MARLON AND MY BROTHER

It was my brother Donato who met Marlon first during one of his earlier Balikbayan trips. He described Marlon as very friendly, very curious. When Donato was working on something in the old house Marlon would come up to him and ask: "What are you doing, Uncle?" Uncle would be a better word to use. Although it is not strictly right ( it should be Lolo ) but us Seniors are a bit sensitive when it comes to age. We want to stay young forever even if we know we can't.

Donato would then start a chat with marlon who was quite a good conversationalist. He would talk about his Mom and Dad. His dad Angelo was a favorite of my late dad before. He would always share our meals with him, even if at times, there was nothing much to eat. Gildo grew up with a knack for electronics and when he got married with Marivic (Bing), a pretty girl from Urdaneta, he supported his family by repairing various electronic equipments:TVs, stereos, toasters, etc. almost anything that runs on electricity. He also put up a small house for him and his family at the back of his parents' house Mr. and Mrs. Teofilo Sampaga.

In one of his conversations with my brother Donato, Marlon said "You know what? Our dog had some puppies last night!" He was so proud in announcing the good news. "Oh yeah?" answered Donato .." Can you give me one if it is okay?" "Oh sure, " Marlon said.."I will tell it to my dad, I think its gonna be okay.."

Then his holiday winded down. It was time to go back to Canada. As my brother brought down all his luggages to a waiting Toyota in front of our house, Marlon came again and asked him:"Where are you going?"

Donato said: "I am going back to Canada. See you when I come back.."

Marlon immediately said: "Wait, wait I have something to give you!" He dissapeared for a while and when he came back, he was carrying a cute puppy..

"This is for you, Uncle.My parents said it is okay for you to take him.."

Donato just smiled, rubbed the puppy's head and said:"Thank you, Marlon..But you know what? He is too small to ride in the plane yet..So I will leave him here so when I come back, thats the time I will get him, okay?"

The answer is plausible enough for Marlon. He said "Oh, its okay then..I will take care of him for you..."

When I took my vacation in 2003, I met him for the first time. When he learned I was Uncle Donato's younger brother, he said "Oh..I still have his dog!..He went to his house and brought it out so I can see it..It was a beautiful dog.

Luckily, he did not give it to me on my last day in Asingan so I can give it to my brother here in Toronto.---#