looked like Jenny, , but her face was very solemn, unsmiling.
IS IT REALLY JENNY?
I opened the drawer of the table before me..I gripped the cross with my left hand, the bolo with my right..
The figure stopped about four feet away. Still it did not talk or smile..
I took out the crucifix and flashed it towards her with outstretched arm.
After 2 seconds the figure smiled slowly. I did not put the cross down yet, waiting for the fangs to be bared if she opens her mouth...
Then she laughed in her characterstic fashion and shouted: "Fred, you idiot!! Couldn't you recognize me??" Then she laughed so loud that I really felt like an idiot..” I am sorry for this dirty trick.” she said apologizing sincerely…

His dad was able to make it and he is already a free spirit..
She rushed towards me and I hugged her very tight. Jenny said: "Hey what are you trying to do: kill me??"

We both laughed again without releasing each other.. Oh. I missed her and I thought I would never see her again…

I whispered: "Smile.. Show me your whole set of teeth! I want to check for fangs..”
She smiled, closed her eyes and I kissed her open mouth passionately.
First kiss, quite a long one.. Then she said, "There is a small room down there in the hall.."
　
***

Half an hour later, Jenny and I went out into the front yard which was bathed with an unbelievably bright light...Jenny was wearing a pair of big sunglasses, a light coloured summer dress and a wide brimmed summer hat. She was also carrying a purse full of US $ in big denominations. ..

She told me while we were still inside the house that she must get a new passport under a new name since Jenny Acierto is already officially dead. There are many people in the city who are good in producing these kinds of papers, she said..

“How do you know? I asked her..

“Did you forget that I was a free and invisible spirit for quite a while and I could travel like the wind?” she laughed again. “And I went all over the place. Could not stay in Asingan all the time. Sometimes the town gets boring..”
　

When Pastor saw us, he waved his hand and shouted: "Sir!! is everything okay?.."
"Yes,” I said. Pastor saw my lady companion. "Good afternoon, Madam.. I did not know there is a beautiful lady in that house.."
"Hello Pastor..I am a cousin of the late Jenny Acierto. I just arrived last night. I missed the town fiesta because I had to finish some papers in Manila yesterday.."

Pastor replied: "Wow! You look like her all right!. Your family must have lots of beauties.. “

I cut in saying: "Too bad, Pastor, you are already married. Besides you are a Pastor, remember? Setting a good example to your flock?.

“But I have good news for you, my man. I said. "Nelly here wants to hire you as a caretaker of this house. You can bring in your family and some relatives to live with you..And you can hold some Gospel meetings in the backyard. Maybe even build a chapel . We will pay you well so you won’t have to drive your motor bike again.“

Pastor broke into a grin and cried: "Oh thank you, thank you Madam?…”

"Dardanella Acierto..Just call me Nelly!"

"Thank you Madam Nelly.."

"We are going to Manila today, Pastor." I said. “But first, let us go to Crystal Glades for some Arroz Caldo con Corazon“…#
　
Copyright by VICTORIO COSTES, 2009..
　
　
　
　

a contribution from Icarus

Kalburo Nights
by icarus


Tatang, my grandfather whom I grow up with is not only an outstanding farmer but is also a fine fisherman. When he goes to the farm to tend to his ricefields, he always had with him, strapped on his waist, his “alat” a woven bamboo basket with a narrow neck plugged with a cleverly devised cone of flattened bamboo sticks that allows things to slide in but not out. The things he put in his “alat” includes “dalag”, “paltat”, ar-aro, “dakumo”, bisokol”, “leddeg”, “tukak” not necessarily at the same time or in any particular order. He does not intently spend his time looking for these but in the bygone days, these species were plentiful in the Masicampo and the Pagumpias, two large tracts of open rice land in Asingan that borders Dupac, respectively on the east and on the west. These rice lands are also rich fishing grounds. A puddle in the paddies always had some stranded dalag or paltat. An old footprint in the rice field teems with leddeg and bisukol. An opening in the tambak would indicate a burrowed dakumo or two. Underneath heaps of mown rice stalks are frogs seeking shelter. My Tatang, wise on the ways of farm survival, has an uncanny instinct for this things and they invariably end up inside his alat.

Sometimes on a rainy afternoon, he would send me to town to buy ‘kalburo” (Calcium Carbide). Astride that big old fashion bicycle, I sit on the bike’s frame rather than the saddle which is too high for a young boy. I would pedal my way to Lua’s Variety Store, my butt obscenely swaying from side to side, my torso rhythmically forming and reversing in S-shape, as I strain to reach the pedals. Wet and muddy from racing with chasing dogs, I would insert myself inside the crowd of buyers lining the counters. Not wanting to get in contact with my armor of mud, they would unwittingly part to allow me to buy ahead - half a kilo of those gray lumps from the old Chinese grocer. On the way home, the same dogs would be waiting in ambush, raring to get their revenge from being outraced earlier - but that’s for another story. Mixed with water, kalburo gives off acetylene, a combustible gas that fires my tatang’s olden bronze “lampa” giving off a bright yellow light that reflects brightly on its shiny parabolic reflector. Lampa is the local term for a carbide lamp consisting of two cylindrical bronze chambers and a flame nozzle centered on a reflecting dish. The lower chamber holds the carburo; the upper chamber holds water and had knobs to regulate the flame. That’s what the old folks use before there were any flashlights.

When the rain intensifies in the evening, Tatang would load his lampa, put on his “bistukol” and “annanga”, strap on his alat, grab his “tallakeb”and walk right into the dark rainy night. He would be preceded by an ellipse of illuminated ground courtesy of the kalburo-fired lampa. All over the wide expanse of the masicampo and the pagumpias one could see solitary spots of lights moving about, piercing the black darkness of the pouring monsoon. They are from the lampas of hardy fish seekers and frog hunters called “mannilaw” just like my tatang.

Fish and frogs and other fresh-water denizens are particularly friendly on rainy days, especially during heavy downpours. Their eyes shine like embers from the reflection of light. Caught in the focused brightness, they froze on their tracks like stones waiting to be picked up. Like clockwork, Tatang always comes back after an hour or so, his alat filled to the brim with tukak, pellat, dalag or whatever is in season. The catches are kept in separate “burnays”. What we cannot consume, my Inang would sell in the market the following market day.

But one night, my Tatang could not return within the expected time and my Inang was worried and concerned. His share of the evening snack – two ears of boiled corn – lay cold waiting for him. We can usually spot him approaching from 5o meters even in the heaviest monsoon. But passed an hour, two hours, three hours going four - still no sign of an approaching lampa. After supper that night he listened to the chorus of frogs croaking all around and determined that they’re more plentiful in the Pagumpias, so off he went to that direction. My Inang is about to go out and seek for help when Brownie our old dog barked. He barked incessantly, facing the direction of the Pagumpias yet I could see no Lampa coming. He kept barking until his bark turned into an excited whine and then I was relieved to see my Tatang emerge from the hedges of “saluyot” just after the bamboo thicket. “Tatang, tatang…”, I ran out to met him in the drizzle. He fondly shielded my head with his wide palm. Gone is his lampa and he has no alat. No tallakeb or bistokol, only the remnants of his tattered annanga. “What happened to you, you kept us all worried?” my Inang anxiously asked. “Oh, you wont believe me if I told you, Baket. Please hand me those dry clothes first. I’m freezing.” He dries up and changed clothes. “So, what actually happened?”, Inang persevered. “And where is your catch?” “I don’t know, my alat might have dropped somewhere, Im not sure…I got lost in the dark…“ , stammered my usually self-assured tatang. I can see from his face a trace of distress like he was stunned or had just come off a bad dream. And very tired.

“The catch is plentiful tonight”, he started. “I was just across the “kalungkong” about a hundred meters from here and already, my alat is half full. I was thinking to get back early when my lampa went off because of the strong wind. Not wanting to go home with half a basket, I tried to reignite the lampa with the few matchsticks that I brought. But each time the stick lighted it quickly gets snuffed out by the driving wind - until I ran out of matchsticks. I looked around. There were many lights from fellow mannilaw but they were too far off. But there, about a hundred meters to the southwest, I saw the light of another “mannilaw”.

Quickly, I grabbed my tallakeb and proceeded towards his direction. But I could not just walk in the middle of the newly planted rice paddies, I have to follow the “tambak”. By the time I got to where he stood just a few minutes back, he has gone somewhere else. I was not closing the gap at all so I groped and walked even faster in the dark, chasing after the fellow mannilaw. Sometimes it gets bright and sometimes it disappears from view. But there it is in the general direction of southwest. I half run and half stumbled. The hundred meters become eighty and then sixty, then forty…! At last I could light up my lampa and continue with the catch… Thirty meters, twenty, fifteen…”Can I have a light, my friend?”, I called his attention in between my pantings. Only ten meters now. It was so dark but I was coming so close! And then the light stopped moving as if waiting to light up my lampa. Ah, the fellow heard me, at last.

I hurriedly groped my way to the stationary light, and touch the flame with my lampa’s nozzle. It lighted with a zap. “Thank you my friend”, I mumbled. I was so grateful as my eyes adjust to the brightness only to realize that no one was holding the candle… Candle?!! I turned my lampa to my right and saw an arched window. I beamed my lampa around. More arched windows… and brick walls… and cornice and old stained glass panels. And then I realized! I was alone inside the Ermita, that old abandoned chapel in the middle of the “kamposanto” – the graveyard!”

My Tatang tried to scream but no sound came out. He just run and run and run! He’s been had by the “mangiyaw-awan”. He never tried to recover his missing lampa. And he never bought a new one either. It was a good excuse not to go night-fishing again. Ever!
.

Jennifer's Secret

After I stepped out of the Municipal building, I caught a tricycle who has just dropped off a fare."Where to, Sir?" he asked. I just repeated what the Municipio's Information Officer said.:"Take the road for Bantog, continue until you see the Crystal Glade. Then you turn left at thefirst dirt road. Continue driving about a kilometer until you see a concrete house with a red roof."I want you to wait for me outside, no matter how long it takes me to finish my business inside.Don't worry, I will pay you whatever you wish..""Just give me 500 pesos sir, and you can have me, I mean my ride for half a day.." the driversaid.
"Thanks! What's your name again?""I am called Pastor. But my real name is Mario. I am really a pastor of a small congregation herein Asingan. But the group is small, the collection is not enough to support me and my family so Idrive this thing for my daily expenses..But I always give a fiery sermon every Sunday."Then he started his mtorbike and I heard an audible beeping sound like that of a car alarm. Itseems he switches it on when he pulls out of a parking lot or when he is overtaking somepedestrians or another tricycle.After we passed by Bantog, we saw Crystal Glade from a distance. We came upon the barangayboundary and the dirt road which would finally bring us to our destination. As the tricycleslowed down because of the dirt and sand instead of the concrete that composes the main road,my heart started to beat faster than normal. After what seems to be an endless stretch of ticefields nordered with acacia trees and various shrubs, we finally sighted the house with the redroof...###I knocked on the newly varnished wooden door, and after a few seconds, it opened and a manabout 70 years old came out..He seemed happy when he saw me and he asked, "are you Albert?.." he asked peering through a pair of astigmatic eyes."Sorry sir, but my nane is Alfred, or Fred.He seemed to be mildly taken abck."Would you like to come in?""Thank you," I replied and I wiped my shoes before entering the living room.The living room was nicely decorated very much like a North American home.I took a seat on acomfortable leather chair. On a wall near me was a big framed photo of Jenny, similar to theone I saw in the Municipio, but this one is tinted with a few colours, the way they did in the olddays before colour printing was prevalent."Sir, are you the father of Jenny?." "Yes, he answered nodding his head."Is he at home?..Can I see her?""She's not here right now.""Where is she?. Did she go back to Sacramento?" My voice trembled a bit.He looked at me with inquiring eyes, but he hesitated to answer.I spoke again. " I have to see her. It is very important that I must talk with her.""When did you see her?" he asked with an expression that I can not describe."Yesterday, I met her at the MJV resort. Then last night she attended the Balikbayan Dance withme and we danced one time. "I noticed that his eyes widened a bit for a few seconds, then she glanced briefly at the her picturehanging on the wall..Then he fell again into a lapse of silence.I started to feel uncomfortable. After two or three minutes of his defeaning silence, I stood upand announced: "Sir, if you do not want me to see her, then I want to leave now. I am sorry forwhat ever inconvenience I have caused.." My voice was louder than usual..All of a sudden, he broke his silence and blank expression then said: "No, no, stay here!..I believeyou. I believe you are her friend. If you have come this far, then you are entitled to knoweverything about Jenny..."I sat down again."Jenny is our only child. She was born in a small house that stood in this same place years ago.We were very poor then, I am just a farmer and my wife sells vegetables in the market. Like anyparent, I wanted the best for Jenny because she was very intelligent, very sensible and she wasvery beautiful.."She attended the barrio high school here and she showed much promise in the classroom. Shehad also many friends because she was kind hearted and helpful. During her third year, she metAlbert, a classmate and the son of my good friend living in the same area here. But at that time,they were just good friends however I felt that someday, they might get married.."One day, I received a letter from my brother in California. He made good in his business and heoffered to adopt Jenny. Her Mother and I felt bad, but then I know my brother is a goodperson, so we agreed. Soon her papers came and we signed them. We felt broken hearted whenshe left us at the airport.."He paused a bit as if to regroup his mind and voice."But she made good there abroad. She finished nursing in Sacramento after which she foundwork in the same hospital where she did volunteer work as a candy striper. She helped thenurses and looked after some patients. She held the same position for several years. But sheremained faithful to Albert and they exchanged letters regularly. Hand written letters done inpink stationery and filled with love..Albert visited us also regularly, and we treated him as if hewere our own son. When I saw you, I was struck by your uncanny resemblance to him.."In 1995, she decided to come home for a visit. First time since her departure from Asingan. Ihave many relatives in the Municipal building and they decided to make her Ms. Balikbayan.Albert, of course automatically was the escort."In 1994, a year before her visit, she told Albert, and Albert told us, that a young man who lives in Southern California, a small town near San Diego, met her in a birthday party. He fell in lovewith her. She told him she is already engaged to someone here. But this guy, Marlon is his name,told her that he will not stop loving her until she is already married..She tells everything toAlbert and Albert tells everything to us..But she told us not to worry. The guy she said is goodhearted, very kind and she tells him very often that she can not love him back..A few months before her holiday, she told us Marlon started to e-mail her love notes, leavemessages in her voice mail...One day, he e-mailed her that he will kill her boy friend so he canmarry her. Jenny said if he won't stop his barrage of e-mails, she will go to the Police and ask fortheir protection. She threatened him and then she told us he finally stopped..He just e-mail heronce in a while but she never answered any of them. She said, she just deleted anything comingfrom him..He stopped talking again..He stood up and said, "Can I get you anything to drink, Cokeperhaps?.I need some water..""I am okay! I said"..He resumed his narration when he came back.."It was a joyful celebration when she arrived. At the beginning of 1994, she started sending usmoney for the construction of this house. It is not quite complete, as you can see. But it will soonbe..She arrived 2 days before her coronation night.." The auditorium was lavishly decorated by her friends and kinfolks, especially those from theMunicipio. One time Albert and her went to the municipio and a clerk asked: ' Are you going toapply for a marriage license?' The big crowd following her around laughed.."Then came the Coronation night.." At this point, I smelled a faint odor. It was Jenny's perfume.."She was a vision of delight and happiness, " continued her father.." She marched down towardsthe throne, then some dignitaries crowned her. She was smiling all the while..Then the emceeannounced the Royal Dance. The orchestra played TRISTEZAS DEL ALMA..Her perfume scent became stronger.." Albert took her down to dance, together with the otherreigning beauties..I stood up too, looking at her all the time. A few photographers and one videocameraman were aiming their cameras at her.."And then..I did not even notice it, a man approached Jenny and Albert"..At this point, I felt a draft of cold wind blowing on me and touching my hair softly.."From whereI am I saw the man took something out. The man was talking to Albert. Jenny looked veryagitated. I stood up, rushed towards them.But it happened so fast!. I saw Jenny step between the man and Albert. In a split second, Iheard a gunshot. Jenny took the bullet intended for Albert. It entered her heart and she fell onthe auditorium floor.."I felt tears rushing down my cheeks at this point. The images of the incident came vividly to myimagination.."I knelt beside Jenny. She was whispering..' Dad, that was Marlon..I am sorry..He wanted to killAlbert..I heard several men shouting and footsteps were heard all over the place. I did not lookbehind me. Just focused at Jenny..But I think I heard the sound of a body fall to the cement andsome shouts and sickening sounds....My ears wre listening to my daughter whispering over andover.." Dad, my soul won't rest until I will finish this dance with Albert.." She must have said thissentence three times, then she became very still..."At this point, I felt dizzy, recollecting Jenny's countenance, her sweet smile after I ended thedance and we walked back to our seat.."I love you, Jenny, I am so sorry..!!!!" I said aloud. Therewas a soft sensation of a gentle cool air brushing by my ear, Then as sudden as it appeared, thesmell of the perfume and the very cold draft dissapeared..I brushed my eyes and cheeks. "What happened to Marlon?..""Many of my relatives were at the Auditorium that night," he answered.."Two were policemen.One of them told me not to worry, just look after Jenny..They will take care of Marlon..AndAlbert, the shock was too much for him. He also collapsed a few minutes later. He went to acoma. He is still alive but he is immobile.He lives in a long term care hospital.His expenses aretaken cared of by Jenny, posthumously. She had lots of investment bonds and her life insurancewas quite a lot. We were the beneficiaries..."I looked at the time..It was quarter to 12:00 noon."Who was the woman I danced with?..Was it Jenny's spirit ?.."Jenny's dad answered.."My grandmother once told me, that if a person has left something urgent which is unfinished before she or he dies, then the spirit would come once a year, our earth year, until it is completed..My grandmother was a spiritualist. She said, it is possible for a soul to become a "quasi human being", but only for 24 hours..."I hope I was able to enlighten you about Jenny.Now I feel so tired...I think I will take a nap. Thanks for your visit, son...Just lock the door on your way out.." He stood up, walked into a stairway going up the second floor."Thank you.." I whispered softly.I looked at Jenny's photo. I expected it to smile, but it didn't. The perfume smell is gone. Thecold draft is gone. After I examined every photo of Jenny in the living room, I felt it was time for me to leave. I locked the door as I stepped my way out into a glaring mid day sun...###I saw Pastor outside. He was sitting inside his tricycle. He was reading a small bible.."How did it go, sir?""Oh it was okay," I said.."Say how about lunch?..Let us drop by Crystal Glade. I heard they havedelicious arroz caldo there..Arroz caldo de Corazon....Some of the ingredients are chicken liverand chicken hearts...""Sure..Only a sick person refuses any offered food.. I am as healthy as a carabao.."We sat down at the Crystal Glade beside the swimming pool. There were a couple of teen-agedgirls there swimming clad in bras and thongs.."Hey, Pastor" I said.."Is it bad to look at bikini clad women?" I asked with a smile.."No, he said. "I look at them myself..if my wife is not around..""Good man!" I said and we laughed."By the way, did you wait long?..I asked him.."No, he said..You were there only two minutes!..Don't worry you can give me just 300 pesos..500is for half a day.."Are you sure??"..I asked this question about the length of time not about the money. "I swear.."I knew I was there for two hours at least..It was 10:00 am when I entered the house. My watchand the grandfather clock in the living room showed 10:00 am.. When I went out of the door,the grandfather clock showed 10 minutes to 12 noon..."By the way" Pastor asked.."What did you do inside the house?.Are you planning to buy it? Eversince that beauty queen died 5 years ago, it has been up for sale. ""Oh, you know about her?..""Yes, I heard she was shot by a jealous boy friend..from America. There were investigators fromthe US Consulate. He was reported missing by the company he worked for. When theinvestigators visited the Municipal Police Department, they said they knew nothing about theguy..No Marlon de Vera came to Asingan, they said..""How about the parents of the Beauty Queen? Aren't they living in that house?..""Both the Father and the Mother died a month later after her death. They went to Urdaneta toget some money and the jeep they were in lost its brakes. The jeep went down into that deepditch before the bridge. The driver and the couple drowned because the river there was deep atthat time..Nobody lives in that house for years. Only a caretaker comes once a week to clean it""WHAT??..BUT..." I stopped what I was about to say. I looked at my watch, it was only 10:15 am."Shit" I told myself, " I can not tell this pastor I talked with the Beauty Queen's dad..He mightblab it in his sermon and people will call me crazy..""Sir, if you buy it, I will rent from you if you need someone to take care of it..Nobody likes to buyit because they say it is haunted.Now it is cheap...But I am not scared. I know some prayers ofexorcism. Will drive the spooks away..for you. No charge..! I can give you references as to mycharacter. ""Yeah, I can tell you are an honest person.."The two arroz caldos arrived. They smelled good!"Okay, I will think about it. In the meantime, let us eat before these chicken soup with hearts getcold.---#

FOR THE ALTERNATE ENDING CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK...

http://timelessmovieclassics.blogspot.com/2009/07/jennifers-secret-after-i-stepped-out-of.html

part 1 of last chapter..

part 3: DESPERATELY SEEKING JENNIFER

Upon reaching MJV, I went immediately to the night clerk and asked: "Has Jenny Acierto came back ?"

"Yes sir, she came back half an hour ago. Then she packed all her things and she checked out.."
"She, WHATT???"

The news fell down on me like a ton of bricks.
"Did she leave a letter for me or maybe a forwarding adress where I can reach her?"
"Nothing at all, sir.." the girl seemed scared at my expression and my loud voice..
I took a $5 bill from my wallet and spread it on the table. My mind started to go crazy.

"Can I see her room, please. It is very, very important to me.."

Okay sir, but please do not tell this to Madam Polly.." she slowly placed the money in the drawer.
　
She brought me to the luxury suite on the third floor of the newly erected annex building. This is the best floor in the house. It overlooks a whole view of Asingan ricefields from Carusucan to Domanpot and maybe Macalong.

As she opened the door, I smelled again her perfume, the one she used when I first saw her at the restaurant. She switched on the light. The bed appeared to be unused. I cursorily looked for a letter, or any kind of paper that could provide a clue to her next whereabouts. But there was nothing..

"I could not believe this," I said. My love for her is slowly changing into anger.

"Okay, dearie" I said. You can close it again. I am going back to my room.."

As I about to open the door, I wished ( although it was a fat chance ) that she would be inside, waiting for me. But as I switched on the light I saw the usual view and my bed which still unmade. I threw myself into it and tried to sleep.

Then came a knocking on the door.

"Jenny??" I asked.

"It's me sir". It was the clerk. "I am sorry for the bed, I thought you would be arriving much later. I had to do other chores and I reserved making the bed for much later..Want me to do it now?"

"No, its okay.." I said calmly.."You can go back to your desk. I will be fine.."

"Sir, I have a pitcher of ice water..You might need it .."

I stood up, opened the door, and took the pitcher. "Thank you, I said. And she answered, "welcome sir.."

I remember some valium tablets in my luggage. I took one with water then I covered my face with a pillow..10 minutes later, I was out like a light..

I woke up the next day at around 9:00 am from an entirely dreamless sleep. At first, I did not know where I was, since I was still on jet lag. Then my normal thinking settled down like pieces of mosaic and I again remembered my room, the resort and inevitably, Jenny.

How easily feelings change, I said to myself. My anger came back, throbbing like a painful wound. "Who is this girl?" I asked myself. "Is she an avenging angel for the other girls I dumped for no good reason? What is behind this trick she played on me..?" Then, wanting to express my ire, I shouted "Slut!! And what a big jerk I was!!"

To help me calm my senses I started packing my bags. Then I remember Rodrigo Esperon, a classmate from Grade 6 in Dupac. He said, if you are in Asingan on the last week of April, come to our house. My younger brother General Hermogenes will be there as the crowning for the Miss Asingan 2000. There will be tons of food and bottles of the best drink you can think of. You can drink until you could no longer recognize the floor from the ceiling.."

My luck has not run out yet, I said to myself.. His house is just a few doors away from the resort.

When I got there, Rudy was utterly delighted. "Almost 50 years passed he said and we are still alive and kicking.." he siad with merriment.

"And drinking!" I added..

We laughed then settled down for the business of the day, trying to cram the events of 50 years into 24 hours or less.

Soon, I was drunk..I was not really good at this kind of thing. Could not hold my liquor, inspite of the lechon, crispy pata, tinola, etc. What a smorgasboard that was but I was too drunk to enjoy or even remember them.. I just remember vaguely Rudy putting me on a tricycle then accompanying me to my room. Even if he dumped me in my bed like a sack of palay, I would never know..

When I woke up the next morning, I had the Mother of all hangovers..I took two extra strong advil tablets and lied on my back again..The sound of chirping sparrows outside my window sounded like shrieking banshees..

Then I remember I promised to visit another friend..Carlos Lopez Jr. The incumbent mayor of Asingan. "Oh God, I said..not in this condition,". I took another Advil to hasten the dissapearance of the headache.."What would humanity do without these great tablets.." I said after I noticed my hangover slowly dissipating.

Twenty minutes later, my headache was gone and my body bounced back to normal. For how long, I do not know. Not unless Caloy would offer me another round of Marka Demonyo..

Mayor Lopez was a good friend of mine before he went into Politics. He said he used to be a humble farmer before he joined the political bandwagon. From a councilor he became a vice mayor. With the sudden death of the incumbent mayor then, then he became Asingan's Chief Executive Officer.

He was vey happy to see me and when we shook hands, I could feel his missing two fingers. But he was not embarassed about it. In fact I heard lots of good stories about him and he was very proud about his humble beginnings. The way he talked never seemed to have changed at all..

After half an hour of exchanging pleasantries, he told me he has to go to Dagupan to attend a meeting of some sort. "Wanna come?" he invited. "Maybe you can write something about it.."
"No thanks," I said.."Thanks anyway, but I am going back to manila tommorow if possible. I want to visit Cebu and maybe Palawan..Besides you might not like what I will write about you..JUST JOKING!!"

He laughed also and he pat my shoulder. "Okay, Aring. Until we meet agiain.."

As I walked out of his door, he said in parting: "maybe you might like to visit the mini museum we have in here. We have the historical documents of our town, the photographs of FVR, her sister and the parents.."

Yes, I might.." I commented "I noticed that most of the schools in Asingan are already named after them.."

As I looked for the stairs going down to the exit, I saw the sign of the museum. "Ah, what the heck," I said..I had the rest of the afternoon off anyway..

I entered the door and there they are: the photographs of Don Narciso, Dona Angela, then ex president Fidel Ramos. her sister, Senadora Lety..His uncle Joe was a one time Mayor of Asingan, another uncle Felixberto was my teacher in Arithmetic when I was in Grade 5 at the Dupac Elementary School.

Then my eyes floated to another section..There was a whole slew of photographs of the former Miss Asingan Beauty Queens.."Aha, this is more like it.." I said..Their timeless beauty are now immortalized in this gallery to show that after all, our humble town was never short on beautiful sirens..I started waxing poetry mentally as I go from year to year. It was a butt breaking work completing the collection and I admired the person who broke his butt doing it.

When I reached 1995, my whole person froze. "Shit, I know this photo, " I whispered.

I looked down at the name. It was Jennifer Acierto!!!

Immediately, my feet took wings and my heart pounded high. I started trying to find someone in the Municipal Building who knows where her house is in Asingan..---#

conclusion on the next installment...

　

thanks to Polly for the use of her Resort's photograph...

TRISTEZAS DEL ALMA: part 2

the BALIKBAYAN BALL

During summer days, the Asingan auditorium is a place where farmers spread their palay to be dried by the summer sun. On the night of April 29, the same place transfprmed into a surealistic wonderland of music, swirling lights and an orchestra pumping out Glenn Miller type of music through powerful outdoor speakers.
When Jenny and I arrived, dancing is already in full swing. Dancers came in full regalia, donning thier best ballroom garbs. We walked slowly towards the Presidential table on the right side of the stage where all of the coronation participants were seated. I felt walking on cloud 9 because I was escorting a very beautiful lady. I felt several pairs of eyes were focused on us. Somebody met us and showed us our place on the table.

"How are you?" I asked Jenny.
"Great, just great!" she said. I noticed her eyes were beaming with an unfathomable fire. The happy expression on her face was just undescribable.."Thank you for bringing me here tonight, Fred. I really mean it.."

"Yeah?..When was the last time you were here?"
"Oh, about five years ago.."

After a few minutes, I asked her: "Do you want to dance now?"

"No, not yet..I want to watch the dancers while chatting with you.." She gave me another look with those sparkling eyes and she resumed watching the crowd and dancers as if she was looking for somebody. Then she started talking with me as if I was a very close friend whom she had never seen for such a long time.
We talked about common interests : music, movies, a bit on spirituality, literature. She also talked a bit about Sacramento. The Capitol building, the tourist spots there particularly the Old Sac where vintage buildings still existed and maintained for toursts.

"Visiting Old Sac is just like stepping back into the early frontier days of America. You should come and visit it one time.."
"Is this a formal invite?" I asked.
"Of course, it is..It is more than that..." Her radiant face was so close to me that I was tempted to kiss her mouth.

But we are in in public. And in Asingan at that where events happen even before they are planned..

Her shoulder touched mine. I did not budge. She did not budge either. It seems she enjoys this growing intimacy between us. I rested my right foot beside her left foot. She did not budge either.

So time flew unnoticeably until the announcer broke a message that after the next piece, the entrance of the new Mrs. Balikbayan will take place. Then the band played TRISTEZAS DEL ALMA.

The title is a misnomer: the piece in 3/4 time has a joyous lilting tune.."Let us dance to this one!," she said. I stood up and took her arm. Then we proceeded to the dancing area.

Her face seemed to exude more radiance. Her lips never lost that faint smile line and while we were dancing, our eyes would meet once in a while and they would exchange many, manywords. I felt like the scenery around us dissolving into one pulsating blur of lights and swaying bodies but I was only aware of her presence. When the music ended, the bubble burst. Reality came back. We went back to our chairs. I held her hand tightly until we were seated once more.

Then the Royal March commenced. The orchestra played the Filipino classic LOVELY BLOOM OF THE SAMPAGUITA. Jenny's eyes were fixed on the proceedings. She became silent, but the faint smile was still there.

"Oh the new Mrs. Balikbayan is beautiful!" she said, gushing like a teen ager.
Then a member of the program committee approached and told me I must go to the back of the auditorium to march with some others who would present the crown, the sash and bouquet to the Queen and her Court.

"I am sorry, Jen. " I said. I explained to her what I was about to do.

"Oh, it is okay.." she said. "Go and do what you are about to do..I will always be here.."
So I went to the back of the auditorium and when the last participant arrived, we all walked together under the swords of the Guards of Honor. The orchestra played ELGAR'S POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE MARCH.

As we approached the stage, I searched for her. I did not quite see her because of the
glaring video lights that fell on us as we approached the throne. Suddenly, I started to miss her with just the few minutes which I did not see her.

On top of the stage, somebody gave me a beautiful tiara to place on the head of the new Mrs. Balikbayan. I let my lady companion do the job because sometimes I get butter fingers. I might drop the tiara, breaking it and that would be a bummer. She did a good job. Flash bulbs went on and off. People were clapping. I shook the hands of the Queen and the Pricesses. Unending photo sessions. Then it was all over. I wanted to join Jen immediately.

But first, I escorted my partner to her box somewhere in the right side of the auditorium. Then I proceeded back to the Presidential table.

When I got there, I found two empty seats: mine and Jenny's.
"Did you see the lady in a dark dress sitting here?" I asked a man in barong Tagalog sitting beside Jenny's.

"No," he said. "When I got back here, that chair is already empty.."
She must have gone to the washroom, I said. I scanned the people dancing within the limits of my recognition. I waited for a bit more. I was expecting any minute a hand to tap my shoulder and say : " I am sorry to keep you waiting..."

When that never happened, I decided to leave my spot, go around the auditorium to find her. I did just that. I made three hasty rounds and soon sweat started to moisten my clothes. But there was no Jenny.

It was then I decided to go back to the resort.---#

( end of part 2. Conclusion will be on part 3 )