Becoming Sixty

MORNINGS CONTINUE TO BE COLD and waking up is quite hard to do. It’s a Tuesday and there’s nothing urgent in my must-do list. Well, except catch up on my writing … make that my blogging.

      I want to be able to write more often but despite time being my own, I can't seem to make it happen. 

     

      It’s been ages since I started organizing my thoughts for this post.  At that time, I just learned I will be going to the US of A, specifically New York, as a birthday trip and treat courtesy of daughters Ghiselle and Pee Ann. I was already mulling over writing not just about the very generous and awesome gift but more of the fact that I will be turning 60 years old in an unexpectedly different but expectedly amazing place.

      My daughters always make each birthday of mine special but the one in 2015 is something else.

      You see, one marks a birthday year in and year out but one can only turn 60 once. And the Drama Queen that I am, I meant to record every moment of it. But there was hardly time to sit down and there wasn’t really an opportunity to do so because I was busy being overwhelmed.

      When I got back, reality set in with new writing assignments and corresponding deadlines; two events to manage and coordinate, one of them an interesting Muslim wedding; pending household and yard chores; and even an unwanted distraction, spending hospital time as Ghiselle undergoes a laparoscopy procedure.

      And then the holidays came together with Pee Ann’s homecoming. The list is endless but one thing is certain, my life is never boring even while turning 60.

      Anyway, by the time you read this, summer has long started with scorching days and steamy nights. El Nino is expected to make it even hotter.

SUMMER IN NEW YORK

       It was also summer when I was in New York — from the seventh of August to the sixth of September last year. This was a beautiful irony because my birthday – September 3^rd – is almost always rainy, if not stormy, weather back home.

      New York’s version of summer is like Tagaytay or Baguio. It was always wear-shorts day and perfect for walking and exploring. No sweat …

      And I fell in love with the city instantly. What's not to love?

      There are parks and open spaces all over the place with some overlooking the Hudson River. All those flowers in my favorite colors and the trees that seem to be reaching out for the sky; the cute sandwich shops and those big grocery stores with fresh produce and flowers; the libraries; and yes, those comfortable park benches.

       And then there’s Mohonk Mountain, a national historical landmark resort located north of New York City.

      I have no words to describe the place. I can only say wow. Wow to the sprawling Victorian castle that overlooks a lake. Wow to the gardens, the gazebos, the park benches (again!). And wow to the breathtaking view from the castle’s old-fashioned porch. In one sentence, wow to God’s creation at its best.

A PRINCESS WANNABE – that’s me – in front

of the Mohonk Mountain House. This was where

cousin Gary Boy and I saw each other again

after what seemed like forever and my first time

to meet his family – wife Caroline and daughters

Jen and Stef. The get-together was arranged by cousin

Melody with partner Mary and daughter Male’.

Cousin Luis, my gracious host, was also with us.

The place is amazingly beautiful and it became

doubly so because we were catching up

and bonding and getting to know

the younger ones as well as posing

like showbiz people and enjoying God’s creation.

       Of course, there’s the city’s skyline featuring those majestic buildings which take on a new life as they are all lit up right after sunset. And the vibrant Times Square – morning, noon and night – and those bridges that connect the city’s boroughs, themselves tourist attractions.

      Again, I only have one word – wow.

     

      Wow to the architects and engineers and many others who contributed to the design and construction of these fantastic infrastructures. Wow to a God made real for these things truly convince you that there is indeed one for only Him can create such beauty, such majesty through His greatest creation, man.

      [It’s just unfortunate the pictures cannot do justice to the beauty and majesty I’m talking about, most especially those taken at night … ]

PICTURES DON’T LIE but it’s quite hard

to capture the spectacle of the Empire State

and its neighbor buildings from a mobile phone. But I assure

you the view from dusk till night – at the 230 Fifth

Rooftop Bar, where cousin Luis and I had dinner

courtesy of Melody and Mary – is

beautiful beyond words, as seen in the lowermost photo,

which I took from a poster sold downtown.

MY BETTER SHOTS were taken in other buildings

(from the top) – the One World Trade Center or

Freedom Tower, Rockefeller Center,

New York City Hall, Columbus Circle,

Apple, the colorful residentials

in Greenwich Village, Trump International Hotel

and Tower, Bloomingdales, the Philippine

Embassy, and the one on 240 Centre Street

in Chinatown/Little Italy which, Luis said, used

to be a police precinct or some government

office but has since been converted

into a residential area.

       Excuse my gushing and all but surely no one will disagree with me when I say New York City is indeed a great place.

      The following are my thoughts exactly about my best summer ever, an excerpt from Anne’s House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery –

All in all, it was

a never-to-be-forgotten summer —

one of those summers which come

seldom into any life, but leave

a heritage of beautiful memories in

their going — one of those

summers, which in a fortunate

combination of delightful

weather, delightful friends

and delightful doing,

come as near to perfection

as anything can come 

in this world.

RECONNECTING & STATE-HOPPING

       Indeed it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer.

      I am very lucky to have cousins and friends in New York and nearby states, affording me to go from place to place. We haven’t seen each other for years and we were just so happy to reconnect and, in their case, to take me to as many places as they can.     

      Even before I could land on American soil, my cousins – their mom and my mom are sisters – were already planning an interesting itinerary. I was to live with one of them, Luis, and we would be spending so much time together.

      Melody was to pick me up from the airport, together with partner Mary.

      We lost no time in reconnecting …

      My first day was spent in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park where Luis and I watched Melody and Mary participate in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

     

ON MY FIRST DAY, I attended the

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival with Melody

and Mary participating. It was held

at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the atmosphere

was festive with all the sinfully delicious

free food and the colorful attires

of the participants.

The place was beautiful and I enjoyed

watching the ducks by the lake

as well as my catching up conversation with Luis.

Above photo shows Melody, middle, front

row; and Mary, second from left,

second row, with their team.

       On my second day, cousin Mary Ann invited me and Luis to Narragansett, a beautiful coastal town in Rhode Island. It was her family’s yearly summer outing and I got to meet everyone, most especially her adorable grandchildren. Granddaughter Janessa is such a good singer she should join The Voice.

MARY ANN’S CUTE GRANDKIDS IN A ROW,

from left: Janessa, Angelina, Lily,

Gabriel, Mark, Justine, Tyler,

Elias, Bella and Camron.

ENJOYING THE CHILLY afternoon by the porch

of the Narragansett villa where they stayed

and then getting cozy with Mary Ann

and Luis beside the marshmallow pit.

THERE WAS HILARIOUS greetings as I see

niece Arlene (upper photo, seen cutting

a chocolate-covered basketball-shaped

cake) all grown up and already a mom.

The last time I saw her was in Manila

when she was this tiny.  Above photo shows

some of the kids awaiting the go-signal to

eat the cake of birthday boy

Mark (seated, in blue), Arlene’s son.

      

      The ocean was beautiful and it was refreshing to just wade in the waters, touch the stones, and breathe in the salted air. Too bad it was too cold for swimming.

       And the food was simply delicious – all home-cooked plus that yummy fried calamari bought from nearby Iggy’s eaten with doughboys, my first time to try it which is some kind of bread dumpling that’s either baked or fried. The queue was quite long but it was worth it. While there, we even chanced upon a vintage Dodge car with woody sidings and it was actually running …

       We also drove to nearby Newport, an island with a harbor walk lined with souvenir shops, boutiques and fancy stores and a nice view of the waterfront. I bought a couple of hand-made wreaths and Arlene gifted me with a colorful beach towel designed with Rhode Island’s landmarks.

      The following weekends saw me reuniting with cousin Al/Lengget and Gary Boy and their respective families. Both live in East Hartford, Connecticut – where I stayed for a couple of days with Luis – but they also came to the city to spend time with me.

       

BONDING WITH cousin Al/Lengget

and his family (in topmost photo, son Jonathan,

wife Vilma, and son Christian) as we strolled along

The High Line, a winding elevated park on an old

railroad track above Manhattan with glorious

gardens, sundecks (Al and Vilma tried it out),

 water features, and fantastic views of

uniquely designed buildings. We likewise joyfully

lost ourselves at Times Square –

nephew Christian with the Naked Cowboy;

me with the NYPD [New York Police Department]

 cops; and cousin Luis and I trying

to do the stance of the V-J Day

Kiss beside the sculpture.

I’M NOT MUCH FOR SHOPPING – but Vilma

bought me a bag and some shirts, thank you – and

we don’t gamble but Foxwoods Resort & Casino

is a must-see when you’re in Connecticut,

where Gary and Al live with their

respective families. We went there for buffet

dinner and the place is so big

with, I think, everything on it – hotels,

restaurants, shops and, of course, the casinos.

And the food was delish with too many choices.

Before that, Gary, Luis and I went

apple- and blueberry-picking, an

enjoyable experience for me. And yes

the blueberries were juicy and sweet ...

well not all.

      Going upstate New York, Luis and I visited another niece all grown up because just like Arlene, I saw her when she was this small. She is Winnie, eldest daughter of cousin Noemi currently living in Manila.

      I finally met her family – husband Kevin and son Ken. The visit was a gastronomic treat. We had dinner in a place called Blu Pointe, a seafood restaurant with a fireplace where we had some souvenir photos. We ate by the patio overlooking Hudson River.

      We also celebrated Luis’ birthday as he turned 60 years old that day (August 10^th).

      The following day, we had lunch at Mount Fuji Restaurant that serves traditional Japanese food. Dining in between catching up became a wonderful experience as the view was fantastic, the place being located on top of a mountain.

      The place was dimly lit though so we don’t have pictures inside the restaurant worth sharing. Outside the restaurant is something else, we had fun posing here, there and everywhere …

      Before finally going back to the city, Winnie toured us around her neighborhood. As we wind up the walk, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the horizon, a fitting ending to a wonderful visit.

       I also got together with friends –

·         Loi, a childhood friend and neighbor who now lives in Long Island with her family. We share happy memories together as teenagers and it was nice seeing her again. We didn’t just catch up, we sort of picked up where we left off.

      There was so much reminiscin’ and we tried to fast-track the last 30 years that we haven’t seen each other. We had a tasty lunch at Vinyl Restaurant in Astoria – its décor of hanging vinyl records, mosaic tables and a disco ball is reminiscent of our teenage years.  We then went around the city, posed in front of a pop art sculpture that says HOPE, and met her husband Rene and daughter Kathryn for dinner and a cool stroll at the Long Island boardwalk.

       Before that, she brought me to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Beautiful place and my first reaction was to say a prayer for the victims and the families they left behind. Looking at the names engraved in the metal panels at the edge of the large pools and waterfalls where the Twin Towers used to stand gave me goose pimples. I prayed some more that this tragedy will not happen again here and anywhere else in the world.

·         Friend Nickie, based in New Jersey, comes to Manila every now and then, but it was fun getting together with her in America. I spent a night at her home in Middlesex county with son Dux, husband Lou, and met their two kids, Bentley [chocolate brown] and Silke [black], both Labradors. I am not comfortable around dogs but Nickie assured me they are harmless – I know they are, still … -- and are actually therapy dogs, meaning they go to nursing homes and give comfort to the residents there.

      We met up somewhere along 34^th street and 7^th avenue and then we rode a train at New York Penn station then got off at New Brunswick, where her big truck was parked (second picture shows how big). Walking towards it in the parking lot was kinda surreal as Nickie said she never imagined we would be in this place together.

      She didn’t have to accompany me back to New York because riding the train from there was easy and I wanted to experience it alone. I came home late tho’ and Luis got worried a bit …

      She also toured me around the courthouse, her place of work, and took me to the sweetest place on earth, Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. It was a two-and-a-half-hour drive and we talked about people and events and listened to OPM music on the car radio and sang at the top of our voices.

      Of course I enjoyed the scenery and even stopped to take some photos.

      My state-hopping also saw me and Luis making a la Maria in The Sound of Music – you won’t help it with an amazing green field and a crazy companion! – and hugging a tree at Wickham Park in Connecticut. It’s crazy and I know this is something hippies of my generation used to do but it felt so good. You get this pleasantly weird sensation that the tree is actually hugging you back …

      … Walking the Marginal Way trail in Ogunquit, a small resort town in Maine, and it was a challenge for us – Luis and Al/Lengget’s family – to traverse its rocky coastline but the ocean is beautiful and the view is simply breathtaking …

      … Visiting Princeton University located between New York and Philadelphia. This was the start of an Amazing Race-like tour with Luis and Pee Ann, who arrived three days before my birthday …

      … Stopping by Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for a quick tour of an Amish village where families thrive without the benefits and conveniences of the modern world, especially electronic devices and cars. The horse and buggy is still their form of transportation, windmills in the area provide power, and the women and girls wear those long skirts with aprons and they do not cut their hair and wear them in a bun …

      We entered a typical Amish house with interesting framed quotations on the wall, including The Lord’s Prayer. Notable stuff in the house include a lamp, hats hung on the wall, and a contraption which we didn’t understand from the tour guide who generally speaks in Chinese until she realizes that there are others who understand only English.

      … Discovering important places of American history – from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, “the iconic symbol of American independence,” to the United States Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress and “the home of American democracy and global symbol of freedom.”

      We also had the chance to explore Philadelphia’s Independence Mall and The Bourse nearby where there were specialty shops and restaurants.

      We walked along the US Capitol grounds with those colorful flowers and pine trees. We arrived at sunrise and I was able to capture its radiance on top of the Washington Monument.

      We took pictures of the White House – the southern façade facing The Ellipse or the President’s Park South – and with Abraham Lincoln and the Statue of Freedom at the Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center. I was happy to see the statue of King Kamehameha I, warrior and king of Hawaii, which is seen in front of the headquarters of the Steve McGarret-led task force in one of my favorite cop series Hawaii 5-0.

      We also watched an interesting documentary on America at the Exhibition Hall on the country’s motto, E Pluribus Unum or Out of Many One.

      … Venturing into the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Museum and posed beside the airplanes and other aircraft, learned how the astronauts poo and pee in outer space, and discovered how simple a stewardess’ checklist for work is.

      Posting on my Facebook page hasn’t been more fun as I shared what was on my mind with corresponding pictures of four-week stay in the Big Apple – from my window view in Luis' apartment on 19th Avenue in Jackson Heights, my home away from home while there, to pictures of various places, varied activities, and the radiant smiles of family and friends.

#

SOLO STINTS

      While I enjoyed playing tourist with my cousins and friends, I welcomed those days that Luis had to work because it meant exploring the city on my own.

      Armed with his full confidence on my vagabond nature as well as his handwritten instructions on which bus and/or train to take and a multi-trip Metro Card, I went out there without fearing the unknown.

      One important reason why I fell in love with the city is that there is this particular vibe or atmosphere that is so infectious I just wanted to be out there.

      I explored the city which seemed harmless and some people are downright friendly. Once when confused on where to take the bus going home, I asked a young man in a coat and tie and he gladly pointed me towards that direction. On my way, here he comes running and getting my attention and when I stopped, he said, “I’m sorry it’s the other way around,” and finally pointing me to the right direction. Sweet guy …

      Memorable moments of just me in the city include hanging out at Bryant Park – breathing in the oxygen from the trees, savoring my snack, and enjoying the sun and the sight of people strolling by or rushing from here to there.

      Even eavesdropped on one conversation between two teenagers:

      Pink Running Shoes: “Why can’t he just like me?”

      Black Sneakers: “Why do you have to wait for him to like you … do something about it.”

      Pink…: Laughs …

      I even signed up for free yoga at the park, which Luis likewise attends. I was on my own when I first joined and I’m not sure how I fared in doing the downward dog. But I enjoyed the entire hour-long session under the trees and the un-hot afternoon sun, and the teacher’s soothing voice as she urged us to “extend your hands skyward,” or “embrace the trees,” or my favorite, “glide, let go, float…”  

       I likewise enjoyed Chinatown, both in Flushing and Manhattan, where I bought a hippie bag. Of course, I had the chance to go to the library, both at Queens and the city’s public library near Bryant Park.

THE TRANSITION

       Most of my life I’m on my own but I felt some – okay many – jitters when I boarded a China Southern plane and then a Virgin America plane to take me to the US of A – all of 16 hours, including layovers at the Guangzhou International Airport in China (I asked the girl standing beside me to take my picture while we were on the shuttle bus from the tarmac to the airport), and the San Francisco International Airport – before finally landing at the JFK International Airport in New York City.

      The thought of riding an airplane by myself and a long one at that seemed terrifying but prayers and knowing what awaits me in my best friend cousin Luis' beautiful city helped in appeasing me.

      Aware of my very low tolerance for coldness, my daughters advised me to wear jeans (instead of my favorite summer dresses), rubber shoes and thick socks. They likewise advised me to sit near the aisle to make going to the john easier and more convenient. They told me that I can ask for assistance for my luggage but to be wary of strangers offering help. Just simple reminders really …

      I was lucky to be seated beside a mother and her son on their way to Guilin, China. The son is a math wizard and was to compete in the 2015 World Mathematics Invitation. I learned later in the news that the Philippine team won three Gold and 19 Bronze medals as well as 30 merit awards.

      From San Francisco, a father and his daughter were my seatmates, on their way to New York for summer.

       This trip served as a transition for me – like New Year’s Eve during countdown and there is so much anticipation. And when my birthday came, there weren’t any fireworks. It was more like I glided into my 60^th birthday with slow-clapping from the people around me.

THE 3^RD OF SEPTEMBER 

       Celebration of my birthday was a simple dinner with just my cousins at Tony’s, a loud but nice Italian restaurant near Times Square. A Texan waiter even sang the Happy Birthday song for me in Italian …

      Pee Ann’s friend Joy prepared the party props including balloons that say 60 and some fancy ribbons and sashes, one of the proclaiming “60 looks good on me.”

      But Nickie – who hates coming to the city – and her family came; also Loi. And so with Marla who is based in California. She was in New York for the US Tennis Open and found time to see me. She looks exactly the same and still has that crazy streak about her and because some things never change, she was late and made such a grand but funny entrance. But she was just in time for the photo ops [third photo, to my right] and hanging out at Times Square after dinner.

      Pee Ann, while in California where she was bridesmaid for college friend Judith’s wedding before joining me in New York, got in touch with friend Dori (first photo, right, with daughter Loren) and invited her to come to my birthday dinner. Dori couldn’t make it but sent me a gift – an ash blue Michael Kors sling bag – and a musical card – Cindy Lauper singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and a very touching audio message which Pee Ann made me listen to while in the subway train.

      It made me cry and when a group of musicians hopped in the train, I cried some more …

      The subway ride brought us to the Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf Astoria for a refreshing body massage, a gift from Mary Ann and the 3Ms, Melody, Mary and Male`. It was an exciting experience for me and Pee Ann. And we missed Ghiselle …

      Lowermost photo is my official 60^th birthday photo taken by Pee Ann at the lobby of The Waldorf-Astoria.

THANKFUL MOMENTS

       My day actually started with thanking God for the many blessings and the many lovable and loving people He has put in my world. Of course, my daughters top the list.

      I did this at St. Joan of Arc Church, a walking distance from Luis' place. This was where I attended my first Sunday Mass while in New York.

      Of course, each waking day for me is something to be thankful for. And while in New York, I was even more thankful. Now that I’m back in Manila, I am most thankful because God’s grace never fails me and my family.

      I am glad that in between being a tourist, I got to do my thanksgiving prayers and attend Sunday mass in the four weeks that I was there.

      The second Sunday mass was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Luis and Al/Lengget and his family. I also had the chance to do my thanksgiving prayers there in one of my “on my own” days downtown.

      On weekdays, you will see guards at the entrance checking bags. But once inside the church, the chaotic outside world simply fades away and you immediately feel the solemnity and the presence of God.

      St. Patrick’s also adds sacred beauty to New York’s skyline, an awesomely imposing structure. Inside, there are beautiful shrines and mini altars dedicated to the several images of the Virgin Mary – including that of Our Lady of Czestochowa (fifth photo below), the Black Madonna with the Infant Jesus, a revered icon in Poland – and many saints. There were a lot of tourists the day I went to do my prayers but I managed to take some good pictures …

      Third Sunday mass was at the Our Lady of the Assumption in East Hartford, Connecticut. We were visiting the families of Al/Lengget, Gary Boy and nephew Richard at that time.

      My last Sunday mass there was attended at St. Anthony of Padua in SoHo with Luis. This is where he sings for the church choir.

REALIZATIONS

      

       Needless to say, I’ve had a great start becoming 60 and I would like to keep the momentum. Excuse me for boring you with my travel details but this trip has been a thrilling experience for me. And there was no better way to transition from one year to another.

      I never imagined I would enjoy turning six-decade old and even flaunting it. I love it that some people — not just family and friends who love me but total strangers — can’t believe I am already 60.

      There isn’t any transformation or some life-changing event. I was just so happy to be adding another year although I feel I didn’t just turn a year older.  I sort of became … became what, I am not sure.

      I just know that this birthday wasn’t an end or a beginning. It was more of a continuing on and moving forward with all the wisdom I have learned and the experience I have earned not just in the past 365 days but over the years.

      There is no slate to clean or a bucket list to make. I have taken notes on past mistakes, I embrace what’s ahead and I will continue to balance the present. I will keep on counting my blessings, seize the day whatever comes my way and to be always grateful to God for these blessings and those days worth seizing.

      Just like many of us, my greatest joy comes from family and friends, led by my daughters. Being with them makes my life so much more rewarding. Happiness is not like a science project for me. I simply enjoy the moment and take life as it comes. 

      The New York trip was an exciting and interesting process of learning, adventure and self-realization. It was very absorbing and fun.

      Even a brown bag from Chipotle Mexican Grill in Manhattan, which contained my chicken bowl lunch provided some new insights. Printed on it was Paulo Coelho’s Two-Minute Alchemy –

      “A legend tells of a man who used to carry water every day to his village, using two large pitchers tied on either end of a piece of wood, which he placed across his shoulders.

      “One of the pitchers was older than the other and was full of small cracks; every time the man came back along the path to his house half of the water was lost.

      “For two years, the man made the same journey. The younger pitcher was always very proud of the way it did its work and was sure that it was up to the task for which it had been created, while the other pitcher was mortally ashamed that it could carry out only half its task, even though it knew that the cracks were the result of long years of work.

      “So ashamed was the old pitcher that, one day, while the man was preparing to fill it up with water from the well, it decided to speak to him.

      “’I wish to apologize because, due to my age, you only manage to take home half the water you fill me with, and thus quench only half the thirst awaiting you in your house.’

      “The man smiled and said:

      “‘When we go back, be sure to take a careful look at the path.’

      “The pitcher did as the man asked and noticed many flowers and plants growing along one side of the path.

      “‘Do you see how much more beautiful nature is on your side of the road?’ the man remarked. ‘I knew you had cracks, I decided to take advantage of them. I sowed vegetables and flowers there, and you always watered them. I’ve picked dozens of roses to decorate my house, and my children have lettuce, cabbage and onions to eat. If you were not the way you are, I could never have done this. We all, at some point, grow old and acquire other qualities, and these can always be turned to good advantage.’ “

      I am not sure what qualities I have acquired over the years. But this is food for thought. For now, I believe that sash pinned on me during my birthday dinner -- 60 indeed looks good on me.

      And I intend to look good in any age I will be. I could even turn from 60 to 16 and be comfortable with it. Ha-ha …