remembering lolo oning
Lolo Oning...
1. Can drive around the streets of Metro Manila without getting stuck in traffic. He is the first person I ever rode with who will avoid EDSA at any cost by navigating through side streets --- and will get to his destination earlier than expected
2. Got shocked at the prices of Starbucks but proceeded to enjoy his cup of coffee anyway
3. Once went to Ali Mall wearing slippers. The guard told him "Ser, bawal po ang naka-tsinelas dito." He said, "Ah, ganon ba?" and proceeded to walk in barefoot. The guard had no choice but to let him use his tsinelas.
4. Would often (if not always) be mistaken for a pure blooded Chinese. We'd go to Divi or Quiapo and if the proprietor is Chinese, he/she would proceed to talk to Lolo --- with Lolo just nodding and murmuring at the parts he deemed to be appropriate.
5. Can be counted on to pick us up (or take us to where we need to go) in a pinch (unless he's at court or his car is out of commission).
6. Good at ignoring subtle hints. My cousin Dan (whom Lolo picked up from school one time) would go, "Ay o, Jollibee," or "Uy, McDo," to hint that he's hungry and would like to stop and eat but is ignored.
7. Was mistaken to be a coconut floating on the beach by the same cousin Dan. We could only see the back of his head kasi. :)
8. Can get rid of jellyfish without getting stung (he'll scoop it with the palm of his hand and toss it away).
9. Believes that "Walang namamatay sa hiya. Sa gutom meron." (No one dies of shame, but of hunger alot)
10. May seem to have selective hearing but in truth can hear everything we say (hence the family joke that should you say something to offend him, he will not react but will deduct it from your inheritance).
11. Is --- along with his brothers --- always prepared for any event with a bottle of gin and pulutan.
12. Was an active lawyer until he was hospitalized.
13. Had his sense of humor, wit and intelligence even while bedridden.
14. Loved sports and used to play tennis.
15. Patient and quiet, but won't put up with any nonsense.
16. In my opinion, is probably the favorite of all his siblings.
Happy birthday Lolo. I hope you're ok wherever you are. We miss you.
(note: purposely written in present tense)
1. Can drive around the streets of Metro Manila without getting stuck in traffic. He is the first person I ever rode with who will avoid EDSA at any cost by navigating through side streets --- and will get to his destination earlier than expected
2. Got shocked at the prices of Starbucks but proceeded to enjoy his cup of coffee anyway
3. Once went to Ali Mall wearing slippers. The guard told him "Ser, bawal po ang naka-tsinelas dito." He said, "Ah, ganon ba?" and proceeded to walk in barefoot. The guard had no choice but to let him use his tsinelas.
4. Would often (if not always) be mistaken for a pure blooded Chinese. We'd go to Divi or Quiapo and if the proprietor is Chinese, he/she would proceed to talk to Lolo --- with Lolo just nodding and murmuring at the parts he deemed to be appropriate.
5. Can be counted on to pick us up (or take us to where we need to go) in a pinch (unless he's at court or his car is out of commission).
6. Good at ignoring subtle hints. My cousin Dan (whom Lolo picked up from school one time) would go, "Ay o, Jollibee," or "Uy, McDo," to hint that he's hungry and would like to stop and eat but is ignored.
7. Was mistaken to be a coconut floating on the beach by the same cousin Dan. We could only see the back of his head kasi. :)
8. Can get rid of jellyfish without getting stung (he'll scoop it with the palm of his hand and toss it away).
9. Believes that "Walang namamatay sa hiya. Sa gutom meron." (No one dies of shame, but of hunger alot)
10. May seem to have selective hearing but in truth can hear everything we say (hence the family joke that should you say something to offend him, he will not react but will deduct it from your inheritance).
11. Is --- along with his brothers --- always prepared for any event with a bottle of gin and pulutan.
12. Was an active lawyer until he was hospitalized.
13. Had his sense of humor, wit and intelligence even while bedridden.
14. Loved sports and used to play tennis.
15. Patient and quiet, but won't put up with any nonsense.
16. In my opinion, is probably the favorite of all his siblings.
Happy birthday Lolo. I hope you're ok wherever you are. We miss you.
(note: purposely written in present tense)