Early afternoon of July 11 had me roaming around Cubao, waiting for the start of the Neil Gaiman autograph signing event. It was supposed to be slated for 4 pm but in anticipation of the crowd, I was there by 12 noon. I headed straight for Fully Booked. There were already some people milling about, so I asked one of the organizers if there were stubs needed or anything. He said no, and told me to come back at 3 pm. So I headed off to have lunch and browse around National Bookstore’s 2ndhand book area.
Around 2 pm, I made my way back to FB. The crowd was still pretty small but I decided to wait just in case they would call for us to line up or something. I almost got into an argument with one of the girls manning the booth about the numbered stubs, but we smoothed that out. I entertained myself by looking around and oggling the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince boxes stacked on the FB display.
After unintentionally eavesdropping on two girls talking about the comic book industry in the Philippines (one was certainly a newbie), this big, bouncer-like guy came out of FB and yelled "All those with green and pink stubs please follow me!" Quickly, I remembered that Lornadahl had a green piece of paper when she gave me her books. Pulling it out, I showed it to Mr. Bouncer and he said, "Yeah, that’s valid," and pointed me to get in line. A few minutes later, another guy (whom I shall call Mr. Bouncer 2), pointed to my line (I was the 4th or 5th person) and said, "This is the priority line!"
I could only gape. I was among the first in line and I didn’t have to wait that long! Then Mr. Bouncer asked us to move because we were blocking the way. He assured us that we would still be the first (had he forgotten he would have been mobbed, I’m sure), so we followed him to the MRT staircase. I sat down, and after a few minutes, engaged in a conversation with the other people in line. There were three of them whose names I didn’t get (too bad. They were a nice bunch, and they were all from UP too); Maggie, Princess, David and Dennis (who seemed to all know eah other from waaaay back). Also talked with this pretty chinita girl who said she came to have the hardbound Sandman comic her ex gave her signed. She said she wanted to give it back to him but we all protested, saying that it’s hers by right.
Around 4 pm, a cheer went up among those who were standing directly in front of FB. My group and I yelled, "He’s here!" I went near and saw Neil Gaiman holding a microphone, greeting the crowd. He said a few words, apologizing for the delay, and said that he’ll only sign two books per person, as he was so tired. I quickly conferred with Lorna, and she said I should just have her book signed.
At 4:30 or so, Mr. Bouncer called us and led us into FB. From being the 5th in line, I became the 11th, but I didn’t mind. I was still among the first. I felt giddy. And literally, this part was like a blur. I recall the FB owner counting us off, and then stepping into the store. Then this guy took my stub, ripped it and handed me back the half. A girl asked me to open my books to the page I wanted to have signed, and another took my cellphone so she could take my picture.
When it was my turn, Neil turned to me, smiled and said "Hallo" in that lovely voice of his. He looked really tired, and I wanted to ask him if he had lunch or something. He took my books, and was about to sign it when I hastily corrected him. He was about to sign my book with Lornadahl’s name and vice versa. He laughed, and said, "At least one of us is sharp eyed, I wouldn’t have seen that." As he handed me back my books, I said, "Hope you get some rest now," and he smiled as he said, "Oh, thank you."
I walked out of FB with this grin on my face. It took me a few minutes to locate the others, and we headed off to Starbucks for a drink and chat. There I met Lira, another friend and co-teacher of Maggie and Princess. Lira and Dennis turn out to be JASMS graduates and Lira knows my cousin Ginger. Small world. I like them. They remind me so much of the HQ guys, I felt at ease. Thanks you guys for letting me tag along!
Excellent day. I was lucky. ^_^
