Padi in the Saddle

One of the things Padi was proudest of was her horsemanship. She took dressage lessons at the D'Rossa School  in Makati, and used to tell the story of getting to ride one of President Marcos's horses.

 

Padi, far right, at a school presentation in 1966.

Invitation to the school presentation.

She found it thrilling to control a horse with the tiniest movements; she said the rider's directions should be undetectable to an onlooker.

Padi at left, in 1965.

Padi at left, in 1965.

Kalogs on the Loose

"Kalog" is Tagalog slang for "crazy in a fun way." This was a ladies' club for the social elite of Cavite City, where the Sangley Point Naval Base was located. Padi and Leonard made a point of "living on the economy" and socializing with the natives. Either because they appreciated my parents' openness, or because she was crazy in a fun way, they made Padi an honorary member.

"Auntie, say 'Whiskey' or 'Sexy'!" They are crazy.

The chair of the Kalogs made an album of their last outing for Padi.

"Now look girls, here's what we do!"

"Aboard the 'jet' enroute."

"Really???"

"Chums ..."

"At the close of a glorious day!"