Ligaya, Jeepneys, & Independence
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Jayson
Mama was a bit of an athlete when we lived in the Philippines. She got on and off jeeps with ease.
When Jen and I were little, she would sometimes take us with her on the jeep. I remember there were stickers plastered inside. One jeep said, "I may be fast, but you'll be chasing after your life." Another jeep: "I may be slow, but you will live longer."
To cross the highway to go to SM City Mall, we would run. And when I say run, I mean full-on sprint! We would run through the highway towards oncoming traffic.
Mama also liked to go to Manila, Quiapo, and Divisoria. When she came home, she'd be carrying many bags, having bought many gifts for us. She would be by herself and her last ride would be in a tricycle. We even rode a kalesa whenever we visited Angkong in his office in Binondo.
Mama's movement was very active and mobile back then. She was also strong-willed, which is why she was able to do all those things. Even here in Canada, she learned to drive—a minivan, no less!
Rosie
Gay was definitely a fast walker when we lived in the Philippines. I had a lot of difficulty chasing after jeeps, but she was so fast!
That's why, when she'd ask me to go out with her, I would want to be driven. She would tell me, "Forget it, don't bother coming! You're going to waste time waiting for a ride!" 😂
Jayson
When I was with her aboard a jeep, she would tell the driver, "On the side," and then we would get off. Her preferred spot on the jeep was at the very end by the door so it was easy to disembark.
Jovert
I have a vague—yet distinct—memory of Mama coming home to report that she and Delia were robbed aboard a jeep. I think the robber tore a necklace from Mama's neck. Did this happen?
Rosie
Yes, Gay and Delia were robbed when they were going to Santa Cruz. As the robber got off, he snatched Gay's necklace. They were sitting by the jeep's entrance 😩
Jovert
Mama was quite active even in her later years.
She walked to work until Papa started driving her during wintertime; yet she continued to walk home after work—until Papa also started picking her up.
And, siyempre, mahilig siya maglakad papunta sa mall after work or on Saturdays. Nilalakad niya papunta sa Richmond Centre, Lansdowne Mall, and even as far as Aberdeen Centre. Along the way, she would stop by London Drugs, Tindahan Grocery, and other places. All of this after she would have already walked around and around, back and forth from store to store within each mall.
As part of those days out on her own, gusto ni Mama kumain ng lunch sa food court, like at KFC or A&W. Paguwi niya, usually may dala siyang mga baked goods galing sa Maxim's Bakery o Kam Do Bakery.
Ayaw niyang samahan siya ni Papa. She was indeed independent and alam niyang maiinip lang si Papa.
Now, kung maglalakad si Mama around Minoru Track, forget about it. Boring daw!
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