Philippines Day #3

Day 3 starts in Gumaca, Quezon, beloved hometown of  the De La Rosas. 

I woke up early cause I'm still adjusting to jet lag, and already, I was intrigued by the drum set. I knew it was too early to play, but I walked over and lightly tapped it with my fingers. The rest of the family were waking up, while Lola Senia and Lola Terry stayed asleep. Apparently they were up all night talking and giggling, like two young girls at a sleepover. 

Mom, Ate Nilda, Tito Robert, Tita Elsie, and I gathered around the breakfast table. Mom started making her requests for breakfast, and food she's missed. I couldn't really comprehend a lot, and I wasn't hungry. I wanted to drink some coffee after seeing Tito Robert and Tita Elsie distribute some. But before I could grab a cup, Tito Ric and Tito Abet came in with some pasalubong (treats). TIto Ric wanted to grab some coffee from McDonald's and Tito Abet was getting a treat for Mom at the market. I tagged along and got some high class Micky D's coffee. 

After that Tito Robert allowed me to play drums AT 8AM!!!!!!! People didn't care! Neighbors didn't care! It felt so right yet...so wrong ;) Tito Robert played a beat while Lola Senia and Lola Terry had a dance off! Music was playing out loud as we prepared for our day. Lola Senia danced with Tito Abet and I got to actually play around. Everyone was very encouraging, and I was extremely flattered. There was a carefree/loving vibe in the air, and I felt truly at home and comfortable. 

Once I was dressed Tito Abet took Ate Nilda and I to Ate PR's job. Ate PR offered me some wifi access while I got to see her in action. It was really great and I was glad I got meet some of her coworkers. Soon after, Tito Ric picked us up, sans Ate PR. Ate PR promised that she would take me somewhere exciting later tonight...without the adults!

Then we went off into the town and Lola greeted all her kumares (lady friends/home girls) and gave some pasalubong! We also went to the seminary to visit Monsignor Philip, Lola's old friend. When we went there, he greeted Lola with a lost smile, not recognizing her. For a moment Lola had a clear mind. We were trying to remind the Mosignor who SHE WAS. Just a couple of oldies trying to figure out who their friends are. Hehe. Then we went to Kumare Sol's hotel/restaurant, and it was a great time for a snack. 

It took a good 3-4 hours going around town, saying hi to friends. But since we were only going to be in town for a few days, they made plans for a party for when I left (Mom and Lola stayed for over a month). It was fun and scary watching Lola with her friends, because I was scared to hear what their friends had to say about me. As selfishly as it sounds, I braced myself for the 'fat girl,' comments.

When it was time go home, I was ready for a nap! 

I sat in front of the fan as I cooled down and lounged on the chair. Tito Robert came over after giving a massage to Lola Terry, who was asleep on the couch. Lola Senia was snacking, and everyone else were either eating, preparing food or gone to the market. Tito Robert offered to give me a full detox/massage, which I reluctantly said yes to because I didn't wanna tire him/it was already super hot so I didn't know if I could handle the heat. 

I went ahead anyway and as I was rolled like lumpia sariwa, I took in everything he was telling me. At first Tito Robert was struggling to speak and say what he needed to say. I realized he also didn't think I could understand Tagalog. I told him I could and we went ahead and had a great conversation. I learned so much about him and more about our family. It made me really miss them more and wish I had grown up with him around. I was lucky to have known Tito Ric when I lived in the Philippines, but the rest of my uncles were abroad working. 

I could relate to him, and understand his struggles. He was very sweet, and I could understand how Mom was so spoiled by him. I was...surprised to hear about some of the things we were talking about, but I was glad to learn all the things I did. I know I'm being vague, and that's fine, you're fine. We're all fine.

After the detox, I was told not to take a shower, which I was very excited about because taking showers in the Philippines was hard for me...no hot water!!! It even led to an argument with Mom where she told me I better get used to this kind of environment--

Mom: Mara you need to get used to this if you want to travel!

Mara: Where am I going to travel?!

Mom: I don't know, Honduras!

Mara: WHY WOULD I TRAVEL THERE?  I've never mentioned Honduras! 

Cut to after dinner, when Ate PR and Ate Nilda took me out and into the town. It was fun/scary going through the town, and we ended up at this cute/hipster restaurant called Hermanos Yard. They were asking me about what I did in America and what a night out was like. I told them, again a bit reluctantly, cause for some reason I didn't want to disappoint. I'm one of the most boring people I know, and I felt guilty that I wasn't doing more! I live in America, I should be doing more cause I can. 

I had a great time with them. It started to thunder and rain, which we could hear hitting the roof, so they ended up hitching a tricycle for us. I hadn't ridden one in a while, so I forgot how bumpy the rides are! I swear, every bump we hit felt like a hit on my own butt. Anyway it was a fun packed day, lots of realizations, some struggles, and ended with great food ( the sisig there was amazing).  

​Until the next day!