Sunday, March 04, 2007 The Balaytique balay hop By Jinggoy Salvador
IT WAS just plain coincidence that this visit to see a very good friend turned out to be much more than I expected.
When I heard that my first Spanish best friend, Senor Xavi Gimeno and his family, was bidding the Philippines goodbye and moving to a distant land, I had to rush to Punta Fuego in Batangas where he is the General Manger and see this guy. There was no assurance if he was ever stepping in Davao soil before he leaves so I had to make sure that I spend some time with him and his lovely family before they move to Africa.
The news was dropped like a bomb. But I am a person who has to confirm everything from the source, straight form the horse's mouth as the cliché‚ goes, otherwise it's just gossip for me. Xavi confirmed the relocation to Morocco, in the city of Marakesh. He will be returning to his previous employer, the Barcelo group, and run the new hotel in this exotic African city.
Knowing my newfound passion for traveling and discovering new places, he simply said; "You have a new place to visit." Actually, this man was the reason for bringing the travel bug to life in me. From all the invitations extended to me from his colleagues, Xavi's was the one that materialized. From the invite to the extra effort in accompanying me to the Spanish Embassy (with much gratitude to Mr. Tony Brias as well) making sure that I get to see Barcelona and Europe for the first time.
From the simple statement, all worries were completely banished. He gave me an unspoken assurance that no ties will be broken. Talk about genuine friendship.
This visit at Punta Fuego, Xavi extended a fantastic room with a picturesque seaside view. The simple visit turned out to be an extravagant one especially with yet another luxurious treat from Ylang-ylang Spa from Charlie Sutter.
Coincidentally, Barangay Balaytique, where Punta Fuego is situated, was also celebrating their fiesta. It has been years since I was able to attend a much-awaited rural festivity. By this, I mean hopping from home to another to politely partake of the specially prepared meals. This open house to everyone who is a friend of the homeowner is so distinctively Pinoy. No invites required, if you are a friend, then feel free to drop by mentality is quite admirable. More admirable but a bit disconcerting is the Pinoys do make the extra effort to come up with even the simplest menu to feed all the guests even at the time of monetary crisis. But that's the Pinoy for you.
From one house to another, I became the tag-along (a.k.a the gate crasher) of the Fuego throng that enjoyed the traditional Filipino fiesta. The trick is to try a little of something in one house and another on the next. But the best part was feasting on the fresh sampaloc (tamarind). Amazing!
Just when I thought I will retire early in my nice room, I was mistaken. I was to join the highlight of the event, crowning the Miss Teen Balaytique.
With a huge crowd gathered around the pageant area, I took solace at the judges table, declined an offer to judge the event but took the offer to be seated among the Punta Fuego bigwigs, the GM, Xavi, and the much-loved chef and great friend, Mikel.
This, like any Philippine programs, took no less than three hours to finish. There is something about this country's fanfare that has to be extended to the maximum time possible. And this had no commercial breaks, mind you.
Of course, this was a barangay project, thus everyone is willing to be part of the program. Children from age 6 to 60 took center stage to show their dancing prowess. One lady even got irked and stood motionless because her fellow dancers didn't seem to remember their steps, but she managed to get back to the groove.
Finally, after midnight, the new queen was crowned, by the GM no less, and the program ended. It was fun and I had memories to keep on this possible last visit to this town. The next time I see this good man will be in Marrakesh and that's going to be very exciting.
To Xavi, Jolly, Maria and Aina, all the best for you as you embark on this new journey.
