As Richard shared a smile with the students across the room, a brave group of young diners, roughly in his earlier age bracket, approached their table hesitantly. One girl clutched her phone, her knuckles white.
"Um, Mr. Santamo? Sir? Sorry to bother you… but… could we… maybe get a selfie? We're huge fans!"
Richard offered a reassuring smile that made his cyan eyes seem to sparkle. "Of course. No bother at all."
The group giggled, relaxing slightly. They quickly took a few selfies, beaming. Richard patiently leaned in for each. Just then, Mr. Reyes returned, expertly balancing two trays laden with PM1 (Paa Large) chicken inasal sets, bowls of extra chicken oil, and tall glasses of iced calamansi soda. The driver assisted him.
"Food is served! Hope you're hungry, Mr. Santamo. Can't go wrong with the classic."
They began to eat. Richard savored the familiar taste of grilled chicken marinated in annatto, garlic, and lemongrass, liberally dousing his rice with chicken oil.
