The month of February was unusual to have a lot of rain, snow caps, and more rain in Hawai‘i. I am probably still soaked from the last rainfall. How did you fare this “winter” season in Hawai‘i? Even though the weeds grow, even though your shoes are muddy, and you can’t hang your clothes out to dry at the moment, I still think it is beautiful. There is a certain serenity in rain, a soothing vibration, and a calm that forces you to slow down a bit, and even concentrate on things that you have taken for granted.
In the Philippines, the month of March is graduation month. From Elementary to High School, and even College, all kids are wrapping up their finals and parents are planning the festivities. Back here in Hawai‘i, kids are just barely into their midterms in the 3rd Quarter. Do you have any family graduating? Can you still recite your Alma Mater? Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/letstalkpinoy and shout out your High School Alma Mater, Hawai‘i or Philippines, or both!
Last time, our trio were on their way to Mā‘alaea. Let’s take a look and see what they are up to next
When his green mata (eyes) return from their trip back to sea level, dreadfully, she is there to greet him eye to eye, witnessing him obviously checking her out, and he painfully looks away. When he goes back for a second look, astonishingly, she is still gazing at him. She smirks, and then winks. It was here, at this moment, that the earth stopped spinning, time slowed and stopped for split-second. And just like a polaroid camera, a shutter sounds, and in this ripple in time, this perfect photo of Angel, in all her beauty, winking right at him, had been captured in his futu (heart) and mind forever.
They pull into the parking lot of the Mā‘alaea Ocean Center, and hurriedly walked past the shops toward the back. “I know this great restaurant, I’m friends with the owner.” When they reach the front door, Michael asks the hostess, “Hi, it’s me, Michael. Is Tante here?”
“Yeah, I know who you are” the lady laughs. “You’re here like every other day, and no, the owner of the restaurant is not here. You just missed him. He and Telly have a wedding to attend to.”
“Oh, that’s ok. I was just gonna say ‘Hi.’ I’ll catch him next time. Can I order some pagkaon (food) to go?” Michael says while opening a menu and waving to the bartender.
He turns to Angel. “Order some pagkain (food), anything. It’s on me. Their isda (fish) is fresh but I love the fried bangus (milkfish).”
“I’ve been to Tante’s Island Cuisine in town. I like their ikan (fish) but today, I’ll have pancit… Mmmm.” says Rosie.
Angel looks at the menu. “Oh, I don’t eat out that much. That’s ok. I already ate.”
Michael: “Oh, please kuman (eat) something with me.”
Angel: “I’ll just kain (eat) from your plate.”
Michael’s eyes widen. Turning flush red, he accidentally drops the menu on the ground.
“Hoy, Palito! You guys are going to share pagkain (food). You are sharing a plate of fried bangus? Oh my gosh, dragon breath! Hahaha,” Rosie shouts. The hostess laughs out loud and covers her mouth.
As soon as they get their kapangan (food), “Follow me,” Michael says to the two girls.
They walk down the hagdanan stairs, cross the street and head toward the harbor.
Michael: “Watch your step. The hagdan (stairs) is slippery.”
In the parking lot, there’s a lot of parked cars. There are some young teens vaping next to their trucks. Most of the cars are empty. Michael finds a nice spot near the wall.
They sit there and eat. He opens his plate. Of course, it’s the fried bangus. He goes in for a bite and notices Angel staring at him. “Here,” as he offers her the plate. She sits in front of him, tilts her head, and opens her mouth suggesting he feeds her. He looks down at the kapangan (food), tries to corral a piece of fish.
His hands shake and the chopsticks slips. He attempts again and another ball of rice falls out and onto the ground. He has never fed a girl before and is completely having a breakdown right now. His nerves are so high that he drops his chopsticks and they vanish into the rocks. In fear, he looks up and Angel, now hovering over him, grabs a piece of abakan (fish), a scoop of rice in her right hand, and feeds it to him.
Michael chews in disbelief as Angel smiles at him, she licks her fingers, gets up and walks to the water.
“Oh, it’s maanyag (beautiful) here Michael.” Angel runs and jumps onto the rocks, spreading her arms, closes her mata (eyes) and takes a deep breath.
Rosie points, “Look, at how many people are in the water! Crazy. It’s already marimla (cold) and they still want to swim. Hmphhh!” she blurbs.
Rosie: “Palito! Halika (Come), take our picture!” She runs out to where Angel is standing.
Michael grabs his phone and begins his photo shoot with the girls. Shot after shot, they change into different poses and angles. “Ok, now water effect,” Michael says as they all laugh.
Michael: “I want to see more attitude!”… There, that’s maganda (beautiful)!
Rosie walks a few steps. “Duul dinhi (Come)! This side so it’s different background.”
The girls go into vogue and runway model mode. Everyone is having a great time. And with every head shot, every pixel being engraved into his onboard storage, there is another picture of Angel. Another picture that he can keep forever. Her hair in the wind. Those beautiful hazel mata (eyes), and infectious laugh. Her angelic nawong (face)… He keeps thinking how perfect she is for him. The way she makes him feel….
“Wait, what is this feeling boiling up in my stomach? Why is my puso (heart) pounding? Why am I tingling? Why am I breathing so hard? My mata (eyes), why are my mata (eyes) dilated?” Right then, a big wave hits the rocks shooting salt water into the air barrelling towards them.
Michael speedily lunges over Angel and covers her as the water drenches his back and onto the ground. When he opens his eyes, there is Angel. Their muka (faces) are two inches apart. Her big glowing mata (eyes) piercing into his, as he holds her in his arms.
“Ahhhhhh!” Suddenly, someone screeches. Startled, they look over at Rosie, who is completely soaked. With a bitter rupa (face) looking at them. “Bastos!” she yells.
Looks like something’s happening here or is it? When is the last time you went to Mā‘alaea? Have you eaten at Tante’s Fish Market? Have you had a drink at Beach Bums? An order of nachos at Carl’s Jr.? Have you visited The Maui Ocean Center and their new 3D Sphere Theather – AquariumPlus? There’s a surprising amount to do in Mā‘alaea. If you haven’t yet, you should make a trip out there.
So your homework this week is to eat with your hands for one meal. Filipinos traditionally eat with their hands and it is still very common today. But before you do that, make sure to wash your hands!
Anyways that’s all I have. Keep an eye out for my article every issue. I’m Dulce, helping you to master your Filipino Languages. Like always, let’s laugh, let’s listen, and Let’s Talk Pinoy! Hanggang sa muli! (Until next time!) Ingat! (Take care!).