A Recount of Tonyboy’s Manila Visit
We were all excitedly anticipating Tonyboy’s arrival, at the same time preparing for the coming of the super typhoon Loleng, internationally named, Babs, last Friday, October 23rd, 1998. Tony called Lionel from Taipei, first to say of his delayed flight, and his last call was to inquire some more about the big howler that was already hitting Manila.
Image2.jpg (49339 bytes) Petin who was staying with Mariejo in Cainta had been inquiring whether Tony’s plane would attempt landing at all as all local flights were cancelled. Matter of fact, most areas in Manila were flooded including theirs. The water was waist deep and they were trapped inside Brookside Subdivision so they could not go out to join us at Philam. Finally, after some delay, Tony’s flight arrived early evening.
By then we were already, all 7 of us, Li and myself, Allen and wife Eliza and daughter Hard A’ Lee, Candi and Lizzie, at Rolly’s place at Philam, preparing to welcome him. You see, when I informed Rolly earlier about Tony’s delayed flight and even its possible cancellation, he insisted that we join them for dinner just the same. He said Mameng prepared a lot of food for the occasion and hates to see it go to waste. Anyway, Tony’s invited friends, come rain, storm or high water were arriving! Oh yes, it was a feast of a preparation as usual, and the food was superb and delicious!
As Tony emerged from the car, everybody rushed to greet him. After all, it had been some 3 years when last we saw him. His friends and their wives were around, relatives and kids on the Quisumbing side were present too. Stories and jokes were swapped amidst the raging storm outside, Vic Mejia’s interesting tales and his typhoon adventures entertained us no end. Everybody had a wonderful time.
Sunday morning was set for breakfast at BF Homes. This time Petin and Mariejo’s family joining us. Li was to fetch Tony from Philam after the 8:00AM mass and by 10:00AM , everybody arrived and helping themselves to the Breakfast-Buffet I prepared at the porch. Actually, it was already a Brunch. It was a sunny and bright morning, the friendly sun was up, the storm now gone. After the welcome greetings to Tony by everyone, how well and how good he looked, the bantering begun.
After breakfast, which was leisurely, the conversation lively and full of laughter, Tony announced that he will now open his Christmas bag! A most awaited event, everybody gathered around the table. Out came the goodies, why, at first it looked like Santa was favoring the littlest one, our apo, who got the Barbie Dolls and stuffed toys from Ana, who was dear and thoughtful enough to part with some of her collections. Bless her heart. But Tony noticed and mentioned that now it appears that it was the mommie who seemed to be enjoying, fingering and fondling Barbie! Especially the collectible one that came from Renee.
Each goody that came out from the bag was received with a howl and a shout as to who it will belong. The obvious ones for me, coming from Frances, Tantin Lourds and Medy, I got without a fight. The other items coming from the rest of the Belos were shared by everyone. But of course, the grabbing, snatching and shouting to take possession of most of the "pasalubong" was intense and fun. Each item that Tony took out from the bag solicited shouts of "I need that" from everyone, especially Petin, even up to the last glue! Our Christmas in October was really fun and we thank and appreciate the efforts that went in securing these gifts considering the limited time.
Our Santa Claus did mention that he himself was amazed how he was able to mobilized everyone to pitch in and helped in securing things he brought for us.
With everyone now happy with their loot, we settled down to try the things we got and ate the delicious chocolates Tony passed around. He was gifted with a box of chocolate by the Hotel people in Taipei when he complained that his room’s location was noisy. Now isn’t that grand?  So now Mariejo suggested how we can show our appreciation and love for Tony. Each of us should think of the happiest time we spent and shared with him, what endears him to us, why, and that we should thank the Lord and praise Him for giving Tony to us. There was silence. Petin started to talk, but broke down even before finishing his sentence. By this time all eyes were now misting, heads bowed. I took over hardly finishing what I said. Allen begun and finished his talk of how he was inspired to take the same path in Media and Entertainment that his Tito Tony begun. Lionel too mentioned among other things that Tony is not only a cousin, but more of a brother to him.
Silence again. Petin spoke, this time finishing what he begun. Mariejo begun her piece, with all eyes now flooding with tears. After each talk, we clapped and praised and the Lord. Very personal and intimate things were said of Tony that can not be put down in pen.

Finally, Tony himself asked that we end the talk, adding some humor , that we will all end up sobbing with him none the worse, and a full day still ahead of him. But he did tell us of his trials and sufferings, how he tried to cope and endure the pain. And that prayers to the Blessed Mother and faith in God kept him going. He said, most of you complain that you have pains and aches and are sickly, while I had always been healthy, feeling strong with no discomforts. But I have only one thing, Cancer. And for this I am blessed, for my cross is heavy, which I bring to heaven. He is such a brave soul.

We bid Tony adieu and pray that his next visit will be soon.

Tudy