TOM BABAUTAN

I just remember to tell you about my kumpadre Tom Babautan. He's the sweetest man I ever known. And I won't be ashamed to admit that I probably have a man-crush to this guy. His nurse-wife, J___, would attest to what I have to say, on how sweet more than honey is this bee, Tom Babautan, not his real name of course. After all they got married at Fort Ilocandia five years ago, didn't they? I should also say that they really good for each other. The mujer is also caring and loving. I guess it's their upbringing. They're both laid back kind of people and ever so generous and kind.

Before Tom joined his wife here in Edmonton, he worked in Dubai, the desert sand paradise as Jack of All Trades. And told me how fast their life in there. "Never a dull moment, huh?" And the money is really easy. He amassed a lot of wealth from years and years of slave-ing to this middle east petroleum country. That's why, he was so surprised to see how backward seemed to be this Onion Town. Welcome to red neck Alberta, I said.

Tom is somewhat choosy for a job, so he took a course in paleontology. Meanwhile, his Papa-Ama still in Dubai is the one who is managing his wealth. Whenever he needs money, he will just call Dubai, and presto, the money is sent electronically.

"Na...ri...gat su...ma...rak... ti.. job...di...toy!... Ma...sa...dot... ak...kon!"

I swear this is how he speaks. Ever so slowly and not deliberately. From his sing-song intonation and diction, you'd probably not notice that he's already mad. I was really accustomed to my folks back home speaking like birds in high pitches. Fast and fast. "Ukin 'nana! Dagmil, Langgong!"

But not Tom Babautan, the world could stop when he talks. He mince words in subtle fashion. Even in emergency, nothing is ever so urgent!

"Da...ra..sin...yo!...Wen?...Ta...loooooong...dis...tance...day...toy...!!!"

"An...ya...ti...sida...yo?... Nag...i...mas...yo...!!!"