September 25, 2014 Washington DC
My stomach pain was taking a toll on my mood and energy so I skipped the next event. I missed the dinner with US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce, John Andersen which was held at the Greenberg Conference Suite, CSIS Building.
I took a cab to the hotel. I paid US$10, short distance but with rush hour traffic.
As soon I reached my room, I placed hot towel on my stomach for 30 minutes. The heat was comforting but it did not relieve the pain. I phoned Aileen and my Kuya Junior and told him about my stomach pain. He advised me to stop taking any solid food until we’ve correctly diagnosed exactly what’s causing this.
He said it could be stomach flu triggered by something I’ve eaten. Or gall bladder attack. Or appendicitis. He said if the pain begins to concentrate on the right quadrant of my stomach.
I went to bed around 9 pm and woke up at midnight with more pain.
September 26
I was up till 4:30 am and by the time I started dozing off, it was time to get up.
I saw some free smoothies in the lobby.
Sarap. Lamig pati. My colleague said this is bad for my tummy. Never mind, masakit na nga, how bad could it get.
Our first meeting was breakfast with the former US Ambassadors to the Philippines:
Ambassador Tom Hubbard, Ambassador Richard Solomon, and Ambassador John Maisto, who is currently the President of the US-Philippines Society and Mr. Hank Hendrickson, Executive Director, US-Philippines Society.
We were served bread, fresh fruits, and upon request, oat meal.
I was hoping for some real heavy food because I haven’t had dinner and breakfast.
Heartbroken, no more food. They’ve started serving coffee.
Dindo Manhit, Philip Romualdez, Amb. John Maisto
Ambassador Tom Hubbard and Antonio Cojuangco (both seated)
I first met Ambassador Thomas Hubbard in Washington DC at the testimonial dinner for President Fidel Ramos. Then we met again at the independence day dinner held at the gardens in Malacanang. We were seated at the same table. He was with his wife Joan. I remembered he asked me how my father and brothers were able to go to the US. How they became immigrants.
Off we go to our next destination.
(CSIS Building)
Bus ride to the White House.
