One Good Day with A Good Guy

12 Years. That long took me to reunite myself with someone I highly esteem when I was young(er). And now that my skin starts to sag and counting white hair as he does, he maintained to astonish me with his unwavering modesty, wisdom and notable achievements that zoom and sum-up with the age. As an accolade for regarding me like a real Bro’, I’m giving Kuya FERMIN my today’s journal space.

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The old adage “When it rain it pours”, manifested on the Guy’s life unerringly. And the heaven’s blessings, it seems, are dwelling to his tolerant feet for good. Beside his doting spouse and equally bright offsprings, he accounted above-all his Divine Faith as the prime source of his depth, motivation and success. His competence and modesty elated him to a lucrative Key Post by a Saudi-based Company he dutifully served since mid 90’s; a rank served as his medium to extend a hand to so many. Our beloved Alma-Mater will also beam with pride that one of her accomplished product is no longer just a mundane CPA, but a high-flier who raised the Philippine banner on his several other fields, an inspiration to fellow Expats.

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For a day, I befall to be his City Tour-Guide so picture here a lot of digi-cam flashing in sundry corners. I enjoyed both his uncomplicated attitude and generosity to praise the congeniality in almost everything, to my subject, - “walang masamang tinapay”, a happy mind-set weathered-not by troublesome seasons. Such firmness against the odds influenced my now melancholic manners with renewed sense of thrill and glee. He is yet to see the entire grandeur of Dubai’s Giant Malls i.e., - Ibn Batuta, Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Center, and the rest of mushrooming in/outdoor attractions are on-queue for him to widely explore. As we leisurely wander, I heeded him whispered: I’f my Family’s here, my joy would be complete”. It was our Day-Off so my Sister Bing and Bayaw’s Mel & Leo are free to stroll and chauffeur for us along with kin Icel, whose lifeless bday the other day were fortunately re-lived alive due to our “Guest’s” Oriental Dinner reat.

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We’re mall-hopping since late morning as he indefatigably rummage from one Store to another for a unique stuff meant for his household, and he yet to proceed to the far-flung Ras AlKhaimah Emirate (where he has a week project to oversee) before returning to K.S.A. on a Thursday flight. Our escapade concluded in Sharjah’s Old Gold Souq, where this Romantic Romeo can’t depart without a surprised ring for his Juliet. Then there we’ve rubbed elbows with Ohm, an Indian merchant who outwitted me with his better Tagalog – providing our group an extra laugh, and price-cut even more.

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“Why is it you didn’t get something for yourself?” I querrried as he was about to board a cab. The same plain and contented Guy, he just replied in a humble smile & hug. At least, he had a great time filming himself as Alladin in Batuta’s Magic Carpet ride where he waved and smirked a lot while soaring superbly on-screen. And while I marvel on his eyes, - all I saw was a Kid.

I Remember A Friend

The First time ever I gazed into your eyes
I mirror a reflection of myself
& the Fear that dwells inside haunts me -
When all of my heart,You hold it through your hands

In darkest weather & deepest despair ....I witnessed your care - so rare
like a farmer uprooting a frail tree..Clinging, thrusting it to Earth’s soil firmly
You emerged too like a rainbow.. looms over cloud of my dire sorrow
a lovely token of new tomorrow

Such stubborn fondness...washes away my dreariness
suddenly, my world’s not gloomy...as it used to be

But we swim against great tide ...It disjoint our spirits aside
akin to a frantic yell ...awaking us from spell of our tale

Birds come & go, and human so
when you flew back to your nest ...I remain at rest - why?
You ‘re my wings, & I can’t fly

Till the day my hair’s grown gray...My sweet thought of yours won’t go astray
For it is good to remember ...a “Friend” I dear forever!