Negrense life goes on
(Last of two parts)
To continue my short but eventful trip, I flew off to the West Coast from Washington DC, and spent another week there, which would conclude my two-week (un)official US trip. Anne Guerero gave me a warm Negrense welcome, together with her husband Dani and their daughter, Maya.
Even before I left Manila, a California party was already in the works to reunite with friends. I knew it was going to be one enjoyable evening. So on May 23, electric gates opened up to the quiet home of Bing and Lenchen Abello-Fider.
Armed with two boxes of Pili Cake from Emma Lacson in Silay City, I entered their home greeted by screams and “Hoy, kamusta ka na, ‘day?” From this point onwards, the words “quiet home” became history. As the night sky covered the city of Mission Viejo, Lenchen’s home became noisy, with boisterous laughter emanating from its windows, and smoke billowing from its walls. The smoke came from their misono table, with Jonathan Abello manning the steaks, while the laughter came from Gela Esteban-Umaly, Angeli Sanchez-Lacson, Susie Alemany, Jinky Jalandoni-Nuestra, Mylene Hilado, and Mary Ann Valderama-Concha. And if that wasn’t enough, Maloy Montinola-Dadivas, Analou Ballesteros-Macaya, Marichi Varela-Gayoso, Tootsie Ballesteros, and Joy Pastor-Lamayo added to the merry-making, making it one big riotous crowd.
Outside, Rodel Concha, Marc Lacson, Jose Luis Tongoy, Albert Elizalde, Miko Gatuslao, Rommel Lamayo, Nonong Macaya, and Rafie Dadivas, were hanging out with their imported cigars, jello shots, and an assortment of drinks. Later in the evening, both groups would converge in the kitchen to gobble up the brazos de Mercedes (both frozen and the original kind), potato cake, and the pili cake.
I thought about my article on how Negrenses in the States cope with the financial crisis and the virus scare. There really was no point asking my questions. I knew I could write it just by looking at the Negrense faces before me. Luckily, most of them still have their work. And for those who didn’t, then they went out to find one, no matter what it may be. We’ve been there before, they said (referring to the sugar crisis in the 70’s). Adapt and adjust, those are the key words. Just like the people I partied with in the east coast, they also believe in being content and happy with what they’ve got. Don’t overdo things so that you don’t overspend. Smart.
For the second time in this trip, I see a happy group before me, with the passion to enjoy life, no matter what it brings. And I can see that invisible bond between them, where friends take care of each other and lift those who are down. Once again, the Negrense attitude prevails. We’re still standing, no matter what. It’s just the way we are….. Bakod!