LET me jump to December 31. I can write about the other days sometime. Let me put this in the proper perspective. As a person and if I had a choice I would rather spend New Year at home, in the serenity and tranquility of our home. I have never been one of those people who would go on a binge on New Year's Eve. My idea of fun is not stuffing myself with food and getting heady over wine. I do not like the idea of going around and hugging and kissing people I only see once or two times a year. Not my idea of fun.

Chona agrees with me on that aspect. But ever since Chona started working for a hotel we had no choice. It was work for her that she be at the midnight dance party. And so for the past several years my family and I have spent New Year's at the Marco Polo. Of course it is fun because Marco Polo really knows how to throw a party, if you like parties.

Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo

So last December 31 we were at the Marco Polo to celebrate and welcome 2009. After dinner our children decided to go to the party of their uncle. So I drove them to the place and stayed awhile. Chona had to stay because of work. The private party was to me a better place because the people there were familiar. I stayed awhile, drank some wine and just listened to the chatter all around.

About an hour later I decided to go back to the hotel. I did not go to the ballroom where the party was. Instead I went up to the room where it was quiet. I switched on the television and ended up watching nature scenes with spiritual music as a background.

I ended up praying, thinking, reflecting, imagining, looking back, looking forward and all that. I guess I was so engrossed with it that I forgot about the time. This was the way I wanted to welcome the New Year. In the quiet and solitude.

I have always preferred the quiet manner in which to welcome the New Year instead of the usual madness in which most people do.

January 1 was spent sleeping. Again. I guess we were all too spent to do anything. That night we went to an aunt's house where we had dinner. A creeping sadness started because January 3 and January 4 were fast approaching. Though I tried very hard not to show it, it did. January 2, we had dinner.

January 3 came. This was the day Migoy was leaving for Singapore. I woke with a heavy heart but there was much to do. The flight was at three something but he had to be at the airport by noon. We did last minute things and the next thing I knew it was noon and it was time. As it is our family tradition we gathered in our room and we prayed.

My voice cracked and I was holding back my tears. After our prayers Eps and Gabo said their farewells. Chona was trying to be busy and I was controlling myself. I embraced Migoy. And off we went to the airport. The ride was subdued.

Silent even. When we got to the airport I took a deep breath. Migoy got his things and he said his goodbyes. I embraced him one more time and off he went. As we were driving away I stole a glance. Chona and I prayed one more time.

When we got home, Eps and Gabo were asleep. Chona was doing something. I was pacing the floor. I went to the prayer room again. After sometime, Migoy texted us. They were boarding. I went outside and paced the half court. I was waiting for the whine of the jet engines in the distance.

Honestly I stayed outside the house for a good half hour because I did not know the exact time Migoy took off. All I heard were jets taking off. My feet were aching so I decided to just go inside the house. Eps and Gabo were still asleep. Chona was still at it, whatever it was. We had our ways of dealing with the loneliness. The trip was going to take more than three hours.

That night we ate at SM. Eps and Gabo wanted pizza. So off we ate. Then both of them wanted to buy shirts. Again. So again, they bought shirts. Chona and I headed off the grocery. I was staring at my phone for the nth time. No call or text yet.

After the grocery I told my wife to check her phone. Two missed calls. It was Kuya. I looked at the time. Seven thirty. We texted him to call and in a few moments Migoy called. It was a relief to hear his voice. He was in Singapore and he had just finished Immigration. His sundo was somewhere.

I was surprised at the quality of the call. His voice was so clear. After the call while walking, I again said a silent prayer. (God must have been amused!)

We met up with Eps and Gabo and we told them Kuya called. They said okay. I guess they were just lonely too. After SM we headed home. Silent prayer. (God must have been amused!)