in the presence of greatness

yesterday, rio alma's new book was launched here in school. i didn't expect it, but all of a sudden, a large number of writers arrived to attend! my professor, ma'am jing hidalgo, sir bien lumbera, sir jimmy abad, sir butch dalisay, sir ricky de ungria, jun cruz reyes, paolo manalo, and my friend, ginia villanueva, among many others. and once again, you know i just went crazy, as i always do when surrounded by good writers. i almost conked myself on the head because i didn't bring my books from manila, and i'm too much of a spendthrift to buy the same book twice. so i decided to prioritize, and since sir ricky, who wrote "pidgin levitations", is the chancellor of UP mindanao, i figured he would be the least likely person i would see again in the near future. (unless i actually, finally make it to davao soon!) so i rushed to buy a copy of his book (which i had previously bought for a friend), and as soon as the booklaunch was over, rushed to him to have my book signed. overzealous? i wouldn't be me if i weren't! but he was really nice and asked me if i write, etc. and he signed it so nicely!
after that, i touched base with ma'am jing (yey, she remembers me!) and sir jimmy (to whom i always have to re-introduce myself. but i don't mind.) and sir butch macansantos (who always loves to chat).
only after all that was i able to focus my attention on other people there. (so sorry!) and i was back to my less frantic self. with books signed!!!
i just realized that i missed writers' night last december. which is too bad, because i love being a frantic fan there!