July 14 - 22, 1962

July 14 - Saturday


The party for Arlette and Monica was a hit. My dress was so sweet - well, it fit me so well. All the boys we invited came to the party. (Two new girls from Europe were to our group of boys like honey to bees.) I was unusually happy to see Mitch, Morris and Tony. Everyone really ripped it up. Carlos thinks I am still nuts over him and gave me the most devastating smile. Mitch looked disgusted with me? And Tony was the nicest he’s ever been. He always makes a party nice for me. He danced with me boogie and slow. The last slow was “Tammy” by Ray Coniff and it was very sweet. Dancing with Tony is like dancing on some cloud. I find I like him more and more. Another sweet guy is Morris. But I think he had an awful time. Raffy and I dance a good boogie. I danced a lot tonight.

July 15 - Sunday

Arno was very nice this morning. I went to Mass with Mercy at 11 at Ermita and this afternoon we all went to the Rizal (with Arlette and Monica, the Hagedorns, Arno and Eddie). We saw Maricar who gave us the coldest stare. Arno and Eddie and Freddie came home this afternoon. We listened to records and ate popcorn. Eddie is so much fun and a real nice guy. I think he likes Monica. I caught Arno looking at me several times and this time there was no sarcasm in his look. Later we went to Arlette & Monica’s house. Everyone is being so nice lately.



July 16 - Monday - My 18th Birthday!

Tonight I got the surprise of my life when I go to Mercy’s house to pick her up for a movie and I find the whole gang had thrown a surprise party for me. They were all standing there in the dark and I stepped into the sala and they all came up and kissed me. I was so happy and touched and speechless. How, sweet, wonderful and just swell they are. Dear Mom organized the whole thing. It was all so lovely, the decorations, the presents and everyone was there. Tony and Arno were the first boys who came up to congratulate me. Tony danced with me 3 times and all the rest of the night with Mercy. Arno danced with me several times too. Every time he gets close to me I feel my spine tingling. He danced with Monica a lot. Morris came home to give me a box of chocolates. (I remember him coming to my house and giving me those chocolates.) Yan gave me a porcelain cat and Pichuco - the white carnations he promised. I wish Morris had gone to the party. I feel so lonely again tonight. I guess seeing Tony with Mercy and Arno with Monica put this lump in my throat again. I didn’t realize how much I feel for Arno and Tony. I play Big Sister to everyone and get nowhere myself. It was a wonderful birthday surprise and Mom and Dad gave me the most beautiful little wrist watch.



July 17 - Tuesday

Mercy and I spent the whole afternoon with Arlette and Monica. Monica tells me she likes Ramon Faustman. Arno called up to ask me if Eddie could call up to talk to me and ask me who Monica likes and I told him. Eddie and I talked for an hour and a half. We talked mostly about Arlette and Freddy.



July 18 - Wednesday

I don’t know how to begin my entry tonight because its been such an ordinary day. Mommy is quite hopeless as any time I mention some guy either she gets annoyed and changes the subject or acts like I was 14 instead of 18. She can make me so mad! If someone like Pichuco, or anyone, asks me for a date I’ll go and ask Dad. Agnes called me this evening to wish me a belated happy birthday. Eddie also called up to find out what Arlette said but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her because she went to the movies with her parents.



July 19 - Thursday

I can’t find my ball pen and I hope its in Mercy’s house. It really poured today. Margotin brought me home. Susan was in school today. It’s too bad she isn’t studying at SPCM. This afternoon I cleaned my room and closet. At last I can find things now. Arlette, Monica, Fred and Eddie went to Mercy’s house this afternoon. Eddie called me up again tonight. More talk about Arlette. I love the way he laughs. I hope Arlette doesn’t go to Baguio and we can get to Annie’s party on Saturday. I saw the pictures of Arlette and Monica’s party today. I look like a cow in them but there are 2 pictures of Carlos that I’d give my life to get. He’s dancing with Ginny of course, with that devilish grin and twinkle in his eye. (The picture of Carlos dancing with Ginny is the one I have here but I cut Ginny out of the picture then. I wish I hadn’t.) I asked Mercy if she could get it for me that it would be her birthday present to me but not to tell anyone. Tita Trining sent me a birthday present this noon (perfume) and a sweet note. I have a periodic test in Theology and Business English tomorrow.

(When I mention above about "the picture I have here" I mean that in the hard copy of these diaries which I printed out to bring to Manila in 2006 for my barkada, I included a whole collection of pictures at the end of my entries of 1964, to show where we were and what happened the years that followed.  I will try to download the pictures at the end of these postings but don't know if I will be successful.  Nov. 23, 2009.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day here in the US, so Happy Thanksgiving to any of you who may be reading this.)


July 20 - Friday

This minute it is taking every ounce of my will power not to throw something at someone. It’s incredible how mad my mother can make me and since I can’t shout back at her, its all pent up inside. This eternal rain is getting on my nerves and tomorrow I hope it’s a sunny day. At least I hope it doesn’t rain. I’d like to go to Annie’s party but I’m not even sure I’ve been invited so...Arlette and Monica left for Baguio today and they’re coming back on Sunday. I talked to Freddy for a while this noon and Nacho called to tell me that Rafa will be at the ANC tomorrow. God, what I wouldn’t give to go for a long trip away from Manila.



July 21 - Saturday

Magu picked me up to go to school this morning. We had a pleasant time talking to Mr. Cruz. He gave all those who went to school a plus 1 in the periodicals. I went to the ANC after class. Saw Rafa Perez after 3 and a half years in Spain and he has changed very much. He’s taller and I never noticed he has the warmest brown eyes. I talked to Arno this morning too and he was telling me about the new car he’s getting. This evening Mercy and I were ready to go to the Vampires party when the rain and wind and thunder and lightning started and we couldn’t leave since all the streets were flooded and Dad wouldn’t let me leave. Mercy came home and she’s going to spend the night at my house. We feel the party will be a lot of fun. Anyway, looking forward to seeing Rafa again tomorrow.



July 22 - Sunday

Mercy and I went Mass at school and later we came back home, changed and went to the ANC. Luli, Nacho, Pichuco, Rafa, Arno and Luz were all there. Rafa sat beside me and I think if I had a choice of all the boys I know, at this moment I’d choose Rafa. (Fickle little thing, wasn’t I?!) We all went to the Rizal, then the ANC then Mercy’s house. I wanted to go to Nomads but couldn’t. Exams tomorrow.