I panicked, because if knew they were going to dig up my street sooner or later, but I never thought they'd do it this abruptly! I quickly called my newly-wed bandmate, Chino. He had this empty condo unit whose rent has already been paid for until the end of July. He and his wife moved to a bigger apartment; and a few weeks back, he offered the place to anyone who was willing… so I took it!

 

It was like destiny or something, because in a matter of minutes, I was packed, and ready to go to my new studio-type unit. For the first time in my life, I was going to live alone.

 

Ho-hum…This living alone business was kind of overrated.

 

 

It was weird waking up in the afternoon…in Makati!

 

The first "morning" was weird. I wore my standard black shirt, baggy cargo shorts, and crocs, and went out to get something to eat. Everyone was wearing office clothes except for me! Then I went to the nearby Starbucks and said in straight English, "Good morning, can I have a tall orange juice and a chicken teriyaki sandwich please?"

 

The kind barista replied, "Sir, Good afternoon na po!"

 

 

A few days after, I bought a Japanese surplus 14" inch Sony TV and a generic DVD player from the Pier. My TV at home was too big and heavy to carry, and I needed something to keep me sane. I also borrowed my girlfriend's radio.

 

 

It was nice to have a 24-hour Jollibee in walking distance, but usually their staff were already grumpy by 1am. The money I saved on gas expense was used for food. And there was plenty of food… plenty and expensive. I missed my Mom's home cooking.

 

I cleaned my small space using folded tissue paper, because I didn't have a broom. Later, I bought cheap pranelas on the street (4 pcs for five pesos) to conserve my tissue consumption. I had to clean my room every day, because the aircon kept on spewing large amounts of dust and lint. I think it needed cleaning, but I didn't dare touching it.

 

I went home to QC at least once a week to have my dirty laundry cleaned, and to get new clothes, of course. Every time I'd go home, my Mom would greet me like the Prodigal Son who returned.

 

 

Soon, it was time for me to go. The short month was over. Luckily, my street was already cemented. There was still a road block that said DO NOT ENTER, but residents were already allowed to park their cars in their respective garages.

 

While we were packing, my kumpare Manong Limon, our family driver mused, " Iba talaga ang takbo ng buhay dito sa Makati, noh?"

 

I agreed, and replied further, "Mabilis ang takbo ng buhay dito."

 

Soon, we were on our way home, discussing about the traffic there. I said one reason could be the one-way schemes; another could be the meddling Makati Police. He said it was probably because there were a lot of women drivers there, and that they were cautious in driving their beloved SUVs. We laughed all the way back to QC.

 

It was good to be home.