Ligaya's Cabaret and Casino Presents… Artemio and the Fireflies (Part III)
We got closer as the days went on, and so did you and Apolonio. You had a lot more in common, him being son to Mayor Anacleto, the richest man in town. We would sit by the lake for hours, often with the sound of Apolonio's guitar strumming. We sang to the tune of our hopes and dreams, and even just momentarily, lulled our fears and worries to sleep. You said it was your lifelong ambition to be an actress, be a part of Sampaguita Pictures, rub elbows with cultural icons, elite studio moguls and producers, and perhaps go to Hollywood too.
"Baka naman kalimutan mo na kami ah," I said playfully.
You were silent for a while and I was almost certain you did not hear me.
"Eli, I think this is the perfect place to build the largest, most sought-after dance floor in the world."
"A dance floor? In Alingawngaw?" Apolonio was just as puzzled as I was.
"Just imagine the kind of culture you will open your doors to, the rich patrons who will flock here for the exclusivity -- booze and dancing, in the woods, by the lake -- they're such suckers for mysticism and the supernatural. They will love it here!"
I kept your vision in my front pocket next to my heart. Ligaya's is nowhere near the grandest dance hall of the century, but in all of Alingawngaw and the neighboring towns, Ligaya's is where the culture is. Because Ligaya was here.
You returned to Manila and made a promise that you would visit us on Christmas. Unbeknownst to us all, you would be back to Alingawngaw sooner than we all thought.
I always said you were a mad, mad girl, but never in the same light as the people who never knew your wonder. Because shortly after summer, you started your midnight lake escapades, sneaking out of your Catholic dorm to "commune with the Mutya ng Lawa". This went on for almost two weeks without a single person ever catching you during the night. You were either found lying by the edge of the lake or walking aimlessly in the woods by morning.
Until we couldn't find you anymore.
It's been three decades and I still wander through the woods but I no longer swim to the bottom of the lake. You should have known by now that in Alitaptap there's another girl missing, no last name they said. Tonight is supposedly Temyong's stage performance but I have not seen him since the news broke out. If there is even a tiny bit of possibility that he knows where this girl is, that will be enough to give me hope.
I swear on this land this cabaret is standing on, my letters will find their way to you.
You are sorely missed, our sweet darling Ligaya.
Signed with love,