INK Turns 20
Posted by: Lala on: January 24, 2012
I recently had time to kill before hosting an event at the Ayala Museum. Fortunately, there was a charming little exhibit to keep me entertained.
Turns out the group Ilustrador Ng Kabataan (INK) which churns out beautiful images for Filipino children’s books has turned 20 and some of the group’s best works were on display.
How inviting is this crisp, contrasting space?
I took some snaps of the works that I just liked and pieces that reminded me of something or someone.
I liked this because I’m a sucker for anything that’s mother-and-child.
Just had to take this for my Star Wars-crazy daughter.
This reminded me of when we sent the baby turtles into the ocean in Bataan when you visited last year.
Who doesn’t love a Pinoy Christmas?
A different medium:
Wooden block animals:
And my fave installation in the exhibit. I think it was called “making roads to each other”. Made me think of us… awww… Needed to take several pictures for you to see what’s going on here.
Are you touched?
Rocio-isms 25
Posted by: Lala on: January 24, 2012
There are moments in every parent’s life when their child thinks quicker than them. Those moments are become more frequent around here.
Rocio: Mom, when I have kids I’m going to name them all after Star Wars characters.
Lala: Seriously?
Rocio: Yeah! So I’ll have a Luke and a Leia…
Lala: You can’t do that!
Rocio: Why not?
Lala: Because it’s better to give them Christian or spiritual names. Although Leia is OK because there was a Leah in the Bible.
Rocio: Yeah but there was a Luke who wrote one of the gospels! O?
Lala (thought bubble): Omigad, she’s right! Damn… gotta be quicker!
I Miss Lolo!
Posted by: Lala on: January 8, 2012
I’m hoping you haven’t come across this yet. Apparently, we’re celebrating a century of Coca Cola in the Philippines and part of this milestone is the video below. It stars a 100 year old gentleman who shares his wisdom on life, love and happiness.
Get the tissue ready. This will make you miss our recently departed dear Lolo.
OK, so Lolo wasn’t exactly like the one in the video but I think he had the same kind of tireless spirit and dedication to family. I miss his quiet, smiley, comforting presence.
Rocio-isms 24
Posted by: Lala on: January 8, 2012
Rocio and I were looking for a new store at the mall but we couldn’t seem to locate it so I told her we should just come back another time to check it out. But she wasn’t so ready to give up.
Rocio: Let’s ask the janitors over there!
Lala: They’re NOT going to know…
(She breaks away from me and asks them anyway. Returns with directions)
Lala: They KNOW?
Rocio: Yes… I told you! They’re not as stupid as in National (Bookstore)!
Attention customer service! Eight year olds can tell.
Mikel-isms 17
Posted by: Lala on: January 8, 2012
I needed to pick up some things at the drug store on Friday. Since he had no school, I decided to bring Mikel with me. After all, he is very well behaved when he doesn’t have to compete with his sisters for attention. While I was waiting to pay – along with about six other people – Mikel was running around the store. He comes up to me looking all proud, holding up a bright pink pack of panty shields and announces rather loudly, “Diba Mommy, you have like this? Diba?”
Translation for international readers: “You have these, right, Mommy? Right?”
More Fun in the Philippines
Posted by: Kiki on: January 6, 2012
I stumbled upon this new campaign for our beloved motherland. I like it!
The difference between this campaign and its lousy immediate predecessors is that this campaign is experiential. Its selling an experience, a user experience - if I may borrow from the tech world for a bit (wink, wink). It appeals to the human propensity to look for fun. Who doesn’t want to have fun? And for those who do, you can find it in the Philippines!
The DOT even created a website for this campaign. Due to the lack of budget, they are relying on social media and the blogging community to spread the word. So Ms. 20,000 followers, how about helping the DOT and tweeting about this? #1forfun.
Holiday Party the Hilfiger Way
Posted by: Kiki on: December 29, 2011
We need to start throwing holiday parties like this. Our moms were on the right track when they used to throw those outrageous and insanely intoxicating NYE parties when we were younger…without the euro chic clothes (or lack thereof as you will see in this video). This is how the Hilfigers celebrate the holidays. Watch and Learn!
Never Forget
Posted by: Lala on: December 10, 2011
In between Trick Or Treat activities several weeks ago, the clan made a trip to The Aquino Center in Luisita, Tarlac. Being a hard core Ninoy-Cory fan as well as a closet history nerd made me really excited for this trip.
That Sunday it seemed our clan were the only visitors at the Center. As soon as we set foot in the museum, it felt like we were in a church or some sort of hallowed ground. Everyone automatically spoke in hushed tones. And I don’t recall seeing any “Silence Please” signs.
This is the entrance hall where some very dramatic and iconic images greet you.
There are some nice mosaics too.
The museum takes you through Ninoy’s life chronologically. There are many interesting personal effects on display such as the camera he brought with him while covering the Korean War, various hand written notes and the like but the real highlights are the bloodied bush jacket he was assassinated in and the reconstruction of his cell in Bonifacio.
No picture taking is allowed in the actual museum but this image is from Wikipedia.
You really have to make the trip there yourself to understand the feeling of being near the clothes that Ninoy Aquino was murdered in. It will make your hair stand.
Aside from the obvious, the blood stained clothes do have a story of their own. Only on the day of the funeral were they removed from Ninoy’s remains. Soon after, they were sent to some family friends in the US who were tasked with having them properly, expertly preserved. However, because they were so soaked they were told the treatment would not preserve the suit but rather only delay its eventual decay. The suit was tucked up somewhere in the family friend’s home in the US until Tita Cory asked one of her nieces to bring it back to the Philippines shortly before the opening of the museum in 2001.
The other highlight is the exact replica of the 3 x 5 meter prison cell where Ninoy was kept in solitary confinement from over 7 years.
photo credit: onmylefthandcorner.blogspot.com
Aside from marveling at how he kept sane in such cramped quarters, I couldn’t help thinking about how the family managed to keep so much of his stuff – things that I would not think twice about throwing out like his rusty bathroom shelving, old towels and slippers.
The point is, you absolutely come out of there with a whole new appreciation the price Ninoy and Cory paid to precipitate the return of freedom in the Philippines. They don’t make heroes like they used to. But remember:
And if you’d like to visit, here’s the schedule:
It’s Happening!
Posted by: Kiki on: November 28, 2011
Guess what I saw parked in Central Park? Electric cars! Actually they are hybrid electric cars but who cares, this is still awesome.
The park is equipped with recharging stations.
The cars appeared to belong to NYC parks and recreation as these cars are stamped with their logo.
Mr. Agassi’s vision is finally coming to fruition. Cool no?
Tulong Para Sa Rizal
