April 1 - Sunday
Mass as usual at 11 at Ermita. Mercy was there and she came with me to the ANC. The usual gang were there. We talked until 12:30 or so when Mom called us to eat lunch in the dining room. We had a little goblet of vermouth with our lunch. Mercy and I went to the Rizal in a taxi to see (me, again) “The Young Doctors.” Most of the people who were at the party were there. Suddenly Mercy nudges me and I look around the aisle to the right side and of course there’s Carlos. He looked devastating in white pants and a red checkered shirt with that unruly lock of hair across his forehead and a grin on that devilish face and no matter what my resolutions are, for a moment I can’t even think straight. I saw him go outside so I told Mercy I’d go with her to a drink of water. He was in the canteen so we stalled, hoping he’d come out but he stayed too long so we went back inside. It seems I always miss him by a split second. We went back to the ANC and there we danced to Ramon Faustman’s phonograph for a while in the Party Room. If I could pack my things and leave for Baguio this minute I would. Up there I feel alive and most of all loved by nature and at peace with God. All the gossip, and materialism of Manila seems to disappear into nothing in Baguio. I love my parents but they get more cranky every day. Tonight Dad picks on me for no reason at all. Mom scolds me for every insignificant little thing. Tonight it was because I wanted to say the rosary by myself!! Lita told me that if she goes back to Baguio, she’ll have to take Luli not me but I knew that would happen - I told her so while we were in Baguio. Anyway, I can’t be selfish, Luli has to be able to go too.
April 2 - Monday
This morning when I went to the ANC I found Marina talking to Emma Legarza at the swimming pool. I joined them and later, Arno, Luli, Ramon and Gonzalo were with us. Emma was very talkative and charming. (This is an unusual episode as my memory of Emma (who lived right by us on San Marcelino for years) fades after I was 11. I have no recollection of the latter meeting nor of having ever seen her again.) She can be very nice and she hasn’t changed a bit. Arno had a sly, wicked, reckless gleam in is eye this morning. I told him what Mercy said about some boy telling her in the party that Beli was jealous because I was flirting with him but he just laughed at this. I don’t see what’s so funny. (I do!) When he was about to leave, he started to tease me about being a flirt and if he keeps this up, he’s going to find himself punched in the nose. This afternoon Lita picked me up and we went to the airport to see Conchita off. I met Uncle Johnny Oppenheimer and I kissed and thanked him for my graduation gift. (At least my manners didn’t desert me, even if my sanity had with all this Carlos and boy obsession!) Conchita had tears in her eyes as she left. All the gang (all us girls) were there. Luis Pertierra was there and I acted sort of brash with him and I’m sorry now. (What did I do, call him a cutie?!) We went back to the ANC and we had some discussion about going back to Baguio but no go-ahead. We miss Conchita already. Luli says Carlos might score for the bowling tournament at the Casino tomorrow. She will call and tell me if he’s there.
April 3 - Tuesday
This morning I stayed home and made white beans for lunch - (my Mom’s great recipe). I stayed downstairs and read for the fifth time “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” This afternoon, Marimil and I went to the ANC. The usual gang was there minus Conchita of course. At first we ate and listened to records and later we played Charades. Honey was his old, sweet, jolly self. The 3 “L’s” Lita, Luli and I stayed at the ANC for Bingo and Ramon and Pichuco joined us. We had an enjoyable evening, laughing and chatting besides getting a free drink and getting vermouth again. Lita, Luli are my 2 best friends and I don’t even want to think they’re leaving next March. I wouldn’t hurt them for anything in the world so I can’t tell Lita I have a crush on Morris. Chiqui Sarthou says we might head for Baguio in May.
April 4 - Wednesday
Mom and I went shopping this morning at Aguinaldo’s where there was a sale and I bought 2 blouses, a pair of flannel pajamas and the cutest pair of toreador pants ever. This afternoon I stayed home and talked to Luli and Lita over the phone. All of us want to go to Baguio but we’re both staying till May. I also hemmed two dresses and watched TV. Agnes and Mercy called up too.
April 5 - Thursday
I made albondigas this morning and this afternoon, Lita picked me up to go to the ANC. I got the surprise of my life when I saw Luli. She rinsed her hair BLONDE! She looks very attractive now and her eyes seem to stand out more. Now, we’re the three blonde “L’s”. Mitch was at the ANC this pm with his Nadia. Later when Lita, Mercy, and Luli left I sat with Pichuco and Javi in the Sunset Lounge. Javi is a real nice fellow.
April 6 - Friday
I went to school to get my report card at 8:30. Linda, Ruby, the Hi-Gayles, etc also were at school. Sister Angela was her old sarcastic but cheerful self especially when I told her I was coming back to St. Paul for college in June. Miss Juco liked my dress and I ordered graduation pictures. I left SPC as soon as I could and went to the Casino where Luli and Vicky Pertierra were playing in the bowling tournament. Tita Marina Asparren is in the tournament too. Vicky Pertierra is such a nice gal, not to mention her two brothers - Nacho and Luis. Vicky and her brother Nacho brought Luli and I back home. I went to the ANC this afternoon with Mercy, Honey, Chiqui and Albert. Honey is very nice to me these days, not at all like before, when he ignored me completely. He teases me a lot still but I don’t mind. One girl who I wish would crawl back to wherever she came from is that Leslie Oliver. Of all the snotty, little so and so’s.......grrr Flirting outrageously with Honey (Ah, now I know why I didn’t like her, but I still don’t remember her at all. Well, obviously, a flash in the pan in Honey’s long list of girls that adored him.) Tony de Jesus and the rest of the creepy Birdogs should thank their unlucky stars that Mr. Duchstein wasn’t around for if he found out that they’re not members....they’re such creeps. Poor Lita got her molar pulled out today so she did not go to the ANC. Luli was with me the whole time. I wish Lita, Luli and I could go to Baguio now, together, alone. What fun we would have and I’m dying to see Morris.
April 7 - Saturday
I went to the ANC this morning and met Nena Marti. She looked so pretty as usual. The gang was there - bathing in the sun. I ate lunch with Mom at the swimming pool. Mitch sat 2 tables away from us and every few moments we’d exchange glances. This afternoon was a real gasser though. First I was with Honey, Mercy, etc. then Mitch played tennis and I watched him from the stairway. Then when he was through playing I went to talk to Mercy who was sitting at the lawn tables with Margie, Chiqui R., and Belen and I started to tell them about the Truth & Consequence game we played last summer and how I was made to kiss Mitch. I kept talking about him when I notice Mercy’s expression change and I turned around to find Mitch 3 feet away from me. I wished the earth would open up and swallow me. He had this grin on his face and I don’t know if he heard me. Later, we all went swimming. Honey gets nicer every day. Ramon Faustman is sweet and thoughtful and gets better looking as he gets older. Pichuco is beginning to bother me a little.
April 8 - Sunday
I went to Mass and Communion this morning at 10 am at Ermita and then to the ANC. (My hair and make-up was pretty nice today, for once). (“Make-up” for me then consisted of mascara, and lipstick). Luli and Lita were there. Mrs. Rodriguez Araya complimented me and there were a whole lot of attractive servicemen milling around. The noon the Parents and I went to Di Marks for the baptism celebration of their youngest baby daughter, Katherine. The food was real delicious and Louie Senn was there. I went back to the ANC later at 3. The gang were all there and we all sat in the swimming pool area. Ramon Arnaiz was with us. Ramon Faustman looked quite irresistible this afternoon. If only he were 2 years older. Mitch came and sat 2 tables from us with Nadia. Lita and Mercy wet Pichuco’s cigarettes and he probably won’t speak to us for centuries. We had a hilarious time with ?????
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
March 25 - 31, 1962
March 25 - Sunday
First think I’d like to say is that I’m going to Baguio tomorrow. Lita has invited me and we’re staying for 4 days! Yipee! I’ve packed all my things and I’m rarin to go. Baguio, you old loveable city, here I come. I went to the ANC after Mass. The usual gang were all there. Conchita had lunch with my Mom and Dad and later Dad dropped us off at the Rizal to see “The Greatest Show On Earth” and everyone was there too. I sat beside Mary and Dita. I congratulated Mari V. and he did same right back to me. Outside in the lobby I met Arno, the Whirlpools and Ginny Andrews. Arno kept making a point that he was going to Ginny’s house to see Ginny (Brooks) and Beli and that Carlos would be there too. He was being a bit obnoxious. Ginny Andrews dropped in at the Polo Club. Linggoy was playing polo and his team won. Conchita was on her usual cloud about him. We saw Spik down by the swimming pool. Maripaz, Lorraine, etc., were also there. Later we were looking through the Teen Guest book and we saw a lot of the guys’ we knows signature including Carlos. Tita Nena Araneta saw me and I kissed her hello and she invited me to sit with them a while (at the Tea Dance after the polo match). Linggoy said hello and I congratulated him. Maite, his sister, is a lot of fun. I met Carmyr Singh’s sister and a girl named Carla Zulueta who after a while asked me if I knew CARLOS GARCIA (of all people) and Baby Alvarez. It turns out she leaves across the street from Carlos. We came home in a taxi. Right now, I’ve wiped Carlos and Arno out of my mind. Right now, its Baguio here I come!
March 26 - Monday - Baguio
We left for Baguio at 9:30 this morning - Lita, her parents and I. The trip here was wonderful. The delicious smell of pines is so wonderful. I can’t say enough things about it and this cold, fresh air - well some dreams come true! Our rooms here at the Baguio Country Club are comfortable and cosy (with hot water in the bathrooms). After our baths, we took a long walk through Camp John Hay and that cold air sure does things to my morale and appetite. Later Lita, her parents and I went to see “Flower Drum Song” with Nancy Kuan who is so lovely. We ate a delicious dinner of t-bone steaks at the “Rose Bowl.” We walked a lot and the cold air and pines and flowers just make me feel glad I’m alive. I feel so cozy and happy in the room on the bed that I could be here forever. My appetite is better and everything is just marvelous. Only one thing which I can’t seem to escape is the thought of Carlos.
March 27 - Tuesday - Baguio
I slept pretty well last night and woke up with Baguio’s cold, clean, pine air in my nostrils. Lita and I ate a hearty breakfast of juice, waffles, bacon, bread, papaya and milk shakes. We took a jeep and went to Tita Trining’s house on Legarda Road. No one was there. We walked to the market then to St. Louis School. I bought three fine, lovely, silver bracelets and gave Mom’s butterfly pin to be repaired. We came back here to the Country Club and since we were tired, we slept from 10:30 to 12:30 pm. We ate lunch with Lita’s parents (hamburger steak, soup, rice, salad and milk shakes - yummy!). This afternoon we took a bus and went on a tour of Camp John Hay. There were some very attractive guys there at the Tea House. We came back to the Club and I bathed while Lita dozed. After freshening up, we went to the Dining Room and ate a delicious supper of adobo with vegetables, muffins and a little glass of vermouth. We later sat by the fireside and played cards. Lita played bowling while I read “The Nun’s Story.” Its so wonderful and peaceful here I don’t ever want to leave. This air is unmatched anywhere else and I feel so free, at peace and contented and happy.
March 28 - Wednesday - Baguio
This morning, Tita Chat, Lita and I went downtown. Later we came back to the Country Club. We napped for a while and ;then I ate a light lunch of soup because my stomach feels like a drum since I haven’t been you know what. (Gee, Lea, how delicate of you!) This afternoon, we went bowling again and dressed later for dinner. We went to the Halfway House (that’s at Camp John Hay) for dinner and there were a lot of attractive service men there, natch. We had a delicious dinner. We came back to the Club at 9 pm. We danced the twist in our bras and chemises and had a pillow fight. We were pretty wild for a while but calmed down after a bit. Right now, Lita is talking to her darling Morris over the phone. I simply cannot stop thinking of Carlos and how perfect it would all be if he were here. I guess nobody can stop me from dreaming....
March 29 - Thursday - Baguio
Lita and I went to the St. Louis School to pick up Mom’s pin. We passed by Morris’s house and Lita dared me to go in but I haven’t got that much nerve. We came back to the Country Club and went bowling again with Entang del Prado. My score is steadily improving, at last. This afternoon, we ate lunch and slept a while. Later Morris called Lita and said he was picking us up to go for a drive. So, I finally met Morris and I think he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in a long time. His sister Susie seems to be nice and fun loving but Morris is just the nicest. He isn’t handsome but he’s very attractive. He’s got a great sense of humor and many times when I looked him straight in the eye I had to lower my gaze. Anyway, he “belongs” to Lita. Tomorrow we leave for crummy Manila. I hope I get a chance to come back here. Morris must have had a pretty scatterbrained impression of me. I was pretty silly. I’m afraid Morris has made a very deep impression on me. (It must be the older guy, tall, dark, handsome thing.....) While we were at his house, I wasn’t aware of anyone else, only him. Oh hell!
March 30 - Friday
Well, here I am back in Manila and all I can say is as soon as I get the teeniest chance back to Baguio I go. We left for Manila at 8 am after eating a hearty breakfast. Usually I’m blabbing all the way but this time on the way back down to Manila I didn’t utter a world. I only sang a little. All I could think of was that I was leaving those pines, cold air, mountains, and lets face it - Morris. I kept re-living those wonderful 2 hours with him (and did I not remember that he was Lita’s boyfriend?!!) Carlos was momentarily forgotten. I have a tiny suspicion that if I’m with Morris one more time, I’ll fall for him and that wouldn’t do at all since Lita has a hands off sign on him and I wouldn’t hurt Lita for the world. I like her too much and she’s one of my best friends so I’m going to forget I ever met Morris Tani - try anyway. (40 years later.........) We arrived home at quarter to 2 pm. I talked with Conchita and Mercy over the phone. Conchita and Luli were at the Polo Club last Wednesday and they were with Carlos and Linggoy. It seems Linggoy is giving Margie Casas the rush and Carlos had to borrow Luli’s suntan oil since he wasn’t very successful in getting tanned with (brace yourself) Vaseline hair tonic! (Ok, I never said he was a rocket scientist!) They spent the whole afternoon talking with him and having a great time. Why is it something always makes me miss out on these wonderful chances to get acquainted with Carlos?! I think God does this purposely since talking with Carlos would make me like him even more and anyway, my friends think he is going steady with a girl from the American School. So any chances I may have had, slim as they were, are now completely hopeless. I might as well forget about him. Of course I just complicated my life by getting attracted to another boy - Morris - who is off limits.
March 31 - Saturday
This morning us girls helped arrange the furniture for the party tonight. (Party, tonight?)
I spent the afternoon making sandwiches. The party proceeded very well. Everyone liked my straight hair and dress. At first Arno, Chiqui and Eddie Gonzalez were talking with me. Later more people began arriving. As soon as Beli arrived, Arno’s attitude changed completely. I can’t explain how but he became sort of aloof and I also caught Beli looking at me once or twice very coldly but said hello very warmly. The Whirlpools came and Fritz and I chatted many times during the evening. He does groovy imitations of Carlos singing and loves to tease me about it. Incidentally Carlos did not go but somehow I didn’t care and this comes as a surprise to me???!!! Maybe I’m finally getting over him. Fritz is very nice and Magu seems to take him very much for granted. She’ll be sorry some day. Honey was his wonderful old self this evening. He chatted with me, teased and joked and for Honey to ask me to sit and talk to him, well that was something! Honey can be adorable when he wants to. I danced quite a few times though I wished Arno had danced with me at least once. He dances so well but that’s my hard luck. Many times during the night I felt so alone all of a sudden in that crowded room. Funny, the one person who I wish had been there was not Carlos but Morris! Lita is a lucky girl and if only he were Catholic and not a Jew. (Geez, did I actually write this but I’m looking at this 40 plus years later but then I only meant it in the our-religions-don’t-mix way. Still in these “pc” times, it seems harsh.) I’ve just got to get back to Baguio and don’t think its because of Morris but its that wonderful city and climate. Conchita’s spirits were a little dampened since Linggoy, after all his big talk, did not go. Darn him, the least he could have done was go for at least an hour. Tony Ortigas was his usual handsome, devastating self. He brought the records he promised and when you look past the fact that he’s so handsome, you find out he’s so nice too. Fritz brought me home at 1:20 am. Mom and Dad are fast asleep. It’s been a nice party yet there was something missing and I dare not analyze what.
First think I’d like to say is that I’m going to Baguio tomorrow. Lita has invited me and we’re staying for 4 days! Yipee! I’ve packed all my things and I’m rarin to go. Baguio, you old loveable city, here I come. I went to the ANC after Mass. The usual gang were all there. Conchita had lunch with my Mom and Dad and later Dad dropped us off at the Rizal to see “The Greatest Show On Earth” and everyone was there too. I sat beside Mary and Dita. I congratulated Mari V. and he did same right back to me. Outside in the lobby I met Arno, the Whirlpools and Ginny Andrews. Arno kept making a point that he was going to Ginny’s house to see Ginny (Brooks) and Beli and that Carlos would be there too. He was being a bit obnoxious. Ginny Andrews dropped in at the Polo Club. Linggoy was playing polo and his team won. Conchita was on her usual cloud about him. We saw Spik down by the swimming pool. Maripaz, Lorraine, etc., were also there. Later we were looking through the Teen Guest book and we saw a lot of the guys’ we knows signature including Carlos. Tita Nena Araneta saw me and I kissed her hello and she invited me to sit with them a while (at the Tea Dance after the polo match). Linggoy said hello and I congratulated him. Maite, his sister, is a lot of fun. I met Carmyr Singh’s sister and a girl named Carla Zulueta who after a while asked me if I knew CARLOS GARCIA (of all people) and Baby Alvarez. It turns out she leaves across the street from Carlos. We came home in a taxi. Right now, I’ve wiped Carlos and Arno out of my mind. Right now, its Baguio here I come!
March 26 - Monday - Baguio
We left for Baguio at 9:30 this morning - Lita, her parents and I. The trip here was wonderful. The delicious smell of pines is so wonderful. I can’t say enough things about it and this cold, fresh air - well some dreams come true! Our rooms here at the Baguio Country Club are comfortable and cosy (with hot water in the bathrooms). After our baths, we took a long walk through Camp John Hay and that cold air sure does things to my morale and appetite. Later Lita, her parents and I went to see “Flower Drum Song” with Nancy Kuan who is so lovely. We ate a delicious dinner of t-bone steaks at the “Rose Bowl.” We walked a lot and the cold air and pines and flowers just make me feel glad I’m alive. I feel so cozy and happy in the room on the bed that I could be here forever. My appetite is better and everything is just marvelous. Only one thing which I can’t seem to escape is the thought of Carlos.
March 27 - Tuesday - Baguio
I slept pretty well last night and woke up with Baguio’s cold, clean, pine air in my nostrils. Lita and I ate a hearty breakfast of juice, waffles, bacon, bread, papaya and milk shakes. We took a jeep and went to Tita Trining’s house on Legarda Road. No one was there. We walked to the market then to St. Louis School. I bought three fine, lovely, silver bracelets and gave Mom’s butterfly pin to be repaired. We came back here to the Country Club and since we were tired, we slept from 10:30 to 12:30 pm. We ate lunch with Lita’s parents (hamburger steak, soup, rice, salad and milk shakes - yummy!). This afternoon we took a bus and went on a tour of Camp John Hay. There were some very attractive guys there at the Tea House. We came back to the Club and I bathed while Lita dozed. After freshening up, we went to the Dining Room and ate a delicious supper of adobo with vegetables, muffins and a little glass of vermouth. We later sat by the fireside and played cards. Lita played bowling while I read “The Nun’s Story.” Its so wonderful and peaceful here I don’t ever want to leave. This air is unmatched anywhere else and I feel so free, at peace and contented and happy.
March 28 - Wednesday - Baguio
This morning, Tita Chat, Lita and I went downtown. Later we came back to the Country Club. We napped for a while and ;then I ate a light lunch of soup because my stomach feels like a drum since I haven’t been you know what. (Gee, Lea, how delicate of you!) This afternoon, we went bowling again and dressed later for dinner. We went to the Halfway House (that’s at Camp John Hay) for dinner and there were a lot of attractive service men there, natch. We had a delicious dinner. We came back to the Club at 9 pm. We danced the twist in our bras and chemises and had a pillow fight. We were pretty wild for a while but calmed down after a bit. Right now, Lita is talking to her darling Morris over the phone. I simply cannot stop thinking of Carlos and how perfect it would all be if he were here. I guess nobody can stop me from dreaming....
March 29 - Thursday - Baguio
Lita and I went to the St. Louis School to pick up Mom’s pin. We passed by Morris’s house and Lita dared me to go in but I haven’t got that much nerve. We came back to the Country Club and went bowling again with Entang del Prado. My score is steadily improving, at last. This afternoon, we ate lunch and slept a while. Later Morris called Lita and said he was picking us up to go for a drive. So, I finally met Morris and I think he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in a long time. His sister Susie seems to be nice and fun loving but Morris is just the nicest. He isn’t handsome but he’s very attractive. He’s got a great sense of humor and many times when I looked him straight in the eye I had to lower my gaze. Anyway, he “belongs” to Lita. Tomorrow we leave for crummy Manila. I hope I get a chance to come back here. Morris must have had a pretty scatterbrained impression of me. I was pretty silly. I’m afraid Morris has made a very deep impression on me. (It must be the older guy, tall, dark, handsome thing.....) While we were at his house, I wasn’t aware of anyone else, only him. Oh hell!
March 30 - Friday
Well, here I am back in Manila and all I can say is as soon as I get the teeniest chance back to Baguio I go. We left for Manila at 8 am after eating a hearty breakfast. Usually I’m blabbing all the way but this time on the way back down to Manila I didn’t utter a world. I only sang a little. All I could think of was that I was leaving those pines, cold air, mountains, and lets face it - Morris. I kept re-living those wonderful 2 hours with him (and did I not remember that he was Lita’s boyfriend?!!) Carlos was momentarily forgotten. I have a tiny suspicion that if I’m with Morris one more time, I’ll fall for him and that wouldn’t do at all since Lita has a hands off sign on him and I wouldn’t hurt Lita for the world. I like her too much and she’s one of my best friends so I’m going to forget I ever met Morris Tani - try anyway. (40 years later.........) We arrived home at quarter to 2 pm. I talked with Conchita and Mercy over the phone. Conchita and Luli were at the Polo Club last Wednesday and they were with Carlos and Linggoy. It seems Linggoy is giving Margie Casas the rush and Carlos had to borrow Luli’s suntan oil since he wasn’t very successful in getting tanned with (brace yourself) Vaseline hair tonic! (Ok, I never said he was a rocket scientist!) They spent the whole afternoon talking with him and having a great time. Why is it something always makes me miss out on these wonderful chances to get acquainted with Carlos?! I think God does this purposely since talking with Carlos would make me like him even more and anyway, my friends think he is going steady with a girl from the American School. So any chances I may have had, slim as they were, are now completely hopeless. I might as well forget about him. Of course I just complicated my life by getting attracted to another boy - Morris - who is off limits.
March 31 - Saturday
This morning us girls helped arrange the furniture for the party tonight. (Party, tonight?)
I spent the afternoon making sandwiches. The party proceeded very well. Everyone liked my straight hair and dress. At first Arno, Chiqui and Eddie Gonzalez were talking with me. Later more people began arriving. As soon as Beli arrived, Arno’s attitude changed completely. I can’t explain how but he became sort of aloof and I also caught Beli looking at me once or twice very coldly but said hello very warmly. The Whirlpools came and Fritz and I chatted many times during the evening. He does groovy imitations of Carlos singing and loves to tease me about it. Incidentally Carlos did not go but somehow I didn’t care and this comes as a surprise to me???!!! Maybe I’m finally getting over him. Fritz is very nice and Magu seems to take him very much for granted. She’ll be sorry some day. Honey was his wonderful old self this evening. He chatted with me, teased and joked and for Honey to ask me to sit and talk to him, well that was something! Honey can be adorable when he wants to. I danced quite a few times though I wished Arno had danced with me at least once. He dances so well but that’s my hard luck. Many times during the night I felt so alone all of a sudden in that crowded room. Funny, the one person who I wish had been there was not Carlos but Morris! Lita is a lucky girl and if only he were Catholic and not a Jew. (Geez, did I actually write this but I’m looking at this 40 plus years later but then I only meant it in the our-religions-don’t-mix way. Still in these “pc” times, it seems harsh.) I’ve just got to get back to Baguio and don’t think its because of Morris but its that wonderful city and climate. Conchita’s spirits were a little dampened since Linggoy, after all his big talk, did not go. Darn him, the least he could have done was go for at least an hour. Tony Ortigas was his usual handsome, devastating self. He brought the records he promised and when you look past the fact that he’s so handsome, you find out he’s so nice too. Fritz brought me home at 1:20 am. Mom and Dad are fast asleep. It’s been a nice party yet there was something missing and I dare not analyze what.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
March 14 - 24, 1962
March 14 - Wednesday
This has been one of those days when I couldn’t have cared less if this whole world blew up. I mean I don’t have a date for the prom, Dad and Mom were bugging me (I mean when I’m in a bad mood I wish they’d leave me alone. They keep asking me “Why” I’m feeling low until I feel like screaming but God forbid I get near them when they are in a bad mood and they get all worked up until its spastic!) So, this morning I was feeling so alone and sorry for myself I went to Rustan’s and bought myself an adorable denim skirt. (Just think - one could buy a denim skirt for 10 pesos in Rustan’s in 1962! I don’t think one can buy anything in Rustan’s for 10 pesos in 2006!) That perked me up a little, but still....I called Nena up and she couldn’t talk to me because she had to go someplace but she was just wonderful and said she would call me tomorrow. I talked to Magu and later I brought up enough courage to call Arno and ask him about the ball. His brother Paul answered and said Arno just had to leave but to leave my number and he would leave a message to call me up....by the way, I’m still waiting...Mercy called me up after that and told me that this afternoon, she Betsy and the rest of SSC clan were over at SLV at Carlos’s house and he came out and was talking to Mercy about the party on the 31st. Mercy said he was laughing and his dimples flashed on and off and that he looked out of this world. (Girlfriends really can be bitchy, can’t they - and we were 17!!!)
March 15 - Thursday
It’s sort of frightening to discover you don’t like your parents very much. Oh, I love them and all and I’d give up my life for them but its just that I don’t agree with them on anything. I also think that Mom and Dad shouldn’t have married each other. They are as different as day and night. (I wonder if this didn’t influence me when I discovered that me and Cliff were just as different? The fact that my parents stayed together and really loved each other (despite their arguments) until my father’s death is a testament to something.....) Anyway, this noon, Mom and I went to Carriedo and I bought 2 pairs of shoes, nylons, a bra, etc. We ate lunch at the ANC. Sam was there and he gave me one of his famous winks. At school, we spent an enjoyable time during afternoon recess in the canteen with Tere, Cora, Margot, Eileen, Cecilia, Tina, Alice, Ofelia and Suzzette. I never laughed so much in my life. They’re all a wonderful bunch of crazy yet wholesome girls and I will miss them a lot after graduation. This afternoon, Susan and Magu went to Wack-Wack but I didn’t want to go. Later Susan told me they saw Carlos. (I will spare you all my ranting about him.) Mom played mah-jong at Mercy’s house with Tita Pacita, Tita Lol and Tita Marina Asparren. Mercy asked me to come over but I had to wash my hair. Arno called up at 5:30 and apologized for not having called back yesterday but his brother forgot to tell him that I had called. I asked him about the prom and he said he’d give me the answer this evening and said he’d call back at 8 pm. Well, at 8 pm sharp the phone rang and he said he couldn’t go because his mom is grounding him because of his grades. We talked for an hour when Mom asked me to hang up. It was a very interesting conversation - 85% of it about him and Beli.
March 16 - Friday - The infamous Graduation Ball
This morning I left school at 11 and went to the ANC. Remi showed me an adorable yellow Jantzen bathing suit which fit me just perfect and is only 35.00. If only I could get Mom, or better still, Dad to buy it for me. I put on my old, dilapidated black bathing suit and sun-bathed from 12 to 1:30. It was very relaxing to sit at the lounging chairs by the pool with my radio and the gentle breeze of the sea caressing my cheeks and feel the sun bathing me with its warmth - conclusion - my chest and legs are sunburned bright red and hurt me terribly. Magu and Susan picked me up with Benjie and Fritz. Marina was already there with Pichuco. We sat at the same table as Billy and Cora. I danced a lot with Pichuco and Billy and Mari Pimentel (I think that’s what his name was), once with Bert Silos who was Margot’s date. Fritz Infante is such a nice guy. Anyway, I spent the whole night wishing Carlos or Arno were with me. My dress was a floating white dream and all I needed was a veil to look like a bride. (Yikes!!!!!) Later, Marina, Pichuco and I went to Marcos. There we met the Pertierra brothers and Jose Luis Marti. Jose Luis dances the cha-cha pretty well. By the way, I saw Nena this noon and we chatted a while. I also saw Joe Avelino who was at SPCM waiting for Maritoni. Tomorrow (or today, its 2:15 AM) is Marilen Rosado’s wedding. I don’t feel much like going but I have to. What a day.
March 17 - Saturday
This minute I’m so tired, sleep and down in the dumps I can’t write straight, my sunburned legs are literally giving me -----! Poor Mommy is suffering now because her legs are swollen and we don’t know why and Dad tries to ignore it because he can’t take her to Dr. Fores because he hasn’t paid the last bill. All I can do is pray for my poor mother and sometimes I’m so sleepy I forget. If I had one wish right now, I’d wish for a million dollars - half for Dad to pay his debts and do something for himself and half for Mom to see if the doctors can do something about her rheumatism. Dear Lord, can’t you at least give Mom and her health and Dad success in work??... This morning I went to the wedding and it was all very beautiful. The reception was at the Casino and all the Spanish people I know were there. George Gallent looked very handsome in a gray suit. Later, Marina, Luli and I went to the ANC. Arno was there. I ate lunch at Conchita’s house. (Pamen and Anamaria were also at the ANC). At 2 pm, Conch, Lita and I went to the Rizal to see “Around the World in 80 Days” a second time for me. Just as we were walking toward the Rizal, Spik passes by in his car with the Squares and they all wave. They left Peps at the Rizal and then left. Arno was with Beli and Eddie. Later Beli left but Arno stayed with Peps and Eddie. He and Eddie gave me dazzling grins once in a while and Arno looked back a few times. Eddie is such a doll too. We went to the ANC after the movie. Only Pichuco was there. At 8 tonight we went to school to practice for commencement tomorrow. Sister should think twice about making practice from 8 - 10:30. Sister Chantal is such a darling but Sister Angela.....hah! Tomorrow is our Graduation Day and somehow I can’t believe I’m through with High School. Its pessimistic of me but I see a dark gloomy future ahead of me. I found out that Carlos’s middle name is Chacote.
March 18 - Sunday - My High School Graduation Day
Mom and I went to the Baccalaureate Mass in school at 8 am this morning. Later the whole graduation class went to the new building for breakfast. All the Hi-Gayles sat together with our parents. Fr. Ferreira signed my souvenir book and when we were going home, we met Fr. Reuter with Mother Superior. Mom stopped to talk to him. Later we went to the ANC. Marina was there but she was with some other people and I was sitting with Arno, Conchita, Lita and Luli. Lita gave me a dresser set for my graduation gift. How sweet of her! The girls left at noon and Arno went to eat lunch. He came back later and we talked in the Teen Den. Mitch came in and said hello. We were talking about ages and Mitch teasingly asked me if I was 12. (He probably wasn’t so teasing..knowing Mitch, he probably meant it since I obviously acted like one now and then!) Arno asked me for an invitation to the Commencement exercises and promised he’d try to go. The commencement was lovely except for the time we had to all stand on stage. The SPC hymn was slightly off-key and I didn’t see any of my gang in the audience - such is life. (Actually, interesting that I don’t mention it here - probably blocked it from my mind that night, but my Dad couldn’t attend my graduation either.) I ate dinner at D’Marks with the parents. Uncle Arthur and Tita Lita are so nice. Their new baby is the cutest thing you ever saw. She promised to be a real beauty. Well, I’ve finally graduated from high school. It doesn’t seem possible that in 2 years my teen years will be over, a fact that hasn’t registered yet. No one cried at commencement. A new vacation starts tomorrow (The summer of ‘62). Let’s see how it compares to the last 3 years. Winnie Powell was at Di Marks. She is such an attractive, interesting girl and so charming to talk to.
March 19 - Monday
Today is the feast of St. John and Mom and I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita with Tita Pacita. Marina, Conch and Lita were at the ANC. Nick Warren was there. He was talking to me for some time and I was thinking how Margot would want to be here. This afternoon, Marina, Conch, Lita and I went to see “Light in the Piazza” at the Ideal. A very lovely picture and Yvette Mimieux is so lovely. The dresses both she and Olivia de Haviland wear are really lovely. We went back to the ANC. Arno was there but left early. Conchita and I talked about Linggoy and Carlos and find out that we are both very much love. Conchita gave me a nice bottle of perfume and Tita Pacita the sweetest little porcelain poodle (for graduation). I talked to Mercy over the phone and she keeps insisting that I go to SSC for college. The only reason that I’d go there is that I would be near La Salle! (Great criteria for choosing where to go to college, right? What an empty-headed addle brained person I was!!) And able to see Carlos more often. The Strads and Whirlpools were on TV tonight. Ramon, Jay and Fritz were very good. The heat these days is unbearable.
March 20 - Tuesday
My secret industrial powers sprang forth this morning and I gave my room a regular “spring cleaning.” By the time I finished, you couldn’t tell the difference between me and the trash can but my room looked like something out of House Beautiful. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. I sat with Luli and Lita. Luli gave me a bottle of Desert Flower for my graduation present and Uncle Johnny Oppenheimer a beautiful picture frame. There were two attractive service men who kept looking in our direction. As I was going to the Ladies Room I bumped into Sam and as I was walking back to the Pavilion, there was a group of young people sitting in the Sunset Lounge. One young man looked familiar but all I could see was his back. He heard my hello to Sam for he turned around and it was George Roux! Mommy won 60.00 pesos tonight. This evening as I was getting ready for bed I found a mouse in my room and nearly dropped dead. Result - I am lying on a petate in Mom’s room writing this. I refuse to sleep in my new clean room with a mouse in it, period. Mom played mah-jong at Tita Lol’s house this afternoon. When I heard her arrive, I had the instinct to look at whose car she was coming home in and no wonder - my sixth sense must have kicked in - it was Tita Marina’s Renault. My heart leapt to my throat. (God, I remember that car vividly - it was maroon colored!) Even when I saw George Roux tonight it wasn’t the same as when I see or hear anything relating to Carlos Garcia. I only wish he doesn’t go to Spain this year.
March 21 - Wednesday
I helped my mother put away old books and stuff. This afternoon I went to the ANC. Conchita, Lita, Luli and I put on our bathing suits and sun-tanned. Charlie Armstrong was there - man, is he a dream. Jose Luis and Marina arrived later. I went home with Marina. Every day I think more and love Carlos more.
March 22 - Thursday
Mom and I went to the dressmakers this noon and later we had lunch at the ANC. There were many handsome service men around because of the “war games” going on. I went to Luli’s house this afternoon and later all of us (Conchita, Lita, etc.) went to Belen Faustman’s house. We had a nice time listening to the radio, playing with puppies and playing “Charades.” Our team won - Belen, Inna and I against Lita, Conch, Marisol and Susan D. I talked with Margie and Mercy over the phone this evening. Mercy borrowed my white pleated skirt. She also told me that Carlos promised his aunt that he’s going to pass all his classes by hook or by crook even if he has to take summer classes. Margie says Arno and Beli have come to the breaking point and any day now...Dick Chamberlain is the yummiest thing on TV!
March 23 - Friday
I made leche flan with Mom’s help this morning. This afternoon, Luli picked me up and we went to the ANC. We put on our bathing suits and sun bathed. Nacho was there and told me that Carlos passed all his exams except Chemistry. After swimming, Luli, Conch, Lita went and sat in the Sunset Lounge and I sat with Mom and Mrs. Urra at the swimming pool. Mitch Schlachterman was sitting by us at the next table. Nadia and her mother and brother were with him. This evening Mom and I went to see “The Young Doctors.” It was a very touching and moving picture. There was a scene about a premature baby’s fight for life and Mommy said it was a miracle that I’m alive since in the concentration camp there was no incubator nor modern devices to help premature babies yet here I am - when I was born I weighed only 2 pounds and was 3 months premature!. I feel that God let me live for some special purpose but I can’t seem to grasp it.
March 24 - Saturday
I went to the ANC at 11 this morning. Arno, Marina, Conchita, Luli, Lita were there. Arno had to leave early because he had to study for his exams. I told him I had heard he was breaking with Beli but he made no comment. I had lunch with Nacho, Linda McLaughlin and her friend Susan something. Ramon Faustman told me he was talking to Carlos (I guess, ALL OF MANILA KNEW I WAS CRAZY ABOUT CARLOS INCLUDING CARLOS - what a complete goose and ninny I was!!) yesterday and he said Carlos was wearing a sailor’s cap and white t-shirt. (Oh, god!) He was cracking jokes and making with the goo-goo eyes at all the girls at the Polo Club and that he was going swimming in the Stonehill/Brooks swimming pool. Anyway, I hope he’s at the Polo Club tomorrow and I don’t care if he’s with a million Bobbies, as long as he’s THERE! Tonight is La Salle’s High School Graduation. Kudos to Chiqui, Mari, Tony, Juaco, Jack, etc., etc.
This has been one of those days when I couldn’t have cared less if this whole world blew up. I mean I don’t have a date for the prom, Dad and Mom were bugging me (I mean when I’m in a bad mood I wish they’d leave me alone. They keep asking me “Why” I’m feeling low until I feel like screaming but God forbid I get near them when they are in a bad mood and they get all worked up until its spastic!) So, this morning I was feeling so alone and sorry for myself I went to Rustan’s and bought myself an adorable denim skirt. (Just think - one could buy a denim skirt for 10 pesos in Rustan’s in 1962! I don’t think one can buy anything in Rustan’s for 10 pesos in 2006!) That perked me up a little, but still....I called Nena up and she couldn’t talk to me because she had to go someplace but she was just wonderful and said she would call me tomorrow. I talked to Magu and later I brought up enough courage to call Arno and ask him about the ball. His brother Paul answered and said Arno just had to leave but to leave my number and he would leave a message to call me up....by the way, I’m still waiting...Mercy called me up after that and told me that this afternoon, she Betsy and the rest of SSC clan were over at SLV at Carlos’s house and he came out and was talking to Mercy about the party on the 31st. Mercy said he was laughing and his dimples flashed on and off and that he looked out of this world. (Girlfriends really can be bitchy, can’t they - and we were 17!!!)
March 15 - Thursday
It’s sort of frightening to discover you don’t like your parents very much. Oh, I love them and all and I’d give up my life for them but its just that I don’t agree with them on anything. I also think that Mom and Dad shouldn’t have married each other. They are as different as day and night. (I wonder if this didn’t influence me when I discovered that me and Cliff were just as different? The fact that my parents stayed together and really loved each other (despite their arguments) until my father’s death is a testament to something.....) Anyway, this noon, Mom and I went to Carriedo and I bought 2 pairs of shoes, nylons, a bra, etc. We ate lunch at the ANC. Sam was there and he gave me one of his famous winks. At school, we spent an enjoyable time during afternoon recess in the canteen with Tere, Cora, Margot, Eileen, Cecilia, Tina, Alice, Ofelia and Suzzette. I never laughed so much in my life. They’re all a wonderful bunch of crazy yet wholesome girls and I will miss them a lot after graduation. This afternoon, Susan and Magu went to Wack-Wack but I didn’t want to go. Later Susan told me they saw Carlos. (I will spare you all my ranting about him.) Mom played mah-jong at Mercy’s house with Tita Pacita, Tita Lol and Tita Marina Asparren. Mercy asked me to come over but I had to wash my hair. Arno called up at 5:30 and apologized for not having called back yesterday but his brother forgot to tell him that I had called. I asked him about the prom and he said he’d give me the answer this evening and said he’d call back at 8 pm. Well, at 8 pm sharp the phone rang and he said he couldn’t go because his mom is grounding him because of his grades. We talked for an hour when Mom asked me to hang up. It was a very interesting conversation - 85% of it about him and Beli.
March 16 - Friday - The infamous Graduation Ball
This morning I left school at 11 and went to the ANC. Remi showed me an adorable yellow Jantzen bathing suit which fit me just perfect and is only 35.00. If only I could get Mom, or better still, Dad to buy it for me. I put on my old, dilapidated black bathing suit and sun-bathed from 12 to 1:30. It was very relaxing to sit at the lounging chairs by the pool with my radio and the gentle breeze of the sea caressing my cheeks and feel the sun bathing me with its warmth - conclusion - my chest and legs are sunburned bright red and hurt me terribly. Magu and Susan picked me up with Benjie and Fritz. Marina was already there with Pichuco. We sat at the same table as Billy and Cora. I danced a lot with Pichuco and Billy and Mari Pimentel (I think that’s what his name was), once with Bert Silos who was Margot’s date. Fritz Infante is such a nice guy. Anyway, I spent the whole night wishing Carlos or Arno were with me. My dress was a floating white dream and all I needed was a veil to look like a bride. (Yikes!!!!!) Later, Marina, Pichuco and I went to Marcos. There we met the Pertierra brothers and Jose Luis Marti. Jose Luis dances the cha-cha pretty well. By the way, I saw Nena this noon and we chatted a while. I also saw Joe Avelino who was at SPCM waiting for Maritoni. Tomorrow (or today, its 2:15 AM) is Marilen Rosado’s wedding. I don’t feel much like going but I have to. What a day.
March 17 - Saturday
This minute I’m so tired, sleep and down in the dumps I can’t write straight, my sunburned legs are literally giving me -----! Poor Mommy is suffering now because her legs are swollen and we don’t know why and Dad tries to ignore it because he can’t take her to Dr. Fores because he hasn’t paid the last bill. All I can do is pray for my poor mother and sometimes I’m so sleepy I forget. If I had one wish right now, I’d wish for a million dollars - half for Dad to pay his debts and do something for himself and half for Mom to see if the doctors can do something about her rheumatism. Dear Lord, can’t you at least give Mom and her health and Dad success in work??... This morning I went to the wedding and it was all very beautiful. The reception was at the Casino and all the Spanish people I know were there. George Gallent looked very handsome in a gray suit. Later, Marina, Luli and I went to the ANC. Arno was there. I ate lunch at Conchita’s house. (Pamen and Anamaria were also at the ANC). At 2 pm, Conch, Lita and I went to the Rizal to see “Around the World in 80 Days” a second time for me. Just as we were walking toward the Rizal, Spik passes by in his car with the Squares and they all wave. They left Peps at the Rizal and then left. Arno was with Beli and Eddie. Later Beli left but Arno stayed with Peps and Eddie. He and Eddie gave me dazzling grins once in a while and Arno looked back a few times. Eddie is such a doll too. We went to the ANC after the movie. Only Pichuco was there. At 8 tonight we went to school to practice for commencement tomorrow. Sister should think twice about making practice from 8 - 10:30. Sister Chantal is such a darling but Sister Angela.....hah! Tomorrow is our Graduation Day and somehow I can’t believe I’m through with High School. Its pessimistic of me but I see a dark gloomy future ahead of me. I found out that Carlos’s middle name is Chacote.
March 18 - Sunday - My High School Graduation Day
Mom and I went to the Baccalaureate Mass in school at 8 am this morning. Later the whole graduation class went to the new building for breakfast. All the Hi-Gayles sat together with our parents. Fr. Ferreira signed my souvenir book and when we were going home, we met Fr. Reuter with Mother Superior. Mom stopped to talk to him. Later we went to the ANC. Marina was there but she was with some other people and I was sitting with Arno, Conchita, Lita and Luli. Lita gave me a dresser set for my graduation gift. How sweet of her! The girls left at noon and Arno went to eat lunch. He came back later and we talked in the Teen Den. Mitch came in and said hello. We were talking about ages and Mitch teasingly asked me if I was 12. (He probably wasn’t so teasing..knowing Mitch, he probably meant it since I obviously acted like one now and then!) Arno asked me for an invitation to the Commencement exercises and promised he’d try to go. The commencement was lovely except for the time we had to all stand on stage. The SPC hymn was slightly off-key and I didn’t see any of my gang in the audience - such is life. (Actually, interesting that I don’t mention it here - probably blocked it from my mind that night, but my Dad couldn’t attend my graduation either.) I ate dinner at D’Marks with the parents. Uncle Arthur and Tita Lita are so nice. Their new baby is the cutest thing you ever saw. She promised to be a real beauty. Well, I’ve finally graduated from high school. It doesn’t seem possible that in 2 years my teen years will be over, a fact that hasn’t registered yet. No one cried at commencement. A new vacation starts tomorrow (The summer of ‘62). Let’s see how it compares to the last 3 years. Winnie Powell was at Di Marks. She is such an attractive, interesting girl and so charming to talk to.
March 19 - Monday
Today is the feast of St. John and Mom and I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita with Tita Pacita. Marina, Conch and Lita were at the ANC. Nick Warren was there. He was talking to me for some time and I was thinking how Margot would want to be here. This afternoon, Marina, Conch, Lita and I went to see “Light in the Piazza” at the Ideal. A very lovely picture and Yvette Mimieux is so lovely. The dresses both she and Olivia de Haviland wear are really lovely. We went back to the ANC. Arno was there but left early. Conchita and I talked about Linggoy and Carlos and find out that we are both very much love. Conchita gave me a nice bottle of perfume and Tita Pacita the sweetest little porcelain poodle (for graduation). I talked to Mercy over the phone and she keeps insisting that I go to SSC for college. The only reason that I’d go there is that I would be near La Salle! (Great criteria for choosing where to go to college, right? What an empty-headed addle brained person I was!!) And able to see Carlos more often. The Strads and Whirlpools were on TV tonight. Ramon, Jay and Fritz were very good. The heat these days is unbearable.
March 20 - Tuesday
My secret industrial powers sprang forth this morning and I gave my room a regular “spring cleaning.” By the time I finished, you couldn’t tell the difference between me and the trash can but my room looked like something out of House Beautiful. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. I sat with Luli and Lita. Luli gave me a bottle of Desert Flower for my graduation present and Uncle Johnny Oppenheimer a beautiful picture frame. There were two attractive service men who kept looking in our direction. As I was going to the Ladies Room I bumped into Sam and as I was walking back to the Pavilion, there was a group of young people sitting in the Sunset Lounge. One young man looked familiar but all I could see was his back. He heard my hello to Sam for he turned around and it was George Roux! Mommy won 60.00 pesos tonight. This evening as I was getting ready for bed I found a mouse in my room and nearly dropped dead. Result - I am lying on a petate in Mom’s room writing this. I refuse to sleep in my new clean room with a mouse in it, period. Mom played mah-jong at Tita Lol’s house this afternoon. When I heard her arrive, I had the instinct to look at whose car she was coming home in and no wonder - my sixth sense must have kicked in - it was Tita Marina’s Renault. My heart leapt to my throat. (God, I remember that car vividly - it was maroon colored!) Even when I saw George Roux tonight it wasn’t the same as when I see or hear anything relating to Carlos Garcia. I only wish he doesn’t go to Spain this year.
March 21 - Wednesday
I helped my mother put away old books and stuff. This afternoon I went to the ANC. Conchita, Lita, Luli and I put on our bathing suits and sun-tanned. Charlie Armstrong was there - man, is he a dream. Jose Luis and Marina arrived later. I went home with Marina. Every day I think more and love Carlos more.
March 22 - Thursday
Mom and I went to the dressmakers this noon and later we had lunch at the ANC. There were many handsome service men around because of the “war games” going on. I went to Luli’s house this afternoon and later all of us (Conchita, Lita, etc.) went to Belen Faustman’s house. We had a nice time listening to the radio, playing with puppies and playing “Charades.” Our team won - Belen, Inna and I against Lita, Conch, Marisol and Susan D. I talked with Margie and Mercy over the phone this evening. Mercy borrowed my white pleated skirt. She also told me that Carlos promised his aunt that he’s going to pass all his classes by hook or by crook even if he has to take summer classes. Margie says Arno and Beli have come to the breaking point and any day now...Dick Chamberlain is the yummiest thing on TV!
March 23 - Friday
I made leche flan with Mom’s help this morning. This afternoon, Luli picked me up and we went to the ANC. We put on our bathing suits and sun bathed. Nacho was there and told me that Carlos passed all his exams except Chemistry. After swimming, Luli, Conch, Lita went and sat in the Sunset Lounge and I sat with Mom and Mrs. Urra at the swimming pool. Mitch Schlachterman was sitting by us at the next table. Nadia and her mother and brother were with him. This evening Mom and I went to see “The Young Doctors.” It was a very touching and moving picture. There was a scene about a premature baby’s fight for life and Mommy said it was a miracle that I’m alive since in the concentration camp there was no incubator nor modern devices to help premature babies yet here I am - when I was born I weighed only 2 pounds and was 3 months premature!. I feel that God let me live for some special purpose but I can’t seem to grasp it.
March 24 - Saturday
I went to the ANC at 11 this morning. Arno, Marina, Conchita, Luli, Lita were there. Arno had to leave early because he had to study for his exams. I told him I had heard he was breaking with Beli but he made no comment. I had lunch with Nacho, Linda McLaughlin and her friend Susan something. Ramon Faustman told me he was talking to Carlos (I guess, ALL OF MANILA KNEW I WAS CRAZY ABOUT CARLOS INCLUDING CARLOS - what a complete goose and ninny I was!!) yesterday and he said Carlos was wearing a sailor’s cap and white t-shirt. (Oh, god!) He was cracking jokes and making with the goo-goo eyes at all the girls at the Polo Club and that he was going swimming in the Stonehill/Brooks swimming pool. Anyway, I hope he’s at the Polo Club tomorrow and I don’t care if he’s with a million Bobbies, as long as he’s THERE! Tonight is La Salle’s High School Graduation. Kudos to Chiqui, Mari, Tony, Juaco, Jack, etc., etc.
March 14 - 24, 1962
March 14 - Wednesday
This has been one of those days when I couldn’t have cared less if this whole world blew up. I mean I don’t have a date for the prom, Dad and Mom were bugging me (I mean when I’m in a bad mood I wish they’d leave me alone. They keep asking me “Why” I’m feeling low until I feel like screaming but God forbid I get near them when they are in a bad mood and they get all worked up until its spastic!) So, this morning I was feeling so alone and sorry for myself I went to Rustan’s and bought myself an adorable denim skirt. (Just think - one could buy a denim skirt for 10 pesos in Rustan’s in 1962! I don’t think one can buy anything in Rustan’s for 10 pesos in 2006!) That perked me up a little, but still....I called Nena up and she couldn’t talk to me because she had to go someplace but she was just wonderful and said she would call me tomorrow. I talked to Magu and later I brought up enough courage to call Arno and ask him about the ball. His brother Paul answered and said Arno just had to leave but to leave my number and he would leave a message to call me up....by the way, I’m still waiting...Mercy called me up after that and told me that this afternoon, she Betsy and the rest of SSC clan were over at SLV at Carlos’s house and he came out and was talking to Mercy about the party on the 31st. Mercy said he was laughing and his dimples flashed on and off and that he looked out of this world. (Girlfriends really can be bitchy, can’t they - and we were 17!!!)
March 15 - Thursday
It’s sort of frightening to discover you don’t like your parents very much. Oh, I love them and all and I’d give up my life for them but its just that I don’t agree with them on anything. I also think that Mom and Dad shouldn’t have married each other. They are as different as day and night. (I wonder if this didn’t influence me when I discovered that me and Cliff were just as different? The fact that my parents stayed together and really loved each other (despite their arguments) until my father’s death is a testament to something.....) Anyway, this noon, Mom and I went to Carriedo and I bought 2 pairs of shoes, nylons, a bra, etc. We ate lunch at the ANC. Sam was there and he gave me one of his famous winks. At school, we spent an enjoyable time during afternoon recess in the canteen with Tere, Cora, Margot, Eileen, Cecilia, Tina, Alice, Ofelia and Suzzette. I never laughed so much in my life. They’re all a wonderful bunch of crazy yet wholesome girls and I will miss them a lot after graduation. This afternoon, Susan and Magu went to Wack-Wack but I didn’t want to go. Later Susan told me they saw Carlos. (I will spare you all my ranting about him.) Mom played mah-jong at Mercy’s house with Tita Pacita, Tita Lol and Tita Marina Asparren. Mercy asked me to come over but I had to wash my hair. Arno called up at 5:30 and apologized for not having called back yesterday but his brother forgot to tell him that I had called. I asked him about the prom and he said he’d give me the answer this evening and said he’d call back at 8 pm. Well, at 8 pm sharp the phone rang and he said he couldn’t go because his mom is grounding him because of his grades. We talked for an hour when Mom asked me to hang up. It was a very interesting conversation - 85% of it about him and Beli.
March 16 - Friday - The infamous Graduation Ball
This morning I left school at 11 and went to the ANC. Remi showed me an adorable yellow Jantzen bathing suit which fit me just perfect and is only 35.00. If only I could get Mom, or better still, Dad to buy it for me. I put on my old, dilapidated black bathing suit and sun-bathed from 12 to 1:30. It was very relaxing to sit at the lounging chairs by the pool with my radio and the gentle breeze of the sea caressing my cheeks and feel the sun bathing me with its warmth - conclusion - my chest and legs are sunburned bright red and hurt me terribly. Magu and Susan picked me up with Benjie and Fritz. Marina was already there with Pichuco. We sat at the same table as Billy and Cora. I danced a lot with Pichuco and Billy and Mari Pimentel (I think that’s what his name was), once with Bert Silos who was Margot’s date. Fritz Infante is such a nice guy. Anyway, I spent the whole night wishing Carlos or Arno were with me. My dress was a floating white dream and all I needed was a veil to look like a bride. (Yikes!!!!!) Later, Marina, Pichuco and I went to Marcos. There we met the Pertierra brothers and Jose Luis Marti. Jose Luis dances the cha-cha pretty well. By the way, I saw Nena this noon and we chatted a while. I also saw Joe Avelino who was at SPCM waiting for Maritoni. Tomorrow (or today, its 2:15 AM) is Marilen Rosado’s wedding. I don’t feel much like going but I have to. What a day.
March 17 - Saturday
This minute I’m so tired, sleep and down in the dumps I can’t write straight, my sunburned legs are literally giving me -----! Poor Mommy is suffering now because her legs are swollen and we don’t know why and Dad tries to ignore it because he can’t take her to Dr. Fores because he hasn’t paid the last bill. All I can do is pray for my poor mother and sometimes I’m so sleepy I forget. If I had one wish right now, I’d wish for a million dollars - half for Dad to pay his debts and do something for himself and half for Mom to see if the doctors can do something about her rheumatism. Dear Lord, can’t you at least give Mom and her health and Dad success in work??... This morning I went to the wedding and it was all very beautiful. The reception was at the Casino and all the Spanish people I know were there. George Gallent looked very handsome in a gray suit. Later, Marina, Luli and I went to the ANC. Arno was there. I ate lunch at Conchita’s house. (Pamen and Anamaria were also at the ANC). At 2 pm, Conch, Lita and I went to the Rizal to see “Around the World in 80 Days” a second time for me. Just as we were walking toward the Rizal, Spik passes by in his car with the Squares and they all wave. They left Peps at the Rizal and then left. Arno was with Beli and Eddie. Later Beli left but Arno stayed with Peps and Eddie. He and Eddie gave me dazzling grins once in a while and Arno looked back a few times. Eddie is such a doll too. We went to the ANC after the movie. Only Pichuco was there. At 8 tonight we went to school to practice for commencement tomorrow. Sister should think twice about making practice from 8 - 10:30. Sister Chantal is such a darling but Sister Angela.....hah! Tomorrow is our Graduation Day and somehow I can’t believe I’m through with High School. Its pessimistic of me but I see a dark gloomy future ahead of me. I found out that Carlos’s middle name is Chacote.
March 18 - Sunday - My High School Graduation Day
Mom and I went to the Baccalaureate Mass in school at 8 am this morning. Later the whole graduation class went to the new building for breakfast. All the Hi-Gayles sat together with our parents. Fr. Ferreira signed my souvenir book and when we were going home, we met Fr. Reuter with Mother Superior. Mom stopped to talk to him. Later we went to the ANC. Marina was there but she was with some other people and I was sitting with Arno, Conchita, Lita and Luli. Lita gave me a dresser set for my graduation gift. How sweet of her! The girls left at noon and Arno went to eat lunch. He came back later and we talked in the Teen Den. Mitch came in and said hello. We were talking about ages and Mitch teasingly asked me if I was 12. (He probably wasn’t so teasing..knowing Mitch, he probably meant it since I obviously acted like one now and then!) Arno asked me for an invitation to the Commencement exercises and promised he’d try to go. The commencement was lovely except for the time we had to all stand on stage. The SPC hymn was slightly off-key and I didn’t see any of my gang in the audience - such is life. (Actually, interesting that I don’t mention it here - probably blocked it from my mind that night, but my Dad couldn’t attend my graduation either.) I ate dinner at D’Marks with the parents. Uncle Arthur and Tita Lita are so nice. Their new baby is the cutest thing you ever saw. She promised to be a real beauty. Well, I’ve finally graduated from high school. It doesn’t seem possible that in 2 years my teen years will be over, a fact that hasn’t registered yet. No one cried at commencement. A new vacation starts tomorrow (The summer of ‘62). Let’s see how it compares to the last 3 years. Winnie Powell was at Di Marks. She is such an attractive, interesting girl and so charming to talk to.
March 19 - Monday
Today is the feast of St. John and Mom and I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita with Tita Pacita. Marina, Conch and Lita were at the ANC. Nick Warren was there. He was talking to me for some time and I was thinking how Margot would want to be here. This afternoon, Marina, Conch, Lita and I went to see “Light in the Piazza” at the Ideal. A very lovely picture and Yvette Mimieux is so lovely. The dresses both she and Olivia de Haviland wear are really lovely. We went back to the ANC. Arno was there but left early. Conchita and I talked about Linggoy and Carlos and find out that we are both very much love. Conchita gave me a nice bottle of perfume and Tita Pacita the sweetest little porcelain poodle (for graduation). I talked to Mercy over the phone and she keeps insisting that I go to SSC for college. The only reason that I’d go there is that I would be near La Salle! (Great criteria for choosing where to go to college, right? What an empty-headed addle brained person I was!!) And able to see Carlos more often. The Strads and Whirlpools were on TV tonight. Ramon, Jay and Fritz were very good. The heat these days is unbearable.
March 20 - Tuesday
My secret industrial powers sprang forth this morning and I gave my room a regular “spring cleaning.” By the time I finished, you couldn’t tell the difference between me and the trash can but my room looked like something out of House Beautiful. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. I sat with Luli and Lita. Luli gave me a bottle of Desert Flower for my graduation present and Uncle Johnny Oppenheimer a beautiful picture frame. There were two attractive service men who kept looking in our direction. As I was going to the Ladies Room I bumped into Sam and as I was walking back to the Pavilion, there was a group of young people sitting in the Sunset Lounge. One young man looked familiar but all I could see was his back. He heard my hello to Sam for he turned around and it was George Roux! Mommy won 60.00 pesos tonight. This evening as I was getting ready for bed I found a mouse in my room and nearly dropped dead. Result - I am lying on a petate in Mom’s room writing this. I refuse to sleep in my new clean room with a mouse in it, period. Mom played mah-jong at Tita Lol’s house this afternoon. When I heard her arrive, I had the instinct to look at whose car she was coming home in and no wonder - my sixth sense must have kicked in - it was Tita Marina’s Renault. My heart leapt to my throat. (God, I remember that car vividly - it was maroon colored!) Even when I saw George Roux tonight it wasn’t the same as when I see or hear anything relating to Carlos Garcia. I only wish he doesn’t go to Spain this year.
March 21 - Wednesday
I helped my mother put away old books and stuff. This afternoon I went to the ANC. Conchita, Lita, Luli and I put on our bathing suits and sun-tanned. Charlie Armstrong was there - man, is he a dream. Jose Luis and Marina arrived later. I went home with Marina. Every day I think more and love Carlos more.
March 22 - Thursday
Mom and I went to the dressmakers this noon and later we had lunch at the ANC. There were many handsome service men around because of the “war games” going on. I went to Luli’s house this afternoon and later all of us (Conchita, Lita, etc.) went to Belen Faustman’s house. We had a nice time listening to the radio, playing with puppies and playing “Charades.” Our team won - Belen, Inna and I against Lita, Conch, Marisol and Susan D. I talked with Margie and Mercy over the phone this evening. Mercy borrowed my white pleated skirt. She also told me that Carlos promised his aunt that he’s going to pass all his classes by hook or by crook even if he has to take summer classes. Margie says Arno and Beli have come to the breaking point and any day now...Dick Chamberlain is the yummiest thing on TV!
March 23 - Friday
I made leche flan with Mom’s help this morning. This afternoon, Luli picked me up and we went to the ANC. We put on our bathing suits and sun bathed. Nacho was there and told me that Carlos passed all his exams except Chemistry. After swimming, Luli, Conch, Lita went and sat in the Sunset Lounge and I sat with Mom and Mrs. Urra at the swimming pool. Mitch Schlachterman was sitting by us at the next table. Nadia and her mother and brother were with him. This evening Mom and I went to see “The Young Doctors.” It was a very touching and moving picture. There was a scene about a premature baby’s fight for life and Mommy said it was a miracle that I’m alive since in the concentration camp there was no incubator nor modern devices to help premature babies yet here I am - when I was born I weighed only 2 pounds and was 3 months premature!. I feel that God let me live for some special purpose but I can’t seem to grasp it.
March 24 - Saturday
I went to the ANC at 11 this morning. Arno, Marina, Conchita, Luli, Lita were there. Arno had to leave early because he had to study for his exams. I told him I had heard he was breaking with Beli but he made no comment. I had lunch with Nacho, Linda McLaughlin and her friend Susan something. Ramon Faustman told me he was talking to Carlos (I guess, ALL OF MANILA KNEW I WAS CRAZY ABOUT CARLOS INCLUDING CARLOS - what a complete goose and ninny I was!!) yesterday and he said Carlos was wearing a sailor’s cap and white t-shirt. (Oh, god!) He was cracking jokes and making with the goo-goo eyes at all the girls at the Polo Club and that he was going swimming in the Stonehill/Brooks swimming pool. Anyway, I hope he’s at the Polo Club tomorrow and I don’t care if he’s with a million Bobbies, as long as he’s THERE! Tonight is La Salle’s High School Graduation. Kudos to Chiqui, Mari, Tony, Juaco, Jack, etc., etc.
This has been one of those days when I couldn’t have cared less if this whole world blew up. I mean I don’t have a date for the prom, Dad and Mom were bugging me (I mean when I’m in a bad mood I wish they’d leave me alone. They keep asking me “Why” I’m feeling low until I feel like screaming but God forbid I get near them when they are in a bad mood and they get all worked up until its spastic!) So, this morning I was feeling so alone and sorry for myself I went to Rustan’s and bought myself an adorable denim skirt. (Just think - one could buy a denim skirt for 10 pesos in Rustan’s in 1962! I don’t think one can buy anything in Rustan’s for 10 pesos in 2006!) That perked me up a little, but still....I called Nena up and she couldn’t talk to me because she had to go someplace but she was just wonderful and said she would call me tomorrow. I talked to Magu and later I brought up enough courage to call Arno and ask him about the ball. His brother Paul answered and said Arno just had to leave but to leave my number and he would leave a message to call me up....by the way, I’m still waiting...Mercy called me up after that and told me that this afternoon, she Betsy and the rest of SSC clan were over at SLV at Carlos’s house and he came out and was talking to Mercy about the party on the 31st. Mercy said he was laughing and his dimples flashed on and off and that he looked out of this world. (Girlfriends really can be bitchy, can’t they - and we were 17!!!)
March 15 - Thursday
It’s sort of frightening to discover you don’t like your parents very much. Oh, I love them and all and I’d give up my life for them but its just that I don’t agree with them on anything. I also think that Mom and Dad shouldn’t have married each other. They are as different as day and night. (I wonder if this didn’t influence me when I discovered that me and Cliff were just as different? The fact that my parents stayed together and really loved each other (despite their arguments) until my father’s death is a testament to something.....) Anyway, this noon, Mom and I went to Carriedo and I bought 2 pairs of shoes, nylons, a bra, etc. We ate lunch at the ANC. Sam was there and he gave me one of his famous winks. At school, we spent an enjoyable time during afternoon recess in the canteen with Tere, Cora, Margot, Eileen, Cecilia, Tina, Alice, Ofelia and Suzzette. I never laughed so much in my life. They’re all a wonderful bunch of crazy yet wholesome girls and I will miss them a lot after graduation. This afternoon, Susan and Magu went to Wack-Wack but I didn’t want to go. Later Susan told me they saw Carlos. (I will spare you all my ranting about him.) Mom played mah-jong at Mercy’s house with Tita Pacita, Tita Lol and Tita Marina Asparren. Mercy asked me to come over but I had to wash my hair. Arno called up at 5:30 and apologized for not having called back yesterday but his brother forgot to tell him that I had called. I asked him about the prom and he said he’d give me the answer this evening and said he’d call back at 8 pm. Well, at 8 pm sharp the phone rang and he said he couldn’t go because his mom is grounding him because of his grades. We talked for an hour when Mom asked me to hang up. It was a very interesting conversation - 85% of it about him and Beli.
March 16 - Friday - The infamous Graduation Ball
This morning I left school at 11 and went to the ANC. Remi showed me an adorable yellow Jantzen bathing suit which fit me just perfect and is only 35.00. If only I could get Mom, or better still, Dad to buy it for me. I put on my old, dilapidated black bathing suit and sun-bathed from 12 to 1:30. It was very relaxing to sit at the lounging chairs by the pool with my radio and the gentle breeze of the sea caressing my cheeks and feel the sun bathing me with its warmth - conclusion - my chest and legs are sunburned bright red and hurt me terribly. Magu and Susan picked me up with Benjie and Fritz. Marina was already there with Pichuco. We sat at the same table as Billy and Cora. I danced a lot with Pichuco and Billy and Mari Pimentel (I think that’s what his name was), once with Bert Silos who was Margot’s date. Fritz Infante is such a nice guy. Anyway, I spent the whole night wishing Carlos or Arno were with me. My dress was a floating white dream and all I needed was a veil to look like a bride. (Yikes!!!!!) Later, Marina, Pichuco and I went to Marcos. There we met the Pertierra brothers and Jose Luis Marti. Jose Luis dances the cha-cha pretty well. By the way, I saw Nena this noon and we chatted a while. I also saw Joe Avelino who was at SPCM waiting for Maritoni. Tomorrow (or today, its 2:15 AM) is Marilen Rosado’s wedding. I don’t feel much like going but I have to. What a day.
March 17 - Saturday
This minute I’m so tired, sleep and down in the dumps I can’t write straight, my sunburned legs are literally giving me -----! Poor Mommy is suffering now because her legs are swollen and we don’t know why and Dad tries to ignore it because he can’t take her to Dr. Fores because he hasn’t paid the last bill. All I can do is pray for my poor mother and sometimes I’m so sleepy I forget. If I had one wish right now, I’d wish for a million dollars - half for Dad to pay his debts and do something for himself and half for Mom to see if the doctors can do something about her rheumatism. Dear Lord, can’t you at least give Mom and her health and Dad success in work??... This morning I went to the wedding and it was all very beautiful. The reception was at the Casino and all the Spanish people I know were there. George Gallent looked very handsome in a gray suit. Later, Marina, Luli and I went to the ANC. Arno was there. I ate lunch at Conchita’s house. (Pamen and Anamaria were also at the ANC). At 2 pm, Conch, Lita and I went to the Rizal to see “Around the World in 80 Days” a second time for me. Just as we were walking toward the Rizal, Spik passes by in his car with the Squares and they all wave. They left Peps at the Rizal and then left. Arno was with Beli and Eddie. Later Beli left but Arno stayed with Peps and Eddie. He and Eddie gave me dazzling grins once in a while and Arno looked back a few times. Eddie is such a doll too. We went to the ANC after the movie. Only Pichuco was there. At 8 tonight we went to school to practice for commencement tomorrow. Sister should think twice about making practice from 8 - 10:30. Sister Chantal is such a darling but Sister Angela.....hah! Tomorrow is our Graduation Day and somehow I can’t believe I’m through with High School. Its pessimistic of me but I see a dark gloomy future ahead of me. I found out that Carlos’s middle name is Chacote.
March 18 - Sunday - My High School Graduation Day
Mom and I went to the Baccalaureate Mass in school at 8 am this morning. Later the whole graduation class went to the new building for breakfast. All the Hi-Gayles sat together with our parents. Fr. Ferreira signed my souvenir book and when we were going home, we met Fr. Reuter with Mother Superior. Mom stopped to talk to him. Later we went to the ANC. Marina was there but she was with some other people and I was sitting with Arno, Conchita, Lita and Luli. Lita gave me a dresser set for my graduation gift. How sweet of her! The girls left at noon and Arno went to eat lunch. He came back later and we talked in the Teen Den. Mitch came in and said hello. We were talking about ages and Mitch teasingly asked me if I was 12. (He probably wasn’t so teasing..knowing Mitch, he probably meant it since I obviously acted like one now and then!) Arno asked me for an invitation to the Commencement exercises and promised he’d try to go. The commencement was lovely except for the time we had to all stand on stage. The SPC hymn was slightly off-key and I didn’t see any of my gang in the audience - such is life. (Actually, interesting that I don’t mention it here - probably blocked it from my mind that night, but my Dad couldn’t attend my graduation either.) I ate dinner at D’Marks with the parents. Uncle Arthur and Tita Lita are so nice. Their new baby is the cutest thing you ever saw. She promised to be a real beauty. Well, I’ve finally graduated from high school. It doesn’t seem possible that in 2 years my teen years will be over, a fact that hasn’t registered yet. No one cried at commencement. A new vacation starts tomorrow (The summer of ‘62). Let’s see how it compares to the last 3 years. Winnie Powell was at Di Marks. She is such an attractive, interesting girl and so charming to talk to.
March 19 - Monday
Today is the feast of St. John and Mom and I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita with Tita Pacita. Marina, Conch and Lita were at the ANC. Nick Warren was there. He was talking to me for some time and I was thinking how Margot would want to be here. This afternoon, Marina, Conch, Lita and I went to see “Light in the Piazza” at the Ideal. A very lovely picture and Yvette Mimieux is so lovely. The dresses both she and Olivia de Haviland wear are really lovely. We went back to the ANC. Arno was there but left early. Conchita and I talked about Linggoy and Carlos and find out that we are both very much love. Conchita gave me a nice bottle of perfume and Tita Pacita the sweetest little porcelain poodle (for graduation). I talked to Mercy over the phone and she keeps insisting that I go to SSC for college. The only reason that I’d go there is that I would be near La Salle! (Great criteria for choosing where to go to college, right? What an empty-headed addle brained person I was!!) And able to see Carlos more often. The Strads and Whirlpools were on TV tonight. Ramon, Jay and Fritz were very good. The heat these days is unbearable.
March 20 - Tuesday
My secret industrial powers sprang forth this morning and I gave my room a regular “spring cleaning.” By the time I finished, you couldn’t tell the difference between me and the trash can but my room looked like something out of House Beautiful. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. I sat with Luli and Lita. Luli gave me a bottle of Desert Flower for my graduation present and Uncle Johnny Oppenheimer a beautiful picture frame. There were two attractive service men who kept looking in our direction. As I was going to the Ladies Room I bumped into Sam and as I was walking back to the Pavilion, there was a group of young people sitting in the Sunset Lounge. One young man looked familiar but all I could see was his back. He heard my hello to Sam for he turned around and it was George Roux! Mommy won 60.00 pesos tonight. This evening as I was getting ready for bed I found a mouse in my room and nearly dropped dead. Result - I am lying on a petate in Mom’s room writing this. I refuse to sleep in my new clean room with a mouse in it, period. Mom played mah-jong at Tita Lol’s house this afternoon. When I heard her arrive, I had the instinct to look at whose car she was coming home in and no wonder - my sixth sense must have kicked in - it was Tita Marina’s Renault. My heart leapt to my throat. (God, I remember that car vividly - it was maroon colored!) Even when I saw George Roux tonight it wasn’t the same as when I see or hear anything relating to Carlos Garcia. I only wish he doesn’t go to Spain this year.
March 21 - Wednesday
I helped my mother put away old books and stuff. This afternoon I went to the ANC. Conchita, Lita, Luli and I put on our bathing suits and sun-tanned. Charlie Armstrong was there - man, is he a dream. Jose Luis and Marina arrived later. I went home with Marina. Every day I think more and love Carlos more.
March 22 - Thursday
Mom and I went to the dressmakers this noon and later we had lunch at the ANC. There were many handsome service men around because of the “war games” going on. I went to Luli’s house this afternoon and later all of us (Conchita, Lita, etc.) went to Belen Faustman’s house. We had a nice time listening to the radio, playing with puppies and playing “Charades.” Our team won - Belen, Inna and I against Lita, Conch, Marisol and Susan D. I talked with Margie and Mercy over the phone this evening. Mercy borrowed my white pleated skirt. She also told me that Carlos promised his aunt that he’s going to pass all his classes by hook or by crook even if he has to take summer classes. Margie says Arno and Beli have come to the breaking point and any day now...Dick Chamberlain is the yummiest thing on TV!
March 23 - Friday
I made leche flan with Mom’s help this morning. This afternoon, Luli picked me up and we went to the ANC. We put on our bathing suits and sun bathed. Nacho was there and told me that Carlos passed all his exams except Chemistry. After swimming, Luli, Conch, Lita went and sat in the Sunset Lounge and I sat with Mom and Mrs. Urra at the swimming pool. Mitch Schlachterman was sitting by us at the next table. Nadia and her mother and brother were with him. This evening Mom and I went to see “The Young Doctors.” It was a very touching and moving picture. There was a scene about a premature baby’s fight for life and Mommy said it was a miracle that I’m alive since in the concentration camp there was no incubator nor modern devices to help premature babies yet here I am - when I was born I weighed only 2 pounds and was 3 months premature!. I feel that God let me live for some special purpose but I can’t seem to grasp it.
March 24 - Saturday
I went to the ANC at 11 this morning. Arno, Marina, Conchita, Luli, Lita were there. Arno had to leave early because he had to study for his exams. I told him I had heard he was breaking with Beli but he made no comment. I had lunch with Nacho, Linda McLaughlin and her friend Susan something. Ramon Faustman told me he was talking to Carlos (I guess, ALL OF MANILA KNEW I WAS CRAZY ABOUT CARLOS INCLUDING CARLOS - what a complete goose and ninny I was!!) yesterday and he said Carlos was wearing a sailor’s cap and white t-shirt. (Oh, god!) He was cracking jokes and making with the goo-goo eyes at all the girls at the Polo Club and that he was going swimming in the Stonehill/Brooks swimming pool. Anyway, I hope he’s at the Polo Club tomorrow and I don’t care if he’s with a million Bobbies, as long as he’s THERE! Tonight is La Salle’s High School Graduation. Kudos to Chiqui, Mari, Tony, Juaco, Jack, etc., etc.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
March 4 - 13, 1962
March 4 - Sunday
I went to Mass at 10 am then to the ANC. The first person I meet as I walk in is Arno. He says he didn’t enjoy the party last night (Could’ve fooled me). Poor Ginny Brooks, her father was arrested yesterday for smuggling or something and this right after the Soriano plane tragedy a day ago where Cookie Olbes’s parents died. After lunch, Conchita, Luli, and I went to the Gaiety to see “Blue Hawaii” again. Arno told me to save a seat for him. Ramon Faustman came and took the seat but later Arno came and Ramon moved and Arno came and sat down. Now and then our arms would accidentally brush against each other and I felt butterflies in my stomach. After the movie we went to Dairy Queen and later we dropped Conch and Luli off at Conchita’s home and we went to visit Lita. Then Lita had to get dressed for the a wedding so we, Ramon, Arno and I walked Arno over to his apartments. Then we went to the ANC. Ramon and I sat in the Sunset Lounge and Sam came and joined us. I also spent some time with Sam this noon. He gave me a talk on how I should find myself a boyfriend - someone to hold my hand and kiss me. I told him I wasn’t interested in boys - hah. I like talking to him since he’s older (10 years) and he is a delight to converse with. He also has a way of looking at a girl and making her feel like he’s really interested in just her. We sat talking until 7 pm. But, my heart really rests in No. 15 Zulueta Circle, SLV.
March 5 - Monday
Well 3 exams are over with and only 3 to go. Physics, Tagalog and Composition. This afternoon right after the exams I went home. Mom and I went to see “Around the World In 80 Days.” What an enjoyable movie! Cantinflas was hilarious. My mind seems to be entirely with only one person these days. He will be 18 on Thursday.
March 6 - Tuesday
Well, we’re finally through with our Physics exams and all government exams for that matter. I went home right after I finished I completed my late themes and my table of contents for Tagalog. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. My premonition (how about just plain wish) came true. George and Mitch were NOT there but who should walk through the door but Sam. He came over and said hello and he played for a few minutes. Luli and I sat near the back of the room by ourselves and we had an enjoyable time chatting about everything from politics to Carlos. Speaking of Carlos, I might as well face it. I’m just so nuts about him!!!!!!!!
March 7 - Wednesday
We had no teachers today since all of them were correcting the Board of Ed exams. Tere Carballo, Ellen etc, and most of my classmates are great people - I will sure miss them after graduation. The Roux brothers appeared on TV Dancetime last night. I was so annoyed that I missed them. The Graduation Ball gets nearer and nearer and this weekend I have to find out for sure who I am going with. (God, was I a masochist! What a wuss - but at least hope sprang eternal with me, then. I gotta admire persistence or at least stubbornness) If I had three wishes right now I’d wish for health for my family; success of Daddy in business; and, that Bobbi didn’t exist so that Carlos could come to the prom with me. Maritoni was telling me about their Junior-Senior Prom (college). It seems that Joe Avelino likes her and vice-versa. They’d make a darling couple. Maritoni is one of the nicest and warmhearted girls I have ever known. She’s a real doll!
March 8 - Thursday - Carlos Garcia’s Birthday
At school, all we do is chat and talk about parties, sing and once in a while we stop for an exam. Honestly, nobody seems to study for anything since we’ve studied enough and the only ones who ever really study are the honor students and they are exempted from the Bureau exams. So, everyone started singing Happy Birthday to me this morning which didn’t exactly send me into hilarious fits but anything to break the monotony. We’ve already started to memorize all those pledges and hymns for our graduation ceremony and preparing medals and diplomas. Its all very exciting and sad at the same time. I sure will miss those crazy wonderful classmates of mine. “Dr. Kildare” tonight was so beautiful I cried. It was the story of a girl (Susan Pleshette) who gets leukemia and is dying. Just a beautiful story! Tonight I called Nena up to wish her a happy birthday and I heard her tell the maid to tell me to call up tomorrow. This was not a nice thing for her to do. I know I haven’t returned her skirt and all but she could have at least answered the phone a second. I am not going to call her up tomorrow. This evening I got the scare of my life when the big Soriano building on Taft Avenue burned down. I never so anything so horrible in my life as to see a 9 story building go up in flames less than 2 blocks away from us. I was terribly frightened and I learned a lesson. Never again will I ever complain about the firemen making all that noise when they go out to put out a fire. (We lived right next door to the firehouse, at least when we lived on the house on San Marcelino Street. We may have been living on Indiana Street already when I wrote this in 1962 but can’t remember. Maybe this will be clarified as I keep transcribing...) The Graduation Ball gets more remote every day. My dress still hasn’t been made, I still have no shoes for it, no bra, no half slip, no 10.00 to pay Susan and no partner!!
March 9 - Friday
Sr. Angela is going to do everything in her power to keep us from having our Graduation Ball. This morning, she tells us that the general practice for our commencement exercise is going to be on Saturday, March 18th from 8 - 10 pm. Can you beat that?! Honestly, it makes my blood boil. Susan said she will try to cancel it for Friday but more and more I see that we’re going to have our ball in our dreams. Sister also made me do my research theme over and I have to give it in by next week or she won’t give me a grade in Composition. Anyway, it was my fault. I went to Mercy’s house for a while this evening. We chatted and she practiced the twist. Honey arrived while I was leaving. That guy gets handsomer each time I see him. I borrowed the book “Cimarron” from him.
March 10 - Saturday
If I had one wish this minute, I’d wish that all the pimples on my back and face would disappear and that I could take a long vacation abroad. I’d give anything right now to leave this place and see Europe and the United States. Oh to see the lights of Hollywood and New York; the mountains of Switzerland; Italy’s romantic cities, the French Riviera.....I am absolutely sick of Manila. What I need is a change and I don’t care if I go to a lonely hut in Baguio but at least I won’t have to see the same people every day. Well, the people are ok, its just the same daily routine. I’ve had it with Sr. Mary Angela and school. Thank goodness there’s only a week of misery left and then fini! I ‘m tired of the same faces talking about the same things and doing the same things. I hate to stay home because Mom is always nagging me about the things I don’t do and how I’m going to be a complete failure in life if I don’t do them. When I’m with Marina, all she talks about are her dates with Sam; Conchita about her trip to Spain with Lita, Arno about Beli; Lita about Morris, no date for the ball, and Mercy about Cosme and her valentines, which leaves me way out in the dreary cold. I have positively nothing to look forward to - no trip, no boyfriend, no Baguio - all castles in the air which never have and never will come true. I know I’m talking like an embittered old maid but unfortunately, at this moment, I feel like one. We finished our finals and practiced for our commencement exercises. Went to the ANC a 11 am and ate lunch there with Lita and Luli. Mitch, Arno, Charlie and Sam were there. Arno spent all the time horsing with us and talking about Beli. Sister bawled me out again this afternoon and I felt like making her swallow my bag. Mom says the Garcia wedding (Pilika) was a dream. Mom and I fought again this evening. There’s one thing wrong with Mom, she simply doesn’t understand Dad and me. She interprets everything in a different way and I come out the J.D. (I have no idea what I meant by “J.D.”) I am so sleepy, I’ll drop.
March 11 - Sunday
I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita then to the ANC. Marilen Rosado was here with her fiancé. Marina and I went to the Teen Den and Marina tells me that last night when she was with Sam at Papagayos, who should walk in but Carlos with Bobbi, Juaco and Barbara. I had been teasing Marina that I was going to go with her and Sam on her date and if I had.....Arno was there also (at the ANC) as well as Conchita, Lita and Luli. Much later, they all left and I stayed with Arno and Pichuco joined us. I ate lunch in the dining room with Mom and Dad and then went to see “Tender is the Night” at the Gaiety with Conchita and Luli. It was a lovely but sad picture. After the movie they dropped me off at the ANC. I talked to Marina a while and then she went to the movie with Quinny so I talked with Pichuco until 6:40 pm. I am still obsessing about Carlos with Arno coming in right behind. I know I don’t have a prayer of seeing either of them at my prom, but I can’t get them out of my mind especially Carlos - the way he moves, talks, sings, smiles....well you get the picture. (I go on for another page here about the virtues of Carlos and my pathetic surrender to the fact that I am no where in his line of vision, but I’ve been doing this a long time so I will omit my entry as it is redundant at best and boring in the least!)
March 12 - Monday
Margot Pimentel helped me type out my research theme and thanks to her it will be ready by tomorrow and I’ll be through. This afternoon Mom and I went to the dressmakers to have my graduation ball dress fitted and 2 other suits. I still haven’t a date......
March 13 - Tuesday
Marina has invited Pichuco to the ball and everyone (all the Hi-Gayles) except me has a date - Magu - Fritz, Margot P. - Bert Silas, Susan - Benjie, Cora - Billy Castelvi, Marina - Pichuco, and me - my dreams! I went to Bingo tonight and positively no one interesting was there. I did win 50.00 and I was so delighted, for a moment. Because, then Mom tells me I have to pay for the dresses I’m having made plus the 10.00 for the ball which leaves me with 10.00 measly bucks. (To think that 50.00 pesos now barely makes a dollar!!!!!!!) I thought my graduation dress was a present but now it seems I have to pay for it. All mom and dad are really giving me are the shoes and the material for the dress. (Again, I realize how self-centered teenagers are, or at least I was - my parents gave me all that access to the ANC and a lifestyle that many would envy now (including 61 year old me), and I was complaining. Not very attractive side of me.) The only persons coming to my graduation are Mom and Dad and maybe Luli. Consolation - it could be worse.
I went to Mass at 10 am then to the ANC. The first person I meet as I walk in is Arno. He says he didn’t enjoy the party last night (Could’ve fooled me). Poor Ginny Brooks, her father was arrested yesterday for smuggling or something and this right after the Soriano plane tragedy a day ago where Cookie Olbes’s parents died. After lunch, Conchita, Luli, and I went to the Gaiety to see “Blue Hawaii” again. Arno told me to save a seat for him. Ramon Faustman came and took the seat but later Arno came and Ramon moved and Arno came and sat down. Now and then our arms would accidentally brush against each other and I felt butterflies in my stomach. After the movie we went to Dairy Queen and later we dropped Conch and Luli off at Conchita’s home and we went to visit Lita. Then Lita had to get dressed for the a wedding so we, Ramon, Arno and I walked Arno over to his apartments. Then we went to the ANC. Ramon and I sat in the Sunset Lounge and Sam came and joined us. I also spent some time with Sam this noon. He gave me a talk on how I should find myself a boyfriend - someone to hold my hand and kiss me. I told him I wasn’t interested in boys - hah. I like talking to him since he’s older (10 years) and he is a delight to converse with. He also has a way of looking at a girl and making her feel like he’s really interested in just her. We sat talking until 7 pm. But, my heart really rests in No. 15 Zulueta Circle, SLV.
March 5 - Monday
Well 3 exams are over with and only 3 to go. Physics, Tagalog and Composition. This afternoon right after the exams I went home. Mom and I went to see “Around the World In 80 Days.” What an enjoyable movie! Cantinflas was hilarious. My mind seems to be entirely with only one person these days. He will be 18 on Thursday.
March 6 - Tuesday
Well, we’re finally through with our Physics exams and all government exams for that matter. I went home right after I finished I completed my late themes and my table of contents for Tagalog. This evening I went to Bingo with Mom and Tita Pacita. My premonition (how about just plain wish) came true. George and Mitch were NOT there but who should walk through the door but Sam. He came over and said hello and he played for a few minutes. Luli and I sat near the back of the room by ourselves and we had an enjoyable time chatting about everything from politics to Carlos. Speaking of Carlos, I might as well face it. I’m just so nuts about him!!!!!!!!
March 7 - Wednesday
We had no teachers today since all of them were correcting the Board of Ed exams. Tere Carballo, Ellen etc, and most of my classmates are great people - I will sure miss them after graduation. The Roux brothers appeared on TV Dancetime last night. I was so annoyed that I missed them. The Graduation Ball gets nearer and nearer and this weekend I have to find out for sure who I am going with. (God, was I a masochist! What a wuss - but at least hope sprang eternal with me, then. I gotta admire persistence or at least stubbornness) If I had three wishes right now I’d wish for health for my family; success of Daddy in business; and, that Bobbi didn’t exist so that Carlos could come to the prom with me. Maritoni was telling me about their Junior-Senior Prom (college). It seems that Joe Avelino likes her and vice-versa. They’d make a darling couple. Maritoni is one of the nicest and warmhearted girls I have ever known. She’s a real doll!
March 8 - Thursday - Carlos Garcia’s Birthday
At school, all we do is chat and talk about parties, sing and once in a while we stop for an exam. Honestly, nobody seems to study for anything since we’ve studied enough and the only ones who ever really study are the honor students and they are exempted from the Bureau exams. So, everyone started singing Happy Birthday to me this morning which didn’t exactly send me into hilarious fits but anything to break the monotony. We’ve already started to memorize all those pledges and hymns for our graduation ceremony and preparing medals and diplomas. Its all very exciting and sad at the same time. I sure will miss those crazy wonderful classmates of mine. “Dr. Kildare” tonight was so beautiful I cried. It was the story of a girl (Susan Pleshette) who gets leukemia and is dying. Just a beautiful story! Tonight I called Nena up to wish her a happy birthday and I heard her tell the maid to tell me to call up tomorrow. This was not a nice thing for her to do. I know I haven’t returned her skirt and all but she could have at least answered the phone a second. I am not going to call her up tomorrow. This evening I got the scare of my life when the big Soriano building on Taft Avenue burned down. I never so anything so horrible in my life as to see a 9 story building go up in flames less than 2 blocks away from us. I was terribly frightened and I learned a lesson. Never again will I ever complain about the firemen making all that noise when they go out to put out a fire. (We lived right next door to the firehouse, at least when we lived on the house on San Marcelino Street. We may have been living on Indiana Street already when I wrote this in 1962 but can’t remember. Maybe this will be clarified as I keep transcribing...) The Graduation Ball gets more remote every day. My dress still hasn’t been made, I still have no shoes for it, no bra, no half slip, no 10.00 to pay Susan and no partner!!
March 9 - Friday
Sr. Angela is going to do everything in her power to keep us from having our Graduation Ball. This morning, she tells us that the general practice for our commencement exercise is going to be on Saturday, March 18th from 8 - 10 pm. Can you beat that?! Honestly, it makes my blood boil. Susan said she will try to cancel it for Friday but more and more I see that we’re going to have our ball in our dreams. Sister also made me do my research theme over and I have to give it in by next week or she won’t give me a grade in Composition. Anyway, it was my fault. I went to Mercy’s house for a while this evening. We chatted and she practiced the twist. Honey arrived while I was leaving. That guy gets handsomer each time I see him. I borrowed the book “Cimarron” from him.
March 10 - Saturday
If I had one wish this minute, I’d wish that all the pimples on my back and face would disappear and that I could take a long vacation abroad. I’d give anything right now to leave this place and see Europe and the United States. Oh to see the lights of Hollywood and New York; the mountains of Switzerland; Italy’s romantic cities, the French Riviera.....I am absolutely sick of Manila. What I need is a change and I don’t care if I go to a lonely hut in Baguio but at least I won’t have to see the same people every day. Well, the people are ok, its just the same daily routine. I’ve had it with Sr. Mary Angela and school. Thank goodness there’s only a week of misery left and then fini! I ‘m tired of the same faces talking about the same things and doing the same things. I hate to stay home because Mom is always nagging me about the things I don’t do and how I’m going to be a complete failure in life if I don’t do them. When I’m with Marina, all she talks about are her dates with Sam; Conchita about her trip to Spain with Lita, Arno about Beli; Lita about Morris, no date for the ball, and Mercy about Cosme and her valentines, which leaves me way out in the dreary cold. I have positively nothing to look forward to - no trip, no boyfriend, no Baguio - all castles in the air which never have and never will come true. I know I’m talking like an embittered old maid but unfortunately, at this moment, I feel like one. We finished our finals and practiced for our commencement exercises. Went to the ANC a 11 am and ate lunch there with Lita and Luli. Mitch, Arno, Charlie and Sam were there. Arno spent all the time horsing with us and talking about Beli. Sister bawled me out again this afternoon and I felt like making her swallow my bag. Mom says the Garcia wedding (Pilika) was a dream. Mom and I fought again this evening. There’s one thing wrong with Mom, she simply doesn’t understand Dad and me. She interprets everything in a different way and I come out the J.D. (I have no idea what I meant by “J.D.”) I am so sleepy, I’ll drop.
March 11 - Sunday
I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita then to the ANC. Marilen Rosado was here with her fiancé. Marina and I went to the Teen Den and Marina tells me that last night when she was with Sam at Papagayos, who should walk in but Carlos with Bobbi, Juaco and Barbara. I had been teasing Marina that I was going to go with her and Sam on her date and if I had.....Arno was there also (at the ANC) as well as Conchita, Lita and Luli. Much later, they all left and I stayed with Arno and Pichuco joined us. I ate lunch in the dining room with Mom and Dad and then went to see “Tender is the Night” at the Gaiety with Conchita and Luli. It was a lovely but sad picture. After the movie they dropped me off at the ANC. I talked to Marina a while and then she went to the movie with Quinny so I talked with Pichuco until 6:40 pm. I am still obsessing about Carlos with Arno coming in right behind. I know I don’t have a prayer of seeing either of them at my prom, but I can’t get them out of my mind especially Carlos - the way he moves, talks, sings, smiles....well you get the picture. (I go on for another page here about the virtues of Carlos and my pathetic surrender to the fact that I am no where in his line of vision, but I’ve been doing this a long time so I will omit my entry as it is redundant at best and boring in the least!)
March 12 - Monday
Margot Pimentel helped me type out my research theme and thanks to her it will be ready by tomorrow and I’ll be through. This afternoon Mom and I went to the dressmakers to have my graduation ball dress fitted and 2 other suits. I still haven’t a date......
March 13 - Tuesday
Marina has invited Pichuco to the ball and everyone (all the Hi-Gayles) except me has a date - Magu - Fritz, Margot P. - Bert Silas, Susan - Benjie, Cora - Billy Castelvi, Marina - Pichuco, and me - my dreams! I went to Bingo tonight and positively no one interesting was there. I did win 50.00 and I was so delighted, for a moment. Because, then Mom tells me I have to pay for the dresses I’m having made plus the 10.00 for the ball which leaves me with 10.00 measly bucks. (To think that 50.00 pesos now barely makes a dollar!!!!!!!) I thought my graduation dress was a present but now it seems I have to pay for it. All mom and dad are really giving me are the shoes and the material for the dress. (Again, I realize how self-centered teenagers are, or at least I was - my parents gave me all that access to the ANC and a lifestyle that many would envy now (including 61 year old me), and I was complaining. Not very attractive side of me.) The only persons coming to my graduation are Mom and Dad and maybe Luli. Consolation - it could be worse.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
February 23 - March 3, 1962
February 23 - Friday
I didn’t go to school today. I didn’t to face that test in Physics - anyway I prayed it would be canceled and it was - for Monday. Margotin called me up tonight and said that good old Sr. Angela gave them a sermon about the graduation ball. I went to the Sans’ residence for the party. I spent the whole evening with Kathy and Beli. Nacho was there and the party was a lot of fun. The kids were all between 13 - 16 so I felt a bit out of place but Beli is a doll and so is Kathy. I HATE SCHOOL!!
February 24 - Saturday
This morning I went to school but left at 10:30. I couldn’t stand to see Sr. Angela’s face. I went to the ANC later. (Gosh, I was such a brat!) There was the dreamiest guy named Bob Franklin with the most fantastic blue eyes. He was in the Teen Den and for a while Conch, Lita, Luli and I couldn’t see straight. Nacho was with us and Ramon Faustman. The girls and I ate lunch in the dining room. This afternoon, the Sarthou brothers, the girls and I played “Charades.” We had so much fun and a lot of laughs. I was right about ending up with no one to take to the prom. Magu told me that Spik can’t go. That makes 2 down (he and Carlos) and one to go - Arno and as I see it, my hope for him is very slim. I knew it all along. Funny how my premonitions come true......
February 25 - Sunday
Funny how you suddenly come to realize you care for someone very much. This realization but me when I came to the table where Arno, Luli and Lita were sitting (at the ANC). Anyway, as I sat down and looked at Arno I thought that here was the one boy I liked much more than all the others including Spik and Carlos. We just talked casually, yet, when we look at each other, I feel an unknown message pass between us. We didn’t talk about the prom. Somehow I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. We’d just end up saying the same things. He’s still hooked to Beli and that leaves me exactly where I started - with no one to take to the prom.
February 26 - Monday
It seems I get more restless in school every day. My stomach is acting up again and I feel sort of woozy and my tongue looks and feels like a piece of green sand paper. I feel so useless and more I feel I want to do something useful for mankind. I’m sick of the gaudy, artificiality around the place. It seems like I’m in a hot, dry, place and what I need is a breathe of fresh air but that hasn’t come along yet.
February 27 - Tuesday
This afternoon I found the “breathe of fresh air” I was looking for. After school I didn’t go home right away but I had a little with Ruby who is so sweet and good, she’s like a breathe of spring herself. (I cannot believe I actually wrote this!) Then as I was walking by the US Peace Corps building I heard someone call me and it was Moises. He was talking to a tall, good looking young man. I went over to him and got introduced to him - his name was Brian Johnston. He’s a member of the Peace Corps and he’s working down in a poor barrio of M???... with the poor children, teaching and helping them. He comes from a well to do family in the States and he studied at Harvard. He was earning more than $600.00 in the US but he felt he was not doing anything for the benefit of mankind. He then decided to join the Peace Corps. He’s intelligent and believes in helping the poor, wretched people of the barrios when he could be an executive with his own company.
February 28 - Wednesday
I have my school books up to my neck. All we have are exams and tests and study, study, study. The only thing I don’t mind is pouring over History, but the rest....We got the invitations to our Graduation Ball to give out - they look so nice but who do I give mine to?? I have a feeling Beli’s party will decide that once and for all. These blankety blank pimples are really bugging me. We have tests in History, Literature and Physics tomorrow. Not a day passes that some teacher scolds us. We are frightfully unruly and since all of us are very high strung, trying to control us will require an act of God. Poor ruby, she is president of the class and she probably wishes she were president of an insane asylum instead. When we are all going at once its pandemonium. Sigh, just 2 weeks and I’ll be through with High School. (And what I wouldn’t give to be back there again!).
March 1 - Thursday
Same old routine in school. Nothing new happens, only study, study, study. I’m so fed up with school I think I’ll scream if I see another notebook, textbook or outline. We distract ourselves by talking about the Graduation Ball, Warren Beatty or Dick Chamberlain (Dr. Kildare!), not forgetting the inevitable and occasional mention of Carlos, Arno or the other guys....
March 2 - Friday
Mrs. Buencamino was very pleased with our exams in Physics since we all did very well and passed including whiz me. I saw Juaco Campbell in his car this morning when I was crossing Herran. As usual, he had his usual grin on his face. Everyone, well, Agnes, Tere and I were drooling over Dick Chamberlain and Dr. Kildare last night on TV. I talked to Mercy over the phone this evening. She’s worried about her Physics exam tomorrow. She has to pass, or else. She also told me that she sees Carlos almost every day after school. Lucky her. Tomorrow is Beli’s party. All the people I know will be here and tomorrow I will find out who is taking me to the ball or not. If not, I’m staying home on the 17th. Mom and I bought the material for the dress today and it’s the sweetest, loveliest thing you ever saw. All white and shimmering and soft as air.
March 3 - Saturday
I don’t know quite how to begin this entry tonight.(And I remember this party like it was yesterday - Didn’t I say so a little while back?!) I’ve just come from Beli’s party and my heart has just turned and locked up. For the last month I’ve been trying not to think of Carlos and Arno and I almost succeeded - almost. I went to the party tonight, light hearted and gay yet with a certain feeling of apprehension and doom. Carlos was there with Bobbi and the moment I saw him I knew I couldn’t deny how I feel about him. He looked tall and handsome, with that great grin and he sat with his arm around Bobbie, laughing and singing and when he danced with her, he held her tightly and I could feel the lump in my throat growing and my eyes getting annoyingly teary. If Leo hadn’t been there cracking his jokes I would’ve broken up right there. (I never thought I’d say that I was happy that Leo was anywhere near me - this I DIDN’T remember!) He, Carlos, has a way of looking down into the eyes of the girl he is dancing with and holding her hand that makes the girl feel like she’s the only one in the room (that’s how I imagine it, anyway.). And then Arno was dancing with Cookie, Ginny and Beli - and he dances so well with such great rhythm but he danced only once with me. So, they tell me that Carlos is going to the States or Spain pretty soon and as the song goes “There goes my heart...and here am I...” I do hope he leaves and I never see him again so I can forget he exists. And bottom line, I have no date for my graduation prom and the only person I really want to go with me is Carlos and since Fate is not in my corner I might as well forget it. My dress will have to be saved for a better occasion.
I didn’t go to school today. I didn’t to face that test in Physics - anyway I prayed it would be canceled and it was - for Monday. Margotin called me up tonight and said that good old Sr. Angela gave them a sermon about the graduation ball. I went to the Sans’ residence for the party. I spent the whole evening with Kathy and Beli. Nacho was there and the party was a lot of fun. The kids were all between 13 - 16 so I felt a bit out of place but Beli is a doll and so is Kathy. I HATE SCHOOL!!
February 24 - Saturday
This morning I went to school but left at 10:30. I couldn’t stand to see Sr. Angela’s face. I went to the ANC later. (Gosh, I was such a brat!) There was the dreamiest guy named Bob Franklin with the most fantastic blue eyes. He was in the Teen Den and for a while Conch, Lita, Luli and I couldn’t see straight. Nacho was with us and Ramon Faustman. The girls and I ate lunch in the dining room. This afternoon, the Sarthou brothers, the girls and I played “Charades.” We had so much fun and a lot of laughs. I was right about ending up with no one to take to the prom. Magu told me that Spik can’t go. That makes 2 down (he and Carlos) and one to go - Arno and as I see it, my hope for him is very slim. I knew it all along. Funny how my premonitions come true......
February 25 - Sunday
Funny how you suddenly come to realize you care for someone very much. This realization but me when I came to the table where Arno, Luli and Lita were sitting (at the ANC). Anyway, as I sat down and looked at Arno I thought that here was the one boy I liked much more than all the others including Spik and Carlos. We just talked casually, yet, when we look at each other, I feel an unknown message pass between us. We didn’t talk about the prom. Somehow I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. We’d just end up saying the same things. He’s still hooked to Beli and that leaves me exactly where I started - with no one to take to the prom.
February 26 - Monday
It seems I get more restless in school every day. My stomach is acting up again and I feel sort of woozy and my tongue looks and feels like a piece of green sand paper. I feel so useless and more I feel I want to do something useful for mankind. I’m sick of the gaudy, artificiality around the place. It seems like I’m in a hot, dry, place and what I need is a breathe of fresh air but that hasn’t come along yet.
February 27 - Tuesday
This afternoon I found the “breathe of fresh air” I was looking for. After school I didn’t go home right away but I had a little with Ruby who is so sweet and good, she’s like a breathe of spring herself. (I cannot believe I actually wrote this!) Then as I was walking by the US Peace Corps building I heard someone call me and it was Moises. He was talking to a tall, good looking young man. I went over to him and got introduced to him - his name was Brian Johnston. He’s a member of the Peace Corps and he’s working down in a poor barrio of M???... with the poor children, teaching and helping them. He comes from a well to do family in the States and he studied at Harvard. He was earning more than $600.00 in the US but he felt he was not doing anything for the benefit of mankind. He then decided to join the Peace Corps. He’s intelligent and believes in helping the poor, wretched people of the barrios when he could be an executive with his own company.
February 28 - Wednesday
I have my school books up to my neck. All we have are exams and tests and study, study, study. The only thing I don’t mind is pouring over History, but the rest....We got the invitations to our Graduation Ball to give out - they look so nice but who do I give mine to?? I have a feeling Beli’s party will decide that once and for all. These blankety blank pimples are really bugging me. We have tests in History, Literature and Physics tomorrow. Not a day passes that some teacher scolds us. We are frightfully unruly and since all of us are very high strung, trying to control us will require an act of God. Poor ruby, she is president of the class and she probably wishes she were president of an insane asylum instead. When we are all going at once its pandemonium. Sigh, just 2 weeks and I’ll be through with High School. (And what I wouldn’t give to be back there again!).
March 1 - Thursday
Same old routine in school. Nothing new happens, only study, study, study. I’m so fed up with school I think I’ll scream if I see another notebook, textbook or outline. We distract ourselves by talking about the Graduation Ball, Warren Beatty or Dick Chamberlain (Dr. Kildare!), not forgetting the inevitable and occasional mention of Carlos, Arno or the other guys....
March 2 - Friday
Mrs. Buencamino was very pleased with our exams in Physics since we all did very well and passed including whiz me. I saw Juaco Campbell in his car this morning when I was crossing Herran. As usual, he had his usual grin on his face. Everyone, well, Agnes, Tere and I were drooling over Dick Chamberlain and Dr. Kildare last night on TV. I talked to Mercy over the phone this evening. She’s worried about her Physics exam tomorrow. She has to pass, or else. She also told me that she sees Carlos almost every day after school. Lucky her. Tomorrow is Beli’s party. All the people I know will be here and tomorrow I will find out who is taking me to the ball or not. If not, I’m staying home on the 17th. Mom and I bought the material for the dress today and it’s the sweetest, loveliest thing you ever saw. All white and shimmering and soft as air.
March 3 - Saturday
I don’t know quite how to begin this entry tonight.(And I remember this party like it was yesterday - Didn’t I say so a little while back?!) I’ve just come from Beli’s party and my heart has just turned and locked up. For the last month I’ve been trying not to think of Carlos and Arno and I almost succeeded - almost. I went to the party tonight, light hearted and gay yet with a certain feeling of apprehension and doom. Carlos was there with Bobbi and the moment I saw him I knew I couldn’t deny how I feel about him. He looked tall and handsome, with that great grin and he sat with his arm around Bobbie, laughing and singing and when he danced with her, he held her tightly and I could feel the lump in my throat growing and my eyes getting annoyingly teary. If Leo hadn’t been there cracking his jokes I would’ve broken up right there. (I never thought I’d say that I was happy that Leo was anywhere near me - this I DIDN’T remember!) He, Carlos, has a way of looking down into the eyes of the girl he is dancing with and holding her hand that makes the girl feel like she’s the only one in the room (that’s how I imagine it, anyway.). And then Arno was dancing with Cookie, Ginny and Beli - and he dances so well with such great rhythm but he danced only once with me. So, they tell me that Carlos is going to the States or Spain pretty soon and as the song goes “There goes my heart...and here am I...” I do hope he leaves and I never see him again so I can forget he exists. And bottom line, I have no date for my graduation prom and the only person I really want to go with me is Carlos and since Fate is not in my corner I might as well forget it. My dress will have to be saved for a better occasion.
Monday, November 9, 2009
February 15 - 22, 1962
February 15 - Thursday
Today has been Black Thursday. Everything went wrong today and continues. First, Sr. Angela starts telling me to concentrate on my Tagalog more because it is my weakest point (What?! Tagalog is 84, and Physics 75 - History 79!). Then she starts comparing me to Marina and how much better she’s doing than me (We had the same grades in the prelim exams in Tagalog - 80 and today in a quiz, I got 85 and she 60!). Marina is forever looking to see if I get even half a point higher than she and when I do, she blows a fuse. And frankly I don’t care if everyone gets higher grades than me. Then to top it all, Mom starts nagging me again about fixing my aparador (it’s the millionth time she’s told me) even when I told her I’d finally fixed the records. I can’t do everything at the same time. Then Ruby bawls me out about perennially talking in class when everyone else is more than half as noisy as I am. This evening the television set breaks down again. Last week I waited just for Thursdays to watch “Dobie Gillies” and “Tombstone Territory” and the TV broke down then. Today, same thing happens. I’m getting even more pimples and I’ve run out of medicine for them and heaven knows when I’ll get some more. My face is getting lumpy and my back is a horrid mess. (Gosh, I sound really repulsive - yet, funny, I don’t remember having that big a problem with pimples - don’t have any acne scars on my face or anything but I guess everything does get blown out of proportion at 17. Now-a-days, girls at 11 sound like me in 1962!) We have supper late every night so I don’t get enough sleep, thus causing more pimples. My mother is forever nagging me about something I haven’t done. My teachers keep picking on me. I haven’t got a date for the Graduation Ball and I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to go with me. (At this point, I wouldn’t have gone with me!!) My only dream right now is to go to Baguio and get away from all of this. But since even everything I dream about NEVER comes true. Today I got a lovely locket and ring from my grandmother in Spain - conclusion - my mother locks it up in her closet!!
February 16 - Friday
Same old corny routine in school. The rest of the Hi-Gayles were very excited about the party tomorrow but I frankly couldn’t care less. Anyway, Carlos, Arno and Spik won’t go so....Tomorrow - Study Class - ugh.
February 17 - Saturday
I typed all day long today for the annual. I also got a letter from Cosme, just as I thought I would. This evening Lita picked me up for the Hi-Gayles party. It was WONDERFUL! In the first place, as we walked in, right behind us were - CARLOS, Eddie, Juaco, Peps, Tony O. etc. Spik was sitting and talking to Margot. I was so excited and nervous I shook all over. All that jazz I gave everyone (and wrote in here) about not caring a hoot about Carlos flew out the window tonight. While I was dancing I caught him looking at me twice and Mary Ann Ojeda said that he was watching me while I was dancing. I wanted so much to go up and talk to him and besides I have invited him to our prom but I wasn’t brave enough. I knew that if I talked to him, I’d stammer and blush. He is positively the maximum utmost! I danced with Juaco, Jack, Billy Castelvi, Mari Valles, Peps and some other guys. Fritz kept teasing me about Carlos. The Falcons were also there tonight - just as crazy as ever. Wait till Mercy hears that Mari danced with me and that Tony Ortigas was there. It was a stupendous party and I should have stayed later. I came home with Maureen, Mary Ann and Ditas Hagedorn.
February 18 - Sunday
It’s been a wonderful Sunday. I went to Mass at Ermita at 11 am and there I met Margie and Mercy. Later I went to the ANC. Marina was talking to Nacho. I said hello and joined Arno, Luli, Conchita and Lita. Arno is simply wonderful, the greatest, the sweetest. He still insists on going to the prom with me. We talked after everyone else left, about he and Beli. He says he’ll let me know for sure on Saturday but says he is going to the ball, Beli or no Beli. And I keep telling him I don’t want him to come if he is going steady with Beli. Then he says that many things can happen between now and March 10th. I like him so very much. I ate lunch with Mom and Dad and then Conch, Lita, Luli and I went to the Rizal to see “The Devil At 4 O’clock” with Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy. Spik, Freddy H, Ricky Catala, Gordo, Mari Cacho and Peps were sitting in the row in front of us. Then Conchita, Lita and Luli went to the Polo Club and Marina, Annie, Vicky and I went to the Assumption Fair. Everyone was there. I stayed with Magu and Fritz. Beli gave me the invitation to her party. I saw Mercy with Judy and Betsy Arrastia. Spik came later. Fritz tells me that Spik will go the prom with me if I ask him. Now, I don’t know what to do. There’s Arno and Spik and I still don’t know about Carlos. (Pretty loosey-goosey affair this asking people to the prom was in those days, weren’t we?!) Then while we were walking, who should be walking in our direction than George Roux. Of course, my heart lurched again. I dragged Susan with me to try and follow him. When will I ever be introduced to him?! Mari Valles kept popping up in front of me every time I turned around. Imagine, asking me for chicklet?! He’s nuts. Then later, while I was sitting with Freddy, Jay, Rafy, Ricky, Peps, Maricar, Mon, Susan, Magu and Fritz, Marina comes up to tell me that she’s seen Carlos. This time my heart leapt up to my throat. He waved to Magu when we were about to leave and then and there I decided it was now or never to ask him about the prom. We called him over and he comes up to us. He tells me he’s got two failing grades so he’s not sure he can go (Man, couldn’t I tell B.S. then when I heard it?!) I told him I needed an answer soon and he said he’s know by the 3rd of March (Beli’s party), (And since I can suddenly remember and visualize Beli’s party that day, am I in for another letdown....) And if he knows anything earlier, he’ll let Arno know. He so thrills me but I still don’t know who I’m going to our ball with. I’ll probably end up with no one - (Bingo!!!!)
February 19 - Monday
I’m furious with those classmates of mine. Now they want to move the date of the prom to the 17th instead of the 10th of March and Carlos specifically told me he cannot go on the 17th because he has exams - and as he says “Al paso que voy, voy a fallar.” But if he can make it and then finds out the date has been changed then there goes that slim chance. I want to go with him more than anything else in the world, so now, see what happens.
February 20 - Tuesday
One of the girls I like most in that class of mine is Tere Carballo. She’s so good to me. I know now who her crush is - Jack Aguirre. I went to Confession today and I feel so much relieved. Now, about that never ending problem of the prom. The dear Section -Y girls all refuse to go for some unkind, nasty and malicious reasons. Susan was at her wits end this afternoon. So, it looks like we might not have a ball at all!!! All the Section -X girls are broiling - and after all the heartache and trouble I’ve been going through to get someone to come with me and now they may cancel the darned thing. My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. PS. I love Mrs. Buencamino!
February 21 - Wednesday
I’m slowly making up my mind about who I’m going to take to the ball. I’m not going to wait forever until Arno and Carlos make up their minds. Much as I like them both, they can’t keep me dangling on a string. Carlos is dilly dallying around with his grades and I don’t think he wants to go very much and Arno. I think, wants to come with me, just to “get back” at Beli. If that’s the case, they can just skip it. Skip gave Fritz a straight answer – yes, the first time so I’m gonna ask him. Then Marina can ask Freddy and everything’s arranged. Anyway, like Spik a lot although like the story of old, he doesn’t like me too much but he’s a nice guy to be with so why wait forever for darling hopeless cases - Arno and Carlos. Magu, Susan, Linda and I went to Wack-Wack this pm to see about the reservations. The place is lovely and if everything comes out the way we hope, we’ll have a lovely graduation ball. If only these corny Section-Y girls hadn’t backed out everything would have been fine - anyway, we’ll manage somehow. The big problem is as usual - m-o-n-e-y.
February 22 - Thursday
I am so fed up with classes I think that if the 2 remaining weeks don’t pass by quickly I’ll take all my books and burn them (except History and Religion) or go nuts. For example, just this evening at 9 pm, Teresa calls up and tells me that we have a test in Physics tomorrow. How does anyone expect me to study for Physics tomorrow when at 9 pm I haven’t eaten my supper yet?! Then, we also have a test in Religion and Marimil hasn’t returned my book. Call me lazy or what you want but I can’t stand studying any longer. Then Mom now tells me this evening I can only use a measly handful of newspapers when we need all we can get for the graduation ball. Darn! Now what am I going to tell Magu and Susan after they’ve seen the big pile already? My mother can make me so mad at times. Now I don’t care of this ball/prom comes or goes but I care about the rest of my classmates. Anyway, neither Spik nor Arno or Carlos really wants to go with me so why should I fuss or bother. I wish I could skip school tomorrow and not take those darned tests. I know its cowardly of me but I don’t know a thing. I met Fr. Ferreira this afternoon because he came to school. What a wonderful priest he is! Such a wonderful man of God.
Today has been Black Thursday. Everything went wrong today and continues. First, Sr. Angela starts telling me to concentrate on my Tagalog more because it is my weakest point (What?! Tagalog is 84, and Physics 75 - History 79!). Then she starts comparing me to Marina and how much better she’s doing than me (We had the same grades in the prelim exams in Tagalog - 80 and today in a quiz, I got 85 and she 60!). Marina is forever looking to see if I get even half a point higher than she and when I do, she blows a fuse. And frankly I don’t care if everyone gets higher grades than me. Then to top it all, Mom starts nagging me again about fixing my aparador (it’s the millionth time she’s told me) even when I told her I’d finally fixed the records. I can’t do everything at the same time. Then Ruby bawls me out about perennially talking in class when everyone else is more than half as noisy as I am. This evening the television set breaks down again. Last week I waited just for Thursdays to watch “Dobie Gillies” and “Tombstone Territory” and the TV broke down then. Today, same thing happens. I’m getting even more pimples and I’ve run out of medicine for them and heaven knows when I’ll get some more. My face is getting lumpy and my back is a horrid mess. (Gosh, I sound really repulsive - yet, funny, I don’t remember having that big a problem with pimples - don’t have any acne scars on my face or anything but I guess everything does get blown out of proportion at 17. Now-a-days, girls at 11 sound like me in 1962!) We have supper late every night so I don’t get enough sleep, thus causing more pimples. My mother is forever nagging me about something I haven’t done. My teachers keep picking on me. I haven’t got a date for the Graduation Ball and I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to go with me. (At this point, I wouldn’t have gone with me!!) My only dream right now is to go to Baguio and get away from all of this. But since even everything I dream about NEVER comes true. Today I got a lovely locket and ring from my grandmother in Spain - conclusion - my mother locks it up in her closet!!
February 16 - Friday
Same old corny routine in school. The rest of the Hi-Gayles were very excited about the party tomorrow but I frankly couldn’t care less. Anyway, Carlos, Arno and Spik won’t go so....Tomorrow - Study Class - ugh.
February 17 - Saturday
I typed all day long today for the annual. I also got a letter from Cosme, just as I thought I would. This evening Lita picked me up for the Hi-Gayles party. It was WONDERFUL! In the first place, as we walked in, right behind us were - CARLOS, Eddie, Juaco, Peps, Tony O. etc. Spik was sitting and talking to Margot. I was so excited and nervous I shook all over. All that jazz I gave everyone (and wrote in here) about not caring a hoot about Carlos flew out the window tonight. While I was dancing I caught him looking at me twice and Mary Ann Ojeda said that he was watching me while I was dancing. I wanted so much to go up and talk to him and besides I have invited him to our prom but I wasn’t brave enough. I knew that if I talked to him, I’d stammer and blush. He is positively the maximum utmost! I danced with Juaco, Jack, Billy Castelvi, Mari Valles, Peps and some other guys. Fritz kept teasing me about Carlos. The Falcons were also there tonight - just as crazy as ever. Wait till Mercy hears that Mari danced with me and that Tony Ortigas was there. It was a stupendous party and I should have stayed later. I came home with Maureen, Mary Ann and Ditas Hagedorn.
February 18 - Sunday
It’s been a wonderful Sunday. I went to Mass at Ermita at 11 am and there I met Margie and Mercy. Later I went to the ANC. Marina was talking to Nacho. I said hello and joined Arno, Luli, Conchita and Lita. Arno is simply wonderful, the greatest, the sweetest. He still insists on going to the prom with me. We talked after everyone else left, about he and Beli. He says he’ll let me know for sure on Saturday but says he is going to the ball, Beli or no Beli. And I keep telling him I don’t want him to come if he is going steady with Beli. Then he says that many things can happen between now and March 10th. I like him so very much. I ate lunch with Mom and Dad and then Conch, Lita, Luli and I went to the Rizal to see “The Devil At 4 O’clock” with Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy. Spik, Freddy H, Ricky Catala, Gordo, Mari Cacho and Peps were sitting in the row in front of us. Then Conchita, Lita and Luli went to the Polo Club and Marina, Annie, Vicky and I went to the Assumption Fair. Everyone was there. I stayed with Magu and Fritz. Beli gave me the invitation to her party. I saw Mercy with Judy and Betsy Arrastia. Spik came later. Fritz tells me that Spik will go the prom with me if I ask him. Now, I don’t know what to do. There’s Arno and Spik and I still don’t know about Carlos. (Pretty loosey-goosey affair this asking people to the prom was in those days, weren’t we?!) Then while we were walking, who should be walking in our direction than George Roux. Of course, my heart lurched again. I dragged Susan with me to try and follow him. When will I ever be introduced to him?! Mari Valles kept popping up in front of me every time I turned around. Imagine, asking me for chicklet?! He’s nuts. Then later, while I was sitting with Freddy, Jay, Rafy, Ricky, Peps, Maricar, Mon, Susan, Magu and Fritz, Marina comes up to tell me that she’s seen Carlos. This time my heart leapt up to my throat. He waved to Magu when we were about to leave and then and there I decided it was now or never to ask him about the prom. We called him over and he comes up to us. He tells me he’s got two failing grades so he’s not sure he can go (Man, couldn’t I tell B.S. then when I heard it?!) I told him I needed an answer soon and he said he’s know by the 3rd of March (Beli’s party), (And since I can suddenly remember and visualize Beli’s party that day, am I in for another letdown....) And if he knows anything earlier, he’ll let Arno know. He so thrills me but I still don’t know who I’m going to our ball with. I’ll probably end up with no one - (Bingo!!!!)
February 19 - Monday
I’m furious with those classmates of mine. Now they want to move the date of the prom to the 17th instead of the 10th of March and Carlos specifically told me he cannot go on the 17th because he has exams - and as he says “Al paso que voy, voy a fallar.” But if he can make it and then finds out the date has been changed then there goes that slim chance. I want to go with him more than anything else in the world, so now, see what happens.
February 20 - Tuesday
One of the girls I like most in that class of mine is Tere Carballo. She’s so good to me. I know now who her crush is - Jack Aguirre. I went to Confession today and I feel so much relieved. Now, about that never ending problem of the prom. The dear Section -Y girls all refuse to go for some unkind, nasty and malicious reasons. Susan was at her wits end this afternoon. So, it looks like we might not have a ball at all!!! All the Section -X girls are broiling - and after all the heartache and trouble I’ve been going through to get someone to come with me and now they may cancel the darned thing. My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach. PS. I love Mrs. Buencamino!
February 21 - Wednesday
I’m slowly making up my mind about who I’m going to take to the ball. I’m not going to wait forever until Arno and Carlos make up their minds. Much as I like them both, they can’t keep me dangling on a string. Carlos is dilly dallying around with his grades and I don’t think he wants to go very much and Arno. I think, wants to come with me, just to “get back” at Beli. If that’s the case, they can just skip it. Skip gave Fritz a straight answer – yes, the first time so I’m gonna ask him. Then Marina can ask Freddy and everything’s arranged. Anyway, like Spik a lot although like the story of old, he doesn’t like me too much but he’s a nice guy to be with so why wait forever for darling hopeless cases - Arno and Carlos. Magu, Susan, Linda and I went to Wack-Wack this pm to see about the reservations. The place is lovely and if everything comes out the way we hope, we’ll have a lovely graduation ball. If only these corny Section-Y girls hadn’t backed out everything would have been fine - anyway, we’ll manage somehow. The big problem is as usual - m-o-n-e-y.
February 22 - Thursday
I am so fed up with classes I think that if the 2 remaining weeks don’t pass by quickly I’ll take all my books and burn them (except History and Religion) or go nuts. For example, just this evening at 9 pm, Teresa calls up and tells me that we have a test in Physics tomorrow. How does anyone expect me to study for Physics tomorrow when at 9 pm I haven’t eaten my supper yet?! Then, we also have a test in Religion and Marimil hasn’t returned my book. Call me lazy or what you want but I can’t stand studying any longer. Then Mom now tells me this evening I can only use a measly handful of newspapers when we need all we can get for the graduation ball. Darn! Now what am I going to tell Magu and Susan after they’ve seen the big pile already? My mother can make me so mad at times. Now I don’t care of this ball/prom comes or goes but I care about the rest of my classmates. Anyway, neither Spik nor Arno or Carlos really wants to go with me so why should I fuss or bother. I wish I could skip school tomorrow and not take those darned tests. I know its cowardly of me but I don’t know a thing. I met Fr. Ferreira this afternoon because he came to school. What a wonderful priest he is! Such a wonderful man of God.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
February 1 - 14, 1962
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).
February 8 - Thursday
I feel so out of sorts tonight like I’m all out of focus or something. I feel useless, unwanted by anyone (this is NOT the feeling-sorry-for-myself mood like I’ve had before). I feel like if I dropped out of sight no one would notice.
February 9 - Friday
Did nothing much in school. Just a lot of corny joke sessions and talk. I got the Hi-Gayles invitations from Mrs. Pimentel and I’ve finished writing down the names on the envelopes. I really want to go to the ANC tomorrow and yes I’ll admit it, to see Arno. Funny, it doesn’t bother me that Carlos won’t go to the prom but if Arno goes back to Beli I won’t want him to go to our prom and it will hurt me a lot!!
February 10 - Saturday
I went to the ANC with Dad. I ate breakfast in the dining room with Nacho, Ramon and Gerardo Lanuza. Then while we were eating, Mercy bursts in with Judy Calvo and her cousin and tells me that Carlos was at the entrance with Arno. I went to the Accommodations Counter and saw Carlos through the windows. Arno was with him and my heart was pounding so loudly though I don’t know if it was because of Arno or Carlos. I think it was Arno a little more than Carlos. Anyway, later we all went to the Teen Den and gave Eddie Gonzalez and Mari O. the invitations. We all were dancing the twist and Arno’s step, the slop. While we were dancing, Arno arrived. And I was unhappily right - he’s going back to Beli. I knew it the minute I saw her ring back on his finger. My heart turned over and died. So, I told him to forget the ball. I may not even go. No one else interests me. This is also the last disappointment. (Would that had been true!!! Little did I know how many more REAL disappointments awaited me in the years ahead.) I won’t let myself fall for anyone else, not unless I’m sure he really likes ME! This afternoon, Conch, Lita, Luli, Marina, Mercy, Judy, Chiqui and Albert came home for a twist session. We had a nice time and had fun. Que vida!
February 11 - Sunday - Our Lady of Lourdes - My Feast Day
I went to Mass with Rita, my maid, at the Luneta (Eucharistic Congress). I went home for breakfast and to change and then to the ANC. I sat at the swimming pool for awhile then Ditas Hagedorn and Pichuco joined me, also Arno. I was so happy to see him. Everyone had gone to the Rebels’ party last night. When I told Arno it was my feast day he reached over and shook my hand, squeezed it gently for a minute and that was all. As I looked at him while he talked I realize how much I like him. He’s such a sweet wonderful person. Anyway, later, everyone left and I sat in the Sunset Lounge. Linda Pratico (I have no recollection of this girl, of who she was or what she looked like – the name vaguely rings a bell, and I’ve mentioned her in my past entries last year but I still have no visual memory of her!) joined me and we chatted for a while. I ate lunch with Mom at the ANC. AT 2, Lita picked me up and we went to the movie. Arno and Pichuco came with us. We went to the Rizal to see “Judgement at Nuremberg.” Magnificent picture starring the cream of Hollywood - Spencer Tracy, Richard Widmark, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Cliff, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich. It was very good movie. Beli sat a row in front of us with Arno. After the movie all of us except Arno came home to eat a snack. Lita left at 7 pm. Pichuco likes Lita, incidentally. This evening I was playing dominoes with Mom when someone knocks at the door. I thought it was Chiqui with Mercy and I was in my nightie so I told them to come in. Suddenly I hear Honey’s voice and I shrieked and ran for my bata. Honey came to use Mom’s typewriter. He looked frightingly handsome in a electric blue shirt. We had a nice time because we all sat at the dining room table - Honey typing, Mercy studying her Physics and Mom and I playing dominoes. Honey was in a good mood and very nice this evening. He was my first teenage crush and I thought I was madly in love with him for 3 years. (Now, 50 or so years later, I still remember my first crush as a ten year old, on Honey Muniosguren.) Now we’re friends and he teases me awfully. Dad told me this evening that Fr. Parisee needs help for his TV show. I think I’ll suggest to the Hi-Gayles that we help him. I do hope Arno goes to the Hi-Gayles party on Saturday even if he is with Beli, as long as he’s there.
February 12 - Monday
Same old routine in class but I’m sort of sad that the rest of the girls will return tomorrow from the Baguio retreat. I liked the peace and serenity of the classroom these past 3 days and Sr. Angela wasn’t there to needle me all the time. Tomorrow back to the same old grind. I’m reading “Gone With The Wind” again. I simply adore this book. I must be losing touch since I don’t really care about the party on Saturday. I didn’t go to the Vampires’ or Rebels’ parties and I don’t feel like going to the this coming one...sigh..
February 13 - Tuesday
All the girls who went to Baguio for the Retreat cannot say enough about it. It seems like it was glorious and the Retreat Master, Fr. Ferreira is a very inspiring man. Ah, Baguio. My city of pines, mountains and cool air. How I long to be up there. Never mind, I hope I’ll be able to go this summer. Grace Eusebio did bring me a jar of delicious strawberry jam. (Actually, the strawberry jam from Baguio was simply the best! I love jams but I think I haven’t eaten anything to compare with Baguio’s.) She’s a darling. These days I go about my life with an air of complete indifference. People reprimand me and not a feather of mine gets ruffled. I completely ignore tempers and arguments. I don’t give two cents for any guy (Oh, please, who was I kidding?!) Even when Marina said she saw Carlos this morning, my heart continued beating normally at the same monotonous rhythm. Before I used to go wild at the mere mention of his name or Arno’s, or Mitch’s, or Spik’s but now they can all go fly a kite. They don’t bother me a bit and I feel safe and warm and free from any of these wild spastic emotions. But, the person I do think of is the unknown Mr. George Roux. When I remember how those remarkable black eyes just looked into mine that Tuesday night at Bingo, I felt that for a moment someone was genuinely interested in ME. I’d give anything to get to meet him and know him but it isn’t going to happen. I know better to expect things like that in my life....Marina really got on my nerves today - she can make me so hopping mad!! Tomorrow is Valentine’s day - hah!!!
February 14 - Wednesday
Magu gave me a sweet little silver ring from Baguio and Margot, a bracelet. It was very sweet of them to remember me and I appreciate it very much. Anyway, I wish Saturday were over. I don’t feel like going to the party. Mainly because its really going to be a mess and I don’t feel like meeting that big gang of ours.
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).
February 8 - Thursday
I feel so out of sorts tonight like I’m all out of focus or something. I feel useless, unwanted by anyone (this is NOT the feeling-sorry-for-myself mood like I’ve had before). I feel like if I dropped out of sight no one would notice.
February 9 - Friday
Did nothing much in school. Just a lot of corny joke sessions and talk. I got the Hi-Gayles invitations from Mrs. Pimentel and I’ve finished writing down the names on the envelopes. I really want to go to the ANC tomorrow and yes I’ll admit it, to see Arno. Funny, it doesn’t bother me that Carlos won’t go to the prom but if Arno goes back to Beli I won’t want him to go to our prom and it will hurt me a lot!!
February 10 - Saturday
I went to the ANC with Dad. I ate breakfast in the dining room with Nacho, Ramon and Gerardo Lanuza. Then while we were eating, Mercy bursts in with Judy Calvo and her cousin and tells me that Carlos was at the entrance with Arno. I went to the Accommodations Counter and saw Carlos through the windows. Arno was with him and my heart was pounding so loudly though I don’t know if it was because of Arno or Carlos. I think it was Arno a little more than Carlos. Anyway, later we all went to the Teen Den and gave Eddie Gonzalez and Mari O. the invitations. We all were dancing the twist and Arno’s step, the slop. While we were dancing, Arno arrived. And I was unhappily right - he’s going back to Beli. I knew it the minute I saw her ring back on his finger. My heart turned over and died. So, I told him to forget the ball. I may not even go. No one else interests me. This is also the last disappointment. (Would that had been true!!! Little did I know how many more REAL disappointments awaited me in the years ahead.) I won’t let myself fall for anyone else, not unless I’m sure he really likes ME! This afternoon, Conch, Lita, Luli, Marina, Mercy, Judy, Chiqui and Albert came home for a twist session. We had a nice time and had fun. Que vida!
February 11 - Sunday - Our Lady of Lourdes - My Feast Day
I went to Mass with Rita, my maid, at the Luneta (Eucharistic Congress). I went home for breakfast and to change and then to the ANC. I sat at the swimming pool for awhile then Ditas Hagedorn and Pichuco joined me, also Arno. I was so happy to see him. Everyone had gone to the Rebels’ party last night. When I told Arno it was my feast day he reached over and shook my hand, squeezed it gently for a minute and that was all. As I looked at him while he talked I realize how much I like him. He’s such a sweet wonderful person. Anyway, later, everyone left and I sat in the Sunset Lounge. Linda Pratico (I have no recollection of this girl, of who she was or what she looked like – the name vaguely rings a bell, and I’ve mentioned her in my past entries last year but I still have no visual memory of her!) joined me and we chatted for a while. I ate lunch with Mom at the ANC. AT 2, Lita picked me up and we went to the movie. Arno and Pichuco came with us. We went to the Rizal to see “Judgement at Nuremberg.” Magnificent picture starring the cream of Hollywood - Spencer Tracy, Richard Widmark, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Cliff, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich. It was very good movie. Beli sat a row in front of us with Arno. After the movie all of us except Arno came home to eat a snack. Lita left at 7 pm. Pichuco likes Lita, incidentally. This evening I was playing dominoes with Mom when someone knocks at the door. I thought it was Chiqui with Mercy and I was in my nightie so I told them to come in. Suddenly I hear Honey’s voice and I shrieked and ran for my bata. Honey came to use Mom’s typewriter. He looked frightingly handsome in a electric blue shirt. We had a nice time because we all sat at the dining room table - Honey typing, Mercy studying her Physics and Mom and I playing dominoes. Honey was in a good mood and very nice this evening. He was my first teenage crush and I thought I was madly in love with him for 3 years. (Now, 50 or so years later, I still remember my first crush as a ten year old, on Honey Muniosguren.) Now we’re friends and he teases me awfully. Dad told me this evening that Fr. Parisee needs help for his TV show. I think I’ll suggest to the Hi-Gayles that we help him. I do hope Arno goes to the Hi-Gayles party on Saturday even if he is with Beli, as long as he’s there.
February 12 - Monday
Same old routine in class but I’m sort of sad that the rest of the girls will return tomorrow from the Baguio retreat. I liked the peace and serenity of the classroom these past 3 days and Sr. Angela wasn’t there to needle me all the time. Tomorrow back to the same old grind. I’m reading “Gone With The Wind” again. I simply adore this book. I must be losing touch since I don’t really care about the party on Saturday. I didn’t go to the Vampires’ or Rebels’ parties and I don’t feel like going to the this coming one...sigh..
February 13 - Tuesday
All the girls who went to Baguio for the Retreat cannot say enough about it. It seems like it was glorious and the Retreat Master, Fr. Ferreira is a very inspiring man. Ah, Baguio. My city of pines, mountains and cool air. How I long to be up there. Never mind, I hope I’ll be able to go this summer. Grace Eusebio did bring me a jar of delicious strawberry jam. (Actually, the strawberry jam from Baguio was simply the best! I love jams but I think I haven’t eaten anything to compare with Baguio’s.) She’s a darling. These days I go about my life with an air of complete indifference. People reprimand me and not a feather of mine gets ruffled. I completely ignore tempers and arguments. I don’t give two cents for any guy (Oh, please, who was I kidding?!) Even when Marina said she saw Carlos this morning, my heart continued beating normally at the same monotonous rhythm. Before I used to go wild at the mere mention of his name or Arno’s, or Mitch’s, or Spik’s but now they can all go fly a kite. They don’t bother me a bit and I feel safe and warm and free from any of these wild spastic emotions. But, the person I do think of is the unknown Mr. George Roux. When I remember how those remarkable black eyes just looked into mine that Tuesday night at Bingo, I felt that for a moment someone was genuinely interested in ME. I’d give anything to get to meet him and know him but it isn’t going to happen. I know better to expect things like that in my life....Marina really got on my nerves today - she can make me so hopping mad!! Tomorrow is Valentine’s day - hah!!!
February 14 - Wednesday
Magu gave me a sweet little silver ring from Baguio and Margot, a bracelet. It was very sweet of them to remember me and I appreciate it very much. Anyway, I wish Saturday were over. I don’t feel like going to the party. Mainly because its really going to be a mess and I don’t feel like meeting that big gang of ours.
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