Stardust Sentiments

During Sundays I always hope that radio station of oldies-but-goodies stuff play "Stardust" by the great Nat King Cole. I don't really know why I learned to love the song, probably because I love the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" so much (of which the song is part of its soundtrack), or that maybe I have an old soul (as they say) that old things appeal to me.

I remember the tune was playing on the background when Mang Rudy, an old-timer in the ME shared his memories of the old Saudi Arabia.

He recounted the days when Pinoy workers practically paved the way for major infrastructures in the deserts; how they bore themselves to work to ease loneliness and relieve homesickness. Those days, he said, no Filipino channels, internet, and celfones were in existence. Long distance calls were glorious recitation of memories; to receive a mail was a joy to be had.

And now the purple dusk of twilight time
Steals across the meadows of my heart
High up in the sky the little stars climb
Always reminding me that we're apart

But so much is the love of Pinoys for pageants that in those days holding beauty contests (in secret!) was one of very few sources of entertainment. You may wonder how, since no female counterparts were present, added to the fact that interaction with them was almost equal to a grave sin.

But Mang Rudy has the answer: engineers, architects, laborers, and mechanics who wear safety helmets and gears during the day suddenly transform themselves in a Barbie-clad dresses, painting their nails with fascinating colors and strutting the catwalk in high pointed heels. Just-like in prison, they were made to wear amorous accessories and make-up to complete the total transformation.

But such events were not exclusive for Pinoys, according to Mang Rudy. At times, other nationalities participate by being sponsors; others watch and befriend some of the contestants. And out of such meetings, each one has juicy story to tell. Had those things not been prohibited, organizers promoting repeat shows would have made a glamorous money making business then.

But that was long ago
Now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song

But with the new breed of migrants in ME, no more similar shows ever had. Well, except this last year when a similar but failed attempt happened in one of the suburbs of Jeddah. Now, adding more pinoy female expats in the ME in the equation, the demand started to shift – but not for genuine female pageant, but rather for a male beauty show clad in skimpy outfits.

One can just wonder if such events were mere manifestations of loneliness, or their performances borne out of an inner feeling. My guess is only good as yours. With Mang Rudy's recall, it indeed opened more questions, than answers. We can only hope that he further his recount of the past. But until then, we leave the memory as they were.

The nightingale tells its fairly tale
A paradise where rose is blue
Though I dream in vain
In my heart it will remain
My stardust melody
The memory of love's refrains.