The Reunion

Chapter III

December 19, 2020 7:37 PM

I faced the person behind me, smiling excitedly.

"Kamusta? How many years has it been? Eight? Ten?" Mr. Basa asked.

It felt like a time warp to high school, meeting your school crush always brings cute memories to life. And it didn't hurt that Mr. Basa never seemed to age a bit, except maybe for a few lines on the side of his almond eyes and some scattered white streaks of hair in his brushed up 'do. He looked like the revamped, edgier version of my childhood dream boy, wearing a white blazer over his red collared shirt with two unfastened buttons.

"Hi Sir! Merry Christmas," I said as I greeted him with a beso on each cheek. "Oo nga Sir eh, ilang years na din ano? Parang wala tayo sa iisang probinsya eh nasa kabilang bayan lang naman kayo."

Mr. Basa laughed at the thought. "Oo 'no, medyo busy din kasi sa public high school sa Kapitolyo. Nag-rank up pa naman ako to Master Teacher, more work. Congratulate mo naman ako, oh," he modestly said.

"Wow, congratulations Sir!" I exclaimed, thrilled with the news.

"Walang hug?" Mr. Basa asked, opening his arms wide so I could give him one.

I hugged Mr. Basa tightly and tapped on his back.

"I personally witnessed how you strove for it. Sa lahat ng tiyaga at panahon na binigay mo, you deserve all of it, very well," I told him.

"Thank you," he replied, as we released from the embrace.

Part of me wished there was a second hug so I could focus on his scent. God, he smelled of cinnamon or sandalwood and such. But the moment was over, so there.

"Ikaw, Architect?" Mr. Basa asked. "Same restoration project?"

"Yes Sir. Alam niyo naman sa bayan natin, tabi-tabi pa'ng mga lumang bahay. At least proactive 'yung matandang Monte de Ramos sa heritage foundation kahit anak na niya 'yung nakaupo sa pwesto," I answered him. "Plano na talaga niyang gawing mala-Vigan 'yung hometown natin. Matagal na process 'yon so mukhang ito na ang highlight ng professional career ko. Ten years and counting."

"That single townwide project is enough to fill a very impressive portfolio," Mr. Basa said. "I must say, the restoration works are paying off. Nakikilala na sa social media 'yung bayan natin primarily because of the restored buildings. No need to travel up north to Ilocos for a time warp nga daw, sabi sa comments.

"Umuwi nga ako nu'ng nakaraan, the streets felt so familiar yet so fresh. Engrande na ulit kasi tingnan ang mga bahay sa población. Pati may mga nagbukas din as hostels and restaurants, ano? Nice job ah, nabigyan mo pa ng negosyo mga tao," Mr. Basa continued.

"Thanks Sir," I replied. "But it's not all me. Sa architectural aspect lang ako. Regarding the businesses, I would have to give full credit doon sa matanda. Before he ended his term sinigurado niya na magkakaroon ng tax exemptions 'yung mga may-ari ng old houses na planong mag-adaptive reuse for their respective businesses. Ang maganda pa, partly subsidized ng heritage foundation ang pagpapaayos ng bahay if they plan to restore it. Ayos, 'di ba?" I said, complimenting the former mayor.

Mr. Basa nodded in agreement. "Magaling talaga 'yung matanda. Salamat na din at hindi kurap ang politiko sa atin. Makikita mo talaga 'yung resulta ng tamang gamit ng budget ng city.

"So what's next? Baka naman sa susunod na taon, pedestrian only na lang 'yung buong población?"

"Hmm... Part of the plan, but not the soonest. Gawan pa namin ng framework kung aling streets ang pwede i-pedestrianize kapag na-restore na lahat ng civic buildings," I replied. "Plaza aside, ang gusto talaga naming ma-highlight are the old buildings that had institutional or commercial history. Maisasama nga Sir 'yung Gabaldon building sa Municipal High School natin eh, nakakatuwa. Siguro when done saka namin ipaplano 'yung walking route which will be the basis kung aling streets ang magiging car-free.