Tap-taps in Diliman

I saw oblation again today, in all his naked glory, eyes toward the sky, hands extended by his sides. For over four years I'd marveled at what I imagine to be his message: "This is all I have. Take me as I am and mold me into the best I can be."

Offering what I have begins with the UPCAT. Like all the other students of my time who had high hopes for the future, I trotted to UP Diliman to take the dreaded but most anticipated college entrance test. I was one of a relative few who did end up taking my undergraduate studies in the campus. And still one of even a fewer number of iskolars ng bayan who graduated in the same campus.

Today, escorting my son as his turn came to take the UPCAT, I relived my days in UP Diliman. The walk down memory lane began with the Palma Hall steps. Jules' test venue is in one of those dimly lit classrooms with no aircon. I gave his cheek a good luck kiss at the gate and whispered a silent prayer that he would make it here.

Because I loved it here. My college days were among the happiest of my lifetime. I think I can never explain enough to someone who has not experienced UP how fulfilling life is inside.

From Palma Hall, I brought Mel and the kids to the Shopping Center to search for lunch, pointing my college haunts and former dormitories to them along the way. They found the SC shabby, as I expected, and I wondered why UP never bothered to spruce it up a little. It looked exactly the same as when I was here. Even the pharmacy is in the same spot at the end of the long low building.

The eateries were full, so we went out and trekked beyond PNB to see if Chateau Verde is still open. I haven't been back since about three years ago. Unfortunately, Chateau appears to be closed...I think, for good. The arched sign no longer exists and is covered entirely by bushes and vines. There was a little walkway by the side but when we attempted to take a peak, the gate was closed and the people inside said they were closed.

We drove back to the street behind the Main Library, parked in front of the College of Law, and took our pick of the food stalls lining the street. I chose a Rodic's tapsilog, my favorite during college, and so did Mel. The kids bought a sandwich from KFC but decided to have a takeout tapsilog for dinner. Olive preferred Ineng's barbecue.

(to be continued)