Life as I Know It

Last week I received a text from Edieser to announce 3 things:

1. His new mobile number (he switched to Smart for international roaming purposes)
2. Karen is 9 weeks pregnant; and
3. His final departure date for New Zealand is already on Sept 3.

Knowing how near Sept. 3 already is, we planned to have dinner last Tuesday, which was moved to Thursday, and which did not materialize. And then last Friday, came another text. Not an invite to a dinner or coffee or drinks but a shopping trip to Binondo. Aba, iba ito!

Sunday, change of plans. Instead of Binondo, we’re going to Greenhills. Although, we we’re suppose to meet at 2pm, I decided to leave the house early. I had several things in mind. I went to hear Mass at Edsa Shrine (that felt good since it’s been almost 2 months since my last – shame on me). I had lunch at The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH). I was originally thinking of Le Coeur but TOSH turned out to be a very good choice. They have good vinaigrette salad dressing and the 4 cheese pizza was really yummy! And I’m beginning to appreciate restos with “table for one” even during weekend lunch crowd.

After my leisurely lunch, I took a cab for Greenhills. Luck of all lucks, it didn’t take me a minute to get a ride. Yes! And what coincidence that when I hopped in the cab, the stereo was just playing the very first love song that made me cry. Waaaa! I really had to shake my head to that. I haven’t heard that “take me I’ll follow you” hopeless crooning in such a long time. Must I hear the song now of all times? Ha! Ha! God have a peculiar sense of humor. I was in high school then. And I can remember how that Mac & Me theme song used to make my tear ducts to overflow. How silly! But that’s another story…

Anyway, I was excited with the jewelry hunting. My taste runs in the direction of the trendy, of-no-future-value accessories. So I have completely no idea where we will start looking for what Ed had in mind. What a surprise! The tiangge stalls sell real jewelry! Not just pearls but diamonds as well! Holy cow! There was even one set that costs 70K! WTF!!! So these unassuming stalls where I earlier bought my P150- bracelet, carries merchandise worth 70K as well? Yaman nila huh!

Adding to my incredulity, Ed elbowed me and whispered “Si Madame”. Already dizzy with the endless stands of pearls and charms, I ignored him until I came a short distance from The Madame! A mere 2 steps away from me was Imelda herself - elegantly dressed in an all black piece, coiffed and checking out chunky jewelries. Is that really her?  Turns out, she’s a regular. Hmmm! This place must have a solid reputation for selling the real stuff if she herself shops here. I was earlier worried that my friend ends up spending good money for something less than what it’s really worth. Seeing her there doused my qualms. No wonder the stall owner was slightly huffing when I asked if the 70K set have papers :p

After methodically checking 4 rows of tiangge stalls (there can’t be no other way for Ed but a systematic row after row, end to end, do not skip a store system), and trying on at least 6 rings, and 2 earrings for his critique, we finally found our set (sorry but by now I feel co-ownership hahaha). It was a good thing that the manang was gracious and really helpful because they had to actually make a new set to meet my friend’s requirements. At some point I actually thought he was nitpicking. I wished Jenny joined in the trip. Between the two of us, we could at least bully Ed into deciding quickly. I know Ed was meticulous but I never thought it extends to picking jewelry for his wife. I mean generally guys just don’t have the patience for this stuff. But this was my best friend Ed afterall. I should have known. And to make matters worse, he was looking for THE ultimate “peace offering cum birthday present cum parting gift”.

So which is it going to be? Black pearl? White pearl? Mikimoto? Southsea? Freshwater? Jargons previously alien to me. He finally settled for the black pearls, but wanted the ones that are smaller than what was readily available. The setting? Would it be the usual round-cut diamonds or the elongated marquise? Yellow or white gold? Man oh man, manang had to run to the next stalls to get extra settings for comparison. However, my friend was still human. Of all things, he wasn’t so sure about the ring size hahaha kasarap batukan!

Having decided on the final specs, I tapped my friend’s arms in congratulations. Inwardly, I sighed in relief that the afternoon was not wasted at all. He won’t be going home empty handed. I should say, what we got was unique. There was none like it in all the 4 rows that we plowed through. It was an earring, ring and pendant set of medium-sized black south sea pearls, each with 3 marquise-cut diamonds, set in yellow gold.  (Naks!  spoken like a pro.  feeling!!!!)

I was sitting on the owner’s monoblock chair, peacefully munching on my left over pizza when I heard Ed exclaim “ang pangit!” Not again! What is it this time? He nudged me to comment on the jewelry box. Fine! The slit for the ring wasn’t so perfect. The white board was showing against the red cover. But I was thinking, if we can’t get a good box from here, we can always get one from novelty shops. But no! Ed had to say “pangit”. From behind the glass counter, I glanced at manang, mouthed an apology, made faces towards Ed, and she just good-naturedly scouted for another box and said “naku kelangan talaga special para kay misis”. Mabuti na lang di masungit! And when Ed paid for the set, she agreed to throw in a casual neckpiece (hmp! What was that thing called?) for free. Wow! I officially love the manang I actually got her card. It says Laly Pearl & Jewelry. And guess what they’re using Smart hahaha

It was already past 5pm when we completed the errand. Phew! Over a quick merienda we decided that he first gives Karen the casual necklace when he gets home. The grander set will be a surprise for her birthday. Ready to call it a day, we hailed a cab. Talked more about New Zealand, Karen’s pregnancy, and webcams and email correspondences. I dropped him off at Boni.

There goes my bestfriend. It would be a while since I will see him again in person. To be precise, March next year when Karen delivers the new baby. I’m proud he’s granted the opportunity to study in New Zealand. My friend’s brilliant.  But 3 years is a long time. I’m afraid I’m going to miss him a lot. Just like Vina. And soon, it will be Jenny’s time to leave for the US. Strange how I sometimes think that my life is on a standstill. But actually it’s not. Life has spun so fast that 3 of my best friends will be living in different continents by the end of 2006. Not long ago, we were just hanging around, enjoying each others company. Truly how fast things change.