Many weeks before this Manay Ichu’s birthday, Tita Conchita (Razon) called me about my assignment to host the "roast" segment of Manay Ichu’s party. Roasters were Manay’s brothers (Pepito and Cocoy) and sisters (Manay Gina, Chona and Lilibeth). "The boys may need a little prodding, bahala ka na," Tita Conchita reminded me. Martin’s mom is a most efficient director. She’s also a fabulous lady. She assigned Martin to take on the job of getting Manay Ichu to the Polo Club. Martin had to call Manay Ichu and "invite" her to be a judge in a songwriting contest. Like a dutiful son, Martin did his assignment with aplomb – he delivered Manay Ichu to the Polo Club – and disappeared into the night. Martin is one friend you can count on. The "king" is also a loyal friend and a good son.
The roast was to happen after Ms. Roces’ short speech. The "queen" delivered an extemporaneous tribute that was heartwarming, funny and honest.
I found myself in the podium. I introduced the roasters. Pepito talked about how Manay lost two teeth in a childish physical squabble with him and how Manay got her sweet vengeance much later; Cocoy told the story of how Manay made her bunsong kapatid carry heavy bags that contained VHS players and tapes to the US – clueless why Manay Ichu had to bring VHS players and tapes to the most technologically-advanced country in the world. Chona started to complain that Kuyang Pepito was taking too long with his story. Chona narrated the story when she had to make Manay Ichu take care of her newly born child; Manay Gina was not Speaker Joe’s wife that night but a loving sister to Manay Ichu who calls her Regina everytime she admonishes her. Oh, Lilibeth, oh, she needed the whole night for her anecdotes about Manay Ichu. One of the funniest was in a shooting of a movie, at dawn, when everyone was half asleep and half human. Manay Ichu in a director’s chair, poised and beautiful was also trying to get a nap. Lilibeth asked why she was sitting like the formidable Cleopatra. Well, she was told that if there was an earthquake – it would be the end for all of them – then people would at least see that she passed away with poise and beauty.
Indeed Manay Ichu is one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met.
I have stopped going to parties for a long time now. Social climbing can be tedious. It can wear out even the thickest Waray accent like mine. But when Tita Conchita called me to be part of Manay Ichu’s birthday celebration, I felt I wanted to do more for a lady who means so much to me and to my Nanay. What else could I do aside from moderating the "roast segment" – which was quite a breeze – with the brothers and sisters of Manay Ichu overflowing with fond stories and brimming with love for their sister I didn’t even have to be there. So could I dance or sing? "For God’s sake Boy, don’t!" I could almost hear Manay Ichu’s voice. I could not for heaven’s sake crawl onstage and offer my body (this was Des Bautista’s joke during the party) because I was sure there would have been no takers. If I have a monologue about my love and devotion for Manay, I was afraid that Manay Lolit and June would suspect that I wanted a share in their Vera-Perez inheritance and of course, I thought I saw Sen. Ernie Maceda glowing, surreptitiously glancing at Manay Ichu once in a while. The Senator looked dashing that night.
Manay Ichu, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday.
I savored every word Mama Nene (Vera Perez) said about you. You are a beautiful human being who has touched our lives in many different ways but always sincere and truthful.
On behalf of my Nanay, salamat for bringing her to her first SONA (State of the Nation Address of GMA). It was an experience for both of us. Thank you for guarding our seats in the cavernous Congressional Hall like an African Masai warrior. I shall never forget that day because to this moment Nanay still talks about that SONA of GMA and her secret wish to drop by Erap’s hospital room at the Veterans Hospital right after the President’s speech.
Thank you, Manay Ichu, for the friendship and the laughter that goes with it.