The Newness Wears Off

WOKE UP to a drizzle and it looked like tiny silver granules on my windshield as I drove daughter Ghiselle to work.

          Back at home, the drizzle continued and I lingered for a while in my doorstep and watched it quietly spray mist on my small garden. Isn’t this weird when only yesterday, the sun was at its scorching best and registering the hottest day ever?

 

          I’ve always found our weather interesting even if we don’t have winter, spring or fall. We only have summer but the rain that comes in many forms is not just wet for me and never boring.

          However, it is always my ardent prayer that, this year and for always, God spares us from another Ondoy or Sendong or even that nasty habagat.

TO BEGIN WITH …

        Anyway, as soon as the newness of 2013 wore off, it was pretty obvious that it was going to be just like any other year.

          The politicians are all over the place and I was surprised to find out that the campaign period started only last February 13^th for senators and Party List representatives and March 29^th for congressmen/women and local officials like mayors.

          Of course my surprise is not valid because I should have learned a long time ago that elections in this country don’t just mean campaigning at a designated period but also electioneering the rest of the time.

          As if not wanting to be outdone, couples in showbiz continue to color – or is it taint? – our world with their predictable relationships. Same complications, the usual pettiness.

        I may be amused with Mariel Rodriguez returning her wedding ring to husband Robin Padilla after that badly-executed torrid bathtub love scene in ABS-CBN’s soap Kung Kailangan Mo Ako between her husband and Kris Aquino. 

          But not with Kris bringing a case against ex-husband James Yap for allegedly forcing himself sexually on her, and in front of Bimby yet. Do you have to make that public? Oh please …

       You can even humor me with Kim Chiu showing her bitter side as she makes known her distaste over best friend Maja Salvador’s allegedly dating her ex, Gerald Anderson.

          But Heart Evangelista, who is now dating Senator Chiz Escudero, leaving her condo and making her parents clueless about her whereabouts and, in desperation, her parents call for a press conference with not so amusing revelations, and then, finally, filing some cases against the “arrogant” senator. And, oh please, too …

AT THE OUTSET …

        Twenty thirteen definitely has all the trappings of the usual Pinoy year. But it is not fair to define our year through the words and actions of politicians and showbiz couples. Or even base it on the weather … 

            Besides, we are the third happiest people in Asia, next to Singapore and Malaysia. Eden Strategy Institute announced this on the 20^th of March, the International Day of Happiness. 

          Not one of the richest but at least one of Asia’s happiest. I’m okay with that. 

          And by the grace of God, my year went off to a good start and there is no reason not to. It’s as if the year didn’t change though. I still procrastinate a lot but I make sure deadlines are met. I enjoy bumming around and sometimes the only highlight of my day is watching ABS-CBN’s Be Careful With My Heart.

PICTURE PERFECT

        The following picture perfectly describes how my 2013 is turning out. This was taken by MOD’s managing editor at the lobby of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Libis, Quezon City –  

 

 

           That’s me lazing about waiting to interview the cover girl for our March 2013 issue, Brazilian model and actress Daiana Menezes. 

            It is my intention to spend 2013 as if I’m just passing time – not watching trains go by – but simply relaxing and yet living a balanced life. Like working and writing some days of the week and then moonlighting and planning events on some nights. Getting busy and whipping up dishes for daughter Ghiselle’s nourishment at home and at work. 

          Doing downtime and appreciating the here and now. Taking it easy and not – never – taking my loved ones for granted.

          Squeezing in some activities with the hope that I am able to make some people happy or make their world a better place.

            Doing an Oprah and always finding something or somebody to thank God for each day. Including that little flower I saw in my small garden one morning only because it wasn’t there the day before; and even Steve Jobs [cartoon strip below shared on Facebook] for coming up with gadgets that enable an illiterate like me to chat with and get a glimpse of daughter Pee Ann’s bedimpled smile whenever and wherever I want.

 

           Just like that quote in the wall of Yellow Cab Eastwood, life is great. There is no longer the pressure of pursuing a career or the demands of proving one’s worth. Everything for me now is just doing it, enjoying the moment, and taking one day at a time.

‘KATY’ & FRIENDS

        Ushering my year was Katy, that iconic Filipino musical depicting the life of Katy de la Cruz, dubbed the country’s Queen of Vaudaville.

          My friends from way back F. Jacinto Group days and I watched on opening night and we had to dress up for the event. Well, I wore a little black dress but not as elegant as Audrey Hepburn’s. It was a struggle for Milen, Babette and I to walk with our high heels but we had a good laugh about it.

           It was fun because it was our first time to meet up at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino or the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and experience the arts. It was a welcome activity which was different from our usual get-togethers wherein we come as we are and enjoy each other’s company while downing our favorite brew.

        The musical's cast includes Gian Magdangal and he played Katy de la Cruz’s pianist husband, Peping. He is also the reason why we were there.

       Gian or Gianbee [below: standing, extreme left] to us is Jomag’s [standing beside me] son. As a young boy, he was already musically inclined and he didn’t need much prodding in showing his singing as well as tap dancing talents. It’s no surprise that he has become the multi-talented performer that he is today – be it singing or acting or even dancing.  

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

        I really enjoyed watching this musical under the direction of Nestor U. Torre. I especially liked the colorful costumes and the choreography. How I wish though that Gianbee had more singing moments because he is such a good singer. He was like only acting the whole time, but of course, his acting was good.

          I was likewise bowled over by the singing cast -- Isay Alvarez as Katy; the little girl Katy and the young Katy; and Dulce who had a special role. They all sounded so good and their voices were so around the theater, reverberating.

          Tirso Cruz III was a revelation to me. As Katy’s overprotective dad, he was funny and truly effective in portraying the role. Epy Quizon as Dolphy made me teary-eyed because he portrayed his dad so perfectly. I also liked that scene where he tap-danced.

          During our Christmas get-together last year, Gianbee told us that Isay was diagnosed with leukemia. News reports later revealed she fainted during one of their rehearsals and she’s been in and out of the hospital since then.

          In an interview prior to the musical’s run, Isay said, “Performing brings me happiness and strength. I went straight to rehearsals after the doctor told me I had cancer. I prayed ‘Lord, you gave me this, so please allow me to do the role well.’ God works in mysterious ways and I’m very happy, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do the play anymore.”

         

          Katy is scheduled for a repeat this coming July.

FLOWER PEOPLE

        Music of the ‘60s was bouncing in the four walls of the dance studio but humming in my ears was Mirella’s emphatic counts of eight – and one and two and three and four …

           And when we – Evie, Lydia, Mel, and Ruby – were already out there performing with her as peace-loving flower children, I found comfort in the audience’s very warm response despite our missteps.

          Mirella is a batchmate at UST High School and owns and runs the House of Dance. She taught us to do the boogaloo, the jerk, the mashed potato, and other dance steps of an era that defines the soundtrack of our teenage life.

          The dance is a special number in Halu-Halong Indak 2, a fund-raiser dance concert for our alumni association’s beneficiaries, including Cottolengo Filipino, a shelter in Montalban, Rizal for abandoned and physically- and mentally-challenged boys. 

 

          The 2 means this is a second of its kind, the first one being held in December 2011. Both were held at the Ateneo de Manila University’s Irwin Theater. The first one was a success; this second one – held February 24^th – a better success.

          Not really because we danced, but for the sole reason that more people are now supporting our advocacy and we couldn’t be happier.

        This time around, the boys of Cottolengo Filipino [photo by Willy Narvacan] showed their dancing prowess with a number that literally brought the house down and made a lot of us cry. This was their way of thanking everybody for their unstinted support and everyone was deeply touched.

 

          Of course, we would like to make special mention of Mirella [shown in photo by Willy Narvacan receiving a bouquet of flowers from USTHS Batch 71 represented by Sonny Marquez] and the House of Dance’s team of dancers and choreographers who did a great performance. Their talents are definitely something to shout about and so with their desire to share such talents for a cause. 

          I am not about to forget batchmate Fred Banzon and wife Malou’s special number in the concert [photo by Willy Narvacan]. They are based in the US of A and pulled off a mean Argentine tango and a tango-waltz fusion while here. Both numbers were much applauded. 

          As I always say, participating in a worthy cause has never been this fun …

DANCE DIARY

        The day after the performance, I sat down to write about it. I didn’t know where to start and, as always, each time I couldn’t find the right words, I rationalize that the pictures [taken by Willy Narvacan] would better tell the story.

          Still, I wanted something in print to describe this, our finest hour. Words came rushing in like fun and funny and awkward and crazy and amusing and bungling and unforgettable.

          And then I realized there isn’t any need for words or a camera to capture this single performance in its memorable entirety.

          I will always remember the mirrors in Mirella’s dance studio and be thankful of the water cooler that we run to when out of breath or simply needing a break.

          The word chasse, a gliding step in which one foot is kept in advance of the other, has been added to my vocabulary. Dictionary.com says it’s both a noun and a verb. Thus, I now know how to execute a chasse.

          The twists and turns we did and the laughter and the nervousness in between are something we can’t seem to get tired of talking about and laughing about and teasing about for some time.

          I will always remember with fondness those little girls by the side of the stage who said “good job!” after our performance.

          Cheers of family and friends in the audience as well as their encouraging remarks and excited reactions after the show will never be forgotten.

          When the performance comes to mind, everything is a blur. I only hear the audience cheering and applauding. I was thinking with my feet the whole time as my mind was focused on them. I failed to really show my moves because I was scared I might trip with my legs wanting to intertwine or wobble or simply give way.

          Most of all, these things put a smile on my face upon remembering. Other times, I laugh at how our steps have turned out and how that single performance has racked our nerves but definitely rocked our world ...

 GOOD DEEDS

        I’ve said this before and I want to say it again. If there’s one good thing about reconnecting with my batcmates at UST High School, it is the opportunity to practice my social responsibility.

          I am also happy that my young friends – who are as old as my daughters – have their hearts in the right place. I remember being not that caring about people outside family and circle of friends when I was their age.

          Recently, Apple and Leah celebrated their birthdays with a Jollibee party for the kids with cancer at the Tahan-Tahanan, a halfway house and cancer center for children based at the East Avenue Hospital.

           Mother Teresa once advised that we should never worry about numbers because we can help one person at a time.

         

          With their Happy Birthday Project, Apple and Leah helped some 40 kids find their smile. That’s a good start …

FIRST LOVE

        One extraordinary event setting off my 2013 to a blessed start, if I must say, was the 25^th priestly ordination anniversary of Rev. Fr. Gil T. Manalo, SVD as a priest.

          This was something I didn’t want to miss and it was held at the Divine Word College of Urdaneta in the province of Pangasinan, where he is currently the school president. The college likewise houses the Divine Word Formation Center, an SVD seminary. 

          My siblings Maleck and Abe accompanied me on this trip and it turned out to be a bonding moment for us as well. The long drive – with my new car, ahem, which daughter Ghiselle calls Tisoy, after what her friend Rodel’s nickname for her, Tisay – was smooth and we reminisced earlier trips up north as we went along. 

  

    

          Fr. Gil is my childhood friend as well as my brother Boyet’s schoolmate and cousin Al’s best friend. He was actually my first love and my mom’s first nightmare. Going ahead of the story, he ended up becoming a part of the family with my mom softening up as he joined us in vacations in our hometown in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, where he was assigned as school president of the Divine Word College of Vigan prior to his present assignment.

           I met Fr. Gil as a restless teenager who would join indignation rallies about something with his schoolmates at Lourdes School Quezon City. Later, he transformed into an afro-haired out-of-school youth who can’t seem to get his academic act together.

         Although we have discussed it, he surprised me and everyone who knows him when he entered Christ the King Mission Seminary along E. Rodriguez Avenue. I thought it was just another of the many phases he gets in and out of in his young life.

Well, this time he got settled and he has been a priest for 25 years. We have remained very good friends all this time.

  

          As a sidebar, my dad likewise studied to become a priest and entered the Divine Word Seminary in Vigan, where Fr. Gil was assigned ages later. In fact, my dad was the one who influenced his cousin, the late Fr. Vitaliano “George” Gorospe of the Ateneo de Manila University, to become a priest.

          But my dad had a change of heart, got out of the seminary and studied to become a lawyer.

         Well, good decision. Otherwise, my seven siblings and I wouldn’t be enjoying life here on earth right now.

 

FIRST KISS

        First love usually leads to first kiss or you usually get your first kiss from your first love. Whatever.

          In ABS-CBN’s Be Careful With My Heart, Ser Chief gave a quick goodnight kiss to Maya in one episode [photo below shared in Facebook shows the two taking a break after a scene]. It was a simple peck on the cheek but this one romantic act set fans and followers – including me – in a state of euphoria.

 

          After that kiss, the show likewise dominated for several trending topics on Twitter with the hashtag #SerChiefandMayaNationalKissDay for several hours. 

          But the ultimate kilig for me was the ensuing episode when Ser Chief apologized to Maya for making her uncomfortable but told her, “I’m not sorry I kissed you.”

THAT CRAZY LITTLE THING

        My first writing assignment this year was about the anti-aging craze, zeroing in on the many magic creams as well as an array of procedures and treatments that defy or at least delay the aging. I started my article with –

BELLA FROM THAT blockbuster movie

series Twilight found the ultimate

age-defying solution. That is, of course,

falling in love with Edward, a vampire,

and eventually lived happily ever and not

getting old one bit.

         

This could also prove true to us mortals

as the experts would readily tell us that

when we are in love, we glow and we get

that youthful look.

          After submitting it, the Managing Editor sends me a text message asking if is it “scientifically proven” that when you are in love you look young.

          I answer back with something like it is common knowledge that when you’re in love you glow, and that the phrase “blooming” is often used on people in love.  And when you glow and bloom, there is that youthful luster about you.

          I ended my defense with “and please fall in love…” because I am of the impression that while she has many crushes, she has yet to elevate her emotions to the next level.

         That exchange of text messages set me thinking, if love was a science, what would its scientific name be?

 

          It also brings to mind some interesting studies in prior years which prove that this crazy thing called love is good for you inside and out. It keeps you youthful-looking due to the body’s production of vital hormones when in this state. A kiss from a loved one each day, they add, makes you live five years longer.

          Now, let’s hear from Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. She, too, has interesting thoughts about love and science has nothing to do with it.

          She defines it as thus, Ang LOVE parang bayad sa dyip. Minsan nasusuklian.

          And there’s more –

·        Kapag ikaw ay nagmamahal pero sasaktan mo rin lang naman, hamunin mo na lang ng suntukan.

·        Ang taong nagmamahal nang tunay ay parang matalinong estudyante na kumukuha ng exam. Hindi siya tumitingin sa iba kahit nahihirapan na.

MONTHLY MUSINGS

        In ending, let me share this quote in honor of all the world’s women. March was Women’s Month but, just like love, women should be celebrated every single day –

          Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

       And here’s another one – 

      Women are angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly…on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.

  In celebration of summer, let me share another pickup line by Miriam –   

          In a swimming pool:
          Classmate 1:  I’m sure lulutang ka
          Classmate 2:  Bakit dahil payat ako?
          Classmate 1:  Hindi, dahil plastic ka.

           
        And as we go to the polls barely a month from now, watch out who you vote for. So far, I only have five senators on my list – Hagedorn, Honasan, Hontiveros, Trillanes, Villanueva.

          The choices have become like dishes in a hackneyed menu. The same last names. The same overstaying personalities.

          Finally, let me remind you of what Imelda Romualdez-Marcos once said: “Win or lose, we go shopping after the election.”

          So there, you know exactly where the campaign funds go. And I guess it is safe to say that that is also where the people’s money goes …