Category: My Journey

Edge Interview and Missionary Moment

The Edge Interview

I had a fantastic time last night at The Edge Radio.  We talked about overcoming heartbreaks.  Owie asked some good questions–I hope I responded coherently in my partially jet-lagged state.  Thanks to all who got online and chatted with us, and thanks for everyone who was listening.

Missionary Moment

Something kind of interesting happened before the interview.  I had a late lunch at Chilli Pepper’s, a little restaraunt located close to the station.  While looking at the menu, I told the cashier I forgot what I ordered last time (I remembered that it was quite tasty, and I wanted to order it again).  “Tuna steak,” said the cashier’s co-worker.  I looked at the center of the menu board, and sure enough, there it was–the dish I ordered about six months ago (before my previous interview).  I was a bit surprised–how in the world did this guy remember my order?

I pondered this while eating.  I vaguely remembered complementing the chef last time I was there (I said masarap, which means “delicious”).  I guess it left more of an impression than I realized.  It was just one more reminder that a Mr. Clean look-alike is never anonymous, even in a city of over 12 million people.

 

Kuya Kevin@Malacanang (Presidential Palace)

Love Joy (from DZAS) sent a text message to me last week.

LJ: “Kevin, have you ever been to Malacanang?”
Kevin: “You mean the President’s palace?”
LJ: “Yes.”
Kevin: “No, I’ve never been there.”
LJ: “They are having a Christmas party for members of the press, and we’re allowed to invite a few guests.  Want to join us?”
Kevin: “Sure!”

I accepted the invitation, which led to quite an interesting afternoon (Monday, December 8th).  I met LJ and the other DZAS folks at one of the gates.  We went through all of the security checkpoints (where my camera was confiscated) then proceeded to the ballroom.  Malacanang is a lovely place, and the food was delicious.  I met Mariz, a reporter from channel GMA-7.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo eventually made her entrance.  I couldn’t see her at first—she’s quite petite (under 5 feet tall), and was surrounded by people.  I could tell were she was by the cameras held high above the crowd.  We all waited for her to finish eating before taking pictures (I think I was the only one there without a camera phone, which was allowed—go figure).

I was hoping she would just stroll our way, where I could shake her hand, introduce myself, and snap a picture—the “dignified presidential guest” approach. That didn’t happen.  People swarmed around her once she finished eating.  We had to simply muscle our way in and steal a few shots, the “desperate picture-taking groupie” strategy.  But hey, it worked:

The President worked her way up to the stage, where she drew names for raffle prizes.  LJ won a refrigerator!  The raffled continued until all the prizes were allotted for.

We hoisted LJ’s refrigerator and headed out to the palace entrance (alongside several other prizewinners).  It looked like we were leaving SM mall instead of Malacanang palace.

There weren’t any taxis passing by outside, so I had to improvise a little to get back home.  I hopped on a jeep, got down near Ayala Bridge, then rode a tricycle (motorcycle with side car) the rest of the way home (just a block or so).

Where else can you eat free food, take your picture with the President, move a refrigerator, and ride a jeepney all in the same day?  Only in the Philippines!

Thanks, LJ for your invitation!  When are you going to start up your own blog?