Joy to the world

My original intention was for the previous post to be about the despedida party thrown for Joy last night. I also wanted it to be a happy post: a proper send-off, so to speak, for somebody who to many people embodies her very name. However, as it is often the case with my writings, sometimes the words get the better of me and they run off to directions that I did not intend to tread. So this time I will focus on the party, so help me, God!

In my opinion, the despedida actually started on Saturday night. After the mass, Joy had a short photo session with the choir, whose members regard her as the ‘Simon Cowell’, bluntly pointing out when the singing deviates from its usually-high quality. After that, Joy treated us (Lou, me, Lala, Tita Sonia, Tita Purit, Trixie, Daden, Doc Marisa, Daddy Dick, and Bea) to a buffet dinner at Juliana Hotel.

Last night, people started arriving at Bistro Lorenzo (a Filipino restaurant) around 6PM, as per the invitation sent by Lou. Joy arrived at around half-past 6. After a prayer led by Jojo, the 40 or so guests dined on beef stroganoff, sweet and sour fish, chopsuey, chicken cordon bleu, fresh spring rolls, noodles, and lechon. For dessert, there were leche flan, gelatin with coconut milk, and fresh fruit salad. I immediately felt full after a single trip to the buffet table. Must be the couple of glasses of iced tea I drank before eating.

When the guests have eaten, Bridget (the Singaporean former beauty queen and member of the church choir) took to the floor and asked the guests to speak on how Joy has touched their lives in the time that they had known her. When Joy entered the restaurant after her cigarette break, we applauded and sat her down on one of the chairs and the testimonials began. 

Friends old and new came forward, speaking of how they first met Joy and how she had touched their lives. Jojo told the story of how, in her most relaxed moment while talking to Jojo, Joy removed her bra non-chalantly. Nary, a Cambodian colleague shared how she owed her professional development to Joy’s tireless generosity. Tita Purit likened her to an umbrella that provided shade from the sun and rain. Doc Marisa talked of the family she has found in Joy and Lou, something that had lasted for many years.

One of the most touching moments of the night was when HOJ’s famous housekeepers spoke. Joy was in tears. Raymond shared how the presence of HOJ in his life helped him in his coming out process. Bridget shared how being with HOJ helped her overcome her prejudice for gay men. I think this delighted Raymond immensely. I told them the story of my first meeting with her and Lou (told in more details in my previous post) and revealed my way of keeping her close to my heart (her face on my shirt).

One of the last to speak was Lou. This was one of the few occassions I’d seen Lou speak for more than 2 minutes. She’s a good public speaker, I realized.

When Joy finally spoke, the catch that had been building up in my throat grew and threatened to send me crying. I realized that I was really going to miss her when she leaves. But I also realized that we, her friends, are not really saying good-bye. She is only physically away, but her legacy of joy (pardon the pun), generosity, and love of life will always be with us. Something to look back on, something to aspire to.

As you embark on this journey, my best wishes to you always, Joy. I will miss you! But I know we’ll see each other again, wherever in the world that may happen.