December 1 - 15, 1964

December 1 - Tuesday - George Gallent’s birthday.


Margie was at home tonight.



December 3 - Thursday

Opening night for “A Christmas Carol.”



December 4 - Friday - Joe Vincent’s birthday

“Christmas Carol” - 8 PM.



December 5 - Saturday

Party at Joe’s house after Christmas Carol at 4 pm. The party was very nice. Joe was very attentive to all his guests. Went to “Rincon” later with Mitch, Honey and Lita.



December 6 - Sunday

Cast party at Cliff’s apartment. (Another event I remember distinctly!) It was great party. Jose Mari and Joe came with us. Joe was his old charming self. Jose Mari was very nice and everything was just perfect.



December 7 - Monday - My parents’ anniversary!



December 8 - Tuesday

Mass at Ateneo. Saw Jose Mari and Joey.

December 9 - Wednesday

Did not go to the office today.



December 10 - Thursday

Sent telegram to Cosme to wish him a happy birthday. Spent a little while in Mercy’s house this evening.



December 12 - Saturday

Party at Monica’s house. It was ok. Joe was there with Pearly. Honey was a little high. Ditoy Atayde is very nice.



December 13 - Sunday

Stayed home all day.



December 14 - Monday

Typhoon signal up. No office this afternoon.



December 15 - Tuesday - Monica’s birthday

Lunch at Mercy’s house.

November 15 - 30, 1964

November 15 - Sunday


Went to Mass with Honey, Mercy and Monica. At 6:30 - at German Cultural Center Reception for German actors.



November 16 - Monday

Had a gathering at home and all had a nice time. The sun is shining a little brighter these days...



November 17 - Tuesday

Lunch with Mercy. I have a part in “Christmas Carol” as does Lita.



November 18 - Wednesday

Lunch with Mercy.



November 19 - Thursday

Lunch with Mercy



November 20 - Friday

Went to the Rizal with Tita Chat and Lita to see “Marnie.” I thought the movie terrific. Jose Mari called today.



November 21 - Saturday

Stayed with Mercy all afternoon.



November 22 -Sunday

Ditto as yesterday. (No wonder my mother used to tell me that I might as well move in there!)



November 23 - Monday

Movie premier event at Rizal to mark anniversary of JFK’s death. “Years of Lightning, Day of Drums” - Beautiful movie.



November 24 - Tuesday

Dinner at Legarda’s.



November 25 - Wednesday

Gathering at Monica’s house. Had a wonderful evening.



November 26 - Thursday

Movie with Mercy and George.



November 27 - Friday

One depressing day.



November 29 - Sunday

Dress rehearsal for “Christmas Carol” Stayed at Lita’s house for a while.



November 30 - Monday

Played bowling at Casino with Albert, Marisol, etc.

October 27 - November 14, 1964

October 27 - Tuesday


Lunch with Mercy.



October 28 - Wednesday

Went to Mass with Lita and Mercy.



October 30 - Friday

Sold tickets for MTG from 12 to 2. We left for Baguio at 6 pm this evening. We, being Lita, Mercy and I.



October 31 - Saturday - Baguio!

Lita, Mercy and I spent a lovely day walking, eating, shopping, etc. We LOVE Baguio!



November 1 - Sunday

Had dinner at Tita Trining Legarda’s house. I wish we could stay here forever. Dad called to tell me Tito Pepito died on Oct. 22nd.



November 2 - Monday

Mercy and Lita came down today. Ate lunch with Tito Ben at Forrest House.



November 3 - Tuesday

Left for Manila by PAL. Ate lunch with Mercy.



November 4 - Wednesday

Had lunch with Mercy again. They come and they go but there is only one Honey Muniosguren.



November 5 - Thursday

Mr. Frank Tenny died today.



November 6 - Friday

Lunch with Mercy.



November 7 - Saturday

Went to the play “Silver Whistle” with Cliff. Honey and Lita were with us. (Now there was an interesting combination of pairs. Don’t remember this at all!) Later went to Alba’s. Had a very pleasant evening.



November 8 - Sunday

Spent whole day with Mom at home.



November 9 - Monday

Mass this morning at San Marcelino Church for Tito Pepito.



November 10 - Tuesday

Cliff sent over to the office a darling little brass figure from Thailand (which I still have). Had lunch with Lita and later we dropped by Joey’s office this afternoon. Was my face red! (Yet, again, I wish I had explained why!!!!)



November 11 - Wednesday

Lunch at Mercy’s.



November 13 - Friday

Lunch at Mercy’s house.



November 14 - Saturday

Spent afternoon with Mercy. She had a date with George. Talked to Honey for a while before he and Mitch dropped me home

(I know that anyone reading these entries now are truly bored as the entries themselves are boring - again, only because these are not true "diary" entries but entries in my little yearly planner for 1964.  They do end on December 31st and so does the chronicle of my late teen years in Manila but I will get to that soon.)  In the meantime, I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and again, here's wishing that 2010 brings us all good things!

Septemer 26 - October 26, 1964

(I am posting these entries on Christmas Eve 2009.  To my friends who may read this - here's wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!!! May that bright Star of Bethlehem shine brightly on you tonight and throughout 2010.)


September 26 - Saturday


Went to beauty parlor and stayed home. Later went to the movies with Mom and Mercy - we saw “The Pink Panther.” It was a riot. Peter Sellers made me laugh so much I cried. We had a snack at Tasa de Oro.



September 27 - Sunday

Went to Mass with Mom and Mercy. Saw Joey. Ate lunch at Alba’s. Spent rest of the day at Mercy’s house - Honey and George were there. I miss Joe.



September 28 - Monday

Am not feeling well again. Went to see Dr. Ocampo. Met George’s mother there.



September 29 - Tuesday

Maribel told Mercy that Joey is dating Dita again. Nothing surprises me any more. Rained buckets this noon. Ate lunch with Dad at Swiss Inn. Did not go back to the office this afternoon. I still don’t know whether to go tomorrow or not. (Cliff at Polo Club).





September 30 - Wednesday

Ate lunch at Mercy’s house. Could not make a dinner date with Cliff at the Polo Club tonight. Am so sorry. Wish I had gone. Cliff is so nice. I bought a new dress.



October 1 - Thursday

I guess I am prompting after all for the new play - “The Silver Whistle” - I have the script. The work is really piling up at the office.



October 3 - Saturday

Small dinner at Mercy’s house. I didn’t have that great a time but I guess its no one’s fault except mine. Jigger was there for a while. Hasn’t changed and is very nice.



October 4 - Sunday

I hate to admit it but that Joe has really gotten under my skin. Saw Joey at Mass. Went to the office a while. Went horseback riding with Joe and Boo at Joe’s house in Forbes. I had a very nice time.



October 5 - Monday

Nothing special today but thinking very much of Joe.



October 6 - Tuesday

Saw Cliff in the afternoon. Dammit that Joe is still n my mind.

October 7 - Wednesday

Called Jose Mari about MTG rehearsal this evening. Maribel had lunch with me.



October 8 - Thursday

Someone called last night but didn’t leave his name. Maid said it sounded like Joe. Que ilusiones. Ate lunch at Mercy’s home this noon. I’m still wondering who called last night.



October 10 - Saturday

There was supposed to be a party at the Schlachtermans but it got canceled. Stayed home this evening.



October 11 - Sunday

Mass with Dita and Mercy. Stayed at Mercy’s house for a while. George and Honey brought me home.



October 12 - Monday

Called Cliff to say goodby. He’s so sweet.



October 13 - Tuesday

Went shopping with Mom at the Escolta.



October 16 - Friday

Ate lunch with Lita and Mercy at Cucina Italiana.



October 17 - Saturday

Movies with Mom and Mercy - “Love Cage.”



October 18 - Sunday

Spent afternoon at Mercy’s house. Monica was there as was Honey.



October 19 - Monday

Went to the movies with Lita, Tita Chat and Mercy - “The Visit” - terrific movie!



October 22 - Thursday

George’s stepfather died today. Went to pay respects this afternoon. Mass tomorrow. Went to see G.C. at hospital. (No idea who "G.C." was.)



October 23 - Friday

Mass for George’s father.



October 24 - Saturday - Mom’s birthday

Went to Yan’s house this evening with Lita, Mercy and Honey. Had a fairly pleasant evening. Honey can always make me go soft around the edges.



October 25 - Sunday

Took Emil to the movies. Went to Mercy’s house later. Chatted with Honey. Dinner at home with la familia - Delicious turkey dinner cooked by Dad.



October 26 - Monday

Dinner at Tita Trining’s house. Chatted the whole night with Mon Legarda.

September 14 - 26, 1964

September 14 - Monday


Honey’s birthday. I went to Mercy’s house and wished Honey a hb. He always was and always will be a darling!

September 15 - Tuesday

Had to go to Guy Cooper’s house to type script for Macapagal interview. Went home at 2:15 AM!!


September 16 - Wednesday

Malacanang this morning for filming of Macapagal with crew and staff of PAI. I saw Cliff who was breakfasting there with bankers and the president. Met Secretary Hechanova and the president, of course! We have to return tomorrow. Merche gossiped to me that Joe’s love in his life is Pearly Arcache - Well!!

September 17 - Thursday

Continued filming the interview of President today. It was very exciting. Not many get to see the inner workings of the Palace and it was very thrilling.


September 18 - Friday

Cliff called to confirm tomorrow’s date. Ate in Mercy’s house. Honey and George were there. Everyone was in a good mood. Went out with Italian officers with Mercy, Betsy and Pinka.


September 19 - Saturday

Cocktails and dinner with Cliff. Sulo later. Party at Barredo’s house for Jigger.


September 20 - Sunday

Got invited for a date by Italian officer but could not go. Went to Mass with Mercy this morning. Saw Noel at Mass. Typed all afternoon and evening at Cooper’s house. ( the Cooper I refer to here was my boss at the time - Guy Cooper)  I am bushed!


September 21 - Monday

Typed again all morning at Cooper’s house. (Oh where were computers and word processors then?! I remember typing the long script for the documentary we were filiming for President Macapagal's visit to the US, and advertising scenes. I never was so tired.) Haven’t see Joey and Jose Mari in a week! Strangely enough I miss Joe. Am not feeling too well.



September 22 - Tuesday

Called Conchita to wish her a happy birthday. Also called Joe about polo pictures. Monica called me and Mercy had supper with me at home. Gave material to dressmakers for two dresses. Was called by MTG to do prompting for next play.



September 23 - Wednesday

Dinner with Cliff this evening. Werner and Marianne’s anniversary. Joe left the polo pictures at home. Missed him this noon. Nice evening with Cliff. Met Danny and Ising Vasquez at dinner.



September 24 - Thursday

Mercy’s birthday. Had dinner at her house.



September 25 - Friday

Went to dentist to have molar pulled this noon. Skipped office this afternoon. Feel awful!



September 26 - Saturday

Went to beauty parlor and stayed home. Later went to the movies with Mom and Mercy - we saw “The Pink Panther.” It was a riot. Peter Sellers made me laugh so much I cried. We had a snack at Tasa de Oro.

August 30 - September 13, 1964

August 30 - Sunday


Date with Cliff. Went to take pictures at Urdaneta. Valley Golf Club, MTG, “Dr. Strangelove,” Omelette House and back home at 10:30.



August 31 - Monday

Joey brought me home from Mass. What a day!!!! (Oh, what did I mean by what a day?)



September 1 - Tuesday

Joey and Jose Mari brought me home from Mass.



September 2 - Wednesday

Missed Joey at Mass. Went to MTG and watched rehearsal for ???(can’t understand what I wrote). Got home at 12:30 AM.



September 3 - Thursday

Missed Joey again at Mass. (Methinks I just went to Mass at Ateneo to see Joey Escaler.) Called Yan to wish him a happy birthday. MTG reading for “Silver Whistle.” Chatted with Tony Rand for a while. (I remember Tony - tall, dark and handsome!)



September 4 - Friday

Called Joey to ask for Jose Mari’s phone number. He called me back. For the umpteenth time - lucky girl who gets him.



September 5 - Saturday

Full dress rehearsal for “OMWF” (Still don’t know what that means!) Took care of “house” tonight at MTG. Tony invited me for a drink at the Anchor Bar.



September 6 - Sunday

Joey - movie with Mercy. Joe - date with Monica. Saw Joey at Mass. Stayed home all day. At least I’ve settled down for one day. (Who was I fooling?!!! “Settled down” indeedy. Joey and Joe out on dates and me home - hah!!)



September 7 - Monday

Opening night of “Once More With Feeling” (Finally figured it out!) I did not go to Mass today for the first time in months! (Those dates yesterday really killed my religious fervor didn’t they.)



September 8 - Tuesday

Jose Marie was at the play tonight. Had a lovely chat with him. Lita ushered at the play tonight.



September 9 - Wednesday

Joey and Jose Mari were at Mass today. I think I annoyed Joey today. Conchita ushered for the play tonight.



September 10 - Thursday

Joey wasn’t at Mass today. Maribel and Dita ushered tonight.



September 11 - Friday

Joey and Jose Mari brought me home from Mass.



September 12 - Saturday

Cast party. I had the most wonderful evening in my life! Joe and Monica and Joey and I went to Alba’s. (Goes to show where I was, I am Joey's date and Monica is with Joe - almost incestuous isn't it?!!! and yet "the most wonderful evening of my life" - still the drama queen but still curious as to why it was that wonderful? Or maybe I just wrote it down that way because I really don't remember doing this foresome but you would think I would remember a date with Joey.  The more I think that I was Joe's date and Monica Joey's)



September 13 - Sunday

Opening of NCAA. La Salle beat Ateneo! Mercy went with Joey to the game.

August 1 - 29, 1964

August 1 - Saturday


One very lousy day - all because of M.S. (Did I mean Mitch Schlachterman? How annoying that I wasn’t as descriptive in this small diary that I was in my previous journals. I am curious as to what Mitch did.) Honey is a darling, anyway.



August 2 - Sunday

Went with Joey to Joe’s house this evening. Joey is tops. Tony Rand was there, etc., etc. Joe took me home. I wish I knew where this was all going.....????



August 3 - Monday

Mercy tells me that the whole world is mad at me for not picking up Monica yesterday. (Good heavens, did they think I was going to share Joey or Joe with Monica?! As in the Morris in Baguio fiasco, when some attractive guy paid particular attention to me, everyone else went up in arms! Looking back on this I wish I hadn’t been such a wuss and told them all where they could go. But I was such a goody two-shoes. As I’ve said before, I was really pathetic. But man did I learn!) I was supposed to go horseback riding with Joe but didn’t. Went to Lita’s house to see Carmen and leave gift for baby.



August 4 - Tuesday

Joey and Joe came home last night and stayed a while. They met Mommy. Joe was in very good spirits and some day, some very lucky girl will have Joey Escaler as her husband.



August 6 - Thursday

Maribel gave me a lovely dress and terry cloth blouse. She’s so sweet. Joey took Mercy and I to Monica’s house and later invited us to dinner at Aristocrat. Anthony joined us. Had a marvelous evening.



August 7 - Friday

Mercy and I went to Mass today. We were stuck with no transportation. Went to confession. Did not go to work this pm. I miss Joe and did not see Joey today.



August 8 - Saturday

Dita picked me up. Went to Mercy’s house. Stayed till past 11.



August 9 - Sunday

Mercy, Dita, Betina and I went to the Rizal to see “The Long Ships.” Later went to Mercy’s house. Monica, Honey and George were there. Crazy evening.



August 10 - Monday

Joey was not at Mass today. Went grocery shopping with Dad.



August 11 - Tuesday

Joey not at Mass again today.





August 12 - Wednesday

Joey at Mass today. Date this evening with Joe Vincent. Dinner at his home. I had a very, very, nice evening!!! (I have an asterisk by this entry in my original notation, which means the evening was extra fantastic. And since this is another evening I remember very, very distinctly, it was a real “wow” night.)



August 13 - Thursday

MTG tonight. Helmut brought me home.



August 14 - Friday

Joey brought Maribel and I home from Mass. He’s so sweet. Spent the evening at Mercy’s house.



August 15 - Saturday

Joey and Joe were both at Mass. Ate lunch with Joe at Summit. Later in the evening we went to see “Honeymoon Hotel” with Joey, Rosarito, Noel and Ong. After the movie, we went to Sulo. Saw Carmen, Marivicky and escorts. Also Betina and Chu-Chu. How different Joey and Joe are!



August 16 - Sunday

Went to Mass in the afternoon with Mom and later a movie. I’m so mixed up and to think I brought it on myself.



August 17 - Monday

Joey and Jose Mari brought me home from Mass. Mercy goes out on a date with Joey tonight. I wish I would use my head sometimes.



August 19 - Wednesday

Went to Mass. Later Mercy and I went to Dita’s house. Movie at Rizal with Maribel and gang. In the evening we went to Joey’s beach house.



August 21 - Friday

Today party at Joe’s house also at Miren’s house. Did not go to either. (Gosh, this irritates me! Why in heaven’s name did I not go to these parties??!! I’m not surprised I didn’t go to Miren’s but Joe’s??? I guess I’ll never know.) Went to the movies with Mom. (Maybe I actually preferred to be with my mother?) I miss Joey. (Ah, maybe I had fallen for Joey Escaler but was enjoying JV’s attentions. No wonder I wonder about using my head in my entry a few days earlier!)



August 22 - Saturday

Nena Marti Elizalde gave birth to a baby boy yesterday!!! Joey arrives tomorrow.



(Ah, now I remember another big event in 1963 which I recorded about amply in missing diary - the wedding of Nena Marti to Manda Elizalde and the debacle of my beautiful dress which I had made especially for the wedding. I was also going as Nacho’s date. But just as my mother was trying to zip up my dress, it wouldn’t close. There was almost an inch missing between the zipper. It seems the maid had steamed ironed it and it shrank!!! The dress was a beautiful white chiffon dress with a green velvet waist band, a sleeveless scooped top, low scooped back. But the top wasn’t chiffon, only the skirt. The top was a shimmery material that obviously wasn’t meant to be ironed. I had nothing else to wear to the wedding of the year in Manila. All of Manila’s Spanish society would be there and I had no choice but to call up Nacho and tell him I couldn’t go. One of the worse moments up to then of my life. Now it seems almost silly but it was surely a big deal then!)



August 23 - Sunday

Monica’s house this evening. Mercy, Monica, Joey, Honey, Joe, George, Anthony, Mitch and I. D-Day in August!!!!!! (Why D-Day in August?? I wish I had explained but looking at the people there, it must’ve been a very interesting evening. However, though I remember being in Monica’s house with this illustrious group I have no recollection of what occurred that night. Sayang.)



August 24 - Monday

Saw Maribel at Mass. Joey wasn’t there. Went to Monica’s house this evening to watch Dad’s interview with Gemma Cruz. (My dad interviewed Gemma Cruz?!!!)



August 25 - Tuesday

Joey brought me home today. It’s fantastic what he can do to my system.



August 26 - Wednesday

Had lunch at Maribel’s house with Mercy. Joey brought us there. My dear Honey stricken sick!!!



August 27 - Thursday

Mom and Dad at MOPC (Manila Overseas Press Club) this evening for dinner. Went to Lufthansa to pick up Mercy. Mercy and I went to Syvels to buy shoes. Dropped in at Joey’s office and he took us to Mercy’s house. Spent evening with Honey who feels awful, poor guy. Blackout for an hour.



August 28 - Friday

MTG ticket selling this noon. Went to Mercy’s house and spent time keeping Honey company.



August 29 - Saturday

Spent the evening with Honey again. Mercy had another date with Joey!

July 21 - 31, 1964

July 21 - Tuesday


This evening - party at Joey’s beach house. Wonderful evening. (I don’t have an entry about this little incident that day but I remember it vividly so I will share - as I walked into the house, I didn’t know the door was a glass door and banged my whole face and body into it. I didn’t really hurt myself but was thoroughly embarrassed. Of course, my best friend Mercy was with me and in a fit of nervous embarrassment, began to laugh and laugh.)



July 22 - Wednesday

Went to Magnolia’s for merienda with Mercy and Dita. Bill Kane called me to do prompting for the new play. I said yes but will call him back and say I can’t do it.



July 23 - Thursday - Public Holiday

Merienda at Sulo. Then beauty parlor. Mercy ate lunch at Dita’s house. Monica’s house twice with Emil and Dita’s sisters. Arno there with Monica. (Arno was still around??!!!) Evening at Mercy’s house. Honey and co. there. George and Mercy brought me home.



July 24 - Friday

Cliff called me up for dinner date on Monday, also Tuesday but declined.



July 25 - Saturday

Holiday Hills and horseback riding with Joey, Dita, Anyang and Joey’s two little cousins. Went to see German ship with Helmut, later to Sulo. Very tired. Had a wonderful day at Holiday Hills.



July 26 - Sunday

Ate lunch at Swiss Inn. Spent afternoon and evening at Mercy’s house. Mitch, Monica and George were there too. Hay veces que tengo ganas de comerle a Honey entero.



July 27 - Monday

Dinner with Cliff. Had a very pleasant evening. Sulo for a nightcap. Home at 11:30.



July 28 - Tuesday

Rudy returns and so does Maribel. Missed Joey today at Mass.



July 29 - Wednesday

Joe returned today. Ate lunch at Mercy’s house. Rudy came to the office brought me five pretty hair bands as pasalubong. Joe called me tonight.



July 30 - Thursday

Date with Joe tonight. Went to Marcos, Alba’s. Didn’t realize until tonight that I had missed him so much.





July 31 - Friday

Asked Joey if he could pick me up and take me to Joe’s house on Sunday. Cliff called for two dates but declined both. Went shopping bought dress and stretch pants. George took me home from Mercy’s house. Honey was there.

July 1 - 20, 1964

July 1 - Wednesday


Ate lunch with Maribel, Tonichi and Cha-Cha Tuason at Alba’s. Went to bed early, did not feel well.



July 2 - Thursday

“Gigi” postponed indefinitely. The typhoon really wrecked everything! Pilar Franco left for Spain. Joey brought me home from Mass. He and Jose Mari are just the best or have I said that before?



July 3 - Friday

“Gigi” resumes. Joey brought Mercy, Maribel and I home from Mass.



July 4 - Saturday

Went to the beauty parlor then Mass with Mercy and Maribel. Joey took us home. Went to the ANC for a minute. Talked to Bruce Esterline, Gail and Marie. MTG this evening. Mercy, Maribel, Joey and Dita went to see the play.



July 5 - Sunday

Went to Mass with Mercy and Maribel and we had lunch at Maribel’s house. Then later, all of us including Monica, Joey, Noel and Jose Mari went to the airport, races and Wack-Wack. MTG in the evening.



July 7 - Tuesday

Cast party for “Gigi.” Stayed till 4 AM. Earlier had lunch with Maribel and there was a party at Schlachterman house for Nadia. She leaves for Hong Kong tomorrow.



July 8 - Wednesday

Joey brought me home from Mass as usual but he was pensive and quiet and that was unusual for him.



July 9 - Thursday

I think the nicest thing about Joe Vincent is Joey. (I actually wrote this and remember thinking it. Then and even now.) I had merienda at Mercy’s house with Maribel.



July 10 - Friday

Lilliana’s party. Date with Cliff. Very pleasant evening. We went there and also to Sulo and Shangrila.



July 11 - Saturday - My Nana Laura’s Birthday

I sent a telegram to my Nana. Mercy’s house this afternoon. Lita and Conchita were there too as well as George and Mitch. Those 2 and Honey are just yummy!



July 12 - Sunday

Mass with Mercy. She and I had lunch at home and later we spent a little time with Honey and George. Mercy, Dita, Maribel and I went to Monica’s house - then to Polo, Dita’s house, then Supermart where we met Diego and Inaki, etc. Finished day at Mercy’s house.



July 13 - Monday

Cliff called up the house to have something translated. Joey and Jose Mari brought Maribel and I home from Mass. Joey said he saw us yesterday. Movie “What A Way To Go” with Mom.



July 14 - Tuesday

Mass with Maribel. J. and JM brought me home. Met Michael Lee this afternoon. (???)
Inaki and Maribel brought me home.



July 15 - Wednesday

Invited Joey and Jose Mari for dinner tomorrow night. Received a card from Cliff. I called up the rest of the gang.



July 16 - Thursday - my 20th!

Received present from office staff. Went shopping this afternoon and bought a pair of shoes and unmentionables. Cliff called for a date on Saturday but declined because I’m off to Nasucbu. Came home this afternoon and found that Joey and Jose Mari sent me a dozen long-stemmed red roses with a card that said “....de tus primos..” !!! I also got a cake from Maribel. Everyone I invited came this evening and everything turned out well. Honey and Joey are darling.



July 17 - Friday

Barry Goldwater won GOP nomination. Joey and Jose Mari gave me a birthday card. Went to see Maribel off with Joey. I am beginning to like him too much.



July 18 - Saturday

Mercy, Dita and I went to Supermart. Stayed in Mercy’s house this afternoon.



July 19 - Sunday

Gathering at Monica’s house. Movie with Mercy and Dita. Dita likes Joey. (Who didn’t??!!!)



July 20 - Monday

Joey told me today that Joe returns on the 29th. Big deal. Small gathering at his house tomorrow. Mercy sick today.

June 18 - 29, 1964

June 18 - Thursday


MTG (Manila Theater Guild) tonight. Lita came with me. Joey took the trouble of bringing me home from Mass. Can’t say enough nice things about him.



June 19 - Friday Rizal’s Birthday - Holiday

Saw Joey with Margie Ansaldo. Went shopping with Monica, Lita and Mercy.



June 20 - Saturday

Went to see “Christine” with Mom.



June 21 - Sunday

Selling tickets for “Gigi” at ANC (for MTG). Mass with Mercy. Saw Honey and George. Date this evening with Helmut and Klaus for dinner.



June 22 - Monday

Lunch with Maribel after Mass. Joey and Jose Mari dropped us at Za’s. Finished MTG rehearsal (Gigi) at 8 pm. Received letter from Cosme.



June 23 - Tuesday

Saw Joey at Mass but left before he did. Did not go for MTG rehearsal. Stayed at Mercy’s house with Maribel.



June 24 - Wednesday

Mass with Mercy at noon. Monica and Yan at home later. Dropped Mercy at her house and MTG this evening.



June 25 - Thursday

Joey brought Maribel and I to her house and we had lunch there. Later we went to Pedrito’s, Inaki’s office, Lufthansa, Za’s and last to MTG.



June 26 - Friday - Joey Escaler’s birthday

Did not see him today.



June 27 - Saturday

George plays his debut game at Jai-Alai tonight. Rehearsals for ‘Gigi”. Helmut stayed for the whole thing!



June 28 - Sunday - Maribel Bona’s birthday

(How sad that these two nice people - Joey and Maribel - whose birthdays are 2 days apart have both died in the prime of their lives. This is so sad.) Dinner at Maribel’s house. Joey was there. Dita Veloso brought me home.



June 29 - Monday

Opening night for “Gigi.” Ate lunch at Selecta with Joey, Jose Mari and Maribel. This evening Typhoon Dading (one of the worst typhoons I’ve ever experienced) passed through Manila. Trees were falling over the place, streets flooded, the lights went out. Helmut and I watched it all from the Men’s Bar (ANC) and it was all horribly fascinating. The play went on to the end by candlelight!! No phones, no electricity till now. (This night and the typhoon and watching mango trees fly by the lawn at the ANC is a clear, clear memory and one I won’t forget. I remember hearing the galvanized roofing of the ANC (a couple of stories above us) and thinking it must be ripping. I remember the play going on only with candles and I also remember that I finally found someone to take me home - I think it was in Lita’s car, but am not 100% sure. A night to remember (and we were used to typhoons) surely. In today’s measuring - a category 5 hurricane at least!)

June 5 - 17, 1964

June 5 - Friday


Daddy back from Mindoro. Lunch with Maribel and Mercy. Monica had dinner at home.



June 6 - Saturday

Litton residence for semi-formal party. Wish I had stayed home. Talked to Mercy on the phone and both agreed Joey IS a darling!



June 7 - Sunday

Stayed in Mercy’s house all evening. Mitch brought me home.



June 8 - Monday - Mitch Schlachterman’s birthday

Joey brought me home from Mass. Dinner at Mitch’s house. Couldn’t go because I couldn’t leave Mom alone. Couldn’t meet Nadia at American School this morning.



June 9 - Tuesday

Ate lunch at Mercy’s house. Saw Honey. Monica at home this evening for a while. Mercy said George appeared with Diane at Mitch’s house yesterday - fireworks!!!!



June 10 - Wednesday

Ate at “Tasa de Oro” by myself today. Maribel came home with me and stayed for a few minutes. I wish I knew if Joe got my telegram.



June 11 - Thursday

American School merienda with Nadia and Yan. (As in some of my entries that I have distinct clear memories off, this last one I don’t even have a glimmer of recollection doing and I don’t even know why.) Played Scrabble at home tonight.



June 12 - Friday - Philippine Independence Day

Went to see “Sunday In New York” with Yan, Mari, etc.



June 13 - Saturday - Feast of St. Anthony of Padua

Stayed home all day. (Milagro!)



June 14 - Sunday

Had lunch at Mercy’s house. Mass with her and George in the afternoon. Movie later - all of us and Monica. Dinner at Mercy’s house.



June 15 - Monday

MTG - 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Saw Cliff, Lev and Helmut. Jose Mari Cortes is not as bad as I thought. He really is quite nice. Joey brought me home from Mass at Ateneo.



June 16 - Tuesday

Joey brought me home again today. He is such a darling. Maribel came home for a while this afternoon. She stayed till 7.



June 17 - Wednesday

MTG meeting and practice at 7:30 for Production crew. Joey brought me home yet again from Mass with Maribel. Can any guy be any nicer?!

May 23 - June 3, 1964

May 23 - Saturday


Went to St. Pauls with Linda and Kathy Hinkley. Later to Mercy’s house and stayed all day. Mercy had a date with Joey Escaler. Had a nice little chat with Honey during dinner and later with him and George. Cliff called me up to invite me to Los Banos and declined again. Susan Reyes and Mary Ann Ojeda all mentioned Joe (Avelino) today at St. Paul’s.



May 24 - Sunday

Arrival of Tita Marianne and Monica. Saw her at Mercy’s house. Ate merienda with George. Mercy and I had a long chat. Later George drove me home and threw V’s ring out the window!!! (Who in the heck was V?? Oh wait, was it Vergie? Yes, that’s it!!)



May 25 - Monday

Maribel dropped me off at Ateneo. Met and talked with R. Lane. R. Henson dropped me home. (Again, no idea who the latter two were.)



May 26 - Tuesday

Went to Malate Church for funeral Mass for Lita Fernandez’s mother. Maricar dropped me home after Mass this noon. Monica and Mercy will have supper with me tonight.



May 27 - Wednesday

Maribel, Mercy and I went to Mass together and then had lunch at Cucina Italiana.



May 28 - Thursday

Maribel had lunch with me at home.



May 29 - Friday

Ate lunch at Maribel’s house. Monica was at my house this evening and Linda Hinkley leaves for US.



May 30 - Saturday

Cosmos Inauguration with Dad. Met Senator Manglapus.



May 31 - Sunday

Date with Cliff and Len. Monica with us. Visited Los Banos. Saw the little hospital where I was born. Still exists. Very emotional. Should have gone with Mom and Dad.



June 1 - Monday

Saw Joey Escaler at Mass at Ateneo. Ramon Henson asked me if I wanted to join La Salle College play. Talked to Maribel. Talked to Nadia about job. Talked to Yan also. Joe Vincent plays polo in game in Honolulu today.



June 2 - Tuesday

Mr. Harvey called and asked me to do props for next MTG play.





June 3 - Wednesday

Dad left for Mindoro and the maid quit. I stayed home and helped Mom. This pm I was at the office and sent telegram to Joe. Saw Honey at Acme. Mercy says Joey got a letter from Joe. (As I type this I sadly remember that Joey Escaler (one of the nicest guys ever) and Maribel Bona have both passed away. Far too young but in 1964, we were all young, good looking and were going to live forever!)

April 27 - May 22, 1964

April 27 - Monday


Didn’t go to work. This afternoon Mercy called.



April 28 - Tuesday

I spent the evening at Mercy’s house. It was an especially nice evening mainly because Honey was there.



April 29 - Wednesday

Received postcard from Rudy and Mimi from Hong Kong.



April 30 - Thursday

Dinner at Litton house. Merienda at Za’s Café with Honey, George and Mercy.



May 1 - Friday - Labor Day

I spent the whole day at Mercy’s house and boy what a day!



May 2 - Saturday

Mercy had lunch at my house.



May 3 - Sunday

Went to Maligaya Beach with Mercy, George, Lita and Morris. Honey did not go. (Good heavens, I remember this disastrous outing. For me, anyway. Just look at the two couples and me by myself. And Honey not there. Truly pathetic!) Movies in the evening with Emil and Tito Eugenio.



May 4 - Monday

Went to the movies with Mom.



May 5 - Tuesday

Mercy and George at home this evening.



May 7 - Thursday

Mercy’s house this afternoon.



May 8 - Friday

Mercy and I merienda at Za’s Café. Got pictures of Roaring 20s party.



May 9 - Saturday

One lousy day.



May 10 - Sunday

Another one.



May 14 - Thursday

Ate lunch at Mercy’s house. I must really care for Honey. He and Mercy had a bad row. Dinner at Escaler home.



May 15 - Friday

I had a wonderful evening last night. Joe Vincent is darling. Asked me for a date today. Refused. (Why, I wonder?!!)  Sunday instead. Also got paid today.

May 16 - Saturday

Joe Vincent called up for me but couldn’t talk to him. Stayed in Mercy’s house this evening.



May 17 - Sunday -

Date with Joe Vincent with Maribel Bona and Anthony Trillo. I had a wonderful evening. (And did I mention a first kiss at the end of my 1962 diary entries? Yes JV was the one. The interesting thing is that though I obviously started dating because I had gone out with Cliff and others from the MTG, I never thought of those dates as pivotal. I guess the reason is now obvious.)



May 18 - Monday

Maribel dropped me off at Ateneo. She said she had a nice evening last night too. Ate merienda at Mercy’s house. Declined date with Joe today but he called to confirm for tomorrow. Honey really surprises me at times. (I do wish I had explained these cryptic remarks of mine.)



May 19 - Tuesday

Date with Joe Vincent with Joey Escaler and Rosarito Caro. Went to Champagne Room, Playboy’s Penthouse, Alba’s, Shangrila and Continental. (Did JV know how to show a girl a good time or what?!) Met Joe’s father Johnny who was with Elvira Manahan. (Elvira Manahan - who knew that many years later I would be visiting Manila, staying with Mercy only for us all to be shocked by the news of her murder!) Lovely evening.



May 20 - Wednesday

Joe leaves today for the States. To coin a phrase - “It was nice while it lasted.”



May 21 - Thursday

Maribel and I went to the Acme for a moment and later she dropped me off at Mercy’s house. I only stayed a while.



May 22 - Friday

Movies with Yan and Chiqui and Mommy.

March 11 - April 26, 1964

March 11 - Wednesday


Mercy’s house this afternoon.



March 12 - Thursday Butch Catala’s birthday

Rudy invited me to go to Baguio. Went to the hospital, saw Rudy this morning.



March 13 - Friday

Maricar’s house. Despedida. I can go to Baguio!



March 15 - Sunday

Payday.



March 17 - Tuesday - Dad is 50 years old today.



March 18 - Wednesday

Left for Baguio at 4 AM with Mimi Ledesma and the kids.



March 19 to 30 in Baguio



March 24 - Tuesday

Saw Honey at the Baguio Country Club.



March 25 - Wednesday

Went to the Lopez house with Honey, Pocholo, etc.



March 28 - Holy Saturday

At the Country Club. Saw Joe Vincent at the Country Club



March 29 - Sunday

Camp John Hay



March 31 - Tuesday

Payday.



April 2 - Thursday

Opening night of “The Bad Seed.”



April 4 - Saturday

After the play, Litton house.



April 7 - Tuesday

Went to see Phil Am Films lab with Rudy. Tito Eddie Viaplana died today. We all went to La Salle chapel this evening.



April 8 - Wednesday

Lita returns from Spain. (And this is why Lita nor Luli are not mentioned until now - both had gone to Spain. I don’t remember if Luli ever returned to Manila or stayed in Spain.) Mass at the La Salle Chapel for Tito Eddie.

April 9 - Thursday

At Mercy’s house this evening.



April 10 - Friday

“The Bad Seed” still playing - Margie, Chiqui went to see it. The play last night has its best showing. I called up Fifi and Jeanne to congratulate them.



April 12 - Sunday

Yan’s house with Mercy and George.



April 13 - Monday

Ate lunch at Mercy’s house.



April 14 - Tuesday

Said novena for Tito Eddie this pm. Saw Pocholo Lozano at Ateneo.



April 15 - Wednesday

Payday.



April 17 - Friday

Lunch at Mercy’s house. Deposited 20 pesos at OBM. Dinner at Ramos’ house for EBR, Jr.’s birthday. Cliff called this morning.



April 18 - Saturday

Dinner for Lita at Sarthou home.



April 21 - Tuesday

Margie’s graduation. (I expect this is Margie Gonzalez)



April 24 - Friday

Rudy leaves for 4 months.



April 26 - Sunday

“Roaring 20s” party at Schlachterman house. Will I finally have to fake it?! (I have no bloody idea what I meant when writing this. However, the Roaring 20s party was a blast and I have a couple of pictures to prove it. Another hot night for me as I remember and by that I mean that I looked pretty good and the guys like Honey, etc were pretty attentive. I didn’t write this down but that party is another of my distinct memories.)

February 22 - March 8, 1964

February 22 - Saturday


Mercy, Honey, Butch, Yan and I went to Beli’s party. It was pretty crowded. When Honey disappeared with Mildred for a while, the green-eyed monster appeared again. He later assured me that he was only typing something – it still bugged me.


February 24 - Monday

Guy Cooper returns from LA today at 10:45 pm.  (Guy Cooper was the director/production manager of the company I worked for.  We produced television commercials and documentaries - more notably San Miguel, Sarsi commercials (the San Miguel commercial won an international prize!) and we produced the documentary about the Philippines, etc. when Macapagal visited the US.)



February 26 - Wednesday

I had dinner with Cliff at Alba’s and then we went to an MTG meeting. Later we went to the “Safari.” I had the usual nice evening but again I kept wishing it was Honey instead of Cliff and it isn’t fair to Cliff at all, but I can’t help it.



February 28 - Friday

Mike invited me to go with him to Baguio on Sunday. Is he nuts?!!! Declined.



February 29 - Saturday

Payday. Party at Litton home.



March 3 - Tuesday

Cliff invited me to a Sunday outing. Declined.



March 4 - Wednesday

Spent the evening at Mercy’s house.



March 5 - Thursday

Attended premier of “Walls of Hell” with George, Yan, Mitch, etc.



March 6 - Friday

Lunch at Mercy’s house.



March 7 - Saturday

Purim Ball. Did not go ....Played Scrabble and ate dinner at Mercy’s house. Very nice evening!!



March 8 - Sunday Nena Marti and Carlos Garcia - birthdays

Yan’s house this afternoon.

February 3 - 19, 1964

February 3 - Monday


Cliff called.


February 4 - Tuesday

George took me to the movies to see “Take Her She’s Mine.” Saw Mrs. Rindler and Cliff. (George took ME to a movie? By myself??)


February 5 - Wednesday

Talked with Yan and Mitch over the phone.



February 6 - Thursday

MTG at 6:30. (MTG stands for Manila Theater Guild - the drama group at the Army and Navy Club.)



February 8 - Saturday

Went to Elisa Llamoglia’s debut with Honey, Mercy, Yan, Mitch and Nadia. The food was the best I’ve ever eaten yet and we had champagne and Chianti. I was a teeny bit high and Honey looked so handsome in his blue suit. (40 plus years later, Elisa sent me copies of the picture of that prom and I looked pretty good. Honey is sitting beside me at the table. Why I don’t say more about that evening is beyond me but I can see that my long diary entries are over. One liners from here on and sporadic at that.)



February 17 - Monday

After the play I went to the “Woodshed” with Mike. Kim (ugh) and Fifi joined us later. I think Kim is the ikkiest there is!  (I'd give anything to remember who Kim was.  I know she/he? worked at "Production Associates" with me but I'll be darned if I remember him.  I do remember Mike.  Gosh, how I wish I hadn't lost my 1963 diary.  It would clarify so much!)



February 19 - Wednesday

Today we went to Lido Beach. It was fun except I think I’m terribly jealous of Merche. If I saw Honey talking to her too much I’d suddenly get depressed. Honey looked good enough to eat in black trunks and slightly sun-burned on his face. (Yeah, that would’ve done it for me though saying a guy looked good enough to eat wouldn’t be so innocent said today. In my day planner - Mercy wrote over the entry “BLAST” for this day. I wonder what was going on with her. Obviously I was to engrossed with her brother’s comings and goings to write about hers.)

Once again, I am reminding all that this "diary" was more of notes I wrote on a date-book planner, not a real diary like in the past, hence I've skipped some days.  It maddens me that I was not as expansive in explaining events and feelings this year but I was too in a hurry to be an "adult" and get on with life's adventures.  Had I only known.....

Januaary 23 - February 1, 1964

January 23 - Thursday


Today, Chuck, Rudi and I ate lunch together at the “Summit” restaurant. Mercy read me Cosme’s letter over the phone. Mom and I went shopping this evening and I bought a pair of shoes and a handbag.



January 24 - Friday

I went to the reading of “The Bad Seed” at the ANC. I’m to be prompter again. I wonder if Cliff will do anything this time. (“Under the Yum-Yum Tree” the play at the Manila Theater Guild where I met Cliff (he played the “Hogan” the lead character and I was prompter) took place some time in the fall of 1963.) Met Wendy and Dick there while waiting for Dad to pick me up. I also saw George Jacob. We went to Tita Trining’s house this evening. Carmita looks better than I’ve ever seen her - twenty years younger. Mercy informed me that Dinny Manotoc will invite her to the Junior Prom. Lucky her - my dream would be to go with Honey - hah!



January 25 - Saturday

This has been one of those days. I guess the root of everything is that Honey is taking Angela Araneta to the prom. (Did he really take her after all?! I don’t even know who Angela Araneta is - Linggoy’s sister, maybe?) I know I shouldn’t care but darned it, I do! I wasn’t very pleasant to Honey this evening either. Instead of acting mature and sensible about this, I’m acting like a foolish adolescent. I wouldn’t like me either.



January 26 - Sunday

I ate lunch at Mercy’s house this noon. In the afternoon, Yan came and I took pictures of the Muniosguren clan - Maripi, Mercy, Emil, Tito Eugenio. We also played Scrabble. I called George up and he called me back. I invited him to my house for Valentine’s Day. (?????) This evening we all went to the Cojuangco residence for a party. Keney came with us. He looked especially yummy tonight. He danced a slow dance with Jo-Ann Murphy and I must admit I was green with envy. (All these people were introduced into my life in 1963 but since I lost the diary from that year, I can’t remember who they are and interestingly enough, why did we all go to the Cojuangco home?!!!) We ate a delicious supper. Mercy told me that Honey has asked her again why I cried on New Year’s Eve. And I would like to know why he’s so interested or even cares. (Now, I remember why I cried on New Year’s Eve 1964, but I’m still not telling. What I don’t remember is if Mercy knew but if my memory serves me right, she didn’t know either. Now I know, she really didn’t care. Honey being the smart cookie that he is and who always has been sensitive to my sensitivities, I think at the back of his 20 year old mind, he sort of knew. But unless Honey asks me, the reason why will go with me to the grave.)



January 27 - Monday

This evening I went to the Ramos residence in Marikina. It’s one of the liveliest homes I’ve ever seen. I met the Ramos’s youngest daughter, Susan, who is very sweet and charming. She also happens to be Angela Araneta’s classmate. Mr. Ramos asked me to invite Cliff next time. Very pleasant evening.





January 31 - Friday

Today I had my hair cut and I’m quite happy I did. It doesn’t look bad at all. Mercy liked it and Honey says its alright. Went to Anne Murphy’s house this evening. Jo-Anne tells us that Cynthia Lebrun and Angela Araneta spent the entire time fighting over Honey. Actually, I think Jo-Anne likes him too. (Didn’t every red-blooded female in Manila “like” Honey Muniosguren at one time or another?!!) We played “Charades.” Honey, Yan and I against everyone else.



February 1 - Saturday

Tita Chat took pictures of me today. I hope, for once, that they come out good. Tonight is La Salle’s Junior-Senior Prom. Mercy has gone with Dinny Manotoc and Honey with Angela Araneta. (Guess he did go with her after all. I’m laughing at myself this minute as I type this because, it STILL bugs me!)* I was at Mercy’s house this afternoon. (Am I a glutton for punishment, or what!)

*Remember that anything in bold and italics included in the diary entries (this year as well as the past 1961, 1962), I added when I was transcribing these diaries in 2005 and brought the printed copies to Manila in 2006.  Now I may think differently, but if I changed anything  I would not be true to my thoughts in the early 60s when I wrote my diaries, or 2005 when I transcribed them.

January 13 - 22, 1964

January 13 - Monday


I enjoyed “The Nurses” tonight. I really have nothing important to say. I saw Dick on the way home. It’s been a pretty depressing day. I fixed up my closets and spoke to Mercy over the phone. Lousy day.



January 14 - Tuesday

I had a very nice day at the office. Mercy came home this evening and we chatted until she left at 7:30. As usual the pendulum of our conversation kept swinging from Honey to George to Honey and back to George. They’re playing “The Way You Look Tonight” over the radio. I wonder what Cliff thinks of Saturday. I’m frankly curious. (And, I frankly don’t know what I was wondering or curious about.) I long for Honey’s company again.



January 15 - Wednesday

Payday today and I bought film for my camera. Dad took a picture of me with his Polaroid camera. (And I still have that picture in my album. One of my favorite pictures taken of me - I’m standing relaxed and happy, smiling at my father, wearing a striped sleeveless shirt and white shorts. I remember the moment as if it were yesterday.) I was just imagining while taking a bath, that of all the guys I have liked stood before me and asked me to dance like - Cliff, Carlos, Cosme, Mitch, Nacho, Arno and Honey - the guy I would say yes to without hesitation is Honey.



January 16 - Thursday

My godmother (Esther Arana) was home this noon before I got home. She brought me a pretty gold bracelet from Spain. (Oh, that lovely bracelet - it just evoked a string of memories - more importantly that Cliff exchanged the 4 pink opal beads on it with pearls in Japan and I added the solid gold coin my father gave me when Frances was born to it. Only to take it off on Christmas morning of 1967 lay it on the table, then forgot about it, scooped up all the Christmas wrappings (bracelet among them) and dumped in the incinerator! One of the things I’ve lost that to this day, fills me with remorse.) Margotin left me her album of her debut to see and will eat lunch here at home tomorrow. Mercy came home this afternoon and we chatted as usual about Honey and George. We ate merienda at “Tasa de Oro.” Poor Chuck is quite in love with his girlfriend and doesn’t know whether to march to the altar or not. Mr. Cooper leaves tomorrow for Los Angeles. I’ll miss him. Hope to very much see Honey tomorrow.



January 17 - Friday

I spent the whole evening with Honey, Chiqui and Albert. Mercy had a date. We played Scrabble. The subject of Muneca came up and why I had cried. Honey asked why again but Mom came to the rescue by picking me up to go home so nothing else happened. (Now, here is something I have only a slim memory off. I remember Honey inquiring why I had cried, but I don’t remember the incident that prompted it, why it involved Honey and who in the heck Muneca was!) I’m very much in love with Honey. It’s not a heart-throbbing, pulse racing sort of thing, but quiet and sure. Mr. Cooper left today and we saw him off at the airport.



January 18 - Saturday

I was in Mercy’s house again this afternoon. Later Yan called up and invited us to a movie. Mom, Mercy, Maryanne, Yan and I went to the Rizal to see “Bye-Bye Birdie.” Mercy was being quite pesada this evening. Tomorrow we have to wake up early to go to Mass before leaving to catch the boat to Corregidor. I’m so happy Honey is coming with us.



January 19 - Sunday

I never was more tired in my entire life. I’m also as red as a lobster. The boat trip wasn’t the fun we expected. Too many people and lousy food. The trip back though was more pleasant. It was quite chilly as the sun went down and Mercy, Honey and I were huddled together. There was a moment Honey’s face was 2 inches away from mine and quite bad for my system. When we were close together, Honey put his head on my lap and sort of dozed and I was running my fingers through his hair and I thought why couldn’t this be forever....



January 20 - Monday

I was in Mercy’s house this evening. She’s really head over heels in love with George and very confused. Just before I left to come home, Honey came upstairs. It’s funny there’s no pulse-racing, heart hammering (like the rest of the guys I “liked” before) but it’s a quiet awareness of his presence. Rudy Ledesma is a darling. Deposited first 10 pesos in the OBM.



January 21 - Tuesday

Mercy and I went to Mass together this noon. She ate lunch at home and later we went to her house. We played Scrabble and I beat her. Later, Honey arrived and we had merienda and played Scrabble again. I was leading all the way but Honey beat me at the end. I’ll beat him yet. Next to my parents, I guess the people I’m closest to are Mercy and Honey. I hope the pictures from the boat trip develop alright. I never thought I was the jealous type but the moment I hear Honey’s name mentioned with another girl....



January 22 - Wednesday

The afternoon all the Production Associates staff went down to OBM for a meeting with E.B. Ramos, Jr. He made a very strong impression on me. He mentioned the fact that Cliff had been to his office and had mentioned me. Cliff made with the disappearing act though. I got the pictures of the Corregidor boat trip and they came out pretty sharp. Mr. Ramon mentioning Cliff to me set me to thinking about him. I sort of miss him now and then in a way. I want to go to Mercy’s house tomorrow to show them the pictures but people will think I live there! (Duh. I guess somewhere between September 1962 and January 1964 I exchanged the ANC for Mercy’s house. My mother certainly thought I should just move my bed over there.)

January 6 - 12, 1964

January 6 - Monday


I had a wonderful, truly wonderful evening. Cliff picked me up in his cute little Volkswagen Beetle and we headed for the Del Rosario residence. I was one of the youngest women there. I met of a couple of senators, Carlos Romulo’s son, some presidents of banks and a Doctora Consing who was very charming. Someone thought I was Cliff’s wife but we tactfully ignored that. Cliff is such a nice person and I’m quite fond of him and a little confused. I didn’t think of Honey once this whole evening. Cliff isn’t Honey but he’s Cliff. There couldn’t be two more different people.



January 9 - Thursday

I went to Mercy’s house this evening and I really don’t know why I go there. It’s just Honey, Honey, Honey, Honey. He lent me TIME and NEWSWEEK and the book “Catcher In the Rye.” I am so crazy about him. I wish I could go out with him on Saturday but that’s life.



January 10 - Friday

Just stayed home and watched “The Bob Hope Show” on TV. Am going to bed early.



January 11 - Saturday

My hair looks great and I only accompanied Mercy to the beauty parlor. Ate lunch at her house. Cliff picked me up at seven sharp this evening. We went to the Madrid, Safari and Shangrila. Saw Dita Veloso with Gigi Garcia at the Shangrila. We danced quite close and held hands and the awful thing about it was that I kept wishing it was Honey and wondered what he was doing. Cliff is a most wonderful guy but I’m not in love with him or even falling for him though I’m afraid he is with me.



January 12 - Sunday

Tonight I realized while talking to Honey that he likes me as a friend, which of course makes me end up nowhere. I feel pretty empty this evening. Sort of devoid of any emotion for anyone. Cliff I just like and Honey - well, he’ll always be tops with me. (And so it goes, and so it is, 40 years later...) Oh well, it’ll all work out somehow. Honey told me this evening he will come with us on the boat trip to Corregidor next Sunday. I’m so glad and I hope everything turns out alright.

January 1 - 5, 1964

1964




New Year’s Eve - 1964

Mercy’s house. Mitch’s house. Continental and home.



January 1 - Wednesday

I met Vergie last night and came to the realization how much I love Honey. (Interesting note about Vergie. She introduced me (and maybe Mercy) to the fact that our boyfriends (and in her case, brother), actually did the big “It.” (And explaining the why and what of this would compromise my friends so I am leaving details out because some things should be kept descrete.) Before that, sex was a romantic notion we perceived from the movies and the only “action” we got from the proximity of a boy was heart flutterings and racing pulses. Sadly, however, a scant 10 years later, Vergie and her husband Sak would be the two last people (aside from my mother in the hospital) to see my father alive. That is a story for another time but it never ceases to amaze me how strange life is and, sometimes scary, when these “coincidences” occur.) I wonder where it will all end? Cynthia Lebrun I can’t stand for obvious reasons. Mercy did exactly what she wanted and had a ball with Diego (Garrido). Mitch acted civilized again. Vergie reminds me a lot of Merche - any connection or coincidence? Mercy says Honey had a lousy New Year’s Eve too. It’s pathetic how I mess up my life.



January 2 - Thursday

I punched the IBM clock for the first time today. Forgot to punch it on the way home. I’ve lost 4 pounds from 101 to 98 lbs. I’d better be careful or all my dresses will look like sacks on me.



January 3 - Friday

I went to Mercy’s house this evening since Albert had a small gathering. I played Scrabble with Honey and Mercy. Honey has the warmest eyes. I should be careful when I look at him - too much emotion shows on my face. After chatting upstairs for a while he left. I danced my feet off with Yan. Mitch arrived later. He was his old self again, whatever that may be. Mercy is still, I think, very much concerned about George. When someone gets under your skin and into the very core of you - you’ve had it!



January 4 - Saturday

Mercy ate lunch at home and we chatted until 3 pm and later went to Desiree where Mercy had her hair cut and set. I was talking to Mercy over the phone and it seems they were trying to get Honey to make friends with George at the Jai-Alai. Mercy just has to get George out of her system. (Hah, the joke was on me on this one!!) It would be for the good of all - all around. I care so much for Honey. And the mess that George and that woman Vergie have gotten or better said, might get him into, makes me so mad! (Now, I remember vaguely what this was all about but can’t for the life of me remember why I made it my business or why it should’ve made me so mad. Well, I know why I was a bit distressed pero no era para tanto. But this is hindsight 40 plus years later.)



January 5 - Sunday

I went to Mass and Communion this morning. This afternoon I went to Mercy’s house. I had a very nice time chatting with Chiqui and Albert and playing with Marilu. We played Scrabble after dinner. I hate to keep repeating this but Honey is everything in my life right now. (Well, maybe its just as well I don’t have my 1963 diary any more. It’s funny, but I thought my crush on Carlos was funny and pathetic at times, but this stuff about Honey is very embarrassing. Probably because Carlos dropped below the radar for 20 years and Honey has always been on my life’s scope as one of my best and truest friends but I have to be honest and accurate so bear with me.) How this will all end I have no idea but I hope for the best. Tomorrow I’d much rather go with him than with Cliff to the Casino but I can’t let Cliff down. He’s an awfully nice guy but he isn’t Honey. (This last sentence is so full of the portent of things to come that it really is scary!)

September 7 - 8, 1962

September 7 - Friday


Mercy and I had a friendly little chat with Sister Andrea this morning. This afternoon, Arlette picked us up and we went to see the St. Scholastica play. Tony was there, teasing me as always. Later, we went to Margie’s house so Mercy could try on her dress for tomorrow. It’s a lovely dress and Mercy’s going to look like a dream. Wait till Tony sees her. He’ll forget Betina exists. It was Ana Marie’s birthday today. I feel very low tonight.



September 8 - Saturday

I’ll skip the unnecessary details like lunch at Mercy’s house and later the beauty parlor, etc. and go straight to this evening’s party: Tito Ramon, Tita Lol and Mercy picked my mom and me up and we finally got to the Lebrun residence at around 9 pm. There were already guests there and Mercy was scared stiff to go down and meet and greet them. She looked so lovely tonight - just like a dish of ice cream. (It’s funny I don’t mention the fact the dress I wore to Mercy’s debut was given to me by Tita Carmen Marti. It was Nena’s but never worn. It was a lovely white chiffon dress with hand-painted blue flowers on it and I remember it clearly. It was a truly pretty dress, but I guess I was too embarrassed then to even admit in my diary that I had to use a dress that wasn’t really mine. I’ll never forget Tita Carmen Marti’s generosity but maybe there was an underlying feeling of being pitied or patronized that I couldn’t or wouldn’t admit to myself. ) Everyone we expected to come did and some unexpected people too. The house was lovely and all the grown-ups were in a very gay mood. I had a simply wonderful time. I danced so much I felt my feet were going to fall off. All the girls looked pretty and the boys looked so handsome in their coat and ties or barongs. Carlos came with Ginny Brooks. I won’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed but I just resigned myself and ignored them the whole evening. Not even looking at Carlos took a lot of my will power but I did it! I just beamed at everyone else. I danced with Mitch and two times towards the end of the party I saw him come towards me to ask me to dance but someone else beat him to it. I got into a small fight with Louie Mac because he insisted on holding me too tight (I remember this moment distinctly too!) I almost left him standing by himself on the dance floor. I don’t care what he thinks, he’s such a jerk. Tony is an old tease. He doesn’t usually look that great in a coat and tie but tonight he looked very dashing. He danced with me and what a smooth dancer he is. Another guy who looked even more dashing and tall and handsome tonight was Honey. The best looking guy there, I’d say! Titos Ayesa is quite good looking but a little shy for my taste. (I guess I always liked “the bad boys” best!) Eddie danced with me and was telling me something about Monica...well, I could go on forever. Anyway, it was a very lovely evening and I enjoyed every minute of it. Mercy was happy and I guess that makes me gladdest. I keep seeing Carlos’s face in my thoughts and that little glow goes through me. Tony is really yummy and Mitch is the sweetest - I love the way he orders me around!


Unfortunately, my diary ends here. It ends because I had overwritten in my actual diary and the entries from the end of July till this date were written in a small spiral notebook. I know I continued on another notebook, but through the years, with all my travels and moves, it was lost. I burned my 1960 diary in the backyard of my home on San Marcelino Street with great vengeance and ceremony. I sorely regret this now, but then, I was a tempestuous 16-year old -- angry with Cosme and Margie and hence, the diary burning. I also cannot locate my diary of 1963 but considering my many moves through three continents, I’m amazed I didn’t lose the ones I do have. 

That year (1963) marked a lot of milestones in my life. That year, we moved from San Marcelino Street in Malate to Indiana Street in Ermita. I did not continue college, but after two years went to work for an advertising company called “Production Associates” owned by the Ernesto Ramos family. The job also gave me some independence and allowed me to help ease the financial burden on my parents. Nena Marti got married to Manda Elizalde in the Wedding of the Year, which I was to attend with Nacho Marti and, at the end, didn’t, because of a true “wardrobe malfunction.” I finally slipped out of the annoying adolescent thinking mode into a more “adult” (though not really mature) frame of mind. I had the small crack in my front tooth capped which I’m sure gave me a new sense of self confidence. Our then hero, President Kennedy, was assassinated - an event that shook our innocent, idealistic minds to the core. And, I finally was allowed to go on "real" dates and met the tall, good looking young man who would give me my first real kiss. Also, in September 1963, I met the man who I would eventually marry, though not until 1965. I do not know when I finally quit my “addiction” to Carlos Garcia but maybe it was when I finally was allowed to date and realized how silly and futile my 2 year obsession was.



Now, lastly, I will share my 1964 diary with you, which I wrote in a vastly condensed form - with almost no explicit detail, as opposed to the way I wrote these past diaries, which may be a relief to those who have read the 1961 and 1962 years.

-0-0-

I have shared these little diaries with my close friends, who are featured here, only to bring back a little slice of our lives in Manila in the early 60s. I have been in turn - silly, corny, crazy, sentimental, stupid, naive, and yes, boring. But, truthful to what my entries and feelings were those many years ago. If any of you have your own memories of any of the events I relate here and want to add to, correct, or criticize, please feel free to do so. I can’t wait!



Please remember that all I wrote herein, I never expected anyone else to read. They are the thoughts of a convent-bred teenager, raised in the junction of a society and culture formed by Asia, Spain and the United States - that in itself - was unique.



Hopefully, you all can re-live the memories of the irony, humor, disasters and joy we all shared in our adolescent years in a Manila we loved.

August 29 - September 6, 1962

August 29 - Wednesday


What a miserable day. Tita Lol and Mommy got the letters from Sister Andrea telling them about Mercy and I being absent 3 times from Typing class and the way my mother reacted you’d think I had gone and eloped. As if she never played hooky in her life. She thinks we skipped classes to go to the ANC but we didn’t. We just stayed here at home or at Mercy’s house. Anyway, she probably won’t let me go to Yan’s party on Saturday because Tita Lol won’t let Mercy go. Not letting me go to the ANC is bad enough but at least on weekends let me breath! (What a spoiled brat I was!)



August 30 - Thursday

Nothing worth writing about happened today. I talked with Mercy hours over the phone and also with Linda H. I listened to records all afternoon. Had dinner by myself and am now in bed at quarter to 10. Mercy does nothing but talk about Tony and all I can think of is Carlos...we are hopeless...



August 31 - Friday

Same old routine in school. At least , Monday, Wednesday and Friday are better than Tuesday and Thursday and Saturday with that awful Mr. Lane. Mr. Cruz (not so bad but ugh, Steno) and the subject I really honestly can’t stand - Accounting!



September 1 - Saturday

What a nice day. This evening we had the party for Yan at their lovely new home in Urdaneta Village. Mercy and I got the surprise of our lives when Tony and Freddie arrived. It was a very nice evening mainly because of George, Mari, Mitch and Tony. Tony and Freddie sat with Mercy and I the whole evening. Freddie kept teasing us but you simply cannot get mad at him because they are so charming. Mari was clowning around as usual and he and George just sent us into hysterics. Tony seems to be getting more interested in Mercy but Betina is still in the picture. I danced 3 boogies and one slow with him. I danced 4 times with Mari and several times with Mitch, Butch, Yan, Rafa, Pichuco and Javi. Mari interrupted my dance with George again and it seems I’ll never get to finish a dance with him. George brought Mercy, Honey and I home. I kept wishing that Carlos had been there.



September 2 - Sunday

Mom, Mercy and I went to Mass at San Pancracio at 11. Then we changed into pants and went to the ANC. The usual people were there. We ate lunch there and then Jan, Mercy and I went to the Rizal to see “Experiment in Terror” with Glen Ford and Lee Remick. Luz and Luli went with Rafa and Nacho. When Mercy and I came out to go to the Ladies Room, I saw Carlos by the doors and I melted all the way again. Later he drove up in his car to pick up Tita Marina. I told Eddie and Freddie to go to Arlette’s house. Mercy and I, George, Honey, Mitch, Arno, Lita, Luli and Jan arrived half an hour later and 15 minutes after that, Juaco, Carlos, Eddie, Freddie, and Lita Paraiso walk through the door. I can’t deny I like Carlos to distraction but neither can I deny that he doesn’t give a hoot about me. (I was such a masochist but weren’t or aren’t all teenage girls?!) Anyway, Carlos gave me one of his I-know-you’re-nuts-about-me looks and I just felt like leaving the room. Arno was acting a bit strange and Eddie and I talked about Monica and threw pillows at each other.



September 3 - Monday

Oh what a day. There’s a blooming typhoon coming and that’s all we need for Mercy’s party on Saturday. And Sister Andrea has the hardest head! We were late for Spanish class because Father Trent and Mother Socorro were talking to Mercy, Betsy and I but she and Miss Zacarias wouldn’t hear our excuse. This evening Eddie called up and we talked a long time about Monica. He wants to see her tomorrow and its all so mixed up. I so enjoy talking to him. Luli called up asking me about the Teucher’s broken phone too and Mercy called up as well. I’ve been memorizing “The Unknown Soldier Speaks” for Dramatics class tomorrow and I’ve gotten it down pretty well. I am also brushing up on my Steno because I’m a little apprehensive about the test tomorrow. Oh, I hope Tony and Mercy hook up - what a perfect couple! I want to talk to Daddy about school but with these Asian Games going on, I hardly see him. Mom, as usual, was harping at me again today. I wonder what I’m going to wear for Mercy’s party. It’s four days from now and I have nothing to wear - really. And, its raining buckets!



September 4 - Tuesday

I had lunch at Mercy’s house. Mr. Lane gave us our exam in Dramatics and was I glad I memorized the “The Unknown Soldier...” Mr. Cruz was in the best of spirits this morning. I can’t stand Sister Felix and her darned Accounting class. I wonder what I’ll put down on my paper for Theology tomorrow and there’s that awful P.E. Monica, Mercy and Arlette called me tonight. Monica was all excited because she had a charming little chat with Carlos this afternoon leaving Eddie (poor guy) pretty much baffled. Arlette complained about not knowing who to like or fall for??? And Mercy is all wrapped up with Tony. I spoke to Mitch this afternoon at the ANC. The maid said Eddie called up home at around 6. A typhoon signal is up but no air-condition since the unit is broken in Mom’s room and it is so hot!!



September 5 - Wednesday

Exam in Theology a sweat and exam in Spanish a whizz through. Mercy and I almost got stranded in school because of the rain this noon. We had lunch at Mercy’s house. Since the streets were flooded we had to stay there. I carried and played with Marilu (Pocholo’s baby) who is the most sociable little baby. Honey looked specially handsome this afternoon and he was in a lovely mood, too. Later, while we were in Honey’s room typing, Mitch and George came to pick him up. Those guys are super and so much fun to be with. They went out in Mitch’s car and later Honey and George came back. George kept teasing and fooling around. I started to type Mitch’s name on the typewriter and Carlos’s too. Then Mitch and George came back and I hurriedly tried to close the typewriter but Mercy made matters worse by asking me why I was in such a hurry and Mitch walked right behind me and after prodding by Emil saw that I had typed his name and Mercy said his face changed. (Another moment in time that I remember distinctly - this typewriter episode with Mitch at Mercy’s house.) George later started teasing Mercy and I. Later on, Mercy, Honey and I had a chat. As I’ve said a million times before, Honey’s the guy I respect the most. I like everything about him and the girl that he marries will get a gold mine! (Ah, Lynnie, who knew, huh?) If Mercy should move away from here I’d lose the best friend I have. I really love that girl. (Ah, Mercy, who knew I’d be the one moving away - from San Marcelino to Indiana Street and then later away from Manila altogether. I still love this girl.) She’s a headache at times but still my very best friend.



September 6 - Thursday

I had lunch at Mercy’s again. I love eating there. I like Tito Ramon, Tita Lol, Tito Eugenio, Pocholo, Carmen (no comment), Honey, Mercy and Emil. (I guess I crossed out poor Chicky and Albert in my mind then.) Mercy’s party is going to be in the Club Filipino. Mom made me go home at 2 pm. I went to Arlette and Monica’s house and Eddie, Juaco, Freddie, Butch and Mari were there. We sat and talked. Mari and Butch gave a hilarious imitation of a girl and boy at a movie. They later left and the rest of us played “One, Two, Three - Pass” Juaco likes Arlette next to Barbara. Eddie likes Monica and vice-versa. And Freddie is still hopelessly in love with Arlette. Eddie is such a nice guy - serious yet so funny at the same time. Monica confuses him a lot. Anyway, my mother got all riled up because we were at the house with the boys and what will people think - here perennial cry. But at least Arlette and Monica can talk to Tita Marianne about boys, and Mercy to Tita Lol and Margie to Tita Pacita. But me? Forget it!

August 21 - 28, 1962

August 21 - Tuesday


This has been a very blue Tuesday as I knew it would be. Sr. Andrea got angry because Mercy and I skipped Typing class. This afternoon we went to the ANC - and Mitch, George, Honey, Mari, Caloy, Luli, Jan, Arlette, Monica, Mercy and I got together in the Teen Den. George is such a nut but a nice nut. Rafa came in for a few minutes but left later with Pichuco.



August 22 - Wednesday

Same old, same old. Mercy made me laugh so much over the phone. She truly cracks me up. I spoke to Pichuco too.





August 23 - Thursday

Everything went wrong today. I left Jan’s radio in the taxi and I forgot my pen in school. I’m so distressed over the radio. I can’t pay for it so I don’t know what I’m going to do! (Another very distinct memory has come flashing back.. I clearly remember forgetting the radio in the taxi and how mortified I was at the time.) Then Mom isn’t too happy about having a gathering here at home on Saturday. We’d like to have one for Lita’s birthday but we have no other place to have it at. Everything seems to be going wrong.



August 24 - Friday

My mother is really a nervous wreck so I had to fight to have the beatnik party here. My house isn’t exactly the Taj-Mahal but if someone doesn’t like it or its below their dignity to come, then they can stay home. I’m dreading tomorrow because she’s going to make me so nervous that the party will turn out a big flop. I got the lead in one of the three Paulinian Player Guild plays which Ana Marie Gonzalez is directing. It’s a cute part and I’ll enjoy playing a very devilish nun. Arno and Mitch were at the ANC when we got there. I was supposed to go to a movie with Luli, Rafa, Carlos O., Arno and Jan but of course, Mom didn’t let me.



August 25 - Saturday

I am so happy this minute that I’ll even ignore my mother’s getting annoyed with me for taking her pajamas without asking her. I went to the ANC this morning with Mercy. Everyone was there today. Arlette and Monica’s mother died today and so they couldn’t go to the party this evening. Mercy and I spent a busy afternoon fixing the house. Linda Hinkley came and everyone else came who I invited - which means Carlos came too - hence, that is why I am so happy. He was so sweet and wonderful in little ways, you know, like handing me my handkerchief when I left it on the chair and maybe its because I’m so crazy about him that ANYTHING he does I think is wonderful. But the best part of all is that for the first time ever - he danced with me!!!!! At first I didn’t even realize it was him asking me until I stood up and took his hand and looked at who had asked me to dance. (Of course, I’ve never forgotten this evening. It’s so clear, it could’ve happened yesterday and I could write down every second of this dance without looking at my diary. I remember what I wore and now know that I was still living on San Marcelino Street because I even remember how Mercy and I fixed up my living room with pillows on the floor and scarves over the lamps to make it more what we imagined to be “beatnik-like.”) He danced so smoothly and I was so scared that I would tremble or something or that he could hear my heart beating but I think my heart literally stopped. I couldn’t even feel myself breathe. I was so terrified I would do something like trip and fall. I looked at Mercy once while dancing and she was grinning at me from ear to ear. We danced to “A Summer Place” (And for the rest of my life, that song was The Song I Danced A Slow Drag To With Carlos Garcia. I know that night I was as near to heaven as a girl could be and all it took was a dance with Carlos.) and even if Carlos never dances with me again I’ll always re-live those wonderful minutes, that night, that song and my friends who all were happy for me because I was happy. I danced with every person I like tonight - I danced with Honey (Oh my gosh, I had forgotten that too. I actually danced with Honey! That should’ve been even a bigger deal than dancing with Carlos.) And I danced with George Gallent (also a first time) but was interrupted by Mari Valles. I danced with Mitch, Arno, and Tony. And all slows! (In retrospect, since I remember what I wore, that all these guys who were the “hunks” then had asked me to dance that night must have been because in today’s parlance, I must’ve looked “hot.” Maybe it was my “beatnik” attire of black tights, a dark green sweater (my dad’s) tied loosely with a chain belt, a bit more eye make-up, and my hair pulled back with a long false pony tail. Or maybe it was just the night for my wishes to be granted but it was a great evening.) It was a grand, wonderful evening. I can’t wait to talk to my better half Mercy tomorrow, to relive this evening all over again.



August 26 - Sunday

I dreamt of Glen Ford last night?! I went to Mass at 11 with Mercy then Tito Ramon, Tita Lol, Tito Eugenio, Mom, Mercy and I went to the Funeraria National for the service for Mrs. Teucher. Later we went to the ANC and had lunch there. Luli, Mercy and I went to see “Jack the Giant Killer” at the Rizal. Rafa, Nacho and Ramon sat with us. Funny, I could feel Carlos somewhere in the movie theater but didn’t see him but I did see him outside in his car. We went to the ANC and there Arno was there. Luz and Jan went to the movies with George, Butch and Honey. Arno, Mercy and I went to Arlette and Monica’s house to visit them. Monica likes Eddie. We went to the Malate Church for a while and Pocholo and Carmen brought us home. Every time I think of Carlos last night I can’t believe it happened. It seems like it was just one of my fantastic day dreams. It’ll probably be one of those first and last time things but worth all the stardust in the heavens. Mercy is also on a pink cloud over Tony Ortigas.



August 27 - Monday

It has been a hot, hot day and how I long for the coolness of Baguio and its pine-scented air. Mercy knows about her “surprise” party. And I hope my play - “God’s Little Sunbeam” is on the 9th and the 8th of September. I have to be one of the hostess for the party and Mercy wants me to be with her. I hope Ana Marie changes her mind. Mercy is like a sister to me. We tell each other everything and have shared a lot. We really do breath the same air though she can make me so mad at times, I love her to pieces - more than any other of my girl friends. Morris called this evening and I’m afraid bored him with my conversation. My mother and I can’t seem to discuss anything any more.(And, herein follows yet another my-mother-doesn’t-get-me entry which I am not including.) Dad maybe does “get” me a little but he’s so busy with his television programs and the Asian Games these days that I hardly ever see him. He works so hard and then these darned companies don’t pay him on time. He comes home tired and too beat to do anything but sleep. Sometimes he doesn’t even get a decent meal because his work takes up too much of his time. As for me, I hate Accounting and Steno and Dramatics is a bust because Mr. Lane (he took over after Miss Martinez left) is bound to call on me and I haven’t prepared anything. I haven’t got the excuse slip for Mr. Cruz and Sister Andrea will have my scalp. The good side is that I found my pearl earrings that I had lost (Thank you St. Anthony) but can’t find my book of Etiquette and Accounting. In my head - nothing but bubbles. Hopeless! But of course, I have time to think about Carlos. (Was I really this much of twerp? And here I go on and on about Carlos and recall Cookie’s party last year, etc., etc. Boring, so I am omitting again.)



August 28 - Tuesday

I went to the ANC this afternoon. Mari, George and Mitch were there. I sat with them and had a pleasant time laughing and talking. Charlie was also there with Gordo. Later, Lita, Luli, Jan, Rafa and Pichuco arrived. Mari was quite civil this afternoon. I hardly exchanged three civil words with him. Jan is nuts over George. Mercy spent this time with Arlette and Monica. Tomorrow is Lita’s birthday. I seem to be arguing more and more with my mother these days. Nothing I do or say pleases her and she’s finding fault with everything I do. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought of Carlos. I tune out my mom and think of him and I then I couldn’t care less who is shouting at me.

August 12 - 20, 1962

August 12 - Sunday


I have made two resolutions for my retreat - First, to be more obedient to my mother and to not insult anybody. I have to keep myself from gossiping (Maybe I should’ve resolved to stop breathing while I was at it!) I went to Communion today. Fr. Reuter said Mass. I have so many things to rearrange and change in my character, I don’t know where to start. Mercy called up tonight as well as Pichuco. It seems there’s going to be a gathering at Arlette and Monica’s house on Tuesday. I wonder how Rafa found the party at Jan’s house but I can’t think of a soul who’d tell me.



August 13 - Monday

We keep talking during the retreat but everything Father has been telling us is sinking in. I went to confession today. Since I’ve been home this afternoon, people have been calling up on the phone - Arlette, Agnes, Pichuco, Mercy and Marina - all conversation about the gathering tomorrow and whether its still on. Arlette called Carlos and he says he’s going. I’ll die!



August 14 - Tuesday

I ended the best Retreat of my life today. I feel wonderful and at peace. Fr. John’s words really got through my thick skull and better still, my fickle heart. I will promise to do better. The gathering at Arlette and Monica’s house was ok. Neither Tony nor Carlos went but it didn’t bother me too much.



August 15 - Wednesday

We went to Mass and Communion this morning and received the final Papal blessing from Father Reuter although we also got it from Father Pellicer yesterday. We came home and changed and then we went to the ANC. The first person I see when I got there is Charlie Armstrong. He gave me a wink and a smile and a hello and I was so glad I wore that white skirt and green blouse. This afternoon , Lit, Luli, Nacho, Kathy, Rafa and Carlos G.G. decided to go to the Rizal but found it closed. We walked all around SLV and I nearly died in the process. I was in high heels and my feet nearly killed me. Nacho and Kathy were kind enough to wait for me. Carlos and Rafa wanted to carry me but I would have been mortified had anyone seen us. We finally got back to the ANC. Mitch was playing tennis. Mercy got back with Arlette and Monica and Yan and it seems they ran into Morris. Later they made Mitch mad by taking his car keys. Lita brought us home.



August 16 - Thursday

I skipped Steno this morning. I went to the ANC this afternoon. I spent the afternoon talking with Mitch by the pool, mostly about Nadia. Arlette, Monica, Jan, Ramon were with us. Rafa thinks I am mad at him but I’m only pretending to be. Arlette told me Charlie was there this morning. I went to the movies with Arlette and Monica this evening. There are a lot of officers around the ANC these days since the ships are in again.



August 17 - Friday

This afternoon mercy and I went to the ANC. Arno was there and though we’ve been bickering at each other these past 2 weeks, today he was very nice and different.



August 18 - Saturday

We were at the ANC again after morning classes. Mitch, Nacho, Rafa, Pichuco, Carlos G.G., Lita, Luli etc were there. We ate lunch there and later Luli, Pichuco, Ramon and I went to the McKinley Cemetery. It is such a lovely, serene and peaceful place. Later we drove around SLV looking for Marina and Carlos, neither of whom were home. We drove to the airport, then to Nacho’s house. We sat in Nacho’s room and chatted. Tita Carmen talked to me about Nena and gave me some of Nena’s dresses which Nena hadn’t worn and were brand new. Then we went to the airport again and back to the ANC. Rafa drives very well with so much ease and confidence. Every time he’d look at me through the rearview mirror, my heart would skip a beat. This evening Rafa and Pichuco came home while I got dressed and we waited for Lita to pick me up so that they could follow us to Cookie Perez-Rubio’s party. The party was much nicer than the one last year. Arno was as sweet as he’s ever been to me. No sarcastic looks. He danced with me a lot. Tony danced the second dance with me. And Carlos Garcia still makes my pulse beat faster than anyone else alive! I bumped into him a couple of times while dancing boogie. That guy thrills me so but it is all too no avail. Carlos Ortoll bugs me so much! Rafa took Mercy and me home. I think Juaco Campbell one of the nicest people around. I got a letter from Cosme today. I was so happy to receive it. It’s one of his sweetest letters so far.



August 19 - Sunday

I went to Mass at 11 with Mom then of course, where else - Later I went to the Rizal to see “Adventures of a Young Man” with Richard Beymer. Carlos was sitting behind us and as usual, I lost sight of everyone else. Tony was there too. We went back to the ANC and Mitch and Morris were there. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Morris since Mitch and company were with him. Later mercy, Arlette, Monica, Jan and I went to the Jai-Alai to watch Honey play pelota. I think Jai-Alai one of the most exciting games to watch and of course Honey looked so great on that court. Simply irresistible. There are many attractive pelotaris but Honey beats them all!



August 20 - Monday

After school this afternoon Mercy and I went to the ANC and Arno, Arlette, Monica, Mitch and Rafa were there. I had a nice lunch at Mercy’s house. George Gallent came over to pick Honey up. He smiled and said hello. Can’t blame Jan for being so nuts about him. I HATE Steno and Accounting. We have those detestable subjects tomorrow. I hate Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tito Werney was a little nasty this evening and I almost answered him back for making an unkind remark (about whom??) I am so restless these days. Everyone seems to get on my nerves - I’m dying to go on a long trip - maybe to Spain. Oh dreams, dreams.......

July 30 - August 11, 1962

July 30 - Monday


Margotin scared me out of my wits this morning when she told me that Sr. Andrea was out for my scalp for having so many absences. It just so happened that I missed my Theology class and Mercy just happened to skip it too. Tomorrow I’ll get my excuse slip and my knees are already weak at the thought of facing Sister Andrea. There’s been some magulu at school about girls cheating, stealing and making fun of other girls. We went to Sister Benjamin this afternoon and told her about it. Miss Zacarias asked me if I was going to see Miss Martinez off on Wednesday. She’s leaving for the States. I’ve given her a lot of headaches but she has been a grand Dramatics teacher and director. Arlette called me this afternoon the minute I got home. She wanted me to go to the ANC. She says Rafa had been there. I tried to sound like I didn’t care but as usual I’m not very good at hiding my feelings. I’m going to test my will power and not go to the ANC the whole week even if I know Rafa is going to be there. This evening I was listening to Rafa’s records and they are real dreamsville. One is the theme from “Parrish” and the other are 7 Italian songs which make one think of dancing by the moonlight. I haven’t touched my Accounting books so tomorrow will be a blue Tuesday.



July 31 - Tuesday

I feel very quiet and peaceful right now. I’ve just seen the movie “Lovers Must Learn” with Susanne Pleshette and Troy Donahue. Rome is the most enchanting, lovely, magnificent city in the world and someday, if at all possible, I am going to see it someday and if possible, before I’m 25. (And, I did, before my 21st birthday and four more times before I turned 25.) I will see Italy some day, I will!! This noon Mercy and I ate lunch at the Teucher’s. Arlette wanted to tell me who Rafa likes but I didn’t let her. I refuse to listen to any more gossip. Monica tried to bribe to go to the ANC but I didn’t go. I came home, did my Steno, and washed my hair. I listened to records and later went to the movies with Mom. And I did find out who Rafa likes - Monica. She’s walking in a daze these days. Fate it seems to have other plans for me, yet again.



August 1 - Wednesday

This week seems to be dragging by so slowly. It seems like 3 years till Sunday, not 3 days. Sister Benjamin gave the class a stern lecture this morning and everything she said was absolutely true. I cut my hair and the hairdresser cut it shorter than I wanted. I look like a 12 year old tomboy instead of 18 years old. I met Arlette and Monica at the Beauty Parlor and Monica cut her hair too. I don’t like the patronizing way Arlette and Monica look at me. I think its all about this Rafa thing. Mercy says that Arlette and Monica said I was jealous of them. Oh, for Pete’s sake! What hurt me was that Mercy agreed with Arlette and Monica. Mercy wasn’t feeling well and spend the whole afternoon asleep in the school clinic. I saw Entang del Prado, Ramon Arnaiz, Quito Moras and Litos Reynoso this afternoon at school. They were looking for Magu. Saw Maritoni this afternoon.



August 2 - Thursday

I spoke to Luli last night and she revived my spirits when she said that Rafa asked for me. This afternoon I did to go to the ANC (So much for my resolution!!). Rafa was there! I met 2 cousins of his who just arrived and found out that Rafa and Jay Jay Po are first cousins. I got my ID bracelet today. Mr. Cruz seems to dislike our class but when we finished classes I was practically the only one who said thank you and goodby to him (almost under my breath) and he said “You’re welcome” with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. (I was such a sucker for guys with “a twinkle in their eyes.” So corny!) Rafa does seem to be interested in Monica. Pichuco is still hopelessly smitten with Lita so we share our mutual woes.



August 3 - Friday

Mommy hasn’t been feeling well today. We (Mom and I) ate lunch at home together. This afternoon, after school, Mercy and I went to the ANC. Arlette, Monica, Nacho and Kate were there. Lita came later. I don’t know what was wrong with me but I got a sudden attack of the giggles. Arno arrived but was in an awfully bad mood and it became worse when Rafa, Javier and Carlos arrived. We listened to records in the Teen Den. I caught Arno looking at me several times. Rafa sat beside me and talked the whole afternoon. I think he got a letter from his girlfriend or something. He keeps telling me that I’m acting strange these days and that I have to have a talk with him. I could feel myself getting warm under the collar. Pichuco and Luli talked to me tonight over the phone.



August 4 - Saturday

I didn’t do so bad in my Steno and Accounting tests. I went to the ANC this morning at 11 with Mercy. The Gang was there. I went with Mom to the beauty parlor at 3 later we went to the ANC. Mom went to Tita Lol’s house and I stayed there. I didn’t really want to go to Marilen’s party but ended up going anyway. I went with Lita, Luli, Rafa, Pichuco, and Javier. The party was not very much fun. Even if my first and last dances were with Rafa and other times too but I just didn’t have a good time. I don’t like Carlos Ortoll too much. He’s to insistent and really a drag. Maricar Beliso gave me a dazzling smile and Luis Pertierra thinks I’m nuts about him. (Why not??!! I seemed to be nuts about every attractive guy around, then.)



August 5 - Sunday

Mommy wasn’t feeling too well so I went to Mass with Mercy at 9 at San Marcelino. I went to Communion and later we went to help Las Damas at their rummage sale. I went home for lunch and baked a cake this afternoon. At 5:30 I went to Arlette and Monica’s house for the gathering. It was sensational! I mean everyone was in such a happy mood. I danced a lot and Mercy and I simply glowed. Ditoy Atayde is so much nicer than I imagined. George gets handsomer every day and Tony was and is, as always, one of the nicest guys there. Rafa has me very confused and I wished Cosme had been there. It was a sensational day. Everyone’s a dear!



August 6 - Monday

Mercy and I talked of nothing else this morning but the party last night - mainly about Tony Ortigas. Mercy can’t stand Rafa and I don’t see why but I guess everyone has his own tastes. I had lunch in Mercy’s house. Honey is the sweetest I think. We saw Rafa on the way back to school this noon, at his house, buying ice cream for his kid sister from the vendor on the street. We went to the ANC after school and Arlette and Monica were just leaving. Rafa, Marina and the Ortoll brothers were there this evening. I went to see “A Pocket Full of Miracles” with Mom, Tita Marianne and Tito Werney. I got to thinking about Carlos Garcia a lot this evening.



August 7 - Tuesday

This afternoon, Mercy and I went to the ANC. Rafa, Arlette and Monica, Lita, Luli were there. Pichuco arrived a little later. Later, Rafa, Pichuco, Luli and I went to the swimming pool. We had a lovely time talking, laughing and teasing each other. Magu was also there with some other people. Carlos and Javier Ortoll joined us. After Rafa and Pichuco had their fill of swimming, we went back to the Sunset Lounge.



August 8 - Wednesday

Regular day in school. I ate lunch in Mercy’s house and our favorite topic of conversation - Tony Ortigas. I miss Cosme a lot and heaven knows why (Yeah, why??? I’m still wondering 40 eons later!)



August 9 - Thursday

Today was really “sweet Thursday.” Mercy ate lunch with me and later we went to the ANC. Everyone was there. Later, Mitch, Mercy, Lita and Monica went to eat bibinka somewhere and Luli, Rafa and I were left behind. We had a nice, pleasant conversation. Later we moved out to sit by the swimming pool. At about 6:30 pm, I was frantically looking for a ticket to go to see “El Cid.” Everyone was going - the whole Spanish community and specially since Rafa was going and I had a terrific hunch that Carlos would be there too. Well I finally went to A&M’s house. At 7:30 Gerardo called me up telling me he had a ticket. After a couple of breathless phone calls, Gerardo tells me, he’s got a free ticket for me - to hurry home and get dressed and the Lanuza car would pick me up to take me to the Rizal. I never got dressed so fast. I wore my white chiffon dress and just made it on time. I went with Juan, Dita and the other Lanuza sister and my hunch proved to be true. During intermission I met Pichuco and we went to the lobby and I see Nacho talking to the Ortoll brothers, Rafa and Carlos. Luis Pertierra etc. were also there. (Now here’s another event I remember distinctly. The premier of “El Cid” at the Rizal! I remember the dress, and I remember clearly stepping out into the lobby and seeing all the guys I adored all together in one big bundle. An embarrassment of riches for little old me!) Rafa and the Ortoll brothers came to say hello and later we sort of drifted over to Nacho, Leo and Carlos. I was pretty nervous and my pulses were racing, but not as fast as when Rafa talked to me and said, when Nacho said something a little nasty - “No te metas con Lea que esta muy mona esta noche.” (And silly me, still didn’t get the fact that they all still treated me like the cute little sister and we were all the same age!) I also saw Titos Ayesa and thought of Mercy. Rafa asked me if I was going to the ANC tomorrow and I told him I wasn’t sure. Mercy can’t stand him and many of the guys dislike him (Now I realize he had that haughty Spanish macho thing going and that’s why the guys didn’t like him, but who knew of these things then!) But I like him - I guess I like the guys that have a bit of “sinverguenza” in them.



August 10 - Friday

I was beaming all day today. I went to the ANC this afternoon and all the usual people were there except Rafa. He had a dinner party or something tonight, so Luli says. Mommy gave me a bag this evening. So pretty! What a sticky, humid, hot day!



August 11 - Saturday

Mr. Cruz was in a very black mood this morning but thank goodness he didn’t give us a test or I would’ve gotten absolutely zero. Mercy and I went to the ANC at 11. Everyone was there. Rafa at first ignored me but when I changed into my jeans, he came to talk and tried to convince me to go to the party at Jan’s house tonight. He, Ramon Arnaiz, etc. sure gave Mercy and I the big pitch including Freddy Franco over the phone. Believe me, I never wanted to go to a party so much since Rafa is going and Tony. Father John Pelliser is our retreat master and he’s very good. Tita Carmen Marti talked to me this morning about Nena and such. I really love that lady. I miss Nena too. She says Nena doesn’t want to come back here. Wait till I hightail myself over to Spain. So help me - before I’m 20, I’ll get there. (Ah, the Fickle Finger of Fate was waving in my face. I “got” to Spain before my 21st birthday and then just after my 24th, I “hightailed it” to Spain from New York and spent the next 8 plus years of my life there. But, that August, all I could do was dream...)