Ah...after ten years, I am back on European soil. For years, I have been dreaming of flying back here. On Saturday, that long awaited dream came true. Hubby and I landed in Brussels and we've spent the last two days trotting around Ghent and Brussels. Tomorrow, we're off on an early train to Paris. The weather does not look promising but Paris is enchanting, no matter what season it is.
Hubby and I still need to deal with jetlag to synch our bodies with the local time so we're off to bed now to catch some ZZZs.
Bonne nuit!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
And A Child Shall Lead Them
Seldom do we see the act of forgiveness reaping some very tangible results. To me, it is further proof that we shouldn't doubt that forgiveness has a lot of intangible payoffs, sometimes unseen or unfelt, but undeniably real nevertheless. It sends ripples on the surface that turn into waves as it passes from one human being to another. Waves that cause defenses to soften, walls to crumble, takes out the thorns of resentment, inspires kindness, love and a desire to change for the better.
At six years, Kai Leigh Harriott has mastered what I still grapple with.
At six years, Kai Leigh Harriott has mastered what I still grapple with.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Deeper Than Skin
The idea of beauty that is always presented by the media is the big-eyed, narrow-nosed, high-cheek boned, light-haired, fair-skinned, long-legged models that you see endorsing every product, from candy to cars. Anyone that came close to that so-called ideal is considered a "looker". It bugs me the way it has shaped and formed young people's minds (and those who just haven't grown up) on what the definition of beauty is.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
--oOo--
PINOYexpats' latest issue is now online. Homeward Bound tackles the joys of going back and re-experiencing our beloved Pinas.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Mother Said "Oops!"
I was an accident, the unplanned pregnancy after five kids (his, hers & theirs) - the "Oops!" My Mother said she and my Dad didn't plan on having any more kids after my fifth brother. I don't blame them. If I were in her shoes, I probably would have had my tubes tied by then. If I were conceived by a couple more modern in their thinking, I probably would have ended up in the bin of some abortion clinic somewhere.
Nevertheless, God thought that I should happen and I did. I try to imagine what life would have been had I not been around. Obviously, my parents wouldn't have had a dependable daughter, my brothers - an irrepressible sister, my nephews and nieces - a doting aunt! :) I wonder who would have been in my place doing all the things that I did in my work as a student, an artist, an employee, and finally, as a wife to my Hubby. He claims that he was bent on avoiding the altar until he met me. I have no doubt that he probably would have found someone eventually as I believe no one is indispensable. However, I do think that each one of us is irreplaceable, because we are unique and we leave our inimitable imprint on people and things.
If my Mother had decided to terminate me at pregnancy, life would have gone on for everyone else, but I do think it would have been different - maybe better, maybe worse, but definitely different.
Thanks for allowing me to make that difference, Mom. For that, I promise to strive to only make things better for everyone I come across. Happy Mother's Day!
Nevertheless, God thought that I should happen and I did. I try to imagine what life would have been had I not been around. Obviously, my parents wouldn't have had a dependable daughter, my brothers - an irrepressible sister, my nephews and nieces - a doting aunt! :) I wonder who would have been in my place doing all the things that I did in my work as a student, an artist, an employee, and finally, as a wife to my Hubby. He claims that he was bent on avoiding the altar until he met me. I have no doubt that he probably would have found someone eventually as I believe no one is indispensable. However, I do think that each one of us is irreplaceable, because we are unique and we leave our inimitable imprint on people and things.
If my Mother had decided to terminate me at pregnancy, life would have gone on for everyone else, but I do think it would have been different - maybe better, maybe worse, but definitely different.
Thanks for allowing me to make that difference, Mom. For that, I promise to strive to only make things better for everyone I come across. Happy Mother's Day!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
How Kaavya Viswanathan got happy plagiarizing, got a hefty book deal and got caught
It must have seemed like a simple formula to her. Why not make my own coming-of-age story? With some talent and an aspiration to get published, she probably sat down on her desk, put every book she loved in front of her, lifted the things she thought was great out of all of them, put them into her own little literary cauldron and voila... at seventeen, she had a half-million dollar book deal and was on her way to becoming a best-selling author. In all the back-patting, glory and fortune that followed after, I wonder if it ever crossed her mind that she would get caught one day.
When the story first broke about the similarity of her book, "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" to two of Megan McCafferty's, she appeared in the Today show to earnestly apologize for the similarities, claiming that she loved McCafferty's books so much that she had internalized and plagiarized them unintentionally. They have now found a third chic lit book that bears a striking resemblance to hers. So no matter how much she blinks her eyes innocently, which way she cuts and stretches her story, it just does not ring true anymore.
A lot of us do foolish things during our teenage years that we regret, but the repercussions of what Kaavya Viswanathan did may haunt her for the rest of her professional life. This whole thing has brought into question every single article she has done in the past, endangered her status as a sophomore student at Harvard University, and cast a dark shadow on her future.
The saddest thing is, she probably is really promising and brilliant. Hélas, the taint on her credibility has now dulled that brilliance. One thing that she has going for her is that she is young. She can always find outlets for her other talents if no publisher ever signs her again. Another thing going for her is her newly-found notoriety. She can always use this to her advantage in the future. Pop stars, celebrities and disgraced business tycoons in this country have done it. I'm sure she can, too.
When the story first broke about the similarity of her book, "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" to two of Megan McCafferty's, she appeared in the Today show to earnestly apologize for the similarities, claiming that she loved McCafferty's books so much that she had internalized and plagiarized them unintentionally. They have now found a third chic lit book that bears a striking resemblance to hers. So no matter how much she blinks her eyes innocently, which way she cuts and stretches her story, it just does not ring true anymore.
A lot of us do foolish things during our teenage years that we regret, but the repercussions of what Kaavya Viswanathan did may haunt her for the rest of her professional life. This whole thing has brought into question every single article she has done in the past, endangered her status as a sophomore student at Harvard University, and cast a dark shadow on her future.
The saddest thing is, she probably is really promising and brilliant. Hélas, the taint on her credibility has now dulled that brilliance. One thing that she has going for her is that she is young. She can always find outlets for her other talents if no publisher ever signs her again. Another thing going for her is her newly-found notoriety. She can always use this to her advantage in the future. Pop stars, celebrities and disgraced business tycoons in this country have done it. I'm sure she can, too.
--------
Smart-ass question of the day: What career can one have when you have an Ivy League degree but have no credibility? Hehe - I'm sure a lot of you are thinking of pretty juicy answers.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
He Chose Us
He will turn five this coming month. I don't exactly know which day. All I know is when we got him in September 1, 2001, he was about three months old. Figaro, my Senegal Parrot, was a surprise from Hubby who knew I missed having feathered friends. I once had Sydney, an African Lovebird; Chippy, a blue English Budgie; and Pepper, an Australian Cockatiel. They were hand-fed and raised from when they were still a bit bald and ugly.
Anyway, that September day, we drove up from Florida to Massachusetts. To my surprise, instead of taking the usual route, Hubby took Interstate 91, claiming it was the faster way to get to Boston. I thought that maybe he just wanted to try the scenic route since we were in no hurry. He continually urged me to get some rest and sleep, and I felt something was up. I was right. After driving around like we were lost, he entered a residential area, parked in front of a house and happily exclaimed, "We're here to pick up your baby!" It was the house of the parrot breeder I had corresponded with a few months before. Hubby and I had disagreed on the timing of getting one so I had shelved my plans to get one indefinitely. Apparently, he had asked the breeder to let him know when the next batch of hatchlings would be weaned. By then, she had three chicks that were just weaned so she showed us the three so we could make a choice.
We handled each of them, one by one, but Figaro stood out. Figaro had been taking a bath, so he was wet and funny-looking. He perched on Hubby's finger and just stared at him. He eyed Hubby quietly, cocking his head in wonder as he was spoken to - instant connection. My turn to hold him came and he perched on my hand contentedly as I stroked his head. He then put his beak on my cheek, went to sleep, purring happily, in complete trust. The choice was taken out of our hands. Figaro had chosen us.
That was five years ago. Almost everyday since then, we wake up in the morning to "Figaro! Figaro! Feed Figaro!", the reminder for his morning feeding. He says bye when we leave, and welcomes us home with a "Hi!" or "Hello!" He loves walking around the place. His ultimate destination though are always our shoulders. That's where he is happiest. He stays there for as long as we allow him, preening himself, and us.
Anyway, that September day, we drove up from Florida to Massachusetts. To my surprise, instead of taking the usual route, Hubby took Interstate 91, claiming it was the faster way to get to Boston. I thought that maybe he just wanted to try the scenic route since we were in no hurry. He continually urged me to get some rest and sleep, and I felt something was up. I was right. After driving around like we were lost, he entered a residential area, parked in front of a house and happily exclaimed, "We're here to pick up your baby!" It was the house of the parrot breeder I had corresponded with a few months before. Hubby and I had disagreed on the timing of getting one so I had shelved my plans to get one indefinitely. Apparently, he had asked the breeder to let him know when the next batch of hatchlings would be weaned. By then, she had three chicks that were just weaned so she showed us the three so we could make a choice.
We handled each of them, one by one, but Figaro stood out. Figaro had been taking a bath, so he was wet and funny-looking. He perched on Hubby's finger and just stared at him. He eyed Hubby quietly, cocking his head in wonder as he was spoken to - instant connection. My turn to hold him came and he perched on my hand contentedly as I stroked his head. He then put his beak on my cheek, went to sleep, purring happily, in complete trust. The choice was taken out of our hands. Figaro had chosen us.
That was five years ago. Almost everyday since then, we wake up in the morning to "Figaro! Figaro! Feed Figaro!", the reminder for his morning feeding. He says bye when we leave, and welcomes us home with a "Hi!" or "Hello!" He loves walking around the place. His ultimate destination though are always our shoulders. That's where he is happiest. He stays there for as long as we allow him, preening himself, and us.
Friday, April 21, 2006
A Late Bloomer
Back in high school, while all my girlfriends' bodies were slowly getting hefty at the right places, I was still a scrawny, little shrimp. I was short, thin and unladylike - Neneng nene! Definitely not ligawin like my friends, I was more of a buddy to the guys and often acted as their go-between to the girls. I was happy to help whenever I could and loved playing Cupid. But like any girl my age, I too had my crushes. Of course, the boys that I liked never gave me a second look. The very few that did like me never made a move because, let's face it - in high school, everything was about appearance and I wasn't really considered a catch. My singing voice was considered pretty, but not me.
By the end of my junior year, I was starting to get a little more attention from some guys. I wasn't used to it though. All those years that boys ogled my pretty friends I had spent daydreaming and creating in my mind my idea of how my knight in shining armor should be. Come the time I had a few of my own suitors, I really didn't know how to handle it and turned finicky. There was always an aspect or another that disappointed me. So as my girlfriends were going through the thrill of courtships and the heartache of breakups, I was the only one whose heart was yet unscathed.
I may have felt left out of the action then but now I am thankful that I was a late bloomer. I saw friends go through stuff that I probably wouldn't have handled well then. Later on in life, when problems did come, I was a little better equipped.
Oh, and of the boys whom I obssessed over but paid me no notice? I bumped into some of them through the years. Let's just say that our tastes do change and I'm glad that mine has done so for the better. I don't know what the heck I was thinking then! lol
By the end of my junior year, I was starting to get a little more attention from some guys. I wasn't used to it though. All those years that boys ogled my pretty friends I had spent daydreaming and creating in my mind my idea of how my knight in shining armor should be. Come the time I had a few of my own suitors, I really didn't know how to handle it and turned finicky. There was always an aspect or another that disappointed me. So as my girlfriends were going through the thrill of courtships and the heartache of breakups, I was the only one whose heart was yet unscathed.
I may have felt left out of the action then but now I am thankful that I was a late bloomer. I saw friends go through stuff that I probably wouldn't have handled well then. Later on in life, when problems did come, I was a little better equipped.
Oh, and of the boys whom I obssessed over but paid me no notice? I bumped into some of them through the years. Let's just say that our tastes do change and I'm glad that mine has done so for the better. I don't know what the heck I was thinking then! lol
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Bulag-a Item
It's a good thing I wasn't eating breakfast when I chatted with someone very dear to me online this morning. I probably would have choked on it if I was.
He said he was in love. Now, that fact didn't surprise me as he has always been in love with eros. It was who he was in love with that did. He dropped the name of a famous actress back home known for her beauty, as well as her extremely cantankerous image. When I managed to pick up my jaw from the ground, I joked that he better behave himself as he would not want to be in this lady's warpath, lest he suffer a fate similar to John Wayne Bobbit. He revealed to me that this lady's private persona is the total opposite of her public image. She is apparently very sweet, humble and kind. Either those are words from a man that's very much in love, or she really is the way he claims she is.
By the end of our conversation, he had me pretty convinced what a sweetheart she really is that I was reminding him to make sure he deserves and reciprocates the treatment she gives him. Life...it can get pretty darn funny at times.
*Sigh*
He said he was in love. Now, that fact didn't surprise me as he has always been in love with eros. It was who he was in love with that did. He dropped the name of a famous actress back home known for her beauty, as well as her extremely cantankerous image. When I managed to pick up my jaw from the ground, I joked that he better behave himself as he would not want to be in this lady's warpath, lest he suffer a fate similar to John Wayne Bobbit. He revealed to me that this lady's private persona is the total opposite of her public image. She is apparently very sweet, humble and kind. Either those are words from a man that's very much in love, or she really is the way he claims she is.
By the end of our conversation, he had me pretty convinced what a sweetheart she really is that I was reminding him to make sure he deserves and reciprocates the treatment she gives him. Life...it can get pretty darn funny at times.
*Sigh*
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Back from the Offsite
It all paid off - the hard work, the prayers, the endless rehearsals in my mind. The division offsite that I had been preparing for the last couple of months has come and gone. I hardly slept, was on my feet all day to make sure that everything happened seamlessly. Considering all the feedback, everyone thinks it was an unqualified success. It appears that no one noticed that I was running around like a headless chicken, putting out tiny fires. And that's how I would have wanted it anyway.
I've gotten congratulations and back slaps from all over. But there was one compliment that stood out from among the rest. A top executive approached me right after the last meeting, held me by the shoulders and said, "I wish I could clone you and send you off to the different divisions!" Embarrassed, I said my thanks and joked that I would do it for a fee. But I didn't feel the floor as I walked away and for a long time after that.
It's my fourth day at home and I'm still recovering from it. I don't know if it's because I lack exercise or I'm just getting old. It's taking me longer to recover from hectic trips, whether business or pleasure. Thus, it's taken me this long to post something here. I've had a lot of little things flit through my mind to write about, but this is as coherent as I can get right now - especially right after having to tackle something as mind-numbing as our taxes. Ugh...and I don't want to get started on that...
I've gotten congratulations and back slaps from all over. But there was one compliment that stood out from among the rest. A top executive approached me right after the last meeting, held me by the shoulders and said, "I wish I could clone you and send you off to the different divisions!" Embarrassed, I said my thanks and joked that I would do it for a fee. But I didn't feel the floor as I walked away and for a long time after that.
It's my fourth day at home and I'm still recovering from it. I don't know if it's because I lack exercise or I'm just getting old. It's taking me longer to recover from hectic trips, whether business or pleasure. Thus, it's taken me this long to post something here. I've had a lot of little things flit through my mind to write about, but this is as coherent as I can get right now - especially right after having to tackle something as mind-numbing as our taxes. Ugh...and I don't want to get started on that...
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Brown-nosing Implied
"How did you manage to do that?"
A colleague of mine asked me that today when she found out I was going to our division's Leadership Offsite.
She's the third person who's asked me that ever since I was asked to participate and help out. This time, though, I detected a certain tone. See, the offsite is so confidential that some of the reports that are used in it are shredded right after. Therefore, the attendance list is very limited. I'm not exactly sure what the sentiment was behind her query, but I just responded with the truth.
"I did nothing. They asked me to help out, I said yes." I shrugged, smiled and changed the subject.
I haven't been working there long. It'll be a year in a month and a half, so I'm the newbie compared to everyone else. Despite my friendly and professional relationship with everyone I know, I will not be surprised if my attendance in the Offsite has raised a couple of eyebrows. I think that was what prompted that funny-toned question.
I work long and hard, and I always make sure to keep a positive attitude at work. It's not my fault if it's getting noticed. I won't be sorry for it, nor will I say no to opportunities that come my way just because it might ruffle a few feathers.
I enjoy my job, I really do. I'm not about to allow anything or anyone dampen it!
A colleague of mine asked me that today when she found out I was going to our division's Leadership Offsite.
She's the third person who's asked me that ever since I was asked to participate and help out. This time, though, I detected a certain tone. See, the offsite is so confidential that some of the reports that are used in it are shredded right after. Therefore, the attendance list is very limited. I'm not exactly sure what the sentiment was behind her query, but I just responded with the truth.
"I did nothing. They asked me to help out, I said yes." I shrugged, smiled and changed the subject.
I haven't been working there long. It'll be a year in a month and a half, so I'm the newbie compared to everyone else. Despite my friendly and professional relationship with everyone I know, I will not be surprised if my attendance in the Offsite has raised a couple of eyebrows. I think that was what prompted that funny-toned question.
I work long and hard, and I always make sure to keep a positive attitude at work. It's not my fault if it's getting noticed. I won't be sorry for it, nor will I say no to opportunities that come my way just because it might ruffle a few feathers.
I enjoy my job, I really do. I'm not about to allow anything or anyone dampen it!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Chatty Saturday
A couple of Saturdays ago, I spent the entire day chatting. Except for a few bathroom breaks and quick trips to the kitchen for some juice or water, I was stuck to my computer chair all day. If Hubby wasn't nice enough to bring me food at timely intervals, I would have starved!!!!
I logged on mid-morning to find my nephew, Mikey, online. For some odd reason, this teenager loves chatting with his aunt, :) so we chat until about 11:30 am, which was 12:30 am his time in Manila. Before he logged off though, another person from Manila came online. I was surprised to find that it was my close friend, Bambi. I hadn't seen her online in years, so I was thrilled when a chat window appeared that said, "Kamusta?"
We caught up on both our lives and she updated me on the latest from back home. We were yakking until 3:00 am her time. She had church and a family lunch the next day so she had to hit the sack. I checked my clock - it was 2:00 pm. As soon as she logged off, my friend Amor who lives in Los Angeles logged on. So we start chatting when my friend Melissa, from Germany, makes an appearance. I was having a ball chatting with them individually that the day literally flew by. Before we knew it, Melissa was waaaay past her bedtime in Germany at 1:00 am (7:00 pm my time), and Amor had to tend to her bulilit, Alizza. This is where Victoria (from SF area) came in to take up the slack and we chatted the night away. I was so caught up in the conversation that when my eyes happened to look at the task bar, it said 11:30 pm.
"HOLY COW!" I told her. "It's already 11:30 pm and I started chatting this morning around 10:00 am!" Victoria was laughing, as she always does at all my antics.
I couldn't believe it. I didn't accomplish one thing that day. Well, except maybe to bond with a few of the special people in my life. Ang daldal ko, SOBRA!!!
I logged on mid-morning to find my nephew, Mikey, online. For some odd reason, this teenager loves chatting with his aunt, :) so we chat until about 11:30 am, which was 12:30 am his time in Manila. Before he logged off though, another person from Manila came online. I was surprised to find that it was my close friend, Bambi. I hadn't seen her online in years, so I was thrilled when a chat window appeared that said, "Kamusta?"
We caught up on both our lives and she updated me on the latest from back home. We were yakking until 3:00 am her time. She had church and a family lunch the next day so she had to hit the sack. I checked my clock - it was 2:00 pm. As soon as she logged off, my friend Amor who lives in Los Angeles logged on. So we start chatting when my friend Melissa, from Germany, makes an appearance. I was having a ball chatting with them individually that the day literally flew by. Before we knew it, Melissa was waaaay past her bedtime in Germany at 1:00 am (7:00 pm my time), and Amor had to tend to her bulilit, Alizza. This is where Victoria (from SF area) came in to take up the slack and we chatted the night away. I was so caught up in the conversation that when my eyes happened to look at the task bar, it said 11:30 pm.
"HOLY COW!" I told her. "It's already 11:30 pm and I started chatting this morning around 10:00 am!" Victoria was laughing, as she always does at all my antics.
I couldn't believe it. I didn't accomplish one thing that day. Well, except maybe to bond with a few of the special people in my life. Ang daldal ko, SOBRA!!!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Paula's on drugs...
I've been watching my guilty pleasure, American Idol, for the last few weeks now. I must say that this is the best batch of contestants so far. The only downside is having to endure the blather of Paula Abdul. She is getting so annoying! Her eyes are only half open, she almost slurs when she talks with her shaky voice, she claps like a lunkhead and she praises every contestant even when their performance does not warrant it. Her babble has become irritating to say the least. I mean it's nice of her to try to see the positive in every competitor but sometimes it just sounds patronizing already. Her opinion has started to get less and less credible. Even the contestants give her only polite (and hopeful) appreciation when she's heaping praises on them, whereas you can see gratitude in their eyes when Randy Jackson gives them his -- and they just positively glow when Simon Cowell gives them even just a little nod of approval.
Too bad that the audience can't vote on the judges. I would have voted to send her on a little vacation to the Betty Ford Center before she ODs. :)
Too bad that the audience can't vote on the judges. I would have voted to send her on a little vacation to the Betty Ford Center before she ODs. :)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Stuff for Soap Operas
Once, there was a guy who liked me. Now, I never took this guy's interest seriously because he never really said anything apart from the little hints he dropped. Besides, another girl whom I considered a friend, was in love with him. In my mind, they were meant for each other. I had no doubt that they would, one day, end up together.
In the meantime, this girl and I got very close. I opened up to her about everything that was going on in my life, from family to man trouble - all of it! As the wheels of my life turned, I was ecstatic to know that hers finally turned out exactly as she had wished. After years of waiting, she finally married this guy - the man of her dreams. I won't say how, but I was very proud to have a very small hand in the turn of events in their lives ending up together.
Well, life went on and we all got busy. The calls eased up and we no longer hung out. I charged it to our tight schedules and lives taking on different paths. One day, I accidentally bumped into their little family and I was thrilled to see them! I was puzzled though to receive a warm but uncomfortable greeting from the guy, and truly bewildered to receive a pretty cold acknowledgment from my once close friend. My desire to catch-up waned and I politely made an exit.
The incident bothered me so I voiced my concern to another friend. It was very gently revealed to me that I have become anathema to my formerly close friend, and that I am the one that no one speaks of in her presence. Apparently, the mere mention of my name actually tips the balance of her world. I was aghast at the revelation as I don't think I ever did anything to her that should warrant such a reaction. It hurt me to find out that I was such an object of repulsion to one I really cared about.
I am gullible. I trust people easily and give them my friendship when they offer me theirs. I have no problem reciprocating when someone shows me warmth and honesty. Sadly, Ive learned that not all offers of friendship are sincere. I felt truly close to her, but now I can only surmise that she kept me close - not as her friend, but as her rival.
"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
She is not and never was my enemy, but I guess she considered me hers.
In the meantime, this girl and I got very close. I opened up to her about everything that was going on in my life, from family to man trouble - all of it! As the wheels of my life turned, I was ecstatic to know that hers finally turned out exactly as she had wished. After years of waiting, she finally married this guy - the man of her dreams. I won't say how, but I was very proud to have a very small hand in the turn of events in their lives ending up together.
Well, life went on and we all got busy. The calls eased up and we no longer hung out. I charged it to our tight schedules and lives taking on different paths. One day, I accidentally bumped into their little family and I was thrilled to see them! I was puzzled though to receive a warm but uncomfortable greeting from the guy, and truly bewildered to receive a pretty cold acknowledgment from my once close friend. My desire to catch-up waned and I politely made an exit.
The incident bothered me so I voiced my concern to another friend. It was very gently revealed to me that I have become anathema to my formerly close friend, and that I am the one that no one speaks of in her presence. Apparently, the mere mention of my name actually tips the balance of her world. I was aghast at the revelation as I don't think I ever did anything to her that should warrant such a reaction. It hurt me to find out that I was such an object of repulsion to one I really cared about.
I am gullible. I trust people easily and give them my friendship when they offer me theirs. I have no problem reciprocating when someone shows me warmth and honesty. Sadly, Ive learned that not all offers of friendship are sincere. I felt truly close to her, but now I can only surmise that she kept me close - not as her friend, but as her rival.
"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
She is not and never was my enemy, but I guess she considered me hers.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
New Beginnings
The latest issue of PINOYexpats is now online. Read about how people coped with moving to a new place or jumpstarting a stalled life -- a compilation of stories of individuals who, despite their trying situations, never gave up their dreams and hopes and chose to rise above the circumstances and overcome them. Visit our site and be inspired!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Who Put the M before "Bye"?
There is no m in bye, and yet half the time I end a phone call, I hear the person on the other side of the line say, "Mmmbye." It's usually women who do it, and from what I can tell, it is those who were born or grew up here. What's with the m? Is it because they press their lips together in a smile before they say bye? Or is it like a regional accent the way Bostonians add Rs where there are none (idea - idears), to taking away Rs (park - pahk, yard - yahd) where there are? Whatever it is, it never fails to make me smile. It makes me wonder who started it and how it spread to a whole segment of the population. Any idears?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Around the World
Regaled with stories of my Mom's world travels when she was young, I had dreamed of traveling to different places ever since. Her tales awakened in me a keen interest in different cultures and in visiting as many countries as I could. The only problem was, I did not have a rich and doting father like my Mom did. My Dad was doting in many ways and he did well for himself, but he was not a rich man like my Grandfather. So it was not like he could send me on a world tour the way Lolo did with Mom. I often asked my Mom how I would be able to travel as she did. She often reminded me that even if my earthly Dad could not give me that, my Heavenly Dad could and that He will surely grant me my heart’s desire. I remember always responding with a sigh, hoping that she was right but nevertheless resigned to the fact that it may never happen. Me of little faith, huh?
Sure enough, I hit my twenties and found myself flying from one place to another for different reasons. Mom was right, God did make a way and my Dad was there to help me with some pocket money. In that decade, aside from traveling to different parts of the Philippines, I went to Hong Kong, China, United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Indonesia. After I moved to the US, I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit some of its beautiful sites and cities, as well as see the Bahamas, Mexico and Canada. This summer, Hubby and I plan to hit the road again and head to Europe to see the sights and meet some friends. We are so looking forward to it!
We still have standing invitations to visit friends in Chile, Brazil, Sweden, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Singapore, Croatia and Scotland. I hope that we will have the time and finances to pull off a tour like that in the future. But right now, it remains a wish. This time though, I will neither sigh nor scoff. I have no doubt that if God wants us to do it, then it will definitely happen.
Friday, February 10, 2006
From His Heart
Hubby wrote this as he remembered his Dad's very recent battle with cancer. The battle that he lost just a few months ago.
A son may never say much, but a son never forgets.
Crumbling Fortress
Memories of a past from long, long ago
Start to race through my mind
I remember you bigger than life, towering over me
I could dangle from your arms
Hang on every branch from your tree of wisdom
You wince
A lifetime of visions and expectations fade away
Reverie evaporates with every flinch of pain
The disease has stolen everything
My dreams will never become memories
My heart used to beat with gladness as you reached out for me in a greeting
It now falls deep into my chest as you reach out in pain
Why does my chest feel like a bottomless pit?
My fortress has begun to crumble
My tree of wisdom has suddenly withered away
Has my heart fallen so deep that I no longer feel it?
You reach out for me, and I find my heart again
Has my heart stopped falling?
A son may never say much, but a son never forgets.
Crumbling Fortress
Memories of a past from long, long ago
Start to race through my mind
I remember you bigger than life, towering over me
I could dangle from your arms
Hang on every branch from your tree of wisdom
You wince
A lifetime of visions and expectations fade away
Reverie evaporates with every flinch of pain
The disease has stolen everything
My dreams will never become memories
My heart used to beat with gladness as you reached out for me in a greeting
It now falls deep into my chest as you reach out in pain
Why does my chest feel like a bottomless pit?
My fortress has begun to crumble
My tree of wisdom has suddenly withered away
Has my heart fallen so deep that I no longer feel it?
You reach out for me, and I find my heart again
Has my heart stopped falling?
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Snap Assumptions
Once, a friend and I were in a bus with a garbled, malfunctioning electronic signage. A passenger coming into the bus told the bus driver loudly that it all was Chinese to him. Upon seeing me, his face showed alarm and he quickly apologized. “Oh! I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry!”
My friend and I cracked up. He thought I was Chinese. I did not disabuse him of his assumption. We thought it was a hoot. I know to some people, all Asians look alike. I've been Japanese, Thai, but I've also been thought of as Mexican or Native American. Heck, the most farout was when an Italian guy asked me once, "Italiana?!"
When I tell people my name, some smile and quickly ask, “¿Como está?”
When I say I work for a bank, they inquire, “Are you a teller?”
If my past work in Disney comes up, the inevitable question is, “Were you a character?”
When they find out I am from Manila and that I only moved to the US six years ago, I get “Is your husband in the military?”
I think it's cute when people make snap assumptions. It always leads to a great conversation. :)
My friend and I cracked up. He thought I was Chinese. I did not disabuse him of his assumption. We thought it was a hoot. I know to some people, all Asians look alike. I've been Japanese, Thai, but I've also been thought of as Mexican or Native American. Heck, the most farout was when an Italian guy asked me once, "Italiana?!"
When I tell people my name, some smile and quickly ask, “¿Como está?”
When I say I work for a bank, they inquire, “Are you a teller?”
If my past work in Disney comes up, the inevitable question is, “Were you a character?”
When they find out I am from Manila and that I only moved to the US six years ago, I get “Is your husband in the military?”
I think it's cute when people make snap assumptions. It always leads to a great conversation. :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tired of Theo
Bostonians need to get a life. That goes for the whole state of Massachusetts, as well. Every time I turn on the television and watch the local news, they’re talking about Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox has already broken the curse and won the World Series. Yay! Yes, Theo Epstein is partly responsible for it. Great! But, my gosh, to hear his name every single day speculating whether he’s going to be Red Sox manager again or not, or what his title is going to be, not only during all the newscasts throughout the day but during newsbreaks too – it is getting ridiculous. I’m sure even he is tired of hearing about how he played the guitar, wore a gorilla suit or picked his nose.
Please, there are more important things in this world than baseball, the World Series, and the supposed manager that has the Midas’ touch to win it. There’s a whole world out there full of people in serious situations that need real attention – more than the sports personas, television and movie stars already basking in the sometimes undeserved fame and wealth we obsessed fans have afforded them.
If we devote even one-eighth of the time we spend obsessing over these people to helping out in some worthy cause, the world would be so much better. Heck, If we devote a small fraction of that time in self-evaluation and improvement, then we wouldn’t need these supposed heroes and role models to look up to, because our self-esteem would be healthy enough to only look up to people whose contributions really make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
I mean – how many people really cared if Brad Pitt called Jennifer Aniston to tell her about Angelina Jolie’s pregnancy before the announcement was made? Come on, people. Enough already.
Sure, we need some entertainment in our lives. It shouldn’t take over our whole lives though. There are other, more important things to think about.
Please, there are more important things in this world than baseball, the World Series, and the supposed manager that has the Midas’ touch to win it. There’s a whole world out there full of people in serious situations that need real attention – more than the sports personas, television and movie stars already basking in the sometimes undeserved fame and wealth we obsessed fans have afforded them.
If we devote even one-eighth of the time we spend obsessing over these people to helping out in some worthy cause, the world would be so much better. Heck, If we devote a small fraction of that time in self-evaluation and improvement, then we wouldn’t need these supposed heroes and role models to look up to, because our self-esteem would be healthy enough to only look up to people whose contributions really make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
I mean – how many people really cared if Brad Pitt called Jennifer Aniston to tell her about Angelina Jolie’s pregnancy before the announcement was made? Come on, people. Enough already.
Sure, we need some entertainment in our lives. It shouldn’t take over our whole lives though. There are other, more important things to think about.
--oOo--
Our latest issue of PINOYexpats is now online. Please stop by and check it out!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Girl With A Lost Earring
I was on my hands and knees, looking at every inch of the floor under my desk hoping to see a little sparkle that would catch my eye. "It's time to go! We'll look for it when we get back from work," said Hubby. Reluctantly, I stood up and walked out the door to go to work.
Yesterday morning, I lost one of a pair of diamond stud earrings. The previous night, as is my routine right after I get home, I took all my jewelry off -- rings, necklace and earrings -- and placed them on top of my desk in front of my computer monitor. As I got ready yesterday, I realized that I was missing an earring.
I lost one of a pair of pearl earrings before. I put it on a counter in the kitchen while I cooked. It was gone by the time I was done. I searched high and low, cleaned, dusted but came up empty-handed. I was afraid that the diamond stud will disappear as mysteriously as the pearl one did.
Someone suggested I dry mop, another said I should vacuum and cover the vacuum opening with a nylon stocking. Both were great ideas, but before I did all that, Hubby suggested I go through the trash can under my desk. I was skeptical since my trash has a swivel cover, which makes it almost impossible for anything to go into it unless I opened it. Nevertheless, I did just that.
I took a plastic bag and started transferring each discard, piece by piece, after intense scrutiny. Torn receipts, candy wrappers, tissues, junk mail, plastic wrappers and cases of things we've purchased, pistachio nut shells -- I went through all of it starting with the biggest pieces. I got more and more discouraged as I neared the bottom. I was thinking that if it fell in accidentally, it surely would have been caught by the bigger pieces of trash that were on top. But I carried on, praying quietly that I would find it. I got to the bottom with nothing left but the pistachio nut shells. I almost gave up as I picked up and looked at the shells, one by one. "Surely, I would have seen it by now," I thought. Determined to be thorough and go through the last 15 shells that were there, I picked up a couple more and -- lo and behold -- hidden under was my earring. How the heck it got there, I do not know. I guess at that particular moment, in one of the few times the swivel cover was up for a second, it somehow fell in. What are the chances? It doesn't matter now, I am just happy I found it, happy enough to blog about it.
Today, I got home and took off all my jewelry and, as usual, put them in front of my monitor. This time though, I put them all in a white ceramic pill box. One that's easy to spot in a dark place and is sure to create a ruckus if it falls.
Yesterday morning, I lost one of a pair of diamond stud earrings. The previous night, as is my routine right after I get home, I took all my jewelry off -- rings, necklace and earrings -- and placed them on top of my desk in front of my computer monitor. As I got ready yesterday, I realized that I was missing an earring.
I lost one of a pair of pearl earrings before. I put it on a counter in the kitchen while I cooked. It was gone by the time I was done. I searched high and low, cleaned, dusted but came up empty-handed. I was afraid that the diamond stud will disappear as mysteriously as the pearl one did.
Someone suggested I dry mop, another said I should vacuum and cover the vacuum opening with a nylon stocking. Both were great ideas, but before I did all that, Hubby suggested I go through the trash can under my desk. I was skeptical since my trash has a swivel cover, which makes it almost impossible for anything to go into it unless I opened it. Nevertheless, I did just that.
I took a plastic bag and started transferring each discard, piece by piece, after intense scrutiny. Torn receipts, candy wrappers, tissues, junk mail, plastic wrappers and cases of things we've purchased, pistachio nut shells -- I went through all of it starting with the biggest pieces. I got more and more discouraged as I neared the bottom. I was thinking that if it fell in accidentally, it surely would have been caught by the bigger pieces of trash that were on top. But I carried on, praying quietly that I would find it. I got to the bottom with nothing left but the pistachio nut shells. I almost gave up as I picked up and looked at the shells, one by one. "Surely, I would have seen it by now," I thought. Determined to be thorough and go through the last 15 shells that were there, I picked up a couple more and -- lo and behold -- hidden under was my earring. How the heck it got there, I do not know. I guess at that particular moment, in one of the few times the swivel cover was up for a second, it somehow fell in. What are the chances? It doesn't matter now, I am just happy I found it, happy enough to blog about it.
Today, I got home and took off all my jewelry and, as usual, put them in front of my monitor. This time though, I put them all in a white ceramic pill box. One that's easy to spot in a dark place and is sure to create a ruckus if it falls.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
