It was already 4:00 p.m. when I finally got a text message from Amie, a staff of Tita Angge that I finally had a call slip for my taping in “Your Song” the following day. Later, Beegee Soldao of the production staff of said show texted me for my e-mail address so she could e-mail to me my script. Beegee’s text also contained the location: Metropolitan Medical Center, Nasugbu, Batangas! Much later, Bella also from the production staff texted me to ask where she could send my copy of the location map. I texted back both Beegee and Bella that I would like to request if I could still have a seat in the service van, I would just join them and leave my car at the ABS-CBN. Beegee texted back that I could join them in the van and the pull out time was 3:00 a.m. This decision not to bring my car have practical basis: the rising gasoline price, the long driving which a 52 year old man may find it tiresome and the dangers of driving on the under construction South Luzon Expressway.
When I opened Beegee’s e-mail, it was already 8:30 p.m., too late to read the script since I would still have to prepare for my wardrobe for my role as a doctor. Since I have to wake up at 1:00 a.m., I decided not to read the script anymore and I texted Beegee that I would need a hard copy of the script on the set. Amie texted me that I should bring 10 long sleeves polo, with matching neck ties and slacks. I chose my favorite long sleeves- those that were given as gifts by my daughters.
We were only six in the van:Beegee, Bella, the personal assistant of Direk Trina, the make-up artist, Rizza also from the production. We were all asleep during the entire trip from the time we left ABS at 3:00 a.m. till we arrived at 5:00 a.m. on the set. It was a comfortable ride compared to my ride with talents when I taped for Dyesebel the other weekend!
It was foggy when we arrived at the Metropolitan Medical Center. I asked Beegee if the location was a resort since I could not clearly see outside except for the white buildings. Beegee was explaining to me that it is a hospital intended by the owners (they have their main hospital in Masangkay, Manila) to cater to medical tourism needs. Beegee’s explanation was interrupted by a call from the staff of Wendy Valdez that they were not able to get a copy of the map to the location. After the call, Beegee was worried if the other stars would have difficulty in looking for the location. She called up TJ Trinidad, Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo. It was only then that I knew who would join Wendy to complete the lead stars of the episode of “Your Song” that we are going to tape.
(To be continued…)
