The singer-driver-accountant

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Davao. A couple of years ago.

He walked into the karaoke place where students in drunken stupors were waiting for their second wind. A man who has had his fun share of brandy was trying to belt out...something. 
I have already done a couple of songs and downed more than a couple of beers when I noticed him.
He was trying to be nondescript by the entryway, checking out the place trying to decide whether or not to stay. 
He came in and sat down, bobbing his head to the beat of the ok,.. terrible singing. I nudged my friend and nodded to the new character. “I bet he will blow us away.”
He thumbed the songbook and put in five pesos, which earned him two songs. 
His voice washed off the beers, and my courage to take the microphone. 
My friend and I looked at each other. She grabbed the songbook and started keying in one song after another, requesting him to sing.
We bought him a beer. He refused the second bottle and pulled out from his back pocket, a Green Cross Rubbing Alcohol plastic container. "Gin," he declared with a grin. 
We gawked.
My friend smelled it. Gin for sure.
He is a driver. He used to be an accountant in Manila. They moved back to the province where the wife was from.
He should just sing. We'd buy his album.


"I am an X in an indeterminate equation. And that X is the rock upon which I stand." - Mario Puzo

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