Rendezvous in August (Astrology #1)

XVI

RIA 16

I was walking my way towards the entrance of the hall when I saw Ryne. Kumaway pa siya nang dalawang beses para masigurong nakita ko siya.

"Sorry, late ako!" Agad kong dalo sa kanya dahil alam kong sesermonan na naman n'ya ako.

She rolled her eyes at me.

"You're excused. Made-delay ang exhibit dahil may na-encounter na technical problems ang team." She sighed. "Nag-breakfast ka na?"

"Yeah, habang stuck ako sa traffic, kinain ko yung inorder kong sandwich."

Ryne shot a brow then shook her head in distaste.

"Yun lang kinain mo? Di bale, this would be quick. Maaga yung lunch naman natin mamaya. Magbihis ka na roon at mag-paayos."

"Okay, thank you, Ryne."

I went to the makeshift tent na nasa may likurang bahagi ng hall to change and have my face made up.

This is an art exhibit for local artists. Buong week hanggang sa araw ng Kadayawan festival may artists na magsasagawa ng exhibit dito. Bukod sa paintings at sculptures, mayroon ding mga kasuotan na i-e-exhibit. I was hired to model the designed clothes of an artist named sariana angeles.

After the makeup artist applied the base on my face, she made me change my outfit.

Sinulyapan ko ang sarili sa salamin na nasa loob ng makeshift tent. According to the manager of the artist whom I met earlier, the dress was made after a famous monster mentioned in the Mythology of Mindanao, Pah.

The tight, skin-tone dress hugged my body perfectly. The intricate design of the sequins and beads in red formed patterns that symbolize the monster in Mythology. May ikakabit pa na small wing sa left shoulder ko pero mamaya na raw pagkatapos ang makeup at hair ko.

Bumalik ako sa upuan para matapos na ang makeup at ang buhok.

After they were done with me, I glanced at myself in the mirror. My hair was fixed in french twists. Kahit na maikli ay nagawan pa rin ng paraan. The small wing on my left shoulder completed the look of the dress overall.

The glam team assisted me outside of the tent. Magsisimula na ang event.

"Wow!" Ryne gasped. "Wait, let me take a picture of you para may ma-upload ka mamaya sa social media mo."

I did a few poses for her before I was called by the organizer.

Inalalayan ako paakyat sa small platform kung saan ako tatayo at mag-po-pose. I mentally prepared myself for this. I would change into 2 to 3 poses for the whole time until lunch break. Pagkatapos non ay babalik ulit ako at mag-po-pose hanggang sa matapos ang event mamayang 6 pm.

This is not new to me cause I've been posing for art students back in College. Nagkaron ako ng mga offers from the department when they learned I am a model, so posing for hours will be a piece of cake!

Nga lang, matagal na rin yon kaya I asked Ryne to negotiate with the organizers if they can allow me to change poses now and then. Pumayag naman sila, lalo pa't hindi naman necessary na manatili sa iisang pose dahil hindi naman ito painting sesh. It's just that they want to minimize the movements to showcase the dress properly.

The host introduced the artist, the name of the dress I was wearing, and then me. I did my first pose.

As soon as I did that, the artist shared with the audience the story behind the dress. I see some of the students stopping by and taking pictures and videos of the dress and me. Sa umpisa naiilang, dahil may iba na nagtatagal ang pagkuha ng video at photo, pero kalaunan naman ay nasasanay na.