“O anong ginagawa mo pa rito? Gabing-gabi na ah. Dapat ang mga batang tulad mo ay natutulog na, nang lumaki ka.”
“Eh kuya, mamaya pa ako uuwi eh. Hindi pa kami tapos sa pagbabasura.”
“Ah ganun ba? Anong oras mo balak umuwi?”
“Mamayang alas-kwatro kuya. Kuya, pahingi naman ng pambili dyan ng pagkain.”
“Ah nagugutom ka na ba? Anong gusto mo? Cge, sandali lang bibili ako.”
I went back from 7-11, with cream-o.
“Kumakain ka ba nito?”
He looked at it and grabbed it.
I gave a joke. “O, hindi mo manlang ba kami bibigyan?”
He handed it to me. “Sige, kuya, ikaw na ang magbukas… hehe.”
I don’t want to open it but at that very moment I felt the need of sympathizing with them, at least, the thing that I have in mind that time is be close to him and build a connection.
So I opened it, got a piece and handed it back to him.
“Salamat ah.”
“Kuya, ako nga ang dapat magpasalamat sa ‘yo eh.”
And that melted my heart. I felt so happy despite the helly week I have had. Whew. I can’t explain the feeling. It’s a gift, an early present I have received for Christmas. Ibang klase talaga. Sarap ng pakiramdam, to think na I only spent a few peso for the food, nakakalambot talaga ng puso. Kaya wala akong masabi sa PBB, whenever they wish to feed the street children kasi kahit ako rin, pangarap ko rin iyon.
I wish that at some point in time, I would be able to give happiness to all the kids in the world. In particular, to the street kids of Katipunan whom I always see everyday. Hay, I remember the same legacy I left the ASLA graduation and the legacy that I will never stop pursuing.
Salamat sa Ateneo. Salamat sa Diyos.
I have realized that this Christmas is not for me, not for us, but for others. That’s why we give gifts and presents. Basta, any material thing couldn’t match the feeling of being with these unfortunate kids.
Whew. I suddenly remembered the Aghamunti. Nakakataba talaga ng puso. Thanks to Marshy, for the memories.
Haha, going back to the block gimmick, sobrang napalayo na, hahaha.
We made some tequila shots, spent time at 7-11 eating noodles, then to Pigey’s condo and watched a DVD. Pero sa sobrang antok, nakatulog din kami. Nagising nalang kami nung babalik na ulit kami kanila Toni. I was sleep walking then. I could hardly open my eyes so by the time we’re back at the condo, I went straight to the bed. Haha.
What wake me up? The story of Toni’s big night. All of us we’re like so excited to get the first-hand info from her unforgettable night. I slept at around past 5am after the long heart-to-heart talk with Kathz and Mal. To both of you, thanks a lot. I’m counting on you.
We woke up at around 10am. We all didn’t care to take a bath, haha. Sobrang tinatamad. Kathz, Che, An-An and I went to the Museum. As usual, it has been an unforgettable day for all of us. We were late for the closing time of the museum so we’re just able to see a few. So, we need to go back next time. Along the way in searching for the hidden treasures of Manila, we met Cookie Monster. Haha. Going back to Kathz’s place, we rode the pedicab with this motor thing. What an adventure traversing the alley’s in Manila. Scarry and fun, Che and I felt like mummified and put into the Manunggul Jar and Maitum Jar. Haha.
We left at around past 9.00pm and I arrived home past 10pm. Right now, I haven’t taken a bath. Later, it’s Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to everyone!
*shit, what the fuck is what woke me up. Darn! Haha, stupid mistake.
5:30 PM
Saturday, December 24, 2005
