Archive for November 2010
Rocio-isms 16
Posted on: November 30, 2010
- In: Kid Stuff | We Are Family
- 4 Comments
I’ve noticed lately that my daughter loves barging into the bathroom when I’m there – regardless of what I’m doing. So picture this…
I’m hunched over the sink, trying to brush my teeth with a belly nine months big getting in the way and I’m not exactly full clothed.
Rocio: Hi mom!! Oh… do you know what I see?
Lala: What?
Rocio: There’s a Hidden Mickey in here!… And it’s your stomach and your boobs! (laughs, amused with herself).
Lala: (speechless, looks at daughter with one annoyed eyebrow raised)
Rocio: (makes a thumbs up) Good one, right? That was a good one?
As my Thanksgiving Chef has since moved to London (boohoo!), I thought this year would be a great time to brave the cold and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. So when wonder-twin Addie suggested we go, I jumped at the chance. One of the things I love about hanging with the Wonder Twins is that they’ve lived here all their lives and they are still happy to do tourist-y activities like watching the parade. Simple stuff.
And so we hatched this grand plan to meet at 9 am somewhere along Central Park West to catch the front end of the parade. So how did it go? Let’s put it this way, I’d give us an A for planning and an F for execution. We didn’t catch the front end of the parade, we caught the tail end! We missed Kylie, Kanye and all the other celebs on floats. But I got to see the tail end up close and it was well worth it. So here are some shots I took of the parade. These photos are a tad better than my fight photos.
Distant photo of Santa taken from Columbus Circle
Smurf shot from Columbus Circle
A better shot from 57th Street and 7th Avenue. Poor Smurf is being poked by that lamp post!
Here is a passing float of the ice queen
Another float of what looks like carolers to me
Little girl on her way to the post office to mail her letter to Santa
I don't know what these 3 are, but they look like man-fairies to me
Man-fairies up close
And who do we find at the very end of the parade?
Santa and Mrs. Claus!!!
This year has been a very very blessed year for you and me, VERY. There is AT LEAST 365 things to be thankful for. And on top of all that, I’m thankful for the Thanksgiving parade : ) Wish you were here!
Kiki Does Dallas
Posted on: November 24, 2010
GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!
Goosebumps!! You know that intense, proud feeling we had during EDSA ’86? Well it was kind of like that – that feeling of brother/sisterhood. The Cowboys Stadium was dominated by Margarito fans from nearby Mexico but we managed to make our presence felt in the most profound way possible, simply by being ourselves – united, patriotic, proud and respectful. Even before Manny came out and obliterated this poor guy’s face, I was already mighty proud to be Filipino! So proud its making me homesick!
I was so in awe of this event that I didn’t really take good pictures and I totally regret it because it was such a cool stadium and the dense energy that packed this place was really worth capturing. So please bear with these awful pictures.
Here’s a shot of the behemoth Cowboys Stadium filled with rabid fans. Apparently the top is like a hatch that opens up. Thank God it stayed close because it was way too chilly that night.
I think this was the Elorde fight. Awful shot, sorry!
And here I am after the fight, high with patriotism and feeling so proud of our humble fighter, Manny!
This was an awesome experience. I’ve never been to a sporting event that brought out the best in us Filipinos. Truly, truly a proud moment. I’m glad I went : )
Think Different
Posted on: November 21, 2010
Thought you might find inspiration in this old ad from Apple. A friend introduced this to me and then I saw it again watching the Bloomberg Channel. I love the video montage of all the “crazy ones”.
As Steve Jobs imparted in one of his graduation speeches a few years ago, STAY HUNGRY, STAY FOOLISH, Lala!
And off to work I go…
The Mission
Posted on: November 21, 2010
A friend lent me the DVD of The Mission. I remember seeing it years ago but I don’t remember being as moved as I was watching it this time around.
If you remember, the movie is about these Jesuits evangelizing indigenous people living above a waterfall in the rain forests of South America. These Jesuits chose to be teach not by the sword but by immersing in and embracing the rich, raw and untouched culture of these indians. This strategy resulted in a productive and bustling system of missions built for and with the locals. Doesn’t this sound so much like Gawad Kalinga?
Jeremy Irons stars as Gabriel, the fearless Jesuit priest who believed that nothing but love could conquer hatred and violence.
Robert de Niro stars as Mendoza, a mercenary who became a Jesuit.
He taught the indians how to fight for their territory against the Portugese. He ended up fighting alongside the people he trained to save the land that rightfully belonged to the locals.
Everything about this film was excellent – the actors, the music, the beautiful scenery. It’s as relevant as it was centuries ago as it was in 1986, when the movie was made, as it is today. It’s interesting to observe that the issues that plagued their world then are the same sources of conflict we see in our world today. The politics between church and state, the inflexibility of the Church, the taking of land from its rightful owners, the subordination of people who are thought to be less sophisticated – ALL THE SAME ISSUES. We have not learned…
After watching this movie I remembered that I had a book resting in my shelf that might be related to this movie. Do you remember this book?
Light Cavalry was written by the great Horacio de la Costa, S.J. While this book only talks about how the Jesuits established the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, I thought that it touched on the same themes tackled by The Mission. Reading this book now has been a richer experience for me. As you are the bigger history nerd between us, you might wanna watch the movie and read the book. I’m enjoying myself.
And so my winter project begins. Here is one of the many I will attempt to bake (and hopefully perfect). I chose this for its aromatic spices. No, not really. I chose this because it looked easy enough for a beginner like me to do. So may I present to you Chocolate Spice Bread.
What do you need?
All purpose flour, Baking powder
Salt, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar
2 eggs, unsalted butter, sour cream
Cocoa, fresh grated nutmeg, cinnamon powder and ginger powder
What do you do? Just mix em all together with a whisk
Cocoa, flour, baking powder, salt and spices
Eggs, sugar, butter and sour cream
Combine to make a thick and yummy batter
And Voila!
Ok fine! Mine didn’t turn out looking that nice. Here is my version…
Sunog! Hahahaha! Ok just the top but other than that, it was moist and flavorful. I think I put the rack too high up in the oven hence the burned part. My next try should turn out flawless!
I paired it with plum preserves and turned out quite good!
I should learn to art direct these photos better…til the next one!
Credits: The Modern Baker by Nick Malgieri
House Resolution 1083
Posted on: November 19, 2010
Did you know that after my Dad’s passing, House Resolution 1083 was issued in the Philippine Congress? HR 1083 is a ”Resolution expressing the profound condolence of the House of Representatives on the demise of Hon. Emigdio S. Tanjuatco, Jr., former Representative of the 2nd district of Rizal during the 8th, 9th, and 10th Congresses.”
I guess this is the protocol when one of their alumni passes away for their years of services rendered. And I suppose we should appreciate this most stately gesture but don’t you think there are other more significant ways to memorialize this man? Here are some ways I thought they could do this. In my perfect, self-absorbed world they could do the following.
1. They can find a solution to make cancer treatments more affordable and accessible to the poor. They could also find a way to provide support to the families of those fighting cancer, a la Gilda’s Club.
2. They could appropriate more funds to making the Philippines a non-smoking country
3. They could appropriate more money to the Dept. of Health to fund an aggressive campaign promoting vigilance in going for check-ups for early cancer detection.
4. They could appropriate funds to the Star Foundation so we can send more deserving kids to good schools and train teachers to better and more committed public servants. (I know. I was being self serving)
The list can go on.
I know I should be a little more respectful of this gesture but these people were given a mandate by their voters to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I don’t see how HR 1083 does that.
Ngayong Pasko
Posted on: November 12, 2010
It’s that time of year when ABS-CBN comes out with its heartfelt Christmas station ID.
While I do like this year’s song very much, last year’s is still my favorite.
Nonetheless, Gary V. and Toni Gonzaga do a great job of putting heart into this year’s song which is a joyful declaration of hope.
So for you dear Kiki, who does not subscribe to TFC, here is the long version.
(Spot my pregnant ass at 2:00 and you, the lonely OFW, have a cameo at 00:16 hahahaha!)
Maligayang Pasko!
Oh – in case you want to sing along, here are the lyrics:
kapiling ko mga bituin
ngayong gabi mga ulap ang aking katabi
ngunit hindi ako nag iisa
pagkat ikaw ay nandito na
mga tala sa iyong mata’y aking batid
bawat kislap ay may pagibig na hatid
sa mga hangarin nating tapat
kayang baguhin ng lahat
magagandang larawan ng ating bukas
ngayong pasko ay magniningas
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
magandang tadhanang naghihintay
pupuntahan nating magkasabay
tibok ng puso nati’y iisa
sa loob nito’y tagarito ka
magagandang larawan ng ating bukas
ngayong pasko ay magniningas
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
sa hirap at ginhawa
umiyak man o tumawa
malayo o malapit
tayo ay sama sama
tagumpay natin ay ipagdiwang (ipagdiwang)
wala ng panahon kung hindi ngayon
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino (Pilipino)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
(sa hirap at ginhawa umiyak man o tumawa)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(malayo o malapit tayo ay sama sama)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(magniningning ang Pilipino)
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(Ngayong pasko magniningning ang bawat Pilipino)
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
(pinagpala ng Maykapal)
Ngayong pasko (Ngayong pasko)
magniningning ang Pilipino
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(Ngayong pasko magniningning ang bawat Pilipino)
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
(pinagpala ng Maykapal)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(Ang Nagsindi nitong ilaw)
saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo
(walang iba kundi Ikaw)
(bi)tuin ka ng pagmamahal pinagpala ng Maykapal
(salamat sa liwanag Mo)
Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino
(muling magkakakulay ang pasko)
The DNA Of Success
Posted on: November 12, 2010
Success is a funny thing. When we have it, we like to credit ourselves for a job well done. (Even if just in our own thoughts, we deserve a hearty mental pat on the back). When it eludes us, it’s easy to blame the external – bad luck, stupid boss, I was cheated.
But ALL successes and all failures are ours. We need to OWN them both. What leads us to one or the other, is where we are spiritually. Where our consciousness lies. How do we know then, what consciousness we should strive for? I’m not sure!
But I know I’ll have a better idea after a talk I’m attending on Wednesday Nov. 17th.
Excited!!
Honoring The Guards
Posted on: November 11, 2010
All the buzz in last Sunday’s New York City Marathon was Edison Pena, the Chilean miner that ran three to six miles a day while trapped in a mine for almost 2 months. He was invited by the New York Road Runners when they heard about Mr. Pena’s courageous daily routine .
As spectators cheered on Edison Pena – their working class hero, few were watching the two runners escorting him through the 26.2 mile run. But by the end of the race everyone was wondering who these two men were?
Their names are Juan Jesus Lopez and Rene Cahuizo, two Mexican immigrants who have run the NYC marathon numerous times in the past. And here starts the story of 3 runners who started the marathon off as strangers and ended as a cohesive team with a bond so strong its as if it was formed in the risky mines of Chile.
Like Edison, Juan Jesus and Rene are blue collar workers working hourly wages. One works in a hamburger joint and the other a pizzeria. They are both regular runners of the marathon. This year however, they could not sign up because the $160 entrance fee was just too expensive for them. Until fate intervened.
Juan Jesus Lopez in the Pizzeria
Rene Cuahuizo
When Edison Pena accepted the invitation to run in the marathon, the NYC Road Runners needed to find him 2 escorts tasked to shoo away spectators who might come too close to him and disrupt his run or worse, harm him. They chose Juan Jesus and Rene from their roster of Road Runners members. A choice they will never regret.
What started off as a run FOR the Chilean turned out to be a run WITH the Chilean. Mile after mile the Mexicans assisted Edison who was running with a busted knee. When he was hungry, when he was thirsty, they served him. And as they provided Edison with nourishment, they too were being nourished by Edison through raw inspiration. The Mexicans marveled at the strength and tenacity of Edison without realizing that what they were doing was equally as marvelous.
And after doing their job to support and protect Edison, they both had to rush to another job, their day jobs. No time for a press con, no time for fanfare they just gathered their things and quietly went back to flipping burgers and pizza dough.
I must say that it was so heart warming to hear about marathon stories that don’t revolve around the Garmin wrapped yuppies who trained with personal trainers. The beauty of marathons is that it turns a solitary sport like running into a communion of indomitable spirits from all social classes. Wanna do the marathon next year, Lala-flat-foot?
