A couple or so years ago, my grandparents separated. Because of the trauma, my grandmother decided to pack up and sell the house and land, where all of children, and their children's children grew up. She relocated to a place we call, The Island.

A little background:

The Island is a hectare big that she and my grandfather bought in the 70s. It was called such because the land extended from the main land of Binangonan and is 95% surrounded by Laguna de Bay's water. It's only structure was a 3 bedroom log cabin, a pavillion with no walls, a basketball court and a massive tree house atop centuries old Acacia tree. Over the years, my grandparents, with the help of one son and their only daughter, developed it into a business resort. They added cottages, a kitchen, a playground, conference rooms but without destroying or tearing down any tree. When my grandmother took over management (after separation), it became a business resort/ retreat house. In her pasttime, she would do gardening and assemble water fountains. The Island is just so beautiful that sometimes on a Sunday afternoon, while walking along the cemented pathway, I would catch myself thinking, "This is what heaven must be like." I imagine that, someday, the reception of my wedding will be here, under the shade of two gigantic Acacia trees.

Over the years, the townsfolk wondered what was behind the tall wooden gates. All they knew was that people who lived there were mayayaman (rich). There were whispers that the place was enchanted, even haunted. Local fishermen swore that sometimes at night, they would see a lady in white with black flowing hair standing on the balcony looking out to the water. It surely wasn't my grandmother as she has short hair. Brave men who climbed over the high gates, in attempt to maybe rob us or satisfy their curiosity, were possessed by engkantos or spirits. Visitors who are gifted with a sixth sense swear that they see little white men running and playing around, one even hushed to our guest "Wag mo akong isusumbong ha? (Don't tattletale on me, okay?)" because they were playing hide and seek. Thankfully, they haven't seen the black giant smoking a tobacco. Yes, all of these spirits live in our Island and they protect us and our land. Nobody dared to trespass ever again.

After half a year past the separation, my grandfather slowly creeped back into my grandmother's life. He would court her in his own little way. Although they don't live together anymore, my grandfather would go to the Island on the dawn of Sunday morning to have breakfast with her, before their children and their families arrive. Eventually, he would arrive late on Saturday nights to sleep over but my grandmother would always have the extra room prepared for him. The rest of the family would giggle at this. Grandpa thinks he can easily be forgiven. Two Christmases ago, my grandfather bought her an automatic car as a gift. My grandmother wasn't amused. What did she need a new car for? I guess my grandfather was the typical man. He thought he could buy his way into my grandmother's heart. Last Christmas, my grandfather bought her a jacuzzi tub because he knew how much my grandmother loved having saunas and home serviced massages every week. While all of us "oohed" and "aahed", the question at the back of our heads was, "Where the heck will lola place this tub in her house?!" It's just so funny and so cute how my Lolo tries to make "pa- simple." Sometimes, we couldn't help teasing Lola.

Three Sundays ago, we visited Lola. I was surprised that her little house, which was extended a year ago over the water was being extended again. Apparently, she was making a sauna and jacuzzi room for her new tub.

Me: Lola, para saan yung kino-construct niyo sa house? (Lola, what is the construction in your house for?)
Lola: For the jacuzzi. (Then lowering her voice and jokingly says) Baka sabihin ng lolo mo, di ko na a-appreciate. (Your grandfather might say that I don't appreciate it).
Me: Once that's up, nobody will stay here (the table) after lunch. Everybody will be too busy bonding at the new jacuzzi.
Lola: (Laughs) Pang- isang tao lang yun! (It can only fit one person!)
Aunt Karoll: Dapat sinabi mo kay lolo na sana nilakihan niya para kami ang mag- a- appreciate! (You should have told lolo that he should have gotten the bigger one, we would appreciate it!)
My grandmother laughs.

I don't really know if my grandparents will eventually get together. I think that my grandmother doesn't want because she makes jokes about finding another boyfriend. Once, I noticed she had stitches at the edge of her eyes. Apparently, she had her eyebags removed. I asked why and she said, "para magka- boyfriend! (so that i'll get a boyfriend!) She always says that whenever I compliment her.

Anyway, what is the point of this entry? Why was I inspired to blog it? When I arrived in the office, I noticed my grandmother's car parked in the driveway. My lola's driver, who has been with the family for more than 20 years, went down and walked to my window.

Me: Saan si Lola? (Where's lola?)
Driver: Wala. Ako lang mag- isa. (She's not here. I'm by myself.)
Me: Bakit?
Driver: May hinihintay akong ticket para sa lola mo. (I'm waiting for a ticket for your lola.)
Me: (Confused) Ticket??? Bakit? Aalis ba siya ulit? (Ticket? Why? Is she leaving again?)
Driver: Oo. (Yes.)
Me: (Even more confused) Kelan? (When?)
Driver: Bukas. (Tomorrow.)
Me: (Getting even more confused)Saan siya pupunta? (Where is she going?)
Driver: Hongkong.
Me: (Surprised) HONGKONG?!? Sino kasama niya? (Who is she going with?)
Driver: (Gives me a wide smile and giggles) Kasama yata lolo mo eh. (I think she's going with your lolo.)
Me: (Smiling and gets kilig) Date sila!

Sosyal naman!

Ako rin, gusto ko ng date to Hongkong! (Me too, I want a date in Hongkong!)