Crimson Page

A Year Without Mader

2011-02-10T22:45:00.000+08:00

I wrote this on Feb 12, 2010, a day after Mader, what I used to call my mother-in-law, was called by God to join Him in heaven. In a few hours, we'd be marking a year without her. We have learned to cope but it's still not the same without her.

Mader, we love you and miss you.

----------------

She was superwoman to us - she ran the household, took care of my girls, cooked food that would make you erase the word diet from your vocabulary. Even after she had her first heart attack last December, she refused to slow down. She'd sometimes get irritated when I would insist on washing the plates or would play deaf when Bong would tell her to just sit down.

Thursday morning, I was rushing to the car to get to the office, as I do most days. But this morning was different. I stopped at the door, realized I hadn't said goodbye to mader and pader yet. But I ignored the strange feeling and ran out to the gate. I usually don't bid them goodbye in the morning. It was in the evening after I come home from work and kiss my girls when I would ask mader if she had already eaten. Thursday evening, I said goodbye to mader as she lay still on a bed in the emergency room, her skin already cold and yellowish. Doctors tried to revive her for more than an hour but her heart refused to beat again.

I seem to be taking it the hardest, which I think is weird. I texted a few friends that I seem to have cried more tears than Bong. But I really, truly miss her. I love her very much and I regret never ever telling her in words. Maybe she heard me when I tried talking to her last night or early this morning. Maybe she saw me when I opened her cabinet for the first time today and just looked at her clothes. Maybe she felt the mattress on her bed move when I sat there this morning, crying my eyes out and telling her stuff I should have told her before last night. Or maybe she knew, without me having to tell her.

When God Sent Me a Message Through a Salesman

2011-02-09T23:28:00.000+08:00

Often, we agonize over decisions we have to make or find it hard to accept twists and turns in our daily lives. So this time, I let God decide. Both outcomes had pluses and minuses and I truly did not know which one I preferred. Looking back on this day, I think God gave me the answer through a salesman at a specialty store. But since God moves in mysterious ways and we often overlook or don't understand his messages or feel his presence, I think I dismissed that message as another sales pitch. And being the patient God that He is, He spelled out the message for me through another person. Sorry, God, na medyo slow ako kanina. Hehe... I shall heed. Thank You po.
Tags: god

A Decade After

2011-02-09T12:03:00.001+08:00

Who would've thought that the political turmoil and violent protests in Egypt would bring people from all over the world together again after 11 years? I received a Facebook message with an article on Egypt attached from a friend I met a decade ago when I was a participant at the CNN International Professional Program. I was the only Filipina in the group that was selected by CNN from dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants from all over the world. I had second thoughts about participating as I was four months pregnant at that time. But I didn't want all my hard work - and the stress of applying - to just go to waste.

Getting there was hard. Physically. Apart from being pregnant, I got snowed in, in Detroit, had no way of informing CNN where I was, got to Atlanta past midnight a day or two after I was supposed to arrive and encountered a woman cab driver who refused to help me with my luggage. But looking back, all these made my CNN experience hard to forget.

But what made it all the more memorable was my batchmates. Sitting in the conference room with participants from Lebanon, Turkey, the Bahamas, Africa, Greece, the US, Brazil, Cuba, Korea and so many other places, I felt like I was part of a mini United Nations. I remember how shocked some of them were when I served green mangoes with tomatoes and onions and shrimp paste at our potluck-lunch. They can't believe we ate raw mangoes. But I was as shocked when the girl from Lebanon shrieked, "Bagoong!" Turned out she lived in the Philippines for 15 years.

So now I'm friends with many of them on FB and I'm hoping that despite the distance and cultural differences, our friendship will remain strong.

I'm Old

2011-02-06T01:28:00.000+08:00

I think I'm turning into my mom. Or my eldest daughter is turning into me. Or I'm just, plain and simple, growing old.

Alex loves music. In fact, she cannot sleep without her Ipod, or something playing on her cellphone or my laptop. She listens mostly to rock music - something I loved listening to when I was a teenager, something she'll be in two years.

That thought already makes me feel ancient. But I start to see myself as an historic artifact everytime I find myself turning the laptop's volume down, down, down, down to maybe three bars. Paramore or Queen or My Chemical Romance or Slipknot (yes, my baby listens to Slipknot, a band I just recently learned about through her) or Metallica - they're all the same to me now - noisy. Yes, I'm old. I'm a relic!

But when I was in high school, I'd play Gene Loves Jezebel or U2 or The Cure or whatever band I was into then on maximum volume. I remember my mom irritated, pleading with me to turn the volume down. Sometimes my dad would chime in, "That's not music. That's noise."

And that is exactly what I tell Alex now. "No, it's not. It's music. I love it," she'd say.

So I give in, just as my parents did before, and wait for Alex to fall asleep before I turn the music off.

Aaahhh... The deafening sound of the aircon's hum. Peace and quiet at last.

Honorable My A**

2011-01-14T23:25:00.002+08:00

I live about 15 minutes away from the office (five if you're driving at 3am) but navigating through Timog Avenue anytime of the day (except at 3am) especially where there are bars or restaurants will usually bring out the homicidal tendencies in anyone. I keep my road rage under control by secretly cursing the other drivers or honking my horn like they do in China - loudly and continuously.

Honk my horn was all I could do when I was forced to drive close to the gutter and stop because an SUV with an 8 plate and the many vehicles tailing it swerved onto my lane - MY LANE - from the opposite direction. I turned right on one of the side streets from Timog to avoid the buildup of vehicles past the Shell station. A vehicle was double parked on the opposite side - well, that's another peeve that deserves its own post. I didn't make any attempt to hide my disgust when the SUV swerved onto my side of the road to drive past the nincompoop illegally parked on his lane. I shook my head, honked my horn and frowned at the convoy as it passed by me. There was one police escort on a motorcycle, however, who held a hand up as he smiled and nodded his thanks. A friend said he might have been embarrased by what the Honorable legislator did. Well, I think the police escort deserves to ride the SUV more than the Honorable legislator.

When I was covering the House of Representatives, the district of the legislators were clearly indicated on the plate. I think they should implement that again. Not only would it help curb abuses on the road, it would help us identify which of our representatives deserve a permanent vacation from government.

Love Tattooed on a Child's Thigh

2011-01-11T17:43:00.001+08:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see this written on Gabby's thigh, tattooed in ballpen ink where she thought I couldn't see it. "Oh, what is this? Can I see it?" But she tried to move away and covered the words with her hand.

Here's another shot:

I am not the perfect mother, no matter how hard I try. But that "tattoo" on Gabby's thigh is all the assurance I will ever need that somehow, I am doing a good job.

The Luckiest Mom in the World

2011-01-09T23:56:00.000+08:00

There are days when every little task feels like a challenge, every person you encounter, even someone you truly love, a foe. On those days, which we all have, I am able to cope because of my daughters. Alex, whose attitude and disposition in life is more like mine, entertains me with her rants. Only she can come up with something like, "I'm a people person. I just hate people." Or "Gusto kong mag-recycle ng friends. Kasi ang mga plastic, nire-recycle, di ba?"

Gabby, on the other hand, is much more mellow and demonstrative of her love. She's always there to offer a kiss and a hug, to whisper "I love you" in my ear and say I'm her most favorite person in the world. She cries whenever I don't feel well and never fails to remind me that she's very lucky because I am her mom.

"No, baby," I always say, "I'm the lucky one because I have you and ate."

Pain Much, Lose Much

2011-01-06T00:15:00.001+08:00

My quest for a fitter and of course thinner body is taking its toll on my toes. I am wallclimbing again after yearssss of overeating and not exercising.

I always thought I was one of the lucky few who never gain weight. Back in college, I almost flunked a PE class because I lost weight. I enrolled in Weight Training and chose weight gain for my program. Finals had the teacher weighing us and comparing our first- and last-day of class weights. I went from thin to skinny and my teacher threatened to fail me right there and then. Good thing she didn't. But oftentimes I wish I still had the 21 3/4-inch waist.

After giving birth to my second daughter, I resolved to lose weight and try to gain my pre-childbirth frame. Wallclimbing was the fad then. I was never athletic and would not have tried it had I not heard from a reporter how effective it was for weight loss. It wasn't easy. There was a time when I couldn't climb the stairs in the Malacanang Press Office because of stiff muscles. But eventually, I found myself working out three times a week. And in just two months, I had to overhaul my wardrobe. My pants were so loose that they fell even after I folded them twice over at the waist.

I wallclimbed for about two years (or was it three?) I stopped because work kept me and my buddies busy. And because wallclimbing is an extreme sport, it was difficult finding new buddies to climb with.

But recently, I was able to convince several friends to try it. And like it, they did. Still, our busy schedules are hard to reconcile. My goal for now is to be able to wallclimb at least once a week.

So why do my toes look like they've been run over by a truck with snow tires? I am a size 6 1/2. Sometimes 7. My rock shoes are size 4. I defied my instructor, who told me to buy a size 3 1/2. Rock shoes are meant to be smaller than your feet. My instructor said that if you can walk in them, then they're too big. Whenever I wear them, I feel like a Chinese girl in metal shoes. Imagine what torture my toes go through when I'm actually on the wall.

But as the cliche goes, no pain, no gain. But in this instance, I'd like it to be, pain much, lose much.

Of Recycling Friends or Throwing Them Straight Away

2011-01-04T23:23:00.001+08:00

Older daughter plans to "recycle" friends. I'm lost. How do you recycle friends? And at what point do you decide that they need recycling? I'm thinking this is another sign of the gap in our generations. "Ano'ng recycle, nak?" I ask.

"Di ba ang mga plastic, nire-recycle?"

"Ah, so plastic sila."

"Yes!"

Younger daughter is less environment-friendly. "Kung may people trashcan lang, tinapon ko na ang mga taong kinaiinisan ko."

Not a bad idea, if you ask me. :)

As They Say, "UP or Nothing"

2011-01-04T01:04:00.000+08:00

As we congratulate the new Iskos and Iskas, I am quite certain that thousands of UP alumni are reminiscing about their days in UP. I am. I have eight years worth of memories in the State U - eight if you count the four years in the UP Integrated School. As all memories go, not all of mine are good. Some, I'd rather forget but can't thanks to hecklers I call friends. And these hecklers make many of these memories - mostly good ones - so vivid still.

In Grade 10, we were given a project, something like a quilt on paper where we drew squares and each square was for a specific question. One of the questions was "What are you willing to die for?" I didn't need time to let the question simmer. Of the four answers we were required to write, my number 1 was passing the UPCAT. I can't remember what the other three were though. Karlo asked me what good would passing the UPCAT do to a dead me. Nothing, true. But I'd die with bragging rights. It's funny now. It wasn't back then when it was "UP or nothing." It may have been the intellectual arrogance of relatives rubbing off on me or the brainwashing of my parents but getting into UP was somehow considered a done deal in our family. I also passed the Ateneo College Entrance Test and got into a very good course, BS Management (Honors). But as everyone knows, I chose UP. Well, actually, I was one of a few thousands chosen by UP. And at times like this, I ask myself if I did my University proud.

Choz!

2011-01-03T11:05:00.000+08:00

Witchelles naman akey na nangangarir na i-upstage si Badinggerzie sa bonggang-bonggang blog niya but bet ko lang i-trysiva if keri key hey hey kahit sa isang post lang. Kalurkey lang coz wit naman akembang na jexpert magspluk ng ganitrix and baka ma-harsh evangelista lang akey sa mga baby girl na ookrayin ever ang post ko na itey. But wit kong bet ma-afreyd kahit pa ma-Lucy Torres. Fun lang, davah?

Majugal ko nang feel ma-learn itey. Spluk ko nga sa mga friendivang badet na mag-Debbie Gibson ng dictionary. Ganda lang, davah? But say ng mga veklers na nakaka-krung krung coz super bilis sa pag-change. Tarush! Try akez din ng translator sa jinternet but witchelles siyang winner. Chaka ng translation. Tapos, yung ibang words na knowing key, mahahalatang Thunder Cats na akey. And may jequivalent ba ng nosebleed sa bekimon? If so, yan ang feel ko ngayon.

So before ma-okray akey ng mga vaklush na eksenadora Miriam Defensor-Santiago akey at tuluyang ma-imbey kayez sa akin, fly na akez. But before akey mag-extro, I just want to dedicate this post to the badets, lilets, pamintas, mga teh na nagpapasaya sa life. Zsa Zsa Padilla! Baboo!

A Sad Countdown

2011-01-02T00:47:00.000+08:00

Hello, 2011! I'm trying to sound as cheerful as I can be, especially with psychics and astrologers predicting that Pigs like me will be lucky this year. But as soon as January 1 kicked in, I started a countdown, a sad one that will mark my parents' move to the States. Already I'm sad. On the other hand, my brother, who's been living there for a decade already, will be elated! I realize my brother needs to be with our parents as much as my sisters and I. Thanks to technology, staying in touch with them will be easy, a lot easier than when my father worked abroad when we were still young. Gone are the days of mailed voice tapes and handwritten letters. What used to take weeks to convey can now be expressed in a second - well, with a good internet connection, that is. And who knows? Maybe my sisters and I and our families can fly to them instead.

Weather Watch

2009-10-01T11:54:00.000+08:00

Ondoy brought about destruction in many areas in the Philippines. Pepeng is forecast to be just as strong, or even stronger. Today, the 4th day of my leave of absence from work and the 4th day that classes in schools are suspended, brought dark skies and strong rains in the morning. My younger daughter (she forbade me to mention her name) was on self-appointed weather watch as she shouted curses at the typhoon and at a classmate she dislikes. She was equipped for the task, as you all can see. :) (That, in case you didn't know, is a bee pinwheel. LOL)

A Belated Christmas Gift

2009-01-06T19:25:00.001+08:00

It may not be made of gold, platinum or silver. It may not be studded with diamonds or pearls. But this bracelet is one of the most precious pieces of jewelry I have. Gabby made this for herself last New Year's Day. But she removed it and locked the clasp around my wrist tonight, saying it was a belated Christmas gift. I reminded her that she had given me a gift already but she said a card, which she also made herself, was not a gift. I said it was one of my most treasured gifts and that she didn't have to worry about giving me presents. I already have the best gifts I could ever ask for - Ate Alex and herself. She said nothing as she covered her face with her hair, hoping I wouldn't see the tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

My 2009 Resolutions

2009-01-06T16:27:00.000+08:00

Experts say to keep the list simple and doable. And that's what I prepared, a list so simple and doable I may be able to keep my resolutions up to December.

1. Don't cheat on tithes

2. Drink more water

3. Exercise - I'd love to go back to wall climbing if I could find the time to do it and the buddy to do it with

4. Stop fooling myself that if I don't eat rice at night with that kare-kare or sinigang, that I will not gain weight. I resolve to eat what I want, as much as I want, whenever I want. - So far so good. Started this resolution in late 2008. Haha!

5. Save more money in the bank

I'm ending the list here. Simple and doable, remember?

Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

2008-11-28T11:43:00.001+08:00

I think He does. I was having lunch with my crew yesterday at this resto where "nightbclub" music was blaring. I sang along, but only because there were only a few people there (and 2 of them, I knew from work). So belt a song like a diva I did. And on cue, huge droplets of rain were heard falling on the roof. As soon as I said, "Sorry po. Di na ko uulit," the rain stopped! Promise!

Irate as Ever (Subtitled I Hate Smartbro)

2008-11-23T09:57:00.000+08:00

Before I decided on a broadband provider, I asked around and googled for reviews. I decided on Smartbro because a friend who lived in my area said it didn't give her problems even during a vicious storm. Also, I thought knowing people in their Corp Comm would help if I ever encountered problems.

Well, for the last few months, it seems I've been filing complaints every few weeks or so. Calling their hotline was stressful. One upside was I was using a Smart cellphone so waiting for a call center agent to take my call didn't make a dent on my pocket. But on my sanity it did. It took forever for someone to pick up. Then they'd make me do troubleshooting, which I've done several times before I even called them. Because of the numerous calls I've made, I've memorized what to plug and unplug, what to turn off and on, how much time it took between steps in the whole process, everything. It took them AT LEAST 3 days to send a technician. And some of the technicians had attitude! One even ordered my parents-in-law to tell me to make sure I'm at home when they come. And this was after the techs failed to show up on the scheduled visit. Well, this tech left everything in my laptop bag in disarray, including my Macbook which I found stashed upside down and without its sleeve. In response to my complaints, the techs have moved my antenna several times - because the tree in my neighbor's house had grown taller and was blocking my line of sight, because the roofing had warped, etc. Sheesh!!! The base station where I am connected, the location of which I am not allowed to know, is always encountering problems. So says the Corp Comm guy which I bombard with text messages and calls after my patience has grown thin with their call center. Calling their hotline now is even harder because it seems they've downsized. Instead of an agent picking up the call, a recording now welcomes you to Smartbro. And everytime I call, the recording says the signal in my area is strong.

I'm sooo stressed out!!! I thought writing about it would help me calm down. Now, I'm as, to quote call center agents, as "irate" as ever...

Smile!

2008-11-22T13:07:00.001+08:00

I had a good laugh with friends yesterday over Jobree's long-forgotten and much-kept-secret-stint as Birdie the mascot. It was not the actual experience of donning the heavy and hot costume that was funny, but Jobree's revelation that when kids asked to have their pictures taken with her, she actually smiled underneath the costume.

I'm Remembering...

2008-11-16T00:06:00.000+08:00

1. Sweet Haven - baked macaroni and tacos. Yum!
2. Haruta loafers (mine were maroon tassels) and Espadrilles (mine were green, believe it or not)
3. My Kamia dormrooms - the one in the basement next to the "ghost room" and the one on the first floor near the entrance
4. The 1991 Earthquake - I was cooking instant soup in the dorm when it hit. Some of the girls in the dorm ran out to the driveway "wearing" pillows and towels.
5. Live AIDS rehearsals - fun, fun, fun!
6. Singing bastardized versions of Carpenters songs with equally-crazy friends while making tambay at the gazebos outside Casaa
7. My friends and I leaving one-peso coins on top of piles of freshly-delivered copies of Collegian to dupe freshmen (we were also freshmen then but we felt we weren't outsiders, having come from UPIS) and my friends giving freshmen directions from Palma Hall to the NatSci building whenever they'd be asked where the "TBA room" was
8. The UP Fairs
9. An aborted OBE
10. UP ghost stories

Funny how a hodgepodge of memories can resurrect buried emotions...

Yes, I Am Rich!!!

2008-11-11T16:45:00.000+08:00

Gab gave me a surprise tonight, neatly tucked in a plastic Easter Egg.

Oh, yes I am!

I have more money than the Republic of the Philippines!

A house with things inside and a gigantic swimming pool?! Cool!!!

This is worth even more than the 10 gazillion (pesos?)...

My most precious treasures. The reasons why I answered YES to Gabby's difficult question.

Paranoid About Head Injuries

2008-11-10T09:55:00.001+08:00

I hit my head HARD on an abnormally low cement doorway Saturday night. After massaging the affected part of my skull, I did a neuro test that doctors performed once on me when I was complaining of dizziness. My diagnosis was that I had nothing to worry about. I could touch my nose with the tip of my finger.

I think I'm the most paranoid person on earth when it comes to injuries to the brain. Alex had undergone a brain operation when she was only 6 months old because of a blood clot. No mother can ever forget that harrowing experience.

So when the pain had not totally gone away 24 hours after the accident, I began to worry. The pain was on and off, but thankfully, tolerable. So after airing GMA Weekend Report, I went to the hospital around 1:30am of Monday. The doctors found it amusing when I shared my "layman's diagnosis" with them. I even performed the fingertip-to-the-nose test again in front of them without being told.

Well, after undergoing several tests - shrugging my shoulders, pushing and pulling with my arms and legs, rolling my eyeballs to follow the doctors' fingers - this time, officially performed by doctors, my initial layman's diagnosis was confirmed. I had nothing to worry about. They said they could order a CT scan, if only to appease my paranoia. After thinking about it for about a minute, I decided it was best to just go home.

Well, it's Monday afternoon and the headaches are back. I just hope the pain killer the doctors prescribed would take effect immediately. I'm still under observation until 7 tonight.

Life Crammed in a To-Do List

2008-11-10T09:28:00.000+08:00

I found this list tacked to a wall in the living room. It's Gabby's To-Do List for Monday to Friday. I wish life were as simple as 1. palit damit; 2. eat; 3. computer; 4. assignment; and 5. PS2 - Sims2.

I saw the list as I continued to ponder what Gabby had asked me earlier, "Mommy, happy ba ang life mo?" If only for her and Alex, I answered, "Yes!" without wasting a millisecond.

Now, maybe I should write my own To-Do List...

Quotable Quote

2008-10-28T21:08:00.000+08:00

"i know a place where God talks to people more than once a day and it's in a mental assylum. when you talk to God, that's prayer. when God talks to you, that's delusion."

I wont identify the person anymore or who he or she was referring to.

Sheez Meez

2008-10-22T19:50:00.000+08:00

Gab: Mommy, gusto mo gawan kita ng account sa meez?

Me: Ano yung meez?

Gab: Hindi mo alam ang meez?!?

Me: Hindi.

Gab: Ano ba yun?!?

Cute pa siya kasi 7 years old pa lang siya. Pag teenager na ang anak ko, ewan ko kung anong magiging takbo ng conversation.

P.S. Alam ko na kung ano ang meez. Pinakita rin ni Gab sa akin. :)

The Continuation

2008-10-03T06:41:00.000+08:00

I was finally able to persuade Gabby to explain her unfinished lesson. Turns out, the teacher cut the lesson short and continued it the next day. But it was only Gabby who thought of writing "to be continued" in her notebook. How she came up with the idea, she refuses to explain.

Still, I ask her to practice writing everyday. And still, she finds excuses not to. Haaay... Pisces e.

To Be Continued

2008-10-01T19:41:00.000+08:00

I was born left-handed. Until first grade, I was confused which hand was my left and which was my right. Whenever my teacher would say raise your right hand, I always hesitated. "It's the one you write with." "Oh," I'd say and confidently raise my left hand. Everyone else in class raised the other hand.

When I was "transitioning" to being right-handed, I'd also have teacher's marginal note in almost every page of my notebooks. "Please improve handwriting."

So when Gabby's preference to write with her left hand became apparent, I encouraged her. Everyone else around me who had an opinion on the subject told me to teach her to write with her right. I said no. Let her be.

Well, Gabby always has a hard time finishing what she has to copy on the blackboard. But she's too lazy to practice at home. So I devised various games, tried to use my charms (duh!) on her, played the role of a stern mother - all to encourage (or maybe force her) to do writing exercises at home. But Gab comes up with excuses everytime.

Just tonight, Grandma told me that Gab again failed to finish copying their lessons on the board. To avoid another sermon from Grandma, Gab wrote at the bottom of the page: TO BE CONTINUED.

Origami? No, Duck!

2008-09-21T10:43:00.000+08:00

Gabby: Mommy, look!
Me: Wow! Origami!
Gab: No, duck!

Ah, siyempre natameme na naman ako. Had to explain to her what origami is. Na-gets naman niya.

Estudyante Blues

2008-09-12T16:01:00.000+08:00

di naman ako umabot sa level na ito. kung may terror na teachers, anong tawag sa mga ganitong estudyante?

baka naman kasi kilala nung estudyante yung engineer, di ba, mam?

zero? eh kung may elepante ngang nakaharang?

di binigyan ni mam ng grade kasi di niya matanggap na estudyante niya, nakaisip na gamitin ang calculus sa pagtukoy sa pagkakakilanlan ni batman tapos siya hindi. bitter!

mabigat ang dinadala ng konsensiya ni mam. nagpatiwakal ang estudyante...

oo nga naman... phenotype phenotype pa kasi e.

eh si mam. second childhood.

in-expand naman a. kulang na nga yung papel e.

o ha!

simpleng-simpleng equation lang ito, mam.

perfect!!! favorite student ko ito...

Sobrang Natawa Ako Rito

2008-09-07T18:30:00.000+08:00

Writing excuse letters is a task I take seriously and one that takes me several minutes to accomplish. I choose my words carefully, aware that my daughters' teachers would surely pass judgement on the work of one in the communication/media industry. The following lines are definitely NOT mine. Lola Weng forwarded this to me and it was so funny, I just couldn't help but share it with friends. Comments in tagalog aren't mine either, except for one in all caps.

Another disclaimer: The following lines were not written by Genie-fer, our "Worlds of Wisdom" girl.

---------------------------------

My son is under a doctors care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
>> hala! Sige. Silya elektrika at bitay. Sabay pa! O kaya ninyo yun?

Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
>>pag nag-absent pala papatayin ka...siyet! Baka may rabies...

Dear School : Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.
>> Ahh grabe to. Nasa kalendaryo pa ang birthday ko kung ganon. Hahaha!

Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.
>> ano daw????

Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days.. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
>> hanapin natin!

John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face. -
>>Bwehehehe. .. la ako masabi... Bwahahaha! Ganito kasi yan. Kinagat
siya ni Lola sa noo sa gigil. Tapos nabali yung ngipin ng pustiso niya. Hahaha!!!

Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
>> Buti pa veins niya. Close sila. Hahahaha!!!

Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.

Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels. -
>> ah.....eh... .i.....ow. ...u....

Please excuse Pedro from being absent yesterday. He had (diahre) (dyrea) (direahe) the shits. [words in ( )s were crossed out.]
>>Sinabi na kasi LBM na lang e. Pasosyal pa kasi.

George was absent yesterday because he missed his bust.
>> So transexual pala si Irving ?

I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I dont know what size she wear.

Sally wont be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her Funeral
>>- Ala e! Mabuhay ang Patay!! Mayroong Himala!!!

Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.
>>- stud service ba yung school nya? baka gremlins siya.

Gloria was absent yesterday as she was having a gangover.
>> Ay grabe! Iba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon. Hahaha!

Maryann was absent December 11-16, because she had a fever, sore throat, headache and upset stomach. Her sister was also sick, fever and sore throat, her brother had a low grade fever and ached all over. I wasnt the best either, sore throat and fever. There must be something going around, her father even got hot last night.
>>hahaha, telenovela.. . bow. Makuwento siya ha... Kulang lang sa pansin... (DI KO MAPIGILANG DI MAG-COMMENT DITO. SI FATHER, HOT TALAGA... AT LAST NIGHT PA.)

Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
>>winner!!!! !!!!!! Ang galing!!!! Puwede rin kaya sa office ito?

Keeping Watch

2008-08-25T10:05:00.000+08:00

It's Dec 18, 1999 all over again but this time, there are no screams of fear, anguish and disbelief accompanied by unabashed crying in the hospital corridors. Now, there are only comforting words of encouragement and waiting in silence outside the Pediatric ICU Waiting Lounge.

Alex was rushed to the hospital today and was confined because of severe asthma attack, high fever and suspicions of pneumonia. Her heart and respiratory rates were double the normal.

As the day progressed, her condition stabilized. In the afternoon, she was talking already, sitting up and was continually asking when she would be allowed to the leave the room "I hate" and when her tubes and IV would be removed.

Gabby visited her in the afternoon. Gab sat by Alex's bedside, doing acrobatics just to plant kisses on her ate's cheek. When we got home, Gab was crying. She was sad without her ate.

Hopefully, tomorrow, Alex would be transferred to a regular room where we can stay even when it's not visiting hours yet.

Facebook Problems

2008-08-18T17:15:00.000+08:00

Am I the only one who's having trouble logging into Facebook? I've tried on two different computers using 3 different browsers. If ever I am successful logging in, I have a hard time opening the applications. What's happening?

Words to Live By?

2008-08-17T10:59:00.000+08:00

Gabby's words of wisdom:

"Mas pangit ang geek sa nerd."

Hmmm... Hope I don't forget.

months-old macbook for sale

2008-08-03T19:57:00.000+08:00

ey, i'm selling. rfs: upgrading to superdrive. pm pls.

13-inch: White
2.1GHz

2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

1GB memory

120GB hard drive

Combo drive

Bongga si Carmen Ronda

2008-08-01T18:43:00.001+08:00

i encounter a lot of security guards/security personnel everyday. two of them, i will never forget.

security personnel #1 works in a private company. after he informed me that the person i was hoping to interview was unavailable, i asked him if there was someone else we could talk to.

"only the secretaries are there," he said. about ten different quips were running through my mind but instead of verbalizing them, i just said thank you.

my favorite is a security guard detailed at one of the entrance gates of a posh subdivision in makati.

guard: pangalan po nila?

i say mine, my cameraman does too. before our assistant cameraman could reply, the guard says, "and the other one is?"

caught offguard, we reply with a very profound, "HUH?!"

I Am Never Going Back to Nail Loft

2008-07-11T14:21:00.000+08:00

I've been a loyal customer of Nail Loft Sct Gandia in QC. Ooops. That should read, "I HAD been a loyal cutomer of Nail Loft..." From today, I am never setting foot there or in any of its other branches.

When there were a lot of customers, I waited patiently for my turn. I never complained when a customer who arrived later than I did was served before I was. But today, my patience ran out.

When I arrived at the salon today, it was dark and their door, which is normally locked, was pulled open. Turned out, their electricity suffered a short. So we were directed upstairs where they normally do the masssages. The room was stifling hot but I didn't mind. The girl who regularly does my nails did my feet first. But she left me when another customer arrived, saying the new customer had set an appointment earlier in the day. She had left instructions with another manicurist to do my hands. I smiled and said it was okay.

The nail polish on my feet had dried already, my daughter had finished writing the alphabet in script five times over and still, I was sitting there patiently. Even though the time I had already spent waiting was longer than the time it would have taken them to do my nails, I kept quiet and didn't complain. Then one of the employees ranted to me and another customer that all the manicurists had forgotten about us on the second floor and that they were busy with customers downstairs. There were no customers downstairs when I arrived. So I checked downstairs. It was a full house. Yup, they did forget about us on the second floor. Yup, they chose to serve the customers who had just arrived. Yup, service was lousy and no one apologized or did anything about it.

So after paying for the lousy service, I left the place, vowing never to return. And I always keep my word.

Kids... Kids.. Kids...

2008-06-29T18:44:00.000+08:00

I asked Gabby, my 7-year-old daughter, to relay a message to my husband downstairs. I was busy on the internet then. Gab had just exited the room but turned to face me and said, "Mommy, mukha ba akong messenger?"

Frank, Frank, Puro na lang Frank

2008-06-23T05:47:00.000+08:00

So I'm back where I was yesterday, at the NAIA. Again, waiting for a flight that this time will bring us directly to our target yesterday. But it seems that fate or destiny or whatever it is that plays tricks on us is keeping me from reaching our destination. After a harrowing experience at the ticketing offices of two airlines, a colleague was able to secure seats for me and my crew for today. But the flight is an hour delayed. At least, the airport's not as crowded as yesterday and people are not as agitated and frustrated.

Frank's Fury

2008-06-22T06:03:00.000+08:00

I'm stuck at the NAIA...

My team and I have been here since past 7am for a 9:25am flight to Kalibo, Aklan. I'm groggy from lack of sleep, having come from GMA Weekend Report which aired from 1am to about 1:20am today. I had about 30 minutes of sleep after packing my suitcase with about 7 days worth of clothes for an assignment that will initially last for 3 days. It's 9:40am and we've just been informed that the plane that will fly us to Kalibo will land at the NAIA at 11am. We are still awaiting the announcement of our departure time. So far, no cancellation of our flight has been announced.

The public address system is blaring with announcements of delayed flights. Same case as ours.

Already, I miss my bed, my pillows, the smell of Gabby's hair and the sound of her snores, Alex's murmurings in her sleep and the constant asthmatic whine of her breathing, Bong's snores...

"Frank" was badgering Metro Manila when I got out of bed this morning, even before the sun rose. The strong wind was whistling, conveying the fury it can still unleash.

Our destination, which is at least 3 hours away from Kalibo, was badly battered by the
storm. At this point in time, I am unsure if we will be able to reach it, having received information that vehicles from the area are unable to travel to Aklan. If they can't get out, then we wouldn't be able to get in either.

Oh, well. I'm comforted by the fact that I am not travelling alone. When I was four months pregnant with my first daughter, I travelled alone to Atlanta, Georgia for a month-long training with CNN. I got snowed-in in Detroit and was forced to sleep on the floor like the other passengers. Can you imagine how hard that is for a pregnant woman? When I finally got to Atlanta, I waited a long time at the airport for my ride. When none came, I realized that the CNN coordinator must've missed my e-mails regarding my arrival. So in the wee hours of the morning, I was forced to take a cab to the hotel where the CNN International Professional Program participants were to check in. The woman cab driver refused to help me with my luggage. I was so stressed out, tired, hungry and frustrated.

Now, at least, there's an unending supply of food and drinks, internet and chika to help me kill time. Maybe, when the massage chair is finally empty, I might try it.

The Waiting Game (Has Ended In The Way Everyone Hoped It Would)

2008-06-17T20:07:00.001+08:00

UPDATED:
The waiting game is over. I breathe a sigh of relief. Competitors we may be but we all move in one industry.

-----------------------------------

Everytime I go on an out-of-town or an out-of-the-country coverage, my mom would always remind me to be careful, ask if my accident insurance is updated and check if I have my inhaler with me. Now that she's in the States with my dad visiting Darcy, the most recent addition to our family, it is my dad who's checking if everything's ok with me at work. My dad's not the showy type. But it is my dad who's now sending me e-mails, expressing their agitation over what happened to the ABS CBN News team and reminding me to take care even if my assignments were just in Metro Manila. (I guess my mom's not techie enough to send me e-mails. Don't tell her I wrote this but her blog was created by my cousin and initially maintained by me.) But of course, I know she's just as concerned as my dad.

As everyone is about the hostages. It's not the first time media people were held hostage by lawless elements but as we play the waiting game, everyone's hoping it will be the last.

Kung Ika'y Hindi Naging Tao, Ano Ka?

2008-06-09T20:00:00.001+08:00

Ako, siguro, band aid. Pantapal sa sugat.
O di kaya'y Vulcaseal.

Sana magara at makinis na sportscar na lang. Kahit sa malayo, hinahangaan. Magasgasan lang ng konti, naghuhuramentado na ang may-ari.

Fingers Crossed

2008-06-04T19:58:00.000+08:00

All of us who write know very well that getting the opening line is the most diffcult in any writing endeavor. But I've written so many opening lines for my personal and office blogs but I got stuck somewhere in the middle. My mind's so cluttered with so many things that I end up clicking the x on the upper write hand corner of every window I opened. Hopefully, writing about it would help me get out of the rut.

Toilet Talk

2008-05-05T14:39:00.000+08:00

http://blogs.gmanews.tv/tina-panganiban-perez/archives/2-Toilet-talk.html

It's where I spend my "ME time." It's where KP draws up inspiration for her scripts. I'm referring to... the bathroom.

Many of us take this "room" for granted but for those who do not have such a facility, being able to sit comfortably while disposing of their bodily functions is an acrobatic act as easy as, say, tiptoeing across a thin rope suspended in the air.

Several years ago, while I was still a beat reporter at the House of Representatives, I covered then House Speaker Jose de Venecia's visit to the MNLF's Camp Abubakar in Maguindanao. I answered the call of nature in the middle of - well, nature. The bathroom girls were allowed to use was made of wood and galvanized iron nailed together under a coconut tree. All of us were looking up the whole time, checking to see if someone was up there looking down on us.

On a recent trip to China, the girls I was with tried to avoid using the public toilets as much as we could. Even in American fastfood chains, the public toilets there are still mostly the squat-type.

In 2006, GMA Network sent me to the East-West Center's Jefferson Fellowship Program. One of our stops was India. As we were travelling to the Taj Mahal, we passed several fields where people "did their thing." They were spread out across the fields, each with his own water container. One man was even bold enough to take a spot by the roadside, his "cheeks" turned towards the passing motorists.

A study funded by the World Bank-Water and Sanitation Program and the United States Agency for International Development or USAID showed that 27 million Filipinos suffer the same fate. They do not have sanitary toilets and improved water sources for maintaining their personal hygiene. Both the World Bank and the USAID said it was an alarming situation. And it is, if you have more than 11,000 Filipinos, mostly children, dying from diarrhea and other water-borne diseases every year.

The French however are lucky. Their public toilets are airconditioned. But you'd have to pay to use them. When J, H and I were in Paris in 2003 to cover President Arroyo, trying out these public toilets was an adventure for us. We scavenged in our bags for coins to drop in the slot. We were like kids, clapping in delight as the door slid open and elbowing one another to get a better view inside.

Now, if only I can go to Japan to try out their high-tech, push button-controlled bathrooms...

Eeeewwww!!!!

2008-04-28T09:39:00.001+08:00

When I was young, my mom would always remind me and my sisters and brother that talking when your mouth is full is unacceptable. Our attention would be called constantly on bad manners that we were unconsciously guilty of. Of course, I passed that on to my daughters.

But lately, I've been noticing a surge of commercials that go against everything my parents told me. One commercial showed a boy dipping his fingers twice in a bowl of food that was to be served to guests; another where a guy was talking while gargling; another where a girl burped, an action that solicited her parents' loving smiles. These are just a few. I'm sure you've noticed them. But am I the only one who's bothered, to say the least, about these commercials?

"Speechless" in China

2008-04-18T13:26:00.001+08:00

Please visit http://blogs.gmanews.tv/tina-panganiban-perez/archives/1-Speechless-in-China.html.

--------------------------------

When I first traveled to China a few years back on official assignment, I didn't expect to encounter problems communicating with the locals. I was part of the media delegation that covered President Arroyo's visit and I knew I would be dealing more with the RTVM (Radio-TV Malacañang) people and the other reporters in the group. A short trip to the tiangge without a Chinese-speaking escort was not a problem - communicating with the vendors was done with a calculator.

When I returned to China a few days ago, I discovered that more Chinese speak English. It is now required in middle school - our equivalent of high school. We also had an escort from the State Council and a tour guide, who both spoke fluent English.

But speaking the English language is not a guarantee that communication would be easy. When my cameraman and I were shooting my stand-upper in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, we were accosted by several policemen and ordered to stop shooting. One of the policemen spoke English. I explained that we were invited by the Chinese Embassy in Manila and that my story was about China's preparations for the Olympics, but the policemen wouldn't hear any of it. The English-speaking policeman simply ordered us to stop and wait while he radioed his superiors. Several tourists gathered around us, curious as to what would happen to us. After several exchanges in Chinese over their two-way radio, the policeman gave us the go-signal to shoot.

Haggling for discounts at stores however was a breeze in all the places we visited - Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Even the peddlers on the streets understood the language although not all ventured to speak it. Some knew a few words in English but preferred to use the calculator.

The signs however were both amusing and confusing. Posted by the steps leading to a restaurant was a sign reading, "Be careful step."

At the entrance to the Great Wall, my companions and I had to think twice about buying souvenirs. The sign on the store said, "Your name carved in stone in 3 minutes." "Parang lapida," said one of the male reporters in our group. As we made our way to the first tower, we ignored a sign that said "Speaking cellphone is strictly prohibited when thunderstorm" because the weather then was fine. But rain or shine, tourists were advised to "pay attention to fireproof."

The tortuous climb up the Great Wall was followed by a sumptuous lunch of Chinese food. Ours was a set menu but the other patrons who decided to partake of the buffet were shown a sign that said, "Buffe breakfast, please take them as what you need in case of wasting, thanks for your cooperation." I felt the sign could also be posted in restaurants in Manila especially now that we are facing a rice crisis.

From Beijing, we traveled to Shanghai. We didn't encounter any difficulty finding the gate where we were to board, thanks to a sign that said, "12 minutes to the farthest gate. Please check your timings."

As precise was a sign in a museum in Shanghai that showed us the way out. "Go straight, turn left about 300 inches." It took the men in the group however a few minutes to compute how far they had to go.

Personalized postcards were also available in an exhibition hall. But the "system for individuation postcard" was not running during our visit. We were satisfied though with the photos we took with our digital cameras.

We also enjoyed our trip to the water village in Zhou Jia Jiao, about an hour away from Shanghai. Some residents sold silk products and we were assured these were genuine because a big sign was posted on the door, saying "Fakely penalize ten. Guarantee both quality and quantity." another store owner was even bold enough to stake her reputation on the products she sold by hanging a sign that read, "I'm sure of it's quality. Can be park of vacuum."

Back in Shanghai, we made a quick trip to a mall near our hotel in search of genuine apple ipods. We found an authorized Apple reseller but the only English sentence that the salesperson spoke was, "Sorry, no English." I was near frustration because I promised my daughters ipod shuffles to make them stop crying when I left for China. And this was the only Apple reseller I found so far. Then I noticed a customer glancing at our direction. When he turned to leave, I asked him if he spoke English. His name was Phillip and yes, he spoke English and would gladly act as interpreter. Not only did he do that, he told his friend to wait for him while he accompanied us to the cashier on another floor of the mall. From there, he went with us to the information desk to get the receipt so I can avail of Apple's international guarantee. And then he walked us back to the outlet and even double-checked if I had the receipt with me. He asked us several times if there was something else he could do for us. I said he had done more than enough and thanked him profusely. I told Phillip, "thank you so much. You're so nice," over and over again and I believe even the salesperson understood.

In Geometric Forms

2008-03-28T20:42:00.000+08:00

Alex was talking non-stop about the people she knows and their talents - including a friend who was allegedly a math whiz. Then she said I was the most talented singer in the world. I'm not, but I was not about to contradict her. Then she ranted about not being a good singer. "Pag kumanta ako, magka-crack ang world in geometric forms."

Ingredients for a Stressful Day

2008-03-19T14:00:00.000+08:00

I took the day off to celebrate my daughter's birthday. It was a peaceful, stress-free day when I got up from bed around noon. I had a wonderful lunch with my two girls.

Then I got on the internet. I was having luck on the Easter Egg Hunt on Facebook's Fluff Friends when my laptop just stopped working. It did not respond to any command or push of any button. Not knowing what to do, I removed the battery - despite the printed warning that I might suffer from electric shock. When I got the laptop working again, I couldn't connect to the internet anymore. I called my provider's hotline then the call got cut.

Then I get a call from A that we might have problems with the venue for my daughter's party on Easter Sunday. The village where the party is to be held declared Sunday "free swimming day." So I might have to share the pool - which I thought we would be able to use exclusively - with the whole village. Then I might have to pay more than what I was initially told.

Then I get a text message that I have to give the office a photocopy of my passport. Like I said, it was my day off and had scheduled several errands for the day and because of the other concerns that came up earlier today, I had finished not one of them. Not one.

So I go to the office with my daughters. I thought my luck had turned when the basement guard allowed me to park there for a few minutes. Then the people at the office were all smiles when they saw my daughters. I also saw A and she said something can be done about the venue and I might be able to pay less than the amount agreed.

Then my girls and I drive to the mall. As we reached the top of the flyover along Edsa, I suddenly lose power. Good thing the car was going fast enough to make it over the top. Then I lose my brake. Good thing I had lost speed then and was able to bring the car to the side of the road. I used the handbrake to make the car stop.

I was not as panicked as I thought I would be in that kind of situation and was able to drive the car home. My daughters agreed to cancel our trip to the mall. No tantrums, no tears - that's how well-mannered they are. I'm just worried about Gabby who said this was an unlucky birthday for her.

I Rock!

2008-03-09T08:54:00.000+08:00

That's what my daughter Gabby told me today over lunch. I forgot what made her think so but hearing her say, "Mommy, you rock!" made my day. I smiled, not knowing what to tell her. And Gab, thinking I didn't believe her, said, "No, mommy. Really! You rock!"

Now, how many mommies can lay claim to that?

I wonder how the "lucky girl" is described by her children and grand children.

UP's No Smoking Policy

2008-02-20T19:15:00.000+08:00

Today was a crazy day. I learned that the whole UP system is now implementing a no-smoking policy. Most of my friends were freaked out. During our time, which wasn’t that long ago (said with touch in cheek!), students weren’t really banned from smoking in the classrooms. Students just opted not to. There was at least one student who lit a cigarette in class, only to be told by the teacher that she can smoke only if she brings her own ashtray. Which she did the next day, which wasn’t really the teacher’s point.

Anyway, what happens now to a smoker stuck inside a UP campus? Does he or she have to drive out of campus to smoke? Are there smoking areas, at least, inside the campus? What about the dormers - can they sneak a light in their rooms? Are there any cigarette vendors left in UP? Is this even fair?

Red Roses for Me, Pink Roses for the Girls

2008-02-14T18:35:00.001+08:00

My Valentine bouquet.

Even though I think celebrating Valentine's Day is cheesy, I still enjoy receiving gifts on that day.

Alex and Gabby each received a bouquet of pink roses from their dad.

It was Gabby's first time to receive roses on Valentine's Day so she was very excited.

Alex was asleep and would see her bouquet the next day.

Why I Don't Celebrate Valentine's

2008-02-13T18:38:00.000+08:00

1. Because the day before, the 13th, is my birthday
2. Because the 2 occasions are too close together, I only get one gift (haha!)
3. Because I think it's cheesy

To all who sent their birthday greetings, thanks so much! I may not have texted you back but I was really touched. Thanks!

Celebrating the Year of the Rat

2008-02-07T14:05:00.000+08:00

I’m so glad my year, the Year of the Pig, is over. I guess there’s some truth to what feng shui experts say that you’re unlucky in your year. Because on the first day of the Year of the Rat, one of the thorns - a P50 million thorn - that I had to endure during the latter part of the Year of the Pig was finally resolved! Woohoo! Celebrations are in order.

When Life Mirrors Fiction

2008-01-24T19:12:00.000+08:00

There are stories that you come back to, no matter how many times you've read them. On my list is Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez. It may have been written even before my grandparents were born or when they were still babies, but the story could easily have been about me or you or anyone we know. The emotions that drove the author's hand to write the story had been mine - and my friends' - at one moment in our lives.

I'd so love to quote parts of the story, especially the ending - which left me reminiscing about things that don't matter anymore (or maybe never really mattered but I was just too young and blinded at the time to realize it or accept it) - but for fear of copyright infringement or violating intellectual property rights, I won't. But through the wonder that is the internet, you can share my love for the story.

Gab is sad. Thank goodness for sinigang

2008-01-17T08:34:00.000+08:00

Gab (with a sad face): Mommy, narinig ko lang ito sa news.
Me: Ano yan, nak? Saang news? Sa 24 Oras?
Gab: Sa news. Sabi mali raw kayo.
Me: Sa (you-know-what) yan ano?
Gab: Oo. Mali raw ang GMA.
Me: That's not true, baby. Anong naramdaman mo? Nagalit ka ba?
Gab: Oo.
Me: Bat ka galit, nak?
Gab: Kasi sinisisi kayo.
Me: Gusto mo ikuwento ko sa iyo yung tungkol dito?
Gab: Sige. Pero eat muna ako ng sinigang.

Lessons learned:
1. 6-year olds watch and understand the news, and are affected by it.
2. Sinigang is an effective potion to cure a 6-year old's sadness.

Vanity Gallore

2008-01-06T17:44:00.000+08:00

More pics up on my multiply and facebook. Videos also on my multiply. From the UPIS '87 reunion, the mini reunion at Diday's and Johnray's birthday celeb.

Nakakatamad kasing mag-post dito nang isa-isa.

UPIS B'87 Reunion

2008-01-02T17:21:00.000+08:00

Pics are on a lot of batchmates' websites. On multiply, they're on mine, bubuy balangue's and tintin benedicto-rosales'. Others posted on flickr. I also posted on facebook. Go na!

GMA Coop Christmas Party 2007

2007-12-24T22:20:00.000+08:00

This photo was taken before my name was picked in the raffle. All smiles pa kami, hoping we'd win something. It was the first time in my stay in GMA that my name was ever picked in a raffle!

GMA Weekend Report Christmas Party 2007

2007-12-24T01:38:00.000+08:00

Ito ang mga taga-GMA Weekend Report, ang mga nagpupuyat ng weekends - panahon ng gimmick para sa marami - para makapaghatid ng serbisyong totoo.

Dahil minsan lang makapagpa-photo opp sa studio, ninamnam na ang moment...

Kanina, puno pa ang mga lalagyan a...

Sarap ng pansit!

Anong nangyari sa bbq?

Bbq suspects?

Raffle na!

Bunot!

Ang mga winner... nang-iinggit pa!

Ang mga masasayang loser!

Christmas

2007-12-23T17:06:00.000+08:00

Like my daughters, I'm counting the minutes to when I could open my gifts already. It's not that I'm materialistic, I just hate surprises.

Taxi Ride

2007-12-07T20:12:00.000+08:00

Several weeks ago, as we were driving back to the office, my crew and I witnessed a lesbian couple in the cab in front of us making out in the back seat. They were oblivious to the moderately moving Edsa traffic as they went about their business.

Just tonight, I witnessed something more horrendous - a couple in the backseat of a cab with their faces almost glued together. I thought they were like the first couple sharing an intimate moment in an inappropriate venue. But a few seconds later, I saw the guy's fist coming down on the girl, over and over, his action rocking the cab side to side. The guy would stop hitting the girl only long enough to glare at her and fix his shirt. The cab driver didn't do anything! He didn't try to stop the guy or even slow down and threaten to throw the guy out. Nothing! Maybe he was worried about the fare and not meeting the "boundary". Sheesshhh... And the girl didn't even try to fight back or even try to stop her boyfriend from hitting her.

I've never seen anything like that. I've interviewed battered women but I've never seen them actually being beaten up. If our car had only caught up to the cab, I would've at least glared at the guy to let him know we saw what he did and that we certainly didn't approve of it. And maybe I would've signaled to the cab driver to bring the girl to the nearest police station or hospital.

My daughters also witnessed the incident. I told them what the boy did was bad. My 6-year old daughter, who was seated on my lap, merely nodded her head. She knows hitting is bad - she doesn't even fight back when she's bullied in school. Maybe it's because I "spare the rod" and opt to talk to them instead. It's just disconcerting that no matter how I try to shield them from the evils in this world, evil will always even out the score.

My New Mantra

2007-12-02T17:33:00.000+08:00

It's strange how a single incident can change your perspective. That single moment on November 29 at the lobby of the Manila Pen has diffused my earlier belief that bad luck shall accompany me until the end of the Year of the Pig. Thank you, God!

So with positive thinking, I think I can survive my year, the Year of the Pig.

It Just Isn't My Year

2007-11-21T19:02:00.000+08:00

Call me superstitious but I check my Chinese Zodiac prediction every Chinese New Year. And I dread the time every 12 years when we welcome the Year of the Pig (or the Boar, as some of my friends born in this year would prefer to say). Why? Because I was born in the Year of the Pig.

The Year of the Pig may be auspicious for some - the Pig's plumpness symbolizing fortune, wealth and abundance - but not for those born in the said year. I read this somewhere. And it works for Dogs in the Year of the Dog, for Dragons in the year of the Dragon, and so on.

We're only a few months away from the Year of the Rat and I, being genetically predisposed to impatience and obsessive-compulsive behavior, can't help but start a mental countdown to February. (Well, that's also my birth month so I'm naturally excited.)

Recent events in my life, both within and beyond my control, as well as a conversation I had with other Pigs today have bolstered my belief that you're unlucky in your Chinese Zodiac Year (or whatever it's called). I'd rather not get into details - first, because my mental stability might be affected by memories I'd rather push back in my head and second, because I'm running low on Ventolin and the car's not here to bring me to the nearest hospital in case I have another stress-induced asthma attack. Suffice it to say that these events are not easily forgotten and it may take me a while to live through their consequences. And I'm even doing better than my other Pig friends.

I am however proud to be a Pig (or a Boar). (Is it worth mentioning that PGMA is also a Pig/Boar?) Pigs are chivalrous, gallant, honest, straightforward, modest, trustworthy and with big hearts (probably from too much cholesterol). Pigs don't push ahead if it means standing on other people's toes. Pigs are the best friends you can ever have! If you don't believe me, you can always Google the Pig's traits.

Enjoying the Day

2007-11-19T13:03:00.000+08:00

It's a quarter to 4pm and I'm wondering where the day went. I just got out of bed and I'm still feeling sleepy, most probably from oversleeping. This is one of those rare times when I don't have to go to work. I took the day off to catch up on sleep and recharge, like a cellphone battery - and that's exactly what I did.
I'm enjoying the day. Now, what's for breakfast?

Borderline

2007-11-16T22:06:00.000+08:00

Borderline is my all-time favorite Madonna song. If there's a "girl song," this would be it. So imagine my surprise, and the laughter that ensued, when I, my sisters and parents learned it was also the favorite of my two brothers-in-law.

Facebook

2007-11-11T11:59:00.000+08:00

I've been neglecting my blogs because of facebook. Find me there so I can toss you some hot potatoes, beachballs and beads; so I can send you a growing plant, a hatching egg or a Christmas gift; and race your fluff friend so I can earn some munny.

profile.to/tinapperez

Genie-fer and Jay

2007-10-14T12:22:00.000+08:00

Introducing Jay, Genie-fer's boyfriend. Ang sweet nila, no?

Don't You Miss...

2007-10-10T12:47:00.000+08:00

Bagets?

Shake, Rattle and Roll?

Working Girls?

Temptation Island?

Pretty in Pink?

The Breakfast Club?

16 Candles?

To Post Jay's Picture or Not...

2007-10-07T17:02:00.000+08:00

The final reveal of Genie-fer will come sooner than Undas. But don't you think it's unfair to unmask Genie-fer without revealing who Jay is? Jay, as in Genie-fer's boyfriend "Hi, I'm the way, I'm Jay".

So far, two people have voted to post Jay's picture too. One is against it. What's your vote?

More Photos of Genie-fer

2007-10-03T19:59:00.000+08:00

Freeze your eyes on these! I'm surely a sight for more eyes. No wonder Jay is head over wheels in love with me.

Well, there's more to me than hits the eye.

Genie-fer's Back!!!

2007-09-30T13:05:00.000+08:00

I'm back to back with a vengeance. Better late than ever. I was busy as a bu-sy. I hope that come one may, absence made your heart grow down there. I got sped up with so many things that's why I had to give me a break. You know, it's a doggie dog world out there.

So anyway, I heard it from the grave vine that people are saying I'm just a pigment of some people's imagination. Well, to tell with it. I'm a real person. So I will proof it. Here's my picture.

Stain tuned for the big refill!

Heroes Season 2

2007-09-25T20:23:00.000+08:00

It's up! The first episode of the second season. And a few minutes into the episode, there are already new characters introduced.
Although my favorite character is Hiro, my hero really is Eden. If I were to have powers, I'd want hers. I was so disappointed when her character died in season 1.
Can't wait to see how this season turns out. I just hope this show isn't like the other shows where the further you go into the story, the more seasons they have, the more confused and disappointed viewers become.
Like LOST. Now, the problem with this show is, I feel they're so off tangent from where the original group of writers wanted to bring the story. Do you read the credits? I sometimes do. And the names on the last season weren't the same names in the previous two seasons. It's like the writers are making the story up one episode at a time. They introduce characters that they kill after 2 or 3 eps. Clearly, the writers are not following an outline. And if they are, they change it every story con.
I hope Heroes will be different, that it will be able to keep its viewers glued to the screen, that the story will unravel logically and beautifully. Like future Hiro piecing all the events in season 1 together and tying them all on several threads that come together at one single point.

HEROES SEASON 2

2007-09-23T18:01:00.000+08:00

It's just a few hours to the pilot of Heroes Season 2 and I can't wait to watch it. Now, the question is: Will it be aired in the Phils on the same day as it would air in the US? If not, will there be kind souls out there who would upload it right away?

TOXIC!!!

2007-09-22T06:34:00.000+08:00

sa sobrang toxic ng life, di ko na alam ano nangyari kay genie-fer, sa boyfriend niyang si jay, ang nemesis nilang si ex-girlfriend and her nurse boyfriend walter. baka naman makasalubong nyo sila, pakisabi, magparamdam na...

The Nerd!

2007-09-09T19:58:00.000+08:00

To read the complete article, please click on this link.

Inquirer Opinion / Columns

BETWEEN DEADLINES
Between Deadlines : Clueless in Congress, and the same alma mother

Inquirer

Posted date: September 01, 2007

That famous email. If you have an email account, chances are you’ve gotten at least one copy of a hilarious short story stitched together from Filipino-English malapropisms, the one that begins: “We’ve been friends for a long time ago. We come from the same alma mother.”

As it turns out, “A Love Story” (re-titled “The?!” in some emails, “You’re barking at the wrong leg” in others) was written as a joke by GMA Network news reporters Tina Panganiban-Perez, Kara David, Ruth Cabal, Joseph Morong, Nelson Canlas and Aubrey Carampel. Gosh, you never can tell.

Some of the malapropisms, connect me if I am wrong, can be traced to a beauty queen, an actress-turned-politician, even a former President. But most of those included in what is possibly the year’s most forwarded email were coined by these creative journalists while killing time in coverage or waiting for interviews. (Yes, it’s true good to be true.)

Reporters on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) beat saw it start. Once, barred from entering the Palacio del Gobernador building to cover Lintang Bedol’s first appearance before the commission after his arrest, they fumed when another reporter managed to sneak into the Comelec building. Under the searing midday sun, Panganiban-Perez quipped: “‘Pag nakita natin siya sa taas, sabihin natin: ‘Well, well, well, look do we have here...’”

It was enough to crack up the agitated group, and other malapropisms were exchanged the rest of the day. By evening, Perez texted her colleagues a partial list of “Worlds of Wisdom.” A few days later came the first version (as conceptualized by David) of “A Love Story.”

The group later uploaded a longer version of the story on to their personal websites and blogs. Then it began to circulate on the Internet, reaching Vancouver, Hong Kong and Bangkok, among many other cities -- without any attribution, however, to the authors or their websites. The nerd!

Issues over intellectual property rights notwithstanding, the group composed a sequel, titled “Sinetch si Jeff,” and then a pressed release from “Genie-fer,” the lovestruck girl in the first story, in a spirited defense of, well, her use of the English language.

“A Love Story” continues to gain in popularity. As for the authors, let’s cut them some slacks. Perez said she and her friends want to make it known that they can speak good, grammatically correct English. “Worlds of Wisdom” is simply a diversion, albeit one that has become a rebounding success. N. Dizon

Dance to the Beat!!! (Edited)

2007-09-05T17:29:00.000+08:00

friday nice and delights i know

you can out for a place to go

wanna play the night music

get it in the swing

you're in the mood for a king

anybody can see that, hi!

nighties hung and the musics sigh

wanna be the rock music

everything is mine

you're in the mood romance

and when you get the trance...

you can the dance and queen

younger swing

only seven things

dance and queen

feed the beat from the trampoline

oh yeah

you can dance

you can dive

i've been the time of your life

oooohhhh

be that girl

watch that king

digging the dance and queen...

you can tease her

you turn them all

live them warmer and then you're gone

you can out for a mother

anyone we do

you ran the mood for dance

and when you get the trance...

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

2007-09-01T15:33:00.000+08:00

My friends at work and I are on the Inquirer today. And I have Nikko Dizon of PDI to thank for that. I was extremely excited when she called to inform me that she would be submitting an article to her newspaper on our "Worlds of Wisdom" and the short stories we were able to conjure from these mangled English phrases and idioms. Sources may see Nikko as a very serious and competent reporter but she has a crazy side as well, a part that's not embarrassed to laugh out loud and act crazy.

Push Pins on my Map

2007-08-25T16:48:00.000+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is B+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

This is the second time I took this test but I was too embarassed to post my grade the first time. I was hoping my grade would improve or I'd at least get an A- this time. But my grade's unchanged. Come to think of it, B+ isn't that bad. I've visited most of the places on my must-see list like Sagada (though I must return one of these days to complete my aborted adventure), Palawan especially El Nido (the resort I stayed in burned down several years ago) and Pagudpud (it was a very short stay). One entry remains unchecked though - Tawi-Tawi, believe it or not.

Pressed Release of Genie-fer, Author of Worlds of Wisdom

2007-08-23T11:02:00.000+08:00

I heard from the grave vine that a lot of persona ingrata and flawless elements have been making fun of me and my worlds of wisdom, aka WOW. Kumalat na raw sa word wild web ang love story ko. Bina-back mouth daw ako in more ways than once. Now, I feel I am the loving stock of society. I'm sorry, connect me if I'm wrong. Livestock pala. Akala nyo wrong grammar ako? Well, guess watch! I'm sped up already. You will never put one on top of me. Di nyo ako maiisahan. Over my deadly buddy! My circle and my family says wag ko na raw patulan. Much a dude about nothing daw. I guest it's the prize you have to pay for infamy. Ika nga nila, no pay, no gain. Money makes the word go around. But I made some sore searching. And I realize I have to protect my self and steam. I have to speak of and brake my silent. Hey, wait a minute, mr. post-it! For your intervention, edukado ako, no! Speaking english is a piece of steak for me. After all, I have a master's decree and a doctor ate my english. That's the truth and consequence! Come one may. I'm tired na so let's call it a day a day. So where!!!

Sing With Me Now

2007-08-20T21:32:00.000+08:00

In the tradition of the now-extremely-popular "Worlds of Wisdom", which I hope people would credit to myself, KP, AR, JT, N and A, I now bring you...

A LOVE SONG

Where the King Hen, Queen of Tarts
Only when the musicals
Oh my dreams can too
And I dance with you.
From it's me you mine tonight
I will wait in line tonight
Light the lights are low
I never met you know.
Dream I dream that we danced forever
Did I wish that we made together
What a night that afraid would never end
No is not I imagination
Or a part of the your frustration
Love was here at the corner nation
I'm the King Hen
You're the Queen of Tarts...

Super Talented Daughter

2007-08-14T18:17:00.000+08:00

Beloved Mom (that's me): Nak, nahanap ko na kung saan lumipat yung parlor na pinupuntahan ko.

Super Talented Daughter (Gab): Saan?

Me: Sa Visayas Avenue.

Gab: Visayas!?! (Her grade 1 class was earlier taught about Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. So she knows how far Visayas, the region, is.)

Me: No, nak. Visayas Avenue. That's different from Visayas. Punta kaya ako dun sa parlor?

Gab: Di na dun sa isa?

Me: Ayoko na dun e. Di maganda gumupit yung girl.

Gab: Di PROFESSIONAL?

I just had to laugh at Gab then, at how the conversation flowed. Professional... Like dietician, another of Gab's big words.

Not Part 3

2007-08-12T18:35:00.000+08:00

I'm still in a state of shocked because people keep telling me about the "Worlds of Wisdom" without knowing that I and my creative but twisted friends are behind the list. Na-culture shot talaga ako, especially when W told me about a funny list of English words. At forwarded pa sa kanya ng isang congressman. The nerd! Copying us in more ways than once! And not telling the source. It's our intellectual property rights ha!

On another hand, I just told my friends to look as is this way - that a lot of people like the list. That maybe we are really the apple of their thigh even though they don't know it's us. That last but not at least, maybe those who know we wrote them will tell the others. Sana nga no? They should put it in the proper firstpective kasi. Kasi it's really a piece of steak for us to think about these wonderful "Worlds of Wisdom." It comes in a snack! Just like that! I just don't want people to back mouth me and my friends e. So before I get sped up with people not mentioning us, these people who forward the "Worlds of Wisdom" should be warned and be prepared to face the rat of us women thorned. Ang dami kasing bigger beaver! The nerd talaga! Kairita!

O siya. I'm tired na. Let's call it a day, a day.

Worlds of Wisdom

2007-08-11T12:02:00.000+08:00

Forwarding our "Worlds of Wisdom" thru text and e-mail continues. And still without attribution. The nerd talaga of some people. But we all know whose creative but twisted minds those now-famous "Worlds of Wisdom" are from...

As we say, keep intact for the late update on "A Love Story" and "Sinetch Si Jeff?" only here on this blog. I'll keep you post-it!

Sinetch Si Jeff? (A Love Story Part 2)

2007-08-07T19:53:00.000+08:00

I thought Jay’s ex-girlfriend was really out of our lives. But heaven only goes that I was wrong. Kakakasal pa lang namin nun when Jay received a uninamous text. “Meet me at the clinic.” I had a stinking feeling in my butt. I told him not to go. It might in danger him. Pero sabi niya, ok lang daw because life is what we make. Tumahimik lang ako. Sabi niya, “Penny for you talks.” But I didn’t know what to say. Beggars can't be losers. Isa pa, worried talaga ako na baka yung girl yun. Jay said, “Can’t got your tongue?” I tried to smile at him. Kahit di ako nagsalita, actions speak louder than works, di ba?

Be that as is may, umalis pa rin siya. I was out of the loophole. After a few hours, I called him on his cellphone. But my calls fell on Jeff’s ears. Lalo akong nag-worry kasi I didn’t even know Jeff. Sabi na nga ba di na dapat umalis si Jay. That’s what I’m talking about it.

So I tried calling some friends who will help me find Jay. That’s what friends are for naman di ba? But I just faced a blank mall. I had to do this alone. Nag-taxi na lang ako. Pero ang mahal na pala ng plug down rate.

When I got to the clinic, the security was really buffed up. Di basta-basta makakapasok. So I said, “I beg your cordon. I’m patient. It’s my favorite virtue nga e.” Nagduda yata yung isang guard. Hinawakan ako sa arm. The nerd! I shouted, “Don’t touch me not!” Buti na lang the other guards were nice and said, “Come on, let’s join us.”

When I went inside, parang I’ve been there, done there. Nung walang nakatingin, nag-explore ako. Nakarating ako sa top floor and I had a bird’s IQ of the clinic. I could not explain it but I was drawn to a room on the floor. Siguro Divine Intermission na yun.

Parang may narinig akong umuungol. I was thorn. Di ko alam kung aalis ba ako o papasukin ko. It made me stick in the stomach to think that Jay and his ex-girlfriend were there. I tried to tell myself to slower my expectations. But to tell with it! I had to strike while the iron is not. I had to hear the truth from the corpse's mouth. I barraged in. O my gas! Si Jay, naka-strap sa operating table, parang genie pig sa isang nakakatakot na experiment. He was on the cutting edge. He was bleeding. At ang doctor na nagpapahirap sa kanya, ang ex-girlfriend niya at ang bago nitong boyfriend, ang nurse na si Walter. Doon ko napatunayang blood is thicker than Walter.

Guess watch? Di ko alam kung paano ko nagawa pero I was able to search and rescue Jay. Siguro adrenaline brush na yun.

Now, he’s recovering. Nag-sorry siya na hindi siya nakinig sa akin. I know it’s a better pill to swallow your pride so it’s forgive and forget me not. All swell that end swell. I know we should kiss and put on makeup.

Ang ex-girlfriend naman niya at si Walter, nakakulong na. Detention is really better than cure. So the moral of the lesson is: if symptoms persist, insult your doctor.

A Love Story (Originally conceived by KP)

2007-07-31T11:04:00.000+08:00

We' ve been friends for a long time ago. We come from the same alma mother. Actually, our paths crossed one time on another. But it's only now that I gave him a second look. I realized that beauty is in the eyes. The pulpbits of my heart went fast, really fast. Cute pala siya. And then, he came over with me. He said, "I hope you don't mine. Can I get your number?" Nag-worry ako. What if he doesn't give it back? He explained naman na it's so we could keep intact daw. Sabi ko, connect me if i'm wrong but are you asking me ouch? Nabigla siya. Sagot niya, The! Aba! Parang siya pa ang galit! Persona ingrata!!! Ang kapal niya! I cried buckles of tears.

Na-guilty yata siya. Sabi niya, isipin mo na lang na this is a blessing in the sky. Irregardless daw of his feelings, we'll go ouch na rin. Now, we're so in love. Mute and epidemic na ang past. Thanks God we swallowed our fried. Kasi, I'm 33 na and I'm running our time. After 2 weeks, he plopped the question. "Will you marriage me?" I'm in a state of shocked. Kasi mantakin mo, when it rains, it's four! This is true good to be true. So siyempre, I said yes. Love is a many splendor.

Pero nung inaayos ko na ang aming kasal, everything swell to pieces. Nag-di-dinner kami noon nang biglang sa harap ng aming table, may babaeng humirit ng, "Well, well, well. Look do we have here." What the fuss! The nerd ng babaeng yon! She said they were still on. So I told her, whatever is that, cut me some slacks! I didn't want this to get our hand kaya I had to sip it in the bud. She accused me of steeling her boyfriend. Ats if! I don't want to portrait the role of the other woman. Gosh, tell me to the marines! I told her, "please, mine you own business!" Who would believe her anyway?

Dahil it's not my problem anymore but her problem anymore, tumigil na rin siya ng panggugulo. Everything is coming up daisies. I'm so happy. Even my boyfriend said liketwice. He's so supportive. Sabi niya, "Look at is this way. She's our of our lives."

Kaya advise ko sa inyo - take the risk. You can never can tell. Just burn the bridge when you get there. Life is shorts. If you make a mistake, we'll just pray for the internal and external repose of your soul. I second emotion.

Sing Along....

2007-07-27T08:20:00.000+08:00

First a disclaimer: this was forwarded to me by a friend.

---------

Valer kuberch kahit jutay

Ang julamantrax donchi ay anek-anek

nyongkamas at nutring, nyogarilyas at kipay

Nyitaw, nyotaw, jutani

Kundol, jutola, jupo't jolabastrax

At mega join-join pa jobanox, nyustasa

Nyubuyax, nyomatis, nyowang at luyax

and around the keme ay fullness ng lingga.

"Worlds of Wisdom"

2007-07-24T20:55:00.000+08:00

I received an e-mail from an old friend about funny english phrases that were purportedly uttered by the actress whose brother is not a book. Let me clarify that most of the lines, which appear below, are products of my and my friends' creative though sometimes discombobulated minds. They first appeared on JT's blog. We texted the lines to a few friends, who may have forwarded them to others and may have wrongly attributed them to the actress.

So, here are the phrases which we dubbed worlds of wisdom:

The nerd?! (usually uttered in disgust)

The! (usually said with one eyebrow raised)

Persona ingrata (to whom you say "the nerd!" and "the!")

Whatever is that! (when you're arguing with someone and you know you've been proven wrong but won't admit it)

Look at is this way... (to enlighten someone)

Connect me if I'm wrong (when you want to be enlightened)

I hope you don't mine (when asking a favor)

This is getting our hand (when things are out of your control)

I want to portrait that role (from an aspiring actress)

I'll burn the bridge when I get there (what else is there to do when you get to the bridge anyway?)

Life is what you make (of course it is)

Ats if! (something like THE?!)

It's a blessing in the sky (well then, we should be grateful)

You can never can tell (it's really hard to predict things)

Mute and epidemic (well then, there's no need to argue anymore)

Alma mother (your school)

I second emotion (I third)

Cut me some slacks! (so, shorts ito?)

Well, well, well. Look do we have here... (said with arms crossed in front of you, one eyebrow raised, one foot tapping on the ground)

When it rains, it's four (is that the same as "it's raining cats and dogs, aren't they?")

It's not my problem anymore. It's your problem anymore. (could be a response to "it's raining cats and dogs, aren't they?")

Tell me to the marines (when you're not convinced)

True good to be true (could be a blessing in the sky)

Love is a many splendor (it sure is)

Beauty is in the eyes (where else would it be?)

KP, who came up with most of these lines, also authored a short story using these "worlds of wisdom."

But that's for tomorrow's blog.

Anech itech?

2007-07-23T18:02:00.000+08:00

Mudra, fudra, gestong kez kronapey

Sisterette, brotherloo, gestong kez frafey

Lahat ng gestong kez ay kemer kemerlu

Ang magwi-wiz ay pipingutin kez.

Got this as a text message from a friend. Cracked me up. Alam nyo ba kung ano ito? Baka nilaro nyo ito nung bata pa kayo.

Heroes

2007-07-18T18:51:00.000+08:00

If you were a hero (as in like one of the characters on the show Heroes), which power would you want to have?

When I was younger, I'd always say the power to become invisible. Now, I think I'd prefer the power of persuasion.

In the Midst of Another Attack

2007-07-15T19:33:00.000+08:00

To quit or not to quit

That is the question

Whether 'tis nobler to still smoke yet suffer

The pains and wheezes of an asthmatic affliction

Or to take drugs against a sea of attacks

And by quitting smoking end them?

Building a Network of Friends

2007-07-10T22:53:00.000+08:00

Name it, I've either been invited to it or I'm on it - Friendster, My Space, Multiply, Facebook, Tagged. Though I don't update the others as often as the rest, they're still worth checking out.

"Flames to dust, Lovers to friends"

2007-07-10T00:28:00.001+08:00

ALL GOOD THINGS (COME TO AN END)

"Why do all good things come to an end?"

I found myself asking this question after hearing a cut of the song's chorus on CSI:NY tonight, where Nelly Furtado guested.

We've asked ourselves the same over and over, whenever a beautiful relationship ended in a bitter goodbye, whenever the people we hold dear leave us, whenever fun turned to tears. The answers are usually hard to come by, especially if we are the ones left hanging. And once we find the answers, they're even harder to accept.

"Flames to dust, Lovers to friends..."

Midnight Musings

2007-07-06T20:25:00.000+08:00

Chabelita lies naked between me and Gabby, the dishevelled clump of brown yarn that is her hair touches my face and makes it itch. I hold Chabelita by the torso and move her to the headboard after I tuck the cotton in the middle of her round face inside the hole left by what had been her tiny nose. I laugh a little as I gaze at the red drawings on Chab's body, particularly Gab's drawing of a girl on the doll's arm. "Best friend niya yon," Gab explained when I asked her about it. "Para lagi niyang kasama. Hindi siya mag-isa." Another time, Gab said it was a drawing of herself. She said she was Chab's mommy.

Gab received Chabelita as a gift from my mom. I forgot when - maybe two or three years ago. "Chabelita" had been stitched across the doll's jumper and that was how Gab chose the doll's name.

Now, brown patches from food stains and grime that can't be removed by washing now mark Chab's once-flushed face. Her jumper has gone missing. Spots of flesh-colored cloth on her head grow bigger everyday as more and more strands of brown yarn fall off. The white thread that keeps her head attached to her body has become gray and has started to unravel in more than one place. But Gab's attachment to the doll has not diminished. She refuses to part with it or replace it with a new doll. She dresses Chab in her baby clothes, embraces it when she sleeps, lets it sit on her lap or beside her when she watches tv and brings it along when we go out of the house.

Could this be maternal instinct kicking in at a very early age or does this mirror how we treat the people we love? Because no matter what happens, no matter how "ugly" (and not just physically) our loved ones become, love will always act as the thread that keeps us forever attached to them.

Of Allergies, Respiratory Diseases and "Stick" Necks

2007-06-27T21:19:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again when people with allergies drop down one by one, the reason different in every case, the allergen unique to the individual. Mine is simple - a change in weather. As early as Friday last week, I knew - felt - that I'd be sick enough one of these days to take at least a day off from work. While many were downing beer, vodka, gin or whatnot, I had my good old reliable bottle of Bactidol to give me at least a few hours of relief from an itchy throat. Although the relief was short-lived, no one sensed my discomfort.

But everything went from bad to worse from Saturday onwards. Ventolin didn't silence the wheezing sound everytime I breathed - or attempted to breathe - and didn't remove that feeling of having a ride-on compactor (pison) on my chest. I kept waiting for that "yeaahhh" feeling that comes about 1 or 2 seconds after a puff but all I felt was the need to puff again... and again... and again. Monday, I had to pause after every 3 words to catch my breath. Tuesday, I couldn't even get out of bed. And then, Budesonide. My new best friend. But my cough was still bad and I had caught a cold then so I had to take Wednesday off too. Add to all that a stiff neck so bad that a slight twitch in my arm would send a million pain signals that made me see black and almost caused me to pass out. A "stick" neck, as my babies called it, is a regular occurrence to me as I don't move when I sleep. But this morning's, despite 1,500mg of painkillers, was one of the worst I had to endure. It's already early morning of Thursday and the pain in my neck is still pestering me.

So now I lay me down to sleep... and pray that morning will bring relief...

Goodbye

2007-06-10T18:14:00.000+08:00

Papa Dioneng has joined Mama Luisa in heaven. My mother-in-law, her siblings and Bong's cousins are comforted by the knowledge that he lived a full and satisfying life.

An Ethereal Visitor

2007-06-08T23:46:00.000+08:00

I've been staring at the computer monitor for about 30 minutes now, trying to ignore the chit-chat and high-pitched giggles of Alex and Gab. I've been writing sentences and erasing them, unsure of what to write. I guess I'm still shaken up by my mother-in-law's matter-of-fact declaration that maybe her dad's time on this earth is about to expire. She says she'd happily accept whatever God wills for my grandfather-in-law - "he's lived a full life anyway." What gave me chills was her revelation that her long-departed mom - Mama Luisa - had been visiting her dad these past few days.

Papa was served bread at breakfast yesterday. As he savored the fare, he asked that bread be also served to Luway, his pet name for Mama Luisa. Luway, he said, was seated beside him and had been a constant visitor lately.

Papa's in the hospital now, hooked up to a respirator. I pray he gets better.

Insomniacs

2007-06-06T21:32:00.000+08:00

Countdown to Alex and Gab's first day in school for SY 2007-2008. Spent my one-week leave last week buying school supplies, wrapping notebooks in plastic and cajoling my daughters to go back to their normal sked - meaning, bedtime at 9pm. June 12 is D-day and still they continue to spend nights on the internet (tonight's rare - I get to use the computer), playing PS2 or dressing up their dolls. Bedtime is still 3am (unless "Grenma" says otherwise or Daddy checks up on them). Guess I must stop being the spoiler...

Eeeooowww!!!

2007-06-01T00:28:00.000+08:00

Been on leave since Monday. Been a long time since had time off work. No rest though. Did errands - mostly for my kids.
And when it's almost over, something happens to my eye and the part of my face just below it gets puffy. Thought I saw a tiny lump inside. Can feel it against my eyeball. Like my daughters say, "Eeeooowww!" Kinda itchy. Scared to go to the doctor. Waiting for it to heal itself.

Darn Virus

2007-05-24T23:55:00.000+08:00

Caught a cold virus early this week. Was feeling really bad. Head throbbing, nose runny, throat very sore, was slightly deaf, sleepy... Did the usual to make it go away. Won't elaborate. Didn't involve any alcoholic drinks but doctors would surely object.

Feeling guilty coz passed on the virus to Gab. Drank from my glass. Was running a very high fever last night. Breathing difficult. Nose stuffy. Poor baby.

When Roles are Reversed

2007-05-19T15:22:00.000+08:00

I fell hard on my butt a day or two after the elections. I had stepped back on some stacked plastic file-keepers and after landing on my butt, I also hit my back on the metal frame of Alex's bed. Alex shouted "Mommy!" while running towards me, her worry evident in her voice as she watched me writhing in pain on the floor. She immediately knelt beside me and massaged my back. And despite knowing that the lights downstairs had all been turned off, she told me to wait while she got some ice from the freezer. I told her to just stay beside me and massage my back. I assured her she need not worry, that I was going to be okay. Well, my back still hurts but I'm not going to tell her that.

Alex worries a lot. She thinks and talks like an adult. Remember I had blogged before about her checking if I or her dad had already attended to our car registration.

Last night, I had dinner with RC, AC and JTM. It was one of those rare times that I went out with friends. Alex texted at 11:57pm.

Alex: Mommy what time ka uwi

Me: Sabay kami ni Tita Ruth.

Alex: What time

I don't remember asking my mom these questions when I was younger, and I don't remember my mom asking me the same. (Maybe because I was a dormer in UP.) Well, that's Alex's way of showing how caring and sweet she is. At ganun talaga pag strict ang anak. :)

My Baby's Blog

2007-05-17T19:21:00.000+08:00

Alex is now a blogger. She complains she can't update often because she doesn't know what to write. One other reason, which she didn't voice out, is that she spends more time checking out her friendster account, as well as youtube and limewire, downloading the same bratz songs everyday.

Of Bratz and Palayoks

2007-04-28T22:46:00.000+08:00

My kids have, all of a sudden, become technology-savvy. Every night, they check their Friendster accounts and visit YouTube to check out Bratz videos. They do web searches for lyrics to the songs so they can sing along. Sometimes, they even imitate the dance steps of Jade, Chloe and the other Bratz girls. The songs aren't for young schoolgirls but for teenage party girls! They also have a Playstation cd of Bratz, where they do the hair and make-up of the characters, pick out fashionable clothes for them, take pictures on their virtual cellphone, dress up their pet dog, etc. I guess they prefer the digital version of Bratz because their dolls, which used to accompany them to the mall, have been relegated to the back part of their toy shelf. The last time I saw their Bratz car and motorcycle was several months ago, looking like wrecks after their ex-yaya painted them an uneven silver with her nail polish.

When I was their age, the most high-tech thing I can remember were 3-d glasses. You wear them to watch a certain cartoon (I think this was the one about the hardships of an orphan boy travelling with an old man). Unlike my daughters, I didn't play with dolls. Someone gifted me with a Barbie but I dont remember what happened to it after I took it out from its box. Fussing over Barbie's hair, gown and stilletos weren't my thing. I think I gave Barbie to my sister to add to her mini-collection. Instead, I played lutu-lutuan sa palayok with my sisters, made bubbles from gumamelas (was it gumamelas we used?) and played shato, chinese jackstones, chinese garter, ching-chang and sipa in school (I always could go past 100 on a single turn). My kids - they don't even know what a palayok or a sipa is.

On one hand, I'm happy my kids are adapting well to technology, able to cope with the fast pace of development and changes. On the other hand, I'm sad because they are not experiencing the simple joys I experienced when I was a young girl.