A REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST

"There is no man, however wise, who has not at some period of his youth said things, or lived in a way the consciousness of which is so unpleasant to him in later life that he would gladly, if he could, expunge it from his memory." - Marcel Proust, French novelist (1871-1922)


The new Marcelo Fernan bridge spanning Mandaue City and Mactan Island.

I am jealous of my friend Carlos for spending his next three months in Cebu, my "home" in the Visayas (1996-2000). I have been sending him SMS guides as to where to go, etc but Fugue Master that he is, he's even been to some places I've never been to like the runway of the Mactan International. Chatting with trainees under the night sky while aircraft land from overhead?! My cheeks redden with jealousy.

I am so tempted to visit Cebu again. The last time I was there was like two years ago when I accompanied my Aunt to a Rotary convention, and my friends there say that things continue to look up in that island paradise.

And wow, do I miss so many things!

I miss Aranos, my "secret" Spanish restaurant in Ferlane Village.

I miss the lobby of the Waterfront Hotel Lahug and its awesome paintings and excellent service.

I miss the beaches.

I miss the churches of Carcar and those of other towns further south.

I miss the real danggit. Manila's version is just so pathetic.

I miss my former girlfriend's Mother. She cooks sooo well and knows my favorites (chicharon Carcar and lechon Talisay).

I miss attending Mass at the Basilica Minore during Sundays. Nothing beats the sound of an all-male choir.


The Magellan Monument in Mactan Island. Nearby stand the huts of Cebu's famous SUTUKIL.

I miss Mactan's sutukil (sugba, tula, kilaw).

I miss Casa Gorordo.

I miss going out of my dormitory at midnight and eat at a University hang-out (spicy tuna and egg, please!)

I miss larsian. Nobody knows barbecue best than the Cebuanos.

I miss cappuccino at East, West. *smirk*

I miss the cool bars, the great nightlife, the art of showing off.

Sarcastic discussions with the girls in The Village.

Pizza at Il Sole.

Cakes at Oh Georg! And then there's another pastry shop whose name I can't recall right now.

Oh, yes. W.R.A.P.S., of course. I worked here for 5 months with dear friend Kuya Glen, then the owner.

I miss lazy afternoons in Cafe Laguna (rice cakes and hot chocolate!).

I miss travelling by ferry and fastcraft to neighboring Cagayan de Oro and Bohol.

I really miss the overnight trips to my other home, Cagayan de Oro. I miss my house there. I miss seeing Mom there and my cousins on a weekend.

I miss reading the Sunday edition of Sun.Star Cebu.

I miss seeing Cebu from the air. My heart breaks at the sight.

Mom said her happiest days were spent in Cebu when she was a student at CIT. I totally agree with her.

Sigh.