#maharlika2023la had 3 lumpiang Shanghai. By the third lumpia, he says, “Want some?” I said, “No thanks!” He went to the garden to give his Lolo some. His idea for sharing cannot be thwarted.
He went to the backyard. He saw his grandpa watering the plants. He found a ledge next to the growing cactus, in front of four dragon fruits. He started singing and humming. I smiled.
He went indoors and followed through on his singing initiative. I showed him the video of Notre Dame Cathedral in France and the soprano singing Amazing Grace. He listened, he hummed the tune and kept his focus on the lyrics and music. He has natural musical rhythms. Much like his mom who plays the cello. Much like his sister #princess2015la now playing the violin.
“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream…in the morning when the sardines fleet has made a catch, the purse-seiners waddle heavily into the bay, blowing their whistles.” John Steinbech, Nobel Peace Prize Author
It was in this part of the bay where men and women processed sardines and mackerel, until the waters no longer yielded any catch, due to overfishing.
Fast forward to now, schoolchildren and tourists flock to this revamped Monterey Aquarium, a two story building of interest.
We spent time watching the penguins. They were playing, kneeling, bowing, bending, and kissing.
“Penguins sing to each other to familiarize themselves with each other’s voices. Penguins bounce over the rocks for fun. Penguins also love to slide on their ice using their bellies as toboggans. Penguins jump from high ice cliffs and dive into the water for fun.” –Google.com
We had a great time under the splash zone, it felt like we were being soaked, yet not really. We were giggling, like all those who passed through, given the experience.
Then, we went to a space with overhead- AI-generated school of sardines were artificially swimming. It felt cozy and surreal as if underwater living with them.
The cumulus white clouds contrasted the blue skies, a temperate weather made for perfect images. Egrets, pigeons were aplenty and sea lions on the horizon.
A school of birds were flying above, similar to this group of school-based Ritarians, in their 57th Reunion, set a free to choose what their day would be. We were relishing each other company, moving fluidly from group to group.
Through 4 days of shared togetherness, laughter, sharing, visiting basilica, aquarium, 17 mile drive, we had unabashed, sincere connections with one another. If this is heaven, I want to be entering the door towards holiness and being with these classmates who have grown to their best selves, and enjoying beautiful flowers, especially Bougainvillea, and church tower.
We maybe of different political persuasion. Yet, we know what is right from wrong. We deplore the lies, corrupt practices of bigotry, hatred towards the disabled, Haitians, immigrants and political greed of family dynasties.
We all are Marian devotees. We love these different saints: St. Rita, St. Jude, St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Benedict. But most all, we share a fervent love of God the Father, Lord his Son and the powerful Holy Spirit.
We love that we can all pray together, especially for the sick folks we know, we love to eat, we love to travel together and we just love each other to keep on laughing for 5 days. No drama, just love, and pure joy!!
Through 4 days of shared togetherness, laughter, sharing, visiting basilica, aquarium, 17 mile drive, we had unabashed, sincere connections with one another. If this is heaven, I want to be entering the door towards holiness and being with these classmates who have grown to their best selves, and enjoying beautiful flowers, especially Bougainvillea, and church tower.
I am crying. My favorite caterer, friend, cheerleader, community recruiter for stories, Lem Balagot of Larosecafe Hollywood died. His cafe was my go place to introduce visitors and folks, new to the community.
In his restaurant, we found a warm, safe, welcoming place. It is where I conducted some of my interviews.
When I wrote a story for Lem for Balikbayan Magazine, it took interview snippets, 9 occasions that could be squeezed in, as he was busy saying hello to patrons of a very busy restaurant. Lem’s heart was so wide open that he helped many many community folks.
LA Rose Cafe’s post: “A culinary pioneer who fostered the heart and soul of Philippine cuisine.” October 21, 2024
He opened to the church choir an hour before opening the restaurant, as a special Simbang Gabi breakfast treat from me to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church – Los Angeles Adult Choir, headed by Pete Avendano. He catered several events at the Philippine Consulate with his signature egg salad with caviar on top. He even catered several special events of priests celebrating their important 25th sacerdotal anniversary. He also catered merienda at my book launch, Even The Rainbow Has A Body at the garden room of Japanese American Cultural & Community Center – JACCC. He catered many community celebrations and corporate events. He had a flair for making all coherence to spell luxurious in tastes, flavors, presentation and his personality shared so warmly and welcoming to all.
May the saints and angels and the Lord in heaven welcome him as warmly as he did, daily in over 42 years in his restaurant.!
My deepest condolences to Rai, his caring spouse and his diligent, conscientious caregiver during his convalescent period.
This is our community’s shared loss of a person with a beautiful heart, kept open to embrace us all!
