So today, upon recommendations from friends who have discovered a Pinoy hilot in the far west of Sydney, we packed our stuff very early and drove about an hour to visit Lola Itang.
We arrived at Lola Itang's house in Yagoona, around 8am. Surprisingly, theirs was a granny flat at the back of a huge beautiful house. Not something I would expect from someone who has been here for more than 30 years.
The old lady was expecting us since I called last night. She was older than I imagined, probably in her seventies and reminded me of my paternal grandma. We exchanged pleasantries and then she ushered us into her room where a small bed was made ready for Rafa to lie on. The hilot was quick and for such an old lady, she had strong hands!
We thanked her and handed her $25, the only money I had in my wallet as we were in such a hurry, we did not have time to scout for an ATM. And then we noticed bottles of bagoong and pickled papaya. Negosyo daw pala nya yun. We lingered a bit in the sala where her ailing husband was slumped in a chair, bingi na ata kasi di sumasagot sa mga tanong ni A.
We did not stay long although I really got curious about this couple and wanted to hear their story. Some other time, perhaps.
On our way home, we checked out a nearby suburb, Auburn famous for cheap items of all sorts. A and I agreed, it was "pirated country", it's like walking on Cogon in Cagayan de Oro or Divisoria in Manila :)
We bought meat at half the price we pay here in our suburb and a huge bag of rice and promised to come back when we have more time.
For now, we're just relieved that we've discovered Lola Itang because Rafa has felt better since Lola's healing hands touched him.
