what’s your story?

Legends in the field of advertising – mostly huge companies and for well-known brands – still dominate our minds and hearts with wonderful ads, most of which stay in our memories, cherished for years and years, until they are considered classic and hailed as vintage. Sometimes the ads may be superb in excellent simplicity, or grand and sometimes a bit too spectacular to the point of being overdone, or absurd.

Coca-Cola’s ads are always just the right taste, as is the drink itself. The recent tv ads telling “Coca-Cola Stories”, short amusing anecdotes of celebrities and their sweet memories of the coolest drink on earth (for me), and that heart-warming 100 years of Coca Cola ad about an old man travelling far to meet his great granddaughter with the message: “Find what makes you happy. Do not waste your time on other things.” It was enough to make my eyes misty (yes, I can be such a crybaby).

It reminds me of childhood in Cabanatuan, with sari-sari stores still far across a busy street since we lived in a business district. Going with my babysitter to stores to get that precious liter or a 500 ml. bottle until I was old enough to cross the street by myself. Getting that 8-ounce bottle for lunch in school. Mama telling me we should drink Coke with seafood so I wouldn’t get a stomach upset. Same thing with loads of peanuts, roasted ones she used to cook during Holy Week when we sit through hours of Ten Commandments with nothing else to watch on tv. I think I must have heard her wrong. She told me to drink Coke whenever we eat seafood, or peanuts. My ear might have malfunctioned mid-sentence, and my mind embraced the idea to drink coke whenever I eat, period.

A bottle of ice cold Coke with Aling Tinay’s butong pakwan and garlic oil-laced binusa (cornik or chichacorn for us now) in high school. A glass of Coke with CASAA’s migraine-inducing cheese pancake (with extra cheese). A 12-ounce bottle with Beach House’s rice, barbecue and salted eggs with tomatoes. A chilled Coke in can with Rodic’s tapsilog.

Coke in hand when law school mates took breaks for cigarette at the BCF veranda. A celebratory coke whenever I got good grades in exams. Liters and liters during the bar review, and more congratulatory Coke when I passed the bar.

Life-altering decisions weighed and considered staring through straws and signature glasses with Coke bubbles rising up, consistent with my heart rate.

Mommy Vibes bringing me Coke in the hospital when I was suffering from post-partum depression because Gelai had to stay for eight days and Kayla was in tears whenever she visited. Debates with Hubby that I should stop, and him in resignation that I might die from Coca-Cola withdrawal, and may need a Coke IV while in coma.

Sunset Coke with Mama in her room, listening to the bubbling of her oxygen tank. A bitter taste of that gulp when I heard of Papa’s violent death, and the realization that I missed the chance for a final goodbye.

Everyday a gulp, a sweet memory alive.

Wait, I do not have a Coca-Cola story. I seem to have a Coca-Cola life.

sun*star.baguio.26jan2012.

choices for the new year

As we usher in the New Year we are once again filled with hopes and dreams for a better life, for greener pasture, for a brighter future, for everything to just change for the better. Unfortunately, we seemed to have put a negative connotation on the word “resolution” in New Year’s resolution: there is that general consensus that these resolutions are made-slash-meant to be broken. How many (new) years have you tried: to lose weight, to study harder, to save more, to be kinder, to shop less, to take life more seriously (or vice versa), to take ample time to stop and appreciate the world, to eat more healthily, to give more selflessly. I rest my case (*evil grin*). Of the millions of people who spell out their new year’s resolutions (with some actually writing a checklist), it would be safe to presume that only hundreds complete theirs. And I envy these people.

So I guess we should forego with the resolutions and just consider making choices. A choice for yourself: a choice to be a better you every day of your life. I think that ‘making a choice’ sounds better than ‘fulfilling’ a resolution. ‘Making a choice’ sounds less obligatory, entails less pressure and gives the impression of exercising some power.

I want to share with you some of the choices I would like to make for myself this year.

I choose to love, rather than to hate; to forgive, rather than to hold a grudge. To entertain some unpleasant thoughts about people and situations weighs down the spirit. I want to live light, as though flying.

I choose to empathize, rather than to judge. Everyone we meet along the way fights their own battle and sometimes we need to understand them more even without knowing what they are going through. “If you judge people you have no time to love them.” (Mother Teresa)

I choose to find time to stop and just be, rather than to always spread myself thin trying to achieve something. It can be tiring always finding a purpose, always searching for meaning in things you do. Sometimes, on some days, I think it will be better to just be. Winnie (the Pooh, seriously) said: “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

I choose to hug more and to get annoyed less. I am lucky to have kids who love to cuddle. There used to be a time when I got too busy, and sometimes I gave obligatory hugs that last no more than a minute, because I have to run somewhere. I am done wanting to rush off. Hugs are free and precious, and sadly one of the most wonderful things we fail to appreciate.

I choose to be happy, and I choose to give the world the best I have.

I know it sounds too general, but I like it that way – it gives a lot of elbow room for small things that mean a lot. I know it sounds too ideal – for that I have no excuse, but hey, it’s nice to meet you too.

Kung Hei Fat Choy, everyone.

sun*star.baguio.19jan2012.

a grand enchantment

The first time I read its synopsis, I was already enthralled. The premise seems really intruiging, two young magicians pitted against each other to continue an ancient, long-standing rivalry between their mentors, both renowned magicians in their prime. Despite their mentors’ professionalism and ruthless ways in continuing the competition, the love and attraction that bloomed between the now young rivals was not foreseen, and spells doom not only for their own existence but for those who belong to the mysterious traveling circus.

Magic, love and mystery amidst a grand circus backdrop…sounds irresistible to me. But I was not prepared for the beauty and madness of it all.

“The Night Circus” is an incredible debut novel by Erin Morgenstern. I have to tell you, as a reader I do play author favorites in novels: I have read almost all John Grisham books since college days when he kept me awake all night (on a school night!) just to finish “A Time to Kill”, Dan Brown novels (first 4, I have yet to read “The Lost Symbol” though), 3 of Emily Giffin’s 5 novels, the whole Hunger Games trilogy by Suzzane Collins, the entire Hush Hush trilogy by Becca Fitzpatrick, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga (including the unedited manuscript of the 5th book “Midnight Sun” written from the point of view of Edward Cullen), well among other hundreds of books everywhere, and thousands more with Kendra. Point is, I do play favorites by authors and if one work impressed me, I will keep on gobbling more from the same author, genre and style until I practically throw up phrases and verses.

But it was a gamble with this writer. For one, she is unheard of, and next, I did not see really good reviews about the book at first. I did not exactly search for it, which was good because it thrilled me no end to discover what I did between the covers (ok, Kindle has none, but shall we allow technology to diminish all the drama?).

Anyway, “The Night Circus” was probably my slowest read. (Uhm…let me re-think that: “One Day” by David Nicholls was my record slowest-slash-longest read, which I read through more out of obligation rather than willingness to finish.) But “The Night Circus” was a slow read – there is no other way to appreciate it but to stop in the middle of a page, breathe in the scenery, and visualize it – and when you do, you can almost see the scene, smell it, feel it as though you are there. It is simply enchanting.

As a young girl I frequented circuses (read: perya!) with my cousins in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, and would often look forward to trips in Manila that would always include visits to Fiesta Carnival. Of course they were nothing compared to all the magnificent scenery painted by Morgenstern in this novel but for some reason it felt both strange and home-y, which brings me to weird. But a good weird, and I like it.

Get the book, get the e-book, whatever. If you are a fan of fiction and fantasy, this is a must-read. Wait for the movie if you are not a fan of reading (which is doubtful since you have read this far now). But I have a strong feeling even Steven Spielberg or James Cameron will have a difficult time meeting readers’ expectations should it cross over to the silver screen. It is that good. It is surreal. I am thinking of reading it again soon. OMG, I am now also spellbound.

“The circus arrives without a warning…”

sun*star.baguio.12jan2012.

kendra reborn

The highlight of 2011 for me – well, gadget-wise at least – was finally getting a Kindle 3, a late birthday present from hubby, ordered from my now gadget-cyber-bff Gmet Trading (add them on your fb account!). I am a certified, self-confessed (redundant but it sounds better than just “confessed”) bookaholic-slash-bookshopaholic and I was initially unreceptive to the idea of having an electronic book reader. I love the scent of books, both old and just unwrapped ones; I love the feel of pages and the fact that you can shut it close and hug it tight when the turn of events make you feel sad, depressed or even jovial, or giddy like a teenager. I can spend long hours in a swarm of book covers (I actually did, back in college, missing some boring classes to spend the day at National Quezon Av just browsing through titles and synopses), and one of my visualizations of heaven on earth is that huge library in Beauty and the Beast. So it took a while for me to warm up to the idea of an e-book reader, and e-books in general. Admittedly, since Kindle 3 came out I had visited the Amazon website and viewed YouTube videos practically drooling, but I was not so keen in owning one. Besides (hush) I still have book purchases hidden (nah, ‘stacked’ is more like it) in my office drawer for future consumption, away from Hubby’s prying eyes and complaints that I still had unread books by the bedside and other nooks of the house.

But, since I laid my hands on Kendra (that’s my Kindle!), she is the best thing I have ever had. Well, of course you cannot argue with the functions of a mobile phone, a netbook, a DSL modem and my ever reliable 500GB Portia (that’s my portable hard drive!), but Kendra is the crème de la crème. I loaded her with hundreds of books, half of which I haven’t even read and a percentage of which are long time favourites, and started reading, and reading till it felt like my eyes were ready to pop. And read I did.

On December 14, 2011, after not going under the sheets with my Kendra for two days max (to my recollection), I found Kendra with lines and streaks, in a coma. Felt weird, but I cried. Hubby didn’t know what to do and the girls were speechless. But, as cyber BFFs both truly are, both Jill of Gmet Trading (gmettrading.com) and Leesa of Ebookna (ebookna.multiply.com) advised me to notify Amazon. Five days later, Amazon sent a new Kindle 3 (“Sorry, we only replace with the same model.”) via international priority mail.

And voila, here is Kendra resurrected. Her resigned doppelganger is tucked away safely in my special closet, with precious memories of times with her (and Emily Giffin) embedded in my heart. Now I know better and carry her with me wherever I go.

Here’s to a blessed and peaceful New Year everyone. My mantra for 2012: do everything with love and purpose.

sun*star.baguio.5jan2012.

for lolo

While the world was all abuzz with Christmas rush – shopping for gifts, preparing for family dinners and Noche Buena, I was in the presence of Joe Black. He dropped by Lolo’s hospital room three days before Christmas and invited him for a totally different yuletide season – in heaven.

I was asked if I wanted to do a eulogy for him before he was laid to rest – I begged off. At times like these, I am never good with spoken words and I am such a pathetic crybaby. And so I am doing this in my couch, for things left unsaid…and now they seem too many.

When I first met Lolo Pedring he was already totally deaf. Over the years we conversed by writing, and lately so many things and activities have gotten in the way my time with Lolo was reduced to weekends, and usually just capped by a thumbs up (“How are you, Lolo? Are you ok?”) and his nod with a sweet smile in reply, calling him for meals when he could still stand, waiting for him to finish his banana after meals, letting the kids hug and kiss him while he was sitting in the porch. When we still had moments of conversation it was always like having dialogues with Paulo Coelho, or Og Mandino, in the flesh. His statements were deep, meaningful and profound, even during ‘light’ moments.

Days after he first met me, I will never forget what he said…that I have a golden aura, like his wife, Lola Leonor (she passed away in 2005). We now know of the girl who played with fire, the girl with the dragon tattoo and the boy who lived. I am the girl with the golden aura. He said that I am gifted, but that life will not be easy for me. Over the years both of us learned that his prediction proved to be an understatement, but through all this time he was with me, quietly cheering me on, even calling me a warrior for bearing everything that comes and goes. When Lola Mama died after 3 weeks of fighting it out, he knew I was crippled by pain, but he lovingly held my hand and did not say a word. With the look in his misty eyes, he knew that once again, life has not been fair to me but that I was left with no choice but to survive. Whenever I am burdened with life’s troubles, I find strength in my “golden aura” hoping it has not yet turned murky grey.

I do not know the exact time of his passing, if it was while I was touching his hand or while I was brushing off the stray silvery white hair on his forehead. I even asked Nadine to greet him merry Christmas because he might hear her voice, finally. For the rest of my life I will somewhat be haunted by why he went towards the light in our presence. It may be some random joke of the universe. Ironically, Lolo does not believe in coincidence…if there was one statement he never got weary of repeating, it is that everything in life happens for a reason.

Thank you very much for everything, Lolo. In your last letter to us you said that it is important for one to know his roots to be complete. I do not know half my roots, and I probably never will. But I have a feeling things for me in my life are how it should be. I may not know my roots completely, but people like you in my life have nonetheless given me wings. For some reason, I feel complete.

sun*star.baguio.29dec2011.

www s01 e03: today’s list

It is often easier to find something to complain and whine about in our daily lives: the early morning stress, bad news on morning tv, equally whiny not-morning-person kids, traffic, smog, pollution, fuel prices, annoying strangers and (seemingly) intolerable acquaintances, the pile of bills, an (almost) empty wallet – as though every little thing we come across ruins our day.

Sadly, we get so caught up in our busy lives that we simply forget to appreciate the things that matter most, and overlook what there is to be grateful for in our daily lives.

What is there to be thankful for everyday?

When you wake up each morning, be grateful for the promise of a new day. You may be loaded with herculean tasks or, who knows…you may even be destined to save the world that day…be thankful for your energy, courage and determination. Or, you may not be expected to do anything that day (for some reason), be thankful for a relaxing day ahead, doing what you want to do, not necessarily what you need to do. Not all of us have had that privilege in a long time.

Be thankful for your commute, long or short. Traffic may be terrible, but everytime your ride moves forward even just a bit, that means you’re a little closer to your destination.

Appreciate people at work. Our officemates are practically our family on week days, our 8-to-5 company who will surely value our kindness and consideration for most days of the year. You may sometimes think your job sucks big time, but hey, you have a job…that alone is something to be thankful for. Make the most out of it and give it your best shot.

Be thankful for the air you breathe, the food you partake, the water you drink.

As you prepare for bed tonight, ask yourself…what are my blessings for today? What am I thankful for?

Want to take a peek at my list? Here you go: The ability to get up (even after several snooze clicks). The morning adrenaline rush (3 kikay girls and a kikay golden retriever vying for attention). My steaming mug of Kopiko (yes, I love Kopiko black coffee with evap milk). Our reliable car (and the fact that it still has fuel on its tank). The long commute around Baguio to bring the kids to school (3 kids, 3 schools). The cool breeze and refreshing sight of pine trees along South Drive, with the sun’s rays peeking in between leaves and branches. My vanity mirror in the passenger seat. The soft voices of our princesses singing with pop tunes on the radio. My pink peach lipstick (I swear, no matter how harassed I am with all the morning rush, the moment I put on this lipstick…it’s magic! Hahaha) Goodbye kisses for the day. Light moments at the office, and even stressful ones that are learning experiences nonetheless. Sweet lunch breaks and strolls with Nadine.

It is not even 3 p.m., and I am enjoying abundant blessings. What a wonderful world, indeed.

sun*star.baguio.15dec2011.

breaking down

I love the Twilight saga. The moment I read the first book, I was hooked – or more aptly, bitten. It was fun to read, and it gave me that wonderful, giddy feeling – high school edition – transporting me back to memories of a fun, carefree youth. The author, Stephenie Meyer, did nothing really spectacular but just made readers feel part of the bloody (pun intended) sweet love affair between Edward Cullen and Bella Swan and later on, weird love triangle involving hot (again, pun intended) Jacob Black.

Of all the books, the best for me was Eclipse, particularly those scenes with Edward and Jacob bantering, fighting, arguing over Bella whom I found to be an unlikely heroine (as observed by thousands of others) – being so unsure of herself, and often conflicted and awkward. I honestly could not figure out what she was so conflicted over: I was faithful to Edward all the way…the guy glitters, for heaven’s sake, and has a way with words that would make you swoon.

Funny, but I got curious and breezed through what I had said about Edward in my old couch sessions, and look what I found:

“All throughout the film, ladies (and some gentlemen, seriously!) shrieked and practically fainted at the sight and scenes of the lovers. Whenever the camera takes a great shot of Edward Cullen/ Robert Pattinson (come to think of it, I can’t even remember a single ungreat shot), the crowd swooned. I have recently anointed gorgeous Rob ‘THE hot one’.” (twilight of my youth, 12/04/2008)

“The crowd’s reaction is part of what makes watching the movie fun. The audience would shriek at the sight of Edward, and some would let out muffled “screams” at the sight of Jacob (or Jacob’s abs). It is like there is some shame in rooting for Jacob, some feeling of betrayal for Edward. But others (including me), are not as conflicted as Bella. I mean, personally, I do not see any competition there. Sorry, Team Jacob.” (lunacy, 12/03/2009)

“And yes, as much as we may want someone who loves like Edward Cullen does, the guy’s purely fictional. Deal with it.” (*emote mode*, 05/13/2010)

Wow. It looks like I was really into Edward Cullen all these years, and I have not missed a single movie adaptation, including the latest one, although I would have to say it was more out of obligation than desire this time, more out of tradition than want. I am seeing someone new. I have been bitten by a hotter vampire.

My apologies, Edward Cullen, you may sparkle and all, but I and millions of others (survey says!) now thirst for Damon Salvatore. But we will always be grateful that you renewed our interest in your lot, and have led much more exciting lives since. Don’t worry, we still love you more than the Count.

sun*star.baguio.08dec2011.

what a wonderful world s01 e02: f & f

Your mind and spirit can only take in so much negativity, and the less negativity you are exposed to, the better. Sadly, it seems to be part of human nature to criticize and find something wrong with what is in front of us, instead of using all that energy finding something nice and pleasant in people, things and events.

As part of my advocacy for positivity and through inspiration gained from @iansomerhalder (still no tweet, but that’s fine, I am one patient fan), as well as in keeping with the season of gratitude, I think it would be great to keep in mind people who, day in and day out, keep you sane, drive you crazy and keep (most) aspects of your life in sync. Here’s mine:

Family. The world’s longest blog (I have no idea what the record is) will probably not suffice to contain everything I am grateful for when it comes to family – the family you are born to and the family you grew up with (in some cases like mine, not necessarily the same), the family you marry into when you settle down with your spouse, the family you welcome into your own as your kids build their own. Be thankful for family who embraces you as you are, holds no grudges, bears no judgment and loves you no matter what.

Friends. As you grow older you probably do not get to spend much time with friends because of many other priorities, but it does not matter. True friendships are treasures that neither time nor distance will weaken. As thankful as I am for “real”, “actual” friends, I am grateful as well for “virtual” friends – I have a good number of them – social network friends who one way or the other make life a bit more interesting, a whole lot easier and simply amazing; surprisingly these are ‘friends’ I have not personally met, but give me the comfort of strangers in ways I cannot fully comprehend, nor express.

Then there is that category of friends you practically consider as among your best lot, without them knowing it. I have several who mean a lot to me without them realizing it, like my most trusted office “PA” Manong who runs most errands like bills payments, last minute runs for school supplies and house supplies emergencies and for practically any errand delegable; my very kind Ate who lives a few houses away, always ready and willing to help in case of housekeeping emergencies and dogsitting duties for Fiona; my reliable dressmaker-neighbor Manang whom I can turn to for my kids’ costumes for school events, and for clothes repair emergencies; Convention Center Manangs who do their best keeping our office toilets clean (clean public toilets are undeniably blessings); Manong and Manang Guards in our kids’ schools who help keep them safe in the premises, as well as their respective lunch caterers who make my job as a mom so much easier; teachers who devote their time and effort and share their knowledge to our kids. They are people with whom I probably do not get to interact with everyday, but I am grateful everyday for what they are, and how they make my life so much better. I am sure you have a handful of these people in your lives and I hope you grab the chance to show your appreciation soon.

Oh, and for Ian Somerhalder, Wentworth Miller, Derek Ramsey and Papa P (never mind the recent headlines, I am not judgmental!) who are so nice to look at (ogle/ stare at/ drool over) most days.

It’s a wonderful world.

sun*star.baguio.01Dec2011.

what a wonderful world s01 e01: “pilot”

I am launching another series of couch chats today, as you may have had enough of my “The Nanny Diaries” bickering mode. (Yes, one year 3 months and counting – except for barely one month of hiatus – I am still without a nanny and surprisingly still surviving.)

Have you noticed how our news programs talk endlessly about terrible things happening in the world? Of course you have. Whether it be the early morning news, the early evening news or the late night news, we are saturated in news about accidents, mishaps, corruption, calamity, crimes and misdemeanors, environmental problems and all that. I guess these are considered newsworthy topics by many, and that the public has the right to know and be made aware of these for hundreds of reasons, but sometimes it just gets too terrible, and sad.

So beginning next issue, and in celebration of the upcoming holidays, I will make it my advocacy to regularly feature a list of wonderful things to appreciate in our lives, whether they be amazing facts, quotes, ideas – anything and everything that will remind us that we have a lot to be thankful for. More like a gratitude journal of sorts; after all, the Christmas season is, foremost, a season of gratitude.

As much as I would want to take the credit for this grand idea, I have to admit it isn’t mine. You see, I have a Twitter account which follows only 2 people: one is Paulo Coelho, one of my most favorite writers in the world (practically one of my BFFs, never running out of wise words to tell me…) and the other is, Ian Somerhalder, the actor who plays Damon in my favorite tv series, The Vampire Diaries, who also happens to be an earth warrior, a topnotch modern hero for the environment, as well as for animals, and for kids. Saving the earth and playing the hottest vampire on screen (sorry, Edward). Wow. Anyway, @iansomerhalder twitted: “We need to have 1 day per month where every news outlet reports ONLY the good in the world. Remind us what we’re fighting for. Any takers???”

I am taking the challenge, Ian. It would be wonderful to share good news with others, make them realize there is A LOT to be thankful for in our world, in our lives.

Evidently, this is not a selfless deed altogether. Who knows? It might earn me a tweet from Mr. Somerhalder, admittedly one item on my Christmas wish list. Uhm… the tweet, not Ian. We’re both accounted for, anyway. LOL.

sun*star.baguio.24nov2011.

the nanny diaries s01e06

If the title sounds familiar, that means either you have read the book or watched the movie, or better yet have been dropping by for my couch chats often. My nanny diaries consist of several entries by now, all devoted to my many different – mostly amusing – experiences with, and now without, a precious nanny in the household. Unfortunately there is no sudden positive twist in the ‘series’ – a year and 4 months after I lost my seemingly perfect nanny I have yet to find redemption (salvation?) with an equally competent new one. The bigger problem is, not only do I pine for that last “perfect” nanny, but she had significantly raised my standards, so much so that I now seem to refuse burning some of my hard-earned money on some mediocre helper. Now I am in futile search for competence, dedication and industry, and just ended up making do with the only available man for the job – me. Well, I do not exactly have those qualities when it comes to domestication…but for now, I will have to do with me. It means a home that’s quite messy (let’s include “quite” there…don’t expect an objective report on my own competence as a housekeeper…), laundry that piles up, dust that sometimes accumulate (note: “sometimes”)…surprisingly though, I am whining and bickering less now, I am in the zone of semi-acceptance. (I hope my housemates get there too, real soon.)

A bunch of my fb friends had this posted and re-posted on their walls and shared it on others’ walls: comparison (more aptly, contrast) between the income, and savings, of a regular employee and a househelp. The moment I read it, I was rolling over with laughter. If you are a regular Facebook user you have probably read this already, but for those who do not have an account or haven’t checked even once in the past week (in which case I wonder why you still have an fb account…) then you missed out on a good laugh. In a nutshell, a regular employee who earns P15K a month allots a substantial portion of his budget to food, rent, transpo, utilities and other expenses while a nanny who earns P5500 spends practically nothing for her overhead – just around P500 for load (unli pa!). Summing up all expenses and deducting from their income, the regular employee ends up with P500 (nothing to send his folks back home, assuming this employee is still single and is expected to send some money to her family in the province), while the nanny saves P 5K and sends a message to her mom, asking if the lot she wanted to buy in the province had already been paid). The comparison hit home, and presents the really awful truth.

That’s one thing I have also realized while entering this zone of semi-acceptance: someday I may be able to write a dissertation on the economics of having a househelp (or not having one). Supplies last longer, utility bills are lower, expenses are somewhat less.

Now all I need to is to remedy the mess, and manage weariness at times. I just know I am getting better at both… and sometimes I just let things be.

There will be an answer, let it be. (serendipity.couch@gmail.com)

sun*star.baguio.17nov2011.