Home after many many years

HOME will always be home and after so many years of being away, Gus Ferrer, resident of San Francisco, California decided it was time for a visit.

It must be eons really since I last saw Gus. It was a welcome treat to be invited to his despidida lunch in the home of Edward Garcia who hosted him for the duration of his stay.

Gus hasn’t aged much despite the temperate climate of Frisco. Balder perhaps but the face has no traces of the 7 signs of aging. (hehehe!) And the charm and affable personality is still there.

Gus is a gentle soul. He is light and good company and his love for life radiates wherever he is. He brings calmness to any situation. Gus is now retired and just helps keep home for sister Cecile. Cecile is married to a very prominent doctor in the States and ever reliable Gus prepares home and appointments for the couple.

Gus had previous jobs in the past and like most started with caregiving until he became an expert in butlering for famous personalities and influential families in California. But he is done with that and prefers a more leisurely life with Cecile and her family.

Just a few weeks away from America and already Cecile seems to miss Gus’s attentive care and calls asking when he will be home. Gus goes beyond just keeping the home pretty and tidy but puts schedules and engagements in order. His attention to detail and his caring makes him a treasure.

The impromptu luncheon whipped up by Edward was a reunion of old friends from teenage years. There was Aboy Severino who just came in from New York and Toronto. There was Chita Reyes who has already turned her back on the Big Apple after living there for countless years and not regretting any moment that she has decided to be back in Bacolod. Miren Lopez Zayco was also just in from Bangkok accompanying her Mom for a short respite. There was Edgar Alunan whom I haven’t seen for some time too and we recounted missing some friends who are now gone like Joe Leonardia who was a dear friend to Edgar. The “bagets” in the pack were Adjie Lizares and the unobtrusive Ernest Baker who made an appearance.

Joining the candid group were Philip Garcia and Tina plus the de Leon sisters Annette and Milet, who enjoyed the usual great meals prepared by Edward.

It was a leisurely lunch which stretched to the afternoon especially since Gus was leaving the following day. Conversations were varied and sundry and light as Gus’s personality. It was a good day!
Till we meet again Gus… hopefully in San Francisco!