A Date with my Nanay at Graceland

My mother, on her recent trip to the Holy Land where they spent hour upon hour of walking.

At 77, and still physically strong and mentally sharp, my mother did not reach this age by neglecting her diet and exercise. In fact, when the sun is up and perfect for outdoor activities, she can still out-walk some women half her age, and even teenagers on whitening lotions.  For a son, it is simply a gratifying knowledge that his mother remains very strong and can still experience new places and things.

The picturesque Graceland man-made lagoon

On the invitation of Graceland's Mardi Castillo, my small contingent composed of my mother, my wife, our dog Patch, a brother and a sister from another mother and father -- motored from Lipa all the way to Graceland in Tayabas, Quezon for a quick day tour.  We went there on a day that was sandwiched by Christmas and New Year, so while the atmosphere remains pleasant and festive, the place was not yet packed by revelers.

We arrived at a little past noon, on a slightly drizzly day.  I thought it would be best that we started our tour with a stop at Memphis Garden, Graceland's quaint restaurant overlooking the serene man-made lagoon which, was itself, surrounded by tall trees, flowering plants and an open, grey sky that was sprinkling fine mists of rain.

We ordered a little of everything: a round of soup, a bit of vegetable, a plate of fish, a serving of poultry, and a chunk of Crispy Pata, to go with the perfect ambiance, even made more special by the presence of people you genuinely care for.  It also helps that the service was gracious, polite and best of all -- prompt and attentive.

Sinful, Graceland Crispy Pata

My mother watches what she eats, and with the food on our table that day, it was no different.  She surveyed the small feast, made sure everyone, got a plate and a small bowl of soup, then attended to herself.  Everyone was taking a little of everything.  She only took a little piece of crispy pata -- a piece of skin that was sticky and oily on the inside, but brown and crispy on the outside.  Then she took a little more and paired it with a roll of Lumpiang Sariwa which, with her spoon and fork. invited to her plate.

The drizzle has heightened to a gentle downpour which created a steady murmur as it hit the placid lake.  It was a nice meal -- filling, unhurried and very satisfying.  My mother was the picture of that satisfaction.  She was quietly wiping the grease off her lips and the fingertips which she used to dismantle the majority of the Crispy Pata and two rolls of Lumpiang Sariwa.

Fresh Ubod Lumpia, succulent and tasty

When we pointed out to her that she almost single-handedly consumed the cholesterol-rich pig extremity, she defended herself by saying, "Aba, hindi naman ako nag-kanin."   There you go, balance:  This, my friends is the secret of my mother's health and longevity.

Thank you for Ms Mardi Castillo for inviting us over to Graceland, my Kuya who willingly drove us on this road trip, and to God who gave my mother another opportunity to experience another of the endless rewards that she deserves for her selfless love and life.