Ideal Man

Marami ang nag-aakala na crush ko si Sir Rod. Well, siguro nga, but not entirely. Si Sir Rod kasi ang ideal man. Actually, he is a husband material (well, he is already a husband). ‘Ano bang qualities ng isang ideal man? Una, mabait, generally sa kahit sinong tao. Maloko pero hindi bastos sa tao, especially sa babae. He is responsible and most importantly, he has the sense of responsibility, the initiative. Siya ‘yung may option A, option B, option C. He has plans for his family, especially for his children. He already knows what to do with his children’s future. If you will get to know Sir Rod, you will know that he’s loyal to his partner and his very serious in keeping his family together, strong and happy. Fidelity runs through his blood. You will not hear from him the “bastos and maloko ways of the men” towards their partner or to other “sexy, hot”women. Yes, he has admired “hot” women celebrities and has been vocal about it. But, that’s just it. You have not heard any past rumors and as of this time, no rumors still of infidelity. He loves his wife and his children and he takes care of them. That’s why, he makes it a point to see to it that he finishes his work early, so that he could go home and be with his family. Nakatutuwa lang talaga isipin that I am a witness to this miracle, that in this very rude and realistic world of sexism, machismo and misplaced pride, there exist an ideal man. Personally, I find it disappointing to still look for an ideal man in this world. Looking for an ideal man nowadays, is like finding a needle in a haystalk, very difficult and frustrating, heartbreaking. That’s why, for me, it’s really a sigh of relief to get to know Sir Rod.            

I suddenly remember Sir Galutera, another ideal man. Perhaps, I will never forget their moment (with Mrs. Galutera) at the Retreat House. The last day of the retreat was their wedding anniversary, 15 years, if I’m not mistaken. Very early in the morning, 7am was the call time for breakfast. Most of us gathered outside around 6:30 while waiting for breakfast for some bonding time. Mrs. Galutera was with us outside. When a taxi stopped by, and apparently, Mr. Galutera went down the car with a beautiful and quite expensive looking bouquet of flowers. It obviously did not look like the flowers for the mass offering. So, everyone was whispering, “Ay, bakit may flowers? Anong meron?” Then Sir Galutera went to his wife, gave the bouquet to her, kissed her and told her “Happy Anniversay”. To witness that very sweet moment was a foreshadowing of more sweet moments that came during the day. Little did we know, the retreat priest arranged a renewal of vows for the couple.  Before the retreat ends, they had their renewal of vows. It was my first time to witness one epiphanic event. I’ve seen renewals of vows of celebrities in television but, I think nothing beats a first-hand experience. The couple was not emotional, they were just happy, actually joyous is the perfect term, a spiritual form of happiness. Everyone was emotional. Joan and I who were standing beside each other were teary eyed. It was a perfect moment to end a spiritual journey each of us just had. Parang lahat kami ay kaisa nila sa kaligayahan. Walang pumigil. Lahat Masaya.  

Sir Rod and Sir Galutera are my living proof that men can do it. They can. They can be loyal with only one woman and one woman only forever.  They can be committed and still be happy with their decision. Ang tunay na lalaki marunong manindigan. They can be responsible. They can be sweet despite their masculinity. They can and will love and take care. They can. It’s really refreshing to know that ideal men do exist. They give me hope that somewhere, at some time, in the near future, I will also meet my own ideal man and get to know him, and as reciprocation, I, too, despite my many flaws can and will also be his only  ideal woman.