Tribute to Ka Romy.mp4

Ka Romy Comes Home
By Ham dela Torre

HIS SILVER POMPADOUR has given way to a conservative crop. But if anything, the sparer head of hair crowned him with a sober mien, a serious façade. And only when he engages one in conversation that the guard is discovered down, because not really there, because the visible, perceived sobriety, one realizes soon, actually shines.

Understandably, the talk will tread on poetry, a subject close to his heart. And it takes only the slightest provocation from the exchange to set him off. And the initially cordial chat warms up, gathers steam, and goes full throttle, soaring.

If it had the power to chronicle the proceedings, Music 21 Plaza would have been glowing in its account of the meeting. True, the music still wafted in the closed confines of the videoke room. But it was spare, however suffused (Tata would never allow his baritone to buckle) and Ham had to repeat himself. And Caloi delivered his pledge to be present (if it took the mountain to summon Mohammed). And Engel was only a little late. And, still gasping for breath having just come from a sortie, Konsehal Dodie emerged happily, albeit without Kiko (who had a headache).

They all came. Buoyed by the homecoming presence. Not so much to sing (or the place would not welcome us again) but to give paean to the present. Because it brought them together with an honored guest.

Tata Raul did not have to be cued to commence emceeing the now-familiar random program. And, one by respectable one, Ham, Engel, Caloi, Dodie, Tata and Rose (she was the only thorn among the thistles, she earned being last) rendered their homage to the hombre.

The head honcho, in reverent return, not only delivered a response twice but, at the third time, borrowed a one-in-a-million hallowed verse from you-know-who. To the delight of his humble audience, noble advocates of verse.

Doubtless Tata Raul, Rose, Engel, Dodie and Caloi will agree. Ka Romy Cayabyab, emanilapoetry publisher, esteemed advocate of poesy, self-imposed correspondent from the land where roos and koalas roam, cool moderator and reluctant cantor, is back. At least for the duration of the elections, where he was invited to observe (at his personal expense!) and is here to make certain the site is alive, well and kicking. Because he most positively is.

Indeed, the legend lives.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Poetry
• Emanila Poetry
• KAMAKATAAN
• Romy Cayabyab