My Favorite Sister

My favorite sister (we would joke that I will be her only favorite sister and she as mine), will be coming home from an 18 months volunteer service this second week of November. I’m excited to see her and chat until the wee hours of the morning! (which would be impossible now because Danielle can’t sleep without me beside her)… It’s amazing how time flies by so quickly. We were once small kids running around the neighborhood, then teenagers- although I was older by 4 years- to young adults who love to splurge on food. As my only flesh and blood sister, thinking of her brings good memories.. I remembered too the theme song I copied for her- which I would like to borrow too for Danielle. You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins has always struck a chord in my heart. I love the lyrics. Simple but profound. So, I’m posting the lyrics- which I hope you will enjoy too:

You’ll Be In My Heart
From “Tarzan”
words and music by Phil Collins

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don’t you cry

 

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can’t be broken
I will be here don’t you cry

 

‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be here in my heart in my
heart always
Always

 

Thursday Thirteen # 1

 

Here’s my shot to Thursday Thirteen! Inspired from Grace of Sandier Pasture, I will be participating in Thursday 13 every week. Since I’ve done a quite long list about myself at the beginning of this blog; I thought of starting with a list of my 13 favorite books:

1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

– I absolutely adore this Christmas tale of how a miser like Ebenezer Scrooge could turn in to “a jolly good fellow” in the end.

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

- I did cry the first time I read the book. Very profound, well written and a good reminder to never let go of our dreams and pursue the things that feed the heart.

3. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

- I also cried on this one. Makes us remember the essential things in life and how to cherish relationships with our loved ones.

4. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

- Great principles to live by.

5. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

- While there are a number of issues tackled in this novel, I particularly like how the kids in the story were raised by their father. When I read the story some years ago, I reflected that if I will have children, I want them to be as open and as questioning of the world around them just like Scout and Atticus.

6. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

- For a children’s book, it amazes me how it could contain a lot of moral lessons too for adults. Timeless.

7. Bata, Bata, Paano ka Ginawa by Lualhati Bautista

- I’ll not dare translate the title to English but this book has been awarded a Palanca Award for literature. Highly philosophical book that focuses on how a mother fought for her dignity, ideology and mostly- for her children.

8. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

- Another classic children’s book that has moral lessons not only for young people but for the young at heart too.

9. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

- Full of wisdom, this book is a good guide on everyday living.

10. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

- Sometime ago, I saw a t.v. telecast of The Christmas Box and was really touched by the heartwarming story. I grabbed a copy of the book- and reread it. Very beautiful message about families.

11. Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans

- Another touching story about family values by Richard Paul Evans. Loved this book too!

 

 

 

12. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
- I like this bestselling novel too. A lot of lessons for living.

13. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
- We were in High school when the English teacher of my younger brother asked them to read this book. I borrowed it and got hooked on the amazing tale of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Beautifully written with a lot of wisdom.

Now, it’s your turn!…What are your favorite books?

Christmas 2008 FoodWishes

One of the blog site that I visit often is marketmanila because most entries are all about food… There was one entry there about writing your Christmas Food Wishes for Christmas 2008.

So here goes my wishlist for this Christmas and wishfully thinking that they are all laden with 0 calories!:

1. Extra juicy and tender roasted native chicken with honey or calamansi and soysauce dip

2. Bagnet (still have to taste one)-it’s a native delicacy in Northern Luzon. Cooked almost like Crispy Pata (crispy leg of a pig preboiled with herbs and spices until very tender then deep fried and served sizzling hot)

3. Bicol Express (made from alamang- tiny salted shrimps, coconut milk, little pork, gabi leaves and plenty of small chili)

4. Pancit molo soup (a native delicacy from Ilo-Ilo and Bacolod)

5. Lasagna! (hope its top layer would be really rich and creamy)

6. Cookie monster chocolate cake

7. Devil’s cake (still have to taste one- heard so much wicked raves about it!)

8. The dark chocolates of South America

9. Extra tender Pochero (beef tenderloin boiled for 2 to 3 hours the old way with vegetables)

10. four season vegetable with oyster sauce

Christmas Carols in October!

In the Philippines, one could hear Christmas carols played in the malls, in public transportations, Carinderias (small food stalls), restaurants, on television- and virtually all places as early September (!). Once the “ber” months roll in, you would instantly expect DJs in radio stations to start digging their Christmas DVDs or CDs and play them on air or overhear really audible Christmas carols from the neighborhood. And to top it off, some households begin decorating their houses with Christmas decors and colorful lights intertwining their roofs, door, balcony, trees, gates as early as October. And oh, not to forget the neighborhood kids who sing Christmas carols as soon as November sets in (right after Halloween)- while waiting for you to come out and give them either goodies or money.

I love Christmas. Especially when the colder air in the evenings brings a welcome respite from the humid air in this tropical country. People also are gentler during Christmas time. But, I would love to celebrate it on December. Not on September, or October- or simultaneous with Halloween! While I really like to listen to Christmas carols, hear beloved Christmas stories, Reminisce the Nativity, Celebrate the Savior’s birth- I would be very happy if at this time of the month I cannot (not yet) hear Christmas carols. While I see nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas this early; personally, I feel the anticipation for that Christmas morning is gone after the marathon celebration from September to December…Don’t you think we are celebrating the season quite early?

But then, I don’t think the Savior ( the reason why we celebrate Christmas) would mind.

More Masks!

Earlier this evening, we went to a mall to buy some groceries and to shoot some huge masks on display at the mall’s entrance. There were only 6 masks left on display- around 2 to 5 meters high- made by some high school students and adults. The exhibit/contest was sponsored by a local tv station in the area in preparation for the grand Masskara festivity next week. We  showed the masks to Danielle. She just timidly pointed at them!

High School Meme

I got this from grace (sandier pastures) and would like to try it too. So here it is:

Who was your bestfriend?

I had many best friends in high school who remained to be my close friends more than 15 years later! We still update each other with the latest happenings and write, chat and visit. We were the happy group. Carefree, laughing at the corniest joke.

What kind of car did you drive?

Only 17 years olds in our country can drive under a student license. We usually finish high school at 16. I don’t have a car when I turned 17 too! (laughs)

It’s Friday night. Where were you?

Either watching a movie or at home watching late night documentaries

Were you considered a flirt?

Nope.

Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?

I was the pianist in the school choir.

Were you a nerd?

I belonged to a Science high school but we were not nerds. We were loud, ordinary kids who love to climb hills and eat fruits from a deserted orchard.. Our quiet city has yet to be invaded by malls and traffic then.

Who was your favorite teacher?

The English teacher Grace mentioned was really a good teacher, then our moderator/teacher- who was our math teacher and adviser.

What was your school mascot?

We have none.

Did you go to the prom?

Oh yes, I did! Our Physical Education final grade was based on the prom. No one asked me out to the prom. It wasn’t cut up to be that way. We were paired according to height. Unfortunately, I was the last in line and the senior boys was one person short by number. So- you guess it, I was paired with a classmate who, like me, was an “extra” body in the line.

Did you go to school with anyone who is now famous?

I have a classmate who became city councilor. I have a schoolmate who is (still) with the U.P. Madrigal singers- one of the best in the world.

Did you have a job your senior year?

I taught private piano lessons

Did you go to a senior trip?

Yes, I did. Grace and I are classmates in high school. We went to the same high school trip in a nearby city.

Have you gone to a class reunion?

Every December, most of my classmates who now live abroad would come home. We see to it that we see each other and catch up!

A Child’s Smile

I can never get enough of my daughter’s smile! It always brightens my day and wipes away any weariness of the day. “Ngumiti ka lang, at ako’y nasa langit na” (just smile, and I’m in heaven) is one phrase I like in a local pop song. It has added meaning now that I have my own daughter who momentarily leaves her toys, looks up at me- and then flash that sweet smile… And I pause and thank God for moments like this- priceless!

                                                 

Bacolod Masskara Festival

You can feel the festivity in the air by just driving around the “City of Smiles” that is Bacolod City. Held every October 19 ( or third week of October), ‘masskara’ or mass of smiles festival draw tourists from all over the Philippines and other countries as well. Often pulsating with vibrant colors, gaiety dancers and smiling masks, this festival colorfully displays Bacolenos warmth, smile and hospitality…

This would be my first time to witness this almost 30 years festival. I’m quite excited to take pictures of all the colorful masks crafted from paper (paper Mache) to be paraded under the heat of the sun by dancing Bacolenos next week. And for a start, I’m posting here pictures of Paper Mache masks hanging on the walls of the restaurant where we had dinner last friday.

      

Friends

Last Friday night, me, Danielle and Joseph went out to dinner with an old Friend- Riki. We met each other in Manila 5 years ago when we became classmates in a graduate program. We bonded when papers we turned in for one of our modular class ended up with almost identical titles! No- we weren’t plagiarizing each other’s work, but more like telepathy I think. So, we became partners during our practicum in a non-government organization, in paperworks and remained as good friends after the program has ended. Every time I would be in Manila for a seminar, we would see each other and simply catch up… When he contacted me a few days ago that he would be visiting my place for some work, I was just excited to see him and show him (for the first time) my daughter. We might see each other again at the end of this month when Joseph and I, with Danielle in tow, will go to Manila for a short business visit… I am writing about him because he will be leaving soon for Canada… (Yes, another story added to the Filipino diaspora- something that I’ve been seriously contemplating on joining too).

Here’s a picture of Danielle and me with Ricky (we couldn’t bring danielle to smile in front of the camera this time)

Another picture of me and Danielle (and with Joseph):

Clearing the Cobwebs!

Can’t believe how long I’ve been away from the blogging world! In fact, I could almost see the cobwebs in this cyber corner.. I’m really touched by the concern of TNP- so now, I’m back!

There were at least four people close to me who celebrated their birthdays last month and last monday.

My brother Rey celebrated his birthday last September 25… He has three kids with his little girl an exact replica of my little old self! I think it has something to do with her inheriting my genes (laughs) that she became my favorite niece. I miss spending time with her and her older brother ( this was before the youngest child in the family came and before my own Danielle) watching Walt Disney movies and eating out and playing in the children’s playground. This just made me realize how time flies by so quickly! And back to Rey- I miss our long talks.

Chem, an old college friend also celebrated her day last month and last monday- Leila, one of my oldest bestfriends and Cathy, a college close friend also celebrated their birthdays. In one of my musings, I realized how precious time is. If you have the time to be physically together with your family and closest friends, spend it like there’s no tomorrow because when the time comes when you have to leave each other and live miles apart- all that you will be left with are memories… While technology keeps us connected- there’s still a difference between the real and cyber world.

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Danielle’s update at 1 year and 2 months:

My hubby has been continually telling me to document Danielle’s new developments. While I’ve been keeping track in my journal, here are the latest:

*   When she wakes up after her afternoon naps, she goes down the bed by herself- really quietly- and just surprises me by grabbing my shirt- and then looking up and flashing her sweetest smile! ( I was so startled when she first did this because I was so engrossed in typing something in the computer). The second time she did this was after flashing that smile, she then waved when I said ‘hi.’

*   Knows how to use the keys in the house. She inserts them to door knobs as if she can turn the keys and open the doors!

*   can articulate some words like “dadi, mom, or ma-ma, dog, cat, ta- if she wants to go out- na-na if she means no, hi, elow”

* walks and walks some more around the house

*   points to the dog in her alphabet book when asked to

*   winks at cute guys (didn’t teach her this) and waves at beautiful saleslady whenever we are in the mall

*   knows how to open and close color pens (water-soluble) and writes them in the floor, on the walls and on papers