A Dear Friend

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Sat, 04/10/2010 - 2:38am

She is a dear friend who chooses to be herself when with me. I'm one of those honored ones she chooses to show who she is.

I bumped into her at the RSL Terminal in Virac on my way bound for home here in Wichita. She, almost politely, asked how my trip was. I remembered telling her i was to come to America 3 years ago at the supermarket. She did not forget that.

She asked for my wife and my children who she was fond of as she can speak to them in English. She related how bumpy her last trip across the Mediterranean sea was on her last plane ride. She never stopped amazing me with her memory, however selective it is for now.

I saw how the people around buzzed when we started our friendly conversation. I knew they were wondering what in the world Dave is doing talking to a... No she is not... at least not with me nor with my family and Manay Ting (Dr. Estrella Placides).

I remembered the endless cup of coffee at home with her and Msgr. Ping. The interesting information about her travel and at times... about her past...

She may be THAT to most, which is unfortunate. But I'm honored for her to be a family friend... as the song goes...

... the world was never meant for one as beautiful as you... Espie.

A Dear Friend

Espie@ SB

nonoytukawsabato's picture
Submitted by nonoytukawsabato on Fri, 05/21/2010 - 6:40pm.

thanks SB and sir Dave for posting it here. Having lived in the island for a good 20 years, it would really be impossible not to remember Espie. I have heard several stories of her life and how she became what she currently is, but none of them was as detailed as the one written by Pablo Tariman. Pirmi akong nasa saud kang panahon ta ga tinda man kami nin sila sa banwa kaiba ang sakuyang ina, kaya aro aldaw nahihiling ko an c Espie sa paradahan nin awto palibot libot sa saud nin Virac.

A Dear Friend

Sweet Bikolana's picture
Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 10:28pm.

I went to the Philippine National Bank yesterday morning only to find that a sign informing customers that the ATM was "Offline". In fact, it is out of order and had not been fixed by the same time today.
Whilst wondering what to do next, I noticed Espie in the park opposite. I had seen her many times before and after reading Dave's post I felt able to introduce myself.
We chatted for quite a while. She speaks well and in good English. I was surprised to learn that she has British citizenship and worked in London where she had a son. I learned something of her sad story: Unrequited love, lost son, money sent 'home' and misappropriated by her family.

Given her work history in UK over seven years or so during the 1970s, I wondered whether she may be entitled to a pension. I took some details and undertook to contact the pensions office in UK to try and determine whether she may have some money owing to her.
This evening I have found a couple of links to newspaper articles that reported on Espie and her son.
If you see Espie, take time to say 'hello'; she is a really nice person.
SIM: A Mother's Tale of Woe
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20090509-204090/From-Lo...

Inquirer: A Son's Story
http://services.inquirer.net/mobile/09/01/25/html_output/xmlhtml/2009011...

A Dear Friend@SB

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 11:05pm.

Your comment made my eyes misty. I'm happy you have seen my friend from a "different eye". She deserves to be treated well and be accepted as she is. Thank you very much for imploring readers for that "hello".

Pablo Tariman is a friend of mine. He was introduced to the story of Espie when we were bringing in artists in Catanduanes. He was a former Vice President of The Cultural Center of the Philippines and now an impresario and, well... a writer.

Thanks again SB. Kindly say hello to Espie when you see her again.

Espie

Submitted by hdebbi on Sat, 04/10/2010 - 12:51am.

i remember my mom used to tell us that she sits with her near the organ in church before mass..she would request her to play "will you remember me" ...then she will say sad songs brings back sad memories...she may be THAT but we can still learn a lot from her..one is how to conduct a good conversation in english...