A story straight from Seattle

NOTES ON THE BEAT

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

SEATTLE - Gregorio Rosas extends the back of his hand to every guest of Ludi's Restaurant he interacts with. Known around here in Seattle as Tito Greg, it has become his personal advocacy to share Filipino culture with his patrons. He tells them to press their forehead against the back of his hand to introduce them to one practice from home he never forgets: pagmamano.

On our last day in Seattle, Tito Greg welcomed us to his Filipino restaurant at the corner of Stewart Street and 2nd Avenue, just a few steps away from the iconic Pike Place Market. The place is named in honor of Aling Ludi, short for Ludivina Mercadillo, for whom Tito Greg worked during his elementary days. In the 1960s, he assisted Aling Ludi in her carinderia in Pandacan, Manila, and that was his introduction to the workings of the kitchen. When Aling Ludi passed away in 1976, Tito Greg was a houseboy for a Jewish family, whom he would later accompany on a trip to the US. The family decided to stay longer in the US, but intended to send Tito Greg home because his visa was expiring. Maybe it was the allure of the American Dream or the folly of youth, but Tito Greg rejected the offer to return home to Manila.

He raced against time to obtain a driver's license within the remaining validity of his visa. Luckily, he got one and applied as a dishwasher at the American diner Turf.

He cleaned every glass, every plate, every utensil brought to the sink, and the owner noticed his one-of-a-kind diligence.

The owner, who was widowed in 1977, had planned on closing down Turf once she retired until Tito Greg arrived in her kitchen, working hard as if rent was due every day.