Some forty years had passed since I left for the US and still fresh in my memory was the scene at the airport when the whole family sent me off. There was my tiny godchild and nephew, about three years old who among my dear family I'm leaving behind. Over the years, on my regrettably infrequent visits home to the Philippines, I've become acquainted with him as he grew to be a young man, and now a climbing enthusiast and a family man. He's the soul mate of sweet Rosette and proud father of Rachel Ann and their adopted child Ileana.That's Ruel. He and his family, except for three year old Ana, came to visit us and to attend Marc's (his nephew) wedding in New Orleans this month. I would soon realize that I owe him at least 40 years of birthdays and Christmas gifts, and now he has come to collect those overdues! Oh horror, I'm screwed, I thought.
So I struck a deal with his brothers Mel and Ped, that we would take turns in showing them around. No sweat. Clearly accustomed to entertaining out-of-towners at least once a year, they mapped out a plan. At first I wasn't sure what that meant. I say that because I usually end up as the professional tour guide when family comes to visit. I guess for obvious reasons - that I'd be free most of the time since I'm retired. Not so fast - I'm not exactly skewered to the rocking chair idling, my dear nephews.
It turns out the boys and their cousin George have been true to their promise. We are taking turns scurrying all over the City to show them the sights and of course - to shop! And here's my part.
I took them to see the Broadway show The Lion King. Totally not free of jet lag after a nearly 20 hours international flight, they managed to keep awake, with a few little snores heard every now and then. They were impressed and who wouldn't? Julie Taymor's production was a masterpiece, from the sets to the masks and costumes, to the acting and dancing. Ruel said he was in tears at start of the intro chant song The Circle of Life sung by Rafiki with the two antelopes and the chorus engaging in call and response.
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba (Here comes a lion, Father)
Sithi uhm ingonyama (Oh yes, it's a lion)
Magnificent and breathtaking. The puppetry is spectacular. Only those versatile performers can drive those puppets to assume realistic movements without taking the focus of the audience away from the animals and onto the faces of the actors. We all enjoyed the show. Ruel confessed that he'd been watching the film with Ana at home but it never occured to him that he'll end up seeing it staged on Broadway.
Pre-show, we were treated to a Carmine's feast by Mel and George. As usual it was a delight. I never knew to order steak at this seafood specialty restaurant and it was no mistake - that 40 oz porterhouse was the juiciest and to die for! I could do this again and no, I'm not shy about my meat.
We did chill out, my boys and I. Mel took the picture, but where's the food? Boys, boys. Growing up with six boys this was not exactly initiation for me. I love being with them.
And for someone whose natural state (almost) is worry, I say Hakuna, I say matata.
No worries, let's just have fun. Three weeks of fun (that's how long these guys are staying).
