The first time I saw her was in a fashion show. Philippine Airlines had the great idea of “Fashion on Wings” and Minnie made her debut on the ramp not only as a model but also as one of the country’s most eligible girls.
Social débutants had to be seen by all the strapping young men at that time and may the best man win. Bearing her political Osmeña name immediately eliminated most of the prétendants. The eldest brother of the Jacinto boys got her, married her in a YSL couture gown and Manila society was never the same again.
The next time I caught a glimpse of her was with the Osmeña Pearls political campaign for her father’s presidential bid with Marcos.
Then, suddenly, she appeared in Paris, inviting me for tea in the grand apartment of Princess Shosyo of Cambodia where she was living temporarily as a political exile and since we were neighbors up Avenue Foch and Papá just bought me a new Renault coupe, I merrily accompanied her to various bureaus of French administration.
We enjoyed going shopping on a string budget and Paris was a marvelous city opening up her charms to me, then. I would get such a thrill every time Minnie would descend the stairs with giant turtle shell-lined walls that was utterly decadent at that time. But, we call it chic, so…
Two days ago, Minnie gathered her Kahirup gang this time in her Avenue Montaigne flat. It was an adventure for Melissa Lopez and me since we went inside a different door. I gasped, “We’re in a palace!” as she and I went through a long tunnel after the lobby, walls bedecked with golden flames of light. Melissa suddenly turned around and shrieked, “It’s the wrong building!”
Two doors later, Minnie was making sure we were in the right lobby through her cellphone and after showing us her swanky digs, decided we would meet Kathy de Guzman in nearby Chez André where I remember seeing Klaus Kinski in person. But then, that was another era, Dahlinks!
MY PRAYER
And, with all these, take up the great shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16, NEB*
