Thursday, November 17
Morning session at University of Asia & the Pacific with 15 Literature faculty members and majors. Edward P. Jones read the first few pages of one of his stories in All Aunt Hagar's Children. I happened to have my autographed copy with me and followed the text while he was reading. When EPJ reads from his own work, he skips paragraphs and phrases, and changes words on the spot, depending on the audience he's with!
A long discussion on creative writing and EPJ's works followed, and then lunch with the faculty and students, Filipino playwright and historian Dr. Paul A. Dumol, and two officials of UA&P. The university gave EPJ a saddle leather wallet as a token.
We proceeded to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, where we met docent Billy and board member Cora Alvina (who was touring guests from the Embassy of Finland). Billy gave us a tour of the current Picasso exhibit on the ground floor, the ancient gold and pottery collections in the basement, the works of old masters on the ground floor, the new exhibit Conscripcion on the upper floor (co-curated by Ino Manalo), and the photo exhibit sponsored by the Embassy of Spain in the tall gallery. I so wanted to purchase two pairs of ancient-gold-reproduction earrings in the Museum Shop (yes, for myself; in the basement Billy informed EPJ and Will that "in ancient times, Filipino men wore earrings," to which I replied, "But they know that already"). I simply have to furtively return to the Museum Shop at some point in the future.
The evening found us in the activity center at the National Book Store branch in Glorietta 5. We were met by branch manager Vangie and events coordinator James. I love the way Marketing Director Miguel Ramos and James arranged the activity center: EPJ's poster and books were on display at the entrance, and two tall tarpaulins flanked the stage. Xandra Ramos-Padilla welcomed the guests (seats for 30 were available; a total of 60 were in the audience). Will conducted an interview with EPJ. Everyone then lined up for autographs (most of them not only with one book but stacks of books) and photographs. EPJ always looks his fans in the eye, converses with them, and ensures that he knows something about them before actually signing his books for them. One of his fans even brought out photos and press clippings of her grandfather (who graduated at Silliman University) and showed them to EPJ.
A TV interview, arranged by NBS, ensued on the stage.
The surprise of the evening: Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., himself came to pick up EPJ for a dinner appointment. HKT actually bought some of EPJ's books to give away as gifts during the dinner. Xandra gave EPJ copies of the latest editions of the Noli and the Fili, plus other Filipiniana (in English, naturally).
More photographs, this time with the Ambassador.
Since the Ambassador took EPJ away to The Outback Steak House in Alabang (I am not allowed to tell anyone where he was taken LAST NIGHT), Will and I went home together.
Yes, your suspicion is right: I couldn't help buying three pairs of earrings from the antiques kiosks on the ground floor. I felt, it was the best way to end my day.
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