Mad About Opera
By: Ma. Theresa P. Valdes

The opera, for Dennis and I, is the most symbolic of all cultural scenes as far as our relationship is concerned. Our first out-of-town date was to watch an opera in Hong Kong.

My then "Big Spender" dive mate had invited me to watch "Turandot," which was performing in Hong Kong at that time. He paged me (… wala pang Globe texting 7 years ago) the invitation the day he flew back to HK after our expensive dinner bet at the Bellevue French Restaurant at the Diamond Hotel.

I must have charmed him to death, so much so that he wanted to get more out of me. Or was he just desperately seeking a single "white" female? After all, here’s a guy who hasn’t had a girlfriend for so long but was a "good friend" of all the Cathay Pacific stewardesses. I even half suspected he was gay but as it turned out, he was just a really nice guy.

As the story goes, I gladly accepted that free HK trip, of course primarily for the shopping, then a little hanky-panky and lastly, the opera. So little did I care about the opera that we were late for Act I – we had to watch the whole segment from the monitor outside the opera hall. The rest of the opera was, I guess, "operatic" and very Italian.

Poor DOV, he had a taste of things to come with my being always late and he always on time. Well, 7 years later, we again have had a chance to see another opera but this time, the scene is Manila, DOV is 20+ pounds heavier and as for me, I am carrying a brand new mahogany hair color with a matching designer gown.

It’s either I’m getting old or DOV has a stronger hold on me that we were at the CCP a good 15 minutes before the show. We actually had time to mingle with some media friends before settling into our seats.

DOV planned the whole thing and even got highlights in his hair while I was getting my hair done. We were done with the parlor at 5:30 PM, played with the kids and left the house promptly at 7:15 PM.

Also with age, I have come to appreciate the opera more and totally enjoyed the excellent performance even if the stage and lighting were terrible. Funny that I was reminiscing in between Acts, hoping to remember in detail that first opera we watched. Unfortunately, I only remembered what I was wearing and the reason we were late for the show. I also remember where we ate after and what transpired after dinner.

Those were such carefree days, which we don’t have the privilege of having anymore. With all the work and kids we have, going to the opera again is such a treat. I wish we had more cultural events in this country because you begin to appreciate the finer things in life as you get older.

Alvin also had his fill of cultural activities this week. He graciously stayed with DOV during the last day of the Discon. I hardly saw my husband that whole week, thanks to this big thing of Rotary! I could have had an affair and he wouldn’t have noticed.

I think Alvin just showed up to see the voluptuous dance number of no less than the "Rotartificial" San Lo ladies. I’m beginning to wonder if that club has ever had a Medical Mission. Maybe they should have one for breast augmentation – they could offer free expert advice and guidance. If you’re out hunting, it’s best to be well-equipped or shall I say, well-endowed.

According to a Rotarian friend of DOV, they even have a season when San Lo is "closed for renovation" and when their weekly meetings are held in the Recovery Room.

I can’t wait for the next opera DOV and I watch. I hope it would be more authentic than this last one and hopefully somewhere in Europe. I wonder what circumstances we both shall be in. For DOV, could it be "governorship" time?!? Only the future can tell.