Tomorrow marks the 17th year
since I left the Philippines.

And as I think about all those years,
I started having an avalanche of memories
from when I used to live there.

Allow me to write them down
in no particular order,
as they flow through my own personal memory lane.

It’s quite a long read, so maybe you should think twice about it.

I remember the food places I frequent.
Jollibee, Tropical Hut, Burger machine.
(Do they still have that?)
The Malls and their food courts.
Even the Tumba Tumba at Kalentong.
Mister Donut. Does anyone remember Winchells?
Goodah at Greenhills. (After a drinking session at Tia Maria?)
Kowloon. Tokyo, Tokyo at SM North Edsa Annex.
Kimchi at the SM Food Court.
I remember sweating like a mad man while eating those Kimchi Ribs.
It’s funny when I went back in 2008, I remembered my way around town,
Not by the streets, but by what food restaurant were around the area then.

Wasn’t there a Josephine’s somewhere in Quezon City?
Or Was it in Cavite?
I didn’t eat there,
I just remember passing by the restaurant
and us shouting for Josephine to come out.
(I am looking at you ESL POSSE!)
Oh the East Saint Louis at Makati Ave.
(Where me and the posse grew up.)

Who can forget, Isaw, Chicharon Bulaklak?
Lechon Manok, Binatog?
Fishballs with its Mystery sauce.
Sisig for Pulutan?

I remember having Kangkong veggies.
Ginataan. Lugaw, Goto.
I remember eating tokwa and wondered what the hell is the point of having it.
If you want to know the taste of Air? Eat that thing.
Oh and all the pansits we eat when we are in Antipolo.

What about toys and entertainment?
No one can beat the Turumpo and Teks!
Walking the dog with my Coca Cola Yoyo.
I remember riding my bike. A Lot.
Biking at PICC and Folk Arts Theatre with my cousins.
And even in Baguio.

Tv shows, like Voltes V. Saturday Morning cartoons.
Eat Bulaga, Student Canteen. Yagit, Flordeluna.
Who else remember Kaluskos Musmos?
And Kulit Bulilit?
(Better whatchamacallit, Kowlit Bowlilit.)

Oh and who can deny the excitement of the PBA?
Ginebra, Tanduay, San Miguel and their rivalries.

Speaking of beverages,
I remember the very first time my Dad offered me beer.
He didn’t really offer it. He just kind of threw it at me.
We were at a beach in Zambales with his friends.
He said, “Den. Beer mo!”
I caught it on my chest, wondering if I should refuse or thank him.
He grinned at me and said, “Kuha ka pa rito mamaya.”

Of course, who can forget the amazing talent
of the Filipino Music artist.
I have instilled the music of Juan De La Cruz Band in my brain.
The old folk legends, like Florante, Freddie Aguilar,
Heber and Joey Ayala.
I enjoyed Neocolours as well.
Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and Ogie.
I wasn’t into SIDE A that much,
but I love them when they cover popular songs.
The Dawn, Francis Magalona and Introvoys were on the radio a lot then.

99.5 RT, NU 107, and LSFM were my radios of choice.
Even the Mellow Touch, 94.7.
I have memorized their position on my Walkman radio dial that I can switch stations
even when I am not looking or while I am hanging at the back of a jeepney
on my way home.

There are so many things that I recollect now
but my fingers aren’t as fast as how they come to me
so I can write them down
I guess I better end this.

In conclusion,
When I really think about it.
All of these experiences are just that.

Experiences.

I have moved into so many different places,
in three different countries.
I have had my share of it.
A lot.

And I can get these experiences if I move to a hundred places more.
Because that is just how life presents itself to you.
You “Experience” it.

But the only time that will make them into meaningful “Memories,”
Is when you spend them with your family and friends.

They make them Memories.
They make your “Experiences” into “Your Life.”