1 minute read
Serving Order
from Retrograde
By Chariz Villarete
The sizzling sound of sisig and the strong batwan smell of cansi filled the four corners of the infamous Mang Robert's. It used to be a small block carinderia that is now a famous silog and cansi place in Bacolod City.
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Romar, the 46-year-old man, never helped but feel nostalgic. The last time he ate there was 27 years ago.
He held the spoon tightly as his stomach churned at the meal in front of him. He wonders if it will taste the same.
Scooping a spoonful of soup together with a small slice of meat, he blew it twice and put it in his mouth.
Sssslurp.
Sssslurp.Onespoonaftertheother.
"Mhmmm..." Romar danced giddily as he ate and sniffed the aroma of the hot soup. "Thank you, Lola!"
His lola laughed as she watched his grandson merrily slurp the soup of cansi. "How aboutyou,Lola?Aren'tyoueating?Youcanbuyextrariceandyoucansharethisbowlwith me."
With those words, Lola Vilma's stomach grumbled, "I'm full apo. Just eat. You deserve it."
Romarhuggedhislola,thencontinuedeating.TheoldwomanwasinformedbyRomar’ s teacherthathergrandsonwasTop2inclass.
As she placed the grading card of Romar inside her bag, her wallet slightly opened,
