Whenever I’d see old pictures of Roxas Boulevard & the mansions that used to line it, one memory comes to mind. It’s of me & my Mama, outside the gate of one of the beautiful houses there. My mom always used to pass by that house going to work & coming home. She had a clinic in Parañaque & everyday she’d see that house & admire it from afar. Once, when I was in college I think, I don’t recall why I was with her in her clinic but on our way home, we were on a bus going to Taft where my Dad would be waiting for us, my mom decided that she wanted to get a glimpse inside the beautiful mansion she’d always adored. So we got off the bus somewhere along that long stretch of road in front of the house & tried to knock on the gate (actually shake the gate is more accurate). There was no doorbell & because it was a mansion, the front door was way too far. The gate was made of steel grills so you could see inside the grounds. We weren’t sure if anyone was home or if anyone heard us but we made quite a racket. Alas, no one did or no one wanted to. Why would they? We were strangers & we were unwelcome. Anyway, my mom’s attempt was unsuccessful so we just got on another bus, met my dad & went home. My mom was really disappointed that day. I just feel really sad whenever I think about it & I’m not quite sure why. Even makes me cry sometimes. I miss my mama.
📸: Ctto