Always special

It's not a Friday, but this 1984 hit from Iwi Laurel is such an appropriate song for today:

We visited Lolo, Lola and Tita Lon at Loyola today. 

It was our belated All Soul's Day visit. We usually go there earlier or later, so we avoid the November 1 crowd. Since it was raining last week, we ended up going today.

It's been decades, but they're still sorely missed, and will always be part of our special memory.

About the Grill

Whenever the topic of Bicol comes up, one of the places that always pop up in my memory is Bamboo Grill.

Back in the 80s, Bamboo Grill was a popular spot in Tabaco. As the name implies, it's a restaurant that has a lot of grilled offerings. But what it's better known for is the 2nd floor where mahjong games are played daily.

Lola Dita and Mama would go here to play mahjong, and they would allow us kids to roam around the grill, and we'd often go to the ground floor function hall. The reason why we were here often was that the walls were adorned with all these fantasy tableaus, including one with King Neptune and mermaids, one with various sea creatures, and another with a giant oyster and pearl.

Now, it's 2023, and that childhood place from the 80s is still around.

It's not the Bamboo Grill that we know of. It's now a private residence, and most of the structures that we'd frequent as kids - including the ground floor function hall - is gone.

But their iconic gate is still there, and that's enough for me to appreciate all the wonderful memories this place brought us.

Of Sandalwood and Childhood

The smell of Sandalwood always reminds me of my childhood.

Because we have Spanish family members, the bar soap that you’d often find in our bathrooms was Mama. It was a Spanish brand with a black and red packaging, punctuated with a dancing Spanish woman. That soap had a very strong Sandalwood scent.

So did Peach Blossom, another soap that you’d find in our bathrooms. It was this wood coloured soap with a super strong scent that stays on long after you’ve used it.

Then, there’s Lola Dita’s Wood fan. It also emitted that same scent profile each time she opens and uses it.

Because of these scent memories, I’ve had a fondness for Sandalwood scents. Even if most people find it too old, i’d Always find myself gravitating towards that kind of scent.

That’s why Diptyque’s “Tam Dao” appealed to me the moment Imtook a whiff at Shinsegae Duty Free in Myeongdong.

Let me say, it’s like reliving my childhood with every spray.

Grand dame

One of the great things about these reunions are the photos that are shared between cousins.

Esther told me that she found a lot of old family photos in Tita Evelyn's house. Since these were old-school printed photos, she scanned some, she took photos of the photos for some others, and she showed them to me while we were having our impromptu "house party."

Among the photos that really made me smile was this photo of my Grandmother, Lola Dita, when she was younger.

This photo is actually framed at their condo in Sitges. I saw this when I visited that place more than a decade ago. Looking at it back then, it was clear that Lola was a very classy, elegant woman. And that's how I always remember her, someone who's always well-dressed, well-mannered, and classy.

She was truly a dame.

Missing and Memories

This heartfelt song from Diana Ross pretty much sums up what I felt this morning.



We usually visit Lolo, Lola and Tita after the All Soul's Day rush, and that's what I did. As expected, Loyola was quiet, not crowded and more serene. A welcome change from the chaos and fracas that often happens from October 31 to November 2.

I was in my teens when Lola, then Lolo, left us. And whenever I visit them, I can't help but feel that I didn't spend enough time with them. That it would've been awesome if they lived another decade so I could've enjoyed their company and wisdom more.

But I know that even if they're not here physically, they're watching all of us from above.

Incidentally, today marks the 29th year since Lolo joined Lola in heaven. It's been so long, but the longing feels the same.

Yo extranjo mucho, Abuelo y Abuela. Por siempre.

Something a-miss

Because of the rains, we weren't able to visit Lolo and Lola in Loyola today. But even if we weren't there physically, our prayers are and will always be with them.

Even though it's been more than 2 decades, I still miss my grandparents.

Margarine memories

Whenever I pass by the dairy section and see Blue Bonnet, I can't help but remember Lola Dita.

This was her favorite brand back in the 80s. And that time, you could only buy Blue Bonnet from PX stores, or direct from the U.S. And occasionally in Unimart.

She'd eat this with toasted bread and a side of grapefruit and honey.

Lola Dita always had good taste.

Close to his heart

My Dad wears this necklace that used to belong to Lolo Iking. It's a gold pendant with the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary resting on a long chain.

When I was younger, I noticed how Lolo would wear this necklace everyday. Because of its length, the pendant dangled on the area where his heart is. And he would never take it off. And there's a reason why he would never take it off.

This necklace was a gift from Lola Dita. At the back of the necklace is an engraved note from Lola to Lolo. It's a bit small, so the camera couldn't capture it. But I distinctly remember what the note said.



"Mi querido Enrique, De Tu esposa te quiero mucho, Dita."

"My beloved Enrique. From your wife who loves you very much, Dita."

Looking at the necklace and reading the note further illustrates how much Lolo Iking and Lola Dita loved each other. And it also explains why Lolo never took off this necklace when he was still alive.

It was something that was close to his heart - figuratively and literally.