My Word

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."