Jose Mari Chan Waving Mga Nobela at Kwento

Miranda took out her phone and immediately sent a message to Paul, "I did it!" Meanwhile, Santiago stood on the chairs in the front row seats for the advisors. He waved his water bottle in the air like a madman and cheered at the top of his lungs, "We won! We won! Glory to Hebrana!"

On Monday, November 4, Kate rides the jeepney at 6:45 AM to try and make it to the semiweekly flag-raising ceremony. She left home with her hair wet from the shower. In the local vernacular, she’s said to be “chased by the comb”. In the Philippines, almost everybody takes a shower in the morning. Few own a hairdryer and everybody looks to the speeding, smoke-belching and breezy jeepneys – the ubiquitous public transport – to be their personal giant electric fan.

Jose held her hand, guiding her step by step toward Lucio. Originally gloomy, Maria and Jose were now all smiles. Even Mrs. Kinsworth, who had hoped to witness Selena's embarrassment, couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite and grand setup of the wedding scene, with distinguished guests gathered around. She couldn't help but acknowledge Selena's good fortune.

"He's stressing me out." Tin-tin-tin! A horn sounded. Jose was about to enter Racher Art, but he lost his mind when he saw a familiar girl on a motorcycle and stopped in front of Racher Art. "Huh? Really?" Jose didn't seem to believe it. Marra climbed down and took off her helmet, and she was busy removing the rope wrapped around her fish box. "Hey, Jose. Can you do me a favor?" "Ah, yes, yes. Of course, Marra. I was quite shocked to see you reappear at Racher Art." Jose came over and helped untie the ropes.

“Mama! There he is!” I squinted. Sure enough—far out in the gold-splashed sea, a small boat was gliding toward the shore, the man on it familiar even in silhouette. Tall, solid, sun-darkened. He raised his hand high above his head. Waving. Achileas waved back so hard it looked like his arm might fly off. “Daaaddy!” I smiled and lifted my own hand, gently, steadily—like I’d done a thousand times before. And Romero, still far but never too far, waved again.

Barely able to contain my joy, I scream Jose's name as I go out to welcome them. A little over an hour later, when we had to call the company to bring two more canopies and a lot more chairs, everybody finally settles in. The local press called to ask for clearer directions as the road was a bit blocked so obviously, they'd be… oh, well, they just arrived. I say a short prayer in my head as we start officially, the opening ceremony of Jose's sweet tooth. *********