Sure looks good to me

I first met my friend Derick’s mother and younger sister more than year ago. When Derick told me that they were coming to Phnom Penh on holiday, I was eager to meet them. Because Derick had earlier told me that his mother and sister were both beauty queens in their home province of Samar (Miss Samar in different decades). Images of these gorgeous but aloof mestizas from an island province’s alta sociedad, regal in their gowns and crowns, waving to the darker-complexioned and mud-heeled masses (hehehe) flickered inside my mind.

When I finally met them, they struck me as good-natured and down-to-earth. Both seem to be mildly embarrassed when they discovered that I knew of their ‘celebrity status’. Their company made my supposed business trip to Koh Kong (with Derick) fun and interesting. Olga regaled me with tales involving her experiences in beauty contests and her gay entourage of make-up artist, hairdresser, stylist, walking, posing, and public speaking coach, and an assortment of groupies. Her story of how a Pitoy Moreno gown, first worn by Mother, was ‘re-constructed’ to fit the styles in the next generation of contestants like Olga and her nieces was priceless.

This year, Olga and Mother came back for a longer holiday. Though I wasn’t able to join them in their holiday in Siem Reap, we often saw each other in church and in dinners. The photo above was taken in one of those dinners. The baby is Micah, Derick and Michelle’s first born (and my god-daughter). What I’m most thankful for is that they found time to make me some new drapes for my new home. I have known of their skills in the sewing machine but I never thought they would be able to make something just for me. When I realized they were really serious, I took Derick and Olga to the market to buy fabric. We had fun shopping for fabrics and accessories. They immediately set to work right after. I would’ve wanted to watch them work but I was afraid my presence would put undue pressure. I remember I used to like watching my grandmother and mother sewing stuff in their electric Singer sewing machine (Gawd, I’m so gay!).

A few days later, my new drapes were done. I offered them to have dinner at the house, so they can also meet Vic, my room-mate. I also invited other friends that night. I cooked my so-called signature dishes: pork menudo sans tomato sauce and chicken asado. Derick and I hanged the drapes the same evening. I loved it. Olga was self-deprecating of her work but I think it’s just brilliant.

I love the way it changes with the time: during the day it allows sunlight and the breeze to pass through and at night, it provides enough cover from prying eyes. And the details are absolutely lovely as well. Very nicely done; I would’ve paid good money for it (had they allowed me). That evening, we posed for a group photo with the drapes as background. The photo didn’t give it justice, though, as it focused on us cam-whores.

Loads of thanks to Olga and Mother. I do hope to see you again, whether in Phnom Penh or in Manila. Luv you both!