The Better Partner

Someone whose sensibility opens light for us--and people in and out of our circle--to grow to our inner souls.

Pagsasama

Kung ang bawat nilikha mula pa sa simula'y paghahanap ng kabiyak ang inaasahang tadhana, paano ang mga nilalang na hindi makuhang paniwalaan ang konseptong kahit sa sikolohiya ng tao'y may kabalintuang tinatakda?

Manila on An Easy Sunday Morning

Men's, by this time, thoughts are concentrated on how Pacquiao would move on the ring.

But with outgoing women, as with this writer, we'd rather spend a Sunday morning wandering.

Street (at least on Ayala Boulevard) is traversed rarely by vehicles, and the morning breeze is more relaxing compared to other days. In a corner of the boulevard is a small, cozy morning bistro which other floors are rented as room dormitories. According to the owner, they are open as early as 7 a.m. to serve breakfast. For early birds, you may catch their fried tuyo, silogs, pusit, and omelet within this time. You may also ask for a cup of coffee which they offer for a reasonable price.

For this writer's pick, the omelet, which comes with chopped tomatoes, is a hearty meal served with your choice of rice. Morning is the best time to come as the place is quite serene (at night some group of men would drink beer and would request videoke to be turned on). LSD Building along the Boulevard's stretch is easily spotted.

With its interior, a tasteful furnishing is not far from reach. It's painted with a flesh-like hue, but repainting is suggested. Suspended colored lights seem to function more of a decor but the number should be cut down. The chairs and tables' hue compliments the wall and are quite comfortable to sit at. You may even find yourself reading while finishing a meal.

For a varied selection, the bistro offer veggie and meat viands a little later.

Suggested Readings

If you are quite a lover of your countrymen's work and are into creative non-fiction, fiction, or poetry, there are several books available--on a nearby bookstore or in your college library--that could get that contemplative mode working.

The Best Philippine Short Stories edited by Palanca award-winning author and PDI columnist Isagani Cruz is a collection of the best ever written stories by Filipino authors which timeline starts from 1910 or so. This book is a good resort to teachers of both high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies.

For those who are into non-mushy love poems, Maya Angelou's--though not a Filipino author--works come close to our tradition.

Dr. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo's Kung Ibig Mo Akong Makilala became famous to young feminists who direct the message of the poem to men who only look into the physical being of a woman. Dr. Mabanglo's books and literary works have been recognized by different critic circles.

Succumb to Instinct, Rest Contemplation

To be interpreting the littlest of details could get you lost and hoping; sometimes, you just have to shut your mind from thinking, and do not spoil moments when you could have experience affection--deeply shown.

John Lloyd and Sarah in a Romantic Flick

"Sir, ga'no ka-close?"

Sarah Geronimo (Laida Magdalas) tickles our kilig bones as we see her on a flick with seasoned young actor John Lloyd Cruz (Miggy Montenegro). As the trailer exposes, the two will meet at a publishing company where the former applies as an editorial assistant, and the latter obviously plays as her boss.

Can a great love by a woman be reciprocated by the man of her dreams? That is considering the former being a neophyte and the latter being in life's higher status?

Sarah and Loydy's first acting encounter was in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya where critics have spotted on-screen chemistry between the two; since then, Star Cinema, in partnership with Viva Films, decided to set a movie teaming up the two together.

The film also stars Joross Gamboa, Matet de Leon, Al Tantay, Gio Alvarez, Irma Adlawan, and Marianna del Rio.

Perry Escaño and the state of his steady career!

(Press release from Gantimpala Theater)

"Slowly but surely" this is what Perry Escaño considers his guiding principle now that he is inching his way into the world of entertainment. Escaño, who aside from being a theater actor (a junior member of Gantimpala Theater Actors’ Company) belongs to this elite roster - a poll billed as the top-twenty independent film actors. Of course, he wants the public to know the projects he is currently undertaking for film and television.

His independent film projects include Ranchero, a Cinemalaya Finalist where he portrays the supporting role JO3 Andy Balikas, a sympathetic jail guard and friend of Ricardo (Archi Adamos). The film focuses on the story of two convicts who prepare the meals inside a jailhouse and how the food they cook affect the very lives of the inmates they serve.

Ranchero is one of the films set for showing in the Paris Film Festival this month and it is the only one permitted for pitching to possible French film market buyers.

In the can and for submission to the 2008 Cine Manila International Film Festival is Magkaibang Direksyon (Different Direction) where Perry essays the lead role of Father Gary, a former womanizer turned priest. The film plays with the idea of how criminals are sometimes more religious than people living “normal” lives and presents a parallelism between the lives of the young priest and a colorful pimp. Directors of the film are Christian Fabros and Jamieson Lee.

By the end of this month, he starts shooting Green Lantern: Pinoy, another leading role for him as Hal Jordan , under the direction of John Wong, this film pokes on the Pinoy’s super hero fixation.

To all these indie film projects, Escaño says, “I am very pleased that I get to different kind of roles. It does not matter whether the part I play is supporting or lead. What is important to me is the character that I will portray. I see these characters giving me the opportunity to explore the many facets that I have as an actor. Masarap yung feeling that you can be a priest, police, super hero and give life to the role assigned to you. I just hope that the public likes what they see.”
Escaño has mainstream projects as well. He is Lim Hang(with the voice of Cesar Montano) during the live mall show performances of Urduja, the first digital Filipino animation film that got an A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. It is still showing nationwide.

He will portray Chief Police Calderon, a corrupt police officer in the prime time soap Iisa Pa Lamang and Attorney Bernal, the defense attorney hired by Gerry (Emilio Garcia) to defend the case of Victor Henson, the father of Rod (Dennis Trillo) in the afternoon soap opera top-rater Magdusa Ka.

His last prime time television appearances were as Emil Buenaobra in Joaquin Bordado and Wilson Corres in Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita.

“I am very thankful that my career is moving steadily. To be given all these opportunities, to work in independent films and to be in soap operas are indeed blessings for an actor like me. I would continue to do my best, work diligently and professionally,” concludes Escaño.

Deep Affection

The only way to know if you nurture a deep affection for someone is when no other individual could feed your soul the way he/she does.

For Would-be Writers

Writing requires both skill and incredible sensibility. The former could be learned through voracious reading, while the latter would all depend on the author--on how open his senses are, how he has developed compassion over time, ability to see the significant details, eye for what should be omitted, a good grip of logic, patience in doing several drafts, being able to get away from that self-absorbed syndrome (by trying to compose way out of the first-person narration when not needed), having a clear perspective and world view to name the relevant few.

A good exposure for writers is to be both dextorious in doing business writing, journalistic authoring, and creative writing. All equally apt for one's progress, each one has a contribution in one's intellectual gain.

Business writing, even to those who already reached PhDs, is quite taxing. But if one would try to scrutinize its composition, the well-written formal letters are those that are simplified and concise. Be direct in stating your desire, but for every claim, justify. That is one general rule.

For instance, you are to prove that you are the best, suitable applicant for a position you are applying for. How do you justify such claim? By stating your skills related to the industry you are going into.

Journalistic writing, on the other hand, requires thorough research--these are the articles that you see on broadsheets (news features, sports, lifestyle, and the like).

Creative writing could be Creative Non-Fiction (mostly essays), Fiction (novels, short stories), poetry (prose , free verse), and also Playwriting.

Suggested Readings:

Elements of Style by Strunk and White
Creative Writer's Style Guide by Christoper Leland
50 Best Philippine Short Stories edited by Isagani Cruz

The Art of Fiction by David Lodge

New Marimar and Lobo DVDs sighted, plus more

Last time, we told about the DVD releases of some of our favorite local TV series. Now, after strolling inside some malls, we have seen the latest additions to the still incomplete collection.

Volumes three, four, and five of ABS-CBN's Lobo are now available for P150 each. Each disc contains around 11 to 12 episodes.

Another set is for Marimar. Previously, only the first three discs were available. It seems that, more episodes are now up for grabs; volumes four to eight, each containing 10 episodes, for the same price of P225.

We also spotted Judy Ann Santos's recent show, Ysabella. It's in two box sets, containg 5 discs each, for a little hefty price of P600. Not bad if you ask me, for a 5-disc set.

So if you like our local TV shows, get these picks now. Remember, if we want it, let's support the REAL thing.

Museo Pambata Exhibit

Leavetaking

They're all gone, or at least, are planning to go. Far from being a surprise, they've once asked questions such as: what's on the other side of that horizon? How do people from other races live on a setting different from ours? The particulars like local fashion, food, art, and the like tickled curiosity--possibilities seemed endless.

And we, the ones who're left behind, could only stare at the direction of their destinations.

Companion

Having that someone who carry you out of the monotonous phases of life is a rare stroke of luck that, sadly, even attached individuals were not gifted to have.

Museo Pambata Activiites on Araw ng Maynila

In celebration of the 437th Foundation Day of Manila, Museo Pambata will be holding the annual Araw ng Maynila On the Spot Art Contest. Now on its fifth year, the contest will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 9 am to 12 noon. The theme will be announced on the day of the contest. The art contest is open to all children residing in the City of Manila aged five to eight years old (Level 1) and nine to 12 years old (Level 2). The choice of technique is free (watercolor, pastels, crayons, ink, etc.).

All participants are requested to bring with them a 1/4 size illustration board, a copy of their birth certificate and a letter of recommendation/certification from their barangay chairman. The winning entries entitle the budding artists to the Mayor’s Trophy, a certificate of merit, Art’s Cool summer workshop scholarships, art and school supplies, gift certificates and the opportunity to exhibit their work and receive public recognition for their accomplishment.

Deadline of registration is on June 20, 2008. Only the first 100 registrants in each level can participate in the contest. First prize winners from previous Araw ng Maynila On the Spot Art Contests are no longer qualified to join. Participants may take part in the contest either individually or through their schools and children’s centers.

On June 24, Araw ng Maynila, MP invites all Manila residents to tour the museum for free. Just present a barangay certificate or a valid ID with picture and address. Also in line with the Araw ng Maynila celebration, MP is inviting everyone to visit the exhibit “The Manila I Love,” featuring the best places in Manila as told by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and 36 councilors. Snapshots from their private collections, quotes, and personal stories offer a glimpse into the lives of Manila’s top officials.

The exhibit will open to the public on June 26. For inquiries and registration for the art contest, call Museo Pambata at 523-1797/98, 536-0598 or visit the museum’s administrative office at Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila.

About Gantimpala Theater's Four Classics

Tony Espejo, one of the Philippines’ theater titans, is ecstatic that his baby, Gantimpala Theater (formerly known as Bulwagang Gantimpala) is now a full-grown adult at thirty-one. He declares, “We must be doing something good to have last this long and I owe this to our audiences of course and to men and women who continue to make the company pulsating with energy and dynamism.”

“Our decade reign at the CCP as Bulwagang Gantimpala definitely enriched Philippine dramaturgy,” recalls Espejo. “Books were being published featuring the plays we staged – and these made easier access to these plays. So that all of a sudden, you have an interest in Filipino plays and professional and amateur drama groups were staging them. The experimental box that was Bulwagang Gantimpala offered a fresh look at staging plays: one didn’t have to have a thousand seater to stage a production – one needed imagination, the sense of intimacy created a new style of truthful acting and new wave of performers emerged together with a super efficient staff. There was no room for mistakes at the Bulwagan.”

“There was no choice but to leave CCP with the change of administration during the time of EDSA 1. We had negotiations with the management then but they decided not to renew our contract as one of its in-house dramatic arts companies. The unwritten rule was to erase all projects that have a Marcos stamp and since we were arguably one of the more positive agenda during the Marcos era, we have to be obliterated,” answers Espejo when asked why Gantimpala bid the CCP adieu.

In consultation with some of senior members of Gantimpala, Espejo accepted the invitation of the late society doyenne Conchita Sunico to make Manila Metropolitan Theater its home. At the Manila MET, he introduced the staging of the Four Classics.

“We had a fabulous reception,” remembers Espejo. “So, I thought why not transfer these productions at the Main Theater. We were doing very well at the Dalubdulaan but somehow, the limited seats will not keep us alive so I said we would take the gamble. We either pack the one-thousand-five-hundred MET Main Theater to earn money and keep us going or go bust. Thus, Florante at Laura was born and as they say, the rest is theater history.”

Espejo, of course is very much aware that some quarters think that Gantimpala Theater have milked the theater industry with his productions of the Four Classics (Florante at Laura, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Ibong Adarna).

He explains, “Without the Four Classics, we would have folded up a long time ago. Beyond the practical aspect of finances, we have trained a big number of actors and production staff by their involvement in the classics. These plays are epic in nature and require many actors performing several roles. The young actors have used these plays as a training ground and the same can be said with the production staff. The historical nature of these productions demands research and training of in period plays so it requires a well-trained set of production staff which I am very proud to say that up to this day, the production staff of Gantimpala are considered as the best in the industry today.”

“I often wonder why doing the Four Classics, as part of one’s artistic repertoire, surprise some people. I am just following the standard practice in the field of music and ballet. The Nut Cracker, Don Quixote or Giselle are necessary as part of the repertoire of any decent classical ballet company. These titles mark your cornerstone in your development as ballet companies. Also, Handel’s Messiah, doing Beethoven or Mozart concerts are staple repertoire of any decent orchestra. Now, what I am trying to present is that Noli, Fili, Florante, and Ibong Adarna must be staple repertoire of any decent, aspiring or professional theater company in the country precisely because our dramaturgy stems from these classics,” he continues.

He adds, “Without sounding boastful, I know that this season, PETA, Dulaang UP and Tanghalang Pilipino are incorporating the Noli and Fili in their line up of plays and though they might tweak the story or present their versions of these novels, it cannot be denied that they are obviously realizing the importance of these classics. ”

What can we look forward to your 31st year? “Our season once more focuses on the educational role that live theater provides to our student audiences and the general public. Our performances bring flesh and blood to the famous characters of the stories we dramatize, making them more believable and accessible to the audience. We also emphasize the values inherent in the stories and underscore such virtues as love for country, caring for environment and honesty, truth and justice,” answers Espejo.

“Still, the Four Classics come alive on the Gantimpala stage. Each play continues to enlighten our market and speaks to today’s audiences with a message that we must be proud of our cultural heritage and that all the truth and lessons they present are still relevant.”

He continues, “We are also producing Sleeping Beauty, J. Dennis Teodosio translate this Grimm’s Brother into Filipino and it will tell us of the life story of Aurora and the curse thrown upon her by the evil fairy - that on Aurora’s eighteenth birthday, she would prick her finger and die. We conclude our season with A Life in the Slums, by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio, first prize winner, English division, 1975 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. It revolves around the lives of two sisters – Millie, happy and content in the slums and Annie, who lives a miserable, high society life. They meet, discuss the wonders and horrors of their existence and in the end, reverse their societal standing.“

“Aside from all these, we have touring productions as well namely Bonifacio Ilagan’s Katipunan: Mga Anak ng Bayan; Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero’s Forever and Teodosio’s Ang Pagong at ang Matsing.”

Espejo concludes, “I would like to tell the public that many celebrities have expressed their interest to be part of our productions namely Jericho Rosales, Cris Villonco, Francis Ong, China Cojuangco, Kakai Bautista, Tosca Puno, and Monica Llamas. Thus, I invite every one to come join us and experience the magic of theater.”

Gantimpala Theater’s 31st season officially begins with Florante at Laura on August 1-3, 15-16 (AFP Theater) and August 8-10(SM Southmall). For information on bookings and ticket reservations, call 899-5745/896-3503/474-5198 or write to gantimpalaproduction@yahoo.com.ph.

Mag Watch: June Edition

Last month, we gave you a rundown of the currently released local magazines along with the boys and girls who represent the current month. We're back and we'll do you a favor and list down the currently available magazines for June 2008, plus the cover boys and cover girls.

Bounce (May-June): Gaby dela Merced
Candy: Maja Salvador
Chalk: Toni Gonzaga
Cosmopolitan: Judy Ann Santos
FHM: Ehra Madrigal
Good Housekeeping: Charlene Gonzales
Health & Lifestyle (May-June): Gaby dela Merced
Health Today: Robin Padilla
Manual: Kim Chiu
Marie Claire: Sarah Jessica Parker
Maxim: RR Enriquez
Mega: Ruffa Gutierrez
Men's Health: Richard Gomez
Metro: Bea Alonzo
Moms Today (May-June): Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Donnie
Offcam (May-June): Gabby Concepcion
OK!: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Preview: Maja Salvador, Rhian Ramos, Yasmien Kurdi, Kim Chiu, Carla Humphries, Lovi Poe, Jewel Mische, Melissa Ricks, and Glaiza de Castro
Seventeen: Belle Daza
Smart Parenting: Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, and Julianne Gomez
T3: Mocha
Town&Country: Lea Salonga
Working Mom: Lea Salonga

Free LRT Ride on Independence Day

Today is June 12, Independence Day. Independence means freedom. Today, we celebrate our freedom. There's another reason to celebrate, free rides on the LRT. That's freedom from paying, just kidding. Just for today, LRTA will be offering free rides to commuters from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm.

So let's all come home early today. It's not everyday that you can travel from Monumento, Caloocan to Baclaran, Parañaque fast at no cost at all. Keep your Stored Value Tickets for now.

Cheers!

Why it Still Pays to Listen to a Friend

"The only reason why it's sad to live is we don't find happiness with people, things, events that have been there, relentlessly reminding us that what we have are reasons enough to be grateful. Later you'd realize when they are gone, how dense you were."

'Twas one of those encounters that you can't forget. A friend goes to you, pouring her heart out. Of how her beloved has been ignoring her, despite all that they've shared together.

She thought what they had was something special; something he could never experience with another woman; they've shared languages that were soul-feeding; moments were all they were thinking and been doing were all about them.

Or, was she the only one feeling that?

And you were that friend who eagerly listens to her heart aches. Of course you'd want to tell her that perhaps, after a while he would realize she was the one for him. You want to appease your dear friend. It pains you to see her tears falls; it feels like you'd want to cry with her; you want to go to that man and tell him how stupid he is not to love your friend back despite all the love she has nurtured for him.

But you know you shouldn't blind your friend with false hopes.

You should tell her when reality hits, she should wake up, and give herself the chance to see other more deserving men. You should tell her it was not her imperfections that made the man decide she isn't the one he is looking for. That there just things that we can't always have. That he might really be looking for someone else.

It is a cliche, but you know telling her the truth is the first step to recover. It is easy to forget something if you a have a clear view of things.

And she goes on crying again.

But days would pass and you and your friend's paths cross. You are happy to see her minus the messy tears falling on her cheek. You are glad to know that although truth hurts, it helped her recover. One thing: pain may linger for a while, but once you've accepted, it would be easier to move. And before you know it, someone better comes along. Giving you the affection that you deserve.

Moving Loring Exhibition at Museo Pambata

(Press Release from Museo Pambata)

After a month-long stay at the Galleria Duemila in Pasay, the exhibition entitled “Living on Loring” moves to Museo Pambata in Manila this June. The “Moving Loring” exhibition, which is composed of photographs and installation art, is a collaborative project by Romina Diaz, Ann Wizer, and The Wild Cats Girls. Moving Loring will open to the public on June 14, 3 p.m. at the Children in the Global Village in Museo Pambata. The Loring exhibition is a result of a ten-week intensive photography workshop with a group of young women called The Wild Cats Girls. The girls, with ages ranging from nine to 16, live in a large community of informal settlers in Loring Street in Pasay where the Galeria Duemila and Diaz's home is located. Similar workshops will be held at Museo Pambata where Diaz, Wizer, and the Wildcats Girls will be responsible for two kids each, passing on the skills that they have learned from the Living on Loring workshop conducted in February to April at the Galleria Duemila. Invited children from the nearby Manila communities will be constructing treasure boxes filled with childhood dreams, putting inside these colorful boxes things that they dream and wish for. With hopes that in envisioning their dreams, a certain confidence inside them pushes them to better and change their lives. On the 4th and the 11th of June will be the workshops conducted by Diaz and Wizer. The 11th will be dedicated to the construction of the treasure chest, filling the box with pictures of dreams. The 11th of June will be dedicated to recycling, an art mastered by Ann Wizer herself. Using found objects, they will create beautiful pieces they can fill their treasure chests with. Like toy cars made of bottles and necklaces made of plastic pieces and who knows what a child's hands and mind can create, "Living on Loring" is an experience that must be passed on, not just from artist to student but from person to person. It is an example of society working together in order to create a better world. The Living on Loring concept is designed to as a reminder of the individuality of each of these children. That despite their lack of fortune, material belongings and education, they all have a beating heart that moves an innocent mind to make beautiful things, in hopes that they just might remind forgetful hearts that a great humanity exists and we must act upon it. The launching of the "Moving Loring" exhibit at the Museo Pambata, will include the dollhouses and the installation photographs that The Wild Cats Girls took during their workshop that was exhibited at Galleria Duemila. These will be accompanied by the 25 treasure chests that Manila children will make in the two workshops at Museo Pambata. The exhibition will run until June 21 in hopes that other foundations and groups will look into this interactive installation and inspire other communities to move forward with the dream. Museo Pambata is located along Roxas Blvd. corner South Drive, Manila. For more info, visit livingonloring.wordpress.com, or call 831-9990 / 833-9815 (Galleria Duemila), or 523-1797/98 (Museo Pambata)

Footloose Foodie

Chance upon that icing-filled chocolate cake poster transparently seen mounted on a diner's glass walls?
Your taste buds suddenly sense that a gastronomic encounter is to occur--that is, if your budget for a meal
would be enough for what your eyes tell you to be enticing, or intensely mouthwatering.

You might want to try going to World Chicken (SM Mla,Trinoma) and try their conglomerate of potato salad, grilled boneless Chicken and tuna pasta priced at 146Php. Preferably to be eaten during lunch. Potato salad is cooked just enough for you fork to hold it. Tuna pasta is healthier than pasta served with bacon and other red meats.
And grilled chicken is proven to be not-too sinful as compared to deep fried and roasted ones (just take the skin out if you're being watchful of your weight, and more importantly, your health.)

Chinese food hopper? Then you might want to visit Kalaw's (there's also one in Binondo) affordable hub of scrumptious sampling at Golden Fortune (also in Binodo, Soler Street). Must-try are the asado siopao, which doesn't require you to pour any sauce as its filling suffice your appetite. When 9 p.m. hits, select items are priced lower than the usual. Expect
to served a big bowl of chicken noodles priced at rougly 80-90 Php only. Oh, and the dumplings are unique as well. Corn siomai must be tasted with iota o f soy souce. And, oh, don't forget to drink their refillable tea afterwards.

Are you into crepes? Then head to the secret garden of Crepe de Chine and order that crepe which has adobo inside, for those who cannot compromise a meal without hint of Filipino taste. The owner has several concoction where she considered Pinoys' food preferences.

Doughnut buff? For very cheap price, Country Style has a wide array of doughnut selection. This writer would suggest going to the store when malls are about to close as they offer discounted items. Affectionately wrapped as you buy a piece, the diner's appeal rest also on the added 'something' to the bread itself. Marshmallows, nuts, milk inside--of varied shape and sizes--
a handful can't be enough.

Museolympics Highlights Pinoy Games

(Press Release from Museo Pambata)

Museo Pambata recently held Museolypics 2008, a whole day of fun and games with 200 invited children from various Manila barangays and child centers. Museo Pambata started the project in the summer of 1999 to rekindle the interest of Filipino children in games that are part of our rich culture and heritage. Museolympics featured games such as palosebo, patintero, sipa, kadang-kadang, paluan ng palayok, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, and other fun Philippine games. Medals and trophies were given away to winning teams and individuals. The event was co-presented by the Office of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Universal Robina Corporation. Official sponsors are Food for Life Foundation, Hands-On Manila, Splash Foundation, Nestle Philippines, Tom’s World-Robinson’s Manila, Jollibee-Rizal Park and Manila Councilors Dennis Alcoreza, Moises Lim and Carlo Lopez. Cash gifts were also received from the following donors: Manila Councilors Ernesto Rivera, Roland Valeriano, Lu Veloso, Jocelyn Asuncion, Cristina Isip, Ramon Morales, John Marvin Nieto, Jocelyn Quintos, Monina Silva, Luisito Chua, Luis Uy and Edward Maceda. For more information on the Museo Pambata and its programs, call 523-1797 to 98 / 5360595, email info@museopambata.org or visit http://www.museopambata.org/.
--

Renaissance on Deeply Rooted Romance

Diversity is evident as our path crosses with people of different glam, of varied traits, of different backgrounds. But at least once in your life, someone walks with you, and you find yourself getting in a deep hole with that other soul.

Indeed, each one has something that entices others. But as we have different preferences, what may be attractive for someone may not even be appealing to the other.

Some would prefer someone they could communicate seeming-to-be complex subjects, but are, in fact, basic in nature. While talking to that someone, his physical finery blurs, and instead, your attention diverts to listening to his salient views, his childlike wit, and life tribulations.

No, he isn't the most perfect individual you've met. Yet, you try to see beyond his flaws and find yourself affectionate towards him. Through conversing with him, and listening to his own share of griefs, you find yourself learning things you've tried to ignore before.

And a good sign that this person shaped a part in you is when each day you are humbled, you learn to be modest, your patience stretches, you get less self-absorbed, and you find your solitude with him.

It doesn't matter if the other soul won't spend his life with you till your last breath; what you should value are the times that he sat with you, and shared moments of truth.

Not every one were given the chance to have that someone to exchange blessed times. He may not be yours forever; he may not even be the person you'll be seeing by the end of the aisle; I would even refuse to tag it as true love-- such renaissance-like experience can not even be boxed with that term.

The thread between you is invisible, yet people around you get to sense pure care and sweet aura. It comes from the inner and naturally shines outward--now, that's deep connection, or you might call it something else.

Pusyaw, Tingkad

(Habilin ng Patnugot: Ang kapirasong binhi ng pagninilay-nilay na ito ay halaw sa isang 'blog' na ginawa isang taon na ang nakalilipas. Ito'y nanggaling mula sa isang di-pormal na sulat sa isang kaibigan, kung saan inihahambing ang pag-ibig na nawala nang kusa at ang pag-ibig ng dalawang taong naputol ang ugnayan dahil sa pagpanaw ng isa.)

Mas maituturing na "unti-unting kamatayan" ang manatili sa isang pagsasamang pinanawan na ng kulay, dahan-dahang pumusyaw. Kung gaano ito katingkad sa mga panahon ng pagsasama, mahirap nang maalala. Pero ang sabi, darating daw ang mga araw na maalala rin ang mga iyon-- ang dilaw, ang luntian, ang asul... bagamat di nakasisigurado sa pait at tamis pula.

Katapatan

(Editor's Note: This piece was intended to be a short text message composed for a dear friend. 'Twas penned a year a go, and by chances, has been able to be retrieved, accidentally.)

Minsan, iniisip ko na bitawan ko na lang ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya, pero paano?
Hindi ko na nga hinahawakan pero hindi pa rin umaalis sa lugar na matagal niyang ginawang tirahan.
Namahay na siya sa puso ko. Tuloy,
kahit na may gustong sumiksik,
hindi sila makasingit.
Paano pa?
Eh, wala na nga'ng espasyo para sa iba.
At kung isang araw kusang mawala iyon
sa lugar na ginawa nitong silungan,
marahil ay mahihirapan pa rin silang pumasok.
Sapagkat ang loob nito ay lumamlam na.
At marahil, walang sinuman
ang may kakanyahang
magbalik ng dati nitong kulay.
Sapagkat tanging liwanag lang niya ang bubuhay
-- mula sa pagkalumbay."

English-spoiled society?

Why do Filipinos do not give significance to studying good command of the vernacular, with this I mean the native language that we use (or even our rich dialects)?

We know friends whose roots they disown. A co-writer once told this writer that she regret not mastering her father's dialect. Because she grew up in Manila, her tongue first tasted Tagalog, even though her father speaks Visayan. As she took Literary Translation for a creative writing class, not having a good grip of the dialect impeded her to translate beautiful pieces.

We couldn't blame her. In a society where ethnocentrism is so rampant, one do not realize how damaging it is to laugh at someone whose native accent is being mocked. But notice when someone conveys him/herself with a foreign twang, respect is automatically gained.

And what's surprising is, "dalisay na tagalog" elicits surprising inquiry when mentioned.

On Being in A Journey

And so your journey--whatever it is (may be on your career, to a lover course, struggle...) - towards something will have to require your patience and endurance. Yet after a while, you think on whether or not to stop a while, to go back to your starting point, don't push through with it, or to pursue until the end.

Deciding is crucial. In fact, for you to finally choose among your options could take a long while. While mulling over things, what better way to do is consider your yesterday, weigh your contemporary situation (its pros and cons), and look at the possible result of such the moment you wake up the next day, and the ones to come.

As the cliche goes "It's the journey, not the destination," we have to live for the moment and not lose sight of what it offers.