On Midway of 2020

Numerous mishaps has transpired namely the closure of a business, the explosion of a volcano, the accident of mother hen, KB's death and of course the corana global pandemic, to name a few. The world is in a disarray and it is only the midway of 2020! People have no choice but to adjust to the current phenomenon.

Despite all this I am grateful that:

1. I STILL have a job

2. My family and love ones are healthy

3. Chance to attend online meetup/conferences

Yes, too many nasty events has transpired and no one can go back and make a brand new start. However, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending for the new normal.

Let's do this!

On Surprises

Wishful thinking and slight deduction and there he was.

I knew it!

On Bad Service

We were craving for Japanese food so we decided to try out Akira at Shang East wing. We heard it was good based from the feedback of my aunt who ate there 3-4 times during her 3 week visit. We were excited to try their bento due to her recommendation.

Taking into consideration that it was the day before Christmas we called up the restaurant to make sure it was open. We were happy to find out that they were open so we made a reservation for a party of six. Apparently there was no need to make a reservation since there were only 2 tables occupied when we arrived so it was easy to get seated. Everything was going as planned until....

#1: It was tough to get the attention of the servers taking into account that there were only 3 tables occupied. Instead of paying attention to their customers they were busy talking to each other and ignored us. I know it is almost Christmas, but please do your job!

#2: When a server finally approached our table, my sister asked "Anong tempura yung sa bento?" and guess what the waiter replied? "Tempura". So my sister had to restructure her question to, "Anong klaseng tempura?" But wait there more! My mom asked, "Anong meron sa bento?" and he answered "Lahat!". WTH Panira ng trip talaga.

#3: After we discussed what we wanted to order when we looked up, the server was gone and was chatting with his fellow server. A server is also known as a waiter so how come he did not wait? GRR.

We could not stand the bad service and decided to leave the restaurant. On our way out, we passed by a server and mom said, "Aalis nalang kami kasi mag oorder na sana kami pero umalis na yung waiter at pahalang pang sumagot". Then we stepped out of the restaurant.

We ended up eating in Sumosam to satisfy our Japanese craving. Nearing the end of our meal, a waiter from Akira approached us and apologized again for the incident earlier. Stalker mode alert! He also mentioned that the bastos waiter was outside and he would like to apologize too to which my mom just said no na just talk to him. As a pampalubag loob, they gave us complimentary dessert. Bumabawi?

This was the first time we walked out from a restaurant. And I would do it again if ever I will encounter bad service. We are paying customers and we do not deserve impolite servers. Good call!

On How to Comfort a Mother

It seems like the same scenario back in 2010. This time it is my grandfather who is 85 years old. He is one health conscious person. He jogs and walks everyday and does not skip his medications. Earlier yesterday he even went to the beach with my relatives.

At night we got a phone call. My cousins were rushing him to the hospital due to a suspected stroke. He was still semi conscious for he was still able to respond in a way. After a CT scan they said there was a blood clot so they suggested to transfer to another hospital that specializes on those stuff. However, the operation cannot push through right away since my grandfather was under medication.

Today, he was brought to the hospital in the city. He underwent the operation because the clot was getting bigger. He has not waken up since the procedure.

I cannot bear to see the stress my mom is undergoing. But how do I comfort a mother whose father who just underwent a stroke? How can I be strong if just by the thought of whats happening brings tears to my eyes?

I am no doctor, and all I can do is pray that my grandfather will get the right treatment and have a speedy recovery.

Kuya Jess, may Your will be done.

On Interrogation

Out with college friend
What's up with all the questions?
It does not follow
----

When I got home I told my folks that won't be having dinner at home. I said that I'll have dinner out. Before I stepped out the house I informed them that I was leaving already.

So had dinner and some dessert. When I got back I didn't ring the bell and used the house keys like I always do. So I got in the gate then suddenly dad rushed out the house to see who dropped me off. When I entered the house the ladies bombarded with numerous questions. Seriously, can't I go out with someone you haven't met and not get interrogated non stop after?

Road trip

Weekend getaway
Spending time with family
What priceless moments!

Rite of Passage

Goodbyes are truly tough. It makes it more difficult if you have to say farewell to something that is a huge part of your life and especially if it is something that you cannot see in the future. I am grateful and thankful for the gift of family which 664 brought. Sunday lunches that extended to dinners, board games, legal and illegal parties, amazing race, running and games in the garden, santol, avocado, star apple, rambutan, bats err, table tennis, basketball, sleepovers, library, etc. --- these are just some memorable experiences from 664. After long talks and negotiations, we have to say goodbye to this heaven here on earth.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Cheers to new experiences outside 664. I assure that it would be challenging to keep the bond intact but if there is a will, there is a way. May I find a righteous billionaire to marry so I could buy 664 back!

On Photographic Memory

I was inside the room researching for the telephone number of the resort we wanted to go to the next day. My 7-year old cousin went inside the room and looked at what I was doing. When I finally saw what I was searching for, I told my cousin here is the number --- xxx-xxxx and asked him to please go outside to tell our Tita. He stood up and made his way out. Before he reached the door I verified with him if he got the correct number. I was surprised that he recited it with conviction as if he memorized it with his whole heart. No need for a pen and paper or a cellphone. What a genius!

On Lamon Weekend

Friday night was for Elias. Mom bought a voucher and it was about to expire. It was my first time to try that Pinoy restaurant. It was like Kanin Club but more pricey. We got aligue rice, crispy pata, pork sisig, pork sinigang, laing pizza and pakbet --- Hello calories! It was delicious and better or less sinful than Kanin Club. After dinner we walked around para bumaba yung kinain. But reality we were searching for dessert para maiba ang lasa. We ended up in Jamba Juice para feeling healthy kuno. Another first experience for me. Their drinks are kinda pricy but it was worth it cause it was think and heavy. Hirap ubusin. No preservatives.

Next day was for Binondo! Finally! IT was nice meeting Manosa, Fried Siopao and Wa Ying! No real dinner for me that night. Banana and noodles nalang.

Father's day Sunday lunch was for Sambokojin. I started eating at 10ish and ended at around 130! Just making sulit the buffet. Sashimi, uni, tempura and beef ihaw-ihaw FTW! Despite stuffing all that I got hungry come dinner time. Got Whami Burger with cheese and J Co. doughnut for dessert to satisfy my hunger.

Now I am so full! Sana lumabas na kayo. Mahirap na kung bukas pa sa office. :)

On Embarrassment

Setting: In a restaurant with relatives from my dad's side and the family of kuya's wife

Me talking to my 6 year old pamangkin: Go talk to them -- them referring to pamangkins from kuya's wife.
My 6 year old pamangkin: You know there is such a thing called as embarrassment!
Me:  *jaw drop*

Kids of today! She could have said, "I'm shy.", diba?
:)

On Memory of Lola

Seated on your throne

you finished your novenas

every single day

733 days

yet the image is still fresh

I miss you mucho!

Thank you for everything. You are always remembered. See you up there.

On May 15, 1995 Entry

Plenty of people are playing with us again. You know I'm gonna miss this place. Why? Because the air is fresh, the stuff is cheap and my grandmother loves me.

Such a simple entry that brought back memories from my childhood. The entry above was written after the fiesta. When I was younger I always went to the province for the feast of the Santa Cruzan. After the novena we usually played with the other kids. Patintero and Monkey Monkey were the common games. Since the feast was finished it meant summer vacation was almost over and it also meant that the time to go back to Manila was around the corner.

I miss how every summer we had a mini reunion. People from Davao and Manila traveled to Cebu for the fiesta. Despite how many we were everything was always prepared upon our arrival from the towels to the choice of soap. All these was made possible because of Lola. I knew what love is through her and her simple act of kindness. I miss you Lola.

On Technology

FaceTime is amazing! I saw and talked to my cousin in New Zealand. She toured me around her place. She introduced me to the people she is with. They were all in red in celebration for New Year. I also saw my aunt and cousins over at Chicago. They were in red as well. They were in a school to celebrate New Year’s Eve. When 12mn (their time) struck they toasted to another new year ahead. My youngest cousin even danced and sang “Maligayang Pasko”. Super cute!

I am thankful for Technology. It makes keeping in touch with people on the other side of the globe way easier. 

Now, should I buy an Iphone 4s or Ipad 2 or Iphone?:))

On Bastos

Kumain kami sa TBoy kaninang lunch. Dumating ang waitress sa mesa namin dala ang isa sa mga order namin. Habang binababa na ya yung order naming "One crunchy..." bigla nalang siya nabangga ng isang lalake sa likod. Naitulak ya ang mesa at naibagsak yung order namin. Lumingon lang yung lalakeng nakabangga at umalis. Hindi man lang nag-sorry. What's up world? Hindi ko napigilan ang aking sarili at napa-bigkas ako ng, "kay lalake mong tao, hindi ka man lang gentleman!" Wala lang. Deadma lang yung bastos na lalaki at tuloy tuloy na lumabas sa restaurant. Apparently, the guy was K0r3@n. No wonder. Case close.

On Long Weekend

Quality time with
myself, family and friends
through land travel for great food!

Long weekend please extend.

On Father's Day

You are my ally
Me and you in tandem
Versus the other ladies

When I'm feeling down
You know how to make smile
No words can express

I am your daughter
Thank you dad for having me.
I love you so much.

On Knee Strain and Enfussion

I am thankful that the initial reading was only a knee strain and t/c enfussion. I just need to rest for 3 days. If the pain does not go away in a week then I need to visit the ortho and have it checked. Is this the Ultimate's way of telling me to have a break?

I felt bad that I wasn't able to play. I felt that I left my team hanging. But when I saw them in their 2nd game, the heavy feeling subsided. I saw the improvement in the team from an "outsider's" perpective. In a way, each member knew their role and took the initiave to perform the best that they can do. There were lapses or what so, but the other members were there to try help out. Hopefully the delivery of those messages would be done in a better manner and not appear as "mga tao na galing sa kalye".

On the lighter side, my current situation really opened my eyes to see how much my parents care for me. Most often than not I feel that they favor my younger siblings and kuya over me. I feel neglected (pero baka kulang lang ako sa pansin). I guess they do that because my other siblings need the care and attention more than I do. But whenever my time comes I am assured that there will be there for me as well.

So for now, quality time with family and friends muna. Sana di ako lumobo at hindi mawala ang endurance/stamina/etc.

On Anniversaries

An anniversary is a day of the year on which something once happened is remembered. It is something to look forward too. It is a day of celebration commemorating such a date like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, etc.

Never expected that an anniversary could also be a sad one. This type of anniversary is something I do not look forward to - ever. Today marks that kind of anniversary. I miss your calls during my birthdays and how you always prepared spag/pansit for me even if I am at Luzon and you are at at the Visayas region. I miss you. Period.

Even if you are living your other life, you will always be with me. But right now, I need to move on and be brave. No more weeping at your grave. Yes, you are no longer here, but my memories of you will never disappear.

I love you Lola.

On Missing You

Almost a year already yet I dearly miss you. Things are not the same without you -- it feels incomplete. Toiletries and meals are not prepared upon arrival. Days are quiet -- void of your novena.

Am I greatly affected because I am your palangga? I doubt it since you equally love your apos just the same. You make it a point that everything is well taken care. You make it a point that we have all that we need so that we will enjoy our stay. You make it a point that we know what a family is. Ultimately, you make it a point that we feel loved.

I love you Lola. It was the first time I saw you at your resting place after our "goodbye". Though you are in a better place, you will always be in my thoughts and heart. The values and love that you have showed me will keep me going. Please do help us in good times and especially in hard times. I miss you Lola, but life goes on. Until we meet again up there.

On "Manly" Ambition

Bunso has been dropping hints on getting a long board for the longest time. Here is his latest attempt.

Bunso: Sayang naman ang , ano pa ang ginagawa nila.
Mom: Naku, hospital ang abot mo yan.
Bunso: Okay, gloves at helmet nalang para safety first.
Mom: Bike nalang.
Me: Ako, gusto ko ng bike. Gusto ko masubok mag-triathlon.
Mom: Ano ba yan, ang boyish ng pangarap mo.

Is finishing a triathlon a manly ambition? :(