I AM wrapping up my trip shortly, hoping to get back home on the weekend, Philippine time. Been away since Sept. 22, 2019.

My usual problem is, it’s a bit hard for me to get my groove back coming from a vacation.

But was I really on vacay?

To begin with, I wrote columns wherever I was. Well, I tried to.

I guess, I’ve done it in the West Coast—in San Francisco.

Been doing it since in this “city that doesn’t sleep” beginning Sept. 29, sneaking in snippets I must confess, if only to comply with the covenant with you I’ve signed in granite a dozen or so years ago.

If that’s not working, crafting columns at the slightest opportunity, what is?

Like this one.

I was ready to write about the NBA-China rift when I got an e-mail from Jonathan Juntado, who describes himself as “Director

Film & TV Production 2017

USC School of Cinematic Arts

(650) 922-4910 | jonathanjuntado.com.”

“Hello, Mr. Mendoza,

“I’m following up to see if you were still interested in a meeting. I was reading your recent posts on the SunStar site and saw that you’re in NYC. I am actually based in NY now.

“I would love the opportunity to meet up with you while you are in town. I can possibly take you out for dinner if your schedule allows. I hope to hear from you soon.”

His e-mail on 13 April 2019:

“I just wanted to update you on my documentary film research. I have been in contact with the original players of the 1992 Little League Philippines Team and will be moving forward with creating the film.

“I will be making a trip to the Philippines in the next few months to interview a few of the players. I wanted to ask if you will be open for an interview. I don’t think that this story is complete without your perspective. I hope we can speak soon.”

Too bad I got to read this just hours before I was homeward bound on board PAL 127 at JFK airport.

I would have selected Chinese dinner at Canal St. For dessert, cheesecake and brewed, sugarless coffee at Ferrara, America’s first espresso bar founded in 1892 on Grant St.

There’s always the next time, JJ.