Snippets of thought and poems from "Shifting Shades & In-betweens", by Chito L. Aguilar. Don your stereo headsets for a contemplative AV experience that may lull you to sleep or give you chimes that you can keep.
Ma. Estrella Abina-Encinas (Babet), by first impression, seems to be a typical super-busy government Accountant tied to her work. If the piles of papers and documents on her office desk are indicators, this sexy (still) Stag appears to have no time for personal and social affairs.
Albeit, Stag Babet doubles up as DAPO Travel Agency treasurer. She runs a credit program in her office, making her a star, an apple-of-the-eyes of cash-strapped city hall employees who fondly call her "Star". She shuttles between Legazpi and Palawan as frequently as brown sparrows scuttle between Legazpi City Hall and St. Gregory Cathedral.
And, believe it or not, during Melo's latest visit to Legazpi last week, she hiked seven (7) kilometers with Melo and Rey (Monsalve) to visit Rey's farm in Bayasong, Pilar, Sorsogon. The trio left town as early as 5AM (stopping by Vir's place). After savoring native delicacies in the barrio, she treks back to tryst at Hawak Kamay Bar with Stags Melo, Vir, Febs and Chito till the wee hours. So, whoever says Stag Babet has no time to gallop and gallivant does not really know the score.
And if you think Babet is just one of those matter-of-fact middle-aged women, you should think twice. This trend-setting Lola easily merits furtive glances from officemates and strangers alike. Mind you, she sports a STAGgering figure.
Hers is a body so slim that makes anyone doubt she had ever given birth. Her secret? She reveals: working in a 1.5m x 2.0m cubicle with a mere 36-inch wide entrance pressures her to keep her figure; otherwise she would not fit into her work station. (Anyone ever care to try her very unique slimming method?) It's quaint, but tried, tested, and guaranteed, she insists!
Indeed, Babet has gone a long way since our graduation from high school. Having the distinction as the first 4B Stag to tie the knot, she traversed and travailed on the track, amidst the winding trails and unending trials of a teen-age marriage.
From campus throb (who broke hearts) to millenium woman (who broke rules) to trotting lola (who broke records) as youngest Stag granny, star Babet deserves all the best.
