Right from the git-go we knew it would be a long, busy, hectic day. The kitchen was clogged with foot traffic - people bringing in noodles, people preparing the sweet peas, people shelling shrimps, people smashing garlic cloves and slicing green onions, people chatting about how happy the scholars seemed to be.

Remy and Yvonne donned their aprons. They put on the light gauze head covers and rubber gloves. They are ready for business. I had asked them to give me a hand preparing for the scholar reception. The spread was simple but in a way complex. Our main dish was going to be pancit bihon, with shrimp and chicken tidbits. It was going to be prepared Malabon style and Shanghai style to suit various preferences. We had invited the scholars and their parents to come to the rehearsal.

The tables were nicely prepared. Bottles of chilled soda and beverages were made available. Straws were there for the asking.

"Would you like more pancit?" I asked Cristina Javier, one of our scholars.

Jonel Leal, another of our scholars seated next to Cristina replied, "She wants more Coca-Cola Ma'am."

So I hollered for a couple more cokes from the folks behind the counter. In the meantime, the Prez had arrived with his two brothers, Fred and Bert. They looked like they have been traveling all day. I can understand it with the Prez since he flew all the way from Louisiana. That he looked a little tired is totally understandable. Fred looked sharp with his glasses. They must be new.

At the far end of the cafe some of the parents sat down to enjoy the conversation. In between fork-fulls of pancit and sips of soda they listened to the Prez make his presentation. He was telling them how great it was to be able to join all of them and their children, SAS Ai scholars for the rehearsals for the eventual presentation program. Sister Connie would be attending as well and that they should all be ready to walk up the stage when their names are called. Most nodded with approval with the exception of a couple who were thinking, "I am not going up that stage."

At left we see Karen Laurente, Mirasol Literato and Maria Cristina Javier enjoying themselves at the reception. Karen found a piece of shrimp that needed more shelling and so with fork in hand she proceeded to clean the shrimp. Meanwhile, Mirasol was checking just how cold and chilled her bottle of Seven-Up was while Cristina was about to take a swig of her Pepsi-Cola. Vicky, Remy and Yvonne really outdid themselves with their spread at the reception. Everybody who ate pancit came away satisfied and filled.

The conversations were hushed for the most part. The parents were marveling at the good fortune of their children. The scholars themselves were getting antsy and were wanting to go into the auditorium.