November 29 - December 11, 1961

November 29 - Wednesday


Marina led discussion in Religion today and she did very well. I did not go to class this afternoon. I’ve just begun observing and did not feel so well. I crocheted a while and then I fixed my letters, notes, etc which were a mess. I talked with Mercy. We’ll go to Mass tomorrow together and then join Luli at the ANC. Might see “Exodus” at the Rizal. I hope I see Carlos.



November 30 - Thursday - National Heroes Day

It’s been a very nice day. This morning Mom, Mercy and I went to church at San Marcelino. I went to Confession but couldn’t finish the Mass since I did not feel well. We ate breakfast at home, then Mers and I went to the ANC. (I think I would’ve gone to the ANC in a stretcher, if I had to!) Vita, Carmen Gonzalez and Carmen Garcia, Pamen, Marina, Luli, Consuelo Paredes, Pichuco, Joey, Beli, Arno etc. were there. Lita Abella took a picture of Mercy and me to send to Cosme. We sat in the Sunset Lounge and talked. Arno looked so handsome in a plaid shirt. Found out that Carlos isn’t taking Ginny to the prom but Arno says he might take this other girl named Jeanne. Mercy and I ate lunch at the ANC then Luli picked us up and we went to the Rizal to see “Exodus” with Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo, Jill Hayworth, John Derek, George Maharis, etc. Very good picture except we didn’t see the ending because Luli had to be back home at 5. Everybody was there this afternoon and when I say everyone I mean it. Sitting in the row behind us were Arno, Beli, some Beeps, Tony Ortigas, etc. In the row in front of us were Jay, Ramon and Freddy Infante who stopped to say hello to us, Mari Ojeda, Marimil, Lita, Conchita, Cynthia, Joe, etc. Carlos was all over the place. He smiled and nodded his head in greeting (Something like a Hollywood star greeting his fans. Man did he bedazzle me!). Then later he stopped to say hello to Freddy Infante and sat in front of me and later he talked to Arno who was right behind me and I felt myself slowly melt away...When we left I brushed past him when he and Jigger were standing together in the back of the theater. Later, while we waited for the car I kept hoping he’d come out. Just as the car arrived he came out and as the car drove away I turned to look at him and at that moment he turned too - zing! I started shaking in the knees again. (I was truly pathetic. Wish I could talk to Carlos now and see if he remembers ANY of this at all.)



(UPDATE!- Some months after I started transcribing these diaries, I decided to see if I could track down my old crush and through the help of Honey and Jimmy Alba, I did. After 45 years, I finally got to speak with Carlos over the phone. I first asked him if he remembered the early 60s in Manila, but, for a couple of minutes, he barely remembered who I was! He still can break my heart (just kidding folks). But, we had a good laugh, and it was a bit of a thrill to fulfill a fantasy that I had more than a lifetime ago. And that girl, who was so nuts about that boy Carlos, still lurks somewhere in a little corner of my heart, as I think does that boy with the wicked smile.)



December 1 - Friday

I was absent from school this morning since I forgot to do my “Red China in the UN” report. I went to school this pm and got a big sermon from Sister Mary Angela about being absent (Duh...I’m amazed they even let me back IN school at this point ). Anyway, I found out that its all over between Carlos and Ginny and that he does not have a chance with this Jeanne person because she likes Freddy Franco - so Magu tells me. Yipee, that means he has no one to take to the prom. Now, if he only knew I was alive. Yeah, fat chance. Tomorrow is the Barrio Fiesta at SLV and Maryanne Abella’s party. We’ll just wait and see...



December 2 - Saturday

This has been one of the nicest days I’ve had in 5 months. I’ve enjoyed myself thoroughly. First, I went to the ANC this morning and Conchita, Lita and I sun-bathed. Pichuco joined us for a while. I ate lunch there with Mom and Lita. Then this afternoon Mom and I went to Charter’s Studio and Aunt Kitty was there of course. Karen who looked so pretty, Linda and Kathy were there. They wanted to go to the Barrio Fiesta but Uncle Vee did not let them. Conchita picked me up at 3:30 pm to go to the BF with Lita and Luli. We picked up Marina and walked to the park. Marimil joined us and we started walking around the place. We rode the “Octupus” once. Freddy and Mon Infante, and Linggoy started talking to Marimil and me. Then Carlos joined us for a few minutes while Freddy was telling him something, my heart stopped beating for a few minutes too. He looked straight at me and as those dreamy brown eyes met mine I felt myself melting at the edges. Freddy has such a delightful sense of humor. He’ll fracture me someday. Marimil likes him so much she can’t see straight. (Then I guess I was walking around with a white stick with respect to Carlos!) I kept seeing Carlos walking back and forth. Lita and Conchita then left and I stayed with Marimil. Later Mercy arrived and we all sat at the “Dedication Booth.” While we were sitting there, Carlos walked right by us and as he walked by he looked straight at me and said “bye.” The fact that he looked at ME, not at Margie, Mercy or Marimil and said bye makes me feel so good and warm. Later, as we waited for the jam session to begin, we talked to Arno. I borrowed a buck from him so I could enter the jam session. You should have heard Carlos sing! He sounded like Ricky Nelson to a tee. And he looks better than Ricky Nelson just simply adorable on that stage. I’ll bet many female hearts fluttered while he sang. Nothing looked better on the stage. He wore a coat and tie but he came in with Jeanne. He looked more handsome today than I’ve ever seen him. Sigh, what a guy. I danced on “Jam Session” but no TV camera caught me. I danced 3 times with a guy whose name I forgot and once with this guy I met at the ANC. I also danced with Linggoy, Peps, Mon Infante and Margie interrupted my dance with Ramon Faustman because we had to leave. We got to Maryanne’s party and it was still pretty dead. Mercy was all excited because Tony was supposed to be there. Later people started arriving - Pamen, Marina, Inger, Butch, and the Diggers. I spent the whole night talking to Tony, Quito, Butch and Joe Assad. I could see Mercy’s face shining when Tony took her to dance boogie and one slow. Joe was real nice this evening. At first we teased each other a lot but all in fun. I danced 2 boogies and 3 slows with him. He’s a great dancer and when I was dancing slow with him I felt all warm inside. He wanted to walk me home since we lived near each other but I had to get home. I got home at 1:05 am. Mom was boiling. Big sermon again. First time in months I’ve enjoyed myself - wherein I was paid attention to by very nice guys and danced and I get bawled out for staying out an hour later. Sometimes parents tie you to their apron strings too tightly. Victor Sans said Javi Ruiz might invite me to the prom. Pichuco Berenguer was at the party too. What a great day.



December 3 - Sunday

I went to mass at 10 am at Ermita and then to the ANC. Everyone was there - Lita, Luli, Conchita, Marina, Inger, Pichuco, Arno and Mary Salman. Arno looked very nice today. I had to leave the ANC because Dad, Mom and I had to go to Bulacan for lunch. Karen, Linda etc. were there. We came home at 2:30 pm. I went back to the ANC to get my ???? for Lit. Lita, Conchita, Luli came and we ate. Charito Malarki was with us. I returned home at 6:30 pm. Freddy Infante and company were at SLV today. Freddy gave Magu a stuffed animal.



December 4 - Monday

I got bawled out by Mrs. Buencamino this morning. My Physics is getting worse and I’m passing by the skin of my teeth. We had revues today for exams. Marina and Magu’s topic of conversation today was Freddy Infante. This evening I went to Marimil’s house for dinner. Freddy (her brother) was there. We kept looking at each other and smiling. Marimil talked with Joe over the phone. He’s really crazy over Marimil and Marimil isn’t sure whether she likes Freddy Infante or Joe. Tomorrow exams and I don’t know a thing. I can’t get Carlos off my mind no matter what I do.



December 5 - Tuesday - Margie Gonzalez’s birthday

Exams are the bane of my life. I hate, hate, hate, despise them!! Religion, Speech, Spanish and English weren’t so bad. Tomorrow - my Waterloo - Physics. I’m going to need a lot help from the saints to get me through this one. After writing in here I plunge in! I went to the ANC for a while this afternoon after school.



December 6 - Wednesday

Well, I’m through with Physics for now. I studied the best I could and my exams were so-so. I’ll just wait until Monday to learn the results (gulp). Suzzette helped me a lot in reviewing, also Tina. I ate lunch in school with Teresa Carballo, Cristina Soliongco, Tina, Marilena, etc. We had no review classes this pm. I talked to Mercy and also to Nena. Also spoke to Margie to wish her a happy birthday. Chiqui Ramirez gave her a watch. Also Margie told me her cousin Carlitos told her Javi Ruiz was going to ask me to the prom. Mercy is hysterical because Maricar Beliso found out she likes Tony. Try and keep anything a secret around here is impossible. The prom gets closer every day. This pesky cough won’t leave me and Mom’s worried.



December 7 - Thursday - Mom and Dad’s Anniversary (20 years)

Phew, what a relief, exams are finally over until January. Passed through History and Tagalog like a breeze. With the able help of Alicia Gabriel. I talked with Marimil over the phone for almost an hour or so this evening. I was right - Freddy seems to like Margotin and vice versa. I don’t blame Magu. It’s pretty hard to resist Fritz. She went to the Paul Anka show with him tonight. Marimil is all excited about going to Pampanga this Sunday. Some of the people who are going are the Infantes, Hernandezes, Magu, Lita, Vita, Peps, etc. its going to be a lot of fun. Gee, how I wish I could go.



December 8 - Friday - Ateneo Carnival

I went to Mass at 10 am at Ermita with Mercy and Mom. Then we went to Alemars for a while and later we picked up Karen and went to the ANC. Conchita, Lita, Marina, Pamen, etc were there. We just talked. At 2 pm Mom brought Karen back to the studio and Mercy stayed with Chiqui and Albert at the ANC. Ramon, Fritz, Boy Legarda picked Lita, Maricar and I to go to the Ateneo Carnival. We picked up Magu, Susan and Freddy Franco up at Magu’s house. Then we drove to Ateneo. It’s wonderful at Loyola Heights. So cold but diamond fresh. We just walked around the grounds. Saw Dito Guerrero, Carmyr, etc Annabelle Morelos and some classmates. The Squares came and they joined us. Mon Infante is awfully nice and has terrific eyes. Fritz never left Magu’s side. Lita and I stuck together since Magu and Fritz and Susan and Fred were together as were Mon and Maricar. Even Lita deserted me for a while and went on the Ferris Wheel with Peps. The Ateneans are wonderful. We met these two Jesuit priests - Fr. Welch and Fr. Larkin who were really interesting. I asked about Fr. Reuter. I gave Freddy Franco a picture of Arlette and Monica. Jay Herrero is very nice too in spite of what I’ve heard about him (????) They (who were the “they”) bought me my ticket to the Carnival and Fritz was awfully generous too. Peps invited me to Nicky Jacinto’s party tomorrow and to go to Pampanga. I’d give my right eye to go there but doubt if my parents will allow me to go. My mother—hah! That’ll be the day. Fritz found out I like Carlos while we were going home though a “blunder” of Magu’s. He started teasing but said that Carlos was a great guy. Of course he is! Nobody has to convince me!! Mon and Jay played for a while and they dedicated songs to the Hi-Gayles 3 or 4 times - naks!



December 9 - Saturday

La Salle Junior-Senior Prom

Nicky Jacinto’s Party

Chancelors Party

Compared to yesterday, today has been a pretty miserable day. First of all, I was supposed to go to the ANC with Lita but Mom made me go shopping with her. I bought a book - “Greatest Story Ever Told”, a medal, a pair of white torero pants and a simply dippy striped pullover, a St. Christopher medal for the car and a white belt. Mom has a terrific cold and she did not feel well the whole day making her cranky and mostly mad at me. (How insensitive I was! Right now, I’d give anything to be able to go back and go shopping with my mother....) Then I couldn’t go to either party and no prom for me of course. Also, no Pampanga tomorrow. Heaven knows what else?! Margie stopped over here on the way to pick up Mercy for the prom. She looked real pretty. Chiqui was with her. I talked with Mil (Marimil) and Lita over the phone. Both of them were pretty hysterical about many things . Mil finds out Joe’s the greatest - all had something to do with last night. She went with him to the Valley Golf Club......???!!!



December 10 - Sunday - Cosme’s Birthday and Inger’s

Just this minute I remembered that I forgot to call Inger to wish her a happy birthday. Mercy says that the prom was a success last night. Louie Mac asked Mercy if “he had a chance” with her and Mercy gave him a big large negative. Arno was at the ANC this morning. I paid him back the one peso I owed him and he was happy since he had no money for the movie. He stayed home last night too and said he’s sorry he didn’t think about it but that he would have called me up last night since he had no place to go either. I wish he had called up. I also wish Beli would take a little trip someplace. Not that I don’t like Beli or anything. Luli, Conchita and I went to the Rizal to see “Comancheros” with John Wayne. Betina, Tony, Menchu, Mary and Jack A sat behind us. Tony kept giving me that sly sarcastic half-grin of his every time I looked back to talk to Betina. I saw Joe who gave me a smile which I could not interpret. Later he threw me something from behind. Later Arno walked in with Juaco and Arno waved hello again and sat way on the right side. I could see Magu over there. I wonder if Carlos was there too. I saw Tita Marina outside and said hello. After the movie, Vicky Pertierra, Luli, Conch and I went to the Polo Club and then to the ANC. Conch and I finally straightened out that mess that Javi inviting me to the prom. He was going to ask me but Conchita told him she didn’t think I wanted to go. She told him the truth tonight. Vicky Pertierra is a riot and still the ever loving tomboy. All the girls talk can talk about acute guy in a picture and Vicky sighs over a beautiful black horse. Tomorrow’s going to be a Blue Monday. No term paper....gulp.



December 11 - Monday

Sometimes, Sister Angela makes me so mad. Big sermon about not going to the Concert (Glee Club). One can’t even lead one’s own life any more. I mean, gee, the tickets cost dough and I can’t be asking my daddy for money every day. Wait till I tell her tomorrow that I have to return the 5.00 patron ticket. She’ll boil! Anyway, St. Jude bless him finally heard my prayers. Daddy’s work is getting successful and I passed my Physics exam with an 82%!!!!! I was almost hysterical this morning. I’m so happy but we had a surprise quiz and I got absolutely zero. I talked to Mercy over the phone for an hour mostly about Cosme, Margie, Louie...I also called Lita but she couldn’t talk. Marimil called me up and asked me if I would mind going to the Jazz Concert on the 21st with Spik Loinaz. I told her I’d love too. She said I’m not supposed to know anything but per Freddy, her brother, told her he would ask me. (Imagine if Carlos sings!)