A birthday in the dark

"Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell…" The lights went out. It was the third brownout that night, the eve of the New Year and we were praying the Holy Rosary, a tradition we’ve been doing for many years. Our belief is that we celebrate God’s goodness at the end of the year and as we begin a new one. Despite the darkness, we continued to pray– even for Batelec – the electric company that supplies power to Lipa City and other parts of Batangas including our small barrio of Calamias.

This is not the first time Batelec has darkened our New Year’s eve. At the turn of the century in 2000, this also happened. And I decided to brush this awful memory off the cobwebs of my mind. But this time – in the middle of the Holy Rosary – I was so tempted to say that may Batelec burn in the fires of hell for the despicable brownout.

But outside, stars twinkled – it was a lovely night. The dama de noche smelled heavenly. The moon smiled and the flowers in the garden giggled. We lit candles and torches around our home – and it was magical. Outside, Bong, Vic and Lanie started our fireworks display. Nanay and I were busy with our ritual in front of my favorite Sto. Niño. We opened our doors, windows, cabinets – brought coins inside the house, spread paper bills on the floor and chairs and we rolled over them.

We blew our horns, prayed, laughed, jumped in joy to welcome the New Year. Nanay was praying aloud – thanking God for the excellent health and love He has showered our family. I thought I also heard her say that God help her in the coming elections. Niño smiled.

It was a lovely evening and we barely noticed that Batelec has tried again to dampen our celebration. Like evil in biblical stories, it did not triumph. Nobody even noticed.

I do not understand why Batelec would be so heartless, inconsiderate, even cruel and apathetic to a small barrio like ours. A brownout on New Year’s eve, the second time around! Why? Only Batelec and Belshebob know.

At 10 minutes to 1 a.m., lights came back. I didn’t bear anyone in our household jump in joy. We were fine with the lights coming from the moon and the stars, from the candles and torches.

Thank God for the endurance and patience and the creativity to have fun in darkness.

Batelec surely knows the way to hell, I hope it goes straight there – where it belongs.

Nanay was in high spirits – dancing the Otso-Otso with Jake, her three–year-old apo. That night Batelec decided to cut our lights, Nanay turned 75. Not even the cruelty of Batelec stopped her from celebrating her 75 wonderful years in this world.

It was an exciting evening. The thought of suing Batelec for cruelty to a 75-year-old woman celebrating her birthday was completely tempting.

Let me consult my lawyer!

Going Great With Marvin

Marvin Agustin is glowing with happiness. He reveals that things are going fine with him and Adelle, official candidate of Singapore in the Miss Earth pageant held in the country last year. He also says his father may be paroled anytime soon. He is also feeling good nowadays because his latest movie, Malikmata, Canary Films’ entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival, is still doing good at the tills.

"I am very happy Malikmata continues to do well in theaters," he says.

In Malikmata, directed by Joey Reyes, Marvin plays Patrick, a murder victim’s stepson. "It’s really a dream to work with Joey Reyes. I love his movies."

Though Marvin is considered one of the best actors of his generation, he says he still had a hard time playing his role in Malikmata. "It was not easy because I had to express two different emotions most of the time. I’m lucky to have been handled by a brilliant director."

Marvin guarantees the movie will scare viewers out of their wits. "Kung ako nga natakot kahit kasama ako sa movie."

Ask him what scares him the most – losing his lovelife, his money or good looks, and he answers, "Naku, lovelife na lang. At one point or another, you’ll lose money and your looks will fade away but I hope love will stay with me forever."

Happy Camille

Baby-faced Camille Prats has a new baby: RDL Skin Whitening Lotion. The cosmetics company recently tapped her to be its pitchperson – a role she readily accepted. "Their products are good, very affordable and effective," she says. Camille stars in a new commercial for the product and numerous billboards will be displayed all over the country’s major thoroughfares.

Meanwhile, Camille denies rumors that she and best friend Angelica Panganiban aren’t seeing eye-to-eye because of Carlo Aquino. "That’s not true," she says. "We and Angelica are friends. I can’t do that. And regarding the issue that she’s badmouthing me, I don’t believe that. Angelica is nice, and incapable of doing that to me."

Besides, Camille coyly reveals she’s very happy with her lovelife. Ask her about the real score between her and rumored boyfriend, model Francis Ricafort (Francis even sported an airbrushed shirt during Camille’s debut saying, "Sorry guys, but the debutante is taken!"), she just smiles and says, "Basta I’m happy!"