Chew the Fat

Another weekend habit.

Most Sunday or Saturday evenings, right after attending mass at Pius, we would take a gradual walk along UN Avenue, passing the Sikh Temple and Unilever then crossing the Pres. Quirino Extension near Robinson's Otis. Right there at the crossroads, we would make a short stop in a small "booth" owned by Manang who sells balut, softdrinks, biscuits, candies and yosi, and calls each of her customers "Anak". She would give us two balut eggs, then remind us of the available "maanghang na sawsawan": 1 for mild, 2 for strong, and 3 for very strong. [Of course, I would rather choose salt.] She would generously offer a roll of tissue (unlike many fast food chains that limit a piece of super lightweight tissue to one person regardless of the order size) and monobloc stools. Sometimes, a tricycle driver would give us his chair (there is a tricycle "terminal" nearby).

My buddy would slightly tap one pole of the egg on the edge of Manang's tiny table, creating a small opening. I would drop a pinch of salt on the crack, drink the warm broth (sabaw ba), eat the yellow part then give him the rest. Nice and easy. We could finish our break in less than 15 minutes. Our brief visit would give us time to inadvertently overhear street stories from other customers (or from Manang), and gaze at some fancy handsome cars (like BMW and Ford pickup) or good affordable family vehicles (like Crosswind and Avanza) passing by. Eventually, we would start musing (again and again) about our "future" family car. Afterward, we would continue our stroll until we reach Robinson's mall-- to buy some groceries or take our chance on lotto, or just wait for a bus going home.

And I love us for that.

Hearty snack, easygoing chat. =)