Amici Don Bosco

It feels good to remember.

It was a Saturday afternoon when I headed for Amici Don Bosco in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. My brother, Alvin, used to call Amici the "Kiosk." Well until now, he still calls it by that name. I remember taking my lunch at the "Kiosk" when I was in High School. It was more monetarily reasonable to eat there compared to the Canteen in the School. However, at that time, we were not allowed to leave the school premises during break time. Since Amici was outside the campus, I found it fortunate to be rubbing elbows with the security guards. Honestly, ang laki ng natitipid ko from my allowance kapag duon ako kumakain. And, the food did taste great. My favorites were their sinigang na baboy and their gelato.

But now, a lot has changed. The place was cozier. Even though the place was a little bit puno, it afforded and maintained its warmth and comfort -- unlike before when it was a bit dull and too ordinary. Plus, they added pastas and pizza in their menu. It was superb, I was told.

I went to Amici to meet Carmelo, a dear and good friend from College. We were supposed to see each other by two thirty but I arrived a few minutes before two in the afternoon and I had not yet taken my lunch. Hungry to death, I was and so I told him.

I lined up at the counter not to order for what is Amici is currently known for -- pastas and pizza. But I was there to get my favorite viand.

"Manang, sinigang na baboy nga po," I asked the woman at the counter who was taking orders from their customers.

The old woman picked up a bowl. With her sandok, she mixed the soup; placed vegestables and pork in the bowl and filled it with sabaw.

"Hindi ba kumakain ka dito nuong nag-aaral ka pa sa Don Bosco?" the old woman asked.

"Opo," I replied. I smiled. I added, "Dagdagan ninyo naman po ng taba."

The old woman smiled and added an extra piece of pork in the bowl.

It did feel good to be remembered.

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I dropped by Amici to visit a good and dear friend from college. He is staying at the Salesian's Provincial House -- where Amici is located.

Carmelo is a Salesian Lay Brother. He is currently assigned at the Don Bosco College Seminary in Canlubang, Laguna -- that is where we both finished our tertiary studies. His primary work there is to assist young men in their studies and formation in the religious life.

I could not exactly remember when we first met but I do remember that he was the first person whom I got to talk with during my first day in College. We were thirty five in the batch then, that is, if my memory serves me right. Of the thirty five, almost everybody knew of everyone -- except for me. Most of them were classmates since high school. I was supposed to be with a fellow alumnus from high school but he came a month later.

I remember being swarmed by laughters from people I do not know -- it was all noise. I felt terrible. But Carmelo approached me and said, "I remember you sitting in front of the Chaplain's Office last month. I am Carmelo nga pala."

"Hi! I am Anthony."

From that day on, I was no more a stranger. It felt good. I felt good about it. And, this is one friendship I would always cherish. May God bless him.

Nota Bene: amici stands for friends in English. i am not sure if it is Italian or Latin.