June 6 - 13, 1962

June 6 - Wednesday


Mercy and Betsy passed the St. Paul’s entrance exams. Sr. Andrea is a doll! She’s strict but sweet and says that Mercy, Betsy and I have “naughty” faces. I spent some time with Margotin this morning. Miss Zacarias is going to teach Spanish again. I went to the ANC for a while this noon. Lita and the gang were there. Carlos brought me home. He’s nice but still acting “remote.” Later I picked up Mercy and we went back to the ANC. The ususal people were there again. Yan gave me a little Japanese doll. Luli and Pichuco talked to me about Lita this evening. Pichuco is so in love with Lita and when I asked Luli she said that Lita has no feelings at all for Pichuco. Poor guy. I saw Maritoni and asked her about Joe and Titos Ayesa. I wish Cosme were here but he’d be mooning over Mercy.


June 7 - Thursday

I’ve got a splitting headache so I can’t concentrate very well. This afternoon I went with Mercy and Betsy to St. Scholastica to get their deposits back. Sr. Benjamin gave us a quiz on the library facilities this morning. I LOST CARLOS’S PICTURE!!! I looked into my wallet this afternoon and it wasn’t there. If I dropped it, I’ll kill myself and if someone took it from me, I’ll never forgive him or her. I loved that picture. I’ll never get another one like it. I talked to Marina and Pichuco over the phone but I am so depressed. I hope I find Carlos’s picture!!

June 8 - Friday

Mercy admitted to me this morning that Betsy took Carlos’s picture and that she has it. She also showed it to Tita Marina Asparren who was at her house today and Tita Marina put it in her purse to show it to Carlos and then she’ll give it back. But I told Mercy that I would never see that picture again. (Did I ever forgive Betsy and Mercy for that? That was a pretty rotten thing to do, knowing how I felt about the guy.) Well, it was nice to have it while I did. (Was I really that forgiving?!) This afternoon I was at Mercy’s house and spent a lot of time talking to Tita Marina. (And why didn’t I ask her about the bloody picture?) She so simpatica and not just because she’s Carlos’s aunt. Anyway, its obvious she adores her nephew. I told Mercy this afternoon that I had the feeling that I would see Morris soon and Yan told me that he saw Morris at temple and that he might be at the party tomorrow at their house. If he does go....of well, lets wait and see. I spoke to Nena over the phone. She left for Spain today. Mercy, Yan and I talked about Morris, Lita and me again. Everyone seems to agree that everything was all my fault. Well, I don’t know what fault they’re talking about because my conscience is pretty clear since I did nothing secretive or wrong in Baguio. (And it would be at least 2 years before any guy actually got to first base with me. That “honor” fell to....well, I’ll leave that for later. I still am convinced these lo many years that my girlfriends were a little “freer” with their boyfriends than I thought so when Morris paid all that attention to me, they couldn’t conceive that it was platonic. Thinking about it now, I don’t know whether I should be insulted or flattered.)



June 9 - Saturday

I stayed home the whole morning. This evening, Yan picked me up at 7:15 for Mitch’s gathering. He says he saw Morris at the Country Bake Shoppe and that Morris asked him for my phone number but Yan didn’t give it to him. Mitch looked simply yummy tonight. We teased each other a lot. Of all the guys there, he and Honey are my favorite. Butch, Honey and George were in a rare mood and made me laugh a lot. We played “Truth or Consequence” and involved a lot of slapping and kissing. Mitch danced with Cristina Alegre and he dances pretty well. Lita doesn’t know who she likes better, Peps or Morris and I also found that while in Baguio, Lita read my diary every night!!! Ok. That’s the limit! Not even my mother looks at my diary. She (Lita) talks a lot about not trusting me but she obviously wasn’t a little angel herself but se me quitan las ganas de escribir aqui ya que se que alguien lo ha leido. And Mercy, who says she’s my friend didn’t tell me. They can all go fly a kite. Now I hope I do see Morris again just to spite them all. For all I know, he did it just to spite Lita too. I am such a fool!


June 10 - Sunday

I keep getting the feeling that Morris is very close. (Mom and Dad are now having a terrific argument about some stupid thing about food!!) I went to Mass at 11 and then as usual to the ANC. The gang was there. Arno arrived later this afternoon. Yan picked us up to go to the Rizal to see a horrible picture called “The Mask.” Cookie Olondriz gave us invitations to her party. We went back to the ANC. Carlos is so sweet. Came back home early. I’m so fed up with Manila!

June 11 - Monday

Did nothing special this afternoon. Marina took us to school. Our uniforms weren’t ready but Mercy got her registration card. We went to the ANC. We had merienda with Yan, Ditas, etc. This evening Tita Marianne and Tito Werney picked us up and we went to the Polo Club. The Argentine cadets were visiting again. The cadet who was with me was quite cute but he wasn’t interesting to me at all. Too serious about everything and no sense of humor. Lita and Luli came home with us. Mercy saw Carlos but I missed him. Just as well. Tita Marina played mah-jong at home. She says Carlos won’t give her back the picture. Lita and I are almost on the same footing again. I like her very much and I’m so glad.


June 12 - Tuesday

Those darned maids tell poor Mom that they want to leave. I went to the ANC with Mercy after lunch. The Luneta and Dewey Boulevard were filled with people since we celebrated our new Independence Day today. This evening, I played Bingo with Mercy, Yan, Pichuco and Mom. Pichuco was so sweet tonight. I like him so much better than I did before. He promised to send me white carnations for my birthday. (Another moment I remember clearly - this conversation with Pichuco about white carnations.) He’s so nice. Lita shouldn’t be so heartless. Tomorrow is the first day of class. Poor Mom and Dad are beat.


June 13 - Wednesday

Golly, I’m tired. Every bone aches and I’ve this awful crick in my back. The first day of school wasn’t bad. The usual getting to know the subjects, teachers, etc. I got my uniforms, borrowed books, etc. First lesson in typing was fun and social training is interesting. Miss Zacarias’s Spanish class was ugh. Sr. Benjamin is scary and strict. Went to Alemars and the ANC after school. Mom says Luli and a Mexican cadet were looking for me for cocktails tonight. Mercy says Carlos won’t give back the picture but funny how I don’t really care. In fact I couldn’t care less if he got married and went away forever. (Who was I fooling then?! The irony of it all is that it was I who got married before anyone else in my barkada and left Manila to never live there again, but that’s another story.) I think I’m finally beginning to be over him.

My Great Expectations -

1) Of seeing Joe Avelino although heaven knows why when he and Maritoni are so engrossed with each other;

2) Of seeing that....well, Morris again and heaven knows why, too;

3) Of going to Cookie’s party (she called this evening).

I hope Rita (our maid) comes back and this rash on my face goes away before Saturday. Saw Father Reuter today and I still say I’m going to be married by him. (Oh my God, the one thing in this entire diary that DID come true!!) I’m finally wearing my uniform but I’m tying my ties too short.

May 29 - June 5, 1962

May 29 - Tuesday


I washed 3 sweaters of mine this morning and washed my hair. This evening I went to Bingo with my Mom. Luz, Luli, Lita, Arno, Carlos and Pichuco were there. Arno was his old self this evening. It’s too bad Mitch wasn’t there and Pichuco couldn’t stay. Carlos is very simpatico too, he made me laugh a lot. I won 60.00 pesos. I’m very sleepy.



May 30 - Wednesday

The heat is absolutely killing me. I feel so hot and sticky that my make-up smears and the pimples are coming out again. Oh for the wonderful climate of Baguio! I picked Mercy up and we went to Aunty Kitty’s for Karen’s address and then to the ANC. Carlos, Gerardo, Javi, Lita, Luz, Luli, Miren and I sat at one of the tables by the sea wall. Mercy and I had lunch at my house and later we went to see “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. It was one of the sweetest, loveliest movies I’ve ever seen in a long time. Simply adorable. And its theme song “Moon River” is absolutely - everything! I hope to see this movie again. We went to the ANC later and later yet, Pichuco, Luz, Luli, Ramon, Mercy and I sat by the pool and chatted. Saw Arno. Talked with Ditas Hagedorn about Morris. She likes he a lot too. He is back in Baguio and is returning to Manila on Friday. I sure would like to see him again. Pichuco is nuts about Lita. I have to write to Angel, Cosme and Karen. Still haven’t seen Mitch.







May 31 - Thursday

Went to Mass late so had to repeat it. Mercy and I ate lunch together at the ANC. Luli and Lita also had lunch with us. Then we went to my house to change and went to Alemars. I bought a clipboard, a bottle of Desert Flower Spray Mist for Mom and a bottle of Blue Grass cologne for myself. Saw Linda Hinkley who just got back from Hong Kong. She saw Yan. Monchu asked me about Morris and Lita etc. so I told him the story. This evening Mercy and I talked about Morris and Lita and everything. All this is getting to be a strain on my nerves and I’m up to blow any minute. I still don’t see what Lita is so fired up about. She’s said to practically everyone that I “stole her boyfriend.” My eye! She wasn’t going steady with him and she vowed 2 times (before Morris asked me out) that she was never going to talk to him again and that she was going to concentrate on Peps. So now she comes up with this??!! Anyway, my conscience is clear so whatever else everyone else thinks..... Monchu says that Steve Golden told him he like me. How sweet. (And, who in the heck was Steve Golden???) Steve is a very nice guy. Tita Marina was so nice tonight. If only her nephew were half as nice to me too. (That’s Marina Asparren, Carlos Garcia’s aunt for those of you not in the loop.)



June 1 - Friday

It has been one of those days...Mom was sore because I went out this morning. Then I went to Metro Drug to buy mascara and later to the ANC. Lita was in the Beauty Shoppe. Lita went swimming and later she joined the rest of us. Jose Luis sat and chatted with me. Vicky knows about Morris too! Carlos G.G. was teasing me and I insisted that I liked Carlos GARCIA. This afternoon Magu was at the ANC and she’s going to St. Paul’s for college. Tomorrow I have to go to enroll. Monchu, Leslie, Nacho were at the ANC also. I’m so fed up with everyone. My mother’s wonderful and all that but she nags me too much. Dad keeps insisting I take a BA course in college and all I want is a secretarial course. (THIS must be the most embarrassing revelation that I’ve ever discovered while transcribing these diaries. I never realized how little ambition I had and that my Dad wanted more for me. And the only thing in my empty head were those silly guys. No wonder someone later told me that I was “shallow” - I WAS. Then. But, I was 17!! I don’t know why I’m getting riled up now as I transcribe this - I guess its one of those “the road not taken” moments...) Everyone thinks I “stole” Morris from Lita and there are so many chismes flying about I am absolutely sick about it all. I wish I were somewhere where I could be independent of my parents and meet an entirely new group of people. (Another truly dumb comment.) According to my mother, I will end up an absolute disaster and she keeps comparing me to Margie and what a perfect girl she is! Let me change the subject. I saw Betsy Brewster today and heard the song “El Paso” after 2 years. Coincidences are weird.



June 2 - Saturday

The undercurrent is getting stronger every day and if I I’m not careful I’m going to be swept along with it! This morning I went to school to enroll and I had to take an exam. I ordered my uniforms and heavens, are they long! I went to the ANC and the whole clan was there. I was with Arno and his parents. This afternoon I invited him and Mercy to the movie “Rear Window.” This evening Mercy and I went to the Faustman home. The party was very nice. I danced with Arno, Carlos, Ramon, Inaki and Victor. Carlos gets nicer every day. He’s very sweet and has a nice smile. Arno danced with me a lot and when he danced slow drag with me (after 3 years!), that old feeling crept in. He’s so wonderful, sweet, gentle, and I hate him! I hate him because I like him so much and I know he’s being extra nice to me so he can suddenly leave me out in the cold, so he can get back at me to “avenge” Lita (And maybe for his own avenging, too. Gosh, we would’ve all been great “Survivor” contestants!) I know this is true because at the end of the evening, he had a whole whispering session with Lita, which entailed a lot of looks from both of them, at me. I think Luz also likes Carlos because when I was talking with him, Luz gave me a look that would have wilted a flower. Lita must have given Gerardo the sad story too. I am so fed up. Why didn’t she just put out a news bulletin! So, maybe I WAS beaming when I walked passed them all with Morris at the Baguio Country Club but so would have any one of them. Lita confuses me. She says she doesn’t give a hoot about Morris but she says that I knew about her wanting to go back to Morris and that I stole him. She swore to me several times before I started to see Morris that she didn’t want to have anything to do with him - ever! And the next day I walk by with Morris and she goes nuts. So, now we have Arno playing I’ll-defend-you-and-get-back-at-Lea. I think he’s getting back for himself!! Anyway, they can all fly a kite. I like Arno very much and he can try to hurt me but I won’t let him and if they want to play dirty, let them! Morris was right about everything! I did end up losing, while he’s scot free.



June 3 - Sunday

I went to Mass at 11 this morning and then to the ANC. Lit, Luli, Luz, Javi, Carlos, Pichuco and Gerardo were sitting at the pool. The boys all said hello but got only a feeble hi from the girls, She didn’t say a single word to me the whole morning. Arno was in a sarcastic mood this morning. Carlos was singing the whole time much to the exasperation of Luli. Jay Jay Po was there this noon and he gave me the warmest smile. I went to Mercy’s house this afternoon. Honey was there. I like him very much. He makes me feel as if nothing could ever harm me when he’s around. I got this same feeling with Morris. I went back to the ANC at 5 and sat with Ramon and Pichuco, Luz, and Carlos and Gerardo at the pool. Carlos is such a nice guy. Pichuco is nuts over Lita and I think its all in vain. Bomber came to talk to Pichuco and he gave me a look and a smile that made my heart turn over.



June 4 - Monday

I went to school this morning and I saw Magu, Margot Pimentel, etc. Sister Andrea did not have the results of my entrance exam yet so I’ll have to go back tomorrow with Mercy and Betsy Arrastia, who want to take a secretarial course at St. Paul’s. I hope they make it. I went to the ANC and spent the morning with Nacho, Carlos F., Arthur F., Gerardo etc. This afternoon I picked up Mercy and we went back to the ANC. Topsy joined us as did Ditas and Jessica Hagedorn. Jose Luis arrived later and also Gerardo and Carlos G.G. He couldn’t stay because they had someplace to go but asked me if I was going to be at the ANC tomorrow. How sweet of him and when he left he said “Adios carino.” Pitik-pitak. I talked to Pichuco tonight about Lita and she seems to have given him a very cold shoulder. He asked me my honest opinion and I told him it was a lost cause. I went to Di Marks with the Parents this evening. Had a pizza and ravioli. Carlos G.G. is so sweet. (Who in the heck was Carlos G.G.???)



June 5 - Tuesday

Betsy and Mercy took the entrance exams and Sister Andrea said I passed the exams and am officially accepted into college. I saw Sr. Chantal, Miss Jusi, Mrs. Patag and Miss Ocampo. I do hope Mercy and Betsy pass the exams and come to St. Paul’s too. This afternoon I went to the ANC but before I go into that, when we to the ANC this morning we got the coldest reception from Luli, Lita etc. I think Lita told Carlos about you-know-who because even he was a little cold too. Arno talked with us a while. I think Arno has the crazy idea he owns me. He acts like it. Yan, Mitch, Honey were at the ANC this afternoon too. Yan says he has a little doll for me. I sat with him, Mitch, Honey and Pichuco. Mercy sat with Betsy, Chiqui and Albert. Lita, Luli, Luz, Gerardo sat at another table. (Methinks that I sat with the best bunch that afternoon!) Mitch is a lot of fun and very nice to be with. He and Honey are a pair of happy boasters and they make one laugh a lot. Yan is the sweetest too. Mitch invited us to a party a his house on Saturday. He also brought me home. Honey is such a sweetheart. (Today, he would be the original Mr. McDreamy, or would I attribute that to Carlos Garcia!?) George came to Mercy’s house just as I was leaving. Lita almost called me a piece of you-know-what this evening (this, from Mercy) and Mitch doesn’t like Morris too much. He’s probably right about him. I hope Carlos doesn’t think less of me on account of what Lita has been spreading around. Oh, if Morris only knew what havoc our innocent little Baguio “adventure” has caused. Actually I think he does. I like Lita so much as a friend and all this trouble all for some guy who’s not worth the trouble.

May 18 - 28, 1962

May 18 - Friday - Baguio


Morris picked me up this morning at 10 and we went to his home. I met his mother and cousin. It was a very delightful morning simply because Morris was there. Susie, his sister, called Mom and asked if I could eat lunch with them and miracle of miracles, she let me. Morris’s dad asked me to ask my dad if he remembers him. Morris drove me home at 1:30 pm like he promised Mom. Every day I am more attracted to him. I like his sense of humor and yet he has his serious side too. He is going to Manila to study which makes me very happy but there are a lot of girls in Manila who are much more attractive than me and maybe its goodbye Morris but I’ll always remember a wonderful guy who made this summer special. I went to the Country Club this afternoon. The gang was playing bowling. The thundercloud over Lita’s head is slowly disappearing but the cold wind still blows. I played some games with the rest of the teeners in the Teenage Room. The Ismael children are so nice especially Rosarie. They brought us home. Tony Carreon came up this evening with 3 friends. Katrin and Marybeth Ubago. Katrin has changed immensely. Brent graduation today.



May 19 - Saturday - Baguio

Morris called tonight while I was playing Black Jack with the rest of the Legarda family and since Juan Antonio was teasing me, I was laughing and not paying attention to Morris and he hung up on me or rather said goodbye rather briskly. I was so sorry. I hope he isn’t angry with me. I like him too much. I wish I could’ve gone out with him tonight but Dad isn’t here and Mom isn’t exactly on my side. I hope with all my heart I see him tomorrow and can explain my phone actions to him. This morning, all the little girls (Carmita Legarda Carreon’s little girls - in other words my cousins little girls) had a ball playing with me. Children are just wonderful. This afternoon we went to Tita Bombona’s house for a merienda-dinner for Bombonette whose birthday it was today. There was a very nice young American guy there. He had the most fantastic blue eyes. Tony Carreon says that he’s the kind of young man I should go after. Easier said than done. His name is Charlie. Tuvo que ser! I have a funny feeling I’m not going to get any more calls from Morris and that deep down inside he’s still nuts over Lita.



May 20 - Sunday - Baguio

Just before Mass this morning Morris called up asking me what I was going to do for the day. I told him I was going to Mass late so he told me he would call back this afternoon. Mom and I went to Mass at 10:30 with Beniting and when we came back, Tito Ben had already arrived. Allan and I ate lunch together in the kitchen because the long dining room table was already filled with people. This afternoon Morris called up and later picked me up. We went for a drive to the Country Club, Camp John Hay and all around Baguio. We stopped for a bite to eat at the Chocolate House and we met Sonny there. It’s been a lovely day and a magic fair tale like evening. The moon was like a shining silver dollar. (And I remember this evening so clearly, all these 40 plus years later. In fact I remember this whole Baguio trip distinctly - even more than I wrote in this diary. Baguio was always a special place to me.) The sky was a lovely rosy-navy blue and the moonbeams cast a silvery sheen on everything around us. Tito Ben took us to Mine View Park and there we saw all the mountains and valleys with the gold mines all bathed in the silvery reflection of the moon. I wished Morris had been with me to see it. We later stopped at the Country Club for a minute and I saw and said hello to Mari Valles’s mother. I’ll never forget this lovely night as long as I live. (And, I never have - it was a lovely moment in time of my life.) Morris is such a dear!



April 21 - Monday - Baguio

I talked with Morris over the phone for a long time and we had a pleasant delightful chat. He’s so funny at times yet so sensible. He’s got a pretty good philosophy of life. I like him for his sense of humor, good manners (especially concerning my mother), he keeps his word, so far. He’s got his faults too but why mention the dreary things of life. This afternoon, the French Ambassador had lunch with us and then Mom and I went to look for Tita Lolita at their house and at the Country Club but no sign of them. Later this afternoon the phone rang and it was Lita saying that they were leaving tomorrow for Manila and that she wanted her sweater back. Finally, we decided to have her come for it tomorrow. While we were talking about the sweater, her voice still had that cold, impersonal note and it makes me so sad to hear her talk like that. I like Lita too much. I later spoke to Mercy who I missed. She said Maricar is here with the Whirlpools and Peps and that Lita spent time with Peps and Maricar. When I teasingly told Mercy to ask Maricar if I could join them, I hear a burst of laughter from Lita and Maricar in the background and Maricar tells me “Quedate con tu Morris.” This hurt me immensely. I can just imagine what they must think. Well, my conscience is quite clear and if Lita wants to make a big production out of nothing that’s her business. I, for one, think its all pretty silly. I like Lita a lot and I don’t want something as absurd as this to end our friendship.



May 22 - Tuesday - Baguio

Mom and I went to Sky View to say goodbye to the girls and Tita Lol and give Lita back her sweater. Mercy could not stay with me because she already had gotten her ticket. Lita was not cool and impersonal anymore yet there was still something going on. We bought Katrina a hair band and I saw Vicky Perez. This noon, we ate at Tita Bombona’s home with the French embassador and I never ate such a delicious and lovely lunch with such good wine. It was marvelous as Tita Bombona cooks superbly. I went to the Country Club and I spent the time with Pinky Winternitz, Rosarie, Nena, Ricky Ismael and others. Maricar came we arrived and we spent the afternoon talking about Maricar’s favorite topic Tony Ortigas. She still loves him a lot although she is at present preoccupied with Freddy Franco. I spoke with Morris over the phone tonight and he said that Lita told Vicky when inquiring about Morris over the phone tonight - “Guess whose got him now?” Nasty remarks like that really burn me up. (Heck, I’m amazed anyone at that time ever thought I “got” anyone!”) In the first place, I haven’t “got” Morris and we are just good friends so why does everyone keep trying to make it something nasty when its so innocent?! (Now, these many, many years later, I tend to think that when my friends were going “steady” with a guy then, that a little more went on than a mere holding of hands (and this is only an assumption since no one has ever confessed to me, to this day, that it went any further), which is as far as I went, and not even that. I was the original Miss Prim and Proper so I guess everyone thought that Morris’s attentions extended to more than a drive around Baguio. If they had known my mother (and they did), they’d realize that I wouldn’t have dared anything else. My mind truly never went beyond that Invisible Line that Mom and the nuns had indelibly seared in my chaste little soul.) I think everyone is going to make suffer for the attention Morris has given me and vice versa. My only hope is that Morris is not being “nice” to me to get back at Lita. I am now in a hurry to get to Manila to quell rumors that aren’t true but I don’t think I am going to be able to change anyone’s mind if they think the worse. Whatever the worse is???



May 23 - Wednesday

I went with Maricar and Vicky to the market where Maricar bought a rind and I bought ciriguelas. I mailed a letter to Mercy at the Post Office this afternoon. Mom went to play mah-jong at the Prieto house and I stayed home. This evening my hair was at its best. Not one visible pimple on my face and I didn’t have too much make up on yet my face looked perfect. Despite all that I didn’t make it to Susie’s play because Mom came back too late and there was no one who could take me. I told Morris I would be going with my Mom and aunt so I couldn’t ask him to take me at such late notice. What really burned me up is that I looked so good and had no where to go. Story of my life. I prayed the rosary with Carmita’s little girls tonight.





May 24 - Thursday - Baguio

Morris called this morning at 10:30 inviting me to have lunch at his home but I told him I couldn’t go so he told me he’d call back this afternoon. Maricar called up asking me what I was going to do and I told her I had nothing to do so she said she was going to the Country Club. Morris called up inviting me to a movie but Mom didn’t let me go (See what I mean? My mother kept me on a very, very short, tight leash!) So, he said he’d call back again. He finally called back and said he was coming over for a while so we could be together and chat. I was so nervous and happy at the thought of seeing him. He came with Sonny and we sat in Tita Trining’s second floor sala. Tonight, I like him more than I ever have. Tomorrow he leaves for Manila with Sonny and I’d give anything to go back to Manila too. I miss the gang terribly but its not going to be quite the same, for many reasons. I think I may be a little in love with him. Hey, just noticed today is Thursday!



May 25 - Friday - Baguio

I miss Morris already. Funny how you get to like someone yet don’t realize it until that person is gone. I’m so glad I’m leaving for Manila on Sunday. I only wish I could take Baguio’s climate with me because they say Manila is sizzling hot. I went to see “King of Kings” with Mom and Georgina this afternoon. The picture was nice but I wasn’t completely convinced with Jeffrey Hunter’s portrayal of Jesus. I miss the gang and Morris.



May 26 - Saturday - Baguio

Well, this is my last night in Baguio. I’m so sad and even a little misty-eyed at the thought of leaving. I’m leaving a lovely city, a beautiful climate, this friendly Legarda home, the sweet little girls - Katrin, Terelen, Paypay, and my darling Rosemarie, whom I adore. I will miss the rosary sessions and the memory of 3 lovely weeks with a guy who was very nice and wonderful to me. Here I feel at peace with the world with no worries and cares. Now I have to go back to the heat and Manila. I WILL return here soon if it kills me. I’m listening to Joni James sing “There Must Be A Way” on the radio. I finally won Rosemarie over and she gave me a package of M&M’s. Beniting and I went to see the Barangay Dance Troup at St. Louis School this evening. It was very entertaining. I wonder what the gang is doing? They’re playing Morris’s favorite “I’ll Be Seeing You” over the radio. I miss him terribly and I feel so sad tonight. I sure will miss the little girls.



May 27 - Sunday

Phew, here I am back home in hot Manila. I miss Baguio already especially that lovely weather, clean air, uncrowded streets and generally peaceful atmosphere. I talked to Mercy mostly about Morris and Lita. She made me realize I was being pretty snobbish and Lita is very sensitive. So I guess I didn’t think very clearly and took the chance that Morris was attentive to me and I hurt Lita without really meaning to. But I miss Morris and he was so wonderful and its all so complicated. Sometimes I hope I never see him again so no more heartaches either for me or Lita. Oh, that Morris! (I may find out differently as I continue this but I think I get my wish - I really don’t see him again.....) I spoke to Lita also and she has a lot to tell me tomorrow at the ANC. She said she saw Morris yesterday in his car. I received letters from Cosme and my uncle Carlos. Cosme is still his very wonderful old self. I wish he were here. I like the way he ended the letter - “To the small girl with the pretty eyes, I bid goodbye ‘till soon.” Wasn’t that sweet of him?! (Actually, it was. Cosme was always good with words - in my “slam” book in 1960, he wrote - “Lea, you are the salt of the earth” - What he meant at the time, I don’t know, but I liked it.)





May 28 - Monday

Dad and I picked up Mercy and he dropped us off at the ANC. Arno, Belen, Jose Luis, Javi and Gerardo were there. Lita must have told Arno about Morris and me because he was a little cold and not his old teasing self and making it a point to direct most of his conversation to Lita. Later, the subject of Baguio came up and that unpleasantness came up again but it passed. I like Arno so much so it makes me so mad that he’s reacting this way but what can I do? Mercy ate lunch with me and Dad brought us back to the ANC at 3 pm. Lita, Luli, Luz, Mercy and I were sitting together. Ramon, Gerardo, Nacho, Javi etc. were there too. I later went to Mercy’s house and we had a long chat about Morris and Mitch. Despite all our differences in opinion, Mercy is still my best friend. I’ve gone through all of my teen years with her and we’ve shared many experiences together. I like her very much. Honey was simply irresistible tonight and there are moments when I feel like throwing my arms around him and kissing him. (Gosh, I’ve never WRITTEN that down about anyone else! Anyway, now, a zillion life times later, Honey Muniosguren was, is and always will be my real first love and, more importantly, a constant and true friend.) I saw Fr. Reuter and Joe Avelino on TV tonight.

May 4 - 17, 1962

May 4 - Friday


I went to the ANC after Aguinaldo’s. Mari and Tony Olbes were there with Arno. This afternoon, I was with Mary Ann Ojeda, Lesley, Monchu and Yan. I went to Mercy’s house and then we went together to the bus terminal for Baguio. The bus ride was very pleasant and we arrived in Baguio at 5 AM in the morning.



May 5 - Saturday - Baguio

This morning we went to Camp John Hay and ate something at the 19th Tee and later to the Country Club. We bowled and then went home for lunch. After lunch, we slept a siesta and I got dressed to go to the Country Club. I told Lita I had the feeling Morris would be there and he was!! I think he’s awfully nice and he was awfully nice to me and that’s all I’m saying.



May 6 - Sunday - Baguio

We went to Mass at 10 at the Cathedral and we walked to the Country Club afterwards. There were many people there. While we were eating Morris came and my heart skipped a little beat. We ate a lovely and delicious lunch. After lunch we played “Charades” with Patsy Davis, Irene D., and Cookie Olondriz. When we finished they left and we just sat and talked - Lita, Monchu, Bobby Delgado, and I. Bobby is very nice. He left for Manila and is returning next weekend. Lita, Monchu, Yan and I played bowling again and then Morris came with Sonny and two very nice guys named Steve and Bruce. After playing bowling, we went all went with them to Camp John Hay to have a snack. Afterwards we went to Morris’s house and later he brought us home. I hope I don’t fall for Morris. He’s so nice and so much fun.





May 7 - Monday - Baguio

I think I’m getting a terrific liking for Morris. This morning he came at 11 with Steve and stayed for an hour. This afternoon, he came with us to Burnham Park and he gave me a ride on a scooter. Then he took Lita.



May 8 - Tuesday - Baguio

This morning we went to the Country Club at 11 and we stayed there the whole day. I think Luis Pertierra is the sweetest, nicest person around. He was with Marybeth Lopez but they’re just friends - she’s getting married. ( And there’s a lady with a story that some years later I would feel connected to in a way and even more years later, would create a scandal that would rock Manila!) Morris arrived a bit later. Baguio is wonderful and so is Luis. (Luis was and will always be to me, a sweet, truly nice guy.)



May 9 - Wednesday - Baguio

We washed our clothes this morning and this afternoon we went to the Country Club. Luis Pertierra, Vicky, Patsy, Cookie etc. were there. Luis is so sweet. He came to talk to me and when he left he said goodbye. Morris came by the house after supper. We played Black Jack. It seems he doesn’t like Lita and Lita is beginning to hate him.



May 10 - Thursday - Baguio

This past days I’ve been very brief in my diary but tonight I think I will elaborate (Oh, no, no, not elaborate, Lea!) Maricar is so very nice and I’m sorry I didn’t like her that much before. We had such a riotous time washing our clothes and cleaning etc. Yan is so nice and everyone else is so nice except Chiqui and Albert who can truly get on my nerves. This morning Morris came by at around 9 to talk to Yan and stayed for an hour. He said he’d meet us at Burnham Park. Maricar and I shared a little car. Later Morris took me for a ride on his scooter and we rode outside of the park. It was so much fun. We came back to the house for lunch and then went to the market and the St. Louis School. This afternoon we went to see “Sargent Three” after getting caught in the rain. The movie starred Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Peter Lawford. It was a riot. Yan called Morris and later he talked to me. He says he’ll bring me my brush tomorrow. (Where did I leave it?!!!!) We also hope to go to the Country Club. (I guess we just changed the ANC for the Baguio Country Club and that’s why I never belonged to a club again after I left Manila!)



May 11 - Friday - Baguio

This morning Morris came to the house at about 10 and we talked about half an hour on the porch. Then we went and dropped Tita Lol and Mom at the Vallejo Hotel and we went back for Lita and Margie. Morris offered them a ride but they refused. (Duh!) Morris returned the car to his father and we went walking through Session Road. Morris invited me to have lunch at his home but Mom wouldn’t let me go. So we walked to his home and there, we listened to records and told stories and jokes. (And how is the latter different from having lunch? Or did I just disobey my mother???) He drove me home at 12:30. It was a very pleasant morning. This afternoon we all went to the Country Club and there we had the dreamy guys play and they played quite well. (I’m assuming, I was talking about playing bowling.) Ditos Reynoso danced with me and it was ok. Later Morris came and took Lita, Margie (aka Maricar) and I to Camp John Hay and there we tried calling Manila but didn’t succeed. We went back to the Country Club and Morris and sat apart and had some sodas. He is so very nice to me. I thought maybe he’s giving me the same pitch he gave Lita and Ditas. Finally, Mom called me to join the others and Morris said goodbye to Mom and he left. Later we square danced and sang. Patsy Davis and Chiqui won the twist contests and they get a free dinner tomorrow. We miss Yan. Morris told me he might come tomorrow at 9 but wasn’t sure. One thing I noticed is that Morris and I understand each other pretty well. We anticipate each others thoughts. He’s so very, very nice and its confusing me.



May 12 - Saturday - Baguio

This morning we did not have any water. This afternoon George Gallent came by and brought us to the Country Club. We square danced and I met Stevie Osmena. Luisito Campos asked me if I had seen Morris or Sonny because he was supposed to meet them at the club. Morris is so considerate and nice. I don’t know if he was at the foot of the stairs this morning like he said he would be but I couldn’t meet him like he wanted me to. He also asked me to call him up but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I missed him today but that’s life. I had a wonderful day yesterday because I spent three quarters of it with him. I know Lita is hurt and angry with me and I can just imagine what they are saying about me behind my back. Is it worth it all?! (Well, it was the first time that a guy was paying attention to ME, so, no wonder I thru caution and friendship to the wind. Not a great move but understandable in my teenage mind.)



May 13 - Sunday - Baguio

I had a horrible evening last night. It must have been something I ate and I have awful nausea. We spent the day at the Country Club (But, obviously, nothing keeps me from the clubs!) I went with Margie shopping this afternoon and later they went to see “The Innocent” and I stayed at the Country Club because I was not feeling well. (Yeah, right, Lea) We square danced (ya see?!) and Luis Pertierra I believe was keeping an eye on Mercy. I haven’t seen or heard from Morris since Friday. He did tell me he would not see me for 2 or 3 days and when the clouds clear to call him up, but??? I miss him terribly. We still haven’t any water and everything stinks in the house. The flies fly around in swarms and my stomach still feels awful and I feel dizzy. Last night I overheard Lita, Maricar and Mercy talking about Morris. Lita called Morris a coward for some reason or another and I think they said something about me. I had the terrific temptation to continue listening but forced myself to go back in my room. I hope I see Morris tomorrow but doubt it. Tomorrow, Mom and I move into Tita Trining’s house on Legarda Road.



May 14 - Monday - Baguio

Tita Trining picked us up at 11 and we drove to her lovely house. It’s so nice here and comfortable with soft beds and clear running water and NO FLIES! It feels just like home. I bathed and slept a siesta this afternoon. Then I went to see “A Majority of One” with Mom and Tita Trining starring Alec Guinness and Rosaline Russell. Very entertaining. I almost called Morris this evening but got cold feet again. Tomorrow I intend to return his flamenco records. I want to see him so badly.



May 15 - Tuesday - Baguio

Well I didn’t have the nerve to return the records. The more days that go by without my seeing him the more I want to see him. He’s been the only guy I’ve really enjoyed being with. I went shopping this morning and this afternoon I went to the Country Club. Patsy Davis, her mother, sister and I went to Brent looking for Roy McDonald. We didn’t find him. (I’m feeling much better this afternoon). We met Lita, Maricar and Mercy and the Sarthous at the Country Club. Lita was silent and didn’t say a word to me. If I spoke to her, she’d answer politely but said nothing more. I don’t know what she’s got against me? (I could say at this point that it was a great bit of acting on my part but since I remember all this episode of Baguio clearly, I REALLY DIDN’T GET IT!) If she thinks Morris like me - my eye! (And I really didn’t see that it wasn’t about him, but about ME getting the attention from Morris and me responding, and to top it all, I moved to the Legarda house, away from the chaos of the house they were staying in.) And I never said anything bad to Morris about Lita. All this mess for nothing really. (And it was nothing, really. I would question Morris about the nothing 4 dozen years later...) We went back to Brent with Mrs. Davis and said goodbye to Roy McDonald who is a doll. (Again, another guy who I am clueless as to who he was.) They brought me home.



May 16 - Wednesday - Baguio

This morning I wasn’t in a very good mood. Mom was in a nagging mood and I was under some dark cloud. We went to Session Road and there we met Tita Lol who gave me a letter from Yan and Luli. This lifted my spirits up considerably. Luli writes a delightful letter and Yan a very sweet one. Luli seems to be having a ball in Manila. She’s seen all her crushes plus mine too like Mitch, Carlos and Arno. This afternoon, Mercy and Maricar came to the house and we went to the Country Club. Lita is still very aloof with me and this gets sillier every day. You’d think Morris and I blackened her reputation or something and I haven’t even seen him since last Friday. Pinky Wintermitt is very silly. I prayed the rosary with Mom, Tita Trining and her sweet little granddaughters. It was lovely to watch them say the rosary, so little...My head was splitting and my stomach is still woozy. I wish Lita would melt a little and come of that pedestal she’s on. I wonder what she tells Luli about me in her letters.



May 17 - Thursday - Baguio

It’s funny how yesterday when I finished writing I saw that I met Morris on a Thursday and it would be nice that I could see him today. Well some little angel must’ve been paying attention because this morning at 10 he called up here. He had gone over to the Sarthous and asked for me (and I can just imagine they’re reaction) and they told him that I was here at the Legarda’s. We talked for about half an hour. This evening he called back at 6:30 and we talked again. Maricar’s brothers, it seems had an accident and I don’t know what happened. Anyway, I’m to meet Morris at his house tomorrow to return the records. I hope I’ll be able to see him and Mom doesn’t object!! I dreamt of Arno last night?!

April 25 - May 3, 1962

April 25 - Wednesday


Mercy picked me up at 2:30 pm and went to the ANC. We were disappointed to find Yan not there. We just talked with Luli and Lita a while. We had lunch and suddenly I see Yan go into the Teen Den. I told Mercy and we went to see for sure. It was him.



April 26 - Thursday

Mercy, Chiqui and Albert with Tito Ramon picked me up at 7:30 am to go to the ANC. There was no one there until 10:30 when Jose Luis Marti arrived. Yan arrived at around 11. He paid for my cinnamon toast order. Arno was there too with the bad news that he failed. He and Carlos can shake hands. Carlos is finally getting his wish for studying at the American School this June. Marina said she ran into him at the Polo Club this morning. Big deal! (I was such a fake!) He can go study with every single girl at the AS, marry Lorraine and drop dead. No skin of my nose! Mercy ate lunch with me and she, Mom and Dad are fighting with me about having my hair cut. I don’t want to, but....We went back to the ANC at 3 pm. Arno, Luli, Lita, Chiqui and Albert played Monopoly and Mercy and I just talked. I was so disappointed when Yan didn’t show. He’s so much fun. Arno is nuts!



April 27 - Friday

I woke feeling terrible this morning. My nose was clogged up and my head felt as if I had 3 tons of sand in it. I helped Mom cook lunch and then I slept a siesta or at least tried to. My head was splitting and my temperature was 37 plus degrees C. Finally I took a Cortal and that was the magic wand. I felt 100% better. I talked to Mercy over the phone and Yan and Mitch were at the ANC this morning. I hope they are there tomorrow. The PAN AM plane that Mitch’s parents were on crash landed on its way in from Hong Kong but no one was hurt. Mommy went to play mah-jong at Tita Lol’s house this evening. “Bonanza” was fun to watch - “The Honor of Cochise.” Nadia is leaving for Hong Kong shortly and I think Mitch is going with her but he’s coming back - alone. She’s staying there for 2 years. Poor Mitch.



April 28 - Saturday

I didn’t sleep to well last night but I washed my hair this morning. This afternoon I went to the Desiree Beauty Parlor with Tita Lol and Mercy and had my mass of hair, which was almost to my shoulders, cut. It didn’t turn out too bad. Phew! We went to the ANC this afternoon and later were disappointed to learn that Yan had just left for the movie with Leslie Suter and Monchu. This evening I had supper at Mercy’s house. Muneca Lebrun was there. She’s awfully nice.



April 29 - Sunday

Every time I use my pique sheath dress something pleasant happens - I guess its my lucky dress! I went to Mass at 11 at Ermita and to the ANC later, as usual. The first thing Arno tells me is that he’s broken with Beli!! I nearly hit the ceiling. I am so happy. This is awful I know but at least when I’m flirting with Arno I won’t feel guilty about Beli. I had lunch at the ANC and while I was eating Mitch and Yan arrived and Mitch gave me one of his devastating smiles. (I guess I can be bought with a “devastating smile” - Carlos, Mitch, Bill....) Luli picked up at 1:30 to go to the Rizal to see “State Fair” starring Pat Boone, Bobby Darrin, Anne Margaret and Pamela Tiffin. Mitch is the image of Bobby Darrin. The way he walks, talks, smiles, etc. As we walked in the movie, I looked at one of the doors in the lobby and who should be standing there but Carlos! He looked so, so wonderful! He makes me dissolve inside. As we walked up the stairs, I could feel his eyes boring into my back. Once during the movies, I saw him get up and walk out and my heart went out with him. When the movie was over, as we walked out and waited for Luli’s car, Carlos walks out. All those silly things began to happen to me again and its pitiful. He just stood some feet behind us with Mari Duarte (or was it Rafy?) and laughed (a little too loudly I think to attract attention). I turned around and he waved and smiled hello and for a minute I couldn’t even breathe! Finally Luli’s car arrived and we left. We went back to the ANC but Arno, Yan and Mitch had left. Darned! Bomber and I exchanged looks and Luli was in a cloud. Mercy didn’t seem to be in a very good mood and I think she was a little sore at me. Anyway, Carlos and Mitch are all jumbled up in my mind...



April 30 - Monday

My mother makes me so mad at times! You’d think she could wait a minute to say prayers so I could hear “Goodnight My Love.” (This is the dumbest and silliest sentence and sentiment that I’ve ever written - ever! I’m almost embarrassed that I was such a spoiled brat. I feel like to omit it but then it wouldn’t be honest....my poor mother...) Honestly, my mother is entirely too possessive. I can’t take a step before she wonders what I’m doing. I pity anyone who ever marries me. He’ll have to give her an autobiography of himself before he gets within 10 feet of me. Oh, how I wish I could find someone to love. Somebody I could tell all my troubles too, laugh with, cry with and someone who cares about my feelings....I wish Mom wouldn’t go to Baguio with me. I want to be on my own for a while without having someone looking over my shoulder all the time. I can just see Mom watching my every step while I’m up there. (This is probably the most nostalgic, heartbreaking, entry I’ve transcribed so far. I guess because I’m reading this 40 years later and I know how different my life turned out than I thought it would or dreamed it would be. I also realize how little I appreciated my parents, especially my mother, and how self-involved teenagers are. We all did learn that the world didn’t revolve around us, didn’t we?!) I went to the ANC and spent the whole day there. No one interesting was there this morning. I was with Arno for a while then Chiqui Ramirez, Margie and Marina. This afternoon Yan came and I was glad to see him though I wished that Mitch had been with him. It seems he and Nadia are pretty serious. Nacho didn’t recognize me with my short hair. He liked it too. Margie said that Arno did too. I had lunch with Monchu and Leslie. Mercy and company came this afternoon and they played Monopoly. Yan is going up to Baguio with us. Lita went to Dita Hagedorn’s and Margie Santamaria’s party tonight. I was invited but Mom didn’t let me go. My pimples are bugging me again and no Mennen ACB. I am so lonely.



May 1 - Tuesday

I think I’m falling for Mitch Schlachterman and heading for yet another heartache. Tonight at Bingo, Yan, Luli, Lita, Arno, Mitch and Nadia sat together. (And I go on a bit about Mitch here, so again, I will spare myself and whoever reads this.) Jeanne McElroy was at the ANC this afternoon. Tomorrow I am going to Sangley with her and Paula Henriks. Pichuco’s mother died last night and Mom and I went to the church where she is lying this morning. It was so sad to see Pilina, Pichuco, Jaime and their father look so devastated. Tomorrow we are going to the funeral.



May 2 - Wednesday

Stupid me! I missed the last boat to Sangley this morning. I was so mad at myself so I sat and chatted with Gerardo Lanuza. I almost forgot to mention the funeral of Teresa Berenguer. It was the most touching, tender and sad funerals I have ever been to. Pilina was completely devastated and poor Jaime was in tears too and Pichuco and his father looked grim and silent. Pichuco wore a gray suit and he looked so different than the teenager we know. Everyone was crying. Mom went to the funeral and she said it was terribly sad and moving. Marina was nasty this morning and made a crack about Pichuco’s suit being borrowed. She makes me so mad at Luli was livid at her! I had lunch at the ANC and there were many Navy ships in the bay again and a lot of good looking officers milling around the ANC. (To think that its very likely that two of those men milling around there would feature prominently in my life - one would be my “significant other” for almost 9 years, and the other is now president of Polytechnic University, where I’ve worked for the past 22 and a half years!) I was with Yan this afternoon and it seems he once had a crush on Ditas Hagedorn. Jeanne, Paula, Lita and I went to the Taza de Oro for merienda. Some nice looking sailor types talked to us and then Lit and I went back to the ANC. This evening I went to Ramon Faustman’s house. (I wish I mentioned herein why?? Probably to accompany my mother.)



May 3 - Thursday

Sigh, what a day. I did nothing this morning except cook a little and listened to Connie Francis “Someone Else’s Boy” for the zillionth time. This afternoon Albert calls up to tell me that Carlos would be at the ANC. From then on, my hands were trembling even as I ate lunch. When I got to the ANC Yan was in the Sunset Lounge with Monchu. I sat with them. Then Carlos, Arno, Eddie, etc. came up to the Sunset Lounge. Carlos just smiled at me and I smiled back and surprised everyone, even me, by acting like I wasn’t in the least bit interested in him but as he walked into the Sunset Lounge my heart felt so tight and it was beating so fast I thought I would burst. Anyway, he just looked at me twice and then promptly forgot I existed. (If Carlos knew then how much he made my teenage heart suffer so!!) I like Mitch and Carlos I think equally but at least Mitch speaks to me and teases me and knows I’m alive! Jeanne is such a darling, she’s going to lend me a darling blouse for me to take to Baguio. This is not the reason I like her. It’s just that she’s so sunny and friendly. There’s always a smile on her face and never a frown on her brow. There should be more people like her in the world - it would be a much nicer place. Bought a lovely blue sweater from Tito Ramon this evening. (I bought a sweater from Tito Ramon?!!?? Tito Ramon Sarthou sold sweaters?!) Tomorrow at midnight, we leave for Baguio, at last!!

April 17 - 24, 1962

April 17 - Tuesday


I washed my hair this morning and this afternoon, after lunch, I went to Mercy’s house. Mercy, Honey, Chiqui and Albert were playing mah-jong. I read some movie magazines. We went to Bingo this evening and Arno and Pichuco were there with Luli and Lita. Arno says that Carlos seemed pretty frustrated with life when he talks to him. Aren’t we all though? Lita was pretty broken up tonight because she found out that Morris has been “making a fool of her.” My opinion of Morris is pretty rotten now. Anyone who does such a rotten thing to Lita isn’t worth anything much anyway. Arno had to bring her home during the Bingo intermission because Lit was on the verge of tears. Albert won 50 bucks! Lucky him. I got Carlos’s signature (finally) from the scoring notebook of the Charades game we played last Friday at Mercy’s house. Pimples are giving me problems again. I hope I can find that medicine from Mennen that keeps them at bay.



April 18 - Wednesday

I went to the ANC this morning to make a phone call for Dad since our telephone was out of order. Mercy an co. were there. Marina and I wore our denim skirts. Later, Mercy and I sat with Arno and his mother. I had lunch at Mercy’s house and then we returned to the ANC and we all sat by the swimming pool. Later on Maricar arrived and we went to Dairy Queen since Albert wanted to treat us. Arno played “Little Girl Blue” on the jukebox and I played “Only the Lonely.” There are times when I like Arno terrifically and there are times when I wish Beli would hurry back from Baguio so I wouldn’t have to see him so often. I went to Mercy’s house this evening and she and I had a heart to heart talk about my favorite subject - Carlos Garcia, and Lita, Arno, Morris, Cosme and whatever else. The more I talk about Carlos, the crazier I am about him and the less I know he care about me. Mercy and I were also discussing Chiqui Ramirez and Margie and how Margie can be so completely hypnotized by him. Mercy and I may fight but we understand each other in our own way better than anyone else. Arno can make me feel so wonderful and so mad at times, but Carlos is the only one for me!



April 19 - Holy Thursday

I stayed home this morning and slept a siesta this afternoon. At 6, Mom and Dad and I went to San Agustin Church for Mass. Dad did the Stations of the Cross and went to confession and communion. Later we went to the ANC and Lita, Luli and Jeanne were there. Also there were swarms of handsome young officers since there are 6 destroyers and one carrier in the bay. Lita and Luli told me that Pichuco and Arno had a grand fight with them since they were in a teasing mood. If Beli could see Arno now - hah! Mitch, Yan and Honey were there all day too.



April 20 - Good Friday

Mom and I went to the Ateneo Chapel and St. Paul’s Chapel this morning. Then we went to Luli’s house and Mom stayed there. Luli and I went to the ANC. Pichuco and Arno were there and they took my graduation ring and refused to give it back until this afternoon. Nena was there this afternoon. Later we all went to Dairy Queen (not Nena). We returned to the ANC and played “Monopoly.” Luli and I had a girl to girl chat this evening and I learned that she was kissed in the lips by Angel (Carlos’s cousin)!!! Ring a ding ding. That leaves Mercy and I - sweet 18 (almost) and never been kissed. Dad and I are on very good terms these days as well as Mommy. The three of us enjoy our time together very much. When Arno held my hand when we were horsing around about my ring, my pulses raced a bit but I can imagine if it had been Carlos. Just the mere thought of it....sigh..... Jeanne called me up to say goodbye because she’s going to ???? for a few weeks. Nena is worried because both Josin Loinaz and Manda Elizalde are both up in Baguio



April 21 - Saturday

It’s been quite a Saturday. I went to the ANC early this morning and I had my breakfast there. Later, Pichuco joined me, Lita and Nena by the swimming pool. Arno arrived at about 11 and he looked good today. After lunch we played Monopoly again. The Muniosgurens and the Sarthous came and they decided to play mah-jong. I listened to the radio a while and later I sat beside Honey and watched him play. After this, us girls, Luli, Lita, Mercy, Marina, Muneca and I sat in the Sunset Lounge and ogled all the navy officers around the place. One young man passed by our table and he took my breath away. He had a shock of wavy black hair and thick black eyebrows and eyes. He passed by us 3 times! We went back to the Teen Den when the officers left. Mitch was there with Nadia. Mercy and I were chatting together when Yan joined us and we decided to play Charades. Mitch, Honey, Lita and Luli and Nadia joined us later. It was a lot of fun. Mitch is so cool...he took Nadia home in a lovely, blue Impala. Funny, not once today did I think about Carlos (except now, I guess). First time in months. Fritz Infante called me this evening and asked me something concerning Magu. I think Fritz is one of the finest boys I have met. Since he trusts me, I won’t break his confidence. This is awful of me but I hope he says goodby to Magu. I saw Cecilot Guidote, Fr. Reuter, Joe Avelino (sigh), and Maribel Carceller on TV tonight. They were all performing in a play (some dramatic story) and Cecilot is a great actress and Joe Avelino is simply adorable. Oh well, lucky Maritoni. Dad was in a black mood this evening, thus Mom and I were also in a black mood. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday - hope it’s a nice one.



April 22 - Easter Sunday

I wasn’t in a very good mood after Mass and Communion this morning. Luli sat with Mom and I while we ate breakfast. Later Mercy came with Chiqui and Albert. When Luli and Marina left, Mercy and I sat with Arno and Pichuco in the Sunset Lounge. We had lunch in the Dining room and after lunch we met Arno, Yan, Pichuco in the Teen Den. Jan took us to the Filipinas Hotel for a few minutes because she had to talk to an officer she met. When Arno found out we were going he gave me a I-don’t-think-you-ought-to-go look which I completely ignored and Mercy and I went anyway. I won’t forget the way Arno looked (Arno was probably right. Wasn’t the Filipinas Hotel then one of dubious reputation? Where in the heck was it located anyway. On the Boulevard?) at me when I went out the door. We came back right away, anyway and Yan, Arno, Honey and Chiqui were about to play mah-jong. Yan asked me to sit by him and I held his chips for him. Yan won 2 bucks. Mitch came in while we were playing and Mercy gave me a look. Spik Loinaz, of all people, was there this afternoon with Charlie Armstrong. Lita and I sat together in the Sunset Lounge. Spik glanced up at our direction when he passed by. We played Charades with Yan, Honey, Mercy, Lita, Luli, etc. Later Arno joined us. I think I flirted with him for a moment or two and vice versa. Beli would’ve murdered me, or Arno? Mitch brought us home. Mercy and I couldn’t take our eyes off him, he is something. Yan is so sweet and nice too. Today, I wouldn’t have given 2 hoots if Carlos married Lorraine Andrews! (Lorraine Andrews, too??!!)



April 23 - Monday

Well, this afternoon and evening I found out there are other people in the world besides Carlos and Arno, namely Mitch Schlachterman. (If Mitch ever reads this, he will have a good laugh.)This evening when Luli left and everyone else, too I was with Yan and Honey when Mitch came to pick Honey and Yan up. Mitch sat with us and I just enjoyed his company sooooo much! He’s so much fun and he’s got the same quick laugh and wonderful wit and sense of humor as Carlos and Morris. (Oh, geeez!). Mitch was wearing Bermuda shorts, a white t-shirt and a straw hat. He was in a great mood and we all had such a good time. Cynthia Carreon and Maricar Beliso and Freddy Franco were all the ANC too. Honey was in his good mood and just wonderful. He and Mercy had a fight when we played charades. Our team won - Honey, Marina, Belen and I! There are about a dozen destroyers and 2 carriers in the Bay and they sat that by May 2, there will be 50 ships in the Bay. Golly, is that the whole Pacific fleet?! All those men! Tomorrow Jan is taking a group of us girls out to see the USS Pine Island. I don’t know whether to go or not.



April 24 - Tuesday

Linda Villavicencio called up at 8:30 this am asking if I was going to St. Pauls to give the contribution they are having for the Class of ‘62 on Sunday. When I told her I couldn’t go and I didn’t have the five bucks she game some jazz about being proud?! This morning I helped Daddy sort out some papers and later I went to the ANC. I had lunch with Marina there. The usual people were there this afternoon. Tita Carmen Marti is such a nice lady. I like her so much. We played Charades - Yan, Mercy and I against Luli, Albert and Chiqui. Yan brought us home at 6 in his car. Mom and I went to Bingo. Luli, Mercy, Lita and I sat with Yan at the big center table in the middle of the room. Luli, Lita and Yan won. Mercy and I got left out in the cold. No luck. And I sure need the money for Baguio so badly. After Bingo, Yan drove Mercy, Margie, Lita and I to the Aristocrat for a snack. We had a wonderful time, laughing and giggling and eating pancit. Yan is a darling. He’s so polite and generous too. Tomorrow we hope to go to see “State Fair” at the Ever.

April 9 - 16, 1962

April 9 - Monday


I stayed home this morning and washed my hair. This afternoon, Lita picked me up and all the gang including Honey went to the Casino to bowl. My average score is a measly 75! Honey is being such a doll. I nearly died when they told me Carlos was at Mercy’s house this morning with his aunt. They were there to pick up Tita Lol who then had lunch at his house. Anyway, it seems they are sending Carlos to school in Cagayan de Oro this June. Poor guy but at least he’ll be away from all those girls (I think and hope). After the Casino, we all came home and danced a while and played “Gallina Ciega.” Lita keeps talking about Morris. It’s been a nice afternoon especially since Honey is being so nice and so much fun.



April 10 - Tuesday

They are paving our street and there is so much dust around you practically can eat it. I went to the ANC this afternoon. Mitch was there. Later, Chiqui S. tells me that Tita Marina and Carlos might go to Baguio. This is just too much! I can’t even contemplate this. Went to Bingo with the gang. I made friends with Yan - Mitch’s brother. I’m rushing this entry because Mom tells me to turn off the light.



April 11 - Wednesday

I felt real industrious this morning so I washed my sweater and bra. Cooked the noon day meal and baked a cake. This afternoon I picked Luli up and we went to the ANC. The Sarthous, Mercy, Margie and Arno were there. Later we went bowling to the Casino and as usual, my bowling was awful. Arno is one person who completely baffles me. He and Honey are the 2 people who I can never really figure out. I pride myself of being a pretty good judge of people but I simply cannot make hear nor tail of those two. I never know whether they like me or not at all. I went to Mercy’s house for a while this evening.



April 12 - Thursday

Its been a very nice day. This morning I went to the ANC. The usual gang was there including Cynthia Carreon. We had lunch there and Mitch, Nadia and Ian were there too. Leslie is leaving for the States today - forever! Yipee. This afternoon, Honey, George, Mitch and I played tennis. Paul was trying unsuccessfully to make me mad with the help of Lita who poured a glass of water down my blouse. All because Paul and I teased her about Morris. I had a delightful chat with Yan and found out he goes to Hong Kong as a substitute for Baguio; has been to Tokyo ten times and Rome 3 times! Some people are so lucky. (Not so, really. A couple of years later, Yan will die suddenly, too young, of a heart attack.) Well, tomorrow is Friday the 13th and Tita Lol’s feast day. Also we are all going to dinner at Mercy’s house and Tita Marina promises to bring Carlos - hah! This I have to see to believe. Mitch and Nadia were very cosy in the swimming pool. Marina brought me and Nacho home.



April 13 - Friday

I went to the dressmakers with Mom and then we went to the ANC for lunch. Mercy and company were just leaving. I spent the whole afternoon with Jan Stachan at the swimming pool trying to get a tan. This evening I went to Mercy’s house to celebrate Tita Lolita’s feast day. Carlos arrived while we were playing Charades. For a few minutes my hands were trembling so much I couldn’t hold my glass. Later, when we were playing and he called me to give me to give me the name of a song, I was so near him I felt like I was crumbling up inside. (Good grief, girl. Here was my first chance in 2 years to be talking and interacting with this guy who has been the object of my every girlish desire and I act like a complete fool!) It seems, or he said, he likes American girls because they don’t take things seriously (Translation: they were“easy” in 1962 parlance.). He also likes girls who are about 5'2" or 5'3" and that they have nice eyes. When he said that, there was this awful silence and everyone gave me a sidelong glance and I turned three shades of red. He kept talking about short blond hair and nice eyes all night.



April 14 - Saturday

I went to the ANC this morning and almost the whole gang was there. I got a letter from Cosme today and was so happy to hear from him. I ate lunch with Arno who was very nice today. He wanted to take me to a moved but I sort of declined. Not that I didn’t want to go but I know he’s just asking me because Beli is away in Baguio. (Could I have been more annoying?!!!) This afternoon Jan and Jeanne brought a girl named Kate to the ANC. She was loads of fun and a had a great personality too. Victor Sans was there with Ramon Faustman. We were a pretty large group of teenagers gathered there. Lita brought me home and I gave her a piece of the cake I had baked. Lita is pretty worried about Morris because he hasn’t written or phoned her in ages and his excuses are pretty limited. Tonight I feel so down in the dumps and yet slightly happy to think I was Carlos last night....!! Margot Pimentel called tonight.



April 15 - Sunday

I went to Mass and Communion at 11 at Ermita and ANC later and the usual people were there. I was supposed to invite Arno to the movie but at the last minute he gave me back my money. Whether he was thinking of Beli or was being a gentleman I don’t know but I think it’s the former. Mercy was pretty excited because she saw Ricky Catala and Mon Infante at the Rizal. I heard Carlos laugh once during the movie and saw Tita Marina outside. By the way, the movie was “Satan Never Sleeps” with France Nuyen and William Holden. We went back to the ANC and we stayed at the swimming pool with Jeanne, Mercy, Lita, Luli, etc. Bomber was there which made Luli happy. I borrowed Jan’s radio. Pichuco just seems to get on my nerves but I’ll try to be charitable and be nicer to him. We got the shock of our lives tonight with the unexpected death of Mayor Lacson. He was the finest man even if he was a little brash. Manila will never be the same.



April 16 - Monday

I was going to the ANC but Mom wanted me to stay home. This afternoon I went to Mercy’s house and from there we went to the Club Filipino. The Whirlpools were there and Mercy was terribly excited to see Mon Infante. Fritz started teasing me about Spik. Luli, Honey, and Lita played bowling. Later, Mon, Ray, Raffy and Jay bowled too and Mercy and I watched. Spik arrived later with Gordo Catala and we spent some time talking with Mon. Lita was fooling around and pretended to keep Mon’s graduation ring but gave it back. Mon started teasing me about Spik and he was about 3 feet away! I hope they all get to go to Baguio. I think Mom is going to le me go - please, please, I hope. Honey is such a nice guy except when he’s in a mean mood. I went to Mercy’s house (after Luli treated us to Dairy Queen). Mercy, Anamarie G. and I spent some time talking about Mon, Carlos and Ramon F. Mercy says that once last Friday, she saw Carlos watching me. At least he knows I’m alive! I hope I win some money in Bingo tomorrow, I sure need it!