Tuesday
with Apple:
Series of Fortunate and
Unfortunate Events
I wrote this on my journal 2 weeks ago, however, series of
errands delayed me in blogging this.
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he
meeting
Last October 23, me, Pao and Apple decided to meet up in
Ayala Triangle, since it’s Apple’s leave and we haven’t seen her for more than
a week. What’s that ‘c’ word, clingy? Yes, we’re like that. Hahaha
Anyway, I’m expecting that our Tuesdate will be well, but to
my surprise it turned out like a space shuttle ride!
We met Apple at Ayala Triangle aroung 5:10 in the afternoon
while she was sitting alone, distant from a guy who did the same. I approached
Apple as I left Pao while she fixed her shoes. Apple and I had a little chitchat
then immediately went to Pao. Since Pao’s toes were aching, I promised her that
we’ll go to PLDT to get my shoes and lend it to her. But before that, we
decided to eat first in Jollibee, across Ayala Triangle. While we’re ordering
our food, Apple and I kept on chatting while Pao was gorging her eyes on
Apple’s pre-birthday gift to her. After the food was served, it was like a mini
birthday party because our food were chicken, spaghetti and ice cream. Unknown
to us, that sumptuous meal prepared us for a great adventure.
We stayed at Jollibee for almost 2 hours, then we decided to
go to PLDT to leave there our stuff and Pao’s shoes. As I got there, I changed
my slippers into my bronze high-heeled shoes, so that Pao can use my red
slippers. Afterwards, off to SGV bldg beside the office, to meet Ate Joanna,
Apple’s close cousin. As she went down to meet us, she seemed amazed to see
Apple on that day, because Apple’s schedule at JP Morgan is from 4pm-1am. So we
kept on talking and talking. After 15 minutes, Pao comically said, “Let’s go to
Makati Pen, our second home.” We laughed altogether, and then Apple excitedly
answered, “Game!”
Then, we bid goodbye to Ate Joanna and we started walking
and enjoying Ayala as the exquisiteness of its lights guided our way. When
we’re already in front of Makati Pen’s entrance, we confidently went upstairs
and entered the door to the restaurant which finally led us to the lobby. Then
we went to restroom that looks like a hotel room too. The ambience was
incomparable. “Let’s go up the 2nd floor,” Pao demanded. When we’re by
now at the receiving area, we sat at the sofas as we listened to the
orchestra’s night serenade.
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ho’s
going to check-in?
We’re actually fan of checking in on facebook, so when Pao
asked who’s going to check-in. I initiated. After doing it, we read Shem’s
status on facebook and got bothered about it, so Apple got her phone promptly
and dialed Shem’s number. Apple gave me the phone and let me talk to Shem. Then
she answered hello. “Uy, anong anong nangyayari sa’yo?” “What’s happening with you?” I asked her. She answered with a
cracking voice and said, “I experienced an intense palpitations and went to the
hospital for a chain of test. Friend, I’m so afraid.” I comforted her and told
her that everything will be fine. She thanked us for the call, believing that
all is well. After the call, we decided to roam around the hotel.
‘Twas dazzling and meant for rich people, but we didn’t care.
We walked were the rich people walk—head up high and oozing with confidence. J
It’s past 9 o’clock, so I told Pao that we should get our
things in the office before it’s too late. So we returned there and got those.
When got outside the office, out of the blue, Apple said, “Thina, I have
another version of Gangnam style on my phone, come on and let’s dance.” “Hah,
okay!” I answered. We looked for a place where we can make it happen, then
tadah, we found the corridor empty , so Apple started playing the song, and I
danced it in Thina’s style—oozing with craziness! Hahaha.. What the Fun! J
Then, we settled on strolling along Greenbelt.
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pple
purchased a Neil Gaiman book
She quickly saw Powerbooks, so she almost swiftly insisted
us to get inside the store. We directly went to 2nd floor, then she
asked me the book that I like and she’d buy it for herself. So I recommended
her to buy a Neil Gaiman’s book.
After she bought the
book, we’re off to anywhere our feet will take us. Apple unexpectedly place Neil G.’s book in my
paper bag. Pao and I wanted Apple to be familiar with Greenbelt, so as we kept
on walking along the place, we became so thirsty. We’re so pickle-minded where
to drink, so we ended up going to Mcdo and asked for 3 cups of cold water.
Woah, after the water touched my mouth as it went down to my throat, I felt so
refreshed. Then, we continued our conversation and sipped the water. Chatted
and gulped the water. Laughed and slurped the water.
Suddenly, Apple asked me if she can get the book that she bought;
hence, I gave it to her right away. She started taking off the plastic cover
and had a difficulty smudging the price on the book. Then, she extended her
hand and said, “O para sa’yo.” “This is
for you.” “Woah, thank you,” I
humbly answered. I almost wanted to kiss her on her forehead. Hahaha… Actually,
my event organizer instinct was turned on—so strange to her-- I silently know
that she purchased the book for me.
I’m used to surprises. Hahaha
Since, we won’t give an order for a meal in Mcdo, we
continued chatting and then I asked her to sketch in our bulletin. At first,
she was shy but all awhile she did one. As she was sketching me, Pao asked me
to accompany her in fitting the red dress, Apple gave.It’s a beautiful and
almost a perfect day as I said myself—which comes from our friendship with
Apple.
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ongs to
an old man
Apple didn’t want to go home yet, so she asked us if we
could have a videoke at Center Stage along Jupiter Ave or she could drink
somewhere. Of course, I chose videoke. So, we chose to walk as we’re heading to
Center Stage. I didn’t mind walking even with heels as long as I’m with my
friends. We passed by Ayala Triange, but unluckily the lights were off. Well,
those lights added flavor to the beauty of Ayala Triangle. Even though it was
the scenario, I found Apple still stunned by the Japanese matrushka dolls in of
the restaurants there. She’s one of a kind Japanese anime enthusiast.
As we continued walking along Ayala Avenue and we’re nearby
Berlitz, Int’l school, an old man suddenly grabbed our attention. Yet, Pao was
the first one to move. This old man had a hard time in walking, so Pao went to
ask him what happened and I followed my sister. Apple was still a little
far-away from him; maybe she wondered why did Pao talk to this old, strange
man. Then, Pao started asking him. We found out that he has a wound on his
lower right ankle due to complication from diabetes. He was unhesitant to tell
his bitter tale about his 14-year old son who died 3 or 4 days ago as he hounded
for food but unfortunately he had eaten a wrong food and got poisoned
immediately. The old man continued telling my sister how much he hates the
world, because as he went to some government officials to ask for financial
help, they ended up ignoring him. We asked him where he lives and how much is
his fare to get there. He said that he’s from Gen. Trias, Cavite and his fare
is P140.00. So we instantly gave him P 150.00 and spaghetti. What bothered us
most was when he let us read the message from his 12 year-old daughter telling
that they need P 2,000 plus promissory note to pull-out the rotten body of his
son from their house. It broke our heart when he said that if he can’t get that
amount tomorrow, he’ll risk everything and will plot a hold-up anywhere. We
told him to not to do it, but he’s decided. He even asked us to get away from
him, since we already know his plan; he might end up doing bad thing to us. So,
Pao and I walked away as fast as we could, but Apple remained calm in walking.
She’s not scared because knowing the old man’s condition; he’s not capable to
do such crime.
As the shadow followed my heels to Center Stage, we’re praying for him. Finally, our feet
had landed to center stage at 11p.m. We picked up the songs from Gary V.,
Alanis Morisette and we realized that every song that we sang was connected to
the old man. We sang and we prayed for him. We felt guilty because the series
of fortunate events that happened to us was contrary to what the old man
experienced.
Though we seemed to enjoy the night, deep down our heart we
dedicated our songs to that old man.
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Don’t care, High-Heels
Our benefit concert ended at 1 a.m. so as Apple was ready to
pay our bills using her credit card but unfortunately it wasn’t working. She
called me over the phone and told me that’s she’s in an ATM machine and she said that she withdrew only
P600.00, our bill was around P900.00 so she asked us for P 300.00, I said ok. She
returned to center stage feeling sorry but we told her that was really ok. So,
before we pay our bills, we counted first our fare. We counted our lose coins. then tadah--we decided to stay overnight to Apple's aunt. But she said that instead of riding on a jeep or a taxi, we'd walk miles and miles. My feet was aching, but I tolerated the pain as long as I was walking with my friend and sister.
We landed on Tita Venus' house at past 2 a.m. and we slept there fine.
Tomorrow is another day, but I won't forget that day. :)
--30--
