The other day I went to Wendy’s. The line was longer than usual. During such situations, I usually try to look for another place to eat. But since the line was moving, I decided to stick it out. When it was my turn to order, the counter girl looked at me and said:
"Good evening, Ma’am…"
Mildly surprised, I stared at her–the smile on my lips growing into a wicked grin. It took a good 15 or 20 seconds before she realized that the person she was talking to was a man. Mortified, she suddenly exclaimed:
"Sorry sir!" I laughed and told her
"That’s the reason why I cannot work in Saudi Arabia."
Hmmm–am I as cute as I think I am?
In the past few weeks, I have noticed that the things happening in my life are both to jump-start me with something I have yet to discover. I remember one time when I was frustrated with my job in the museum, my good friend told me that at least I was sure I wanted to be singing.
Truly, it does seem that the world is pushing me in that direction. Last week was perhaps my busiest in terms of using my voice. I received a call from the studio for a follow-up commercial. The next day, I had a wedding to sing at. I always have fun at weddings. I get to belt out and get paid for it.
As for the dancing monkey, he met with the ladies that he was to coach in singing last Thursday. I must say, in all fairness, these rich children were well mannered. They treated me well. Maybe because they know that I was not going to be paid for all of this. Perhaps they know how much of an inconvenience it was for me to spend time with them instead of resting at home.
At any rate, last night we were scheduled to rehearse and the dreaded annoying thing took place, the other two kids who were to perform did not show-up. As for the two that came, only one of them was in the mood for practice. Needless to say, the practice did not go as planned.
The scary part of it all is that the coordinator is asking me to accompany the girls tonight (9:00pm onwards) to coach them during recording. Poor dancing monkey.
I often ask myself: "What sin have I committed to deserve such punnishment as this?" I mean, sure it might prove to be some funny anecdote in the future if and when I decide to become a stand-up comic but what use are these events to the advancement of my carreer?
The sad part is that in all of life’s situations, the answer to any profound question concerning something inexplicable is: "We’ll have to wait and see."
Tuesday was the start of the week here in Royale. As usual, we had routine things that we all have to do. Then I remembered a very urgent call from Ms. Ellen Pecson last Sunday morning. Michelle needed help with her production number. She and a few friends were slated to perform a special number for her Lola’s birthday.
Of course there was mention of how MPR missed having both Mira and Conrad together to come up with the dazzling numbers that Royale’s Executive committee was so used to. I tried to ward off the responsibility, telling Ms. Pecson that I could only suggest songs that were up tempo that my band sings. The end of the conversation was that I was to revert back to my persona two years ago: "Conrad the Dancing Monkey"!
For those who are unfamiliar with the "term"… Conrad the dancing monkey used to occupy Mr. Mananes’ body. He was at rich people’s beck and call if ever entertaining was needed.
"Get Conrad—he works for free."
"Just feed him, he’ll be happy."
And amid my protestations that I had an important rehersal that evening, the president of Royale insisted that I teach her daughter and her friends to sing.
And so it was, with four magic words, they resurrected the dancing monkey: "Agahan n’yo na lang."
