Sweet Tooth

Feeding Dumbo with Sugar Cane. Don't get hyper now!

Me and Cabbies

I had a couple of appointments today, and did not have a car. So, I had to cabby-hop to get to my destinations-- and boy! taxi riding today turned out to be an adventure.

Cab #1- Destination was to a meeting in Libis. Got the taxi from my house in Makati-- two minutes on the road, I realized I left my mobile phone at home- so I had to instruct driver to go back. Yup, not a very promising start. But Mr. Driver had no qualms about it--great! We decided to pass through EDSA via White Plains to Libis. Three fourths of the way, Mr. Driver pulled over-- "Ma'am, nag-overheat..." By this time, it was starting to rain. "Oh no.." I told myself. "Not now when it is about to rain, not here in the middle of nowhere.." Mr. Driver opened the hood-- smoke came out... Then he got water from the trunk-- thank god! Poured water on the engine, slowly opened the radiator and poured more water into it. All these happening as I frantically looked at the temperature gauge-- it is going down... it is cooling down! Yes!

Cab #2- From Libis I now needed to catch a ride to Glorietta, Makati for an appointment with my orthodontist. I was enjoying the ride- hey I was able to make few phone calls to friends and at home to check on my sons! Yup I was enjoying the ride and the freedom-- imagine the things that you could do on the road when you are not behind the wheels?! Then as we maneuvered through traffic along the roads on Valle Verde, an armoured van backed-up onto Mr. Driver's cab. Mr. Driver was irked (who wouldn't be?), he pulled over and asked van driver to do the same. Mr. Driver got off the taxi, a security man got off the armored van. They inspected the taxi for damages. I remained in the car all this time.. praying to see the frown on Mr. Driver's face erased soon.. It did not happen, he did not stop frowning but all was well with the car (at least!). Two men shook hands and went back to respective vehicles... Our journey continued... We reached Robinsons Galleria... Mr. Driver asked me where I wanted dropped off?... Huh?!! "Manong, I am going to Glorietta, not Galleria..." "Ay... sorry ma'am." So the journey just got a a second leg-- it was smooth sailing this time. We reached Glorietta safe and sound.

Cab #3- It was almost 5pm, I have not eaten my lunch... My tummy was complaining... I decided to buy food to go... I did not want to be caught in rush hour so decided to immediately get yet another cab and just enjoy my snack on the way... "Ma'am plus P20.00 po.. ma-traffic kasi.." Okay, I agreed... I thought just get me out of here... and my growling hungry stomach could not agree more... I thought it was going to be that easy-- huh, ofcourse not... In the cab, I smelled something not very pleasant.... Oh no, Mr. Driver must have gotten wet from the rain, and unable to dry out his clothes- it smelled dank in the car... Uggh.. UGGGHHH!! I could not eat-- my appetite gone... Good thing that this ride turned out to be a quick one. But hey! where was the traffic?! Didn't I pay extra because of the supposed traffic?!.. Oh well- better than getting stuck in traffic with Mr. Stinky.

Shrek The Third: More Like "Strrretch The Third"

If you have seen the movie, then you probably know what I am talking about. Shrek The Third suffers from what Hollywood calls 'sequelitis' (or something like that). There was really nothing new in this sequel-- the characters, the jokes, the plot.. all were rehashed.

The movie in general is still a visual treat, with excellent voice-cast performances! The flaw lies in the story, which for me has become stale. The script was hauntingly too familiar and predictable. I still love the characters, but they somehow failed to deliver some excitement this time. Maybe a more confident Shrek and spunkier villains could have put some spell?!

Oh well- that being said, I think this trilogy has reached "curtain call". It has been a fun ride. And now, it is time to move on to fresher materials.

Happy Mother's Day

And now some sweets from my two boys:

Julio (7 years old)

- "MOM is someone who takes care of you and has that resposibility wherever she goes."
- "My Mom is beautiful."

Diego (4 years old)

- "MOM is someone you have to love."
- "My Mom is the best... She is really the best-- the bestest Mom I've ever had."

Your Mother In One Word..

Yahoo! conducted an e-survey which asked respondents -"Define your mom in one word." The answers were tell-tale.
Mothers mean the whole world to most. But there were some "not so sweet" responses too- which mothers, like me, can reflect on.

Some of the sweetest answers:
- Everything.
- Love.
- Reliable.
- Forgiving.
- Inspirational.
- Interesting.
- Angel.
- Wonderous.
- Best.
- Amazing.
- Perfect.
- Saint.
- Life.
- Cool.
- Awesome.
- Great.

The not so sweet responses:
- Controlling.
- Psychotic.
- Self-Centered.
- Pain.
- Manipulating.
- Monster.

My Verdict- Spiderman 3 Still Amazing

Yup, I was one of those people who reserved seats and watched Spiderman 3 on opening day. This is what it means to be mommy to two young and hyperactive boys who idolize their superheroes.

Ofcourse my two boys loved the movie! "Awesome!" "Spiderman is the best. I want to be like him."

I personally think that the movie was great, it has some flaws but overall was pretty good. The graphic effects and stunts were excellent. The music and sound were consistently befitting the "comic" atmosphere but did not really go overboard. The actors effectively tackled their roles- special mention goes to Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and New Goblin (James Franco).

However, the movie felt busy most of the times as there were too many characters (and villains!)- too many plots and subplots going on at any given time. The movie was just too full that and it was occassionally difficult to digest and enjoy at the same time. It ran for two long hours and still I felt that some main characters did not have time to develop on screen. Specifically, of Eddie Brock/Venom and Gwen Stacey -so little background were given on these two that tying them into the entire story was an added effort to viewers (esp to non-follower of the comic series).

Other than the above, I liked the movie and would not mind watching it again for all its entertainment worth. As I said, the movie is a visual treat for the whole family! Grab the popcorn and enjoy!

Sanjaya Is Out!

It happened.... finally!

Sanjaya Malakar's luck ran out and was voted out of America's biggest talent show on TV, American Idol. I heard that even India heaved a big sigh of relief.

Sanjaya may not be the most talented in the lot-- but he sure proved that charisma can bring you places! He had a big following especially among the teeny boppers - as he is one of them being 17 years old himself. Even my four-year old son was rooting for him! Hahaha!

I am sure that this is not the end for this young man-- heard Britney Spears wants to work with him... And that some hair product companies consider signing him up as an endorser. Oh well....

But for now, American Idol continues as a talent show. We say thank you for the happy memories to Sanjaya. And goodbye to the ever unpredictable hairstyles.

Revisiting The Past With The Future Generation

It is summer time once again. Schools are out and I am sure that parents like me are busy as ever trying to keep those little ones busy (read as not bored) at home.

For this year, my husband and I decided to go local on our vacation plans. Yes we wanted to cut on cost but did not want to compromise on the richness of our two sons' summer experience. So, we came up with a theme for our summer destinations - A Historic Summer.

We will be exploring local sceneries to introduce Filipino history and heritage to our kids. Also, to inculcate sense of national pride and patriotism in their young minds -it is never too early to start them on these, you know!

Our first destination was Intramuros. We went to the Fort Santiago where the boys got close and a little personal with our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. We were lucky enough to chance upon an exhibit which showcased the Rizal family's furniture and memorabilia. To their young eyes, most fascinating was seeing some of Rizal's personal effects such as his clothes, medical instruments and even his bed as a young boy in Calamba. On the foreground of the Fort, they got a kick re-tracing Rizal's footsteps from his dungeon to his execution place in Bagumbayan.

Then we headed to the Casa Manila-- an old Spanish house which was turned into a museum. The furniture and furnishing were representations of how Manilans lived during the Spanisrd colonial era. The boys learned about the courtyard, entrasuelo, oratorio and others.

Right across Casa Manila was the San Agustin Church-- the oldest stone church in the Philippines. We also viewed its very rich museum which showcased religious relics and art work. It was also here were the remains of notable church patrons such as Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Juan Luna and Pedro Taverna lie.

Baguio Is...

.. a place we would visit again and again. There is something relaxing in the predictability of a holiday spent in this city of pines. And ironically, its familiarity is always welcomed with big anticipation and expectations-and Baguio never fails to deliver. Ahh... if only for its cool breeze!

Here are some photos taken during a recent trip-- of places and things that I personally associate with Baguio.

Horseback Riding. Always one of the highlights of any kid's (and parents') visit to Baguio!





Flowers and Blooms. There are hundreds (maybe even more!) of flower species that seem to favor only the cool weather of Baguio.



Strawberries. Basketful of red yummies! Need I say more?



Pine Trees and Cones. Let nature speak for itself.

Just Say No

Faves and Peeves

Through the past few months, I have compiled some of my observations as a consumer, motorist, or just plain tax payer me. And below are some personal experiences which make or unmake my day. How about you? Care to share your thoughts?

1. Peeve- At Waltermart Supermarket in Makati, straws are intentionally ripped off and detached from tetra-packed drinks. You will have to remind your bagger boy at the counter to give you straws for your purchased drinks. Or if they ran out of straws from the payout counter, you will have to line up for them at the Customer Service Station!?.. What could be worse than that? I tell you, worse is when you get the wrong straws for the type of drinks that you bought.. (too short, too thick or too thin)... Arrgh... I have stopped shopping at the Waltermart for this reason. It is such a hassle. Why do you suppose the likes of Nestle, Magnolia, Selecta etc. attached those straws to the packages? At Waltermart Supermarket, they just do not seem to get it. (Oct 2006)

2. Fave - I just love the baristas in Starbucks Magallanes. They go the extra mile to get to know customers - for a more personal service and interface. In fact, I commend all staff in the store including the guards and cleaning personnel - very polite and always "ready-to-help". Now, that is customer-service!

3. Peeve - Baby cockroaches in Auntie Anne's Branch in Glorietta. Yikes! But yes, I saw them and even called store personnel attention to it. Surprisingly, the response was just a shrug of the shoulder-- as if, it was no big dea since the cockroaches roaming (there were three) were tiny. But stilll!!!??? The sighting happened on February 5, 2007, store opening time.

4. Peeve - When traffic enforcers cause road accidents. The worst right? On March 22, 2007, around 3:20pm, along Pasong Tamo Extension. As I coast along the road, here was a policeman unsteadily riding on a "ChowKing" delivery motorbike (what the?!!!)... shakily, shakily moving in opposite direction, on the wrong lane, and heading on to car in front of me and moi. Good thing, we were able to hit brakes just in time, while the policeman awkwardly zigzagged to the side street parking in front of Country Style Donuts. No practice riding, pare...Tsk, tsk, tsk..

5. Fave - No questions asked return/exchange policy at Rustan's. About time local retailers adapt similar policy!

6. Fave - Valet services at the Shangri-la Mall. Drivers are always available and well-groomed.

7. Peeve - No credit card/ cash only policy at BreadTalk (Glorietta). =(

More additions to this list to come-- watch out!

On Weddings and Marriages

I have done my first wedding photo shoot last week! It got me so high... so pumped up. I am passionate about my photography that is why. And to photograph people in their emotional highs is one magical experience.

I was a total stranger in the wedding, just one of the "photographers", but the joy and romance in the air was just so contagious. The father of the groom delivered a very inspirational speech. According to him, he was a simple man who farms in the province and been married for 27 years (or was it 29?). He had some advice to the newly weds-- and they were words of wisdom spoken with conviction. He attributed his and his wife's successful "pagsasama" to three things enumerated below. And I could not agree more.

1. Patience - There will be trials for sure. But when there is patience, there is always a positive outlook-- there is always hope. Be patient with each other. Be patient with each other's dreams.
2. Transparency - Always be transparent to your partner. Be truthful. Be honest. Lying only begets more lies. Need I say more?
3. Respect - Never lose your respect and admiration for your partner. It keeps both of you going. It keeps both of you inspired and assured.

So there, my key takeaways from that wedding were not only photography experience and tips from the professionals whom I was lucky enough to work with. But also a reflection on being married.

Seeing The Faces Of Death

I once saw my grandmother took her last breath. I was young then, and she was an old lady who lived a full life. The experience was a realization- that we all shall meet the same fate. I was not shaken.. maybe a little stirred.

Recently, I once again saw the face of death-- and it was not as kind as the first time. Death was upon a good friend. Someone who was not old, someone who had wished and fought for a longer and fuller life. She was sick and terminal. She knew it, we all knew it and we helped her plan for the inevitable. But it is true- nobody is ever prepared for such. It was painful for her. I saw it on her face. She did not want to give up, but her body was unwilling to cooperate. I knew she wanted to hold on, for those who loved her, but could only do so much. I saw her struggled, how she tried to fight a battle which we all knew was un-winnable. I was by her side on her last night. I saw it all- and it was unbearable.

So I have seen two different faces of death- peaceful and violent. Do I prefer one from the other? No. Death is death. It is like a thief but worse -it takes away the most valuable of all valuables. It takes away life, dreams, security and happiness. Death is cruel - I do not like it at all.

Oh Boy! Oh Nature!

Man and nature co-exist. Here J relaxes on a "bed of flowers".

Sudoku Mania

Are you a Sudoku addict like me? Check this website to play online - http://combat.thepuzzleplayer.com. You can invite friends and strangers, and get to play against them online. Enjoy!

Burdened?!

Feel like the whole world is on you?! Do not despair, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. This picture is a personal inspiration to me- to always find hope and light when the going gets tough.

The statue of Atlas in Rockefeller Center, directly across the street from St. Patrick Cathedral. I took this picture on my way out, from the aisle, of the cathedral.

The statue depicts Atlas as he carries the heavens upon his shoulders as punishment for defying Zeus. This art deco structure was designed and cast by Lee Lawrie and Rene Chambellan in 1936.

Tiny Valentine

"Valentine is loving and respecting and toy-sharing day."
- Diego, 4 years old

"Valentine is a celebration about love and about your heart. It is about loving the person who is in your heart."
- Julio, 7 years old

Can't Wait For Summer

D's Big Splash.
This picture was a winner in my photography class too.

Internet Romance?!

Could This Be 'Eyeball' For This Couple? Happily ever after, I hope.

Looking Back... And Tracing Their Roots

College students on a cultural field trip at the Ayala Museum, Makati City. 2006 August

On Mommyhood

I recently had lunch with a girlfriend who just gave birth to her first baby. My friend was all aglow! Ahh, the blissfulness and bustleness of being a new mom. So dangerously contagious!

The blissfulness of parenting will forever remain. I am Mom to two beautiful boys and have been a parent for seven years now- believe me, the intensity and excitement of being "Mom" has not for one moment waned. So, to all you new mommies out there, I say, you are about to experience a most thrilling ride. Enjoy!

The bustleness of being a new parent is another story: There are the shopping frenzies for the cutest outfit -oh those littlest Nikes- who could resist them! Babies outgrow these things so fast though, they end up hanging by the car windshield. Then there are endless searches for the 'newest' baby gadgets. I got one of those sound-sensitive lamp which lights up and plays soothing sound when baby cries at night. Supposed to calm babies but unfortunately would not work with my kids whose only comfort was milk, milk, milk. Yup, parenthood could get fuzzy -- but hey, these are all part of the adventure. I will not even try to warn you. In time, the bustleness will tame- thank God! But by all means enjoy the experience- it is a great teacher!

New Year... What's New?

New Year
Old Hopes
Same Dreams
Old Goal

Live Life
Have Fun
Great Times
All-Ways

How To?
Dream On
Work, Work
Do It

Just Do It