deserving of the fame and fortune

Charice, is a young Filipina who just deserves the highest praise for bringing such pride to the Philippines. She inspires the young citizens of this country to work hard and go beyond limits in pursuing their dreams. It is not too often that a singer from humble beginnings such as Charice get that opportunity to perform in the lavish world of the United States Music Industry and the whole world.

Her performance in this particular song made me cry. She is remarkable everytime I see her perform. And in spirit I do wish her the strength to sustain the pressure of having that fame and fortune.

Vivaldi's music, sis -in-law on the piano and niece on the violin

When I posted "Proud of my niece" I was such in a hurry. I did not have the time to post some text because I have to leave for an appointment. And I have been feeling bad for not writing anything at all. But I just read something in a book, it says "being regretful is not comforting at all".

So I am not regretting anymore.

Instead, I should say something like - the video could "stand on its own". There are not much words from me to have given it the "soaring". It lifted up my blog and my spirits because I saw in my niece one unfulfilled dream, that is to play a violin. And in the video, I am very happy to hear my sister-in-law, Marilou played the piano again.

When my sisters-in-law and I had the chance to live in one roof together, it was their hands on our piano that filled the air. I especially like waking up on Saturdays and Sundays in our house because our piano would be occupied by them and some friends from the Sta. Isabel College Music Department. I might not have the chance to tell them directly how I am blessed with their music, but in my teasing way has always expressed my appreciation for that "gift". Marlene and Marilou are sisters and both are married to my younger brothers, Kokoy and Omar. All their children are all equally blessed with the gift of "music". My children likewise have that music running through their veins.

Well, my dream of playing the violin is not done yet. It is not exactly unfulfilled yet too. I might still have the time.

proud of my niece

enduring a boxing bout

I have never been a boxing fan before but because my father loves this sport I learned at a young age how this sport is played. But even then, I really do not have the "stomach" for it. I also think those "round girls" are too flirty for such a sport. But that was before. I do not see much round girls in the fights these days.

When I was in elementary, one of the biggest boxing fights in the whole world was held in Manila. That was the Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975. It made a big fuzz the world over and I thought, boxing really "rocks". But still I did not care. Except that one of my favorite malls then was named after Muhammad Ali. It was the Ali Mall in Cubao.

When I was maturing, I realized that there were many Filipino boxers who made raves in the world of boxing (actually it was only Flash Elorde among the old boxers whom I remember) and I thought, this could be the sport wherein Filipinos could really excel and be proud of. And I was right. Because after some more years, this country produced a boxing sensation with Manny Pacquiao.

It was only when our national pride now, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao got that so much attention in the international scene through boxing that I endured watching a fight. Look at him fight:

But I see him beyond the fights he wins. What I like most is that he loves the Philippines and always acknowledges his humble being in the face of fierce and over-confident opponents. He inspires millions of Filipinos to be the best in what they have in skills and talent and bring back the glory to the country. He is a modern day hero and hope he does not change his humble ways. I pray that he will not be corrupted by the people around him too. He got some good years in the streets of Davao City. He was here most of the time before especially when he was looking and waiting for some good break in his boxing career. Now, I find time to watch a boxing bout only when "Pacman" fights.

And another thing is, to watch our national anthem sang in the fights. It make s me doubly proud of this country. I am also proud of the many Filipinos abroad who makes this country proud of their achievements. That includes my husband, sister and brother who are doing great with their jobs abroad. Here is one clip of our National Anthem:

Be blissful!

the spirit during odd times

I read the book "Aztec" years ago. Well, I have forgotten the gist of the story but I was amazed at the lives of the early Indians in Mexico. I think they have laid such a fine and solid foundation of the culture that the modern Mexico has today. I love their women who I think got really perfect faces, family customs and traditions, old architectural designs, their music, rhythm and beat, and just the way they are. I happen to write this because I felt sad that their country is having trouble because of the "swine flu".

While I was watching the news earlier today, I have seen the strength of these people in the face of this health problem. Of course, tourists have slowed down in visiting their country but I see a lot of spirit from them. The same spirit and strength of the Aztecs while conquering people and the lands before. Now the land is being conquered by the virus.

I mentioned this because in the said news, a local tourist in one magnificent temple or monument of the past civilization (sorry I forgot the name!) which is a tourist attraction in Mexico, the woman said something like "they could not possibly get the virus in an open air like this".

But anyway, my point is that they have so much reverence to their ancestors and their work even in odd times like these. It is the spirit that will stop the virus and I am glad they do not stop beaming with pride.

Be blissful!

The picture above is explained as "In accordance with their mythology, Huitzilopochtli, the tribal god of the Aztecs, promised to show to its people a place where they should settle and to build its great capital Tenochtitlán. He told them that they had to look for an eagle posed in a cactus, with a snake in the pick. The first codex page Mendoza (a book that counts the history of the Aztecs), it locates the foundation of Tenochtitlán in 1325 or 1345. The City of Mexico is built in the same place.

stumbling on a new soul

One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends discuss but in the number of things they need no longer mention.
quote from Clifton Fadiman

Well, I stumbled on a new soul a few weeks ago and I said to myself that I have to write about this happy experience. With millions of people in this world I sometimes think, there could be some chemistry, physics or even magic to what we all call friendship. Of course there is, but the formula seems to be always a grand complication to understand.

Well maybe just like the constellation, we are all indeed a part of everyone and somehow influence each one of us.

I also did not know how to start writing so I started looking for pictures to inspire my thoughts about my new friend. When I stumbled on the picture (above) which I think is charming, I thought this could symbolize the new found friendship.

Maybe I really just want to salute friendship, today. Friendship is healing too. I remember when I was young, I was always a happy soul in my solitude. Now I realize sharing your time, thoughts, care and genuine affection is better. I get to learn more about life.

And friendship should be developed "inside" marriages, parents and children, siblings, cousins and other affinities in the world. Mainly for all of us to keep on fighting and holding on to that relationship.

But this could be the deal - trust and cast all doubts because in friendship there are imperfections. And looking beyond that imperfection comes the beauty of the connection.

Be blissful!

first of blissful May

I always want to welcome the first day of the month in a positive light! This attitude I believe will help us all get through with another month full of challenges and hope. And faith that "God will provide".

My father could have been 76 years old this month. Last year, he was still strong and healthy when I visited him in Manila. Although he was joking about "death", I did not really expect that it would be his last birthday on earth. He should be most happy where he is now.

What to look forward in May?

Back in the island when I was young, I look forward to the first rain shower in May because it is believed to bring good luck. So there was a time when my friends and I would really wait for that downpour and when it comes, we all l rush out of our houses and play out in the rain. We would dance around, play our outdoor games like "piko" , "patintero" (local street games), "taguan" ( hide and seek) and a lot more. Have you ever felt that mud on your feet? Wonderful!
I feel so attached to nature whenever I feel mud or soil on my feet. And even now that I am an adult, I prefer to walk barefooted most of the time at home. And rush out to the rain! And feel the earth!

Flores de Mayo is a religious ritual. Because this is the time when the flowers bloom, all the kids gather flowers and make bouquets. I remember asking and gathering different kinds of flowers from neighbors and bring it to the Blessed Virgin Mary statue. We go on a procession and all of us little kids have lots of flowers as offering. Then we are given snacks after. The sight of flowers really lifts me up even when I was young. And although I was not aware of the significance of the offertory, what was on my mind was "offering back to God what I was given ". Now that I am an adult, I offer to our creator the most wonderful things that happen to me everyday no matter how trivial they are.

The Santacruzan (festival of the holy cross) is another delight. Well this activity is in commemoration of the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena in Jerusalem. Queen Helena is the mother of Constantine the Great. The procession is gay and colorful and the preetiest ladies in the community was chosen to represent the the various queens and the characters they carry such as Reina Fe (Queen of Faith), Reina Esperanza (Queen of Hope) Reina Caridad (Queen of Charity) and many others. The highlight of course is the Reina Elena (Queen Helena), the queen of all queens.

I was never chosen to be one of the queens. I was an "ugly duckling" they say. I was always on the beach and playing rough with the boys so I was not fit to be one. Oh well, now I see beauty in a different light. Beauty inside and out is what I am working out.

To spoil my bliss a bit, this month too I have to pay the schools because my children are going back to school in June. I have one in college and the other in high school. I want them to have a good life ahead. School is a fun place for learning. They deserve to be in.

And the gorgeous bouquet of mums above is a photo taken by Joliz. I often visit her site just to look at her photographs. She is amazing. Thank you for the flowers that gives me that bliss everyday.

Be blissful!