For my Singapore International Foundation (SIF) 96 Asean Fellows, they know with whom I spent the time most while studying in Singapore.
It’s Ken Rinehart V. Sur. A Filipino fellow, who somehow bond a special relationship with me there. We had many fun and silly times together between our classes. Had fight with camera store owners. Peeping couples in the dark. Wasted our last coins to play arcade, so we had to beg for food. Laughed watching Tom & Jerry cartoons in Centrepoint food court. And spent hours of talking in Boat Quay sharing cheap McDonalds fries and soda (that’s what we could afford!)
Yesterday he vidcall me. And we had half an hour talking like there’s no time lost between us. Remembering those great times we had in Singapore.
We’re reconnected because his wife, Karren Maricris Cacabelos Sur is in Jakarta (well, Sentul, actually) to accompany their daughter Ella for International Science Competition. And they brought some goodies from Philippines for me.
So I left home very early this morning, went south to Sentul. To pick up the goodies, and more importantly, to meet Karren and Ella while they’re having breakfast. It’s only 15 minutes, and I need 1.5 hours to go back to Jakarta, but it’s all worth it.
Enjoy your last day in Bogor Karren and Ella, and have a safe flight tomorrow!
Thank you Iben for that kind gesture of taking time to visit Karren and Ella in Bogor. The SIF has truly been instrumental in allowing us to forge strong ties of brotherhood and friendship in Singapore. Before it was just me and you as buddies, now we have our families with us.
Missing all our other SIF brothers and sister too!
Very much welcome Ken. What you said to Ella moved me: “you have uncle Iben there” – so yes, I have to make time to see my niece and your wife. Thanks brother.. see you again soon. Let’s plan for Jogja!