Aloha Everyone,
There are three Mary Grace Cafe restaurants in BGC. All of them are popular and luckily they are within 15-20 minutes walking distance from our hotel. Due to the restaurant’s popularity one might not get a good table unless it’s early in the morning.The restaurant was packed. J.J. and I eagerly accepted the first and perhaps the last vacant table. Mary Grace’s tables are all square and small. Following an established system, one server brings you the menu, another takes orders including beverages. Another delivers your utensils, napkins then whatever condiments that come with your main dish.
A couple around our age were seated at the table adjacent to ours. They spoke to each other in Japanese.
The husband asked his wife, “You are not hungry, are you?”
Husband: “I will order a plate and give you a portion of mine.”
Wife remained silent.
Husband: “I am going to have a coffee. You can share mine.”
Wife: “No I will have my own coffee.”
They drank in silence. J.J. and I each ordered our own plates and we engaged in conversation.
Sensed their curiosity, J.J. asked if they are visiting or residents? Husband replied that they are only visiting for 5 days but they used to live in Manila some 30 years ago. He alluded to the fact that he had a company with a Filipino partner but he is now retired.
When he found out we are also retired and visiting the Philippines for 3 months, he was surprised. Furthermore, J.J. told him that we are usually traveling year round, he exclaimed, “You or your wife must be very rich!” The husband stated that he worked hard while his wife spends the money.
I wished his wife be well and enjoy life in Japanese as we parted our company.
Aloha -- Cathi
