wrong side of the fence

Last night marks the second time in as many nights that I went to Ateneo to hear mass.

It’s funny though, how several years removed from my graduation, I’ve actually been to Ateneo more times than my alma mater La Salle. I’ve been there enough to distinguish Xavier, Kostka, Bell and the Rizal library, among others, from each other. I know this should send a chilling quiver down my spine, but it doesn’t really bother me as much as it should. (Umm, ok, perhaps just a little bit.)

Going to the blue side is always fun, akin to trespassing. Perhaps running level to spying on enemies in an Art of War-ish sort of way. Admittedly, there are a few things that I wish La Salle had too; for instance, the presence of lush greens and sprawling fields. Would’ve made good for holding events like mini-concerts and bazaars.

Hearing mass at the Church of the Gesu was a delight. Especially the one last night. The entire celebration was an elaborate program, from keynote presentations to song numbers. The heat was unforgiving, but the mini battery-operated electric fan I brought made it bearable.

The only thing that was missing last night though, was the food. The first night I was there, I had a feast. Ineng’s was there, so I had a few sticks of their famous pork barbecues. Indulged myself in an orange-pineapple drink too, as well as sampling a few bites of bibingka that my sis-in-law bought. It truly felt like simbang gabi. The thought of trying out balut for wala-lang’s sake did cross my mind before attending last night’s mass, but circumstances made it so much so that I never had the chance to see if that would materialize.

Going to mass was indeed a welcome adhesive to my seemingly wavering faith. It’s been more than a year ago since I last went, and I was really glad to have made the trip. But then again, being up against three Atenean family members, I could not say that there was a choice that presented itself.

Am kidding, am kidding.