Konted's Make My Day: He's In Town

He's In Town

             Romy Infante, after more than 20 years with the World Bank in Washington, D.C. has finally retired. He blew into town several weeks ago and hooked up with the group last Saturday night at Max's Q.C. Romy, who lives in Fairfax, Virginia and has another house in Maryland which he rents out, was more than happy to see former classmates Boy Siwa, Capt. Ronnie Cunanan, Ed dela Rosa, Andy Jimenez, Francis Pacheco, Greg Calixto and Ted Gener.

            To those who have been showing signs of Alzheimer's, Romy's family used to own, in the 60s and 70s, a large fleet of taxis operating in Metro Manila. Remember Relet Taxi ? Which you could not flag down on a rainy day? Between drinks of San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen, the conversation veered, as usual, towards the whereabouts of classmates who are now mostly based in different parts of the world. Thousands of miles away. Oceans apart.

             Tony Tuason, Chito Villarroya and Edilberto Yao are permanent residents of Canada. Prof Nong Umali, Joel Dela Cruz and Robert Placino are in Texas. Ding Ortiz, Ed Damasco, Anthony Rollison and Ted Aquino are based in San Francisco, California. Tony Crame, Johnny Mangalindan, Bombo Joven and the Fadul brothers are in Los Angeles.

             Tony Jocson and Dr.Carlos Martin are now staying in Las Vegas, Nevada. Allan Alcobendas and Romy Sulit are in New Jersey. Eric Cammayo has been sighted in New York. Honorary class member Medy West is in Illinois. And, oh yes, Vic Olizon is Sydney-based.

              These are the same men, who in their prime, would stand in front of the Philippine flag every school day and, with palm of right hand placed over the chest nearest the heart, would sing with fervor: " Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw....ang kislap ng watawat moý tagumpay na nagniningning....lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo....aming ligaya na pag may mangaapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo. "

             Now it is entirely different. Their 'bundok' is not the Sierra Madre anymore. It could be Mount Whitney or San Benito Mountain. Mount Elbert or the Bear Mountain. Mount Marcy or Mount Mckinley or Blue Mountain. And they now sing the Star Spangled Banner. Or America The Beautiful. Or O Canada. Or Advance Australia Fair. Their flag now is the Stars and Stripes. Or the Maple Leaf. Or the Blue Ensign.

             And would these men, if invaders really land on Philippine soil, still fight for Inang Bayan? Don't get me wrong. I am just kidding. I know how much you love the Philippines. I know that the Philippines is forever in the heart.

Back to the ballgame. Conversation diverted to current affairs, particularly the Enrile-Trillanes feud, the Robredo plane crash, the appointment of CJ Sereno with Capt Ronnie, Andy, Boy and Francis giving their two cents worth.

           Time passed so quickly. Everybody momentarily forgot the time. Chairs and tables were now being re-arranged. Table cloths were being replaced with new ones. And most of the lights were being switched off.  Time to pay the remaining bill. Time to call it a day.

- Konted

Romy Infante and Andy Jimenez

Romy with Ted G. Prof Nong Umali used to call Romy "the King of Jolens".

Romy with Ed Dela Rosa. Ed is extending an invitation to classmates to a one-day trip to his hometown of Taal, Batangas. The Dela Rosas used to own the Plaza Theater in Baguio City..