Saturday, November 29, 2008
WALLS OF AGONY OR JUST A HANDY INSTRUMENT BE IT SO
Convenient as it may seem, having the contrivance, to, totally hinder a person, so, as to immobilize him or her particularly so in respect of seeking any legal redress with regards to their peculiar predicaments as the cases, were, premised to be. The law itself encompassing the optimum in terms of all avenues preventing the indicted person from slipping through if not for a much capable counsel at his or her side expounding wholesomely so that a miniscule of provision in the books be intelligently yet correctly interpreted, and a much wise cum respectable judge who duly hears the argument in its entirety thus adjudged adroitly. The antagonist was released on the same day as the good judge decreed so, a bewildered OKT but not so then, soon after he is reunited with his better half and a joyous one at that. All the more prisoners of conscience being held exceedingly so under a terrible clause- a handy instrument no doubt. Terrorists abound but none as terrifying as the ones totally unarmed and absolutely non combative yet salubriously dare quite quaintly so- speak against tyranny.
Friday, November 28, 2008
PRESENTIMENTS THAT SHOULD LONG GONE PAST- A JUST ANOTHER DANGDUT STORY
Bro Badd was very much noticeable standing right in the middle of the private car park, somewhat positioning himself in the most well lit segment of the area. He seemed quite cheerful considering he had to wait for a good half an hour when papa’s Proton Iswara pulled into the other parking lot right next to the one he was, situated, in. Bro Badd was quite nonplussed the where about of his vehicle as the parking lot he had chosen was right beside the main Jalan Raja Laut thoroughfare and much visible should kin or neighbors happened to forward that little bit of circumspect in respect of the plate numbers attached to the cars prominently displayed within that particular enclosure.
Ostensibly not at all bothered about the niggling bits, Bro Badd had already endeared his, much welcomed company to that particular night out karaokeing with papalados and The Good Prince. They were only a few meters away from Seri Mutiara’s back- entrance when customary handshakes were partaken, so much so for The Prince as it was the first time he makes acquaintance with Bro Badd. Papa found something a little bit amiss with prince’s quite demure disposition specific to that nocturnal ramble, as he was not really talking much and less of his usual cheery self. In addition to his out of the usual, dressing style- a little bit oversized collared T- shirt and work slacks whence a jet- black round neck top with the best denim would always be the attire his evening out entails the prince’s out of the ordinary demeanor begs query. Howbeit papa must only keep quiet and let things roll for the night, as probably than most he must have had a slight tiff with the missus, and that, is just for him to know not at all for others to find out unless he wants to tell about it. Men too sometimes can be very curious even to the point of being gossipy. Tsk! Tsk!
The miniscule concerned that karaoke rooms might be fully booked as the particular night dated early in the month papa implored everybody to go straight up to the singing hall part of the establishment. Having entered the club, the scene awaiting the three hombres was quite out of the usual, there was not the ambience normally associated with karaoke joints. Instead of a rather laid- back temperament that was usually conspicuous, a rather busy and hurried mood were much noticeable. The place was in the midst of a massive expansion Program, the management has rented or bought the entire floor adjacent to the one they are currently occupying. The very least the bosses were very sensitive to the little vagaries of the clubbing business, not discounting the availability of a multifold numbers of karaoke rooms to exult in, patrons would more than welcome the recent developments as regard the Seri Mutiara dangdut and karaoke lounge.
Even though an industrious atmosphere permeated throughout the hall, there were still more than a few rooms unoccupied in that the three friends just sort of- pick, and choose- which of the chambers seemed the most comfortable. Nonchalantly, the three simultaneously sauntered into the singing room nearest to where they were standing and one that was the most brightly lit. The fact that their eyes were time tested in that they could not, really be- relied upon, as compared twenty years ago when the chaps still much youthful and energetic would not be at a loss of any of their sensory potentialities. In other words, they prefer the brighter karaoke rooms since they can see better in it, obviously.
The room which name papa has quite forgotten but aptly coinciding with one of the zodiacal entities was ample that sitting six or seven people comfortably, would not, seem unconventional. Since they, were not, ushered in by any of the staff, the three chaps were somewhat just lazing in for a good five to ten minutes when a waitress who happened to notice their unattended arrival whisked inside that particular singing chamber and inquired about their orders. Without even asking whether the room was to their liking the rather energetic young Lady diligently but systematically jotted down papa and friends initial orders. Papa must admit that he was quite elated observing her much methodical way of going about doing her job. The little notebook that she always has, in her person, was neatly, tucked inside her topmost pocket however so deftly extracted whence she initiated her wonted yet very much dutiful task of noting down the refreshments the newly arrived patrons preferred. Considering that the particular jotting pad would only last a very short time along with being only one of numerous utilized during her tenure in SM, the amount of care she accorded to the little notepad she currently has on hand somewhat depicted her unusual dedication to the little tools of her vocation.
The level of professionalism emanating from her person must only qualify her for a post in any prestigious hotel’s Food and beverage division if only she moves from her present Waitress position in SM to any four or five star lodging houses around Kuala Lumpur. The fact that promotions, career wise, would have been, better guaranteed in respect of her peculiar assiduousness pertaining to work ethics, by stationing herself in Hotel Mutiara K.L. rather than Seri Mutiara dangdut and karaoke lounge, undeniably so. Strange as it may seem, in the dangdut realm very seldom does one hear of a Waitress opting for a GRO job, perhaps due to different sets of people satisfying dissimilar sets of criteria that aptly coincide with, quite quaintly so, contra distinct job specifications. The proverbial stigma that glues itself to any person courageous enough to actively partake in the dangdut arena begs disbelief, so much so that any right thinking young woman would not even entertain the idea, if ever whimsically, however if it is truly rewarding to be adventurous, why on earth not. Be it exceedingly should everything remains on its perceived course, it is papa’s contention that the young lady, who serves everybody well in SM would not be in the singing hall in the not too distant future, for she will definitely leave the establishment to work somewhere else. A five star hotel to be exact as she quite realizes her unbounded potential would be tested to the full in the prestigious inn, insofar her progression in terms of salary and job position would not in any way be dead ended waiting up for dangdut and karaoke patrons mostly. But she did accord the sweetest of smile when she left the sing along compartment along with words informing of mummy Ani’s impending arrival in a short while plus an off the cuff yet totally disarming “enjoy yourselves” parting wish. It does not take much to please one or two old farts, a kind gesture, the- such of that just mentioned, is more than adequate.
Surely enough not five minutes later mummy Ani’s a bit rotund figure stood in front of the room, nearly blocking the entrance if not for the door being closely shut. The huge glass plane permanently affixed to the door or making up the very door itself allows only albeit much minimally little of any outside light into the singing chamber. Should the lighting inside not be set on the maximum, the room could be totally dark. But of course papa must only be exaggerating as the mummy was not really humongous, a little bit hefty maybe, quite normal really considering her age and supervisory disposition. It must be said that a dangdut mummy, at times does need to be a bit assertive and her miniscule bigger than normal persona should have helped, particularly so when dealing with one or a few recalcitrant girls. However not all mummies are fierce or ferocious come any situation, they do also listen and would always lend their shoulders and utter kind words to the GROs’ sometimes; woeful circumstances. The fairer sex, do have their issues and the mummies being women too, can more than sympathize with the Hostesses’ predicaments.
The sprightly young waitress did activate the karaoke machine when she first entered the room, resulting in the Good Prince immediately after giving full attention to the TV sized VDU monitor displaying all manner of songs that can be sung sing along style. Out of the normal, Prince had been quite wordless ever since the three of them were comfortably seated in the room, what was with, papa and Bro Badd having their quiet conversation yet he only interjected a few words mostly confirming or negating any negligible little queries from papa or one or two from Bro Badd almost all the time resulting from whatever inconsequential topics, the two of them were talking about; unfailingly after emitting the necessary albeit very short remarks, prince would return to his intently fixing a gaze on the monitor screen pose- each time. Could be he just wanted to sing whatever’s playing in his mind away and not really wanting to bother with any small talk but without being in any way offensive. He was not and we all enjoyed his company even though he was out of his usual self that particular evening what was with his out of the blue rather not so talkative posture. He did choose a few songs that are favorites for starting the night, singing that was and his choices were quite liked by Bro Badd since he eagerly positioned the mike to his lips when papa passed it to him the moment the second song made its intro onto the system. However the odd ten to fifteen minutes before everything started seemingly was the actual time that some bit conversation would make its entrance as anything apart from the fact was hard singing interspersed with a few dances perhaps so. The usual boisterous singing plus upward turning of the volume knob accompanying the sing along would have drowned any exercitations towards conversing- just about anything- should that be the case.
Mummy Ani made her entrance but crashed on the sofa the fraction of a second later, yet not without positioning herself right next to papa. Then again crash should not have been the word, exceedingly so if the manner in which she took the load from her feet needed depicting. The fact was papa did not even notice she was already seated beside him during that particular instance. Mummy did not accord any customary welcoming truncated chat but suggested upon seated, calling in a GRO, papa could not gave a straight answer right at the moment as he was still contemplating whether to ask for someone older yet can dance or a younger albeit little bit more desirable so as to set the evening to be an iota more livelier particularly so for Bro Badd as it was his first time being inside SM. However Bro Badd ended papa’s little predicament by suggesting the required hostess to be ‘gedik- gedik’. It is really quite complicated if the words need to be translated directly into English the reason being there is none really a specific term that comes to mind but gedik- gedik may mean something that in one way or another describe a youngish member of the fairer sex of whom is a little bit sexy, kind of daring yet not so easy, to some extent teasing but desirable in every which way, in spite of the fact that she would not so easily relent to whatever forms of temptations- as to what those ‘enticements’ connote to- papa must only speculate. He has this niggling thing about young GROs, he would usually find them raw and inflexible, raw in the sense that they still need a little bit of time to gain experience and inflexible meaning they need to learn the multifarious steps to dance the dangdut eclectically the Kay El way. Nevertheless the locution randy could in a large way, connotes aptly to gedik- gedik. Mummy Ani just the while back prominently elicited a subtle smirk whence papa introduced her to Bro Badd as Mummy Ani Rock was the like of being jolted out of her comfortable seating position on the sofa upon hearing the gedik- gedik word. Standing upright instantly she bolted out of the room mentioning in a huff about somebody that came to her mind along with having to dash in order to get her before someone else does.
Having mentioned the enigmatic smirk evoked by the mummy, the main reason it came into being could be that mummy ani having been calloused a little too much by the stark realities much visible concurrently in dangdut and karaoke halls all across the city where most patrons distinctly would refer the younger hostesses instead of the near abundant thirty to early forties age wise- GROs. Somehow comically perhaps gravity and the quaint effects of time did not also impinge their aphoristic consequences upon the very mortal forms of the ‘dirty old men’ wherein each and every evening, religiously but fulsomely in bunches would the proverbial old fools be arriving- to solely yet solemnly patronize the said establishments, their grizzled countenances copiously conspicuous in the halls.
Quite rightly also the rock declaration partnering her good name must only inflict a condescending undertone if keenly observed, particularly so, considering her seniority alongside her peculiar circumstances- presumably being the case. On the other hand, it is hoped that mummy ani did not at all hold to be that papalados wreaked a kind of cruel joke on her by associating her character with rock music and a late eighties Malay experience at that, the fact being papa did not at all belittle her character or neither was the epithet intentionally called forth but if truth be told he still remembers her affectionately- veritably at that as the bright eyed young girl fiercely rock music genre attired taking her first steps into a dangdut club and a one sinisterly named Mascano or Teratak the Hut- papa just was not sure. Late eighty eight to mid eighty nine should be the undisputable setting if one need to extend his or her curiosity the little bit more. Honestly speaking though papa must only surmise that the good mummy would not at all bear any grudges against him and friends reasons being she knows papa long enough to deem him an old hand and enormously also an essential component gearing up the entire dangdut configuration. Further to that, the salient albeit imperturbable fact pointing towards the girls or the dangdut folks altogether: inaudible regards for people like him as the quintessential dangdut elders. All in all associates of the same dangdut fraternity. And members just do not disparage each other let alone the seniors among them. Anyway being considered an ageing rocker is much more globally acceptable if compared to a certain someone of whom pathetically at that tries to attach to his inconsequential figure a nom de guerre of a dangdut king. What on earth is a dangdut king: anyway. HAHAHA
A just finished singing his favorite ditty and looking extremely pleased at that, Bro Badd evinced a kind of a smiling look whence Sheila entered the room, howsoever his eyes was not fixed upon her but actually half looking at the TV screen. Perchance the unquantifiable bit of euphoria discerned having sung a song full length along with experiencing some form of self satisfaction doing that he was quite oblivious to anything extra to his gleeful state of mind then. Papa on the other hand could not stop ogling her. She was young and adding to that she was not unlike a pretty maiden, no drooping downwards whatsoever of any vital segments of her well built physique- papa could dare vouch that she has not gone through any betrothal service for she is yet to be married. He took a gaze at Mummy Ani who was standing immediately behind Sheila but could not ask her anything as the music, was still loud, even so papa did direct the young Sheila to a vacant spot right next to Bro Badd. Following Mummy to the door he undertook to ask her about the particular GRO by near yelling like; the words “she is very young- Mummy- and totally not a divorcee if my observation is correct”. Mummy Ani gave a nod together with the message that she had just joined the club a few weeks back and rightly also that she is still ‘anak dara’ or an unmarried: young lass. As to whether she is a virgin or not, sadly one can never know but nonetheless could make some intelligent guesses. Anyhow the relevance to that particular notion should not be overestimated. In other words papa dare not speculate. In spite of everything else Sheila was very pretty leading to papa shaking mummy’s hand vigorously thanking her for forwarding that fraction of circumspect in respect of the Hostess she had chosen.
Mummy was about to make her exit but not without suggesting engaging at least one more girl for the group, Bro Badd, who was silent right to the moment, gestured at The Prince, of whom waved his hands gesticulating no need for him but would share with papa should he take one. Fully understood and without asking to confirm Mummy Ani disappeared not a microsecond after that. She arrived back a couple of minutes later with a more mature than Sheila, GRO in tow. Thirty odd she looked the stereotype yet consisting of the majority of girls much available in SM. Physique wise, one would not be politically incorrect to assume that she is a divorcee having school going children. She shook hands with papa and the prince, acknowledging him by curtly voicing the words “long time no see” yet it was not a few weeks ago that she sat with him, unkel and lanchapap in the same or any other comparable of karaoke chambers in SM. The prince took the opportunity by stepping closer in order to whisper something in her ear. She gave a very soothing smile in return. As to what message he put forth, the very phrases papa can only guess because he did not join their little outing back then but it could be something like the prince arrival in SM that evening was not preplanned together with his body and soul beholden to a different set of friends now, in spite of the fact that prince could have mentioned the venue of their next secret rendezvous or perhaps not. However papa knows the prince and he is just not the furtive type. Just a thought though but- wildly nevertheless. But it is worth mentioning the salient facts that all the more are associated with mature girls not unlike Mira: that was her lovely name. Firstly they are very pleasant to converse with, mainly due to the peculiar circumstances they are in, what are with being married and divorced, having to juggle everything: work, a school mum and the likes, they have in them a level of maturity that could never be learned but acquired if only through experience. That is to say they are well salted and totally not to be taken for granted. Secondly albeit most importantly they are nice to talk with, at times even therapeutic if papa may say so, a bit like having a meaningful conversation between someone of the opposite sex apart from the missus that is, the phrases that do not need further explaining as they are well understood in the first place. The subtle jokes but none overly suggestive, a once and only second time dating howsoever without the subsequent ‘perks’. Inasmuch a few calming words exchanged notwithstanding that everything stops short at that, in parallel with none further to be discussed, short but sweet not unlike the meeting of two near neighbors. If coupled with their well grasped skills in dancing, these girls are heaven sent.
To all intents and purposes, a comment must be forwarded that their special conditions may be said came to be from their own choosing and a prime advantage could be the better budget to delve in. Howbeit to voice out that they have to be single mothers or a divorcee or a widow for that matter as a most important a priori is a little too uncouth and extremely distasteful in the minimal. No right thinking woman would want to become one alongside most cases regarding divorces having arrived after decidedly genuine grievances had been highlighted and they were mostly quite tragic. Veritably no sane person would want to experience such, if not for its impending eventuality of which nothing mitigating could solicit an amicable solution i. e. to rectify things back to what they were before.
Sheila who has been placed beside Bro Badd all the while was instructed by Mummy Ani to change her restful position to an available spot at the rightmost side of papa. Instead Mira was asked to take her place, papa much surprised was quite lost for words, he just did not expect mummy to do the unthinkable or that was his line of thinking then. He took a peek at Bro Badd, enough to see his reaction but surprisingly he was quite nonchalant about the sudden exchange. Sheila too just followed as to what was commanded by the good mummy by slumping herself beside papa less than an instant later. Nonetheless there was still the considerable gap between them, about one or two feet breach and not unlike the circumstances dictating the setting she was posed only before, when sitting next to Bro Badd. All or just the same, Mira snuggled up to Bro Badd, their shoulders met and it was like both of them sort of took off from there, not unlike two distanced lovers meeting after some time apart. Quite of course, there were, the exchange of words but quaintly so they were very romantic like or that was the outlook much prominent then. Strangely not once papa witnessed, in fact right through the evening Bro Badd placing his arms around Mira, yet they were all the while talking intermittently albeit hush- hush like, akin to pillow talk, tsk- tsk, in spite of the at times blaring music. Questioningly, have they met before, even though Bro Badd mentioning this was his first ever time spent inside- SM.
Meanwhile the prince oblivious to everything else was much too engrossed picking songs from the machine. Papa having his bemused look much noticeable was jolted out of his astonished state by a sudden loud exclamation from The Prince, he had just noticed the unceremonious exchange but the instant later papa fully understands the reason mummy ani does what she did whence prince followed his unannounced yelling by bellowing the quaint fact that Mira could not dance and mummy must have anticipated the possibility that papa would want to try out his four step formula. That was why she substituted the GROs. It was at this juncture that Bro Badd implored papa to flaunt his dancing prowess by getting up to do the boogie there and then, he complied by inviting Sheila as his partner in executing the much said four step. She was quite reluctant at first saying she is actually not adept at dancing having mostly worked in karaoke clubs prior to SM but papa kept on insisting putting forth that the wiggle would be only for show of which the duration would only lasts one half vocalization subsequent to another considering there was not really the space for really serious steps to the dance. Grudgingly she went along but not without reminding papa that she totally, leave it to him to take the extra care so as either one of them would not fall down due to any hastened missteps. Papa assured her that he has been dancing for the good part of twenty years and by so admitting she would only be in safe hands. Since the song being played was a woeful ballad about lost love papa initiated the slow cha- cha procedure and lo and behold she was able to conform to his cue albeit quite gracefully. Could it be that she was being a bit too modest saying she lacks proficiency observing the art form or something happened that in a way invoked a latent aptitude within her person- a natural talent perhaps. But the possibility that she was already exposed to that very archetype of gyrating to the music what was with her time spent in girlie singing halls beforehand compulsorily as yet quaintly the underlying notion particularly so needs be conjectured. An elated papa quickened the tempo when the music turned to be more Latin infused in parallel with The Prince and Mira interpreting the all time favorite Kharisma Cinta, the ditty that was chosen by the prince especially for the next number showcasing papa’s four step or its subtle intrigues for Bro Badd’s purview. This time however, Sheila faltered a bit, her legs could not follow the upbeat tone, she, was not used to quicken her steps in tandem with the changed music. Papa whispered softly to her that the maneuver was actually the same only that the pace must be hurried a fraction more but she spotted a rather worried look in return. Papa assuaged her to not fret if only to follow closely his movements and exceedingly so assuring her comfortingly that he would not be letting her go yet hold her safely all the time. Miraculously she was able to reciprocate his sudden dash like motions only that her legs were still a modicum lethargic for lack of necessary practice. All in all in total the outlook can be said to be impressive in view of the hearty clapping of hands by Bro Badd instantly upon the song finishing its course.
Nearly out of breath papa took a seat along with gulping some mineral water directly from the bottle, his favorite refreshment whilst karaokeing or even dangduting. It was when he was about to slump onto the sofa that he noticed an apprehensive albeit bemoaning grimace on Mira’s face. It could be somehow that she was quite intimidated by the show of steps recently illustrated by Sheila and him. Still having to learn the multifarious moves in consideration of her peculiar vocation as a dancer, Mira as the case may be lacks the all important motivation but she must comprehend regardless as the particular ability would have helped her enormously considering her unique- profession.
Sheila having been twirled and swirled by papa and flushed, the very effects from the bout of prancing the while back was beginning to loosen her guard. She cuddled up to him, clasping his arms even caressing them from time to time while putting forth impertinent questions the likes of how long he has been dancing, how did he get to know mummy Ani, did he often go visit SM and since he had already highlighted his longtime presence in the Dangdut sphere, is he an old hand or the proverbial dangdut elder for want of a better term should papa be allowed to embellish a little here and an iota there. Lacking any mutually fathomable topics to discuss unlike prattling with mature GROs, papa was actually lost for words whence chatting with Sheila, however the moment she touches on the dangdut elder issue, papa could not stop jabbering, mentioning a few names not society’s notables but dangdut personages mostly, he brags about his past exploits interspersed with some uncalled for history lessons on dangdut spanning twenty years until the present day. Listening intently at first Sheila quickly lost interest after that, when steadfastly fixing her gaze at papa at the beginning of the discourse her eyes moves waywardly spanning the room an instant later. Even though papa realizes that Sheila was not at all paying attention together with acknowledging his useless chatter albeit token like, he did not stop short his prattling. Somehow out of the corner of his eyes he spied upon her and she was eyeing Bro Badd.
Admittedly papa was truly ecstatic being treated the extra kindly by Sheila, it was quite sometime that he experienced the very sentiments much elicited from her caring touches. Emotions that had been suppressed all along yet unabashedly- resurface by the insuppressible warmth brought forth by her. Her soft words coupled with youthful inquisitiveness somewhat thrashes all of the bulwarks he erected and primarily designed to shield him from any unwanted albeit emotive responses that could easily decimate his fragile ego. A psyche, passionate beyond control if not for the safeguards he installed within his consciousness, a conscience that could not bear the embarrassment of falling helplessly one more time into the abyss of unreasonable trains of thought. In other words he does not want to chase after girls again bearing in mind his anomalistic situation. In all likelihood the spectacle would only be pathetic and ugly.
Another thing and a crucial element, particularly against this rather lengthy irrelevant dangdut discourse of his is the dangdut elder contention, seemingly an old hand in the sphere, perchance someone not unlike papalados. He is actually an anachronism, if juxtaposed especially so alongside dangdut’s present realities. Dangdut, much like any other business enterprises has in its wholesome existence a certain imploration and that must only be its bottom line contingency being profits- blatant and glaring its much anticipated outcome- come what may. The girls too by and large needed their compulsory incomes if only to put food on the table- essentially, along with the proverbial excess bundles in extra, their guiding principles much set, to satisfy extensively the numerous other, quintessential- requirements- be they so.
With that in mind what purposeful capacities would the old farts serve other than becoming flower pots ornamenting any or another dangdut joints, more so, for reasons of aesthetics as compared, functional components: Dangdut Dinosaurs no doubt. Most of times they would be accorded some form of respect due mainly to their senior status in addition to their ‘Dangdut- Institutional’ like stature but that is about the optimum the entire charade goes. The seniors would in some instances allocate a nominal amount in their monthly budget for dangdut purposes and that constitute the extent their spending prowess ordains. No matter how should a few make merry thus spend indeterminately night in and night out their levels of acceptance by dangdut subjects would only increase- multifold. Howsoever Sheila was correct to accord papa a modicum of respect but largely ignore him beside the fact, hurtful, maybe so but nothing else could digress more from the unrelenting certitudes. Further to that a senior GRO must have earlier briefed her. Ultimately as ABBA would sing Money, Money, Money, it’s a rich man’s world. .
On the other hand Bro Badd is not a dangdut elder, the girls could see to that, he has not the repressed but transparent over eagerness in him, Dangdut pundits especially the capable dancers amongst them would inescapably let loose their desirous disposition very early in the occasion, they just could not hold back their over anxious propensity. They would shuffle their feet at the earliest opportunity leading to the girls calling their bluff immediately. The old hands would only reveal themselves eventually. As the hostesses are mostly disinclined to immoderately contend with the old timers due to their rather debatable reputability, they absolutely love the newcomers.
Bro Bad whose looks belies his age what are with his washboard abs, presumably quite of course since papa has never seen him without his tops has that certain outlook in which the image portrayed does not veer the short distance away from him being considered and rightly also the mannerly man of means. A keen golfer and a hard hitter at that, Bro Badd keeps his temperament even keeled most of times, his quiet deportment resulting from his predator or buaya status on the fairways somewhat transgresses all other venues beside the golf courses on which he would be found to be perennially blissful. The very reason his demeanor inside the singing chamber was so like leading Sheila to earnestly sizing him up and reaching inevitably the conclusion that he would be worth the seduce.
Not knowing how to rid of papa of whom was her company for the night Sheila took sneak peeks at Bro Badd. Papa noticed albeit surreptitiously but pretended not to by focusing his eyes upon the TV screen only. Her chance arrived when a duet number turned up, since Bro Badd was already holding a microphone, Sheila asked for the other piece from Mira who eagerly handed it her as she had sung a number of songs continuously with both Prince and Bro Badd before the catchy ballad reaches its turn. She sang beautifully, even stood up and inched herself beside Bro Badd whence vocalizing compared to her few flop attempts prior to that. But she was singing with papa then and his, choice of song was apparently not her cup of tea assumingly. Papa wholeheartedly knew that Sheila was only trying to ensnare Bro Badd into her clutches, to devilishly include him into her client base so that she would not be pressed for ready customers, to conveniently call to come visit her specifically so on bleak days or nights rather when there is a dearth of willing patrons to book her. All or just the same he could not help feeling utterly dejected upon viewing that particular woeful spectacle happening right in front of his eyes. Trying hard to appear nonplussed about the entire pantomime in view, papa felt something queer about to burst out from within him, the ogre inside: the green eyed monster. He was actually jealous, of Bro Badd, even though, he very well comprehends, the irony of the situation, there was still the niggling doubt that Sheila might want to go further than just including Bro Badd into her easily accessible client base, she, could want to make him her life partner. Someone who could extricate her from dangdut’s unrelenting- stranglehold, rid her of its ignominious stigma and at the same time making an honest woman out of her. Questions swirling in his head, none bearing any logic, everything getting to be absurd, that made papa took stock: contiguously after the fact. He relaxes himself, drink some more mineral water and laughed it all off. He did not know that he still has the emotions in him but he was happy though because he did feel young again, thanks to Sheila that was. All because of a silly young girl of whom did nothing wrong if only to act her age. Without doubt persons in her sub group could not help to be such, the very traits inescapable all the more and they are Young, Beautiful and Aspiring- nothing more nothing less.
Considering that papa was nearly at keris or daggers end with Bro Badd for something so ridiculous, he must be losing his mind during that time. Everything said papa must only conclude that Bro Badd did not realize of Sheila’s advancement towards him all along, and rightly so that was, as a of couple weeks later he put forth the notion that the girl in SM having an eye on him, Bro Badd thought she was Mira. When papa said that Sheila the one sitting beside him too has something for Badd, he was quiet for a while then throated Ho Hum and continued by forwarding the “went there just to see you dance- that was all” quaint message. Ho Hum to you too, Bro Badd, HAHAHA
Penultimate to the conclusion of this lengthy post, papa would like to say a few words, in effect the paragraph that has in it the Money, Money, Money line taken from the popular song by ABBA. Regretfully he must only take back what he has written particularly the unfounded fact that dangdut citizens are only concerned with money and much of nothing else. That is just not true for how would papa explain the reason he was doted upon with soft drinks nuts and biscuits on nights when he lacked the allocation for wanton prancing and/or singing inside the dancing halls. Mind you the refreshments are all FOC and passed to him by his dangdut buddies all in all. Another thing the so called old fools that ‘fulsomely’ make their way to dangdut joints night in and night out or so the contention was. Again not so correct inasmuch most customers are middle aged men with only a few of the dangdut old hands amongst them. The, majority, are the ones spending but not really intensely exulting all the time but their numbers are quite considerable adding to the fact that they help boost up the dangdut business all along. In other words dangduts existence is pretty much contingent upon their earnest customs. Papalados’s: sincerest apologies. Good Night. Cheers.
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Ostensibly not at all bothered about the niggling bits, Bro Badd had already endeared his, much welcomed company to that particular night out karaokeing with papalados and The Good Prince. They were only a few meters away from Seri Mutiara’s back- entrance when customary handshakes were partaken, so much so for The Prince as it was the first time he makes acquaintance with Bro Badd. Papa found something a little bit amiss with prince’s quite demure disposition specific to that nocturnal ramble, as he was not really talking much and less of his usual cheery self. In addition to his out of the usual, dressing style- a little bit oversized collared T- shirt and work slacks whence a jet- black round neck top with the best denim would always be the attire his evening out entails the prince’s out of the ordinary demeanor begs query. Howbeit papa must only keep quiet and let things roll for the night, as probably than most he must have had a slight tiff with the missus, and that, is just for him to know not at all for others to find out unless he wants to tell about it. Men too sometimes can be very curious even to the point of being gossipy. Tsk! Tsk!
The miniscule concerned that karaoke rooms might be fully booked as the particular night dated early in the month papa implored everybody to go straight up to the singing hall part of the establishment. Having entered the club, the scene awaiting the three hombres was quite out of the usual, there was not the ambience normally associated with karaoke joints. Instead of a rather laid- back temperament that was usually conspicuous, a rather busy and hurried mood were much noticeable. The place was in the midst of a massive expansion Program, the management has rented or bought the entire floor adjacent to the one they are currently occupying. The very least the bosses were very sensitive to the little vagaries of the clubbing business, not discounting the availability of a multifold numbers of karaoke rooms to exult in, patrons would more than welcome the recent developments as regard the Seri Mutiara dangdut and karaoke lounge.
Even though an industrious atmosphere permeated throughout the hall, there were still more than a few rooms unoccupied in that the three friends just sort of- pick, and choose- which of the chambers seemed the most comfortable. Nonchalantly, the three simultaneously sauntered into the singing room nearest to where they were standing and one that was the most brightly lit. The fact that their eyes were time tested in that they could not, really be- relied upon, as compared twenty years ago when the chaps still much youthful and energetic would not be at a loss of any of their sensory potentialities. In other words, they prefer the brighter karaoke rooms since they can see better in it, obviously.
The room which name papa has quite forgotten but aptly coinciding with one of the zodiacal entities was ample that sitting six or seven people comfortably, would not, seem unconventional. Since they, were not, ushered in by any of the staff, the three chaps were somewhat just lazing in for a good five to ten minutes when a waitress who happened to notice their unattended arrival whisked inside that particular singing chamber and inquired about their orders. Without even asking whether the room was to their liking the rather energetic young Lady diligently but systematically jotted down papa and friends initial orders. Papa must admit that he was quite elated observing her much methodical way of going about doing her job. The little notebook that she always has, in her person, was neatly, tucked inside her topmost pocket however so deftly extracted whence she initiated her wonted yet very much dutiful task of noting down the refreshments the newly arrived patrons preferred. Considering that the particular jotting pad would only last a very short time along with being only one of numerous utilized during her tenure in SM, the amount of care she accorded to the little notepad she currently has on hand somewhat depicted her unusual dedication to the little tools of her vocation.
The level of professionalism emanating from her person must only qualify her for a post in any prestigious hotel’s Food and beverage division if only she moves from her present Waitress position in SM to any four or five star lodging houses around Kuala Lumpur. The fact that promotions, career wise, would have been, better guaranteed in respect of her peculiar assiduousness pertaining to work ethics, by stationing herself in Hotel Mutiara K.L. rather than Seri Mutiara dangdut and karaoke lounge, undeniably so. Strange as it may seem, in the dangdut realm very seldom does one hear of a Waitress opting for a GRO job, perhaps due to different sets of people satisfying dissimilar sets of criteria that aptly coincide with, quite quaintly so, contra distinct job specifications. The proverbial stigma that glues itself to any person courageous enough to actively partake in the dangdut arena begs disbelief, so much so that any right thinking young woman would not even entertain the idea, if ever whimsically, however if it is truly rewarding to be adventurous, why on earth not. Be it exceedingly should everything remains on its perceived course, it is papa’s contention that the young lady, who serves everybody well in SM would not be in the singing hall in the not too distant future, for she will definitely leave the establishment to work somewhere else. A five star hotel to be exact as she quite realizes her unbounded potential would be tested to the full in the prestigious inn, insofar her progression in terms of salary and job position would not in any way be dead ended waiting up for dangdut and karaoke patrons mostly. But she did accord the sweetest of smile when she left the sing along compartment along with words informing of mummy Ani’s impending arrival in a short while plus an off the cuff yet totally disarming “enjoy yourselves” parting wish. It does not take much to please one or two old farts, a kind gesture, the- such of that just mentioned, is more than adequate.
Surely enough not five minutes later mummy Ani’s a bit rotund figure stood in front of the room, nearly blocking the entrance if not for the door being closely shut. The huge glass plane permanently affixed to the door or making up the very door itself allows only albeit much minimally little of any outside light into the singing chamber. Should the lighting inside not be set on the maximum, the room could be totally dark. But of course papa must only be exaggerating as the mummy was not really humongous, a little bit hefty maybe, quite normal really considering her age and supervisory disposition. It must be said that a dangdut mummy, at times does need to be a bit assertive and her miniscule bigger than normal persona should have helped, particularly so when dealing with one or a few recalcitrant girls. However not all mummies are fierce or ferocious come any situation, they do also listen and would always lend their shoulders and utter kind words to the GROs’ sometimes; woeful circumstances. The fairer sex, do have their issues and the mummies being women too, can more than sympathize with the Hostesses’ predicaments.
The sprightly young waitress did activate the karaoke machine when she first entered the room, resulting in the Good Prince immediately after giving full attention to the TV sized VDU monitor displaying all manner of songs that can be sung sing along style. Out of the normal, Prince had been quite wordless ever since the three of them were comfortably seated in the room, what was with, papa and Bro Badd having their quiet conversation yet he only interjected a few words mostly confirming or negating any negligible little queries from papa or one or two from Bro Badd almost all the time resulting from whatever inconsequential topics, the two of them were talking about; unfailingly after emitting the necessary albeit very short remarks, prince would return to his intently fixing a gaze on the monitor screen pose- each time. Could be he just wanted to sing whatever’s playing in his mind away and not really wanting to bother with any small talk but without being in any way offensive. He was not and we all enjoyed his company even though he was out of his usual self that particular evening what was with his out of the blue rather not so talkative posture. He did choose a few songs that are favorites for starting the night, singing that was and his choices were quite liked by Bro Badd since he eagerly positioned the mike to his lips when papa passed it to him the moment the second song made its intro onto the system. However the odd ten to fifteen minutes before everything started seemingly was the actual time that some bit conversation would make its entrance as anything apart from the fact was hard singing interspersed with a few dances perhaps so. The usual boisterous singing plus upward turning of the volume knob accompanying the sing along would have drowned any exercitations towards conversing- just about anything- should that be the case.
Mummy Ani made her entrance but crashed on the sofa the fraction of a second later, yet not without positioning herself right next to papa. Then again crash should not have been the word, exceedingly so if the manner in which she took the load from her feet needed depicting. The fact was papa did not even notice she was already seated beside him during that particular instance. Mummy did not accord any customary welcoming truncated chat but suggested upon seated, calling in a GRO, papa could not gave a straight answer right at the moment as he was still contemplating whether to ask for someone older yet can dance or a younger albeit little bit more desirable so as to set the evening to be an iota more livelier particularly so for Bro Badd as it was his first time being inside SM. However Bro Badd ended papa’s little predicament by suggesting the required hostess to be ‘gedik- gedik’. It is really quite complicated if the words need to be translated directly into English the reason being there is none really a specific term that comes to mind but gedik- gedik may mean something that in one way or another describe a youngish member of the fairer sex of whom is a little bit sexy, kind of daring yet not so easy, to some extent teasing but desirable in every which way, in spite of the fact that she would not so easily relent to whatever forms of temptations- as to what those ‘enticements’ connote to- papa must only speculate. He has this niggling thing about young GROs, he would usually find them raw and inflexible, raw in the sense that they still need a little bit of time to gain experience and inflexible meaning they need to learn the multifarious steps to dance the dangdut eclectically the Kay El way. Nevertheless the locution randy could in a large way, connotes aptly to gedik- gedik. Mummy Ani just the while back prominently elicited a subtle smirk whence papa introduced her to Bro Badd as Mummy Ani Rock was the like of being jolted out of her comfortable seating position on the sofa upon hearing the gedik- gedik word. Standing upright instantly she bolted out of the room mentioning in a huff about somebody that came to her mind along with having to dash in order to get her before someone else does.
Having mentioned the enigmatic smirk evoked by the mummy, the main reason it came into being could be that mummy ani having been calloused a little too much by the stark realities much visible concurrently in dangdut and karaoke halls all across the city where most patrons distinctly would refer the younger hostesses instead of the near abundant thirty to early forties age wise- GROs. Somehow comically perhaps gravity and the quaint effects of time did not also impinge their aphoristic consequences upon the very mortal forms of the ‘dirty old men’ wherein each and every evening, religiously but fulsomely in bunches would the proverbial old fools be arriving- to solely yet solemnly patronize the said establishments, their grizzled countenances copiously conspicuous in the halls.
Quite rightly also the rock declaration partnering her good name must only inflict a condescending undertone if keenly observed, particularly so, considering her seniority alongside her peculiar circumstances- presumably being the case. On the other hand, it is hoped that mummy ani did not at all hold to be that papalados wreaked a kind of cruel joke on her by associating her character with rock music and a late eighties Malay experience at that, the fact being papa did not at all belittle her character or neither was the epithet intentionally called forth but if truth be told he still remembers her affectionately- veritably at that as the bright eyed young girl fiercely rock music genre attired taking her first steps into a dangdut club and a one sinisterly named Mascano or Teratak the Hut- papa just was not sure. Late eighty eight to mid eighty nine should be the undisputable setting if one need to extend his or her curiosity the little bit more. Honestly speaking though papa must only surmise that the good mummy would not at all bear any grudges against him and friends reasons being she knows papa long enough to deem him an old hand and enormously also an essential component gearing up the entire dangdut configuration. Further to that, the salient albeit imperturbable fact pointing towards the girls or the dangdut folks altogether: inaudible regards for people like him as the quintessential dangdut elders. All in all associates of the same dangdut fraternity. And members just do not disparage each other let alone the seniors among them. Anyway being considered an ageing rocker is much more globally acceptable if compared to a certain someone of whom pathetically at that tries to attach to his inconsequential figure a nom de guerre of a dangdut king. What on earth is a dangdut king: anyway. HAHAHA
A just finished singing his favorite ditty and looking extremely pleased at that, Bro Badd evinced a kind of a smiling look whence Sheila entered the room, howsoever his eyes was not fixed upon her but actually half looking at the TV screen. Perchance the unquantifiable bit of euphoria discerned having sung a song full length along with experiencing some form of self satisfaction doing that he was quite oblivious to anything extra to his gleeful state of mind then. Papa on the other hand could not stop ogling her. She was young and adding to that she was not unlike a pretty maiden, no drooping downwards whatsoever of any vital segments of her well built physique- papa could dare vouch that she has not gone through any betrothal service for she is yet to be married. He took a gaze at Mummy Ani who was standing immediately behind Sheila but could not ask her anything as the music, was still loud, even so papa did direct the young Sheila to a vacant spot right next to Bro Badd. Following Mummy to the door he undertook to ask her about the particular GRO by near yelling like; the words “she is very young- Mummy- and totally not a divorcee if my observation is correct”. Mummy Ani gave a nod together with the message that she had just joined the club a few weeks back and rightly also that she is still ‘anak dara’ or an unmarried: young lass. As to whether she is a virgin or not, sadly one can never know but nonetheless could make some intelligent guesses. Anyhow the relevance to that particular notion should not be overestimated. In other words papa dare not speculate. In spite of everything else Sheila was very pretty leading to papa shaking mummy’s hand vigorously thanking her for forwarding that fraction of circumspect in respect of the Hostess she had chosen.
Mummy was about to make her exit but not without suggesting engaging at least one more girl for the group, Bro Badd, who was silent right to the moment, gestured at The Prince, of whom waved his hands gesticulating no need for him but would share with papa should he take one. Fully understood and without asking to confirm Mummy Ani disappeared not a microsecond after that. She arrived back a couple of minutes later with a more mature than Sheila, GRO in tow. Thirty odd she looked the stereotype yet consisting of the majority of girls much available in SM. Physique wise, one would not be politically incorrect to assume that she is a divorcee having school going children. She shook hands with papa and the prince, acknowledging him by curtly voicing the words “long time no see” yet it was not a few weeks ago that she sat with him, unkel and lanchapap in the same or any other comparable of karaoke chambers in SM. The prince took the opportunity by stepping closer in order to whisper something in her ear. She gave a very soothing smile in return. As to what message he put forth, the very phrases papa can only guess because he did not join their little outing back then but it could be something like the prince arrival in SM that evening was not preplanned together with his body and soul beholden to a different set of friends now, in spite of the fact that prince could have mentioned the venue of their next secret rendezvous or perhaps not. However papa knows the prince and he is just not the furtive type. Just a thought though but- wildly nevertheless. But it is worth mentioning the salient facts that all the more are associated with mature girls not unlike Mira: that was her lovely name. Firstly they are very pleasant to converse with, mainly due to the peculiar circumstances they are in, what are with being married and divorced, having to juggle everything: work, a school mum and the likes, they have in them a level of maturity that could never be learned but acquired if only through experience. That is to say they are well salted and totally not to be taken for granted. Secondly albeit most importantly they are nice to talk with, at times even therapeutic if papa may say so, a bit like having a meaningful conversation between someone of the opposite sex apart from the missus that is, the phrases that do not need further explaining as they are well understood in the first place. The subtle jokes but none overly suggestive, a once and only second time dating howsoever without the subsequent ‘perks’. Inasmuch a few calming words exchanged notwithstanding that everything stops short at that, in parallel with none further to be discussed, short but sweet not unlike the meeting of two near neighbors. If coupled with their well grasped skills in dancing, these girls are heaven sent.
To all intents and purposes, a comment must be forwarded that their special conditions may be said came to be from their own choosing and a prime advantage could be the better budget to delve in. Howbeit to voice out that they have to be single mothers or a divorcee or a widow for that matter as a most important a priori is a little too uncouth and extremely distasteful in the minimal. No right thinking woman would want to become one alongside most cases regarding divorces having arrived after decidedly genuine grievances had been highlighted and they were mostly quite tragic. Veritably no sane person would want to experience such, if not for its impending eventuality of which nothing mitigating could solicit an amicable solution i. e. to rectify things back to what they were before.
Sheila who has been placed beside Bro Badd all the while was instructed by Mummy Ani to change her restful position to an available spot at the rightmost side of papa. Instead Mira was asked to take her place, papa much surprised was quite lost for words, he just did not expect mummy to do the unthinkable or that was his line of thinking then. He took a peek at Bro Badd, enough to see his reaction but surprisingly he was quite nonchalant about the sudden exchange. Sheila too just followed as to what was commanded by the good mummy by slumping herself beside papa less than an instant later. Nonetheless there was still the considerable gap between them, about one or two feet breach and not unlike the circumstances dictating the setting she was posed only before, when sitting next to Bro Badd. All or just the same, Mira snuggled up to Bro Badd, their shoulders met and it was like both of them sort of took off from there, not unlike two distanced lovers meeting after some time apart. Quite of course, there were, the exchange of words but quaintly so they were very romantic like or that was the outlook much prominent then. Strangely not once papa witnessed, in fact right through the evening Bro Badd placing his arms around Mira, yet they were all the while talking intermittently albeit hush- hush like, akin to pillow talk, tsk- tsk, in spite of the at times blaring music. Questioningly, have they met before, even though Bro Badd mentioning this was his first ever time spent inside- SM.
Meanwhile the prince oblivious to everything else was much too engrossed picking songs from the machine. Papa having his bemused look much noticeable was jolted out of his astonished state by a sudden loud exclamation from The Prince, he had just noticed the unceremonious exchange but the instant later papa fully understands the reason mummy ani does what she did whence prince followed his unannounced yelling by bellowing the quaint fact that Mira could not dance and mummy must have anticipated the possibility that papa would want to try out his four step formula. That was why she substituted the GROs. It was at this juncture that Bro Badd implored papa to flaunt his dancing prowess by getting up to do the boogie there and then, he complied by inviting Sheila as his partner in executing the much said four step. She was quite reluctant at first saying she is actually not adept at dancing having mostly worked in karaoke clubs prior to SM but papa kept on insisting putting forth that the wiggle would be only for show of which the duration would only lasts one half vocalization subsequent to another considering there was not really the space for really serious steps to the dance. Grudgingly she went along but not without reminding papa that she totally, leave it to him to take the extra care so as either one of them would not fall down due to any hastened missteps. Papa assured her that he has been dancing for the good part of twenty years and by so admitting she would only be in safe hands. Since the song being played was a woeful ballad about lost love papa initiated the slow cha- cha procedure and lo and behold she was able to conform to his cue albeit quite gracefully. Could it be that she was being a bit too modest saying she lacks proficiency observing the art form or something happened that in a way invoked a latent aptitude within her person- a natural talent perhaps. But the possibility that she was already exposed to that very archetype of gyrating to the music what was with her time spent in girlie singing halls beforehand compulsorily as yet quaintly the underlying notion particularly so needs be conjectured. An elated papa quickened the tempo when the music turned to be more Latin infused in parallel with The Prince and Mira interpreting the all time favorite Kharisma Cinta, the ditty that was chosen by the prince especially for the next number showcasing papa’s four step or its subtle intrigues for Bro Badd’s purview. This time however, Sheila faltered a bit, her legs could not follow the upbeat tone, she, was not used to quicken her steps in tandem with the changed music. Papa whispered softly to her that the maneuver was actually the same only that the pace must be hurried a fraction more but she spotted a rather worried look in return. Papa assuaged her to not fret if only to follow closely his movements and exceedingly so assuring her comfortingly that he would not be letting her go yet hold her safely all the time. Miraculously she was able to reciprocate his sudden dash like motions only that her legs were still a modicum lethargic for lack of necessary practice. All in all in total the outlook can be said to be impressive in view of the hearty clapping of hands by Bro Badd instantly upon the song finishing its course.
Nearly out of breath papa took a seat along with gulping some mineral water directly from the bottle, his favorite refreshment whilst karaokeing or even dangduting. It was when he was about to slump onto the sofa that he noticed an apprehensive albeit bemoaning grimace on Mira’s face. It could be somehow that she was quite intimidated by the show of steps recently illustrated by Sheila and him. Still having to learn the multifarious moves in consideration of her peculiar vocation as a dancer, Mira as the case may be lacks the all important motivation but she must comprehend regardless as the particular ability would have helped her enormously considering her unique- profession.
Sheila having been twirled and swirled by papa and flushed, the very effects from the bout of prancing the while back was beginning to loosen her guard. She cuddled up to him, clasping his arms even caressing them from time to time while putting forth impertinent questions the likes of how long he has been dancing, how did he get to know mummy Ani, did he often go visit SM and since he had already highlighted his longtime presence in the Dangdut sphere, is he an old hand or the proverbial dangdut elder for want of a better term should papa be allowed to embellish a little here and an iota there. Lacking any mutually fathomable topics to discuss unlike prattling with mature GROs, papa was actually lost for words whence chatting with Sheila, however the moment she touches on the dangdut elder issue, papa could not stop jabbering, mentioning a few names not society’s notables but dangdut personages mostly, he brags about his past exploits interspersed with some uncalled for history lessons on dangdut spanning twenty years until the present day. Listening intently at first Sheila quickly lost interest after that, when steadfastly fixing her gaze at papa at the beginning of the discourse her eyes moves waywardly spanning the room an instant later. Even though papa realizes that Sheila was not at all paying attention together with acknowledging his useless chatter albeit token like, he did not stop short his prattling. Somehow out of the corner of his eyes he spied upon her and she was eyeing Bro Badd.
Admittedly papa was truly ecstatic being treated the extra kindly by Sheila, it was quite sometime that he experienced the very sentiments much elicited from her caring touches. Emotions that had been suppressed all along yet unabashedly- resurface by the insuppressible warmth brought forth by her. Her soft words coupled with youthful inquisitiveness somewhat thrashes all of the bulwarks he erected and primarily designed to shield him from any unwanted albeit emotive responses that could easily decimate his fragile ego. A psyche, passionate beyond control if not for the safeguards he installed within his consciousness, a conscience that could not bear the embarrassment of falling helplessly one more time into the abyss of unreasonable trains of thought. In other words he does not want to chase after girls again bearing in mind his anomalistic situation. In all likelihood the spectacle would only be pathetic and ugly.
Another thing and a crucial element, particularly against this rather lengthy irrelevant dangdut discourse of his is the dangdut elder contention, seemingly an old hand in the sphere, perchance someone not unlike papalados. He is actually an anachronism, if juxtaposed especially so alongside dangdut’s present realities. Dangdut, much like any other business enterprises has in its wholesome existence a certain imploration and that must only be its bottom line contingency being profits- blatant and glaring its much anticipated outcome- come what may. The girls too by and large needed their compulsory incomes if only to put food on the table- essentially, along with the proverbial excess bundles in extra, their guiding principles much set, to satisfy extensively the numerous other, quintessential- requirements- be they so.
With that in mind what purposeful capacities would the old farts serve other than becoming flower pots ornamenting any or another dangdut joints, more so, for reasons of aesthetics as compared, functional components: Dangdut Dinosaurs no doubt. Most of times they would be accorded some form of respect due mainly to their senior status in addition to their ‘Dangdut- Institutional’ like stature but that is about the optimum the entire charade goes. The seniors would in some instances allocate a nominal amount in their monthly budget for dangdut purposes and that constitute the extent their spending prowess ordains. No matter how should a few make merry thus spend indeterminately night in and night out their levels of acceptance by dangdut subjects would only increase- multifold. Howsoever Sheila was correct to accord papa a modicum of respect but largely ignore him beside the fact, hurtful, maybe so but nothing else could digress more from the unrelenting certitudes. Further to that a senior GRO must have earlier briefed her. Ultimately as ABBA would sing Money, Money, Money, it’s a rich man’s world. .
On the other hand Bro Badd is not a dangdut elder, the girls could see to that, he has not the repressed but transparent over eagerness in him, Dangdut pundits especially the capable dancers amongst them would inescapably let loose their desirous disposition very early in the occasion, they just could not hold back their over anxious propensity. They would shuffle their feet at the earliest opportunity leading to the girls calling their bluff immediately. The old hands would only reveal themselves eventually. As the hostesses are mostly disinclined to immoderately contend with the old timers due to their rather debatable reputability, they absolutely love the newcomers.
Bro Bad whose looks belies his age what are with his washboard abs, presumably quite of course since papa has never seen him without his tops has that certain outlook in which the image portrayed does not veer the short distance away from him being considered and rightly also the mannerly man of means. A keen golfer and a hard hitter at that, Bro Badd keeps his temperament even keeled most of times, his quiet deportment resulting from his predator or buaya status on the fairways somewhat transgresses all other venues beside the golf courses on which he would be found to be perennially blissful. The very reason his demeanor inside the singing chamber was so like leading Sheila to earnestly sizing him up and reaching inevitably the conclusion that he would be worth the seduce.
Not knowing how to rid of papa of whom was her company for the night Sheila took sneak peeks at Bro Badd. Papa noticed albeit surreptitiously but pretended not to by focusing his eyes upon the TV screen only. Her chance arrived when a duet number turned up, since Bro Badd was already holding a microphone, Sheila asked for the other piece from Mira who eagerly handed it her as she had sung a number of songs continuously with both Prince and Bro Badd before the catchy ballad reaches its turn. She sang beautifully, even stood up and inched herself beside Bro Badd whence vocalizing compared to her few flop attempts prior to that. But she was singing with papa then and his, choice of song was apparently not her cup of tea assumingly. Papa wholeheartedly knew that Sheila was only trying to ensnare Bro Badd into her clutches, to devilishly include him into her client base so that she would not be pressed for ready customers, to conveniently call to come visit her specifically so on bleak days or nights rather when there is a dearth of willing patrons to book her. All or just the same he could not help feeling utterly dejected upon viewing that particular woeful spectacle happening right in front of his eyes. Trying hard to appear nonplussed about the entire pantomime in view, papa felt something queer about to burst out from within him, the ogre inside: the green eyed monster. He was actually jealous, of Bro Badd, even though, he very well comprehends, the irony of the situation, there was still the niggling doubt that Sheila might want to go further than just including Bro Badd into her easily accessible client base, she, could want to make him her life partner. Someone who could extricate her from dangdut’s unrelenting- stranglehold, rid her of its ignominious stigma and at the same time making an honest woman out of her. Questions swirling in his head, none bearing any logic, everything getting to be absurd, that made papa took stock: contiguously after the fact. He relaxes himself, drink some more mineral water and laughed it all off. He did not know that he still has the emotions in him but he was happy though because he did feel young again, thanks to Sheila that was. All because of a silly young girl of whom did nothing wrong if only to act her age. Without doubt persons in her sub group could not help to be such, the very traits inescapable all the more and they are Young, Beautiful and Aspiring- nothing more nothing less.
Considering that papa was nearly at keris or daggers end with Bro Badd for something so ridiculous, he must be losing his mind during that time. Everything said papa must only conclude that Bro Badd did not realize of Sheila’s advancement towards him all along, and rightly so that was, as a of couple weeks later he put forth the notion that the girl in SM having an eye on him, Bro Badd thought she was Mira. When papa said that Sheila the one sitting beside him too has something for Badd, he was quiet for a while then throated Ho Hum and continued by forwarding the “went there just to see you dance- that was all” quaint message. Ho Hum to you too, Bro Badd, HAHAHA
Penultimate to the conclusion of this lengthy post, papa would like to say a few words, in effect the paragraph that has in it the Money, Money, Money line taken from the popular song by ABBA. Regretfully he must only take back what he has written particularly the unfounded fact that dangdut citizens are only concerned with money and much of nothing else. That is just not true for how would papa explain the reason he was doted upon with soft drinks nuts and biscuits on nights when he lacked the allocation for wanton prancing and/or singing inside the dancing halls. Mind you the refreshments are all FOC and passed to him by his dangdut buddies all in all. Another thing the so called old fools that ‘fulsomely’ make their way to dangdut joints night in and night out or so the contention was. Again not so correct inasmuch most customers are middle aged men with only a few of the dangdut old hands amongst them. The, majority, are the ones spending but not really intensely exulting all the time but their numbers are quite considerable adding to the fact that they help boost up the dangdut business all along. In other words dangduts existence is pretty much contingent upon their earnest customs. Papalados’s: sincerest apologies. Good Night. Cheers.
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