It is with sincere regret that I write this blog entry. I do not know how to explain my actions, my carelessness. I do not know how to deal with anyone who would ask me what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. All I know is that it happened, and like a bamboo planted in the middle of nowhere, I could do nothing.

You read it right. Barbi is no more. She has left this worldly dimension and crossed over to the other side, where pigs can rejoice and forever be happy, where pigs are no longer be treated as pigs.

What happened you may ask? It all started one fine morning. I saw Barbi and Chops boarding a bus full of people. I followed and everyone was staring, not at me but at the pigs. I knew from then on that something was off. I learned later that these guys played musical instruments. They were at the top of the foodchain in terms of hitting the high notes of the violins, cellos, woodwinds, and even xylophones and cymbals. We were aboard a bus filled with members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. I will have episode stories about them but for now, we grieve the death of a friend.

We toured Tagum City, a first class municipality in Davao where I was invited to judge several music video contests for the Musikahan Festival held every February of each year. The pigs were both excited as they took the window seat. I’m mostly an aisle person and only take windows for photos so it was ok for the pigs to take over. I think they were more excited about this than I was.

PPO with Madam Alma Uy, first lady of Tagum City

By noon we arrived at this residence. Its probably big enough to be classified as a mansion. Tables were all set and I got seated pretty comfortably as the pigs raced to the pool. I didn’t know they liked water. And so I was confident that the two pigs were a-ok and so I simply waited for lunch to be announced.

What happened next was unexplainable. I could not really draw what happened. All I know was that the turn of events was mind boggling.

The host called for lunch and the Philharmonic guys started to queue. That was a mistake though letting everyone go first. You should see how fast the food was vanishing, and even the oldies, ahem, not so young players would fill up their plate like there was no tomorrow. I now know that as an artist we are all equal. I do understand where they are coming from and thus will never make these kinds of assumptions about other artists next time.

And so I reached the buffet table, took a few servings of this and that, and finally reached the very end, where I saw something that was truly devastating…

Barbi in her final resting state. We will miss you

The next photo may not be suitable for all audiences. I suggest to either get a barf bag or not see this at all. Not recommended for childeren under 16 and those with heart ailments

Barbi, or what's left of her

Yes, Barbi was devoured like an animal! an Animal mind you! sigh*

I cannot blame them. She was responsible for herself. I learned later that she sneaked out of the room we were in and joined the advanced party. They had enough food but the chef saw Barbi and thought she would be a great addition. She was. Goodbye Barbi. You will be missed.

So who was the other pig with Chops if that wasn’t Barbi? Apparently, Chops and Barbi had another sib. They’re actually triplets, someone probably sneaked the other pig in while I wasn’t looking. Chops and Barbi were taking care of her without my knowledge or concent. Those pigs! I wonder how they take care of pigs their age?! Anyway. So Barbi’s gone and the new pig is out there in the pool with Chops. I’ll call her Chi. Short for Chicharon. I’ll make sure they both behave otherwise they’ll both end up like Barbi and get eaten by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. No wonder they play wonderful music.

PS. To the PPO, I love you guys! I hope to have fun moments with you again. I cannot forgive what you did to Barbi though.