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Sunday, February 12, 2006

Rosie's Diner R.I.P.

I had heard about this sad piece of news from my parents months ago, but it was only yesterday when my family headed home from the 10th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta that I saw with my very own eyes the remains of Rosie's Diner.

Words cannot describe the heavy, depressing emotion that tugged my heart as I gazed upon what was left of that diner. It was once gleaming with neon lights, blaring out invitations to customers hungry for both food and a little nostalgia. I can still remember first walking in and stepping onto their black and white tiles. I remember sitting by the diner tables or the stools by the counter, ordering a chocolate milkshake and a burger and fries. I remember playing The Beatles's "Can't Buy Me Love" on their jukebox for a peso or two, waiting for my order. I remember the waitresses skating down to our table to serve our dinner. I remember the phenomenon that would occur every time I would get out of that diner, satisfied gastronomically, emotionally and intellectually. It was always as if I was stepping out of the 1950's and back into the present.

On trips to Clark, eating at Rosie's was always the last stop before heading for Manila. Last night, we continued that tradition, but we didn't go beyond the dark and empty parking lot. Rosie's was no longer bright with neon lights. Waitresses were no longer skating inside. The jukebox was no longer playing any hit from yesteryear. Nostalgic customers were no longer slurping the milkshakes and chomping on their burgers.

An ironic, washed out "Rosie's Diner" sign painted in front of the lot was all that was left of the place. There was no way of seeing what was inside because the once inviting windows were now blocked with hostile plywood boards. It was desolate. It was quiet. It was gloomy. It was no longer Rosie's Diner.

"People don't know what they missed," my mother mumbled morosely.

I agreed with her.

As we took a final glance and sped away, I was comforted by the fact that, though a lot of people may have never experienced Rosie's, at least I did. And for few hours, every couple of years, I was able to travel back in time, into a world where I belonged.

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