Of Makati's appeal and Pinoys' headbreak

It had to come from my mother.

Paying us a surprise visit, she said she missed my kids (and of course me) dearly she had to sneak out of my older brother Dante's guardianship that she can't wait until weekend next. Minus the busy weeks previously, I could've paid her a visit--but didn't. My mom, whom we so lovingly call Mama Sexy (thanks to our eldest brother Benjamin), is my source of anything and everything juicy on the boob tube, especially showbiz news.

She started her what's-up-with-what with Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby being true blue gay lovers, and that Lolit Solis is just being her usual outspoken self save for lawsuits and threats. That the more handsome and hunky actors are, the more they become gay (at least in the Philippines, she quipped). This news item on an actor who's separated and now prefers men as sex partners proves this, she pointed.

She then proceeded with the overly priced commodity that is rice, that's becoming every Pinoys' headbreak (that's extreme dilemma) saying you'll need P30 to buy a kilo of rice that's fine and 'eatable.' You need to be filthy rich to enjoy food now--she said, uttering each word loudly.

Remembering the Philippines under Marcos got my mom excited--she told of the time P20 is enough to buy a family a decent dinner--when your job doesn't necessarily dictate what you can and can't afford to put on your table. She claims life's easier then than now.

Then, I couldn't stop reminiscing myself. Back then, my father (bless his soul) would bring us to Luneta or Fiesta Carnival in Cubao every weekend. I would ride the carousel, he'd (father) buy me a balloon, and have us photographed. I recall we'd go to Makati Quad, stroll the posh boutiques, drool on Star Wars figures, then eat at Burger Machine. This we do every weekend--my father being an auto tinsmith and mom the company-employed dressmaker--proud of what their earnings can afford us. Those days, we were happy with what we have--now, still happy and blessed at what we're getting.

My mention of Makati brought my mom to a tirade--how Trillanes masqueraded there sounding patriotic only to surrender later looking lost in his purpose. Filipinos are simply tired, we need change, my mom said. She asked me why Makati is so appealing--I answered--it is because they (coup plotters) probably think if you freeze Makati, being the center of business, everywhere else will be frozen. Forget the place, aren't we already? That's a very strong statement coming from mom.

I thought so. Wisdom is sexier as you age.