Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

XXXIII: higayon

Higayon — (n.) chance. [ bisaya/cebuano ]

* should there be any bisaya words used throughout the chapter, translations will be provided.

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"Hello! Good afternoon," I greeted.

"Hi, is this Nina Ventaspejo?" the voice said on the other line.

"Yes, speaking. May I know who this is?" tumayo ako at lumabas sa court para marinig yong caller ng maigi since medyo maingay 'yong guest sa kabilang court.

"This is Patch Lacson. I am the director of the Caridad Memorial Foundation here in Quezon City. I hope this isn't a bad time?"

"Yes, Hi Patch. No, No. It's alright." I don't think I've heard of that foundation. "How can I help you?"

"We will be opening an art gallery soon in one of our main offices here and I was wondering if you would be interested in becoming the curator for the gallery? You were recommended to us and looking at your credentials, we would love to have you on the team. If you're interested, I would love to set up a meeting with you. Are you with in the Manila area?"

"Oh wow, Thank you!" I was taken aback, quite surprised. "Um—Yes, definitely. I am interested and honored that you even considered me. I am in Cebu right now though," I explained.

"Will you be in Manila soon?"

"Um— yes. Probably next week? I'll have to check my schedule. Would it be alright if I get back to you regarding that?"

"Most definitely. For now, we can set a virtual meeting so we can talk more about the art gallery and then if you like the offer, we can proceed to the contract signing when you arrive in Manila."

"That sounds great," I smiled.

"Perfect! May I ask for your email so I could send you the meeting invite?"

I gave her my email and we ended the call shortly after. Naexcite ako kasi this would be my first gig after leaving Paris. Sino kaya ang nag recommend sa akin? Client ko noon? Prof ko? Wala naman akong na applyan so far? Baka family friend? Hindi ko alam pero kung sino ka man, salamat.

I felt like I had a purpose again, I had a reason. For the past couple of days, I've been wondering what was next for me, pondering what I wanted to do with my life. When Patch and I had a meeting, I fell in love with this project. Through my virtual meeting with Patch, the artworks to be featured were part of a private collection and were donated to the foundation to be showcased in a gallery. They strongly insisted that I be the curator of this gallery too. I was flattered but was left more curious as to who the person who recommended me was. I asked Patch about it but she said that I would know who it was when I arrived in Manila.

I was going to oversee the entire collection and arrange the gallery's launch and auction. I could stay for the opening of gallery and then manage it from Cebu should I decide not to stay in Manila. The foundation was still deciding if they wanted it to be opened to the public for good or just have it opened temporarily. I was fine with it naman. I had no plans in staying in Manila anyway.

When I spoke to my parents about it, they were so happy. Mas excited pa nga sila kay sa sakin, e. I won't even go into how ecstatic my friends were (save for Genevieve. She couldn't come with me.) Everything happened so fast. I just finished unpacking my things and now, here I was, packing my things once again for Manila.