Hearing the "maayong buntag, Sir" greetings is like listening to an old hit music to me. These words give me a short burst of memories during my younger years in Davao City.
Upon arrival at the Davao International Airport, I can already smell the famous or should I say, notorious odor of the Durian fruit. Although for me, as a legit Davao-borne child, it sure smell like heaven, as opposed to the famous phrase "Durian - Smells like hell, but tastes like heaven".
My second child, Kevin, 22, fetched me at the airport. 5 years ago, he decided to stay here in Davao with my parents and continue his studies here. I'm not surprised because he was born here, Oct. 27, 1987. The last time I'm with him was October of last year. The moment I saw him, I really wanted to hug him. But Kev's personality is "reserved". "Sinong kasama mo, Pa?" were the first words he uttered. Then the usual howdy's & how are the folks followed. My feeling of "lost time" w/ my kid is still present and I still wish that we could make up. I only thought that maybe this is also Tatay Forting's feelings when I left Davao in 1978 to pursue my Engineering Degree in Manila. Since then, I only got back once in a while for a vacation because I settled here in Quezon City with my loving & "superwoman" wife Becky, who hails from Parañaque. I was very fortunate for having her, aside from being a wonderful mother to our kids, she cooks perfect.
I was here in Davao to do some Commissioning works for a sound system installation and some video coverage for a Family Fun Day. My sister, Ethel, spared some of her precious time for me. She accompanied me to Tagum City, which is situated in the northern part of Davao Province. With Ethel's Rav 4, we traveled smoothly the narrow highways from Davao City to Tagum. I just loved the ride of this Toyota Rav 4. From Tagum, we traveled back to Davao to have a nice cup of coffee at the "Brewedcaster Coffee Shop" which is owned by my "sexy" sister Ethel.
Brewedcaster Coffee is a franchise which was started by local (Davao) ex-DJ's (disc jockeys), as the name definitely came from the word "broadcaster". You should try their famous Durian Brew & Durian Froccino.
They also serve short orders with rice such as the Steak which is personally prepared and served by the owner herself, Ethel.
Although my main task here is the coverage, I made it a point to spend more time with my folks, Tatay Forting & Nanay Luding. Barely able to walk because of his "gout", Tatay Forting's passion for his Church duties is what makes him stay in their locale, RickyRhoda, Davao, even until 11 in the evening. Watching them serve the Church with all of their strength made me realize to be more grateful of God's blessings.
I had also spent some quality time with Kevin. We checked out his acoustic drum set up in his
pad, which is still under construction. I can say, he's really into this drumming hobby. I've even challenged him to do Porcaro's "Rosanna". He didn't quite got the perfect groove, but I'm sure he'll eventually nail it with a little more practice & passion.
I just wished I had more time to spend with Kevin & my folks down in Davao City. In the mean time, I'll continue to cherish my sweet memories of the fun & excitement living in the "Land of Promise", and for sure, I'll miss my favorite tuna dishes especially prepared by Nanay Luding.
Love you folks!
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