My memories of my maternal grandmother are intertwined with my earliest memories of the Philippines. I was a fussy eater as a child and changing to a rice-based diet was torture. Ok, there was the tocino, longganisa, pandesal, fresh carabao’s milk … ok, there were a lot of nice things to eat. But being a kid, I would make a huge fuss over it. Now my parents would put their foot down and tell me to finish my food. My grandmother, on the other hand would painstakingly peel potatoes to make chips to entice me to eat. Did I take advantage of this fact? Of course I did. Did it annoy my parents? Absolutely.
It was not to say, that I did not return the favour. I was quite snobbish of watching Filipino films when I was younger. I never even went to the cinema to watch. But one day my grandmother asked me to accompany her to watch the latest romance flick. Now I went along for perfectly good reasons. One being, I could find no reason to refuse her. That and she promised popcorn.
So we headed off to the cinema (I think it was the Regent. I miss the days when the cinemas had fancy names.) It was entitled, “Hihintayin kita sa Langit,” (I will wait for you in Heaven). This film was a pretty big deal back in the day. Given I had no real point of reference, I had no real expectations. I remember the cinema being so packed, I had to stand while Lola sat transfixed by the story unfolding on the silver screen. Soon, I too was caught up in the story. I looked over and saw my grandmother shedding a tear as it reached its climax. I wondered why my vison was cloudy and then realised I too, was crying. It would be years later that I would find out that it was an adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Regardless, I still have a soft spot for this adaptation.
But the most unlikely memory I have is of the Wednesday nights when she would let me stay up past bed time. All for sixty minutes of watching men in spandex, indulge in faux combat in the middle of a squared circle. Yes, my grandmother was a professional wrestling fan.
There is nothing more surreal than seeing an old lady scream at the tv screen, demanding that one participant to inflict maximum pain upon their opponent. It soon wears off, you get with the program and then join in the yelling. She cheered every suplex, booed every villain and roared with every victory. Some families bond over cookies. We bonded over Hulk Hogan. Watcha gonna do?
My grandmother passed away several days ago. She was 89.
I had not seen my grandmother for several years. Nevertheless, I am grateful. Without her, I would not have my mom. I know my Mama is grieving and I wish I could be there with her. I cannot take away her pain, but I can tell her that will always be thankful for Lola because she gave me my mom. All I can do is close my eyes and hug Mama from afar. I’m sorry I cannot be with you right now.
As for all that remains, I will always remember the potatoes, Wuthering Heights and the late nights watching professional wrestling.
Goodnight Lola and sleep well now.
