I had a fun two weeks when a college friend came back for the nth time. This time around she brought her younger sister with her and I took a couple of days off, too. They arrived when my workload was just starting to calm down & it was perfect timing. Even the British weather cooperated for most part of their stay.

We went clubbing on a Friday night & booked a five-star hotel in the Central London (courtesy of the younger ‘un). If my guests pull, we arranged it so I will stay with the other London-based pal. I had no plans, I just wanted to party & dance, taste proper cocktails… all of which I’ve not done in a while. Okay all of which I’ve not done in London since moving here, that’s about 7 long years.

My only target was to allow the girls as much fun as they can handle & make sure they’re safe. C, the Londoner, & I were basically pimping the younger sister. I was checking out if the guys she’s dancing with were “acceptable”, politely shoo them away if not. C was scouting until sister was okay & she got herself a guy, too. That left me and my friend, A, dancing together & really just have fun.

There was no shortage of male attention, but we kept turning them down. It’s a bit different from my experience before. Or maybe it’s the club we went to. But some men were quick to fence you in (read: bakuran ka ba) with a hand on your back. Para kong naka-electric chair dahil panay ang iwas at iling ko.

Nearing end of that night (ie. 1-2am) a group of men stood next to me & my friend. They’re not white, I thought they’re latino. Then I overheard this blonde talk to one of them. Type daw nang kaibigan nya itong si pogi, sabi naman ni pogi papahalik daw sya. The entire “conversation” was happening right behind me, as the guy was literally next to me. Cheeky huh.

But then one of them started dancing in front of me - as if we’re partners. For the nth time that night I shook my head. Bakit daw. I dunno what came over me but instead of just saying ’sorry’, what came out was “not you“. Ahh, he said, and made way for the hot guy who was apparently standing right behind him. Ano ‘to queue?

The guy’s actually polite, chatted before anything else, introduced himself to my friend first before turning his attention to me. He didn’t exclude my friend which was the reason why I let him stay. But then A decided to sit it out… And it started.

He asked me if I know how to salsa. No. So he grabbed me close & the next thing I know we were doing the lambada. OMG. I’ve not even thought of this dance since I was in grade school & to be really doing it?! He blew me away, he was such a good dancer I fear I looked stupid. It was so sensual, I could feel myself getting hot. He was nuzzling my neck & did a trip down my bosom… I mean come on. It was practically sex on the dancefloor.

He said -I repeat he said, not I- I was gorgeous daw. Okay I thought he’s young, he’s not an English speaker (love the accent), and his pick up line sucks, but who the hell cares?! Then he asked if he can kiss me on the lips, yup that confirmed it, he is indeed still a bit inexperienced. Hubby on our first date (the same age as the guy then) just went for the kill, no questions asked.

I said no. He asked for my number/email, I said no. He gave me his & pleaded to add him on Facebook. That was our first & last dance because I had enough.

Well his Facebook profile is public & I copied a shot.

May karapatan naman di ba? Blackout ko na ang face para naman anon pa din.

Yan ang nangyayari sa gabi.

We went out a couple of times more after that. I had my fill of cocktails, of laughter, of chit-chats with people I have the same wavelength with (read: madness). For a few days I really forgot about work, when we did go out & some of my colleagues came & had a drink with us, it was a different atmosphere & the “live date” was not mentioned. For a few days, I had a taste of how it/I used to be.

It was such a relief & release. I told my friends I had as much fun as they did. True they had a host & staying at my place meant they saved some mullah. But they helped me, too. I was missing my “old” life, I have new friends but not in “that” way, and those few days were the tonic that I badly needed.

Consequences of living it up:

1. Sluggishness - I didn’t have enough sleep, my body was on high & it was exhausting, my mind was racing & it won’t stop. Hang on it all sounds like substance abuse.

2. Pimples - Egad! I’ve reverted to puberty. I have a massive one on my left cheek, another’s developing on my right & one just disappeared from the top of my nose. I’ve not worried about getting rid of these things for a looonnnggg time. Tips?

The funny thing was I noticed that hot guy is also sporting a big one on his forehead! Okay, kadiri you say. He told me a few weeks ago that we’re the same age (dragons, baby!) & I know he’s living it up on a monthly basis, but I’m happy to see it’s not just me who cannot cope. E ako nga walang praktis!

3. Wallet-pains - The food, drinks and entrance fees don’t pay by themselves you know.

What did I learn?

I learnt that it is vital to re-hydrate yourself. Drinking plenty of water is a must whenever you’ve been indulging yourself.

I also learnt that the moral upbringing we have in Pinas stays with you, no matter how long you’ve been away. No matter how much you think of yourself as a modern, if you grew up like myself in a Catholic & family-oriented surrounding, your heart & mind fight the urges as one.

I learnt that my willpower is stronger than I thought.

I learnt that I can bark but not bite. Which if I am to be honest is a shame. How can some men do it without a thought?

I learnt that I am sexist/prejudiced against myself, I judge myself for even thinking carnal thoughts. If I did it (kiss the guy or did the business with him), I thought Joel will hate me, Kelvin will hate me, I will lose everyone’s respect & my life is virtually over. It would be a guilt I’d carry forever. But then I know of several male colleagues who are having affairs & it doesn’t bother me at all.

End result

All in all though those days will last me for the next month or so and I’m happy.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pm and is filed under L-moments, british nga, buhay OFW, friendship, women. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.