February 1 - Thursday
Sister was displeased about the Hi-Gayles practicing though the other girls are still going to sing tomorrow minus Marina and me. If Sister finds out they’ll really get it. Oh well, bahala na sila. This afternoon, after classes, Lita and I went to see Arno. He looked wonderful. Nena Baratta, Cookie Olondriz and Kathy Bruns were there for a while and later they left. Then Juaco and Eddie came, also Kenneth. We had a very nice time with Arno. Eddie and Juaco were telling stories about their adventures in Baguio in Juaco’s house. Arno says he’s through with Beli and my heart skipped a beat then. But then I also keep seeing the wonderful eyes of Mr. Roux.....
February 2 - Friday
The rest of the Hi-Gayles decided not to sing on “Fallout 62.” Corny day in school. Full of tests. This afternoon, Magu, Susie and I went to “Fallout 62" at the FSP auditorium with Fritz Infante. The auditorium was jam packed although we saw very few people we know. Baby O’Brian was the emcee and is she a very pretty girl. Anyway, before the event was over we left with Fritz, Boy and Freddy Franco. Fritz invited us over to the Aristocrat for a snack. While we were eating they kept teasing me about Spik and Carlos. I got home at 10 PM.
February 3 - Saturday
I went to school this am and by this noon I had a migraine headache. Marina and I went to the ANC. (Going to the ANC sure cured all my ills.) Lita and Conchita were there. At 12:30 I went home. I slept a siesta from 12:30 to 4 pm. I felt much better. This evening was the Vampires’ party but I didn’t want to go. Anyway, Arno couldn’t go and neither could Carlos, so what was the point. I talked with Mercy over the phone. I have a feeling tomorrow’s going to be a good day. I hope I see Arno and maybe Mr. Roux......Charlie Armstrong was back at the ANC.
February 4 - Sunday
I’m sure glad I didn’t go to the party last night. Carlos WAS there but with a new American dish called Bobbie something. You see what I mean?!! Arno WAS at the ANC and I was so surprised and happy to see him. He looked wonderful in a cream-colored Ban-lon shirt. He wasn’t wearing Beli’s ring but her bracelet, the one she gave him on Christmas. Today, Conchita, Lita, Vicky Pertierra, Vicky Gonzalez and I were invited by Luli to eat lunch at the Casino as tomorrow is her birthday. Then we went to Art Galindez’s show on DZMB. He’s such a nice guy. We also stopped in on Johnny Wilson for a minute. At 4 pm we went to the Polo for the polo games. Almost all the Forbes Park “elite” were there. Mr. Andrews (Ginny and Lorraine’s dad) is an awfully handsome man. (My mother used to tell me that before the war all the women thought him the handsomest man in Manila and all the women were crazy about him. It didn’t hurt that he was rich and could sit a horse better than anyone!) Gordo Catala, Spik, Ricky Catala, Peps and Luis Pertierra were there too, AND, Mr. Roux himself!!!!! I was standing by the door watching the games when suddenly I noticed him and his two brothers (presumably). He looked at me again and again - my heart turned over. (Sonofagun! I remember this clearly too!) I’d give anything to meet him. He was with his brothers, Ting-ting de los Reyes and another girl (lucky them!) He caught me looking at him once. “Como me chifla!” We went to the Teen Den for awhile and Freddy Hernandez was there and he told Ricky and Peps to take Lita, Conchita and I upstairs. So we went. Ricky Catala is a riot. I couldn’t stop laughing. Mari Cacho was also with us. I didn’t go to Mass today and I have Religion and Composition exams tomorrow and I haven’t studied a thing. Right now I couldn’t care less about anything. My life is a mess. I wish I were alone in Baguio, in that cosy, second floor of Tita Trining’s house with a good book and hang everything else! My appendix is bothering me and it costs more money than dad has to operate it so I might as well give up. (Was there an appendicitis epidemic in Manila?!! You’d think it was a contagious disease and everyone got operated of it at the drop of a hat - Lita, Arno, Luli, ...very strange...).
February 5 - Monday
My Religion exams weren’t too bad but Speech and Composition, well shall we change the subject. I have a terrific cold and my head feels like its going to pop any minute. I simply cannot concentrate on anything much less Physics or Tagalog. Well, we’ll just see what mess I indulge in tomorrow. I simply cannot get Arno and that dreamy Mr. Roux out of my mind. I couldn’t care less about Carlos this minute and if he wants to break his promise about going to the ball - let him. I just hope with all my heart that Arno doesn’t do the same. Heck to this cold!
February 6 - Tuesday
My Physics exam is not to be mentioned - I didn’t know a thing! If I got 60 I’m lucky. Oh boy, I wonder what my report card will look like. This evening my cold is worse and I can’t even think straight. I haven’t opened my books and anyway, even if I did I wouldn’t be able to concentrate. My nose is all clogged up and I have to breath through my mouth. What a miserable day!
February 7 - Wednesday
Finally, our crummy exams are over. I can’t be happier. I can finally breath, think, and talk straight after 3 days of mental and physical fatigue. We had movies in school this pm then Marina and I went to the ANC. I read the bulletin board and in it was something about the Roux brothers - the one with the dreamy eyes is George and the two others are Scotty and Bobby. Susan Roces is giving a party for them tomorrow. I’d give my right eye to meet him (George). Lita was at the ANC this pm and Mitch was there with a girl. (I fell for Carlos Garcia two years ago today and I still haven’t reached bottom).
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
January 21 - 31, 1962
January 21 - Sunday
What a glorious day this has been, First I went to mass at 11 at Ermita and later, of course, to the ANC. Mercy, Marina, etc were there. Conchita and Luli were at the Polo Club. Lita called me up and asked me to go to her house this evening. Arno came later and said that Carlos told him again that he was going to our ball. I asked him if he was going to the Rizal to see “The Guns of Navaronne” this afternoon and he said no because he saw it yesterday and it was a lousy picture. (Arno thought that TGON was a lousy movie?!!! I’m cracking up laughing as I transcribe this.) I had lunch at Marina’s house and Luli and Conchita picked us up at 1:30pm. As we were paying for our tickets Conchita tells me quietly but breathlessly that Carlos was in the canteen. My heart leapt to my throat and my hands were shaking so much I couldn’t shut my handbag. Marina, Luli and Conch decided to go to the Canteen to buy candy. They walk in and each give a dazzling smile to Carlos and I completely ignore him. While they were buying the candy I was still desperately trying to close my handbag which was turning into an impossibility. Carlos turned around to look at us and as we walked out I restrained myself from looking at him while the girls smiled at him again. We walked into the movie and as we sat down Marina told me to go and talk to him so with every ounce of courage I could muster, I decided to go back to the canteen to get bubble gum. I forgot that the door did not work right and I kept pushing at it to get in and Carlos looked up and said “No te mates.” Then he asked us to join him but heck that movie (I let a movie stop me from joining this guy that I’m ga-ga over. Didn’t I say I was stupid?!!!!) I asked him again if he was going to the ball and said yes and “gracias” for inviting him. Gracias?! I’m the one who should be thanking him! (Okay, now I’m certifiable!). He also asked me who was going to play and I said, “Tu amor de Strads.” (And now I am plain corny.)I had to say goodby then and get back in the movie. When I got back to my seat, my heart was pounding so hard. Later he came in for a while and he sat down and stood up and walked around a dozen times. He also kept looking in our direction. I saw Spik Loinaz and he looked very nice, if a little thin. Betina said hello too. Later we went to Lita’s house and listened to records. Dad and I ate supper alone. Arno went to the Rizal after all - hah!
January 22 - Monday
Margotin and Susan’s surprise today was a beautiful big photograph of Carlos playing the drums. I was so happy and excited! My test in English was a miserable, complete flop. Yikes. Anyway, all I can think of is Carlos.
January 23 - Tuesday
Nothing very exciting happened in school today (when does it?). We only had rehearsals for that play and Tere Carballo and I, perennially talking about Carlos. This evening I went to Bingo and had a lot of fun. My cards were good and Mom won 20.00. We sat with Luli and her parents and Tita Pacita. I showed Luli the picture of Carlos and she flipped. Mitch and George were there . When Luli and I went to cash our checks Mitch was right beside us. I also talked with George a few minutes. Maripaz Godinez called this evening to find out if I was going to her party on Saturday.
January 24 - Wednesday
Our class gets more restless and rebellious every day. I guess its because graduation is near and young hearts are rarin’ to go! I am!! Miss Juco was awfully mad this morning at some girls in class for misbehaving. This afternoon Marina brought me home. I talked with Lita over the phone and she read me Morris’s (her one and only) letter. I also talked with Mercy and Conchita. St. Jude and St. Anthony are being just wonderful these days. They’re answering all my prayers. I have a billion and one pimples on my back and some on my face. I hope they go away by Saturday. Mrs. Patag bawled me out today. Such is life.
January 25 - Thursday
We had our Mass and Pep rally this morning and Field Day this afternoon. Fritz, Mon, and Jay, Ricky and Johnny Ugarte were driving around St. Paul’s. Boy looking for Susan and Fritz for Magu. We had our dress rehearsal tonight for “Seven Mirrors.” Everything came out all right. I talked to Lita over the phone this noon and Mercy this evening. Tomorrow no classes in the morning because of Teacher’s Day.
January 26 - Friday
Conchita called this morning and wanted to know if I was going to the ANC. I didn’t go because I had to wash my hair. I talked with dear Lita over the phone too. This afternoon we had no regular classes on account of the play. My make-up was perfect this evening. I wish I could leave and not do the curtain call tomorrow but I haven’t the slightest idea of how I am going to do it. Bahala na. I talked with Mercy over the phone and she says she’s not going to the party tomorrow. Oh well. I’m so sleepy.
January 27 - Saturday
I went to the ANC with Mercy. Conchita, Marina and Cynthia Carreon were there. We did nothing but talk about Maripaz’s party. This afternoon I went to see “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley. Very enjoyable. I went with Conchita, Lita and Mercy and everyone was at the movie except Carlos. The play this evening was good except for me in the Leyte scene. I bet they couldn’t hear me in the 4th row! Dad picked me up at 8 and as soon as I got home I got dressed for the party. I wore the same dress I wore on New Year’s Eve yet it didn’t seem to look as nice as it did then. Tony Ortigas walked into the party with us and Mercy was pretty thrilled. He is such an attractive guy. The party was simply ok. Maripaz looked so pretty in a white nylon-chiffon dress. Everyone was there except Carlos. I guess his aunt didn’t let him go because he failed in 3 subjects and my evening was pretty empty except for one person - Arno!! He looked so attractive this evening and he assured me he was going to our ball with me if his grades were good. He dances divinely and is a wonderful guy. Linggoy does the twist superbly and Conchita was on some unknown cloud because he danced with her. Tony also danced with Mercy and there goes another girl on another cloud. I just danced with Danny Guidote 3 times, with Pichuco and Jack Aguirre. Conchita, Luli and I sat at one table with Pichuco and Jack. Margie and Mercy sat at another. The Beeps were all so nice. Susan was with Magu and the Whirlpools. Spik was also there for a few minutes. We left the party at 11:45 PM. Arno really was something tonight and I can’t wait to see him tomorrow. Lita told me today that Carlos might leave for Spain and that he likes the sort of well-filled up girls which definitely counts me out. I feel so lonely tonight. Why, why, why do I always fall for the guys who couldn’t care less if I lived or died?!!
January 28 - Sunday
Mass at 11:45 at Ermita and met the Muniosgurens (Honey looked simply out of this world in navy blue pants and white Ban-lon). After Mass we went to the ANC. Conchita and Luli were there with Arno. My heart gave a lurch when I saw him. Luli left soon after and only Mercy, Conchita, Arno and I were left. Mercy started saying “Lea, remember that guy you thought was so cute last night and you liked him....” Arno kept asking who she was talking about and Mercy kept giving hints like - “Arno, you have so many secret admirers.” I had to look out the window when she said that. We ate lunch there and Conch, Luli and I decided to go see Lita at 3:30. Arno said he was going too but Conchita and Luli changed their minds and they went to the Polo Club. Arno then said he was going to the Rizal. I was very disappointed but I went to Lita’s house anyway. We ate mangoes and sandwiches and suddenly the phone rang. It was Arno and he said he was coming over. There went that lurch again. He arrived and we just sat and talked about operations and listened to records. Lita asked him if he had fun at the Rizal. He said no and Lita asked him if Beli was there. He said yes but he still didn’t have fun. He then said that he and Beli are drifting apart and he looked at me when he said it. Lita didn’t understand and Arno said, “Ask Lea, she does.” I don’t exactly know what he meant by that. Lita said later, when I had to leave, that she thinks Arno likes me. I don’t even want to think of the possibility because he probably doesn’t and I’ve been hurt and disappointed too often. But I like him very much and the fact that he didn’t stay with Beli after the movie and came over to Lita’s house makes me a little bit happy. (I did well tonight in the play and my voice was heard loud and clear to the back of the auditorium.) I’m so confused and so alone. Carlos and Arno are causing a terrific battle in me.
January 29 - Monday
Its terrifically cool these days and everyone walks around in sweaters. I love and how I wish school were over and I could go to Baguio. Sister congratulated the cast this morning. Margotin talked with Carlos yesterday. He’s failed in 3 subjects and that’s why he didn’t go to Maripaz’s party. This afternoon I felt so tired and sleepy. I skipped school and slept a siesta. I also read “Tomorrow is Forever” by Gwen Bristow. (I still have the book - right on my book shelf today!) Beautiful story. I can’t get Arno and Carlos out of my mind. I like them so very, very much. I hope they both make it to the ball. I baked a beautiful cake this evening. It was light and fluffy and yummy. I’m sleepy and tired. I hate the thought of school tomorrow. Lita talked to me over the phone this evening. She said Arno stayed till about seven yesterday. He talked about Beli and how he’s getting the feeling that she’s getting tired of him - no comment here. Margot Pimentel and Susan called this evening to tell me we’re going to sing on “Fallout 62" on Feb. 2 (another jazz concert). Here we go again. Brrrr.....it’s cold!
January 30 - Tuesday
It’s simply wonderful to feel that for one evening people find you attractive and you feel attractive. It happened to me tonight. My make-up was simple and flawless and I felt happy and gay. At Bingo this evening, Mom, Tita Pacita and I sat at the table next to Mitch and George. Then I noticed a tall young man passing next to my chair and I look up and my eyes meet a pair of beautiful black eyes with long eyelashes and thick black brows. Our eyes held for a split second and I felt my heart turn over! (Antonio Banderas!! - Just kidding, couldn’t resist. Besides, Antonio Banderas was probably not even born yet!!!) He then walked to his table. I’ve never seen him before and I learned later that he’s just arrived from New York. (Is he here now??!!) He was wearing a navy blue jacket and wore a tie. I couldn’t say anything for the next minute because he affected me like no one before (Yeah, right, Lea, but curiously as I write this, the face of this guy comes into focus and I actually remember what he looked like!) I joined Luli at her table for a few minutes. This guy was sitting at the table right next to hers and as I looked in his direction my eyes met his again and my heart lurched again. (A lot of heart lurching going on lately....) I could feel him looking at me even when I was talking to Luli. Later he won a game and as he passed by our table I could feel that “electricity” again. During intermission Luli and I stayed outside the Pavilion for a while. When we were walking back in, George and Mitch caught up with us. George talked to me a while then we walked in. Luli and George went ahead of me. This guy was talking to one of the 2 girls who had been sitting with Mitch and George but as I passed by he looked at me again. I felt so wonderful - this has never happened to me before, well not since Bill or Sam. As I walked slowly back to my table, I could feel those beautiful eyes on me. As I sat down, Tita Pacita told me not to turn around but the guy and the other people who were with him all turned to look in my direction and he was still looking at me. While playing Bingo later I happened to glance behind me twice and our eyes met again. For me, everyone else in that crowded room disappeared except him. Then in the lobby, waiting to go home, he was standing a few feet away from me and every time I looked at him, he was looking at me with that same look in his eyes. The other young men who were with him were also looking at me and frankly I was getting very self-conscious. Even when he was leaving, he looked at me again. When he finally left, I asked the bell boy at the desk where he had signed in the guest book. He showed me. His name is either George or Bobby Roux or something Roux. (God, I now have a clear flashback to the name and face. He WAS really something and he did make my heart lurch then.). Can’t wait to keep reading and typing to find out how THIS “romance” went...) Luli heard him speak perfect Spanish and English. Every time he looked at me I felt like I was being drawn in by a magnet. I’ll probably never see him again and if he does stay here, he’ll meet many of the beautiful girls around here and I won’t even be a memory. (But for one magic night, he was mine and nothing can take that away. I’ve learned through these long years, that no one can take memories away from you especially since they happen to you - and they are yours.) Arno was operated for appendicitis this morning and Luli, Lita and I hope to see him on Friday. Nothing else is important enough to write about so I’m ending this long entry now. But a certain tall, young man with beautiful black eyes and a look that can melt stone has just added a little chapter to my life. (And somehow my next comments I expected to crop up. When the memory of this night filtered into my mind, I also remembered that only Tita Pacita went along with my “thrill” but I make no mention of my mother because, through all this, she acted as if nothing was happening, hence my next comments...)Sometimes I can’t stand my mother. I love her but I dislike her. To talk about boys to her is silly. To her anything besides cooking, sewing or studying is silly. Then the day comes that I really fall in love with someone I won’t tell her about it! She thinks I’m being “idiota.” Someday...we’ll see! (I cannot comment on this. It is the crux of my relationship with my mother and never resolved fully until about 30 years later in Spain...where another man with dark brows and beautiful eyes made my heart sing....)
January 31 - Wednesday - (and by coincidence, I am typing this and reliving these moments of my life exactly 44 years later almost to the day - it is 2/1/2006 and its Wednesday!)
I don’t want to sing in “Fallout 62" on Friday but what will the rest of the Hi-Gayles think of me. I just don’t want to sing. Anyway, we practiced this afternoon and it was pretty lousy. If it were any time but a month before graduation I would but sister doesn’t want us to, really, and I don’t think we’ll get away with it. Fritz, Mon, Jay and Boy pass by school to see Magu and Susan every day. I want to go to the hospital to see Arno so I hope he’s there till after Friday. Talked with Lita over the phone this pm. Went to MBC with Magu to return the sound effects records today and then we passed by the ANC for a few minutes. I can’t get that young man’s face out of my mind. Those eyes have really left an impression on me. I wonder if I’ll ever see him again. I hope to see Carlos this weekend.
What a glorious day this has been, First I went to mass at 11 at Ermita and later, of course, to the ANC. Mercy, Marina, etc were there. Conchita and Luli were at the Polo Club. Lita called me up and asked me to go to her house this evening. Arno came later and said that Carlos told him again that he was going to our ball. I asked him if he was going to the Rizal to see “The Guns of Navaronne” this afternoon and he said no because he saw it yesterday and it was a lousy picture. (Arno thought that TGON was a lousy movie?!!! I’m cracking up laughing as I transcribe this.) I had lunch at Marina’s house and Luli and Conchita picked us up at 1:30pm. As we were paying for our tickets Conchita tells me quietly but breathlessly that Carlos was in the canteen. My heart leapt to my throat and my hands were shaking so much I couldn’t shut my handbag. Marina, Luli and Conch decided to go to the Canteen to buy candy. They walk in and each give a dazzling smile to Carlos and I completely ignore him. While they were buying the candy I was still desperately trying to close my handbag which was turning into an impossibility. Carlos turned around to look at us and as we walked out I restrained myself from looking at him while the girls smiled at him again. We walked into the movie and as we sat down Marina told me to go and talk to him so with every ounce of courage I could muster, I decided to go back to the canteen to get bubble gum. I forgot that the door did not work right and I kept pushing at it to get in and Carlos looked up and said “No te mates.” Then he asked us to join him but heck that movie (I let a movie stop me from joining this guy that I’m ga-ga over. Didn’t I say I was stupid?!!!!) I asked him again if he was going to the ball and said yes and “gracias” for inviting him. Gracias?! I’m the one who should be thanking him! (Okay, now I’m certifiable!). He also asked me who was going to play and I said, “Tu amor de Strads.” (And now I am plain corny.)I had to say goodby then and get back in the movie. When I got back to my seat, my heart was pounding so hard. Later he came in for a while and he sat down and stood up and walked around a dozen times. He also kept looking in our direction. I saw Spik Loinaz and he looked very nice, if a little thin. Betina said hello too. Later we went to Lita’s house and listened to records. Dad and I ate supper alone. Arno went to the Rizal after all - hah!
January 22 - Monday
Margotin and Susan’s surprise today was a beautiful big photograph of Carlos playing the drums. I was so happy and excited! My test in English was a miserable, complete flop. Yikes. Anyway, all I can think of is Carlos.
January 23 - Tuesday
Nothing very exciting happened in school today (when does it?). We only had rehearsals for that play and Tere Carballo and I, perennially talking about Carlos. This evening I went to Bingo and had a lot of fun. My cards were good and Mom won 20.00. We sat with Luli and her parents and Tita Pacita. I showed Luli the picture of Carlos and she flipped. Mitch and George were there . When Luli and I went to cash our checks Mitch was right beside us. I also talked with George a few minutes. Maripaz Godinez called this evening to find out if I was going to her party on Saturday.
January 24 - Wednesday
Our class gets more restless and rebellious every day. I guess its because graduation is near and young hearts are rarin’ to go! I am!! Miss Juco was awfully mad this morning at some girls in class for misbehaving. This afternoon Marina brought me home. I talked with Lita over the phone and she read me Morris’s (her one and only) letter. I also talked with Mercy and Conchita. St. Jude and St. Anthony are being just wonderful these days. They’re answering all my prayers. I have a billion and one pimples on my back and some on my face. I hope they go away by Saturday. Mrs. Patag bawled me out today. Such is life.
January 25 - Thursday
We had our Mass and Pep rally this morning and Field Day this afternoon. Fritz, Mon, and Jay, Ricky and Johnny Ugarte were driving around St. Paul’s. Boy looking for Susan and Fritz for Magu. We had our dress rehearsal tonight for “Seven Mirrors.” Everything came out all right. I talked to Lita over the phone this noon and Mercy this evening. Tomorrow no classes in the morning because of Teacher’s Day.
January 26 - Friday
Conchita called this morning and wanted to know if I was going to the ANC. I didn’t go because I had to wash my hair. I talked with dear Lita over the phone too. This afternoon we had no regular classes on account of the play. My make-up was perfect this evening. I wish I could leave and not do the curtain call tomorrow but I haven’t the slightest idea of how I am going to do it. Bahala na. I talked with Mercy over the phone and she says she’s not going to the party tomorrow. Oh well. I’m so sleepy.
January 27 - Saturday
I went to the ANC with Mercy. Conchita, Marina and Cynthia Carreon were there. We did nothing but talk about Maripaz’s party. This afternoon I went to see “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley. Very enjoyable. I went with Conchita, Lita and Mercy and everyone was at the movie except Carlos. The play this evening was good except for me in the Leyte scene. I bet they couldn’t hear me in the 4th row! Dad picked me up at 8 and as soon as I got home I got dressed for the party. I wore the same dress I wore on New Year’s Eve yet it didn’t seem to look as nice as it did then. Tony Ortigas walked into the party with us and Mercy was pretty thrilled. He is such an attractive guy. The party was simply ok. Maripaz looked so pretty in a white nylon-chiffon dress. Everyone was there except Carlos. I guess his aunt didn’t let him go because he failed in 3 subjects and my evening was pretty empty except for one person - Arno!! He looked so attractive this evening and he assured me he was going to our ball with me if his grades were good. He dances divinely and is a wonderful guy. Linggoy does the twist superbly and Conchita was on some unknown cloud because he danced with her. Tony also danced with Mercy and there goes another girl on another cloud. I just danced with Danny Guidote 3 times, with Pichuco and Jack Aguirre. Conchita, Luli and I sat at one table with Pichuco and Jack. Margie and Mercy sat at another. The Beeps were all so nice. Susan was with Magu and the Whirlpools. Spik was also there for a few minutes. We left the party at 11:45 PM. Arno really was something tonight and I can’t wait to see him tomorrow. Lita told me today that Carlos might leave for Spain and that he likes the sort of well-filled up girls which definitely counts me out. I feel so lonely tonight. Why, why, why do I always fall for the guys who couldn’t care less if I lived or died?!!
January 28 - Sunday
Mass at 11:45 at Ermita and met the Muniosgurens (Honey looked simply out of this world in navy blue pants and white Ban-lon). After Mass we went to the ANC. Conchita and Luli were there with Arno. My heart gave a lurch when I saw him. Luli left soon after and only Mercy, Conchita, Arno and I were left. Mercy started saying “Lea, remember that guy you thought was so cute last night and you liked him....” Arno kept asking who she was talking about and Mercy kept giving hints like - “Arno, you have so many secret admirers.” I had to look out the window when she said that. We ate lunch there and Conch, Luli and I decided to go see Lita at 3:30. Arno said he was going too but Conchita and Luli changed their minds and they went to the Polo Club. Arno then said he was going to the Rizal. I was very disappointed but I went to Lita’s house anyway. We ate mangoes and sandwiches and suddenly the phone rang. It was Arno and he said he was coming over. There went that lurch again. He arrived and we just sat and talked about operations and listened to records. Lita asked him if he had fun at the Rizal. He said no and Lita asked him if Beli was there. He said yes but he still didn’t have fun. He then said that he and Beli are drifting apart and he looked at me when he said it. Lita didn’t understand and Arno said, “Ask Lea, she does.” I don’t exactly know what he meant by that. Lita said later, when I had to leave, that she thinks Arno likes me. I don’t even want to think of the possibility because he probably doesn’t and I’ve been hurt and disappointed too often. But I like him very much and the fact that he didn’t stay with Beli after the movie and came over to Lita’s house makes me a little bit happy. (I did well tonight in the play and my voice was heard loud and clear to the back of the auditorium.) I’m so confused and so alone. Carlos and Arno are causing a terrific battle in me.
January 29 - Monday
Its terrifically cool these days and everyone walks around in sweaters. I love and how I wish school were over and I could go to Baguio. Sister congratulated the cast this morning. Margotin talked with Carlos yesterday. He’s failed in 3 subjects and that’s why he didn’t go to Maripaz’s party. This afternoon I felt so tired and sleepy. I skipped school and slept a siesta. I also read “Tomorrow is Forever” by Gwen Bristow. (I still have the book - right on my book shelf today!) Beautiful story. I can’t get Arno and Carlos out of my mind. I like them so very, very much. I hope they both make it to the ball. I baked a beautiful cake this evening. It was light and fluffy and yummy. I’m sleepy and tired. I hate the thought of school tomorrow. Lita talked to me over the phone this evening. She said Arno stayed till about seven yesterday. He talked about Beli and how he’s getting the feeling that she’s getting tired of him - no comment here. Margot Pimentel and Susan called this evening to tell me we’re going to sing on “Fallout 62" on Feb. 2 (another jazz concert). Here we go again. Brrrr.....it’s cold!
January 30 - Tuesday
It’s simply wonderful to feel that for one evening people find you attractive and you feel attractive. It happened to me tonight. My make-up was simple and flawless and I felt happy and gay. At Bingo this evening, Mom, Tita Pacita and I sat at the table next to Mitch and George. Then I noticed a tall young man passing next to my chair and I look up and my eyes meet a pair of beautiful black eyes with long eyelashes and thick black brows. Our eyes held for a split second and I felt my heart turn over! (Antonio Banderas!! - Just kidding, couldn’t resist. Besides, Antonio Banderas was probably not even born yet!!!) He then walked to his table. I’ve never seen him before and I learned later that he’s just arrived from New York. (Is he here now??!!) He was wearing a navy blue jacket and wore a tie. I couldn’t say anything for the next minute because he affected me like no one before (Yeah, right, Lea, but curiously as I write this, the face of this guy comes into focus and I actually remember what he looked like!) I joined Luli at her table for a few minutes. This guy was sitting at the table right next to hers and as I looked in his direction my eyes met his again and my heart lurched again. (A lot of heart lurching going on lately....) I could feel him looking at me even when I was talking to Luli. Later he won a game and as he passed by our table I could feel that “electricity” again. During intermission Luli and I stayed outside the Pavilion for a while. When we were walking back in, George and Mitch caught up with us. George talked to me a while then we walked in. Luli and George went ahead of me. This guy was talking to one of the 2 girls who had been sitting with Mitch and George but as I passed by he looked at me again. I felt so wonderful - this has never happened to me before, well not since Bill or Sam. As I walked slowly back to my table, I could feel those beautiful eyes on me. As I sat down, Tita Pacita told me not to turn around but the guy and the other people who were with him all turned to look in my direction and he was still looking at me. While playing Bingo later I happened to glance behind me twice and our eyes met again. For me, everyone else in that crowded room disappeared except him. Then in the lobby, waiting to go home, he was standing a few feet away from me and every time I looked at him, he was looking at me with that same look in his eyes. The other young men who were with him were also looking at me and frankly I was getting very self-conscious. Even when he was leaving, he looked at me again. When he finally left, I asked the bell boy at the desk where he had signed in the guest book. He showed me. His name is either George or Bobby Roux or something Roux. (God, I now have a clear flashback to the name and face. He WAS really something and he did make my heart lurch then.). Can’t wait to keep reading and typing to find out how THIS “romance” went...) Luli heard him speak perfect Spanish and English. Every time he looked at me I felt like I was being drawn in by a magnet. I’ll probably never see him again and if he does stay here, he’ll meet many of the beautiful girls around here and I won’t even be a memory. (But for one magic night, he was mine and nothing can take that away. I’ve learned through these long years, that no one can take memories away from you especially since they happen to you - and they are yours.) Arno was operated for appendicitis this morning and Luli, Lita and I hope to see him on Friday. Nothing else is important enough to write about so I’m ending this long entry now. But a certain tall, young man with beautiful black eyes and a look that can melt stone has just added a little chapter to my life. (And somehow my next comments I expected to crop up. When the memory of this night filtered into my mind, I also remembered that only Tita Pacita went along with my “thrill” but I make no mention of my mother because, through all this, she acted as if nothing was happening, hence my next comments...)Sometimes I can’t stand my mother. I love her but I dislike her. To talk about boys to her is silly. To her anything besides cooking, sewing or studying is silly. Then the day comes that I really fall in love with someone I won’t tell her about it! She thinks I’m being “idiota.” Someday...we’ll see! (I cannot comment on this. It is the crux of my relationship with my mother and never resolved fully until about 30 years later in Spain...where another man with dark brows and beautiful eyes made my heart sing....)
January 31 - Wednesday - (and by coincidence, I am typing this and reliving these moments of my life exactly 44 years later almost to the day - it is 2/1/2006 and its Wednesday!)
I don’t want to sing in “Fallout 62" on Friday but what will the rest of the Hi-Gayles think of me. I just don’t want to sing. Anyway, we practiced this afternoon and it was pretty lousy. If it were any time but a month before graduation I would but sister doesn’t want us to, really, and I don’t think we’ll get away with it. Fritz, Mon, Jay and Boy pass by school to see Magu and Susan every day. I want to go to the hospital to see Arno so I hope he’s there till after Friday. Talked with Lita over the phone this pm. Went to MBC with Magu to return the sound effects records today and then we passed by the ANC for a few minutes. I can’t get that young man’s face out of my mind. Those eyes have really left an impression on me. I wonder if I’ll ever see him again. I hope to see Carlos this weekend.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
January 11 - 20, 1962
January 11 - Thursday
Margotin and Susan are honestly the nicest! We stick together like glue and when Nanette and Margot join us that’s when the bedlam starts. All we talk about is the graduation ball. My conversation any minute of the day always leads to the same person – Carlos Garcia. Marina saw him today walking to La Salle with Nacho. I do hope Nacho puts in a good word for me now and then. Magu says she’ll talk to him on Saturday and casually ask him what he thinks of me asking him to the ball. Oh, I hope everything turns out alright - just this once! I received a letter from Cosme today.
January 12 - Friday
Magu was all starry eyed this morning because it seems that it has been confirmed that Fritz is really crazy over her. Magu cut her hair and she looks younger and so cute. Talked with Mers over the phone for hours. George Gallent was there today and he asked Mercy if I told her anything about Tuesday night. Thank goodness Mercy said no. (I believed anything then, didn’t I?!!!)
January 13 - Saturday
I went to play practice from 8 - 10 am. Later I went to the ANC. Conch, Marina were there. Mitch was there too with George. Later Arno arrived and sat with us. He’s grown a little stouter and cut his hair and looked real cute. We started talking about the prom and Arno gave hints about me asking him and I kept insisting that he’s going steady with Beli. Finally he suggested I ask Carlos. I thought he was joking but he said “Carlos is game for anything” (And I fell for this too?! My brain truly was mush then.) Anyway, Arno says he will ask Carlos and if Carlos says yes then Arno will go to the ball too. Oh, I hope, hope, hope with all my heart that just this once - pleeeeeez! This noon I ate lunch with Mom at the ANC. I couldn’t go to the movies with the girls - darn it. Anyway, Nena was at the ANC and she and I wrote a crazy letter to Maribel Franco. Luli and Conch came back from the movie all excited because they had seen Carlos and that he looked positively out of this world in black pants and white shirt. (And, what great friends I had, too, didn’t I!!!!) Tomorrow I hope I see him at the Rizal. I’ll die if I don’t. This evening, Susan, Magu, and I went to this party of a boy named ????? I danced every dance except 4. Everyone said I dance very well. Nonoy Bayot dances divinely and Bobby Ng danced with me too. They even clapped! I felt like diving under the chair. My feet are killing me. Tomorrow Mass at school at 7:30 am - oh no!!
January 14 - Sunday
Mass at 7:30 in school and later went to the ANC. I wrote a letter to Nana so those parents of mine could let me go the Rizal. Arno was so sweet today. I could fall for that guy (I thought I had, in fact didn’t we go “steady” in 1960? Too bad I burned the diary of that year - well, maybe not too bad.) at the drop of a hat. I went to the Rizal with Lita, Conch and Luli and I FINALLY SAW CARLOS! That month and a half of not seeing him was well worth it. When he came down the aisle with those white pants and black shirt, well actually, dark navy blue, my pulse went 3 times faster. I never saw anyone look better. When we were coming out of the movie he was outside sitting near the ticket booth. His eyes met mine for a split second and then I hurried out. I could feel his eyes on us as we scurried out. Arno who was by him gave me a big wink. We walked to Marina’s house. I saw Carlos walking the other way with Arno. Mitch drove by in his car. He smiled and waved to us. Mercy told me he’s broken with Pilar - yeba!! Marimil came to play practice with me, from 5 - 7 pm. She met Joe and was in seventh heaven. She ate supper here at home and she’s a riot! She tells me Vicky Aboitiz will invite Carlos to her prom, and that he had invited her to the La Salle prom but she couldn’t go. Wala na jake, there go my dreams..
January 15 - Monday
This has been a tiring frustrating day. I hate Physics and school. This afternoon I did not go to school but slept for 3 hours (That’s one way to not face a pet peeve) I had a headache when I woke up and I have a test in Physics tomorrow and I don’t feel like studying (I think it took a miracle (of both St. Jude and St. Anthony) that I actually graduated at all!)Dad’s in a bad mood and came home after 8 pm. Mom’s got these perpetual headaches that make her in an even worse mood so when she and Dad get into another senseless argument I can’t stand it any more. This continual tension is making me cranky. (What an insensitive spoiled brat I was - wait, I forget, I was a teenager!) I still haven’t shown them my report card and wait till Dad sees that I went down in Religion, Composition and Conduct. The other subjects didn’t go up nor down except of course a 75 in Physics and 79 in History. What a blue day and to top it all, I know Carlos won’t be going to the ball with me.
January 16 - Tuesday
Poor Mommy still has these terrific migraine headaches and they’re beginning to worry me. Nothing interesting happened in school except I had a wonderful time during Spanish class and play rehearsals. Also had a test in Physics which was so-so and Marina was starry eyed because she got a letter from Charles (Who, Charles?) This evening I went to Bingo. Mitch and George were there with two girls. Tita Pacita came with us to Bingo. Mom won 60.00 and she gave me 5.00. Luli and Pichuco were at Bingo too. Lita is getting operated on her appendix tomorrow.
January 17 - Wednesday
My classmates are a bunch of crazy but wonderful girls. What characters! I am going to miss them so much when high school is over. I forgot to mention earlier that shy Maripi Gomez eloped with Greg Martin a few days ago. It’s the Big Talk Around School. Who would have thought?! This evening I tried to get Mercy over the phone but couldn’t. Mommy’s headache was gone this evening and she was all excited about her painting class which she goes with Tita Marianne. She’s very good at it too and I’m so glad she’s getting interested is something. Sometimes Dad makes me so mad. He can be so disheartening and such a wet blanket. “Route 66" was pretty cool this evening. I can’t wait to talk to Arno. I just hope with all my heart he and Carlos can go to the prom with me. Same old routine in school. I’m not writing much except that I’ll die till Saturday which is when Arno tells me Carlos’s answer. I washed my hair tonight and talked with Mercy over the phone. Nothing else very exciting.
January 18 - Thursday
If Marimil doesn’t hurry up and bring my Religion book back my grades in that subject won’t be worth mentioning. (The binding in this diary is awful. There goes this page). I got punished in Spanish for speaking out of turn. We had play practice this evening and Sister Mary Angela was in an awful mood. It’s a crummy play without boys playing the boys’ part and with sister directing it, even worse. Marina and I went to the ANC after classes. Conchita was there and she asked if I wanted to go and see Lita so I went with her. She looked fine though a bit tired and sleepy. Marina saw Carlos this morning. She said he was driving his car.
January 19 - Friday
Today was a nice day in school since we didn’t have much of classes. This pm I practiced the “Leyte” scene from the play with Miss Ocampo. This evening Marina and I went to the hospital to see Lita. Marina left at 5:30 and I stayed. Conchita and Luli came later. Conch said she saw Carlos pass by Assumption today. Which means he must have passed by SPCM, too. (I was truly blinded by (teenage) love or just plain stupid - didn’t Diane Lane say in some movie something about love making you stupid?) Tomorrow I see Arno and the answer. Conchita brought me home at 8. Lita’s pop gave Conch, Lita and I cute pocket diaries with quotations.
January 20 - Saturday
I went to the hospital at 8:30 am and Lita was glad to see me. We played cards and chatted. Later, Mon Infante and Boy Legarda, Jay Herrero came too. Jay is so nice and he said Betina told them I had a nice voice. Arno came at about 10:30 am and when I asked him what Carlos’s response was he said no but a minute later he said he was only joking and that Carlos said YES! I was so excited and happy I wanted to hug dear, wonderful Arno. Maricar was there too. Later the boys left and I left 10 minutes later at about 11:15. I went to the ANC and Arno was there with Marina. He was teasing me and he says he isn’t sure about going to the ball. Well, he is if I have to drag him there myself. I hope I see Carlos tomorrow. I went to school for play practice. Now they’ve decided to have a crummy curtain call so this will probably make me late for Maripaz’s party next Saturday. Sr. Angela also said that we were trying to attract attention during the practice for curtain calls just because Joe Avelino was there.
Margotin and Susan are honestly the nicest! We stick together like glue and when Nanette and Margot join us that’s when the bedlam starts. All we talk about is the graduation ball. My conversation any minute of the day always leads to the same person – Carlos Garcia. Marina saw him today walking to La Salle with Nacho. I do hope Nacho puts in a good word for me now and then. Magu says she’ll talk to him on Saturday and casually ask him what he thinks of me asking him to the ball. Oh, I hope everything turns out alright - just this once! I received a letter from Cosme today.
January 12 - Friday
Magu was all starry eyed this morning because it seems that it has been confirmed that Fritz is really crazy over her. Magu cut her hair and she looks younger and so cute. Talked with Mers over the phone for hours. George Gallent was there today and he asked Mercy if I told her anything about Tuesday night. Thank goodness Mercy said no. (I believed anything then, didn’t I?!!!)
January 13 - Saturday
I went to play practice from 8 - 10 am. Later I went to the ANC. Conch, Marina were there. Mitch was there too with George. Later Arno arrived and sat with us. He’s grown a little stouter and cut his hair and looked real cute. We started talking about the prom and Arno gave hints about me asking him and I kept insisting that he’s going steady with Beli. Finally he suggested I ask Carlos. I thought he was joking but he said “Carlos is game for anything” (And I fell for this too?! My brain truly was mush then.) Anyway, Arno says he will ask Carlos and if Carlos says yes then Arno will go to the ball too. Oh, I hope, hope, hope with all my heart that just this once - pleeeeeez! This noon I ate lunch with Mom at the ANC. I couldn’t go to the movies with the girls - darn it. Anyway, Nena was at the ANC and she and I wrote a crazy letter to Maribel Franco. Luli and Conch came back from the movie all excited because they had seen Carlos and that he looked positively out of this world in black pants and white shirt. (And, what great friends I had, too, didn’t I!!!!) Tomorrow I hope I see him at the Rizal. I’ll die if I don’t. This evening, Susan, Magu, and I went to this party of a boy named ????? I danced every dance except 4. Everyone said I dance very well. Nonoy Bayot dances divinely and Bobby Ng danced with me too. They even clapped! I felt like diving under the chair. My feet are killing me. Tomorrow Mass at school at 7:30 am - oh no!!
January 14 - Sunday
Mass at 7:30 in school and later went to the ANC. I wrote a letter to Nana so those parents of mine could let me go the Rizal. Arno was so sweet today. I could fall for that guy (I thought I had, in fact didn’t we go “steady” in 1960? Too bad I burned the diary of that year - well, maybe not too bad.) at the drop of a hat. I went to the Rizal with Lita, Conch and Luli and I FINALLY SAW CARLOS! That month and a half of not seeing him was well worth it. When he came down the aisle with those white pants and black shirt, well actually, dark navy blue, my pulse went 3 times faster. I never saw anyone look better. When we were coming out of the movie he was outside sitting near the ticket booth. His eyes met mine for a split second and then I hurried out. I could feel his eyes on us as we scurried out. Arno who was by him gave me a big wink. We walked to Marina’s house. I saw Carlos walking the other way with Arno. Mitch drove by in his car. He smiled and waved to us. Mercy told me he’s broken with Pilar - yeba!! Marimil came to play practice with me, from 5 - 7 pm. She met Joe and was in seventh heaven. She ate supper here at home and she’s a riot! She tells me Vicky Aboitiz will invite Carlos to her prom, and that he had invited her to the La Salle prom but she couldn’t go. Wala na jake, there go my dreams..
January 15 - Monday
This has been a tiring frustrating day. I hate Physics and school. This afternoon I did not go to school but slept for 3 hours (That’s one way to not face a pet peeve) I had a headache when I woke up and I have a test in Physics tomorrow and I don’t feel like studying (I think it took a miracle (of both St. Jude and St. Anthony) that I actually graduated at all!)Dad’s in a bad mood and came home after 8 pm. Mom’s got these perpetual headaches that make her in an even worse mood so when she and Dad get into another senseless argument I can’t stand it any more. This continual tension is making me cranky. (What an insensitive spoiled brat I was - wait, I forget, I was a teenager!) I still haven’t shown them my report card and wait till Dad sees that I went down in Religion, Composition and Conduct. The other subjects didn’t go up nor down except of course a 75 in Physics and 79 in History. What a blue day and to top it all, I know Carlos won’t be going to the ball with me.
January 16 - Tuesday
Poor Mommy still has these terrific migraine headaches and they’re beginning to worry me. Nothing interesting happened in school except I had a wonderful time during Spanish class and play rehearsals. Also had a test in Physics which was so-so and Marina was starry eyed because she got a letter from Charles (Who, Charles?) This evening I went to Bingo. Mitch and George were there with two girls. Tita Pacita came with us to Bingo. Mom won 60.00 and she gave me 5.00. Luli and Pichuco were at Bingo too. Lita is getting operated on her appendix tomorrow.
January 17 - Wednesday
My classmates are a bunch of crazy but wonderful girls. What characters! I am going to miss them so much when high school is over. I forgot to mention earlier that shy Maripi Gomez eloped with Greg Martin a few days ago. It’s the Big Talk Around School. Who would have thought?! This evening I tried to get Mercy over the phone but couldn’t. Mommy’s headache was gone this evening and she was all excited about her painting class which she goes with Tita Marianne. She’s very good at it too and I’m so glad she’s getting interested is something. Sometimes Dad makes me so mad. He can be so disheartening and such a wet blanket. “Route 66" was pretty cool this evening. I can’t wait to talk to Arno. I just hope with all my heart he and Carlos can go to the prom with me. Same old routine in school. I’m not writing much except that I’ll die till Saturday which is when Arno tells me Carlos’s answer. I washed my hair tonight and talked with Mercy over the phone. Nothing else very exciting.
January 18 - Thursday
If Marimil doesn’t hurry up and bring my Religion book back my grades in that subject won’t be worth mentioning. (The binding in this diary is awful. There goes this page). I got punished in Spanish for speaking out of turn. We had play practice this evening and Sister Mary Angela was in an awful mood. It’s a crummy play without boys playing the boys’ part and with sister directing it, even worse. Marina and I went to the ANC after classes. Conchita was there and she asked if I wanted to go and see Lita so I went with her. She looked fine though a bit tired and sleepy. Marina saw Carlos this morning. She said he was driving his car.
January 19 - Friday
Today was a nice day in school since we didn’t have much of classes. This pm I practiced the “Leyte” scene from the play with Miss Ocampo. This evening Marina and I went to the hospital to see Lita. Marina left at 5:30 and I stayed. Conchita and Luli came later. Conch said she saw Carlos pass by Assumption today. Which means he must have passed by SPCM, too. (I was truly blinded by (teenage) love or just plain stupid - didn’t Diane Lane say in some movie something about love making you stupid?) Tomorrow I see Arno and the answer. Conchita brought me home at 8. Lita’s pop gave Conch, Lita and I cute pocket diaries with quotations.
January 20 - Saturday
I went to the hospital at 8:30 am and Lita was glad to see me. We played cards and chatted. Later, Mon Infante and Boy Legarda, Jay Herrero came too. Jay is so nice and he said Betina told them I had a nice voice. Arno came at about 10:30 am and when I asked him what Carlos’s response was he said no but a minute later he said he was only joking and that Carlos said YES! I was so excited and happy I wanted to hug dear, wonderful Arno. Maricar was there too. Later the boys left and I left 10 minutes later at about 11:15. I went to the ANC and Arno was there with Marina. He was teasing me and he says he isn’t sure about going to the ball. Well, he is if I have to drag him there myself. I hope I see Carlos tomorrow. I went to school for play practice. Now they’ve decided to have a crummy curtain call so this will probably make me late for Maripaz’s party next Saturday. Sr. Angela also said that we were trying to attract attention during the practice for curtain calls just because Joe Avelino was there.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
January 1 - 10, 1962
1962
January 1 - Monday
I finally went to sleep at 6:10 AM. I woke up at 9:00 and went to Mass at the Ermita at 11 am and then, of course, to the ANC. Everyone who was with me last night was there. Pichuco looked just as good and sparkling as ever, as if he was never down and out last night. (I wore my new green suit today). Arno kissed me happy new year (that little tingle in me again). I ate lunch at Conchita’s house, then Luli picked us up and we went to see “Susan Slade” with Connie Stevens and Troy Donahue (sigh) at the Rizal. Luli dropped Conch and I at the ANC. We sat in the swimming pool. Sam came later with some other guy. He gave me that devastating smile and wink he always gives me. My heart was really pounding and my knees seemed like jelly. Later we sat in the Sunset Lounge. Sam came up later, he smiled again at me and my pulse started that crazy rhumba again. That man gives me a strange feeling of warmth and excitement. He’s really something. Pichuco was with us a while too. I came home alone. I called Magu and Mercy over the phone (Can you imagine if we had cell phones then?!! We would have either burned the lines out, cut off the networking system for the entire East Asia or bankrupted our parents!) Magu asked me about Spik. Marina called me up and said she saw Carlos at Marcos last night. Oh, if only I had gone with them. Marina said he was stag and he sat with them. Some people have all the luck. Its been a whole month since I’ve seen him. He went up to Baguio today. Arno’s a doll, Sam thrills me and I love Carlos.
January 2 - Tuesday
I went to school to get the money from Sister for the sound records, then I went to MBC for the records. I had to wait a while but I finally got them. Later I went to the ANC. Conch, Luli, Marina, Arno, Nacho, etc. were there. Nacho bugged me. Paqui Ortigas and Ramon Arnaiz were also there. Lita would have died. This noon I ate lunch with Pamen, Bica, Merche, Pilina, etc. Sam joined us and when I saw him at the top of the stairs, my heart began pounding. Later, Nena, Jose Luis, and Marina arrived. Sam signed for my order of olives. Once when I was looking at him he asked me why I looked at him like that, I frankly had no answer for him. I just said it was a free country. (God, were we (I) corny, or what!) Later while I was on the phone he was standing near me and I looked at him again and I don’t know why but I laughed to myself. He comes up and he gently nudges me on the chin and asked me again why I looked at him like that and I just laughed. (I swear, was this guy sexy or what?! I’d kill for someone to have done that to me when I knew what it was all about. With the exception of one man, no one else ever had “esos detalles.”) When he looks at me I feel like a 12 year old and a 19 year old at the same time. Bica told him I was 17 when he asked. He wasn’t drunk on New Year’s Eve and always remembers what he does. I asked him. I went to see “Come September” with Gina Lollobrigida, Rock Hudson, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin. I went with Marina, Nena, Jose Luis and Tita Carmen. Marina is nuts over Jose Luis. I hope its vice versa for all our sakes. We went back to the ANC. Arno was just leaving. Mercy brought me home. (Tita Carmen told me - “Estas muy mona.”) School tomorrow - I hate it!
January 3 - Wednesday
Physically I walked into that classroom this morning, spiritually and mentally, I did not!! Gosh, how I hate school! Not my classmates, just school. Anyway, we didn’t do anything special except talk about the play, experiments and Susan and I blabbed about the coming graduation ball. She and Magu seem to have the funny idea that Spik likes me. I don’t think so. This noontime I went to the Aristocrat Restaurant for the luncheon we gave Inger since she’s leaving. We had a very enjoyable time. Marina could not go because she was sick at the hospital. We were 12 girls in all - Merche, Anamarie, Nena, Pamen, Bica, Pachie, Patsy, Pilina, Maripaz, Inger, Ida and I. We had a lot of laughs. Pamen and I were the youngest ones there. On the way from the Aristocrat to the ANC, we were nearly hysterical with laughter. When we got to the ANC we were all still laughing like mad and Nena had tears running down her cheeks. Sam was there but today I didn’t look at him once. Except, when he came down from his room to the lobby he looked at me, I just glanced at him and looked away. Mercy says Arno is having troubles with Beli and is getting fed up. Magu also said that Spik likes me. I saw Arno walking down the boulevard this noon.
January 4 - Thursday
I know I’m getting to sound like a broken record but gosh how I hate school. I get so restless sitting in the same room and chair with the same books, 8 hours a day. I get sick! I get headaches, backaches and I probably got this terrific stomach ache from school too. This pm there was a cute guy with Miss Juco and everyone noticed. We also had a lot of fun during Spanish class. Marimil came home and gave me a box of handkerchiefs this noon. I talked with Lita over the phone, she was telling me all about her romantic adventures in Baguio. I also talked with Conchita and Mercy. I was invited to Ida Calvo’s party for Inger but couldn’t make it. I did so want to go. I hope with all my heart I see Carlos, Arno or Spik on Saturday. I’m dead tired and this darned stomach ache.
January 5 - Friday
Why is it that when I have school I get circles under my eyes, my appetite goes kaput and my head and stomach ache perpetually. My hair always is a straggly mess. When I was on vacation I looked fresh, alive and like some people said, almost pretty. My appetite is great and I’m full of pep. Boy, I can hardly wait till March when no more crummy classrooms. Our graduation ball is on March 10th at Wack-Wack. Who in heavens name can I ask to go?! I know who I’d like to ask - the only guy in my life - Carlos. But dreams are dreams. I haven’t a chance the world. There’s Spik and Arno but they don’t compare with Carlos. (I am truly getting boring about this guy.) After play practice I went to Luli’s house to see pictures from Spain. Bica was there and I was talking to her about Spain. I get the impression she doesn’t like me very much. I talked with Magu and Mercy this evening. Mercy got a letter from Cosme too. She also sent Louie to .......!!! Cosme’s worth a billion Louies. Tomorrow is the feast of Three Kings. Everyone troops down to the Casino Espanol. I wonder how it’ll turn out? I don’t know what’s wrong with me these days. I haven’t lost any weight but my appetite is a mess and some people say I look thinker. Probably because of my straggly hair, and I feel so out of sorts.
January 6 - Saturday - Feast of the Three Kings
I went to the ANC this am and Paqui, Ramon Arnaiz, Arno, Carlos RA were there. Paqui is quite handsome if only his pimples would go away. I feel that strangeness between Arno and me again. Mitch was there with George Gallent. He smiled and said hello. He’s very attractive and reminds me of Bobby Darin. This afternoon I went to the Casino with Mercy. Everyone was there except Spik and Carlos. Fritz Infante is the nicest. Victor Franco came up to me and said hello. Tony Ortigas looked good enough to eat. He wore a canary-yellow shirt and there wasn’t anyone around who could have looked better. Later Conch, Linggoy, Peps, Mon, Maricar, Maripaz and I played “electricity” in the patio. Then we all went in Juaco’s car to Marcos and stayed for 20 minutes. (I did anyway). I danced once with Peps, Linggoy and Rafy. Juaco and Peps took me home at 9:30 pm. Juaco is another great guy. Very nice manners and is a very likeable guy. Arno got on my nerves tonight. He kept telling Juaco not to bring me home at 9:30. Conchita was on cloud 9 with her one and only Linggoy. I saw Sam this noon. I feel so alone and unwanted tonight.
January 7 - Sunday
Went to Mass at Ermita at 10 am then Dad brought me to school because I had practice for the play from 11 to 12. Later I went back to the ANC. No one was there except Nacho, Arno, Joe and Ramon Faustman. I sat with them. Nacho kept teasing me about Carlos. I ate lunch at the ANC. Arno asked if I was going to the Rizal. I went to see “El Golfo Que Vio Una Estrella” at the Paris. Luli, Lita, Conch, Vicky Pertierra were there. Later we sent back to the ANC. Sam was playing tennis and he waved hello. I was with Conchita and Vicky. Luli and Lita and Pichuco arrived later. The rest of the girls are happy but I’m down in the dumps. I have not seen Carlos since December 2. Its almost a month and a half and its an awfully long time. More like 100 years and a half.
January 8 - Monday
Magu and Marina were back in school this morning. Margotin has gotten a little thinner and she looks fine. They are making me very anxious with a “surprise” they say they have in store for me coming up. I don’t know what they’re talking about but once when I mentioned Carlos’s name, they both looked at each other very peculiarly and again this pm Magu said Fritz was going to talk to Spik about something. Magu, Susan and I went to MBC to get another sound effects record. We went to Johnny Wilson’s studio for a few minutes. Radio is so interesting and I had play practice this until 7 pm. Dad’s curious about my grades - Physics - gulp.
January 9 - Tuesday
Magu and Susan don’t stop with their “estas spikao?” in school. They keep giving hints about the surprise on Monday and all this is going to make me a complete nervous wreck. I went to Bingo this evening. Mom and I sat with Luli and her parents. Mitch was there with George Gallent. He positively thrills me. Tonight when Luli and I came back from the ladies room they (Mitch and George) were sitting in the Sunset Lounge and George says as we pass by “buenas noches”. Mitch also held the door open for us when we were going out of the Pavilion.
January 10 - Wednesday
It’s been a nice day in school (for a change). All we do is talk about the graduation ball and whom every one is taking. Everyone is giving me the bit pitch to invite Carlos and believe me there’s no one else I’d rather go with but its easier said than done. All I do these days is think of Carlos....we were practicing for the play this evening so we had no classes. We just blabbed. Then, the 5 Most Talkative Girls in the Class - Magu, Margot, Susan, Nanette and I played hooky from review class and talked to Sister Mildred. Got my report card and though I’m not failing in anything it could stand some improvement, believe me!
January 1 - Monday
I finally went to sleep at 6:10 AM. I woke up at 9:00 and went to Mass at the Ermita at 11 am and then, of course, to the ANC. Everyone who was with me last night was there. Pichuco looked just as good and sparkling as ever, as if he was never down and out last night. (I wore my new green suit today). Arno kissed me happy new year (that little tingle in me again). I ate lunch at Conchita’s house, then Luli picked us up and we went to see “Susan Slade” with Connie Stevens and Troy Donahue (sigh) at the Rizal. Luli dropped Conch and I at the ANC. We sat in the swimming pool. Sam came later with some other guy. He gave me that devastating smile and wink he always gives me. My heart was really pounding and my knees seemed like jelly. Later we sat in the Sunset Lounge. Sam came up later, he smiled again at me and my pulse started that crazy rhumba again. That man gives me a strange feeling of warmth and excitement. He’s really something. Pichuco was with us a while too. I came home alone. I called Magu and Mercy over the phone (Can you imagine if we had cell phones then?!! We would have either burned the lines out, cut off the networking system for the entire East Asia or bankrupted our parents!) Magu asked me about Spik. Marina called me up and said she saw Carlos at Marcos last night. Oh, if only I had gone with them. Marina said he was stag and he sat with them. Some people have all the luck. Its been a whole month since I’ve seen him. He went up to Baguio today. Arno’s a doll, Sam thrills me and I love Carlos.
January 2 - Tuesday
I went to school to get the money from Sister for the sound records, then I went to MBC for the records. I had to wait a while but I finally got them. Later I went to the ANC. Conch, Luli, Marina, Arno, Nacho, etc. were there. Nacho bugged me. Paqui Ortigas and Ramon Arnaiz were also there. Lita would have died. This noon I ate lunch with Pamen, Bica, Merche, Pilina, etc. Sam joined us and when I saw him at the top of the stairs, my heart began pounding. Later, Nena, Jose Luis, and Marina arrived. Sam signed for my order of olives. Once when I was looking at him he asked me why I looked at him like that, I frankly had no answer for him. I just said it was a free country. (God, were we (I) corny, or what!) Later while I was on the phone he was standing near me and I looked at him again and I don’t know why but I laughed to myself. He comes up and he gently nudges me on the chin and asked me again why I looked at him like that and I just laughed. (I swear, was this guy sexy or what?! I’d kill for someone to have done that to me when I knew what it was all about. With the exception of one man, no one else ever had “esos detalles.”) When he looks at me I feel like a 12 year old and a 19 year old at the same time. Bica told him I was 17 when he asked. He wasn’t drunk on New Year’s Eve and always remembers what he does. I asked him. I went to see “Come September” with Gina Lollobrigida, Rock Hudson, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin. I went with Marina, Nena, Jose Luis and Tita Carmen. Marina is nuts over Jose Luis. I hope its vice versa for all our sakes. We went back to the ANC. Arno was just leaving. Mercy brought me home. (Tita Carmen told me - “Estas muy mona.”) School tomorrow - I hate it!
January 3 - Wednesday
Physically I walked into that classroom this morning, spiritually and mentally, I did not!! Gosh, how I hate school! Not my classmates, just school. Anyway, we didn’t do anything special except talk about the play, experiments and Susan and I blabbed about the coming graduation ball. She and Magu seem to have the funny idea that Spik likes me. I don’t think so. This noontime I went to the Aristocrat Restaurant for the luncheon we gave Inger since she’s leaving. We had a very enjoyable time. Marina could not go because she was sick at the hospital. We were 12 girls in all - Merche, Anamarie, Nena, Pamen, Bica, Pachie, Patsy, Pilina, Maripaz, Inger, Ida and I. We had a lot of laughs. Pamen and I were the youngest ones there. On the way from the Aristocrat to the ANC, we were nearly hysterical with laughter. When we got to the ANC we were all still laughing like mad and Nena had tears running down her cheeks. Sam was there but today I didn’t look at him once. Except, when he came down from his room to the lobby he looked at me, I just glanced at him and looked away. Mercy says Arno is having troubles with Beli and is getting fed up. Magu also said that Spik likes me. I saw Arno walking down the boulevard this noon.
January 4 - Thursday
I know I’m getting to sound like a broken record but gosh how I hate school. I get so restless sitting in the same room and chair with the same books, 8 hours a day. I get sick! I get headaches, backaches and I probably got this terrific stomach ache from school too. This pm there was a cute guy with Miss Juco and everyone noticed. We also had a lot of fun during Spanish class. Marimil came home and gave me a box of handkerchiefs this noon. I talked with Lita over the phone, she was telling me all about her romantic adventures in Baguio. I also talked with Conchita and Mercy. I was invited to Ida Calvo’s party for Inger but couldn’t make it. I did so want to go. I hope with all my heart I see Carlos, Arno or Spik on Saturday. I’m dead tired and this darned stomach ache.
January 5 - Friday
Why is it that when I have school I get circles under my eyes, my appetite goes kaput and my head and stomach ache perpetually. My hair always is a straggly mess. When I was on vacation I looked fresh, alive and like some people said, almost pretty. My appetite is great and I’m full of pep. Boy, I can hardly wait till March when no more crummy classrooms. Our graduation ball is on March 10th at Wack-Wack. Who in heavens name can I ask to go?! I know who I’d like to ask - the only guy in my life - Carlos. But dreams are dreams. I haven’t a chance the world. There’s Spik and Arno but they don’t compare with Carlos. (I am truly getting boring about this guy.) After play practice I went to Luli’s house to see pictures from Spain. Bica was there and I was talking to her about Spain. I get the impression she doesn’t like me very much. I talked with Magu and Mercy this evening. Mercy got a letter from Cosme too. She also sent Louie to .......!!! Cosme’s worth a billion Louies. Tomorrow is the feast of Three Kings. Everyone troops down to the Casino Espanol. I wonder how it’ll turn out? I don’t know what’s wrong with me these days. I haven’t lost any weight but my appetite is a mess and some people say I look thinker. Probably because of my straggly hair, and I feel so out of sorts.
January 6 - Saturday - Feast of the Three Kings
I went to the ANC this am and Paqui, Ramon Arnaiz, Arno, Carlos RA were there. Paqui is quite handsome if only his pimples would go away. I feel that strangeness between Arno and me again. Mitch was there with George Gallent. He smiled and said hello. He’s very attractive and reminds me of Bobby Darin. This afternoon I went to the Casino with Mercy. Everyone was there except Spik and Carlos. Fritz Infante is the nicest. Victor Franco came up to me and said hello. Tony Ortigas looked good enough to eat. He wore a canary-yellow shirt and there wasn’t anyone around who could have looked better. Later Conch, Linggoy, Peps, Mon, Maricar, Maripaz and I played “electricity” in the patio. Then we all went in Juaco’s car to Marcos and stayed for 20 minutes. (I did anyway). I danced once with Peps, Linggoy and Rafy. Juaco and Peps took me home at 9:30 pm. Juaco is another great guy. Very nice manners and is a very likeable guy. Arno got on my nerves tonight. He kept telling Juaco not to bring me home at 9:30. Conchita was on cloud 9 with her one and only Linggoy. I saw Sam this noon. I feel so alone and unwanted tonight.
January 7 - Sunday
Went to Mass at Ermita at 10 am then Dad brought me to school because I had practice for the play from 11 to 12. Later I went back to the ANC. No one was there except Nacho, Arno, Joe and Ramon Faustman. I sat with them. Nacho kept teasing me about Carlos. I ate lunch at the ANC. Arno asked if I was going to the Rizal. I went to see “El Golfo Que Vio Una Estrella” at the Paris. Luli, Lita, Conch, Vicky Pertierra were there. Later we sent back to the ANC. Sam was playing tennis and he waved hello. I was with Conchita and Vicky. Luli and Lita and Pichuco arrived later. The rest of the girls are happy but I’m down in the dumps. I have not seen Carlos since December 2. Its almost a month and a half and its an awfully long time. More like 100 years and a half.
January 8 - Monday
Magu and Marina were back in school this morning. Margotin has gotten a little thinner and she looks fine. They are making me very anxious with a “surprise” they say they have in store for me coming up. I don’t know what they’re talking about but once when I mentioned Carlos’s name, they both looked at each other very peculiarly and again this pm Magu said Fritz was going to talk to Spik about something. Magu, Susan and I went to MBC to get another sound effects record. We went to Johnny Wilson’s studio for a few minutes. Radio is so interesting and I had play practice this until 7 pm. Dad’s curious about my grades - Physics - gulp.
January 9 - Tuesday
Magu and Susan don’t stop with their “estas spikao?” in school. They keep giving hints about the surprise on Monday and all this is going to make me a complete nervous wreck. I went to Bingo this evening. Mom and I sat with Luli and her parents. Mitch was there with George Gallent. He positively thrills me. Tonight when Luli and I came back from the ladies room they (Mitch and George) were sitting in the Sunset Lounge and George says as we pass by “buenas noches”. Mitch also held the door open for us when we were going out of the Pavilion.
January 10 - Wednesday
It’s been a nice day in school (for a change). All we do is talk about the graduation ball and whom every one is taking. Everyone is giving me the bit pitch to invite Carlos and believe me there’s no one else I’d rather go with but its easier said than done. All I do these days is think of Carlos....we were practicing for the play this evening so we had no classes. We just blabbed. Then, the 5 Most Talkative Girls in the Class - Magu, Margot, Susan, Nanette and I played hooky from review class and talked to Sister Mildred. Got my report card and though I’m not failing in anything it could stand some improvement, believe me!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
December 24 - 31, 1961
December 24 - Sunday - Christmas Eve
Went to Mass at 11 am at Ermita then we went to the ANC. Lita, Conchita, Luli, Arno and Carlos Rodriguez Araya were there. We sat in the Sunset Lounge and talked. Then the girls left and Arno and I sat talking alone. I find that I like Arno a lot. Later he left and Nacho came over to say hello. He also bent over and kissed me on the cheek - right in the Sunset Lounge. He’s crazy but a great guy. Then I joined Mom at the swimming pool. This guy Sam was sitting at the next table and he turned around and winked at me!!! I ate lunch in the dinning room with Mom and Dad and John (Bill de Witt’s handsome Australian friend) was there and he smiled and said hello too. Lita, Luli and Conchita came to the ANC this afternoon. Arno was there too. He was acting very mysterious - something about breaking with Beli. He even took off her ring and borrowed mine. If he breaks with Beli he won’t have a date for New Year’s Eve. I don’t know who to go with. I know who I’d LIKE to go with, but....this evening I went to the house of Rene Nieto with Mom and Pop. We got back home at 12 am. Tomorrow is Christmas Day. PS. Margotin called me this evening and she told me that she thinks Carlos knows I like him because he was at her house with Freddy Franco and they were talking about me - and Spik. When Freddy asks Magu who I liked. Magu didn’t answer but looked at Carlos who looked away with a half-smile on his face.
December 25 - Monday - Christmas Day
I went to Mass at 10 am at Ermita. I wore my new white “nipa hut” dress. (This truly intrigues me. I can remember my dresses pretty well, but this one eludes me - what did I mean by “nipa hut dress.” Did I have nipa huts printed all over it? All I know is that I dressed pretty well, guided by my mother’s inherent good taste so I’m sure it was ok but its still intriguing. But upon reading this again, the dress suddenly came into focus and I remember it - it was white pique with little tiny nipa huts embroidered on it - quite pretty, really.) Desire Butler was at Mass too and she looked so cute, like a doll. We went to the ANC after Mass and the usual people were there - Arno, Conchita, Luli, Marina, Nacho, Jose Luis. Jose Luis kissed me as did Arno - Christmas greeting you know....There were many, many people there - everyone liked my dress (Phew, I guess the dress passed muster. That’s a relief!) And I was quite happy. I talked to Magu over the phone and she said that last night at Ginny’s home (I was invited to go) Freddy Franco and Carlos were with her and Freddy suddenly asked “Va venir Lea?” and looked at Carlos queerly. This is getting on my nerves. I don’t know what to think any more. Spik was also there. Magu also had the nerve to go to Midnight Mass at St. Paul’s with Fritz, Mon, Maricar and Susan. I drank a cup of eggnog and ate a lot of fruitcake at the ANC this morning. This noon I went to D’Marks for lunch. I ate a lot again. I drank punch too which had cider in it and I felt quite dizzy so I drank a cup of coffee. I met some very nice girls from Clark Field. We played ball and dressed Barbie dolls. (Oh my gosh, I don’t remember ever seeing a Barbie doll much less dressing one till my granddaughter introduced me to them. Now, I still like dressing them and own 9 Barbies, and I can’t believe I just confessed this!) This afternoon I went back to the ANC (I spend 3/4 of my life here!)and sat at the swimming pool with Nena, Marina, Bica, Elisa, Conchita, Luli and the Sam. We told jokes and riddles. Sam thinks I’m 19! (I actually fell for this!) Well, well, well. He’s nice but nothing great. I also guessed his age right. He’s 27! We later sat in the Sunset Lounge for a while with Pichuco and Conchita brought me home at 6 pm. I washed my hair and have my period.
December 26 - Tuesday
I’d suggest to build a camp on the lawn of the ANC and just sleep there overnight. We spend more time at the ANC than anywhere else. This morning Conchita, Luli, Arno and I were together. We sat and chatted in the Sunset Lounge. I don’t know why but every time Arno and I look at each other something passes between that look. Maybe I’m imagining things but I think I like him more than I know . This pm, back at the ANC after talking with Mil on the phone. She wanted me to go over to her house. Mercy was with us this pm. At first I was disappointed because Arno wasn’t there but he arrived and I felt happy again. (I’m nuts!) We went to the Country Bake Shop to buy some pastries and then we went back to eat them at the ANC. Pamen, Merche and Nena were there so we joined them. They are all such wonderful girls. This evening Margie, Tita Pacita and Fernandito came home to get their gifts. We dropped Mercy home and Margie, Mom and I went to Bingo. Luli was there, Bica, Pilina too. Boring.
December 27 - Wednesday
I wore my deevine new pullover this morning with my white pleated skirt and the effect was very good. Dad dropped me off at MBC but I couldn’t find the librarian at the records library because it was his day off. I’ll have to return tomorrow. I went to the ANC. Inger was playing tennis. Later, Luli and Conchita came and we sat at the umbrella tables at the swimming pool. Arno joined us. He looked divine in his red shirt. Margie ate lunch at home. Mercy and Chiqui came home this pm. Mercy gave me a lovely box of thank you notes. I went to Margie’s home this evening. Fernando’s birthday. Tomorrow I have the feeling I’ll see Carlos, Conchita and I took a walk outside the Polo grounds. We were walking by the parking lot when I see a white Impala with green upholstery. Spik’s car! I was almost positive it was his car. Anyway when Beli said she was going to leave, we walked her home and as we were coming back we see that white Impala and Freddy H.’s car driving into the Polo Club. I tell you my knees turned to jelly and my heart leaped to my throat. I was right, Spik was here. We saw him park the car but we walked quickly up to the Polo Club. A few minutes later, Luis called us and we had to leave and as we were driving out we stop beside Fred and Spik’s cars. Spik, Fred, Ricky and Gordo Catala, etc. were all standing there. Fred said hello but Spik just smiled. Everyone else went to oblivion for me. All I could see was Spik’s face and maybe Freddy’s......Vicky Pertierra is one of the most simpatica girls I know and Luis is a lot of fun!
December 28 - Thursday
I went back to MBC today. I got some business done but they told me to return at 2 pm but I couldn’t. I went to the ANC. Nacho, Carlos R-A., Gonzalo, Arno, Ramon, Luli and Conchita sat with me at a table by the sea wall. Chiqui, Louie, Tony Olbes and Mari O were also there as well as Pamen and Merche. We had a very nice time cracking jokes and just talking. I ate lunch at the ANC with Leslie and Arno. I begged Arno to go to the Polo Club this afternoon. I went to Conchita’s house after lunch and we went to Vicky Pertierra’s house (who was at the ANC too). Luis drove us over to the Polo Club. There was absolutely no one at the Polo when we got there. We watched Vicky ride then we went to eat something. Later Beli came and joined us. We saw the lovely bracelet Arno gave her for Christmas. It has a little charm with “Beli” written on one side and “A.D.” on the other. (I guess I was quite wrong about everything.) Later Vicky played badminton so ...
December 29 - Friday
Dad is very respected and appreciated at MBC. This morning when I went over there to get the sound effects records many people whom I didn’t even know started talking to me about my Dad, etc. Art Galindez is very nice and real hip. I finally got my records. I talked with Sr. Angela over the phone and she was grateful that I got the records. Ronnie Davies was there and he was cracking some corny jokes to me on the way down in the elevator. I went to the ANC. Arno and Nacho were there. Later Luli came and we sat in the Teen Den. Paul Tenny was there today and nearly drove us crazy. Nacho had a fight with Connie on account of Leslie. Every time I turned to Nacho to speak I called him Arno instead. Arno got a new bracelet from Beli. It’s beautiful! I ate lunch there and spent an hour talking to this American boy - Joe something. Then Conchita and Luli came. We went to “Alegrias” for a minute. We went back to the ANC. We were sitting in the Sunset Lounge with Pamen and Merche and who should I see walking down the corridor but Mitch Schlachterman!! We exchanged those looks...Anyway, later Luli and I played ball in the Teen Den (I have no idea what I mean here. How can we play ball inside? I think I meant, we played pool, since there was a billiard table in the Teen Den.) Afterwards we joined Bica, Pilina, Pamen, Merche, etc. in the Sunset Lounge. Sam joined us. That man is perpetually winking at me. Frankly, I like the way he looks at me. He also fascinates me - his eyes are something to obsess about! We were discussing New Year’s Eve and he told me that if I came over to the ANC that night, he’d kiss me!! Bica is all starry eyed over him not to mention some other people. Conchita and I might go to the Polo tomorrow. I haven’t seen Carlos in ages.
December 30 - Saturday - Inauguration of Pres. Macapagal
I went to the ANC but I had to walk from the PhilAm Life building since the streets were closed for the Inaugural Parade. I sat at the swimming pool with Pichuco and Gonzalo. Later I went to the Sunset Lounge with Mercy, Conchita, Luli, Mari O, Chiqui, Louie, etc. We all ate lunch together. Louie spilled half a bottle of coke on my lap. Sigh. (Could this guy be more of a klutz!) This pm we sat and talked again. Mom came in the afternoon. I was talking with Pichuco and Conchita at the swimming pool. Later Conchita left and I stayed talking to Pichuco. We watched the fireworks. I ate dinner with Dad and Mom at Tita Betty Bosch’s restaurant. Mom went to the movies and Dad took me home. I got a letter from Cosme today. He praises Mercy just beautifully in his letter and I read the letter to her.
December 31 - Sunday - New Year’s Eve
Dad has been picking on me the whole day. (My dad picked on me?!! I honestly don’t remember him ever “picking” on me. Maybe I used the wrong word and really meant got on my case about something but I really never remember my dad nagging me about anything which is how I interpret “picking.” That was my mother’s role. But, daddy? Can’t even think what he would pick on me about.) Honestly sometimes...Anyway, I went to Mass at 11 am at Ermita. Then to the ANC. Jack Aguirre was there with Arno, also Luli, Conchita and Marina. I ate lunch in the Dining Room. I slept a siesta this afternoon. This evening I wore my new yellow formal dress - it has spaghetti straps and a crimped bodice and full skirt. It looks divine. My hair also behaved quite decently. We went to D’Marks first and ate supper with Tita Lita. Then we picked up Tita Pacita and Tito Cuchi at the Sans home. Mercy couldn’t come with us. We got to the ANC at about 1:30 AM. Pichuco was disturbingly drunk. Poor guy. I was with Marina a while - Jose Luis kissed me happy new year then Conchita came and I sat with her. We were in the Pavilion. While I was sitting with Conchita at a table waiting for Mom I see Sam coming towards us. I instantly remembered the New Year kiss he promised me. I thought now he probably won’t even remember but he came straight to me, took my face in his hands and kissed me gently on both cheeks then he looked at me and squeezed my hand. He reached over and patted Conchita’s cheek and said happy new year and then he looked at me again, pressed my shoulder gently and said “Feliz Ano Nuevo.” I’m glad the lights were dim because I could feel myself blushing. I couldn’t even talk to Conch for the next few minutes. We joined the Lanuzas, and Carlos R-A was there as well as Javi Ruiz. I saw Sam with Cecilot Guidote. When he came back from dancing he looked straight at me with that half smile on his lips and I felt those green eyes bore through my soul. (I wonder where he is now - It was a special moment . I still remember the way he took my face in his hands....never forgot that evening and Sam.) The next time he passed by, he waved at me to come and join him at his table (with his date!?). Anyway, every time he looked at me from then on I felt my face get warm again and my heart was beating so fast and loud Conchita must have heard it. I danced with Gonzalo and the older Lanuza brother. I got home at 4:45 am. I can’t get Sam out of my mind. Later when I went to get my shawl he was passing by with Cecilot and I was going to ignore him but he passes by and rumples my hair (I swear, the puppy routine again!) Later I saw him and Cecilot sitting alone at the swimming pool. Such is life. Happy New Year - 1962!!!
Went to Mass at 11 am at Ermita then we went to the ANC. Lita, Conchita, Luli, Arno and Carlos Rodriguez Araya were there. We sat in the Sunset Lounge and talked. Then the girls left and Arno and I sat talking alone. I find that I like Arno a lot. Later he left and Nacho came over to say hello. He also bent over and kissed me on the cheek - right in the Sunset Lounge. He’s crazy but a great guy. Then I joined Mom at the swimming pool. This guy Sam was sitting at the next table and he turned around and winked at me!!! I ate lunch in the dinning room with Mom and Dad and John (Bill de Witt’s handsome Australian friend) was there and he smiled and said hello too. Lita, Luli and Conchita came to the ANC this afternoon. Arno was there too. He was acting very mysterious - something about breaking with Beli. He even took off her ring and borrowed mine. If he breaks with Beli he won’t have a date for New Year’s Eve. I don’t know who to go with. I know who I’d LIKE to go with, but....this evening I went to the house of Rene Nieto with Mom and Pop. We got back home at 12 am. Tomorrow is Christmas Day. PS. Margotin called me this evening and she told me that she thinks Carlos knows I like him because he was at her house with Freddy Franco and they were talking about me - and Spik. When Freddy asks Magu who I liked. Magu didn’t answer but looked at Carlos who looked away with a half-smile on his face.
December 25 - Monday - Christmas Day
I went to Mass at 10 am at Ermita. I wore my new white “nipa hut” dress. (This truly intrigues me. I can remember my dresses pretty well, but this one eludes me - what did I mean by “nipa hut dress.” Did I have nipa huts printed all over it? All I know is that I dressed pretty well, guided by my mother’s inherent good taste so I’m sure it was ok but its still intriguing. But upon reading this again, the dress suddenly came into focus and I remember it - it was white pique with little tiny nipa huts embroidered on it - quite pretty, really.) Desire Butler was at Mass too and she looked so cute, like a doll. We went to the ANC after Mass and the usual people were there - Arno, Conchita, Luli, Marina, Nacho, Jose Luis. Jose Luis kissed me as did Arno - Christmas greeting you know....There were many, many people there - everyone liked my dress (Phew, I guess the dress passed muster. That’s a relief!) And I was quite happy. I talked to Magu over the phone and she said that last night at Ginny’s home (I was invited to go) Freddy Franco and Carlos were with her and Freddy suddenly asked “Va venir Lea?” and looked at Carlos queerly. This is getting on my nerves. I don’t know what to think any more. Spik was also there. Magu also had the nerve to go to Midnight Mass at St. Paul’s with Fritz, Mon, Maricar and Susan. I drank a cup of eggnog and ate a lot of fruitcake at the ANC this morning. This noon I went to D’Marks for lunch. I ate a lot again. I drank punch too which had cider in it and I felt quite dizzy so I drank a cup of coffee. I met some very nice girls from Clark Field. We played ball and dressed Barbie dolls. (Oh my gosh, I don’t remember ever seeing a Barbie doll much less dressing one till my granddaughter introduced me to them. Now, I still like dressing them and own 9 Barbies, and I can’t believe I just confessed this!) This afternoon I went back to the ANC (I spend 3/4 of my life here!)and sat at the swimming pool with Nena, Marina, Bica, Elisa, Conchita, Luli and the Sam. We told jokes and riddles. Sam thinks I’m 19! (I actually fell for this!) Well, well, well. He’s nice but nothing great. I also guessed his age right. He’s 27! We later sat in the Sunset Lounge for a while with Pichuco and Conchita brought me home at 6 pm. I washed my hair and have my period.
December 26 - Tuesday
I’d suggest to build a camp on the lawn of the ANC and just sleep there overnight. We spend more time at the ANC than anywhere else. This morning Conchita, Luli, Arno and I were together. We sat and chatted in the Sunset Lounge. I don’t know why but every time Arno and I look at each other something passes between that look. Maybe I’m imagining things but I think I like him more than I know . This pm, back at the ANC after talking with Mil on the phone. She wanted me to go over to her house. Mercy was with us this pm. At first I was disappointed because Arno wasn’t there but he arrived and I felt happy again. (I’m nuts!) We went to the Country Bake Shop to buy some pastries and then we went back to eat them at the ANC. Pamen, Merche and Nena were there so we joined them. They are all such wonderful girls. This evening Margie, Tita Pacita and Fernandito came home to get their gifts. We dropped Mercy home and Margie, Mom and I went to Bingo. Luli was there, Bica, Pilina too. Boring.
December 27 - Wednesday
I wore my deevine new pullover this morning with my white pleated skirt and the effect was very good. Dad dropped me off at MBC but I couldn’t find the librarian at the records library because it was his day off. I’ll have to return tomorrow. I went to the ANC. Inger was playing tennis. Later, Luli and Conchita came and we sat at the umbrella tables at the swimming pool. Arno joined us. He looked divine in his red shirt. Margie ate lunch at home. Mercy and Chiqui came home this pm. Mercy gave me a lovely box of thank you notes. I went to Margie’s home this evening. Fernando’s birthday. Tomorrow I have the feeling I’ll see Carlos, Conchita and I took a walk outside the Polo grounds. We were walking by the parking lot when I see a white Impala with green upholstery. Spik’s car! I was almost positive it was his car. Anyway when Beli said she was going to leave, we walked her home and as we were coming back we see that white Impala and Freddy H.’s car driving into the Polo Club. I tell you my knees turned to jelly and my heart leaped to my throat. I was right, Spik was here. We saw him park the car but we walked quickly up to the Polo Club. A few minutes later, Luis called us and we had to leave and as we were driving out we stop beside Fred and Spik’s cars. Spik, Fred, Ricky and Gordo Catala, etc. were all standing there. Fred said hello but Spik just smiled. Everyone else went to oblivion for me. All I could see was Spik’s face and maybe Freddy’s......Vicky Pertierra is one of the most simpatica girls I know and Luis is a lot of fun!
December 28 - Thursday
I went back to MBC today. I got some business done but they told me to return at 2 pm but I couldn’t. I went to the ANC. Nacho, Carlos R-A., Gonzalo, Arno, Ramon, Luli and Conchita sat with me at a table by the sea wall. Chiqui, Louie, Tony Olbes and Mari O were also there as well as Pamen and Merche. We had a very nice time cracking jokes and just talking. I ate lunch at the ANC with Leslie and Arno. I begged Arno to go to the Polo Club this afternoon. I went to Conchita’s house after lunch and we went to Vicky Pertierra’s house (who was at the ANC too). Luis drove us over to the Polo Club. There was absolutely no one at the Polo when we got there. We watched Vicky ride then we went to eat something. Later Beli came and joined us. We saw the lovely bracelet Arno gave her for Christmas. It has a little charm with “Beli” written on one side and “A.D.” on the other. (I guess I was quite wrong about everything.) Later Vicky played badminton so ...
December 29 - Friday
Dad is very respected and appreciated at MBC. This morning when I went over there to get the sound effects records many people whom I didn’t even know started talking to me about my Dad, etc. Art Galindez is very nice and real hip. I finally got my records. I talked with Sr. Angela over the phone and she was grateful that I got the records. Ronnie Davies was there and he was cracking some corny jokes to me on the way down in the elevator. I went to the ANC. Arno and Nacho were there. Later Luli came and we sat in the Teen Den. Paul Tenny was there today and nearly drove us crazy. Nacho had a fight with Connie on account of Leslie. Every time I turned to Nacho to speak I called him Arno instead. Arno got a new bracelet from Beli. It’s beautiful! I ate lunch there and spent an hour talking to this American boy - Joe something. Then Conchita and Luli came. We went to “Alegrias” for a minute. We went back to the ANC. We were sitting in the Sunset Lounge with Pamen and Merche and who should I see walking down the corridor but Mitch Schlachterman!! We exchanged those looks...Anyway, later Luli and I played ball in the Teen Den (I have no idea what I mean here. How can we play ball inside? I think I meant, we played pool, since there was a billiard table in the Teen Den.) Afterwards we joined Bica, Pilina, Pamen, Merche, etc. in the Sunset Lounge. Sam joined us. That man is perpetually winking at me. Frankly, I like the way he looks at me. He also fascinates me - his eyes are something to obsess about! We were discussing New Year’s Eve and he told me that if I came over to the ANC that night, he’d kiss me!! Bica is all starry eyed over him not to mention some other people. Conchita and I might go to the Polo tomorrow. I haven’t seen Carlos in ages.
December 30 - Saturday - Inauguration of Pres. Macapagal
I went to the ANC but I had to walk from the PhilAm Life building since the streets were closed for the Inaugural Parade. I sat at the swimming pool with Pichuco and Gonzalo. Later I went to the Sunset Lounge with Mercy, Conchita, Luli, Mari O, Chiqui, Louie, etc. We all ate lunch together. Louie spilled half a bottle of coke on my lap. Sigh. (Could this guy be more of a klutz!) This pm we sat and talked again. Mom came in the afternoon. I was talking with Pichuco and Conchita at the swimming pool. Later Conchita left and I stayed talking to Pichuco. We watched the fireworks. I ate dinner with Dad and Mom at Tita Betty Bosch’s restaurant. Mom went to the movies and Dad took me home. I got a letter from Cosme today. He praises Mercy just beautifully in his letter and I read the letter to her.
December 31 - Sunday - New Year’s Eve
Dad has been picking on me the whole day. (My dad picked on me?!! I honestly don’t remember him ever “picking” on me. Maybe I used the wrong word and really meant got on my case about something but I really never remember my dad nagging me about anything which is how I interpret “picking.” That was my mother’s role. But, daddy? Can’t even think what he would pick on me about.) Honestly sometimes...Anyway, I went to Mass at 11 am at Ermita. Then to the ANC. Jack Aguirre was there with Arno, also Luli, Conchita and Marina. I ate lunch in the Dining Room. I slept a siesta this afternoon. This evening I wore my new yellow formal dress - it has spaghetti straps and a crimped bodice and full skirt. It looks divine. My hair also behaved quite decently. We went to D’Marks first and ate supper with Tita Lita. Then we picked up Tita Pacita and Tito Cuchi at the Sans home. Mercy couldn’t come with us. We got to the ANC at about 1:30 AM. Pichuco was disturbingly drunk. Poor guy. I was with Marina a while - Jose Luis kissed me happy new year then Conchita came and I sat with her. We were in the Pavilion. While I was sitting with Conchita at a table waiting for Mom I see Sam coming towards us. I instantly remembered the New Year kiss he promised me. I thought now he probably won’t even remember but he came straight to me, took my face in his hands and kissed me gently on both cheeks then he looked at me and squeezed my hand. He reached over and patted Conchita’s cheek and said happy new year and then he looked at me again, pressed my shoulder gently and said “Feliz Ano Nuevo.” I’m glad the lights were dim because I could feel myself blushing. I couldn’t even talk to Conch for the next few minutes. We joined the Lanuzas, and Carlos R-A was there as well as Javi Ruiz. I saw Sam with Cecilot Guidote. When he came back from dancing he looked straight at me with that half smile on his lips and I felt those green eyes bore through my soul. (I wonder where he is now - It was a special moment . I still remember the way he took my face in his hands....never forgot that evening and Sam.) The next time he passed by, he waved at me to come and join him at his table (with his date!?). Anyway, every time he looked at me from then on I felt my face get warm again and my heart was beating so fast and loud Conchita must have heard it. I danced with Gonzalo and the older Lanuza brother. I got home at 4:45 am. I can’t get Sam out of my mind. Later when I went to get my shawl he was passing by with Cecilot and I was going to ignore him but he passes by and rumples my hair (I swear, the puppy routine again!) Later I saw him and Cecilot sitting alone at the swimming pool. Such is life. Happy New Year - 1962!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
December 18 - 23, 1961
December 18 - Monday
Margotin was teasing me the whole morning about Spik and that when we were in the movie yesterday he kept turning around (The movie was “The Pleasure Of His Company” with Debbie Reynolds, Tab Hunter, Lilly Palmer, Fred Astaire). Sister Angela and the other teachers didn’t say a word about my not going to school on Friday. Saints Jude and Anthony and the Holy Souls saved me again! They have been answering all my prayers lately and I’m ever so grateful. Prayer does help. Dad’s new TV show went on very smoothly. Spik called me up this evening. He has a very nice voice over the phone. We talked about school, Maryknoll, the caroling and the concert at the Rizal Thursday. He says Freddy Hernandez might ask Marina. No comment. He’s an awfully nice guy and I’m beginning to like him more and more. I hope everything goes alright for Thursday. Please St. Anthony and Jude. I talked to Lita too.
December 19 - Tuesday
(The first half of this entry deals with me and my battles with my mother - her being strict and not “understanding” me and so on, so I’ve skipped it. It’s the age old war of teenage girls with their mothers.) This evening I washed my hair and then Freddy Hernandez called me up and was asking me which good friend of mind could I suggest that he go with on Thursday so that we could go together with Spik. I told him that he should choose the girl, after all he’d be taking her but he said it was for me that he was doing this so I suggested Lita or Magu. He said he would try Magu first if Fritz hadn’t already asked her. If not, he’d ask Lita. I hope Lita can go. I’m very apprehensive about the Campus Jamboree. I hope everything goes well. Bahala, na. Freddy H. is awfully nice. Margotin was mad at Fritz since he didn’t call her up last night like he said he would. I told her he might have had exams. Anyway, Spik didn’t call like he said he would either. Magu and I are even. To think I might see Carlos on Thursday gives me butterflies again. The Squares are great!
December 20 - Wednesday
We did practically nothing at all this morning. This pm Margot P, Cora A and Nannette G came home to change for the Christmas party. We had a lot of fun dancing and cracking jokes. Susan and Magu are the nicest. We spent half the time talking about the beloved Squares and Whirlpools. I still don’t know what going to happen tomorrow. Neither Spik nor Freddy H called up this evening. Oh well, lets see. I’ll admit I was sort of disappointed tonight. I did hope Spik would call but he didn’t. Anyway, tomorrow’s another day. Lita and Mercy called up. Lita wanted to know about that tragedy with Cosme last year so I told her the story. Mercy also called and I was telling her about the fun we had last Saturday. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the Campus Jamboree. Daddy was in low spirits this evening.
December 21 - Thursday
We just played records and watched a movie “So Young, So Bad” and had a short talk by Father Shean this morning in school. This pm we distributed the graduation pictures to our friends. We also danced. This evening Freddy Hernandez and Spik picked me up to go to the Campus Jamboree. (I’m totally amazed that my mother let me go with them. I guess it was because Freddy’s mom was a good friend of my mother’s but still, I’m shocked she let me out of the house with two guys.) They came to the door, not just blew the horn. I had a very nice time. They’re wonderful guys with a very nice sense of humor. Freddy and I kept teasing each other the whole night and Spik and I kept laughing. Spik is quieter that Freddy and has a good head on his shoulders. Freddy is more happy go lucky as he puts it and very delightful. I never knew he was so nice and I’ve known him since we were, or I was 5! We sat together, Spik, Fred and I, but away from “la quadrilla.” Mercy gave me a beaming smile across the room and Susan and Magu waved...I saw the Sans, Ginny Brooks, Tony Ortigas, the Olbes brothers, Juaco, etc. NO Carlos though. The Whirlpools played very well. Then this guy named Billy sang and I think the cat next door howls better. Freddy and Spik were making cracks about the poor guy and I was laughing so hard I nearly cried. The fashion show was very nice. The girls were all pretty and the dresses lovely. Jojo Keiruff is very attractive. Josin Loinaz modeled too and when she came near us, she posed right in front of us and gave us a flashing smile and winked at me. Spik said something about disowning his sister. I saw Honey there with Butch. When we left, we passed by D’Marks to see if my parents were there yet but they weren’t so we were leaving when we saw Dad’s car driving up and we went back to D’Marks. I introduced Spik to my parents. Then he and Freddy left. At D’Marks I met Tony Ortigas on my way to the ladies lounge. He was there with the Olbeses and he asked me who I was with and started to tease me about Spik. Gosh, he IS handsome. Mercy would have died. I had a lovely evening. Spik and Freddy are so nice but I would’ve loved to have seen Carlos. We received a letter from Spain and Abuelita is much better. Gracias a Dios.
December 22 - Friday
I wrapped Christmas presents this morning. This afternoon Dad brought home the Christmas tree but won’t be able to trim it until tomorrow. Mom, Tita Pacita and I went shopping this pm. I bought a darling white bag and gloves. I wasn’t able to find any shoes that I liked. There was only one pair but they were half a size too big. We got home at 10 PM.
December 23 - Saturday
Mom and I decorated the Christmas tree this morning. This afternoon, Lita picked me up and she, Conchita, Luli, Mercy, Maricar and I went to the Rizal to see “Ladies Man” with Jerry Lewis. It was a riot but sometimes corny. We met Jay, Fritz and Mon coming in. Fritz called me aside and said he had some chismes. He just asked me what Spik, Fred and I did after the jazz festival last Thursday. I told him they left me off at D’Marks and he said “Que mal.” (???) Anyway, Jay opened the door for me into the movie. Then later I warned him about putting his feet on the seat in front of him since the usher was staring at him. Mon told Maricar that Spik likes me but I’m not very sure about that. Mercy had an “accident” so Lita and I had to go over to Marina’s house for ammunition. Tony O sat in front of us. We saw Mari come in con que miradas! We later went to the ANC after dropping Maricar home and Mercy and I took a walk down Mabini. Marina was at the ANC and we sat out by the swimming pool. We were quite giddy and laughing all the while. We later went to the Teen Den. Then Mercy and I left for home. Mom and I went to the dressmakers and then back home. The Marquez family next door has given us a big, beautiful, chocolate cake made especially for us by the Rolling Pin for Christmas. Talked with Lita over the phone for half an hour mostly about Spik and Peps. Washed my hair with soap tonight because it was too late to get shampoo. It’s awful!!! Bahala na tomorrow. Since I’m going to get my period again I’ve got pimples and prickly heat all over my back and some are starting on my face. It’s so hot for December these days. I remember last year, it was practically freezing (I’ll REALLY know freezing when a scant 5 years later I experienced my first New York winter!!) Marina said she saw Carlos in the movie yesterday. He was alone! I haven’t seen him since the Barrio Fiesta at SanLo.
Margotin was teasing me the whole morning about Spik and that when we were in the movie yesterday he kept turning around (The movie was “The Pleasure Of His Company” with Debbie Reynolds, Tab Hunter, Lilly Palmer, Fred Astaire). Sister Angela and the other teachers didn’t say a word about my not going to school on Friday. Saints Jude and Anthony and the Holy Souls saved me again! They have been answering all my prayers lately and I’m ever so grateful. Prayer does help. Dad’s new TV show went on very smoothly. Spik called me up this evening. He has a very nice voice over the phone. We talked about school, Maryknoll, the caroling and the concert at the Rizal Thursday. He says Freddy Hernandez might ask Marina. No comment. He’s an awfully nice guy and I’m beginning to like him more and more. I hope everything goes alright for Thursday. Please St. Anthony and Jude. I talked to Lita too.
December 19 - Tuesday
(The first half of this entry deals with me and my battles with my mother - her being strict and not “understanding” me and so on, so I’ve skipped it. It’s the age old war of teenage girls with their mothers.) This evening I washed my hair and then Freddy Hernandez called me up and was asking me which good friend of mind could I suggest that he go with on Thursday so that we could go together with Spik. I told him that he should choose the girl, after all he’d be taking her but he said it was for me that he was doing this so I suggested Lita or Magu. He said he would try Magu first if Fritz hadn’t already asked her. If not, he’d ask Lita. I hope Lita can go. I’m very apprehensive about the Campus Jamboree. I hope everything goes well. Bahala, na. Freddy H. is awfully nice. Margotin was mad at Fritz since he didn’t call her up last night like he said he would. I told her he might have had exams. Anyway, Spik didn’t call like he said he would either. Magu and I are even. To think I might see Carlos on Thursday gives me butterflies again. The Squares are great!
December 20 - Wednesday
We did practically nothing at all this morning. This pm Margot P, Cora A and Nannette G came home to change for the Christmas party. We had a lot of fun dancing and cracking jokes. Susan and Magu are the nicest. We spent half the time talking about the beloved Squares and Whirlpools. I still don’t know what going to happen tomorrow. Neither Spik nor Freddy H called up this evening. Oh well, lets see. I’ll admit I was sort of disappointed tonight. I did hope Spik would call but he didn’t. Anyway, tomorrow’s another day. Lita and Mercy called up. Lita wanted to know about that tragedy with Cosme last year so I told her the story. Mercy also called and I was telling her about the fun we had last Saturday. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the Campus Jamboree. Daddy was in low spirits this evening.
December 21 - Thursday
We just played records and watched a movie “So Young, So Bad” and had a short talk by Father Shean this morning in school. This pm we distributed the graduation pictures to our friends. We also danced. This evening Freddy Hernandez and Spik picked me up to go to the Campus Jamboree. (I’m totally amazed that my mother let me go with them. I guess it was because Freddy’s mom was a good friend of my mother’s but still, I’m shocked she let me out of the house with two guys.) They came to the door, not just blew the horn. I had a very nice time. They’re wonderful guys with a very nice sense of humor. Freddy and I kept teasing each other the whole night and Spik and I kept laughing. Spik is quieter that Freddy and has a good head on his shoulders. Freddy is more happy go lucky as he puts it and very delightful. I never knew he was so nice and I’ve known him since we were, or I was 5! We sat together, Spik, Fred and I, but away from “la quadrilla.” Mercy gave me a beaming smile across the room and Susan and Magu waved...I saw the Sans, Ginny Brooks, Tony Ortigas, the Olbes brothers, Juaco, etc. NO Carlos though. The Whirlpools played very well. Then this guy named Billy sang and I think the cat next door howls better. Freddy and Spik were making cracks about the poor guy and I was laughing so hard I nearly cried. The fashion show was very nice. The girls were all pretty and the dresses lovely. Jojo Keiruff is very attractive. Josin Loinaz modeled too and when she came near us, she posed right in front of us and gave us a flashing smile and winked at me. Spik said something about disowning his sister. I saw Honey there with Butch. When we left, we passed by D’Marks to see if my parents were there yet but they weren’t so we were leaving when we saw Dad’s car driving up and we went back to D’Marks. I introduced Spik to my parents. Then he and Freddy left. At D’Marks I met Tony Ortigas on my way to the ladies lounge. He was there with the Olbeses and he asked me who I was with and started to tease me about Spik. Gosh, he IS handsome. Mercy would have died. I had a lovely evening. Spik and Freddy are so nice but I would’ve loved to have seen Carlos. We received a letter from Spain and Abuelita is much better. Gracias a Dios.
December 22 - Friday
I wrapped Christmas presents this morning. This afternoon Dad brought home the Christmas tree but won’t be able to trim it until tomorrow. Mom, Tita Pacita and I went shopping this pm. I bought a darling white bag and gloves. I wasn’t able to find any shoes that I liked. There was only one pair but they were half a size too big. We got home at 10 PM.
December 23 - Saturday
Mom and I decorated the Christmas tree this morning. This afternoon, Lita picked me up and she, Conchita, Luli, Mercy, Maricar and I went to the Rizal to see “Ladies Man” with Jerry Lewis. It was a riot but sometimes corny. We met Jay, Fritz and Mon coming in. Fritz called me aside and said he had some chismes. He just asked me what Spik, Fred and I did after the jazz festival last Thursday. I told him they left me off at D’Marks and he said “Que mal.” (???) Anyway, Jay opened the door for me into the movie. Then later I warned him about putting his feet on the seat in front of him since the usher was staring at him. Mon told Maricar that Spik likes me but I’m not very sure about that. Mercy had an “accident” so Lita and I had to go over to Marina’s house for ammunition. Tony O sat in front of us. We saw Mari come in con que miradas! We later went to the ANC after dropping Maricar home and Mercy and I took a walk down Mabini. Marina was at the ANC and we sat out by the swimming pool. We were quite giddy and laughing all the while. We later went to the Teen Den. Then Mercy and I left for home. Mom and I went to the dressmakers and then back home. The Marquez family next door has given us a big, beautiful, chocolate cake made especially for us by the Rolling Pin for Christmas. Talked with Lita over the phone for half an hour mostly about Spik and Peps. Washed my hair with soap tonight because it was too late to get shampoo. It’s awful!!! Bahala na tomorrow. Since I’m going to get my period again I’ve got pimples and prickly heat all over my back and some are starting on my face. It’s so hot for December these days. I remember last year, it was practically freezing (I’ll REALLY know freezing when a scant 5 years later I experienced my first New York winter!!) Marina said she saw Carlos in the movie yesterday. He was alone! I haven’t seen him since the Barrio Fiesta at SanLo.
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