Casa de Arrastia [ Don Vicente's ]
Calle Real
Poblacion
San Angel
21 June 2019
5:07 pm
As the sun sheds golden over San Angel on this humid June afternoon, the capiz paneled windows of Casa de Arrastia are slid open. The small arched gate welcomes familiar faces. In the sala mayor stands the Virgen Inmaculada flanked by two pedestals decked with white lilies. White candles are lit before her encase in hurricane glass shields.
A small LED TV is located not far left of the altar. Displayed therein are the numbers:
713
of
1,000 Hail Marys.
The chanting of the Hail Mary has been going on for the past five hours. About thirty women are seated before the altar taking turns with the prayers.
Don Vicente stands near the double door entrance to his stately century old house, watching the women pray.
Doña Mirza: Good afternoon, Vicente.
She greets him upon entering the doorway.
Don Vicente turns, smiles upon seeing her, recognizes her companion behind her.
Lolo Cente: Andito ka na pala, Mirza.
He leans over to exchange besos.
Doña Mirza: Paciencia na, Vicente, nalibang kami ni Candida.
She excuses their tardiness.
Lolo Cente: Candida, so good of you to come.
He welcomes Doña Idang.
Doña Idang: Good afternoon, Vicente.
They exchange besos.
Doña Idang: Am I not imposing on you?
She asks ever so gently.
Doña Mirza: Kanina pa yan sa bahay, Vicente.
The elderly lady scoffs.
Lolo Cente: Itong si Idang, akala mo iba sa familia.
He says with a chuckle.
Doña Idang: Manners dictates it, Vicente.
She snappily gestures with her fan.
Lolo Cente: Mag-merienda na muna tayo.
_ _ _
Doña Mirza and Doña Idang join Don Vicente at the end of the dining table in the comedor. They are having their afternoon snack to the sound of women continuously chanting the Hail Mary.
Doña Mirza: And he's scheduled for operation tomorrow morning?
She asks after sipping her coffee.
Lolo Cente: Yan ang sabi ni Miguel kahapon. Kaya bigla akong nagpatawag ng padasal kagabi.
He explains to them.
Doña Idang: Oh my, that poor boy. Sana naman the operation goes well.
Doña Idang makes the sign of the cross.
Lolo Cente: That is all we are praying for, Candida.
Don Vicente dips his churro into the thick chocolaté.
Doña Idang: At si Miguel? How is he holding up?
Doña Candida questions him further.
Lolo Cente: Who knows how young people are holding up.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Coño Boy 6: Ten Lifetimes With You
RomanceThey say that we are reincarnated with the same set of souls that we have spent our previous lives with, and that we fall in love with the same person in this life and the next. This is the story of two souls and the journey of their love through t...
