Thanks for remembering

I turned 80 last St. John the Baptist's Day. I told myself: "Abot man ta aning edara pero hangos sad." Hehe.

* * *

Our news ed Lucky Malicay wished me another 80 years. I said enough is enough. I told him: "Bahina na lang ninyo ni John Rey ang 80 years. Tag 40 mo."

* * *

Someone sent me a beautiful US-printed birthday card. It was addressed thus: "To my Juan and only Juan."

* * *

I told our ed-in-c Jerry Tundag: "Jer, I'm now feeling the pain of my long journey." Jerry said: "Hold on. Siyam na lang katuig ma-centennary na ang Freeman."

* * *

Our Lifestyle associate ed said: "Wishing you more healthy years to come." I consider that much better than the trite "More birthdays to come."

* * *

"Are you really sick, Sir Jabs?" a fellow TF worker asked me. "Your column doesn't show you're sick." Sa tinuod lang, I'm sick -- sick and tired -- answering the question "How old are you now?"

* * *

A well-meaning friend gifted me with a pack of large frozen sausages. I looked at the ice-hardened sausages, closed my eyes and told myself: "It used to be like that, Sir Jabs."

* * *

Sir Eddiegul, who is my kumpadre, called up to give me some advice on how to be healthy and be able to stick around longer than 80. "Eat lots of fruits." He said. "Drink lots of water." I'll follow that though it may now be too late in the day.

* * *

I'm still trying to consider an advice from another kumpadre who happens to be one year my senior (hehe). "To live long," he said, "always have someone to love."

* * *

Sen. Nene Pimentel wants Noynoy to have a 100-day honeymoon with the press. The honeymoon with Shalani can come later?

* * *

I want to thank all those who remembered. But no naming names na lang. Anyway, they know who they are.

* * *

Email: [email protected]