Caught the re-run of Ate Sha's timeless flick, "Dear Heart", on the movie channel while I was surfing recently. The scene was inside a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor where April (Sharon Cuneta) and her barkada were hanging out. The atmosphere was classic Shakey's: noisy laughter from diners while banjo players and a pianist in their signature Shakey’s striped uniforms and foam hats played Dixieland jazz.
We fumbled to climb on a perch to get a closer view thru the glass window. Inside, a chef was about to perform his regular show in Pizza-making. This experience was a novelty to us at that time. From the outdoors looking in we watched as a chef kneaded, twirled, threw dough in the air, and with a flourish caught it back again. The bread was shaped into a large circle and laid flat on a dish in preparation for baking. Tomato Sauce was ladled onto it and the choice toppings were added: shredded cheese, ham, green peppers, mushroom, pepperoni, etc. Finally, his masterpiece was ready. He cranked the oven door open and slipped the garnished disc into the waiting heat.
I also recall dining within this restaurant. I vividly remember the casual setting and the same lively chatter of other patrons in nearby tables. Someone also played the familiar banjo and piano music. During breaks, a solo act would alternate playing the acoustic guitar and singing folk songs. Meanwhile, our parents ordered root beers with our pizzas. The waiters brought our beverage in tall pitchers and poured individual servings into our mugs.
As we waited for our pizza to arrive, my eyes roamed the place. I took note of the different pans adorning one wall towards the kitchen. They were in succession and were labeled: Large. Medium. Small. Family.
Sometimes, the air-conditioning got too cold for comfort. I reminded myself that it was OK. Soon our delicious pizza will arrive and all its warmth would cover us and wipe out my discomfort. I just made sure to eat a little faster. Kuya gobbled up pizza slices like Cookie Monster would with his cookies and we little ones were left to fight for our seconds.
Trivia Note: Shakey's Pizza is tagged as the "World's Greatest Pizza". The first Shakey's Pizza Parlor in the Philippines opened in 1975. Its namesake was one of its founders, Sherwood "Shakey" Johnson. Johnson was an American G.I. who caught malaria during WWII and got the "shakes". Find out more about it here.
More Random Recall Machine: Sine-Swerte-Swerte Lang
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