Relatively Speaking

There’s always one in every office; a guy or girl who comes around selling food. In our office he’s called Boy Box, because he puts his wares inside a big carton box. I often buy sweet corn on the cob or turon from him for afternoon merienda.

One time Boy Box overheard that I came from a visit to Bohol. “Taga-Bohol po kayo, sir?” he asked. I answered yes.

“Boholano din po ako!” he said. But he was from Batuan; both my parents came from Bilar, so that was that.

Yesterday as Boy Box was leaving our office (he didn’t have any sweet corn that day, so I didn’t buy anything from him), I saw the copy printed on the backside of his t-shirt: Decasa Grand Reunion 2010.

OMG!

My dad’s middle name, which is my paternal grandmother’s maiden name, is Decasa.

I texted my mom: Was Lola C from Bilar? Because I met a Decasa, but he’s from Batuan.

She replied: Taga-Bilar. The Decasas in Batuan are their relatives.

Oh. My. Gawd!

So I texted her: Oh my, I think I found us a distant relative!

She texted back: I only know a Gustavo Decasa from Batuan who usually stays at Tia Dolly’s whenever he comes to Manila. Sumalangit na yata.

For a few seconds I stared at my cellphone’s screen. Gustavo?! Jeez, how did they come up with those names?

Tomorrow I will ask Boy Box if he knows of a Gustavo Decasa. If he does, I will ask for a major discount to all my purchases henceforth.

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P.S. -- (June 10, 2011; 4:13pm) I asked Boy Box, “May kilala ka bang Gustavo Decasa?” His face lit up and he said, “Ay sus, lolo ko yun!” So it’s CONFEEEARMED, we’re related.