AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER: Broadway, NYC, August 9-11, 2001

By: Danny S. Villanueva

Despite the 9 hours of waiting at JFK airport and the sizzling weather (about 105 F) of the Big Apple, our loving host was very happy to see Sabrie and me as we came out. He was cool dude, called Dodje, a New York city slicker in his casual attire, incognito look: white polo jacket shirt without that clergy collar, black pants and in a new pair of fashionable Bruno Magli casual shoes (which I luckily inherited later) that matched well with the concrete pavement of the city.

Dodje claimed that he planned our life in detail while in New York during this 3-day ”affair to remember” as his gift to us for our 25th wedding anniversary this year. This was the first agenda prior to our going to California for the Villanueva family reunion with Ditseng Pearl and Kuya Noli (Ate Day’s coming to the US was delayed due to Matthew’s situation). Dodje had in his mind where to go, where to dine, and what to see. Great was his plan that he likely prepared even while in Rome before going to New York. Just like any great plans, they ought to be changed… as Sabrie would bring the rains to have cool respite from the sweltering summer heat, and her usual quirks and health misdemeanors…. Hahaha! But Dodje and I were so loving, flexible and understanding as we babied Sabrie away in Broadway in our holiday mood. Sabrie just loved it. Hahaha! (Dikong Masbad and Gina- so sorry for not being able to call you up because of the unexpected turned of events during our very limited time in NYC).

Here are some of our memorable New York City snapshots:

THE MISERABLE: Dodje first salvo was a treat to a great Broadway musical in our first night… and for this we saw “Les Miserables” at the Imperial Theatre. We really loved it as it was our first live Broadway musical in our life. For Dodje, it was quite miserable for he had to leave in the middle of the show to go back to his lodging and address a personal miserable condition. No problem- as he saw this musicale 3X already including one in London. At the end of the show, we saw Dodje at the lobby waiting for us, who no longer looked miserable but sported a wide smile and looked ready to bring us to his next treat- his favorite Chinese restaurant to deliciously cap our musical night.

NEW YORK WALKERS: By this time, as Ditseng Pearl, who seemed to monitor our activities via celphone, called us to say, that the 3 of us should by now be true-blue members of the “New Yorkers Walking Club” after walking through several times 5th Avenue, Time Square, and the many streets of Broadway. Boy, the walk towards the Empire State building was too long as Dodje would check us whether or not we would better take the cab. Daringly, we decided to walk- Dodje and I briskly while Sabrie leisurely strolling behind us. Funny, every now and then we stopped momentarily along the way to catch the cold refreshing air from the air conditioned stores whenever their doors opened. Hahaha.

SINGING IN THE RAIN: The long walk to the Empire State bldg. was kind of tough but the ride to the top was very fast and easy as the elevator zoomed up to 80th floor in no time at all. At the viewing deck, we found the sky to be getting foggy and dark- the signs of rain to come but we still could see the expanse of the concrete jungle of New York City. When we got out of the building at about 3 PM, it was already pouring and the street lights were already on –on account of the darkness due to the freak storm. Wow, Typhoon Sabrie could have brought in the rain (though she would jokingly ask, sino ang may balat sa atin?). Dutifully Dodje bought us umbrellas after hopping and running for covers while happily singing Sinatra’s New York-New York … for the summer heat had gone away. Surprisingly, there was no rain later that night and it remained refreshingly cool as we continued to roam around Broadway. Were we not lucky? Blessed, we were.

LOUNGING AND LINGERIE: Dodje and I found ourselves stuck in lounge seats at the big lingerie section at the 3rd floor of Macy’s 5th Avenue while Sabrie took time to shop merrily for some underwear for our girls. What a place to rest where lady customers would doubtfully watch us as they passed by us. Much later, Sabrie came out seemed refresh from her shopping spree. For Dodje and I, it was heaven, no- not for the sexy outfits around, but the much needed rest. Hahaha.

TIME’S A SQUARE: As we found ourselves enjoying the sights and sounds of Time Square in the evenings - from queuing to buy Broadway show tickets to plainly ogling around. While most of the streets would have sign saying- “No Standing” along the sidewalks (means to get moving), at Time Square we could stand as long as we wanted to watch, enjoy and be amused by the many antics of the many gifted New Yorkers were offering. In front of the big, old Coke ad, there was this black man playing familiar tunes with his synthesized stainless steel drums. At further south in the center of the square was a Russian duo playing beautiful Russian jazz music- one with a classic guitar for the percussion and the other with an electric violin as a lead, while a lady assistant would go around selling their recorded pieces in CDs. They could be recording artists you know, who could be the next who’s who of music, waiting to be discovered.

PEEP AT 42ND STREET: Dodje told us that we would pass by 42nd Street. I got kind of peeved as I recalled when I was in New York in 1977, this popular street was riddled by “peep shows.” Hahaha. Alas and behold, the street has been converted to a more lighted and decent looking promenade with theatres, museums, diners and stores. Gone are the sexy “peep shows.” However, Sabrie kind of uneasy of the many big black youngsters loitering around, blocking the sidewalks. Then we went to Virgin Records Shopping Mall- the biggest in the world for CDs and associated wares. We left Time Square at midnight and still people strolled around. Nobody slept. But we need to go to bed as we have to fly to San Francisco the next day.

CENTERING AT THE PARK: On the 3rd day, we decided to stroll and sit at the Central Park…. to unwind from the hectic schedules we did earlier… and specially to take the opportunity to commune with God in the peacefulness and quietness of the park. We played back the beautiful memories… the grandeur and beauty of St. Thomas Church, St. Patrick Cathedral, Empire State, Rockefeller Center, the GE building… the moral lessons of “Les Miserables,” … the family and work we left behind… Mark and Mayette at home… Matthew’s condition… Ate Day’s family… Ditseng Pearl and Kuya Noli looking forward to our coming to California…. how the hands of the Lord continue to facilitate the many events in our life. We thanked God for all of these… and the lovely bonding the Villanueva siblings are making together… in His caring… glorious love.

Thank you, Dodje. Thank you, Jesus. #DSV