Against all odds–actually against just one odd by the name of Coronita Virulina–I went to Greenhills Shopping Center to look for toys. The last time I went there with Sonny Balwani was on February 25. A few days later news broke out that a couple in Greenhills has tested positive for the virus and were in critical condition, at which point I started drafting an endorsement letter cum last will and testament (true story). I asked two toy collectors if they felt it was already safe to go back to Shoppesville. AJB said he hasn’t tried yet, while Lex said yes he’s been going there since May. That was all the encouragement I needed.

Very few customers were in the area, so it was at least a bit of relief. I saw some toys that I really wanted to get, such as this retro The Real Ghost Busters set from Kenner. In the spirit of recession and all, I’ve decided to really ruminate and reflect and meditate and sleep on it first. I took a picture of it so I could stare at it repeatedly and decide if my heart of hearts would really be happy if I purchase the set.

I ended up buying the toy that I was really looking for, the Marvel Legends Colossus figure. Luckily I found a loose one so I did not have to buy the Juggernaut that comes with it. I was hence able to assemble my 90’s X-Men Gold Team!

While walking through the hallowed circular halls of Shoppesville Plus I saw a girl in full on Vlog mode, with all the contraptions around–ring light, microphone, dutiful boyfriend taking the video, the toys in the background. From what I gathered she was selling toys online. “Pa-mine na lang po, pa-mine na lang,” she said cheerily.

I was so entranced that I ended up watching her for a few minutes. “Ito po, apaka-ganda! Apaka-mura!” she said. I thought I misheard it, but from the many times she repeated it, it was really APAKA. I discovered later on that this new and evolved version of the word napaka is being widely used in vlogging and social media in general. The time saved by dropping the N must really be staggering, so I’m planning to use it on my next clinic if there are many patients to save time, ie, apakalaki na po ng bukol, or apakasakit po talaga kaya kailangan na ng morpina. I wonder if they will take me seriously!

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