It won't be easy to forget your warm welcome, your thoughtfulness and generosity, the food, the ribbing and the laughter, the news update about our lives, and most of all, just the nice feeling of being together as real good friends. It was just wonderful seeing and feeling for myself how lasting, indeed, is our friendship.
I'll always remember Melo's , the Mega Mall trip, the bus-jeepney-tricycle ride to Paranaque, the Admiral Hotel lunch, the Metropolitan Museum visit, the dinner and "bubog" incident at Dad's, coffee and tea at the Shangrila lobby -- where our noisy chatter and carefree laughter drowned the unusually loud strains of the hotel's musical quartet; and where, just as we were already being driven out of that elegant place to the suggestive tune of Arrivederci Roma, we still had the gall to shamelessly pose and smile for souvenir photos by the staircase and the lobby. And when finally, they succeeded in getting us out the door, we still lingered right by the entrance for the impromptu instrumental serenade by that famous artist, what's-his-name-na-nga(?).
And most of all, I won't forget that special night at Melo's -- with its romantic ambiance and music, the food, the toast to our friendship, Freddie's crooning a la Jack Jones, and the really good vibes. The good times with you, from Melo's to Shangrila, I'll always remember with fondness as the Mauban of my mid-life years.
To Dennis, thanks for everything, including re-connecting me back to Prep 65; the visit to your plush executive suite with the fancy shower room with Ana B. and the guys, and the sip of brandy I should not have taken; the photo request by the ABS-CBN logo you dared not refuse, despite your embarrassment; Melo's and the beautiful songs; and the Time magazine.
To Ana B., thanks for all your kindness -- for sustaining our Prep connections through your prolific letter-writing and amazing patience with all of us, the souvenirs, the companionship, the first-hand stories and the written accounts, the Mega Mall and the photos, the journey by public transit, the bold but caring advice for Lawrence, the museum visit, and the beautiful cocktail dress (kasya!)
To Ling, thanks for the wonderful lunch, the daldalan just like old times, the on-and-off the record tidbits, the news exchange about our families, and if I haven't had the chance to tell you this yet: for introducing me 30 years ago to the special person in my life.
To Jimmy, Vergel, Joemelo, Pocho, and Freddie, many, many, thanks for being there for a friend.
Sincerely,
Mila
Mila and Ana B. at SM Megamall Fuji Plaza.
At the ABS-CBN lobby.
The Melo's gang!
Freddie singing at Melo's.
