MALOCA: Tere, Meet the Kowsins

Takoy and Tere (after the inquisition -- note the big smile)

In 1997, we started a tradition of welcoming new members to MALOCA (Mga Apo ni Leonardo Ona at Candelaria Aguila) through the Kowsin Mwahaha. The cousins (or kowsins as we usually refer to ourselves) are a very close-knit bunch who take advantage of every opportunity to assemble and wreck havoc. Our get-togethers are filled with multiple conversations being conducted simultaneously at the top of our lungs, shrieks of laughter (hence the mwahaha) and harassed waiters running to and fro. Our hapless victims are treated to a grand inquisition. Questions range from:

1. Saan kayo nag-meet?
2. Anong nakita mo sa aming pinsan?
3. Saan ang first date ninyo?
4. Kailan at saan naganap ang first kiss n’yo?
5. Ilang kids ang gusto mo?

Even Miles had to go through the wringer on numerous occasions.

Seemingly innocuous questions but extremely nervewracking when your every move is being observed by almost 20 people you just met who are taking mental notes to share with those not present. It’s not just the kowsins you should be worried about. The kowsin in-laws take advantage of the forum to exact their revenge.

I actually don’t know who is more nervous, the kowsin, or the kowsin-to-be. We uncover all sorts of interesting tidbits during these gatherings.. such as….

Exhibit A: First date…. Ulo-ulo. Kowsin forgot this wallet so girl had to pay. Girl doesn’t really like ulo-ulo to begin with. [Debbie, you are a saint.]

Exhibit B: Q: Anong katangian ang nagustuhan mo sa aming pinsan?

A: Cute siya
[“Cute” is now the new nickname for this Kowsin. We take advantage of every opportunity that arises to raise our glasses and cheer “Para sa Cute”.]

The Masilungan women
(L-R:Elen, Mariel, Di, Tere, Janet and Heidi, asawa ni Cute)

Exhibit C: Q: Alam mo ba kung sino kami?
A: Aba OO. Ikaw si Trixine, anak ni Uncle Bursing at Auntie Tesi….[then goes on to list the family tree. Na-intimidate kaming lahat kay Queen Kathy.]

Exhibit D: Prospective kowsin-in-law was getting food from the platter in a civilized manner. Comment from the far end of the table: “Bilis bilisan mo, gutom na kami!”

Last Friday, it was Takoy’s turn to introduce Tere to the Kowsins.
Venue: Zhong, Fort Bonifacio
Location of the Inquisition: Towards the end of the restaurant, on the comfy couches.
Chief Inquisitors: Boogle, Trixine, Abogada and Doc Leo who took strategic positions in front of and beside her.

Key findings:
Takoy’s alter ego is Edward. Quotable quote from Bulyot, his brother… “Sino si Edward?”. Takoy proposed numerous times. The most memorable one was when he took a video of himself on his cellphone. First kiss? May 25, 2005 (wedding anniversary of his parents).

Tere was very gracious and most importantly, mapagbigay pagdating sa pagkain (always a plus). While we are slightly disappointed that she is not a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, there is hope that our mental disorders may finally be addressed. =)

Tere, welcome to the family! See you on the 20^th !

Sharon, you’re next. Be afraid… be very very afraid. Mwahahaha!

Geli's fairy godmothers (L-R: Abogada Christine, Trixine, Joelle)

Postscript: Tere officially became part of the Paterno branch of the Aguila clan last May 27, 2006. It was a beautiful wedding. The kowsins were on their "relatively" best behavior and the little ones had a blast (as evidenced in the pictures taken by Dino Lara during the event). Btw, magaling maglihim ang bagong magasawa. We discovered on the day itself that Tere's nickname is "Sweet". Even better, she bakes very well. We look forward to receiving our individual cheesecakes soon. =)

Aguila,Paterno, Candelaria, Ona